COLUMBIA Months after Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott dramatically padlocked its doors, a popular nightclub will get a chance to leave its troubled past behind in 2021 but with no margin for error. Many leaders in the community felt there was a lack of respect for their neighborhood, County Council member Yvonne McBride said of the violent activity that was a frequent part of the scene at My Place Bar, better known as Club Blaze, in an area surrounded by 3,000 homes and businesses near Columbia Place Mall in Dentsville. Lott was able to shut the club down on Aug. 27 under a powerful county ordinance adopted last year that gives law enforcement authority to suspend business licenses for nuisance establishments any that requires five or more emergency vehicles for a call or rack up continued code violations. My Place was the second to be punished under the measure, following the closure of Club LaRoice in July 2019, just a few days after a man was shot in its parking lot. Under terms of a reopening agreement approved by the council in December, My Place can open on a six-month probationary period starting Jan. 3 but must close at 11 p.m., install at its own expense signage for patron parking, not exceed its maximum capacity of 65 people and hold monthly meetings with county and sheriffs officials to address any concerns. McBride said dozens of business and neighborhood leaders have been pleading for action against the club. Gunfire, loud noise and parking lot melees would keep many up into the night, she added. My community won't call it a business, and they live with it every day. Since the nightclub has been closed, there has been less criminal activity in that area and the community is so relieved they don't have to deal with it, she said. As other large South Carolina cities cope with rising levels of violence, including mass shootings at nightclubs in Aiken, Greenville and Lancaster, Lott said his agency wont tolerate the kind of behavior Club Blaze has become known for. The club also regularly ignored social gathering and curfew restrictions outlined by Gov. Henry McMaster earlier this year to combat the spread of COVID-19. The last thing we want to do is close down legitimate businesses, but we are going to close down places that are a threat, Lott said. Theres nothing wrong with going to a club and having a good time. Theres something wrong with going to a club where the community is getting bullets that are coming into their homes. People are getting robbed in the parking lot. And as sheriff, I cant allow that to happen. Lott said the final straw in pushing for Club Blazes closure was a July 5 shooting that sent two bullets into the headboard of a woman asleep in her bed. Council members said they agreed with the limitations being placed on the club, with councilwoman Chakisse Newton calling them reasonable. And while some steps may seem onerous such as the monthly meetings Richland County Sheriffs Department Maj. Harry Polis said the point is not only to ensure compliance, but maintain strong lines of communication with Club Blazes owners, who officials said have not been quick to act when presented with complaints. Repeated attempts to reach club owners and management were not successful. The whole point of the monthly meeting is to address issues along the probationary period so we'd have an opportunity to talk about some of these things prior to taking an extreme remedy like putting the padlock back on the building, Polis said. Lott also made it known that the Claudia Drive venue will be closely watched even when its probationary period ends. Hopefully, places like this will understand they are going to be held accountable for what happens inside and what happens in the parking lot. You can't operate on blood money, he said. Four travellers who arrived in Japan from Brazil were found to be infected by a new COVID strain that is different from those in Britain and South Africa, Head of countrys National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) said on January 10. Speaking at a press briefing, Takaji Wakita reckoned he now believes that a third mutant of the SARS-CoV-2 has been found. With the coronavirus mutating at an expedited rate, scientists now worry if the vaccines would prove ineffective as time passes. In the aftermath of the discovery, the Japanese health ministry has said that the characteristics of the new variant, such as how effective vaccines can be against it and how serious its symptoms can be, are currently being studied. According to the latest tally by John Hopkins University, Japan has reported 288,791 cases and 3,840 fatalities till now. Read: COVID-19: Japan Reports First Case Of New Variant From South Africa, Air Travel Suspended Read: Antibodies, Vaccines May Not Be Effective Against South Africa's COVID-19 Variant : Study On December 28, the country detected one case of the new coronavirus variant 501.V2 from South Africa, the government announced in a statement. Several cases of the new highly transmissible coronavirus variant spreading in the UK have been already found in the country in people who had recently arrived from the UK. According to sources of local broadcaster Japan Times, the case of the South Africa variant had been identified in a woman in her 30s who arrived in Japan on Dec. 19. Health officials said that the variant might be responsible for the sudden surge in the coronavirus outbreak across Japan. Emergency in Tokyo With the caseload witnessing a rise, the government declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic for Tokyo and three nearby areas as cases continued to surgeon January 7. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga issued the declaration Thursday at the government task force for the coronavirus. The declaration kicks in 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. Read: Japan Extends 3,550 Cr Loan To India To Help Destitute Populations Affected By Covid-19 Read: Japan Declares State Of Emergency For Tokyo Area Over Virus Image: AP The past 72 hours have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Trump supporters especially the millions who have bought into the web of online conspiracies that fall under the umbrella of QAnon. Ever since a violent mob, including some with ties to the cultlike Q movement, invaded the U.S. Capitol in a failed attempt to stop Congress from certifying the results of the presidential election, Q believers have been trying to reconcile what did and didnt happen in Washington this week with their own conspiracy-ridden world view. Did the bombshell evidence they had been promised that the election had been stolen really exist? If so, why has it still not been released? Did Trump actually concede after months of insisting the vote had been rigged, or was there a secret message hidden in the video statement put out by the White House Thursday night? Was that even really Trump in the video? And what will happen now to the ring of Satanic pedophiles that Trump was supposed to destroy? For three years Q followers have been telling one another to trust the plan. But the plan, whatever it is, doesnt seem to be working. A demonstrator holds a "Q" sign outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Initially, as footage emerged from inside the besieged Capitol building Wednesday afternoon, many within the online world of QAnon seemed to celebrate the fact that one of their own a prominent QAnon influencer named Jake Angeli, aka the QAnon Shaman appeared to be among those leading the charge. Shirtless, heavily tattooed and wearing a horned fur hat, he was hard to miss. The community was really pumping [Angelis] image, said Marc-Andre Argentino, a PhD candidate at Canadas Concordia University who has closely studied QAnon. Argentino told Yahoo News that he observed many QAnon followers enthusiastically sharing photos of Angeli posing inside the hall of Congress and on the Senate dais. But their delight quickly turned into denial as it became obvious that the invaders had no actual plan and the occupation descended into an orgy of selfie-taking, juvenile vandalism and violence that resulted in the deaths of at least four participants. (A Capitol police officer was also injured in the attack and later died.) Argentino said he soon saw QAnon followers pivot to spreading the preposterous belief that the mob of rioters, who had marched on the Capitol from a Trump Save America rally outside the White House less than an hour before, was actually made up of left-wing provocateurs in MAGA hats. All of a sudden, when they realized ... that it wasnt the revolution they expected, then they really pushed the false-flag narrative, Argentino told Yahoo News. Like so many other events in QAnons warped version of history, Wednesdays attack on Congress had morphed into a part of this massive plan to try to destroy America and more specifically, Trump. Supporters of President Trump, including Jake Angeli, a QAnon follower known for his painted face and horned hat, enter the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. (Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) The belief that Trump is locked in a good-versus-evil battle to save America from a nefarious cabal of global elites'' and deep state government officials has been QAnons core narrative since its early days on the internet fringes. Also central to the QAnon belief system is both an apocalyptic faith in the imminence of the Storm, a day of reckoning in which members of this non-existent cabal will be arrested en masse, and an almost limitless ability to rationalize repeated failed predictions for when the Storm will take place. It is unsurprising that QAnon followers would be receptive to Trumps efforts to delegitimize the outcome of the presidential election, and also largely undeterred by the failure of that effort. In the hours and days since the Capitol Hill riot, many have been vacillating between devotion and disillusionment, particularly following the release of a video Thursday night in which Trump appeared to finally acknowledge that he would soon be leaving the White House, albeit stopping short of an admission that most Americans had, actually, voted for Joe Biden. While some interpreted Trumps pre-recorded comments as a concession, others divined a more hopeful message in his ambiguous promise to supporters that our incredible journey is only just beginning and resolved to continue to trust the plan. Dave Hayes, a popular QAnon influencer known as Praying Medic, suggested on Twitter that while Biden might be inaugurated despite stealing an election and getting caught, theres nothing to stop Trumps supporters from physically removing Biden from the White House. (Hayes Twitter account has since been suspended). Many others refused to believe that Biden will even be sworn in, noting that Trumps video never mentioned the president-elect by name, and suggesting that the new administration he was referring to was actually a new Trump administration, perhaps replacing the suddenly out-of-favor Mike Pence with a more accommodating vice president, such as Michael Flynn. Wording is key..he never said biden..period, read one comment on the QAnon message board, the Great Awakening. A rioter in a QAnon shirt gestures in the Capitol hallway outside of the Senate chamber. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Even after all the failed attempts to overturn the election in court and now in Congress, some Q followers clung to hope that hidden evidence of vote rigging by various foreign governments, Democrat officials and other elites like George Soros, could be brought to light before January 20. In another conversation posted to the Great Awakening, Q enthusiasts declared that mounting calls in Congress for Trump to be impeached a second time was evidence that elected officials are terrified of facing imminent repercussions for their treason. Even with all the bad news we've been getting lately, I've never actually had more hope than right this minute, wrote one poster. That self-reinforcing denial demonstrates how QAnon is resilient to any type of fact or information from the mainstream media, making it almost impossible to counter, Argentino said. But not everyone is content to continue trusting the plan. Many have expressed disillusionment and frustration in the aftermath of Wednesdays attempted insurrection, particularly toward figures like Lin Wood, a Trump ally and pro-QAnon attorney who emerged along with former Trump lawyer Sidney Powell as a prominent voice in the Stop the Steal movement, an effort to overturn the election through the courts. Though their lawsuits were rejected over and over for lack of evidence, lack of standing or amateurish drafting (one of Woods briefs misspelled his own name) their bogus claims of an international conspiracy involving Democrats, rigged voting machines, and foreign governments resonated with Trump loyalists, including followers of QAnon. Over the last several weeks, Wood has claimed to have troves of evidence that would soon be released, proving the election was rigged and triggering the arrests of all those involved. And many QAnon followers believed him. You led us all on for weeks. I will never forgive you for that, read one of several angry comments in response to a post shared by Wood on Parler shortly after the release of Trumps reluctant concession tape Thursday. Another commenter wrote: Lin, Trump gave up. Were done! _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Authorities are searching for the people responsible for firing two shots outside of a restaurant at a New Jersey mall Saturday night. Police responded to a report of shots fired outside the TGI Fridays at the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown at 9:12 p.m., according to the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office. Someone fired two shots after two groups of people left the restaurant, authorities said. Two cars then fled the parking lot. No injuries have been reported, authorities said. Authorities ask that anyone with information about the incident contact the prosecutors office at (800) 533-7443 or police at (732) 542-0100. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. The emergency department of a busy Sydney hospital has been shut down after a coronavirus-positive patient attended while displaying symptoms. The Mount Druitt Hospital emergency department in western Sydney is closed until at least Monday morning after undergoing deep cleaning on Sunday night. Ambulances were diverted to other hospitals, including nearby Blacktown. Footage shows staff dressed in personal protection equipment loading patients into ambulances to be transferred to other medical facilities. Mount Druitt Hospital's emergency department was shut down on Sunday night, where patients were loaded into ambulances and transferred to other hospitals (pictured) Western Sydney Local Health District said a patient with coronavirus symptoms presented to the emergency department on Saturday. The patient was tested and moved to an area of the department reserved for suspected coronavirus cases. 'A positive Covid-19 result was received on the evening of January 10 and the patient was transferred to Westmead Hospital for treatment,' it told Daily Mail Australia. 'The Mount Druitt emergency department is undergoing deep cleaning. 'Ambulances have been diverted to nearby hospitals, including Blacktown Hospital while this occurs. 'The deep clean is expected to be completed by 9am Monday.' GPs were urged to redirect patients who require hospital treatment to Blacktown. Paramedics were urged to bypass Mount Druitt Hospital and transport patients to other nearby hospitals. Pictured are ambulances outside the emergency department on Sunday 'There has been doctors, nurses and security personnel available in an ambulatory care space for any patients who present directly to the hospitals emergency department,' the health district added. Investigations are underway to identify and assess potential close contacts, including staff and patients. Anyone deemed to be at risk of possible exposure will be contacted by the Public Health Unit. New South Wales recorded three new cases linked to known clusters on Sunday. Former President John Mahama has described as an 'abomination' the 'invasion' of Parliament by some military officers during the inauguration of the 8th Parliament. According to him, everything that is wrong with our democracy under this President played out in Parliament that night; snatching of ballot papers, attempting to disenfranchise voters by getting Assin North out of the chambers and all the other things. Attempting to compromise the secrecy of the ballot, the entry of the military into the chamber; that is an abomination, it makes us look a banana republic Mr Mahama who was speaking to NDC MPs commended them for fighting a good fight and for protecting the 'democracy of Ghana' "...and that there is no force that can defeat a people who are together and united and acting with a singular purpose and that is what we saw on the floor that night. it was not a fight for yourselves it was not a fight for the NDC, it was a fight to protect the democracy of ghana" he added Listen to him in the video below Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, along with foreign ministers of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom on Saturday (local time) expressed serious concern on the mass arrests of 55 politicians and activists in Hong Kong, and called on Chinese authorities to respect the legal rights and freedoms of people in the region. In a joint statement, the four officials said: "We, the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and the United States Secretary of State, underscore our serious concern at the mass arrests of 55 politicians and activists in Hong Kong for subversion under the National Security Law." They further stated that the draconian national security law implemented in Hong Kong on July 1 last year is a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and undermines the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework, adding that the legislation has curtailed the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, and is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views. "We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention. It is crucial that the postponed Legislative Council elections in September proceed in a fair way that includes candidates representing a range of political opinions," read the joint statement. Over 50 opposition lawmakers and activists were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of violating the authoritarian national security law, for their part in a primary election run-off last July. Among the arrested were former lawmakers James To Kun-sun, Lam Cheuk-ting, Andrew Wan Siu-kin, Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu and Wu Chi-wai, as well as pollster Dr Robert Chung Ting-yiu, who helped organise the event, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. On Wednesday, Pompeo had slammed Beijing over the arrests by calling it an outrage and a reminder of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) contempt for its own people. He further said that Washington will consider sanctions and other restrictions on any and all individuals and entities involved in executing this assault on Hong Kong people. According to the authoritarian security law, a principal offender convicted of subversion faces imprisonment of 10 years to life, while an "active participant" can be sentenced to between three and 10 years' jail, while a minor can face a fixed term of not more than three years' imprisonment or short-term detention or restriction. (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.) President Donald Trump looks on before signing a plaque as he participates in a ceremony commemorating the 200th mile of border wall at the international border with Mexico in San Luis, Ariz., on June 23, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Trump to Visit US-Mexico Border to Highlight Border Wall Progress President Donald Trump is expected to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border on Tuesday to highlight his administrations work on the border wall, the White House said Saturday. Trump will travel to the town of Alamo, Texas. He will mark the completion of 400 miles of border wall and his administrations efforts to reform what the White House described as the nations broken immigration system. The border wall was one of Trumps signature campaign promises in 2016, with the president hailing the measure as one that would both curb the inflow of illegal immigrants and cut down on crime. President-elect Joe Biden had vowed to halt border wall construction. People work on the U.S.-Mexico border wall in El Paso, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2019. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) While most of the wall went up in areas that had smaller barriers, the Trump administration has built hundreds of miles of fencing as high as 30 feet in a short amount of timemost of it last year. Border Patrol officials said the new fencing, much of which has replaced smaller vehicle barriers, provides more deterrence against human smugglers and people trying to elude capture. We are shutting down illegal border crossing points with the new border wall system, said U.S. Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott last year. For too long, the smugglers had the upper hand in choosing where and when they smuggle their contraband, and that will no longer be the case. Tom Ozimek and The Associated Press contributed to this report 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. As the U.S. prepares to withdraw from Afghanistan, lawmakers and others are trying to figure out how to keep it from becoming... New Delhi, Jan 10 : Ten months after the Delhi government-run Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital was converted into a dedicated Covid facility, the institute is set to resume normal hospital functions Monday onwards. The hospital will resume the OPD functions and surgeries. However, it will be only available on three days -- Monday, Wednesday and Friday, hospital spokesperson, Dr Chhavi Gupta told IANS. The move will come as a big relief for people, especially the residents of east Delhi and Ghaziabad on whose border the hospital is located. The national capital had reported its first coronavirus case on March 1 when a businessman from east Delhi had tested positive for the infection. Besides, a bypass surgery is scheduled at the hospital for the first time after the epidemic disease act was enforced in the country to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr B.L. Sherwal, medical director of the hospital, told IANS that preference would be given to patients who had been followed up by the hospital and are waiting for their surgery there. "The hospital would restart the OPD ward from Monday and would perform cardiac surgery as well. However, preference will be given to those who are already in the waitlist," he added. Meanwhile, the hospital has still reserved maximum beds for Covid-19. Officials informed IANS that 500 out of 640 beds are still demarcated for the patients infected by the viral disease. Sherwal said that it is done in anticipation of the surge that may arise due to the mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2. "It is done as a precautionary measure to isolate the Covid patients and their contacts who are suspected or found confirmed with the mutant strains," he added. The Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, along with Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, were converted into dedicated coronavirus facilities on March 16 after the outbreak of Covid-19 here. Like all Americans, I was horrified by what happened on January 6th. From former Secretary of Defense James Mattis: "Today's violent assault on our Capitol, 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 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." And a video today from former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: Governor Schwarzenegger's Message Following this Week's Attack on the Capitol During the early years of the Bill Clinton administration, I was temporarily assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency to a major Pentagon project. Our small civilian team included experienced personnel from all services and one Bill Clinton appointee lacking any logistics background. We never figured out why he was there. His prior job was managing a trailer park no joke. Our assignment was to benchmark private-sector aviation maintenance logistics processes to see if the military systems could be similarly streamlined to cut costs. The project lasted nearly a year and involved extensive travel to numerous private-sector aviation parts-manufacturers, distributors, and customers. Visits included Boeing, GE Engines, Bell Helicopter, Delta Air Lines, etc. The research project cost several million dollars, and it was ultimately a failure. We did not come up with the desired answer. Our investigation proved that more depth of inventory was required for aircraft maintenance, not less like what Toyota was able to do with its just-in-time inventory for car production. The SecDef ignored our recommendations and cut the acquisition funding anyway. Aviation readiness deteriorated to new lows just in time for 9/11. While I was on that assignment, the local D.C.-area news was focused on Hillary's questionable, extremely lucrative stock investments. The Hooters restaurant chain sensed an opportunity to produce an attention-getting ad by jokingly stating that "Hillary had no Hooters" (implying stock shares, of course). We out-of-towners on the project thought it was a hoot, but our Clinton appointee was highly offended. Perhaps coincidentally, a few days later, Hooters was issued a legal action for discriminating against male waiters. The Hooter's ad quickly vanished, but the costly lawsuit dragged on for years. The legal action was most likely Hillary seeking vengeance for a perceived slight, but no one investigated. It seems that even in the 1990s, the Dems were vengeful. Now they have more power, more tools, and a much friendlier media. The day after the Capitol stampede, the disappointing news drove me to watch anything but news. An old 1940 black-and-white movie on TCM about 1930s pre-WWII Germany titled Escape was just coming on, so I got comfortable and watched. In the movie, an American (Robert Taylor) travels to Germany to visit his ill mother, who retained her German citizenship and is living in Bavaria. He is unaware that she had been sent to a concentration camp and was awaiting execution for some perceived slight against the party. He is frustrated by the extreme lack of assistance and fear coming from his relatives when trying to locate her. The Sgt. Schultz "I know nothing!" response is the feedback he always gets, except in rare instances, when far away from prying eyes and ears. The ordinary German people in the movie seem to cope well enough by maintaining their silence with few exceptions. The movie is realistic and suspenseful to the end. I could not help but notice the parallels with America's cancel culture, with its zealous informants. It hit too close to home for comfort. The only difference I see today is the lack of dedicated concentration camps, Gestapo enforcers, and quick executions. Today's leftist cancel culture has many new ways to silence or even destroy those who resist their agenda. Social media bans are only the tip of our iceberg. And this time, it is not only the Jews and political dissidents who are being oppressed. Modern identity politics has reversed the roles and created entirely new and intertwined minority victim groups and self-flagellating woke white elites who become the hateful oppressors instead of the Aryan supremacists. The new group being oppressed seems to include anyone supportive of Trump regardless of race, conservative Christians, orthodox Jews, constitutional conservatives, etc. Their enemies list is long and subject to frequent change. The current flood of resignations by Trump staffers and the apologies and concessions by weak Republican politicians will not save them from the left's vengeance. The attempts to destroy Trump and his past and present supporters will only intensify after Biden/Harris take office and fully weaponize the DOJ. Am I being too pessimistic? Maybe, but there is no denying that the left is not shy about seeking vengeance. Image via Max Pixel. Wednesday's riotous storming of the U.S. Capitol by inflamed supporters of President Donald Trump shocked the nation as scenes of political violence played out in the hallowed halls of American government. The violence, part of a fruitless effort to stop Congress' certification of President-elect Joe Biden's victory, may inspire lawmakers and citizens alike to tone down political rhetoric moving forward, a University of Scranton political science professor said. The episode may also give pause to some supporters of the president and those he convinced and provoked with unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud. "I think that there are Trump supporters who will really think 'wow, this really did get out of hand,'" Jean W. Harris, Ph.D., said. "I think there are a lot of people who after yesterday (Wednesday) will think 'well wait a second, am I being led down that same path?'" Lackawanna County Democratic Party Chairman Chris Patrick agreed Wednesday's insurrection was likely an "eye opener" for some longtime Republicans, but doubts it will do much to change the minds of the most fervent members of Trump's base, which Patrick called a "cult." A post-Trump era gives Republicans an opportunity to rebuild their party "away from Donald Trump," Patrick said. Efforts to reach Lackawanna County Republican Party Chairman Lance Stange Jr. by phone were unsuccessful, but he emailed a statement condemning the political violence at the Capitol. The statement did not attribute the violent actions to any specific group. Tens of thousands traveled to Washington to protest peacefully," the statement reads. "That is their constitutional right. We dont know who the violent people are yet but that will be determined. What we do know is we are a nation of laws and violence is wrong. I condemn this violence in the strongest possible terms and anyone who engaged in it should be held responsible. Period. While the long-term ramifications of the political violence remain to be seen, members of both parties have unambiguously denounced the actions of the rioters. Several Congressional Democrats and Republican U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois have also called on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to force Trump from office before Biden is sworn in Jan. 20. Yesterday, domestic terrorists, inspired, encouraged and emboldened by President Donald Trump, attacked the U.S. Capitol Building in furtherance of an attempted coup," Democrat U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said in a statement Thursday calling for the invocation of the 25th Amendment. "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." Archbald resident Michael Mancini is among those who blame Trump for inciting the riot at Wednesday's protest. A lifelong Republican until 2015, Mancini said he became a Democrat in part because he didn't like the direction the GOP was heading at the national or local level. "He's not being honest with anyone," Mancini said of Trump's unsubstantiated claims that the November election was rigged. "He's careless with the truth." Mancini who also believes the Capitol riot caused Trump to lose the support of some Republicans managed former Old Forge School Director Frank Scavo's unsuccessful campaign for state Senate in 2018. Scavo led a local contingent to Washington, D.C., to challenge Biden's election as president, though no one from the Scavo-organized group took part in the siege of the Capitol building, members said Wednesday. Mancini considers Scavo a friend, but said he does not agree with Scavo's views on the 2020 election. Reached briefly by phone Thursday, Scavo said he would call back later in the day but never did. Wednesday's violence also prompted calls for national unity, including from the Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of the University of Scranton. "Yesterday's violation and desecration is a blow to us all both substantially and symbolically," Pilarz said in a Thursday statement. "In the weeks and months ahead, I pray that we move forward as one nation discerning through civil discourse the answers to the substantive challenges we face." The mutant strain of coronavirus is 70 per cent more contagious than the original because it replicates faster in the throat, scientists believe. A Public Health England and Birmingham University study found that swabs taken from the nose and throat of Covid-19 patients with the latest strain, known as B117, had 'high viral loads' compared samples taken from patients suffering the original strain. Higher levels of Covid were detected in the material collected on swabs from patients with the B117 variant, suggesting a more severe case of the virus, and evidence for why the virus is being more easily transmitted. Michael Kidd, who lead the study, told The Mirror that the findings could help explain how the variant multiplies in each person it infects, but said it was 'hard to determine' why the virus was spreading as quickly as it is. Higher levels of Covid were detected in the material collected on swabs from patients with the B117 variant. A health worker takes a nasal swab in Radovljica, Slovenia, January 5 2021 The study, which is yet to be peer reviewed, states: 'Clearly, the higher viral loads inferred from samples [of the new variant, indicated with an undetectable viral S-gene target] could determine the infectiousness of subjects, and thus the ability of the virus to transmit onwards.' It added that samples of the new variant 'had seen increase in relative viral load of between 10 and 1,000-fold' compared with samples of the original virus. However the study claims it is unable to place the reason for increased transmission entirely on the new variant, due to other factors which could be spreading the virus more quickly including 'human behavioural factors'. The new variant of the virus, which has a mutated 'spike' protein on the outside which makes it better at invading the body, was announced in November. The study added that samples of the new variant 'had seen increase in relative viral load of between 10 and 1,000-fold' It has been traced back to someone in Kent in September, which is believed to be the first instance of it anywhere in the world. It has since spread worldwide and across Britain, causing the UK's coronavirus infections to surge into 2021. London School of Hygiene scientists warned in December that the variant could have a transmission rate so much higher than its predecessor that even lockdowns wouldn't be able to stop it more than doubling the death toll by June. Encouragingly, virologists and public health experts believe that vaccines made by companies like AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna will still be effective against the new variant of coronavirus. The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, told the public this week that scientists had identified the 22 changes in the genetic code of the varian which make it more transmissible. He added: 'But as far as we can see it doesn't make it hidden from the immune system so if you had an infection before, the evidence is that you probably neutralise this virus as well. The expectation is the same for the vaccine.' A group of special police parade in Hanoi on January 10, 2020 ahead of the 13th National Party Congress. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. More than 6,000 police officers and soldiers participated in a Hanoi parade Sunday as security forces for the 13th National Party Congress, Vietnam's most important political event. The parade was jointly organized by the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defense at the My Dinh Stadium Square in Hanoi's Nam Tu Liem District. The parade was part of preparations for the congress that will be held January 25 to February 2. Male and female mobile forces participating in the parade will provide security during the congress. For the first time, a team of 50 female traffic police officers will be in charge of leading VIPs vehicles and maintaining traffic order. Over 200 vehicles including four armored ones equipped to deal with anti-terror and hostage rescue operations will be deployed. Another four eight-wheel armored carriers, BTR-60 PB, developed by the Soviet Union in the 1950s, will also stand ready. These vehicles, carrying about 14 soldiers each, can float on water. Four BTR-60 PB armored carriers are seen at a parade in Hanoi on January 10, 2020 ahead of the 13th National Party Congress. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. Four flight armored vehicles produced by Israel that can run 100 kilometers per hour will be part of the deployment. A team of special forces with special training in anti-terrorism and hostage rescue operations will be mobilized to protect essential personnel. They will use bulletproof Hummer H2 vehicles that were used at the 12th National Party Congress in 2016 and during the U.S.-South Korea Summit in Hanoi in 2019. The 13th National Party Congress will select the country's Communist Party general secretary, prime minister, president and the National Assembly chairperson for the new five-year term. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Black people have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Infection rates, death rates, and job-loss rates are higher among African Americans compared with their White counterparts. Overall, Black people are more likely than Whites to hold essential jobs that require them to leave the relative safety of their homes and face greater risk of exposure to the virus. And they are less likely than others to have affordable access to adequate health care. The reason for these disparities, experts note, is the long history of racial discrimination and inequity in the U.S. This is the backdrop of this years annual MLK Celebration, presented by the YWCA Greater Charleston, with support from the city of Charleston. It begins Sunday, with the first of three big public events the ecumenical service featuring speaker Darrell Jackson. A parade and poetry slam also is planned, along with the MLK Business and Professional Summit for which businesswoman and philanthropist Anita Zucker will deliver the keynote address. But this year, because of the ongoing pandemic, all events will be presented online. The annual King Day at the Dome in Columbia, set for 10 a.m. Jan. 18, also will "go virtual" to ensure the safety of its participants. The event this year is themed Where do we go from here? and will address education, health care, economic sustainability, political engagement and criminal justice. YWCA Greater Charleston staff members have gained valuable experience presenting virtual events in recent months, and they were prepared early to shift the events of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend to digital platforms, said executive director LaVanda Brown. We were trying to be extremely cautious, but wanted to go ahead and have a plan, she said. By September last year, Brown and her team knew that at least a portion of the celebration would be online, and by November, as pandemic infection and death rates began spiking again, they knew the whole thing would need to be virtual, even the parade. The YWCA partnered with WCVD News 2 to solicit videos (3-5 minutes in length) from bands, dance teams, businesses, churches, schools and others. Videos not more than a minute long from elected officials and community leaders also are included. Poets interested in the Youth Speak-Out Poetry Slam also can upload videos. Monday, Jan. 11, is the last day for entries. Go to https://www.counton2.com/MLKDay/. Register for the ecumenical service at https://www.ywcagc.org/mlk-ecumenical.html. Register for the summit at https://www.ywcagc.org/mlk-summit.html. Register for the blood drive at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive. The YWCA knows that celebrating the legacy and message of Martin Luther King Jr. is important, but so is embracing that legacy to push for continued change. Thats what the Racial Equity Institute programming is all about, Brown said. The Racial Equity Institute, based in Greensboro, N.C., creates structures to sustain anti-racist work, analyzes racisms cultural and historical roots, consults with organizations interested in addressing institutional racism and rooting it out, and teaches anti-racism strategies to leaders in business, public service, education, the arts and other sectors. The organization deploys instructors to communities with local partners that host their workshops and webinars. The YWCA now is preparing for Phase Two of the workshops. For more information, and to sign up, go to https://www.ywcagc.org/racial-equity-institute.html. Actor Anthony Anderson is best known for being a beloved TV dad on ABCs Black-ish, but in 2021, he hopes to be the face of financial planning. He and his mom, Doris Anderson, recently partnered with Northwestern Mutual to spread the word about the importance of financial planning. Anderson joined Yahoo Finance to discuss the partnership and share some financial planning tips in 2021. Anderson, a native of Compton, California, tells Yahoo Finance that financial planning was never a topic of conversation around the house growing up. Growing up in Compton, we didnt have conversations around the dinner table about financial literacy and financial planning because my parents and family were living paycheck to paycheck. Fortunately, over time, close to 20 years ago, I was able to speak with my first financial adviser and put a plan into place. Anderson, who will become the new host of the game show To Tell The Truth, says it is never too late to seek financial help. He tells Yahoo Finance that his mother Doris, at age 67, recently met with her first financial planner and will become a first-time homeowner this year. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 08: Actor Anthony Anderson attends the reopening of Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on October 08, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Caesars Entertainment) The Black-ish stars goal is to encourage Americans to not only meet with a financial adviser but to also realize that financial planning is for everyone, especially during these uncertain times. Its not about how much money you have, because the plans arent about money. Its about your lifestyle. Its about preparing for your future and preparing [for] your lifestyle to continue well after you have retired. Anderson tells Yahoo Finance that while many people might be intimidated by financial planning, they might not realize that they have been doing it their entire lives. A lot of people may think that they dont have the capability or knowledge of doing it when weve been doing it our entire lives, not knowing that we were, preparing for financial stability. It can be as simple as saving up for that loved ones birthday or, better yet, Christmas. You know Christmas is going to tax you at the end of the year, So at the beginning of the year, you start putting a little bit aside every week, every month or so until Christmas comes. So youre not hit over the head, and youre not overextending yourselves for the holidays, that is financial planning. Story continues THE 72ND EMMY AWARDS - Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, the "72nd Emmy Awards" will broadcast SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 (8:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. MDT/5:00 p.m. PDT), on ABC. (Image Group LA/ABC via Getty Images) ANTHONY ANDERSON Anderson then explained how folks could take those same steps with a financial adviser to take it to the next level. Now, if we just take those simple principles and speak with the financial adviser, someone who can explain to us what tax shelters are, how do we protect our assets? Where can we park our wealth to gain more wealth? And ... I dont mean millions of dollars. I mean that $1, that $10, that $100 that you may have, because that may be your wealth to you. Where can you park that and have that work for you as opposed to you working for it? Thats what speaking to a financial adviser is all about. Its not necessarily about money, its about your lifestyle, and its about ... positioning yourself so your lifestyle outlives you, and you dont outlive your lifestyle. In the end, for Anderson and his mom Doris the new partnership is all about helping people better their lives through financial freedom. For me to be in a position to be able to pay it forward for her and for us to be able to work together is truly a blessing. So I just want to continue to build upon that brand and lift as I climb. In doing so, I share the wisdom and the knowledge that I have and thats what this partnership with Northwestern Mutual is all about. Im sharing the information Ive gained from them and sharing that with my mother. Its allowing her to understand the value of a dollar and what the value of a dollar is in the future. Reggie Wade is a writer for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on Twitter at @ReggieWade. Read more: Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, and reddit. Worsening floods in several Malaysian states have displaced as many as 46,000 people with over 12,487 families being sheltered in 426 flood relief centres, countrys Department of Social Welfare said on January 8. The Southeast Asian nation has been hit with severe floods following rainfall beginning January 1. The Malaysian meteorological department has issued a severe warning that the heavy rainfall would continue till January 12. Six dead As of the afternoon of Friday, December 8, several states including Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perek and Johor have been battered by strong downpours with Pahang being the worst affected amongst all. According to data released by the department, over 26,250 people have been emergency evacuated from these states. At least, six people have died as of now including a 19-year-old girl whose boat capsized in one the flooded rivers. Guys pls help pray for malaysia weve been getting non stop rain these few days and many states are affected by the flood. My parents should fly this morning to borneo but was held bcs of flood- pic.twitter.com/ijqATbCKiA Nad wants furry Henry (@jongjinsbeanie) January 4, 2021 Read: Malaysia Coroner Rules Out Others In French-Irish Teen Death Read: Malaysian Politician Organises 'drive-thru' Wedding For Son; 10,000 Guests Attend Ceremony Meanwhile, the Malaysian government has declared a state of emergency to stop the bi-election scheduled for this month. The vote declared in the states of Gerik and Sabah, was planned to be held on January 16. However, it was rescheduled after one of them witnessed a steep rise in infections. In a statement, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin stated that the king had assented to request to impose an emergency on both constituencies. As per the health officials, the Bugaya constituency in Sabah on Borneo, with its unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases, has now become the epicentre of the countrys third wave of infection and Gerik constituency in Perek state. The government had previously imposed an emergency in another part of Sabah to block bi-cameral elections. Malaysia is now struggling with the flood, this happened around this week,,,,, pray for us over here #Wartalkwithfan @warwanarat pic.twitter.com/YA0ElKhQ3e yu () (@_yusiology) January 7, 2021 Read: Malaysia Imposes Emergency In Two Constituencies As COVID-19 Cases Escalate Read: Malaysia Makes Its Largest-ever Crystal Meth Seizure 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. While news of Twitter blocking Donald Trump has already made the rounds, now Apple Inc and Amazon.com have decided to remove Parler from their services, part of a growing backlash after the social media network was among those used to organize Wednesdays riots at the Capitol. Apple dropped Parler from its App Store, while Amazons cloud unit decided to stop hosting the social media company starting Sunday night. They joined Alphabet Inc.s Google, which removed the app from its Google Play store on Friday, saying that it created an ongoing and urgent public safety threat." US ends curbs on Taiwan contacts View Full Image The United States is ending restrictions governing official contacts with Taiwan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said over the weekend The United States is ending restrictions governing official contacts with Taiwan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said over the weekend, a move hailed by Taipei as ending decades of discrimination", reports AFP. Pompeo said the complex internal restrictions" on contacts with Taipei by diplomats, service members and others had been imposed in an attempt to appease the Communist regime in Beijing." The declaration may be more symbolic, but it nonetheless appears certain to anger China, which sees Taiwan as its own territory. Taiwans government welcomed the move. It comes in the final weeks of the Donald Trump administration, and at a time of already heightened tensions between Beijing and both Washington and Taipei. It was not clear what the change means in practice, with Pompeo saying executive branch communications with Taiwan will be handled by the American Institute in Taiwan. Cuba to test covid vaccine in Iran View Full Image Cuba will test its most advanced covid vaccine candidate, in Iran, the research center that developed it announced on Saturday Cuba will test its most advanced covid vaccine candidate, in Iran, the research center that developed it announced on Saturday, reports AFP. State-run Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV) and the Pasteur Institute of Iran signed an agreement in Havana that will see a Phase-3 clinical trial in Iran, to move forward faster in immunization against covid-19 in both countries," the IFV announced on Twitter. The news came on the heels of Irans supreme leader banning the import of American and British-produced vaccines against covid-19, saying they were completely untrustworthy." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a tweet, accompanied by the hashtag #CoronaVaccine: Its not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations." The Sovereign 02 is Cubas most advanced vaccine candidate, showing an early immune response (at 14 days)," IFV director Vicente Verez said. Dec premium dips in insurance View Full Image The new business premium of life insurance industry contracted by 3% year-on-year to 24,383.42 crore in December, The new business premium of life insurance industry contracted by 3% year-on-year to 24,383.42 crore in December, reports PTI. The new business or the first-year premium of 24 life insurance companies was 25,079.89 crore in the same month of 2019. The countrys largest life insurer LIC contributed 14,345.70 crore or 58% to the total premium generated during the month, showed data from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai). LICs new business premium declined by 15% from 16,861.98 crore in December 2019. Private sector comprising of 23 players registered a growth 22% by earning new premium of 10,037.72 crore in December, as compared to 8,217.91 crore in the year-ago period. Nasa to study Suns atmosphere View Full Image Nasa to study Suns atmosphere Nasa has approved a large contribution to Japans Extreme Ultraviolet High-Through put Spectroscopic Telescope (EUVST) mission, reports the Guardian. Led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the mission involves a solar telescope that will study the way the suns atmosphere detaches to become the solar wind. This is a constant sleet of particles that flows through the solar system creating space weather" that sparks the polar lights on Earth, and disrupts technology. Along with other solar missions, such as the European Space Agencys Solar Orbiter and Nasas Parker Solar Probe, EUVST will help provide a comprehensive investigation into space weather. EUVST will study the sun in precise detail at ultraviolet wavelengths. Also known as Solar-C, it is targeted for launch in the mid-2020s. Japans previous solar mission, Hinode or Solar-B, was launched in 2006. The future of clean flying View Full Image Airbus has spent months testing a radical looking plane. Airbus has spent months testing a radical looking plane. At 10ft wide, it is only small, but it could be the start of something very big in the aerospace industry, reports the BBC. Airbus calls the remote-controlled aircraft Maveric and is keen to emphasise that, at the moment, it is only exploring how the configuration works. But it says the design has great potential". Maveric is one of several initiatives from Airbus, and there are many by other aerospace firms, to meet an industry target to halve emissions from air travel by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. An equally radical idea is being explored at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Researchers there are working on a design known as the Flying-V". It is a new concept for a long-haul aircraft, which they claim would be up to 20% more efficient than a state-of-the-art modern plane such as the Airbus A350. Curated by Sohini Sen. Have something to share with us? Write to us at feedback@livemint or tweet to @shohinisen Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. 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 U.S. Capitol police officer shoots pepper spray at a protestor attempting to enter the Capitol building during a joint session of Congress in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Kevin Dietsch/Pool via Reuters) Blunt: Capitol Police Fought Back Against Protesters Storming Capitol Capitol police officers fought back valiantly against protesters storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said Sunday. I resent any sense that the Capitol Police didnt push back, fight back valiantly get out there and stand between first the building and then the people in the building that theyre there to protect, Blunt told CBS News Face the Nation. The Capitol Police fought back. You can do anything with looking at film, not knowing what youre talking about. I do know when youre overwhelmed in law enforcement, one of the things you do is try to step back and regroup rather than just let yourself get surrounded. And I deeply resent any suggestion that these officers didnt do everything they could do. Blunt chairs the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. He announced with four other senators on Friday a bipartisan probe of how law enforcement agencies allowed protesters to gain access to the Capitol. They said that security failures led to the breach. We plan to conduct oversight and hold bipartisan hearings on these horrific events, and work together to make the necessary reforms to ensure this never happens again, they said. Lawmakers will be looking at the planning of the illegal entry and whether agencies were in place to support the Capitol Police. Certainly the support from the D.C. police was quick and incredibly helpful, he said. They were here. They were here almost immediately when asked to be. I think we have to think about why the National Guard didnt get here quicker. A group of protesters enter the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) Approximately 340 D.C. National Guard personnel were activated before Jan. 6 but none appeared to be in position to aid the Capitol police when protesters overwhelmed them and stormed the Capitol. The storming took place as supporters of President Donald Trump rallied in Washington. Some of those arrested for taking part in the storming were identified as Trump supporters while at least several others were not, including a Black Lives Matter activist. Five people died, including a Capitol police officer from injuries he suffered during the storming and a woman who was shot by a different officer. Three others died due to medical reasons. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, said Sunday that some of those who entered the Capitol were trained people in many cases, former military, former law enforcement. Thats part of why shes asking the Department of Homeland Security to extend the national security special event date for President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration from Jan. 19 back to Jan. 12 and requesting they extend the perimeter of their coverage area to include the Capitol. Bowser sent a letter on Jan. 5 telling the Pentagon and Department of Justice that she wasnt requesting federal law enforcement personnel and discouraged any deployments outside the D.C. national Guard without notification. But she said she doesnt think the letter played a role in the failure to prevent and then respond quickly to the breach. That letter calls attention to the federal government or other federal policing agencies and asks the federal government to coordinate with us if they were going to be on D.C. streets, she said. That letter has nothing to do with the Capitol or other federal facilities. Both Bowser and Blunt were speaking on CBS Face the Nation. The eyes of the European Commission and several large EU countries will be on Ireland as it implements new rules on policing video content on social media giants, according to Michael O'Keeffe, chief executive of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI). The BAI has spent the last number of years working on the revised Audio Visual Media Services directive which will give Ireland huge responsibilities given that so many tech giants are based here. Countries such as Germany and France have indicated they want Ireland to move quickly with the legislation. The directive is seen as a key step in regulating video content on services such as YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms. "Their eyes will be upon us," said O'Keeffe. "They are upping the ante a little bit in what they expect Ireland to deliver. "There is an expectation at a European level that Ireland will comply with the requirements in the AVMS directive, and Ireland has indicated that it will," he added. The rules will set out regulation for video content for operators based here, and a new Media Commission will have power to fine companies 20m or 10pc of turnover for breaches. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin published the finalised general scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill, which transposes the directive, last month. O'Keeffe said the BAI had done a lot of ground work on the new rules and that the tech giants now accepted the need for regulation. Under the legislation, the BAI will form part of a the Media Commission, which will be a much larger organisation. O'Keeffe said it was critical that progress continues to be made with the bill. "Ideally you would have got through the parliamentary process in 2021 and be up and running by 2022," he said. There is an appetite from European member states for Ireland to move quickly on the legislation. "Some of the larger countries that are dealing with these groups they would like us to move faster, that's always the way, but there is reasonable progress being made," said O'Keeffe. The BAI recently worked with a European group to establish a memorandum of understanding between the different regulatory bodies in Europe to put in place procedures for disputes in relation to the AVMS directive. "It is being presented to the European commission and the indications we have is that it has been well received," said O'Keeffe. In relation to RTE, which the BAI regulates, O'Keeffe said the organisation's financial situation would need to be tackled this year. RTE's financial position improved last year due in part to the fact that large scale and costly events were cancelled due to Covid. When RTE's costs return "the underlying issue of financial sustainability is still going to be there". While RTE has public service obligations under law, it will have to decide how much it can do in practice. "What they can deliver within the funding they've got," he said. The BAI will engage with the Future of Media Commission, which is currently reviewing this issue. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Albuquerque city leaders think they have settled on a logical place for their long-awaited Gateway Center homeless shelter and services hub: the former Lovelace hospital in Southeast Albuquerque. They see the onetime hospitals size, design and location as assets for a facility that will combine emergency shelter beds with other resources intended to help people transition out of homelessness. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ But the citys attempted purchase of the property has landed in court because two former business partners who owned the property are in an acrimonious fight over whether the city is getting too sweet a deal. The property now called Gibson Medical Center was owned by Nick Kapnison and Jimmy Daskalos. The citys $13 million purchase agreement for the property was with Kapnison; Daskalos is suing both the city and Kapnison to stop the purchase. After about 30 years of partnership in a variety of enterprises even including an eponymous restaurant, Nick & Jimmys Daskalos and Kapnison in early 2020 executed a buyout/settlement agreement to part ways, according to court records. Daskalos was to pay Kapnison $5 million, a debt secured by property, including Gibson Medical Center, records show. But Daskalos and his wife, Nadine, are alleging breach of contract and more in the lawsuit they filed in state District Court in Albuquerque. They claim in their October 2020 suit that Kapnison is selling the Gibson Medical Center against their wishes, has violated the terms of his power of attorney and is offering the property at less than a commercially reasonable price. Kapnison has not filed a formal response with the court, but his attorney on Friday denied the allegations in a Journal interview. We expect to be vindicated on all claims, said Kapnisons attorney, Paul Kennedy. City also responds in land dispute The city has also denied the Daskaloses allegations, contending in its response and counterclaim that Kapnison had the legal authority to negotiate the sale. The city also disputes the claim that the purchase price is far below the propertys value. The Daskaloses have asked for a temporary restraining order to stop Kapnison and the city from closing the deal. The city has a competing request seeking an order that would force the Daskaloses to proceed with the sale. A hearing on the case is scheduled for Jan. 21, though the Daskaloses have a pending motion to delay it. Attorney Jason Bowles, who along with Todd Bullion represents the Daskaloses, said he could offer only one public statement: Mr. Bullion and I believe that (the Daskaloses) are the lawful owners of the Gibson Medical Center, and we are attempting to work out the issues raised by the lawsuit currently. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller announced the citys plan to purchase Gibson Medical Center in early December. At the time, officials declined to reveal the purchase price. But court records include the $13 million purchase agreement, which was signed in mid-October by Kapnison and Carol Pierce, director of the citys Family and Community Services Department. The Daskaloses filed suit about a week later. They allege that a June 2020 appraisal valued the property, which covers nearly 21 acres and has buildings with a total floor space of about 570,000 square feet, at $18.5 million. They also argue it is a unique property that presents various business opportunities, including a major lease with New Mexico state government. The state currently is leasing 360,000 square feet at the center for COVID-19 patient overflow, paying $8.6 million for one year, according to previous Journal reporting. The propertys value appreciated significantly due to that lease, the Daskaloses suit says. There is an option to extend the lease for another year, which they say is likely given the COVID-19 crisis. Plaintiffs would lose the ability to profit from that option and would lose the ability to further develop a business relationship with the State of New Mexico and their other tenants, their complaint says. The suit says the planned sale would cause the Daskaloses immediate and irreparable harm due to the loss of the significant revenues and profits from the Gibson property. They contend that the power of attorney that granted Kapnison authority to sell property to collect his money entitled them to step in as alternative buyers as long as they signaled their intention within 15 days, which their suit says they did. But Kapnison still proceeded to sign the $13 million purchase agreement. They allege Kapnison is intentionally trying to damage them. Upon information and belief, Defendant is acting in bad faith to purposefully sell Gibson Medical for less than its fair market value to cause harm to Plaintiffs, the suit says. Kennedy said that is not true. He has no interest in trying to hurt them, Kennedy said. He contends that the sale price is reasonable, noting that the ownership was repeatedly unsuccessful when trying to find a buyer. Because its unique, doesnt mean its easy to sell, Kennedy said. Homeless facility without a home Keller has for a few years discussed the need for a Gateway Center to help address Albuquerques growing homelessness crisis. His administration previously presented the idea of a 300-bed shelter combined with what Keller calls a clearinghouse function that helps connect clients with services and other tools they need to obtain permanent housing. City voters in 2019 approved $14 million for the project in a bond question. But the project lost some momentum in early 2020 when University of New Mexico leaders announced they would not let the city use a piece of UNM property it had been pursuing for the facility. It had been the citys top choice for a location. A few months later, Keller revealed the city was scrapping the 300-bed facility idea in favor of multiple smaller sites. The city has since convened a Homeless Coordinating Council with city, Bernalillo County and UNM officials to help guide the communitys overall response to people without any place to live. In December, Keller said the city had made an offer to buy the old Lovelace facility for the initial Gateway Center. According to court records, the city plans to purchase the facility with $5 million from the 2019 bond issue, $5 million in federal CARES Act COVID-19 relief money, $2 million in other federal funds and $1 million from Bernalillo County. The city did not directly answer several specific Journal questions about the Gateway purchase and the potential backup plan should it fall through, but it provided a statement reiterating its focus on lifesaving emergency housing for people who are homeless, including the 100 children currently using shelter services. It is our intent to proceed with the purchase of the property at the original price that was agreed upon, pending the legal proceedings later this month, spokeswoman Alicia Manzano said in the emailed statement. The dispute between the sellers arose after the legally binding purchase was executed, and our goal is to make sure that taxpayer money and people suffering from homelessness during a pandemic arent compromised. 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. Sushant Singh Rajput Fans Disapprove Of His Passion Project Chanda Mama Door Ke's Revival Without The Actor Sushant Singh Rajputs shelved film Chanda Mama Door Ke might still happen after all with a different actor. The film that had caught a lot of attention nearly four years ago when it was announced with the actor in the lead is now being revived according to the filmmaker Sanjay Puran Singh and will be a tribute to the deceased star. Since the news of the projects revival started doing the rounds many fans of the late actor have expressed their disapproval of the move on social media. Not wanting to see Sushants passion project being made with someone else fans are of the opinion that the film not be made at all. Post the films announcement in 2017 Sushant had already began training at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to play an astronaut. The film there after faced multiple delays even before it went on floors and in 2018 there were reports of the actor walking out of the film. Sushant Singh Rajput to undergo special training at NASA's Space & Rocket Center... Enacts the part of an astronaut in #ChandaMamaDoorKe... pic.twitter.com/W4b9BYELCE taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) August 2, 2017 Not just fans Sanjay himself admitted in a recent interview with Mid-Day that he doesnt know who to replace the actor with the movie despite the decision to go forward with it. I cant think of a replacement for Sushant. Many suggested that I turn it into a web series, but I want to retain it as a film. It is meant for the big screen, he told the publication. Sushant who died on June 14 2020 had made a lot of inputs to the script and the filmmaker ascertains that whenever in the future Chanda Mama Door Ke is made it will be a tribute to the late actor. Whenever I make the film, it will be a tribute to Sushant. He was so attached to the script that I owe this to him. He had given a lot of inputs to the [material], Sanjay said. Tweeps however dont have the heart to see the movie proceeding without Sushant in it. Check out the reactions of Sushants fans on Twitter to the move. We don't care if the project #ChandaMamaDoorKe is revived. @itsSSR won't be in the movie so we SSRIANS simply don't care about any other actor playing the part@nilotpalm3@smitaparikh2 ReArAn (@ReArAn6) January 9, 2021 Matlab Sahi hai Yaar Jab wo tha tab Kisi ke paas sponsor nhi the movie ke liye aaj jab wo nhi hai to #ChandaMamaDoorKe or #Paani dono movie Bana ke lite sabke paas funds aa gye, bravo! Tribute ke naam par apna dhanda chala lo :): SohaASKhan (@k_s_z01) January 9, 2021 When Our SUSHANT is not in this project then we have no interest. We can't see anyone other than SUSHANT SINGH in #ChandaMamaDoorKe We Want JUSTICE For SUSHANT SINGH RAJPUT#UncoverSSRKillershttps://t.co/8fONCeQLLdpic.twitter.com/tAiANc2IDS Payal Khan(NOT A BOT) (@PayalKh45519732) January 9, 2021 Sorry but no thanks Not interested in #ChandaMamaDoorKe without #SushantSinghRajput in it HAPPINESS || Justice for Sushant|| (@gauahargeous20) January 8, 2021 Andalucia has kicked off 2021 with a new campaign to reinforce its position as a safe destination to travel. A free medical insurance policy with Covid-19 coverage for non-resident international tourists is being offered to entice visitors back to the region. The Junta de Andalucia has said that to benefit from this offer, travellers must stay in any type of regional government regulated establishment which can include hotels, tourist apartments, hostels, aparthotels, campsites and rural houses. This initiative will continue throughout the year, and will be operated by Europ Assistance. "This is a free medical insurance for all foreign tourists, who are not residents, who travel to Andalucia by any means of transport between 1 January and 31 December and without age limit," although the regional governments said end date may be extended if necessary. Helpline The Junta said the insurance scheme would cover the medical, surgical and hospitalisation expenses for Covid-19, those of transport and repatriation and costs derived from an extension of the stay by quarantine. In addition, tourists will have a multilingual 24-hour helpline available to answer their questions. The initiative is a response to a demand from the sector", said the regional government. We want to promote the reactivation of international tourism, they say acknowledging the sector is "having a worse time at the moment and to encourage its reopening and the generation of business especially in areas such as the coast and in some cities which attract international tourism. Although the Junta is unable to gauge what the scheme will cost given the impact of Covid-19 and restrictions on mobility, they do point out that in a normal year there would be more than 11 million international travellers staying in registered accommodation across the region. An international marketing campaign to promote the insurance to a worldwide audience will also be rolled out. Karnataka lockdown: Minister bats for extension for few more days; BS Yediyurappa to take final call BS Yediyurappa meets Amit Shah to discuss state's political scenario India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 10: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa Sunday met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the state''s political scenario and finalise the BJP''s candidates for the upcoming by-polls in the state as he arrived in the national capital on a day-long visit. Before he left for Delhi earlier in the day, Yediyurappa had hinted the much-awaited cabinet rejig in the state might also come up for discussion during his meeting.After landing in Delhi, the CM told reporters, "I am going to discuss the political situation in Karnataka." Karnataka: Regular class for first, second year college students after Jan 14 "Recently, we won the gram panchayat elections in a very big way. Within a month, we are going to face two parliamentary and an assembly by-polls. We have to finalise the candidates. We will discuss all these issues with Amit Shah and other important leaders," he added. The BJP leader said while his appointment with the home minister is confirmed, he will also try to meet JP Nadda, the party''s national president. Asked about the steps taken to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state, the chief minister said, "In Karnataka, the COVID-19 situation is under control. We are taking all precautions." Earlier before leaving the Bangalore Airport, he hinted that the cabinet expansion may also come up for discussion during his meeting with the party high command. "I don''t know. I will discuss all the issues," he told reporters at the airport when asked if a cabinet rejig is likely this week. The cabinet expansion in the state has been on the cards for over a year now, but it could not take place, giving some anxious moments to ministerial aspirants and also leading to dissatisfaction. Shah to attend Thuglak magazines 51st anniversary event in Chennai Among those in the ministerial race are MLAs Umesh Katti, Munirathna, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, M P Renukacharya, Aravind Limbavali and S R Vishwanath. Three MLCs -- C P Yogeshwar, MTB Nagaraj and R Shankar -- are too aspiring for a ministerial berth. Another MLC, A H Vishwanath, too was in the race but his hopes dashed when the Karnataka High Court on November 30 barred him from becoming a minister until at least May this year. The state can have a total of 34 ministers and it has 27 now. By-polls are scheduled for Maski and Basavakalyan assembly segments, and Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency. While Maski fell vacant due to the resignation of sitting Congress MLA Pratap Gouda Patil in 2019, the by-polls to Basavakalyan and Belagavi seats have been necessitated by the deaths of their representatives B Narayan Rao and Suresh Angadi, respectively, due to coronavirus. "I will discuss all other issues with the party high command and wish to return in the night," the chief minister said before he departed. With immediate effect, people who die will be buried in towns or areas in which they would have died and there will be no body-viewing, Government has said. Police have since been ordered to block any movement of corpses. Government announced the measures last night as 978 new cases and 24 deaths were recorded countrywide. The measures seek to contain the spread of Covid-19, which is threatening to spiral out of control with 507 people having died from the virus from 21 477 cases recorded so far. In a statement last night, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the new measures were ordered by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. The Zimbabwe Republic Police advises the public that the Ministry of Health and Child Care has informed the police of immediate restrictions imposed on the movement of dead bodies for burial in the country. According to health officials, a body will now be buried in the town/city where the death would have taken place. This is being done in order to curtail the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, said Asst Comm Nyathi. In this regard, police will only clear body movements for burial straight from a funeral parlour/hospital mortuary to the burial site. No body viewing will be allowed and bodies will not be taken home. The public is implored to keep a distance as the body is lowered into the grave by either city health or funeral parlour officials. The grave site will be disinfected before burial. Police commanders in all provinces have been advised to ensure that the Governments directive is complied with. The public is accordingly informed of this important message, said Asst Comm Nyathi. The Government has put in place a number of restrictions to curtail the spread of the pandemic. Speaking at a media briefing in Harare last week, Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe warned those defying the order restricting people to 30 per funeral. The ministry has also noted with concern, that despite funerals being allowed a maximum of 30 people, this limit is being disregarded by many. Citizens are urged to observe this regulation. Any violation of this requirement will meet the full wrath of the law, said Minister Kazembe. Prior to this announcement, only people who died of Covid-19 had their bodies taken straight to burial places, without being taken home or body viewing. Herald 5 hours ago Beyond comprehension why Hry govt has not convened all-party meet on Covid issue: Hooda A high-level US delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker, and including US ambassador to Rabat David Fischer, on Sunday visited the premises of the future Consulate General of the United States in Dakhla. The recent developments in US-Morocco relations have been made possible through the leadership of HM King Mohammed VI in promoting a bold and far-reaching reform agenda over the past two decades, Schenker stressed at a press briefing following talks with minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita. The US official also praised the Kings continued and precious support on issues of common interest, including peace in the Middle East, stability and development in Africa and regional security. The American-Moroccan relations are stronger than ever (..). Our best years are ahead of us, he said, recalling the landmark recognition last month of Moroccos full sovereignty over its Sahara. Schenker underlined that the United States is determined to deepen and strengthen its ties with Morocco through the promotion of trade relations and cultural exchanges, in addition to the strengthening of governmental-to-government relations. He also highlighted Moroccos efforts to promote religious tolerance and harmony which are a model to follow in the region, mentioning in this regard its historic tradition of protecting its Jewish community as well as the signing of the Marrakech Declaration on the Rights of Religious Minorities in the Islamic World. Morocco is a key partner for regional stability and our two nations enjoy a broad military-to-military partnership, he pointed out. The US official added that the Kingdom is the only African country with which the United States has signed a free trade agreement, noting that Moroccan exports to the United States have more than doubled since the entry into force in 2006 of the agreement. The value of our bilateral trade has quintupled during this period, he said. Schenker recalled that the year 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the opening of the first United States diplomatic mission in Morocco, in Tangier, where the oldest US diplomatic installation in the world is located. On Saturday, the US delegation made a trip to the capital city of the Sahara, Laayoune, where it visited the diplomatic quarter which hosts the consulates of several countries as well as the headquarters of the United Nations mission in the Sahara (Minurso). The delegation also took part in the launch ceremony of the center for education through sport TIBU Laayoune Center, realized by the US Embassy in Morocco. The center aims to promote youths education, their social inclusion, and their human development through basketball. In what is a continuing story, Apple, Amazon, and Google have booted Parler. Parler may be going offline temporarily. Not the Babylon Bee quotes the CNN story here, thus sparing us the pain of clicking on CNN here. Amazon will remove Parler from its host tonight at midnight (Pacific time), shutting down Parlers website and app until it can find a new hosting provider. BuzzFeed broke the story here. Tom Wolfe famously observed: The dark night of fascism is always descending in the United States and yet lands only in Europe. We used to love to quote this to mock the lefts disparagement of the right, as in the four-year era of Trump is Hitler that we have just lived through. Big Tech, however, is determined to give the left the last laugh. Parler may have legal recourse, but civil litigation is probably a long-term remedy best. Something needs to be done now, but Ill be damned if I have any idea what it is at this point. The (CiC) grew by around 13 per cent in the first nine months of the current fiscal as people preferred holding on to cash as a precautionary measure amid the uncertainty caused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CiC grew by Rs 3,23,003 crore, or 13.2 per cent, to Rs 27,70,315 crore as on January 1, 2021 from Rs 24,47,312 crore as on March 31, 2020, according to recent data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In the April-December period of FY2020, it had grown by nearly 6 per cent. According to Care Ratings Chief Economist Madan Sabnavis, the growth in so far in the current fiscal has been high as people were accumulating more cash to meet any exigency during the lockdown. "Whenever there is a crisis-like situation, there is a tendency for households to latch on to cash. That is the reason there has been an increase in demand for cash. What you see is nothing else but a precautionary motive overwhelming everything," Sabnavis said. The RBI in its annual report for 2019-20, released in August 2020, had also mentioned that demand for currency started to increase in the wake of heightened uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The central bank also took a series of measures in order to meet the enhanced demand. During the calendar year 2020, CiC grew 22.1 per cent, or Rs 5,01,405 crore, to Rs 27,70,315 crore as on January 1, 2021. CiC includes banknotes and coins. At present, RBI issues notes in denominations of Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 2,000. Coins in circulation comprise those of 50 paise and Re 1, Rs 2, Rs 5, Rs 10 denominations, and the recently launched coin of Rs 20 denomination. As per RBI's annual report, the value and volume of banknotes in circulation increased 14.7 per cent and 6.6 per cent, respectively, in FY20. In value terms, Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 banknotes together accounted for 83.4 per cent of the total value of banknotes in circulation at end-March 2020, with a sharp increase in the share of Rs 500 banknotes, it had said. In volume terms, Rs 10 and Rs 100 banknotes constituted 43.4 per cent of the total banknotes in circulation at end-March 2020, RBI had said in the annual report. (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.) Scores of fans of superstar Rajinikanth staged a protest here on Sunday demanding the veteran actor to take the political plunge, days after he had ruled out joining politics. A good number of protesters converged at Valluvar Kottam here and raised slogans such as "Vaa Thalaiva Vaa" (Come leader come), urging him to embark on his political journey as assured earlier and usher in a new era in Tamil Nadu politics. The Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), initially seen as a precursor organisation of the veteran's possible political party, had earlier asked its members and the actor's fans not to join the agitation and "further hurt" him, pointing out that he had decided against joining politics citing his frail health. On Sunday, scores of fans from different parts of the state wished him good health at the agitation and also demanded that he should join politics. They were seen carrying posters of the actor, even as hit songs from some of his movies were played there. Rajinikanth had in December last year said he would float his political party in January 2021, following up on his 2017 announcement that he will take the political plunge ahead of this year's Assembly polls. However, on December 29, making a U-turn, the superstar declared that he will not enter politics in view of his frail health, putting an end to his long-nurtured plans and describing his recent hospitalisation in Hyderabad during a shoot for a Tamil film as God's warning. The decision had disappointed many of his fans, with some of them staging a protest outside his residence here that day itself, demanding for a re-think of his decision. Aalayah Eastmond was scrolling through Twitter this week when she saw a meme comparing lawmakers on lockdown at the Capitol to students during active-shooter drills in public schools. Eastmond survived the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018. She was a junior and recalls sheltering in place that day when 17 students and teachers were killed. "It's a very weird situation as a gun violence survivor and a school shooting survivor, and wanting lawmakers to understand that feeling to get work done and laws passed," she told CNN. "But the entire situation... It's a lot. "The goal is to decrease the amount of people that experience what I experienced," said Eastmond, who has testified before Congress twice, lobbied for legislation, and participated in last summer's racial justice movement. "I'm glad [lawmakers] understand the fear and the feeling, but the situation in which caused them to feel that, it really infuriates me." Young adults who grew up amid shootings and lockdown drills have shared this week that lawmakers at the Capitol on Wednesday -- many of whom have resisted action on gun violence -- now have experience dealing with the trauma students face. These young people say the experience should help lawmakers understand -- but they also say legislative change won't come immediately, if at all. "A real reality for many teens in America" On average, CNN found that in the year following Parkland, there was a school shooting in the US every 12 days. Between 2009 and 2019, at least 177 schools experienced a shooting, according to a CNN analysis completed in 2019. Mariah Cooley was at her high school during a lockdown in winter 2018. Cooley, who attended Rich Woods High School in Peoria, Illinois, had witnessed lockdowns before. But this time was different, since someone had a gun in the building, she said. "In those moments I felt so afraid, I started texting my parents to let them know what's going on," Cooley described. "I was on the second floor thinking, 'Can I jump from this window, hide in the closet?' That's a real reality for many teens in America because the government has failed to put policies in place to stop these shootings at our schools." While the lockdown ended without casualties, the experience had a lasting impact on Cooley, she says. Cooley was once again fearful watching the lockdown at the Capitol and sympathized with lawmakers and their families. "I hope [lawmakers] realize how much trauma high school Americans and middle school kids go through, not necessarily every single day, but more often than every other nation worldwide," Cooley said. 'A part of everyday life as a child' According to Lane Murdock, who grew up in Ridgefield, Connecticut, near Sandy Hook Elementary School -- where 26 students and teachers were shot and killed in 2014 -- active shooter drills "were a part of everyday life as a child." After the Parkland shooting in 2018, Murdock came up with the idea for national school walkouts across the country to attract attention from lawmakers. While Murdock's original idea was for her and her classmates to walk out of their school on the anniversary of the Columbine school shooting, thousands of students from New England to Hawaii ended up walking out of school in protest that day. "Politicians always mourned with their communities, but always kind of knew it wouldn't happen to them," Murdock told CNN after the Capitol insurrection. "In America, politicians have certain privileges. "I'm mourning the fact that our country has become a place where our politicians have to hide in fear," Murdock said. "But it was displaying to me something I already knew when it comes to control and distribution of widespread use of guns." Both Jaclyn Corin and Cameron Kasky, who also survived Parkland, say they feel similarly. "When I see pictures going all over social media of senators and representatives in the House ducking under those chairs and hiding out in their offices... it is kind of weird seeing adults in suits doing that when I'm so used to seeing young kids doing that," Corin told CNN. Kasky said, "Mitch McConnell and my sixth-grade sister now have something in common." JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi will officially have a new state flag next week, with a magnolia and the phrase, In God We Trust. A spokeswoman for Gov. Tate Reeves said Friday that he will sign a bill Monday to update state law with a description of the flag. Immediately after the signing, officials are scheduled to have a ceremony to raise the new flag at the state Capitol. It has been just over six months since legislators retired the last state flag in the U.S. that included the Confederate battle emblem. Voters approved the magnolia design in November. Washington: Two Republican senators now say President Donald Trump should resign as support for the drive to impeach him a second time is gaining momentum in his final days in office after the deadly riot at the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania on Sunday joined Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski in calling for Trump to resign and go away as soon as possible." Murkowski, who has long voiced her exasperation with Trumps conduct in office, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that Trump simply needs to get out." Toomey said that even though he believes Trump committed impeachable offenses in encouraging loyalists in the Capitol siege on Wednesday, he did not think there was enough time for the impeachment process to play out. Toomey said that resignation was the best path forward, the best way to get this person in the rear view mirror for us." He was not optimistic that Trump would step down before his term ends on Jan. 20. The White House had no immediate comment Sunday. The House appears determined to act despite the short timeline. Late Saturday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., sent a letter to her colleagues reiterating that Trump must be held accountable. She told her caucus, now scattered across the country on a two-week recess, to "be prepared to return to Washington this week." It is absolutely essential that those who perpetrated the assault on our democracy be held accountable," Pelosi wrote. There must be a recognition that this desecration was instigated by the President." Rep. Jim Clyburn, the third-ranking House Democrat, said it may be Tuesday, Wednesday before the action is taken, but I think it will be taken this week." Clyburn, D-S.C., said he was concerned that a Senate trial could distract from the process of confirming President-elect Joe Bidens nominees. Clyburn said one option could be giving Biden the 100 days he needs to get his agenda off and running and maybe well send the articles sometime after that" to the Senate for a trial. He said lawmakers will take the vote that we should take in the House" and that Pelosi "will make the determination as when is the best time" to send them to the Senate. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader, has said an impeachment trial could begin as early as Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. The new Democratic effort to stamp Trump's presidential record for the second time and days before his term ends with the indelible mark of impeachment is gaining supporters. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I, a leader of the House effort to draft impeachment articles or charges accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, said Saturday that his group had grown to include 185 co-sponsors. Lawmakers planned to formally introduce the proposal on Monday in the House, where articles of impeachment must originate. The articles, if passed by the House, could then be transmitted to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Trump. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office and succeeded by the vice president. Potentially complicating that decision about impeachment is what it means for Biden and the beginning of his presidency. While reiterating that he has long viewed Trump as unfit for office, Biden on Friday sidestepped a question about impeachment, saying what Congress does is for them to decide." A violent and largely white mob of Trump supporters overpowered police, broke through security lines and rampaged through the Capitol on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were putting the final, formal touches on Bidens victory over Trump in the Electoral College. The crowd surged to the domed symbol of American democracy following a rally near the White House, where Trump repeated his bogus claims that the election was stolen from him and urged his supporters to march in force toward the Capitol. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the siege. Outrage over the attack and Trump's role in egging it on capped a divisive, chaotic presidency like few others in the nations history. There are less than two weeks until Trump is out of office but Democrats have made clear they don't want to wait that long. Trump, has few fellow Republicans speaking out in his defense. He's become increasingly isolated, holed up in the White House as he has been abandoned in the aftermath of the riot by many aides, leading Republicans and, so far, two Cabinet members both women. Toomey appeared on CNN's State of the Union" and NBC's Meet the Press." Clyburn was on Fox News Sunday" and CNN. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Since George Floyds death, events seem to be spiraling out of control. For weeks, Americans were bombarded, almost on a daily basis, with reports of large protests in major cities, accompanied by rioting, looting, burning, assaults, and even murders. Observing these events unfold, average U.S. citizens, watching TV from the purported safety of their home, might be bewildered by these transformative events, the purpose of which is nothing less than a re-imagining of America. To better understand exactly what is happening, lets take a cue from my 21st Century Revolutionary Handbook. There are ten rules to explain what the radical left is planning. #1: Inertia is fatal to a revolutionary movement. The overtures of the late 60s movement are eerily similar to what is happening today. The problem for leftists was that, back then, the revolution centered around the anti-Vietnam War Movement. Once peace came, the revolutions impetus died out. The 2008 Occupy Wall St Movement had the zeal, but cold winter months in New York were not conducive to this type of protest. The lesson: choose your cause carefully. Today's cause celebre is systemic racism and its offshoots. Racism can be recycled perpetually. Recently, for example, the Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, declared racism to be a public health crisis. #2: Do not identify your ideology by name, nor state exactly what you will do after you are in power. Speak only in vague generalities and use simple two- or three-word phrases the public can identify with. Terms such as Socialist, Communist or Marxist generally have a negative connotation and, while millennials like them, the population at large does not. Do not look to antagonize ordinary Americans more than is necessary. The revolution will need its army of useful idiots for the future. Instead, use terms such as progressive or social justice warrior to describe yourself. These are far less threatening to the average American. Fidel Castro initially identified himself as a humanist. Only after he felt secure in his new position did he announce to the world: I am a Marxist Leninist. #3: The revolution must get control over mass media and the education system. Truth is defined by whatever the revolution says it is, and anyone who dares speak out is immediately silenced. Only information advancing the revolutionary cause may be heard and taught. Once the revolution gains control over mass media, it controls all the information that is disseminated, and once the revolution gains control over the education system, it controls the future. #4: All the apparatus of the state: the ministries, civil service, justice system, military, and law enforcement must be brought under control. This rule is simple. Whatever the revolution cannot control could eventually be used against it. Hitler, Stalin, and Mao all dealt with the problem of possible anti-revolutionary activists through purges aimed at crushing all potential opposition, which extended even to family members. Stalin allegedly remarked that it was fine if innocents were punished along with the guilty, because that sends an even stronger message. #5: All vestiges of the old must be destroyed in order to build the new. This includes all history, traditions, culture, and iconography that cannot be made to conform to the new ideals. Who controls the past controls the future; who controls the present controls the past. George Orwell, 1984 In the late 1950s, Mao unleashed the cultural revolution on China. It repudiated what Mao called the four olds: old ideas, customs, habits, and culture. Estimates vary as to the number of people killed but it was most certainly in the millions. Coming as it did after the disastrous policies of the Great Leap Forward, China was left an economic and cultural wasteland. #6: Conventional ideas about religion and family are anathema to a revolutionary movement. Absolute loyalty to the revolution must come first; this extends to ones family. Children are encouraged to inform on their parents if they hear anything that can be interpreted as counter-revolutionary. Organized religion must also go. The revolution cannot have loyalty to God supersede loyalty to the state. #7: The revolution can only succeed in times of extreme economic, political, and social unrest. This is an important point. A generally content, gainfully employed, and prosperous populace is not likely to support a revolutionary movement aimed at overthrowing the government, party, or individual that has provided these benefits. For the revolution to be successful, the population must be brought low and kept in a state of abject misery. Years ago, former White House Chief of Staff and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel stated: Never let a good crisis go to waste. Activist/actress Jane Fonda brought this up when she noted: COVID is Gods gift to the left. #8: Ultimate victory in the revolution will go to that segment of the revolutionary body that is the best organized, best financed, and most ideologically dedicated. A revolutionary movement can be composed of many divergent groups, each of which has a peeve with the central government. In our country we have, among others, minorities, LGBTQ, and feminists all rubbing shoulders with liberals, socialists, anarchists, globalists, Islamists, and hardcore Marxist revolutionaries. The last group is the best organized and funded. They are completely devoted to the righteousness of their ideology and even have their own para-military group Antifa. Their goal is the complete destruction of the American political and economic system. #9: You dont need a majority to force your will on an entire population. Most people assume that any revolution must have popular support to succeed. This may have been true in some cases, but not all. The Bolsheviks swept into power in Russia in Nov 1917 with a simple slogan: Peace, Land, Bread. Although one cannot be certain of the precise number of hardcore committed Communists among the masses of disaffected citizenry, it would have been comparatively small. The Nazis, for their part, never got more than 38% of the popular vote. #10: After victory, the revolution will turn in directions not initially anticipated. In addition to exacting revenge on their opponents, revolutions usually turn on many of the very people who were their most ardent supporters. One only must look at Hitlers Night of the Long Knives, Stalins Gulag Archipeligo, and Maos Cultural Revolution, for examples. Some of the above rules already apply to America; others will soon. There is no doubt that as a society we have made enormous strides in the last half-century, yet we are still struggling to come to grips with our past. Sixty years ago, electing an African-American with the unlikely name of Barack Hussein Obama to the highest office of the land would have been impossible. The same is true about the minorities and women now seated in the House, Senate, and even Vice President-elects position. Do we now throw all that away and adopt the failed economic and political system of our former Cold War adversaries? I hope not. There is no perfect economic or political system, but there are systems that generally work better for more people than others. As imperfect as it is, capitalism works better than communism. Capitalist systems encourage innovation, individualism, personal responsibility, and independence. Marxist systems mandate conformity of ideas, thought, belief, and speech. As always, they admit nothing, deny everything, make counter-charges, and in the final analysis, double down on their ideology. Whatever our many problems, allowing the left to implement the Rules for Revolutionaries, overthrowing our entire system, is not the answer. As for the revolution itself, George Bernard Shaw stated it best when he wrote: Revolutions have never lightened the burden of tyranny; they have only shifted it to another shoulder. Caren Besner is a retired teacher who has written articles published by American Thinker, Sun-Sentinel, Dr Swier, News With Views, The Front Page, The Published Reporter, Washington Examiner, The Algemeiner, Jewish Journal, Independent Sentinel, Jerusalem Post, Arutz Sheva, San Diego Jewish World, The Times of Israel, The Moderate Voice, IsraPost, The Jewish Voice, Joo Tube, The Florida Veteran, and others. IMAGE: Lenin 1919. Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey said Saturday that President Donald Trump committed impeachable offenses, becoming the third GOP senator to suggest possible support for removing the president after the deadly mob attack on the Capitol this week. Furious discussion among Democrats and some Republicans in Washington continued Saturday about whether Trump should be removed or resign from office before his term ends in 11 days, with Democrats in Congress weighing plans to impeach Trump for inciting the insurrection by his supporters. I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, Toomey said during an interview on Fox News The Journal Editorial Report. But I dont know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything. He also said he was concerned about whether the Democrat-controlled House would politicize the situation. House Democrats were reportedly planning to introduce articles of impeachment accusing Trump of abuse of power on Monday; a vote could occur in the House as early as Wednesday. READ MORE: Democrats plan lightning Trump impeachment, want him out now Impeachment could only be taken up before Jan. 20 by the Senate, the body charged with convicting or acquitting an impeached president, if all 100 senators agreed to come back to session for it. Toomey on Wednesday called the attack by Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol, smashed windows, vandalized the interior, and caused police to release tear gas in the building while putting a terrifying halt to Congress confirmation of Joe Bidens win an absolute disgrace. Five people have died in connection with the siege. On Friday, GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said that Trump needs to get out, and Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, also a Republican, said he would definitely consider any articles of impeachment passed by the House, saying Trump had broken his oath of office. Other Republicans in Congress reportedly want Trump to leave office before his term ends. READ MORE: What The Inquirer's Washington correspondent saw inside the House chamber as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol closed in The White House has responded to the suggestion of impeachment by saying it would further divide the country. Before Wednesdays attack, Toomey, who is retiring after 2022, had called Trump a demagogue and refused to back the presidents push to overturn Bidens legitimate victory. He did not back Trumps push to challenge Pennsylvanias election results unlike other state Republicans in Congress who objected to their states own election results. Pennsylvanias Democratic members joined the calls for Trumps removal following the violence at the Capitol. Rep. Madeleine Dean, the Democrat who represents Montgomery County, said on Saturday that she had signed on to cosponsor impeachment articles. Never more clearly has the President demonstrated how unworthy and unfit he is to lead our nation, she said in a statement. This article contains information from the Associated Press. The United States will soon welcome Joe Biden as its new president. The president-elect has already named several people to serve in government leadership positions. For example, Janet Yellin is his candidate for Secretary of the Treasury and General Lloyd Austin is his choice for Defense Secretary. Biden also named Miguel Cardona as the new Secretary of Education. The 45-year-old man currently serves as education chief for the state of Connecticut. Biden has called Cardona brilliant. Cardona grew up in government-supported housing in that state. His parents, who are from Puerto Rico, spoke Spanish to him. Cardona did not even speak English when he entered the public school system. Cardona started his career in education as a fourth-grade teacher. He became the top administrator, or principal, of a Connecticut public school at the young age of 28. As American as apple pie and rice and beans He says his personal history has provided him a special understanding of the nations educational inequalities. I, being bilingual and bicultural, am as American as apple pie and rice and beans, Cardona said. Cardona was appointed education chief in Connecticut just months before the COVID-19 crisis began last year. When schools moved to distance learning, he hurried to get more than 100,000 laptop computers to students across the state. Since then, however, he has increasingly urged schools to reopen, saying it is harmful to keep students at home. Cardonas first duty in his new job will be to help public schools across the U.S. safely reopen. Biden has promised to have a majority of U.S. schools reopened within his first 100 days in office. During the campaign, Biden also said he will work to get money to schools that are struggling. He plans to ask Cardona to help more young children get into preschool for free and to diversify the nations teaching force. The outgoing Secretary writes a letter If the U.S. Senate confirms Cardona, he will replace Trump appointee Betsy Devos in the position. Last week, the outgoing Secretary of Education wrote a letter to the U.S. Congress to say goodbye. In the letter, DeVos said the coronavirus crisis showed many things that are not encouraging about the U.S. education system. She also said she will continue to work for students even after her service as Secretary is over. DeVos is a major supporter of private education for Americans who want it. She sought policy that would give financial assistance to poorer students so they could attend private schools. Devos argued that it was wrong to keep federal money from students who want to go a private high school while permitting federal money to go to students who attend a private university. Her policy proposal failed. DeVos, in her letter, asked Congress to reconsider her idea. DeVos also pushed schools to reopen during the health crisis. However, the Education Department did not create national guidelines for reopening operations. Biden has promised to withdraw or remake several of DeVos policies. I'm Jill Robbins. Dan Friedell adapted this story for Learning English based on stories by The Associated Press. Caty Weaver was the editor. Quiz - Who is Miguel Cardona, Bidens Choice for Education Chief? Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz __________________________________________________ Words in This Story brilliant- adj. extremely intelligent or impressive bilingual adj. speaking two or more languages encouraging adj. causing a hopeful feeling diversify- v. to change something so it has more different kinds of people What are the most important policies of your own government's education leaders? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section. An Indian ship with 23 crew members on board has been allowed to leave Chinas Jingtang port after unsuccessfully waiting for more than six months for clearance to offload its cargo, Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd., which operates the ship, said. The bulk carrier is set to leave for Japans Chiba port today, where Mumbai-based Great Easterns back-up crew has been waiting to take over, the companys spokeswoman Anjali Kumar said by phone. Arrangements have been made for the stranded seafarers to fly back to India, she said. Indian-flagged Jag Anand, loaded with Australian coal, arrived at Jingtang in mid-June. By November, at least 21 bulk carriers with almost 400 crew members were queuing up at the Chinese port, roughly 230 kilometers east of Beijing. The deadlock played in the backdrop of a diplomatic spat between China and Australia that was escalating into a trade war, China blacklisting a range of Australian commodities from coal to lobsters for imports. While the vessels remained anchored, a humanitarian crisis was unfolding, as the port authorities restricted movement of the crew members, citing Covid rules. We are still waiting for instructions from the charterer about the cargo," Great Easterns Kumar said. Right now, our top priority is to help our crew members reach home. We have all the permissions needed for that." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. 10:19 | Lima, Jan. 10. This was established by Ministerial Resolution No. 004-2021-PCM , published in the Official Gazette El Peruano Finally, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip received their first COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday, January 9. The senior and at-risk royals are finally at least, relatively secured against the dreaded coronavirus, even though the pandemic shows no signs of relenting. Even though it was once said that the Palace would not be disclosing their COVID-19 shots, the Queen reportedly wanted this news spread out to queel fears of the COVID-19 vaccines, resulting from misinformation and paranoia. Queen Elizabeth Vaccinated along with Prince Philip According to the Sun UK, Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth had their initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, made by Oxford-AstraZeneca, from a doctor at WIndsor Castle. Insiders said Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, both nearing the age of hundred at 94 and 99 respectively, were happy to just wait their turn. They knew that there are others who should be vaccinated first, especially if these people are the frontliners. However, it cannot be denied that Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth are also high priority on the list. Finally though, they are now vaccinated, after accepting an offer to receive their shots at the end of the week, as they meet government age guidelines anyway. A doctor from the Royal Household visited to administer the jab mid-morning after the couple had broken their fast. Queen Elizabeth Vaccinated: No Side Effect Reported So far, there were no reports of them suffering any side effect from their vaccines. The source clarified tht the whole thing followed standard procedures and the senior royals made sure they did not ask nor given special treatment. "The Queen and Duke were not in a rush and did not ask for special treatment and had the vaccine only when it was available locally. They waited their turn like everyone else," the source said. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip getting their shots and having the news announced to the nation is a good move according to Health Secretary Matt Hancock. He claimed it was a a boost in the fight against the killer virus. "I'm delighted Her Majesty the Queen & HRH the Duke of Edinburgh have received their COVID vaccine. We are defeating this virus jab by jab," he tweeted. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip Ever Noble The announcement have surprised many Brits because as aides said in the past more than once, the royal couple's decision about when to be vaccinated is a "private matter" and therefore, not going to be disclosed to the public, as reported by Page Six. However, it was reported that Queen Elizabeth truly wanted to share her getting the shot so that people would see that it is safe. She wanted them to squelch any fear they might have about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines. Queen Elizabeth has consistently been the ray of sunshine amid the COVID-19 pandemic, always there to offer words of encouragement and hope, even though she herself is at great risk. READ MORE: 'Perfect'' Liam Hemsworth Girlfriend: Gabriella Brooks Better Than Miley Cyrus at One Thing . See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles 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. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. President Donald Trump urged Georgias lead elections investigator to find the fraud in a lengthy December phone call, saying the official would be a national hero, according to an individual familiar with the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the conversation. Trump placed the call to the investigations chief for the Georgia secretary of state's office shortly before Christmas - while the individual was leading an inquiry into allegations of ballot fraud in Cobb County, in the suburbs of Atlanta, according to people familiar with the episode. The president's attempts to intervene in an ongoing investigation could amount to obstruction of justice or other criminal violations, legal experts said, though they cautioned a case could be difficult to prove. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger had launched the inquiry following allegations that Cobb election officials had improperly accepted mail ballots with signatures that did not match those on file - claims that state officials ultimately concluded had no merit. In an interview with The Washington Post on Friday, Raffensperger confirmed that Trump had placed the Dec. 23 call. He said he was not familiar with the specifics of what the president said in the conversation with his chief investigator, but said it was inappropriate for Trump to have tried to intervene in the case. "That was an ongoing investigation," Raffensperger said. "I don't believe that an elected official should be involved in that process." The Post is withholding the name of the investigator, who did not respond to repeated requests for comment, because of the risk of threats and harassment directed at election officials. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Since Election Day, Trump has made at least three calls to government officials in Georgia in an attempt to subvert President-elect Joe Biden's victory, beginning with a conversation with Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in early December to berate him for certifying the state's election results. The president is furious with both Raffensperger and Kemp, who have refused to echo his claims that the election was rigged. He has complained that they betrayed him after he endorsed both of their 2018 elections. At a rally Wednesday in Washington, shortly before his supporters ransacked the Capitol, he attacked them personally onstage, calling the two men "corrupt." Trump's call to the chief investigator occurred more than a week before he spent an hour on the phone with Raffensperger, pushing him to overturn the vote. In that Jan. 2 conversation, the president alternately berated the secretary of state, tried to flatter him, begged him to act and threatened him with vague criminal consequences if the fellow Republican refused to pursue his false claims, at one point warning that he was taking "a big risk." Legal experts said Trump's call to the secretary of state may have broken state or federal laws that bar the solicitation of election fraud or prohibit participating in a conspiracy against people exercising their civil rights. Trump's earlier call to the chief investigator could also carry serious criminal implications, according to several former prosecutors, who said that the president may have violated laws against bribery or interfering with an ongoing probe. "Oh my god, of course that's obstruction - any way you cut it," said Nick Akerman, a former federal prosecutor in New York and a onetime member of the Watergate prosecution team, responding to a description of Trump's conversation with the investigator. Akerman said he would be "shocked" if Trump didn't commit a crime of obstruction under the Georgia statutes. He said the fact that the president took the time to identify the investigator, obtain a phone number and then call "shows that he's trying to influence the outcome of what's going on." However, such cases can be difficult to prove, and legal experts said the decision to prosecute Trump - even after he leaves office - would be a politically fraught one. Robert James, a former prosecutor in DeKalb County, Ga., said that proving obstruction would hinge on what Trump said and the tone he used, as well as whether the president's intentions were clear. Without the audio of the call, it would be more difficult to prove wrongdoing, he said. The later call with Raffensperger is more damning, he said, because of the power of the audio that was made public. "He says, 'Go find me some votes.' That can clearly be interpreted as asking someone to break the law," James said. In the wake of the Capitol siege by Trump supporters, Democratic House leaders said Friday they were preparing articles of impeachment that they planned to vote on as soon as early next week. While they were focused primarily on Trump's role in inciting a violent mob to storm the Capitol, an early draft circulated Friday also mentioned Trump's call to Raffensperger as an example of "prior efforts to subvert and obstruct" the certification of the 2020 election. Raffensperger briefly mentioned Trump's December call to the chief investigator in an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" earlier this week. But the details of the conversation had not been previously reported. On the call, Trump sounded much like he did while talking to Raffensperger, according to the person familiar with the discussion - meandering from flattery to frustration and back again. It was one in a series of personal interventions by Trump and his allies in Georgia since the November election. The president has obsessed about his defeat in the state and expressed disbelief to aides that he could have lost while other Republicans won. It is unclear how the president tracked down the chief elections investigator. Before his Jan. 2 call to Raffensperger, Trump had tried to reach the secretary of state at least 18 times, but the calls were patched to interns in the press office who thought it was a prank and did not realize the president was on the line, as The Post previously reported. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows ultimately arranged the conference call between Trump, Raffensperger and their aides. That conversation followed previous inquiries to state officials by Trump allies. In mid-November, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., reached out to Raffensperger to inquire about whether entire counties' mail ballots could be tossed if an audit found high rates of mismatched signatures in those jurisdictions. Raffensperger told The Post at the time that Graham appeared to be suggesting that he find a way to toss legally cast ballots. Graham denied that, calling that characterization "ridiculous." Then in late December, Meadows traveled to Cobb County to see for himself how the ballot-signature audit was proceeding. Meadows said he was not trying to interfere with the investigation but just wanted to "talk outside of the tweets," Jordan Fuchs, the deputy secretary of state, said at the time. Meadows was not allowed in the room where the audit was occurring, Fuchs said, but he was able to peer through the window of the door. Trump called the chief investigator the following day. Raffensperger announced the audit on Dec. 14 after allegations surfaced that ballots were accepted in Cobb County without proper verification of voter signatures on the envelopes. No evidence has emerged of widespread signature-matching anomalies in Cobb or elsewhere in Georgia. Raffensperger ordered the audit, he said, because his office pursues all allegations of election irregularities. "Conducting this audit does not in any way suggest that Cobb County was not properly following election procedures or properly conducting signature matching," Chris Harvey, Raffensperger's director of elections, said at the time. "We chose Cobb County for this audit because they are well known to have one of the best election offices in the state, and starting in Cobb will help us as we embark on a statewide signature audit." If large numbers of mismatched envelope signatures had been discovered, it would have been impossible to pair those envelopes with the ballots they contained, which are separated to protect voter privacy as required in the Georgia Constitution. In the end, Raffensperger's investigations team, working alongside the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, found just two nonmatching signatures among more than 15,000 examined during the audit in Cobb County. The audit concluded on Dec. 29, six days after the president called the chief investigator. Trump was steaming about the outcome of the inquiry when he spoke to Raffensperger on Jan. 2. "Why can't we have professionals do it instead of rank amateurs who will never find anything and don't want to find anything?" the president said, according to audio obtained by The Post. "They don't want to find, you know they don't want to find anything. Someday you'll tell me the reason why, because I don't understand your reasoning, but someday you'll tell me the reason why." The Posts Alice Crites, Paul Kane and Mike DeBonis contributed to this report. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Donald Trump has used Twitter as his primary means of communication throughout his presidency. But that platform was taken away from him permanently on Friday, apparently causing Mr Trump to hit the roof. The president wentballistic, a senior administration official told Politico on Friday, after the platforms decision to remove his account citing the risk of further incitement of violence following the deadly insurrection on Wednesday at the US Capitol by a pro-Trump mob. Now Mr Trump is scrambling to figure out what his options are to communicate with his supporters, the official said. A White House statement said the president was negotiating with various other sites while also considering building out our own platform in the near future. The news of the presidents Twitter shutdown came after it emerged that he wanted to march to the US Capitol with his supporters on Wednesday, where the House and Senate were meeting to certify the Electoral College votes. But advisers reportedly told Mr Trump no, according to people briefed on the discussions, The New Times reported. Mr Trump also reportedly wanted the National Guard brought in so they could hold off anti-Trump counter-protesters who might turn up. Instead the National Guard had to be called in on Wednesday to assist other law enforcement agencies in removing pro-Trump rioters from Capitol grounds. Reports indicated Mr Trump pushed back initially on sending additional help for Capitol Police once the situation deteriorated. Along with Mr Trumps Twitter ban, attorney Sidney Powell and the presidents former national security adviser Michael Flynn were also permanently suspended from the platform for spreading conspiracy theories. The president appeared to be blindsided by Twitters decision, after he had previously told allies, theyll never band me, The New York Times reports. Brad Parscale, Mr Trumps former campaign manager, reportedly held a meeting with the president and Jared Kushner, his son-in-law, last year to discuss moving from Twitter over to Parler a new social media site popular among conservatives. Mr Kushner shot down that idea, The New York Times reports, because he, like the president, believed that Twitter would never take action against the president. The violence that took place at the Capitol, which left five people dead, swayed Twitter to first ban Mr Trump for 12 hours before deciding to issue a permanent suspension of his account. Following the ban, Mr Trump attempted to use the POTUS Twitter account, which was set up for sitting presidents. But all of these attempts were almost immediately deleted by Twitter. The environment at the White House has reportedly deteriorated since the insurrection at the Capitol. Aides described Mr Trumps recent conduction as like mad King George and a total monster to The Washington Post. Trump believes that he has these people so intimidated they wouldnt dare mess with him. I think Trump doesnt understand how precarious his situation is right now," the Republican source told the publication. Prior to receiving his Twitter ban, Mr Trump announced he would not be attending President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. BOSTON One Twitter wag joked about lights flickering on and off at the White House being Donald Trump signaling to his followers in Morse code after Twitter and Facebook squelched the president for inciting rebellion. Though deprived of his big online megaphones, Trump does have alternative options of much smaller reach. The far right-friendly Parler may be the leading candidate, though Google and Apple have both removed it from their app stores and Amazon decided to boot it off its web hosting service. That could knock it offline for a week, Parlers CEO said. Trump may launch his own platform. But that wont happen overnight, and free speech experts anticipate growing pressure on all social media platforms to curb incendiary speech as Americans take stock of Wednesdays violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol by a Trump-incited mob. Twitter ended Trumps nearly 12-year run on Friday. In shuttering his account it cited a tweet to his 89 million followers that he planned to skip President-elect Joe Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration that it said gave rioters license to converge on Washington once again. Facebook and Instagram have suspended Trump at least until Inauguration Day. Twitch and Snapchat also have disabled Trumps accounts, while Shopify took down online stores affiliated with the president and Reddit removed a Trump subgroup. Twitter also banned Trump loyalists including former national security advisor Michael Flynn in a sweeping purge of accounts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory and the Capitol insurrection. Some had hundreds of thousands of followers. In a statement Friday, Trump said: We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future. Experts had predicted Trump might pop up on Parler, a 2-year-old magnet for the far right that claims more than 12 million users and where his sons Eric and Don Jr. are already active. Parler hit headwinds, though, on Friday as Google yanked its smartphone app from its app store for allowing postings that seek to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. Apple followed suit on Saturday evening after giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities. Public safety issues will need to be resolved before it is restored, Apple said. Amazon struck another blow Saturday, informing Parler it would need to look for a new web-hosting service effective midnight Sunday. It reminded Parler in a letter, first reported by Buzzfeed, that it had informed it in the past few weeks of 98 examples of posts that clearly encourage and incite violence and said the platform poses a very real risk to public safety. Parler CEO John Matze decried the punishments as a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the marketplace. We were too successful too fast, he said in a Saturday night post, saying it was possible Parler would be unavailable for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch. Earlier, Matze complained of being scapegoated. Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler. He said he wont cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech. Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones severely limits Parlers reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. Losing Amazon Web Services will mean Parler needs to scramble to find another web host in addition to the re-engineering. Gab is another potential landing spot for Trump. But it, too, has had troubles with internet hosting. Google and Apple both booted it from their app stores in 2017 and it was left internet-homeless for a time the following year due to anti-Semitic posts attributed to the man accused of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Microsoft also terminated a web-hosting contract. Online speech experts expect social media companies led by Facebook, Twitter and Googles YouTube to more vigorously police hate speech and incitement in the wake of the Capitol rebellion, as Western democracies led by Nazism-haunted Germany already do. David Kaye, a University of California-Irvine law professor and former U.N. special rapporteur on free speech believes the Parlers of the world will also face pressure from the public and law enforcement as will little-known sites where further pre-inauguration disruption is now apparently being organized. They include MeWe, Wimkin, TheDonald.win and Stormfront, according to a report released Saturday by The Alethea Group, which tracks disinformation. Kaye rejects arguments by U.S. conservatives including the presidents former U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, that the Trump ban savaged the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from restricting free expression. Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country, Haley tweeted. Its not like the platforms rules are draconian. People dont get caught in violations unless they do something clearly against the rules, said Kaye. And not just individual citizens have free speech rights. The companies have their freedom of speech, too. While initially arguing their need to be neutral on speech, Twitter and Facebook gradually yielded to public pressure drawing the line especially when the so-called Plandemic video emerged early in the COVID-19 pandemic urging people not to wear masks, noted civic media professor Ethan Zuckerman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Zuckerman expects the Trump de-platforming may spur important online shifts. First, there may be an accelerated splintering of the social media world along ideological lines. Trump will pull a lot of audience wherever he goes, he said. That could mean more platforms with smaller, more ideologically isolated audiences. A splintering could push people towards extremes or make extremism less infectious, he said: Maybe people looking for a video about welding on YouTube will no longer find themselves being offered an unrelated QAnon video. Alternative media systems that are less top-down managed and more self-governing could also emerge. Zuckerman also expects major debate about online speech regulation, including in Congress. I suspect you will see efforts from the right arguing that there shouldnt be regulations on acceptable speech, he said. I think you will see arguments from the democratic side that speech is a public health issue. The Associated Press 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. In Normal People, like the lead characters, perception of the 'normal' also comes of age. Language: English The most 'normal' trait of Normal People, Hulu's adaptation of Sally Rooney's 2018 eponymous novel, is its association of romance with rebellion. Every love story ever told is rebellious in nature since the union of two individuals often stands against the tides of social constructs like class and religion. Normal People begins as a teenage romance between a rich girl and a relatively less well-off guy, but rebels against such template from the onset. Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is the wealthy outcast in school, where a group of less economically privileged classmates bully her because she mostly keeps to herself. Remarks like 'ugly flat-chest b*tch' get to her because of self-esteem issues and a troubled family background. Connell (Paul Mescal) has a soft corner for her. His mother Lorraine (the unstoppable Sarah Greene) works as domestic help at Marianne's place. While he is part of the bully gang, he never participates in their targeted verbal assaults. This leads to the two of them falling in love sleeping with each other. For love is miles, and literally years, away. Their relationship traverses countless breakups and hook-ups, detours in other dating partners, cities (Sligo, their hometown, and Dublin, where they attend university, and a couple of towns in Italy), and a string of personal experiences of trauma. Rebellion comes in different shapes and sizes. What started as a latent rebellion against society that may judge them evolves into a desperate rebellion against the other, and a helpless rebellion against the self. These rebellions form the contours, the crests and troughs, in the screenplay by Rooney, Alice Birch (11 episodes), and Mark O' Rowe (one episode). The 'twists' run the risk of feeling imposed for the sake of manufactured turbulence in what could have been a smooth relationship. But courtesy deeply felt performances by the leads and their unwavering chemistry, the inflection points feel earned despite there being too many. Physical intimacy precedes emotional in every episode as both Marianne and Connell are more equipped to bare their bodies than their hearts to each other. The lovemaking scenes reflect the fragile bond they share, as well as the messiness they cannot help but relish in after days of pent-up desire. The paradoxical mix of chaos and tenderness in bed is caused by their unmitigated eagerness to find themselves in each other. There is more climax than foreplay. But even when the sex is tense, it is always an ice-breaker. Once the point of satiation arrives, the lust for ambition and fear of attachment kick in, and the two begin finding faults in each other's choices. To reduce their complex romance to millennial surface-level is unfair, just like it is to boil their differences down to class. Grave issues like domestic abuse, parental discord, sibling violence, and panic attacks triggered by suicide find a space here. They are treated with the required sensitivity, and not just used as woke check boxes to justify millennial insecurities. But I have to admit to have our heavenly-looking protagonists go through the drill of making wrong choices one after the other and delay 'falling in love' does get exhausting. The mini-series extends for 12 episodes of 30 minutes each, and it could have easily been trimmed down to a little over half the runtime. The vertical layering does not sit well with the horizontal stretching. It becomes too much to take in for too long. Yes, the idea may be that life is not simple and love is elusive; but when the narrative goes in rounds, the fatigue becomes overbearing. At a time when one is expected to root for the protagonists, one conveniently plays a drinking game: will they (have sex), won't they. Directors Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald, who helm six episodes each, manage to put forth an aesthetically and spiritually consistent story. Cinematographers Suzie Lavelle and Kate McCullough stage key portions of the story as tight close-up shots of the protagonists. The camera stays on their faces as a collaborated attempt with the audience to decode their intentions. The visual flow is intercepted by sharp angular shots peppered all over it to break the inertia of a show that otherwise looks breathtaking in every frame. Natural light and lamps are used amply to lend a soft texture to the pastoral geography of Ireland and Lucy van Lonkhuyzen's tasteful production design. It is a relief that these visual elements flow in contrast to the knotty screenplay. Stephen Rennicks' artfully curated background score, and Nathan Nugent and Stephen O' Connell's unhurried editing help as well. A few tweaks in fashion and hairstyle by Lorna Marie Mugan aid the time lapse the characters undergo. But a special mention must be accorded to the chain that Connell wears in his neck. It denotes his working-class background, as Rooney labelled it as "Argos chic" in the book. But over the course of the show, the accessory ceases to be merely a class marker, and becomes a part of Connell. It shines with the same luminosity as the skin on his face. Even when he is undressed, he remains 'chained' not because he is an inextricable victim of his class, but of his own personality, of which class is only one of the components. In Normal People, like the lead characters, the perception of the 'normal' also comes of age. Rebellion shakes things up across the show only to become the 'new normal' by the end. The final scene reiterates Marianne and Connell coming to terms with their rebellion, and of each other. One cannot help but smile when Marianne utters the final words, "You go, I stay. And we'll be okay." Normal People is streaming on Lionsgate Play. All images from Twitter. Businesses and unions are lobbying for frontline workers such as bus drivers and checkout assistants to jump the queue for coronavirus vaccines to ensure their industries can leave COVID-19 restrictions behind without risking outbreaks. Industries are jockeying for priority treatment for their workers as the government brings forward its vaccine roll-out in the face of new and more infectious coronavirus strains out of the United Kingdom and South Africa. Retail workers, who kept the country fed during the height of panic buying, are one group unions and business want to have early vaccine access. Credit:Janie Barrett Those lobbying the Morrison government are driven by fears some workers in constant contact with customers and delivering essential services will not get the vaccine soon enough, and that others in spheres including education, tourism and trade will lose key overseas contacts if they do not get a vaccine to travel. The intense jockeying puts pressure on the government to clarify its vaccine rollout, which has already been pushed forward from an expected late March start to February and will begin with hotel quarantine and aged care employees. A husband has shared a photo of his wife's tanned arm for a very special reason. The man said he wanted to give recognition to the hardworking individuals who look after testing clinics across Australia, helping keep up the fight against coronavirus. He said his wife gained the tan having worked as a Covid-19 drive-thru test clinic coordinator in Sydney since the pandemic was declared in March. 'Her arm has tanned so much from sun exposure where the PPE she wears doesn't cover,' the man wrote on a post shared to Reddit alongside the photo. A husband has shared this photo of his wife's tanned arm to give recognition to the hardworking individuals at testing clinics across Australia In a post on Reddit, the man said his wife has been working as as a Covid-19 drive-thru test clinic coordinator since March He said he was 'very proud of his wife' who often works overtime on weekends to help stamp out cases of community transmission of coronavirus. He noted his wife has not been to the beach once since March. 'I wanted to post this because whenever I watch the daily Covid updates from various premiers they always thank the contract tracers and people waiting in lines for hours to get tested,' the man wrote. 'But the people who run these clinics get the shortest end of the stick because they don't get to sit down or chill in an air conditioned space while they work.' He said they are often abused by drivers who understandably get frustrated during peak testing periods. They also have to grapple with constantly changing rules and advice on who should get tested and shifting opening hours of sites near outbreaks, he said. New South Wales has more than 350 testing sites across the state, with a combination of drive-thru and walk-in clinics. Pictured, a nurse carries out a Covid-19 test at the Bondi Beach drive-thru testing clinic in November Comments posted on the photo were full of praise for those who are on the frontline of Australia's fight against coronavirus The man pleaded with those getting tested to be kind and respectful to the individuals who are carrying out testing. 'They deserve much more appreciation, so please be polite and understanding to your swabbers and registration nurses when you next need to get tested,' he said. 'It's not their fault it takes time to get each test done properly and hopefully it will only be for a few more months once vaccines are rolled out to everyone.' The post attracted numerous comments, with those who responded full of praise for the individuals playing their part to keep Australia free of coronavirus. 'You should definitely be very proud of your wife. Well done to her. You make a very very true point. Stay safe,' one person wrote. Another said: 'Please thank your wife on behalf of Australia. Our frontline workers are absolutely amazing and we are very proud of them too. They are saving lives while putting their own health at risk. I hope she gets a holiday soon and REALLY gets to the beach'. However some raised concerns about his wife having access to adequate sun protection. 'Thanks to your awesome wife and all her colleagues across the country doing this work. Curious what PPE she is issued, the test station near us has the staff in full length sleeve coveralls all day, does she have those but they don't block UV?,' one asked. The man responded: 'It's a full length PPE but its a transparent yellow type so it doesn't fully block sunlight.' He added she then wears her standard health-issued work uniform underneath. New South Wales has more than 350 testing sites across the state, with a combination of drive-thru and walk-in clinics. More than 4.3million tests have been carried out in New South Wales since coronavirus was first reported in the state in January last year. POLICE in Bulawayo have bust a fuel syndicate and arrested five people, two of them National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) workers for stealing more than 1 400 litres of diesel from the parastatals locomotives valued at Z$150 000 which they were selling on the black market. Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrest which occurred on Thursday when police pounced on Taurai Moyo (40) of Nketa, Thomas Musavengana (44), of Sizinda an engineman at NRZ, Oliver Mapenduka (45) of Sizinda, a security guard at NRZ, Perfect Mpala of Lobengula West and Bawinile Ndlovu of Mzilikazi. They allegedly stole 1 480 litres of diesel from NRZ station in Bulawayo. Insp Ncube said the five were arrested in Thorngrove where they were storing the diesel before selling it on the black market after police got a tip-off from members of the public. I can confirm that police in Bulawayo are investigating a case of theft of fuel and on January 7, 2021 at around 3pm, police arrested five accused persons in connection with the matter, said Insp Ncube. Circumstances according to police are that on 7 January, 2021 at about 10am police received information to the effect that the accused persons Moyo, Ndlovu and Mpala were dealing in fuel (diesel) at their work place in Thorngrove, which was believed to have been stolen. Police proceeded to the given address and conducted surveillances. The team observed that the accused persons had just arrived at the premises and offloaded some drums of diesel from their vehicle, a Ford Ranger registration number ABA 4348 belonging to Moyo. Insp Ncube said the police raided the garage and recovered the stolen fuel. The team pounced at the garage and arrested the above-mentioned trio. A search was conducted at the premises leading to the recovery of four 200-litre drums, two 210-litre drums and seven containers of 25 litres of diesel. The accused persons were interviewed and revealed that they had stolen the diesel from NRZ trains by means of draining it. The three accused persons implicated NRZ employees Musavengana and Mapenduka whom they connived with to drain fuel from the trains. The accused indicated that they had drained the diesel from a train in Nyamandlovu area. Moyo then led police to the two NRZ employees, he said. Insp Ncube said police recovered 1 480 litres of fuel from the suspects. The accused persons were taken to and detained at Western Commonage. Total quantity of diesel recovered is 1 480 litres valued at $149 332-00, he said. Sunday News Representative image With the ongoing pandemic situation globally, Indian students who are enrolled in Chinese universities were denied permission to return. Indian Embassy in China in a statement informed students on January 8, "Chinese authorities have denied permission for the operation of any chartered flights between India and China, citing their strict control measures." Meanwhile, the Embassy continued to take up the issue of Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities. Regarding the resumption of studies with authorities, the statement said, "unfortunately, there has been no positive evolution of this situation". Embassy continues to take up issue of Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities about resumption of studies with authorities,there's no positive evolution....Chinese authorities denied permission for operation of any chartered flights b/w India&China:Indian Embassy,Beijing pic.twitter.com/soOa0CGXh8 ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021 With the reports of a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in China, authorities have further reinforced controls and restrictions on travel and entry into China, informed the Indian Embassy. Further, it stated that the suspension of visas of Indian nationals issued before November 2, 2020, is an instance of these enhanced controls. However, the Embassy advised, "Indian students to monitor its websites and social media channels to remain updated about the evolving situation with respect to the prospects of their return to China." 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 It also advised the students to remain in touch with their respective universities for further updates. Meanwhile, Chinese authorities said the restrictions in place are not likely to be relaxed in the coming months and students studying in China were advised accordingly with respect to their studies for the next semester, which is likely to continue only through online platforms. Amitabh now has 45 million followers on Twitter India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Mumbai, Jan 10: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan on Saturday clocked 45 million followers on Twitter. The 78-year-old star is one of the most active Bollywood personalities on Twitter. He is also present on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, among others and has a personal blog on Tumblr. Taking to Twitter, the actor thanked one of his fans, who posted an old black-and-white picture of a young Bachchan, seeking blessings from his late father, poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan. On the photo, the fan wrote, "45 million started with the blessings of Pujya Maa and Pujya Babuji." Recalling the moment, Bachchan said, "The picture says a lot more.. It's the moment I came home surviving death after the 'Coolie' accident... It's the first time ever I saw my father breaking down! A concerned little Abhishek looks on!" Roadies fame Rajiv Lakshman deletes pic with Rhea Chakraborty, issues apology for 'unnecessary trouble' In 1982, Bachchan had suffered a fatal accident while shooting an action scene for Manmohan Desai's "Coolie" in Bangalore. He was hospitalised and it took him several months to fully recover. The megastar often describes his life post the accident as a rebirth. The actor currently has 29 million followers on Facebook and 24.5 million on Instagram. At the moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has the most popular Twitter profile in India, with 64.7 million followers. On the work front, the veteran actor will next feature in Ayan Mukherji-directed "Brahmastra", Nagraj Manjule's "Jhund" and Rumi Jaffrey's "Chehre". He recently joined the cast of Mayday , being directed by actor-filmmaker Ajay Devgn. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 9:15 [IST] Its been a tough year for all and sundry. And would be an understatement to say the year 2020 was not exactly the best of time for the Indian diamond industry as well. But, it is a known fact that the diamond industry has weathered many a storm during the past many decades. Known for its resilience, the Industry has faced every crisis over the years with grit and courage, returning stronger each time. To put it simply, the Indian diamond industry is a survivor! One also cannot say that COVID-19 pandemics impact on the industry hit it so hard and brought it to its present state. It partly did, but its was a double whammy. The Indian industry was already going through a slow phase with multiple issues affecting the diamond business. And the spread of Coronavirus globally only added to the existing problems. For years, the diamond, gems and jewellery sector has played a significant role in the Indian economy. Moreover, India exports more than 75% of the worlds polished diamond, gems and jewellery, contributing to the country's foreign exchange earnings (FEEs). It is one of the fastest-growing sectors, mostly export-oriented and labour intensive, contributing around 7% to the countrys GDP and 15% to Indias total merchandise export. Employing more than 5 million people currently, it is expected to reach 8.23 million by 2022. India is the worlds largest cutting and polishing centre for diamonds, with the cutting and polishing industry being well supported by government policies. Because of its low costs and availability of high-skilled labour, India is deemed to be the hub of the global jewellery market. Not surprising that the Indian government has undertaken various measures to promote investment and upgrade technology and skills to promote Brand India in the international market. And due to its potential for growth and value addition, the government has declared gems and jewellery sector as a focus area for export promotion. The Indian government presently allows 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector through the automatic route. However, the COVID-19 was an unprecedented situation that disrupted the Indian diamond/jewellery industry, like other industries world over, pushing its boundaries of resilience. All along the pipeline including miners, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers in the industry had to gear up to follow new norms, and so did the Indian industry. Resuming manufacturing operations or even trading in the midst of the pandemic was daunting and the industry members put in a lot of thinking and started the units after reframing new rules and different social normsof course with courage in an intimidating pandemic situation. But, with the global economy gradually turning around again and many mining companies beginning operations in Canada and Africa; and stores in consuming countries gradually opening for business, the industry got the required encouragement to grow further. Besides, closer home, with Special Export Zones (SEZs) in Jaipur/Surat; and Surat Hira Bourse starting operations, it was no looking back for the Indian industry. However, Indias diamond exports continued to dip in the following months by registering $ 389.04 mln compared to $1864.56 mln during May 2019, a decline of 79.13%, due to the total closure of all manufacturing units for virtually the whole of April and the partial reopening of only a few units in May, there were almost no exports/imports during April. In May, exports to China, Europe and Australia showed some growth, but the US and the Middle East continued to be impacted due to COVID-19. Indias export of cut & polished diamonds at $ 898.32 mln in the month of June 2020 declined by 46.91 % as compared to $ 1692.18 mln for the same month of 2019. For the period April-June 2020, the overall exports of cut & polished diamonds at $ 1801.71 mln showed a decline of 49.68% as compared to $ 3580.22 mln for the same period of the year 2019. In July again, Indias cut and polished diamond exports declined by 38.85% recording $ 918.44 mn during July 2020 as against $ 1501.97 mn exported in July 2019. Rough imports during July declined 81.63% to $ 230.90 mn as compared to $ 1094.58 mn imported during July of the previous year. In an attempt to boost confidence into the industry, the then Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Pramod Agrawal was more than positive and claimed that the Indian gem and jewellery industry had a backlog of over $1 billion-worth of orders. He also indicated that the orders need to be delivered soon, or else there is a fear of losing business to neighbouring countries like China or Thailand, as both the countries were operational at that point of time. This gave the required impetus to the industry which went head-on to continue the manufacturing process, of course by taking all precautions but not cowing down. During the strict lockdown in the country, GJEPC managed to convince the Maharashtra government to allow minimal operations at the Santacruz Electronics Export Promotion Zone (SEEPZ), Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) etc., which are the most prominent export zones in India. GJEPC along with the Bharat Diamond Bourse worked with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to commence minimal operations at BDB while complying with COVID-19 restrictions to clear backlogs, which worked well for the industry. This was the time when major decisions were taken by the industry members along with the trade organizations. The then Vice Chairman Colin Shah explained: This industry has emerged from every crisis more resilient. This time, it will take longer to find the new normal, which could be about 20% below the pre-Coronavirus level in value terms. The industry collectively took a decision to halt rough diamond imports for a month starting from May 15th, 2020 to stabilise diamond prices and clear the existing inventory. It was accepted by the Indian industry that with the pandemic, which had overtaken the global business scenario, things will never be the same again. So, to bring back the industry to working mode again, it was decided to ensure that the workforce is brought back once the lockdown was lifted. It is reported in the media that when asked how the Indian Industry can revive exports during the uncertain times, the then Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. Ms Rupa Dutta, said that the diamond/jewellery business will be uncertain and will take time before some revival in exports is seen. As such, revival in the gem and jewellery sector will definitely take more time as compared to other sectors, she said. The Surat diamond manufacturing sector has not seen such a dismal situation in recent times. With the pandemic raging and the lockdown in place, Surat Diamond Workers Union president Jaysukh Gajera feared 70 per cent of the workers who were leaving the city may never come back as they were left with no source of income. With more than 5 million people employed in the 8000 odd diamond cutting and polishing units, Surat remained shut from March-end till the first week of June. But again, since business resumed in the second week of June, over 600 workers and their families tested positive for coronavirus forcing workers to return to their native places in hordes. As the diamond polishing units were shut, the workers who lived in rented houses were unable to sustain their livelihood. They have been jobless for almost four months and there was little hope the situation will improve in the near future. However, with the cutting centre in Surat not ready to back off the manufacturers took all steps to keep the units working but with adequate precautions to keep the workers safe from the COVID-19 virus. Indias cut and polished diamond exports declined 25.72 per cent registering $ 1216.79 mn during August 2020, against $ 1638.22 mn exported in August 2019. Rough imports during August 2020 declined 42.23 per cent to $ 497.51 mn as compared to $ 861.13 mn imported during Aug 2019. Exports of rough diamonds totalled $ 22.75 mn in Aug 2020 as compared to $ 120.15 mn in Aug 2019. The measures to control the pandemic meant production centres were closed or operating at very low levels, and rough-diamond imports fell in line with poor end-product demand. Diamond exports from India, which polishes about 90% of the worlds rough diamonds, will collapse by as much as a quarter this year as the pandemic crushes demand and breaks supply chains. That will push exports to the lowest in data going back to the 2009 fiscal year, according to industry sources. In 2008, things were bad for a quarter and business recovered after that, Shah said in a media interview. This is now two quarters gone. While festivals such as Diwali, Christmas and Valentines Day will prop up demand in the next six months, that wont be enough to lift full-year exports, he said. India imposed one of the worlds strictest lockdowns in March to contain the coronavirus outbreak. That brought activity to a halt and put the economy on course for its first annual contraction in more than four decades. With more than 7 million infections, the country is one of the worlds virus hot spots. The measures to control the pandemic meant production centres were closed or operating at very low levels, and rough-diamond imports fell in line with poor end-product demand. The countrys diamond exports sank 37% to $5.5 billion in the six months through September from the year-earlier period. Workers have now started returning to the diamond-polishing hubs of Surat, Mumbai and Kolkata, and factories are operating at 70% to 80% of capacity with social-distancing norms in place, Shah said. Still, its difficult to predict global supply chains as rules to control the virus change frequently, he said. For the record, the Surats diamond market, which employs over half a million people across 6,000 polishing units, is the worlds biggest diamond polishing hub, but faced the toughest test for survival during the lockdown. Never has the cutting centre witnessed its sales dwindling to lowest ever in recent times. In addition, Surat had never witnessed such large-scale exodus of the workers back to their natives amid fears of catching the COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, it is essential to note that the coronavirus pandemic definitely caused immense disruptions to the processing sector. But it also disturbed the purchasing strength of the consuming markets such as the US, Canada, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan among others. Surat polishes 14 out of 15 rough diamonds in the world with most of them exported back to the overseas consumer markets. By July 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had reached a rather alarming stage in India, and Surat, the biggest diamond cutting centre of India was badly hit too. So, the city saw a massive exodus of diamond industry workers leaving most of the diamond units big and small closed. It is reported that more than 8000 diamond cutting and polishing units in Surat, which remained shut from March-end till the first week of June, employed about 0.6 million people. But, since the business activities resumed in the second week of June, production has been picking up gradually, despite strict precautionary measures like the closure of some units due to COVID-19 infections by the government authorities. Meanwhile, demand for polished diamonds dipped to an all-time low due to the pandemic. All the consuming centres like US, Hong Kong, EU and other centres reported low demand, putting more pressure on the Indian diamond industry. To ease the stockpile and stabilise diamond prices, the GJEPC and other trade bodies suggested voluntary ceasing rough imports by India's diamond companies. More than 2,000 large and small firms in India cancelled imports and convinced global miners ALROSA and De Beers of the urgency to defer supply and avert panic sale as demand plunged amid Covid-19. As of early August, the diamond market witnessed some signs of recovery with demand gradually picking up in the US, China and parts of Europe. Diamond cutting and polishing activity too picked up in Surat as Covid-19 cases declined in factories. Of the 7,000 odd diamond manufacturing units, nearly 5,000 small, medium and large units soon became operational. Following government guidelines, the factories were working at 70% capacity. Soon, diamond exporters were witnessing orders from the US, Hong Kong and parts of Europe for all types of polished goods. As per reports in the media, diamond manufacturers in Surat sounded positive before Diwali in November. According to them, during the previous two months, good demand has changed the scenario for the sector with fresh orders coming in from the US and Europe. The mood is good, especially after nearly 3 months of almost no business during the lockdown. But now our sales are improving with every passing month. Initially, China and Hong Kong gave some good business but due to political trouble there, the US has now become our steady market for exports. We believe the momentum to continue at least till the beginning of New Year 2021, they said. However, during Diwali, the diamantaires faced a shortage of manpower and rough diamonds. The industry has cut down on the Diwali vacation for the diamond workers from a usual 20-day vacation to just 5 days. It is reported that the workers too were eager to work and cut down their Diwali holidays to earn more, having lost their earnings during the lockdown. The shortage of rough is attributed to travel curbs. As there is too much delay in procuring rough diamonds, manufacturing was getting affected adversely. The purchases for rough diamonds wasnt happening at the pace it is required. There is no stock in the pipeline. The polishers are hand-to-mouth for rough diamonds. Polished diamond demand is likely to remain firm till Christmas, was the common refrain by the cutters, adding that this has led to a marginal increase in the rough diamond prices. In addition, manufacturers claimed that in the Covid-hit scenario, when other investment asset classes are volatile, a large section of global investors are believed to have turned to the diamond for its haven quality. With the efforts of the industry members and government support, the Surats diamond trade was soon sparkling again, if not as bright as in the past, but orders piled up at Surat units. This was again, the reason why diamantaires cut short workers Diwali vacations, as workers too did not want holidays. Since then, the no holidays scenario had continued due to overseas demand from consumer markets. In fact, Indias diamond trade is getting closer to its pre-Covid sparkle, thanks to the renewed demand from the United States and Europe, which together account for nearly half of Indias polished diamond exports. According to sources, the diamond exporters from Surat and Mumbai were seeing signs of a strong revival. And with most of the piled-up inventories of polished diamonds exhausted, the polishers have increasingly started sourcing rough diamonds to execute new orders. Rough diamonds imports in September 2020 stood at 163.71 lakh carats worth $ 1347.30 mn, as against 152.24 lakh carats worth $ 1159.63 m in September last year. This is the first time since February the rough diamond imports have increased on a year-on-year basis. All cutting centres in the country including Surat, the worlds leading diamond manufacturing hub, is humming again. Restrictions and rules due to the pandemic are in force, but many leading manufacturers have not reported any new COVID cases of late. Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC recently commented: Cut and polished diamonds are a major contributor to overall Indias gems and jewellery exports amounting to $35 bn. Although exports in the first quarter have been severely impacted by the ongoing pandemic, it is heartening to note that exports have commenced from India. As there are orders coming from the US, Hong Kong and parts of Europe for certain types of polished goods, the sector is on the path of recovery. The upcoming holiday season in the western countries would further boost the demand for gems and jewellery. According to Sanjay Shah, Convener, Diamond Panel Committee, GJEPC, with Indias overall exports currently pegged at 50%, GJEPC is optimistic about Q3 & Q4 as orders have come in from the US, and demand from China too picked up from September onwards, expecting an additional 10-15% boost in orders. Currently, of the nearly 7000 diamond manufacturing units in Surat, about half are operational. Due to the stringent government guidelines, the factories are now working at 70% capacity. Diamond cutting units in Surat have been allowed greater flexibility to operate from 31 July on condition that they will adhere to a set of norms that include mandatory Covid-19 tests for traders and staff, as per media reports. Restrictions were imposed on the functioning of the units as Surat witnessed a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases over the past few months. But, after a short lull period with total lockdown and exodus of workers, Surat, the diamond manufacturing hub of the country has returned like the phoenix! GJEPC has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) to build Indias largest jewellery park in at Ghansoli in Navi-Mumbai on 25 acres land with a capacity to have more than 5000 jewellery units of various sizes ranging from 50010,000 square feet. The overall investment will be $ 2.09 billion. Gold Monetisation Scheme enables individuals, trusts and mutual funds to deposit gold with banks and earn interest on the same in return. Also, The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) at the Government of India issued a notification dated 28th September 2020 permitting the amendment of technical nature, typographical errors or errors apparent on the face of records in KP Certificate based on Standards Operating Procedure (SOP), and validated by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC). The amended policy condition shall also apply to pending imports of rough diamonds. The manufacturing sector was buzzing with activity after Diwali, as nearly 200,000 migrant workers returned to work. With orders reportedly pouring in from across the world, including the key markets of the United States of America and China, the manufacturers were hell-bent on completing the orders much before Christmas and New Year. Of late, the industry performance is picking up despite being under lockdown due to the pandemic. Indias cut and polished diamond exports declined 19.60 per cent registering $ 1564 mn during Sept 2020 as against $ 1946 mn exported in Sept 2019. However, rough imports during Sept 2020 increased 16.18 per cent to $ 1347.30 mn as compared to $ 1159.63 mn imported during Sept 2019. Colin Shah, chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) expressed optimism saying: Demand has revived, and the trade is getting good orders from the US, China, Gulf countries and some parts of Europe. There is good demand in India too. The worst is behind us hopefully. The workers are also returning to join their work as well. However, the lockdown in Belgium, the worlds largest diamond trading centre battling the world's worst coronavirus outbreak by some measures is the major problem faced by the Indian industry. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished The Kremlin said on Sunday that Putin, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will discuss in Moscow the agreements implementation and further steps aimed at resolving existing problems in the region. Special attention will be paid to providing assistance to residents of areas that suffered as a result of the hostilities and unblocking and developing trade and transport links, it said, adding that Putin will also hold separate meetings with Pashinian and Aliyev. Putin discussed the Karabakh conflict with Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and three top security officials in a video conference held later on Sunday. No details of the discussion were made public. Meanwhile, Pashinians press secretary, Mane Gevorgian, emphasized the economic character of the upcoming trilateral meeting, saying that it will focus on the opening of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border envisaged by the November 9 agreement. The truce agreement specifically commits Yerevan to opening a transport link between the Nakhichevan exclave and the rest of Azerbaijan, which would presumably pass through Armenias southeastern Syunik province. Gevorgian again insisted that that it will not serve as a permanent corridor and that Armenia will be able, for its part, to use Azerbaijani territory as a transit route for cargo shipments to and from Russia and Iran. She also reiterated that the opening of the transport links will be conditional on Baku releasing dozens of Armenians remaining in Azerbaijani captivity and facilitating the ongoing search for other soldiers and civilians who went missing during the six-week war. Without a solution to or major progress on these issues it will be extremely difficult to discuss the economic agenda, she wrote on Facebook. Gevorgian went on to dismiss Armenian opposition claims that Pashinian could agree to more Armenian territorial concessions to Azerbaijan during his talks with Aliyev. No document on resolving the Karabakh conflict or any territorial issue is due to be signed in Moscow, she said. An alliance of over a dozen Armenian opposition parties seeking to oust Pashinian has expressed serious concern over the upcoming Armenian-Azerbaijani talks. One of its leaders, Vazgen Manukian, demanded an urgent meeting with Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazian, National Security Service Director Armen Abazian and Armenias top army general, Onik Gasparian. Ayvazian met with Manukian and two other opposition leaders on Saturday. Armen Abazian and Onik Gasparian avoided a meeting, which only deepened our concerns and suspicions, Manukian said in a statement issued on Sunday. The [opposition] Homeland Salvation Movement states that any decision [to be made in Moscow] against the interests of Armenia and Artsakh will be rejected by the Armenian people and invalidated after regime change, he warned. The opposition forces blame Pashinian for Armenias defeat in the six-week war and want him to hand over power to an interim government that would hold snap parliamentary elections within a year. The prime minister has rejected the opposition demands. The judge called it the most "coldblooded, brutal murder" he had ever tried. News articles described it as the most horrible kidnapping in decades, or as the St. Louis Dispatch wrote, a "tale of evil, stupidity and corruption." On September 28, 1953, Bonnie Brown Heady walked into Notre Dame de Sion, a Catholic school in Kansas City, Mo., and posed as the aunt of Bobby Greenlease, the 6-year-old son of one of the city's richest men. She and her boyfriend, Carl Austin Hall, kidnapped the boy and demanded ransom from his parents. They picked up a duffel bag of $600,000, the largest ransom ever paid at that point, and promised to return the boy safely to his family. But the boy was already dead. Hall had shot him soon after the kidnapping and buried him in Heady's backyard. It became Missouri's most famous crime of the 20th century. Just 81 days after the grizzly killing riveted the country, the two kidnappers were executed side by side in a Missouri gas chamber. The swift punishment marked the last time a woman died by federal execution. Now, almost seven decades later, another woman faces the same fate: Lisa Montgomery, who was convicted in 2007 of strangling a 23-year-old Missouri woman who was eight months pregnant, and cutting the baby from her abdomen. The infant survived and was raised by her father. A federal jury in Kansas City convicted Montgomery of kidnapping resulting in death and unanimously recommended a death sentence. Her execution had been delayed after two of her lawyers fell ill with the coronavirus, but the Justice Department sought to schedule her execution for Jan. 12. After more legal wrangling, a panel of judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled the execution can proceed on Tuesday. In the final months of the Trump presidency, the administration has overseen 10 federal executions, the most in a calendar year in the United States in decades, and more in a presidential transition period than any other in U.S. history, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Montgomery is one of only a few women in the nation's history to face death by federal execution, according to Robert Dunham, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center. While about 10 percent of people arrested for murder are women, only about 2 percent of death sentences are imposed on women, Dunham said. There are a few reasons for that, Dunham said. Not only do men commit significantly more murders than women, but the nature of the murders are also different. Convicted murderers eligible for the death penalty typically have a history of other aggravated crimes. "That kind of criminal history is almost exclusively male," Dunham said. Most women who have been executed, and many of those currently on death row, were convicted of murdering a spouse, romantic partner or child, Dunham said, while men on death row typically committed the murder in the course of another felony, such as robbery or rape. Still, in the past 100 years, more than 40 women have been executed in the United States, and as of October 2020 there were 51 women on death row, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The women that do face capital punishment are often depicted in trial and in the media as violating gendered expectations of women, said Mary Atwell, an expert on gender and the death penalty, and professor emeritus of criminal justice at Radford University. "They were considered to be bad mothers or unfaithful wives or promiscuous or in some cases, lesbians," Atwell said. The crimes "were treated as if they were so much worse because this is a woman that failed to be the woman that she should have been," she said. News coverage in 1953 often described Heady as a prostitute and alcoholic. Articles depicted her as overweight, "plump," and "frowzy-haired." Many of the women on death row, including Montgomery and Heady, have also been victims of abuse themselves. Montgomery's lawyers have said she has suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from a tortured childhood of being sexually trafficked and severely abused by her mother and sexually assaulted by her stepfather. Heady reportedly suffered physical abuse at the hands of men she dated, including Hall. "She was a victim of sorts, I think," said John Heidenry, author of the book "Zero at the Bone: The Playboy, The Prostitute, and the Murder of Bobby Greenlease." Heidenry acknowledged that Heady consented to playing a crucial role in the brutal kidnapping and murder. Still, he said, "she was a victim of drink, she was a victim of circumstances and bad men. ... My sympathy in some strange way aligns with both of these women." Heady, the widow of a bank robber, had come from a relatively well-to-do family before she fell into alcoholism and met Hall at a bar she frequented in St. Joseph, Mo., said Heidenry. Hall, too, was a severe alcoholic. He had torn through a $200,000 inheritance from his mother and served jail time for robbing cabs. "It didn't take long to size her up," Heidenry said. "He pretended that he loved her and told her that he loved her. He also needed a place to stay, and her house was convenient." Hall soon told Heady about a plan - a plot to kidnap the child of a wealthy man: Robert C. Greenlease, a millionaire who was one of Kansas City's earliest and most successful car dealers. News of the kidnapping of Bobby Greenlease, and the half dozen ransom notes and 15 telephone calls to the Greenlease family that followed, "captivated the imagination of the United States" Heidenry said. After Hall had killed the boy and buried his body, he and Heady took the ransom money and traveled to St. Louis. Hall abandoned Heady, drunk and fast asleep, in a rented apartment. He kept almost all of the ransom money, leaving her with only $2,000. Hall was later arrested by St. Louis police lieutenant Louis Shoulders, who had connections with the mobster and cab company boss Joe Costello. More than half of the $600,000 ransom went missing, and became the subject of nationwide intrigue. Heidenry, the author, remembers as a teenage boy in the St. Louis area searching for the missing money. FBI records later disclosed that Shoulders and Costello stole the $300,000. Both Hall and Heady pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and murder, but toward the end of the trial, Hall's attorney said his client hoped to take the blame off Heady. "He did this. He planned it," the attorney said, according to news reports. Heady, her lawyer said, was but "putty in the hands" of Hall. Still, an all-male jury took just 67 minutes to decide the punishment of death for both Heady and Hall, according to a Washington Post story at the time. Hall looked at the floor as the clerk read the recommendation of punishment aloud. "Heady turned and half-smiled at Hall, but he did not see her," a Post news article said. Their execution, "was the swiftest punishment ever meted out under the Lindbergh Law," one news article said, referring to the federal kidnapping statute passed by Congress after the historic Lindbergh kidnapping. In the hours before they were taken to the gas chamber, "the killers had kept their strange composure," a Washington Post reporter wrote. "They ate a last meal together at a table pushed into the corridor against the bars of Hall's cell and there they consumed a fried chicken dinner, chatted and smiled for half an hour." Shortly before midnight, they were taken from their cell to cars in the courtyard of the Missouri State Penitentiary. "It was bitterly cold," the article stated. "Mrs. Heady was placed in the first car, Hall in the second, and they were driven to the death house." Bhopal, Jan 10 : The spread of bird flu is increasing rapidly in Madhya Pradesh and has been found to be the cause of the death of crows in 13 districts in the state till now. The poultry market of Agar Malwa district has been closed for the next seven days as a precautionary measure. It is reported that bird flu has been confirmed in crows in 13 state districts -- Indore, Mandsaur, Agar, Neemuch, Dewas, Ujjain, Khandwa, Khargone, Guna, Shivpuri, Rajgarh, Shajapur and Vidisha. So far reports of death of nearly 1,100 crows and wild birds have been received from 27 districts. As many as 32 samples from various districts of the state have been sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal for examination. According to official information, after the bird flu virus was found in a sample taken from the poultry market shops in Agar, they have been closed for the next seven days for the sake of vigilance and caution. Along with this action is being taken for decontamination of chickens and eggs etc. to prevent the spread of the disease. However, bird flu virus has not been found in samples sent from Sehore, Balaghat, Damoh, Ujjain, Betul and Bhind to NIHSAD, Bhopal. Poultry markets in Indore and Neemuch district near the bird flu-affected areas have been closed for the next seven days in view of vigilance and caution. Now in all three districts -- Indore, Neemuch and Agar -- the poultry markets have been closed for seven days as a precautionary measure. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI Deputies are investigating what they believe may have been a murder-suicide. A 22-year-old woman and 23-year-old man were found dead in their apartment, located in the 2900 block of Millpond Drive in Holland Township, shortly before 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 10. A family member of the woman had gone to the apartment to check on her when they found the man and woman unresponsive and contacted Ottawa County Central Dispatch, a news release from the sheriffs office states. Deputies and paramedics responded to the scene and found the two individuals deceased. The two were involved in a domestic relationship, deputies said. A firearm was recovered at the scene and the preliminary investigation revealed that both individuals had appeared to have suffered from gunshot wounds. There is not thought to be a concern for general public safety at this time. A forensic autopsy will be performed later this week on both victims. Identities of the deceased parties are not being released at this time. Anyone with information is asked to please contact Silent Observer at www.mosotips.com. Also on MLive: Man taken to hospital after being shot at by two men in Grand Rapids One dies after vehicle strikes tree in Ottawa County Mother, stepfather recovering from stab wounds inflicted by Kalamazoo County man killed by police That made for a combustible mix when the stakes were highest. The elements had been coming together in plain sight, often in missives delivered by tweet. Twitter has since banned Trump's account, denying him his megaphone of choice, "due to the risk of further incitement of violence. I wish we could say we couldnt see it coming, President-elect Joe Biden said of the Capitol melee. "But that isnt true. We could see it coming. Mary Trump saw it coming from her unique vantage point as a clinical psychologist and Trump niece. Mary Trump and her book that sold nearly 1 million copies within 24 hours of its release. Credit:Simon & Schuster Its just a very old emotion that hes never been able to process from when he was a little kid terrified of the consequences of being in a losing position, terrified of being held accountable for his actions for the first time in his life, she told PBS a week after the election. He is in a position of being a loser, which in my family, certainly ... was the worst possible thing you could be, she said. So hes feeling trapped, hes feeling desperate ... increasingly enraged." Post-election trouble was predictable because Trump all but said it would happen if he lost. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Months before a vote was cast, he claimed the system was rigged and plans for mail-in voting fraudulent, assailing the process so relentlessly that he may have hurt his chances by discouraging his supporters from voting by mail. He pointedly declined to assure the country in advance that he would respect the result, something most presidents don't have to be asked to do. There was no evidence before the election that it would be tainted and no evidence after of the massive fraud or gross error that he and his team alleged in scores of lawsuits that judges, whether appointed by Republicans, Democrats or Trump himself, systematically dismissed, often as nonsense. The Supreme Court, with three justices placed by Trump, brushed him off. Loading That didn't stop him. I hate defeat," he said in a 2011 video. I cannot stand defeat. But the election aftermath ultimately left him with no fallback except his foot soldiers, who couldn't countenance his losing, either. Trump's history of advancing false and sometimes racist conspiracies rooted in right-wing extremism is long. He's praised supporters of QAnon, a convoluted pro-Trump conspiracy theory, saying he didnt know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much and it is gaining in popularity. QAnon centres on an anonymous social media user, or users, known as Q who shares "information" about an anti-Trump "deep state" - essentially the online-born QAnon conspiracy that regards Trump's opponents as Satan-worshipping blood-drinking paedophiles. The FBI has warned that such conspiracy theory-driven extremists are domestic terrorist threats. A protesters holds a Q sign while waiting to enter a campaign rally with President Donald Trump in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 2018. Credit:AP In 2017, Trump said there was blame on both sides for deadly violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, the site of a stand-off between white supremacist groups and those protesting against them. He said there were fine people on both sides. And, during a debate with Biden, Trump wouldnt criticise the neo-fascist Proud Boys. Instead, Trump said the group should Stand back and stand by. The remark drew a firestorm and a day later he tried to walk it back. Trump didnt condemn the actions of an Illinois teen accused of fatally shooting two people and wounding a third during summer protests on the streets of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kyle Rittenhouse pleaded not guilty to charges. In October he chose not to denounce people who plotted the kidnapping of the Michigan Governor. When our leaders meet, encourage or fraternise with domestic terrorists, they legitimise their actions and they are complicit, Whitmer said. When they stoke and contribute to hate speech, they are complicit. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was the target of a kidnap plot, police said. Credit:Ann Arbor News/AP To Mary Trump, the manner of her uncle's defeat helped to set the stage for the toxicity she presciently said in November would happen. Republicans in the Senate and House races outperformed him, enlarging their minority in the House and holding their Senate majority until Georgias two elections this month tipped the Senate balance to Democrats. His defeat on November 3 was on him, not the party. So he also doesnt have anybody else to blame, his niece said. So I think that he is probably in a position that nobody can help him out emotionally and psychologically, which is going to make it worse for the rest of us. Loading Worse came. Oren Segal, vice-president of the Anti-Defamation League's Centre on Extremism, called the attack last Wednesday the logical conclusion to extremism and hate going unchecked during Trumps presidency. If youre surprised, you havent been paying attention, said Amy Spitalnick of Integrity First, a civil rights group engaged in lawsuits over the 2017 Charlottesville violence. On Thursday night, Trump took a stab at a unifying message, after months of provocation, saying in a video this moment calls for healing and reconciliation". But Friday he was back to tending his great American Patriots and demanding they be treated fairly, and he said he won't go to Biden's inauguration. He acknowledged his presidency was ending, but did not could not, may never acknowledge defeat. For all of the insulting nicknames he's tagged on his political foes sleepy, shifty, cryin, corrupt, crazy, little, brain-dead, wacky, pencil neck, low-IQ, watermelon head, dummy, deranged, sick puppy, low energy none was meant to sting more than loser. And nothing, it seems, stung more than when the loser was him. Anna Heinrich announced the arrival of her first child with husband Tim Robards, daughter Elle, on November 14. And on Sunday, the criminal lawyer looked to be revelling in first-time motherhood as she enjoyed a morning walk with her baby girl in Sydney's eastern suburbs. The 34-year-old donned chic black activewear that accentuated her trim post-baby figure as she pushed little Elle in her stroller. Out and about: Anna Heinrich, 34, looked radiant in activewear as she enjoyed a morning walk with baby daughter Elle in Sydney's eastern suburbs on Sunday (pictured) Anna opted for a skin-tight tank top and leggings, and accessorised with pink reflective narrow-frame sunglasses. The former Bachelor contestant secured her signature blonde locks into a sleek high ponytail, and looked to have worn minimal makeup, showing off her natural beauty. Anna bounced back quickly to her pre-pregnancy shape, showing off her figure in a swimsuit last month. The media personality looked nothing short of sensational as she posed in a black one-piece while on board a yacht for her 34th birthday in Sydney. Trim and terrific: The criminal lawyer donned a skin-tight tank top and leggings that accentuated her trim post-baby figure as she pushed little Elle in her stroller Their pride and joy: Anna and husband Tim Robards, 38, announced Elle's birth on their respective Instagram pages on November 14 (all pictured) Anna and Tim announced Elle's birth on their respective Instagram pages on November 14. 'Introducing the newest addition to our family. Elle Robards,' Anna wrote in the caption of a picture of herself holding the newborn. Meanwhile, Tim, 38, shared a few sweet family pictures on his feed and said he's 'fallen in love twice all over again'. One hot mama: Anna (right) bounced back quickly to her pre-pregnancy shape, showing off her figure in a swimsuit last month Reality TV fairytale: Anna won over Tim's heart in the 2013 season of The Bachelor (pictured) 'I've fallen in love twice all over again with these two!!! I just LOVE LOVE LOVE our little Elle Robards,' he penned online. 'How bloody amazing!!!! I never knew my wife was a superhero... What a woman!!' Anna won over Tim's heart in the 2013 season of The Bachelor. They wed at a fairytale Italian ceremony in June 2018, and announced their baby news in May. The Telegraph France toughens rules for Britons arriving 'from Monday' Downing Street not ruling out local lockdowns to tackle Indian variant EU demands 10 a day for each vaccine dose delayed by AstraZeneca Biden demands follow-up investigation as Wuhan lab leak theory gains traction Checking facts vs Cummingss claims reveals major flaws in his evidence GPs cannot cope with a 'tsunami' of patients returning to surgeries after staying away during the multiple Covid lockdowns. An analysis of NHS data in England by the BBC found that between 2019-20 and 2020-21 the total number of appointments dropped by 10 percent, face-to-face consultation dropped from 70 percent to 54 percent and the number of patients referred by GPs for urgent cancer check-ups dropped by 15 percent, putting lives at risk. Now, rising numbers are looking for medical help, with more than 28million appointments booked in March - one of the highest on record - which risks crippling the system. Doncaster-based GP Dr Dean Eggitt told the corporation: "We have almost a tsunami of patients coming to us - it feels like the river has flooded the banks. "It just keeps coming and coming and coming in this one massive, endless wave of patients who all are ill and need help and input. They're sick, they're complex and we've got very few places to send them. I wouldn't want to be my patient right now." Follow the latest updates below. There is no convincing evidence that closing schools reduces the spread of coronavirus, a group of leading British scientists has found. Despite the Cabinets insistence that the evidence from Government scientific advisers was clear and that schools closed last week because we had to act, a review of studies from across the globe found no consensus on the issue with the evidence, at best, uncertain. It raises questions over what evidence if any advisers were using to force the Prime Minister into an abrupt U-turn just 24 hours after he insisted schools were safe. It raises questions over what evidence if any advisers were using to force the Prime Minister into an abrupt U-turn just 24 hours after he insisted schools were safe The review, the first to analyse all the work done in this area, was carried out by respected doctors and academics, including Professor Chris Bonell, who sits on the Governments Sage advisory group, and the president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Professor Russell Viner. Both have previously warned that children risk becoming a lost generation because of the Governments pandemic policies, including school closures. The team found 3,318 articles published up to mid-October last year and focused on ten of the most robust. The papers had investigated whether sending pupils home had an effect on the transmission of the virus during the first wave. Three, including two of the most reliable, found keeping pupils at home had no impact on curbing the virus, while seven reported protective effects, including one suggesting school closures led to a 62 per cent reduction in infection and deaths. Both have previously warned that children risk becoming a lost generation because of the Governments pandemic policies, including school closures. Pictured: A pupil taking a Covid-19 test in Coulsdon, Surrey But the authors said a major challenge was in estimating whether the decision to send pupils home had led to that effect, or whether it was the result of other measures. Their report, which has not been peer reviewed, concludes: Our results are consistent with school closures being ineffective to very effective. With such varied evidence... policymakers should take a measured approach before implementing school closures. The Government is set to review the closures in mid-February, ahead of the half-term holiday. Apple Inc and Amazon.com Inc have suspended Parler from their respective App Store and web hosting service, saying the social networking service that many right-leaning social media users have flocked to has not taken adequate measures to prevent the spread of posts inciting violence. The action by Apple and Amazon follows a similar move by Alphabet Inc's Google on Friday. Parler is favored by many supporters of US President Donald Trump, who was permanently suspended from Twitter on Friday, and it is seen as a haven for people expelled from Twitter. "We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues," Apple said in a statement Saturday. Apple had given Parler 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan, pointing to participants' using the service to coordinate Wednesday's siege of the US Capitol. Parler Chief Executive John Matze lashed out at Apple, saying the iPhone maker was banning the service until it gives up free speech and institutes "broad and invasive policies like Twitter and Facebook." Amazon has suspended Parler from its Amazon Web Services (AWS) unit, for violating AWS's terms of services by failing to effectively deal with a steady increase in violent content on the social networking service, BuzzFeed News reported late on Saturday. AWS did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. AWS plans to suspend Parler's account effective Sunday, at 11:59 p.m. PST, according to an email by an AWS Trust and Safety team to Parler seen by BuzzFeed. Matze, in a post on Parler responding to the Apple suspension, said, "They claim it is due to violence on the platform. The community disagrees as we hit number 1 on their store today," Matze said in a post on Parler. "More details about our next plans coming soon as we have many options," Matze said. In addition to Parler, right-leaning social media users in the United States have flocked to messaging app Telegram and hands-off social site Gab, citing the more aggressive policing of political comments on mainstream platforms such as Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc. Google, in its announcement Friday that it was suspending Parler, said that Parler must demonstrate "robust" content moderation if it wants to get back in the store. Also read: Increasing cyber-attacks show why stringent cyber-security laws are need of the hour Also read: Apple made $64 bn from App Store in Covid-hit 2020: Report Two former heads of Australia's top intelligence agency say the country's aid budget is spread too thin, calling for a major update of the nation's foreign policy. Richard Maude, the Office of National Assessments' director-general between 2013 and 2016, said Australia needed to refresh its foreign policy strategy to take account of coronavirus, the US election and the growing influence of China. Allan Gyngell says it's important for Foreign Minister Marise Payne (left) and Prime Minister Scott Morrison to clearly outline their strategy for the next few years. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Maude, who headed the development of the 2017 foreign policy white paper as a senior official in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), said the roughly $4 billion Australia spent on foreign aid annually was not enough to achieve the nation's goals in the region, including in south-east Asia. Speaking to a podcast series to be launched on Monday by the Australian Council for International Development, he said the Abbott governments merging of AusAID and DFAT raised a number of issues, including a lack of understanding about aid from senior DFAT officials, that had yet to be fully addressed. Black Lives Matter marches last year were often met by throngs of police in riot gear, accompanied by armored vehicles, batons, tear gas and rubber bullets, ready to forcibly keep protestors off vulnerable public property. When thousands of disgruntled supporters of President Donald Trump converged in Washington D.C. last week to contest the legitimacy of the election and eventually stormed the U.S. Capitol, one of the most important government buildings in the nation, not nearly enough officers were on hand to stop them. Many wonder why. Theyre drawing comparisons between what some describe as half-hearted police preparation in the Capitol incident and Black Lives Matter rallies that took place in Washington, Michigan and across the nation. Demonstrators against police brutality were frequently met by officers ready to attack -- or defend, depending on point of view -- with fists, batons, rubber bullets, armored vehicles and pepper spray. Some are calling it a double-standard, or racial bias, since the protesters who breached the Capitol this week were predominantly white, versus the much more multicultural makeup of Black Lives Matter protests that have taken place over the last year. The elephant in our common living room is knowing that if the people storming the Capitol Building were Black, they would have been met with a large pre-coordinated police presence, violent restraint, large numbers arrested immediately, and quite possibly shot, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, an anti-discrimination organization, said in a statement Friday. There would not have been access or opportunity for Black protestors to storm the Capitol. While it is unfortunate that five individuals lost their lives as a result of the insurrection, those of us in racial justice work are left to imagine how many individuals would have been killed if they were Black. Little to no consequences Alexis Thomas, a 45-year-old Saginaw woman, visited Washington last summer to be part of history and support the movement against racial injustice, specifically related to policing. On Aug. 28, she joined thousands of Americans and Black Lives Matter supporters who convened at the National Mall in Washington for a rally to commemorate the 1963 Freedom March led by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and to protest more recent police killings of unarmed Black men. Although the massive gathering remained peaceful, there was a great police presence to an extent that Thomas said what happened this week would never have been possible. You talk about (Black) people who have been killed in the recent past for just walking away from police or the more recent case of George Floyd, she said. And here you have people scaling walls with our state senators and representatives sheltering in place. And these people were literally storming the Capitol, breaching security and able to do it with little to no consequences, Thomas contrasted the relatively low number of initial arrests in the Capitol incident to Black Lives Matter and George Floyd protests, during which hundreds have been arrested just for being there. Even when police eventually cleared the Capitol, many were allowed to leave without arrest under their own free will. Stark contrast Gabriel Wilson, 22, watches as the group she led in a peaceful march through Detroit are greeted by the Detroit police in riot gear after protesting police brutality and justice for George Floyd Sunday June 1, 2020. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com Police in riot gear arrested 127 overwhelmingly peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters who violated curfew during an anti-police brutality march in Detroit on June 2. Thats nearly twice the number of arrests during the unprecedented storming of the U.S. Capitol Building. It shows how the police are a force beyond reform, as they give space to a racist, violent, anti-science, and misogyny, anti-immigrant mob, a stark contrast to the way BLM protesters were treated, said Tristan Taylor, a founder of Detroit Will Breathe, the group that has organized more than 150 marches in Michigan following the police killing of George Floyd. Taylor himself has been tear-gassed and arrested on multiple occasions during the more than 150 Detroit-area protests his group conducted. The majority of the people involved in marches were peaceful and did little more than bother traffic, although there were early instances of minor vandalism and the hurling of water bottles and lit fireworks at police during standoffs. Let the hypocrisy of all those critics of (Black Lives Matter) lay in the open for all to see, Taylor said following the short-lived siege of the Capitol. They are not against militancy unless it is the militancy of Black and brown people ... Detroits protest marches were originally met by police donning shields, body armor and helmets. They rushed, tackled and shot with rubber bullets protesters who failed to disperse or violated curfew. In similar fashion, Trump ordered the forceful removal of Black Lives Matter protesters gathered in Washingtons Lafayette Park on June 1. Police chaotically forced protesters from the park with a mixture of brute force and clouds of tear gas before Trump appeared at nearby St. Johns Church for a photo opportunity, holding the Bible. The following day, dozens of camouflage-clad members of the National Guard stood in a line with rifles slung over their shoulders, looming near the Lincoln Memorial as a few hundred Black Lives Matter activists sat and prayed on the steps below. Fight like Hell President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)AP Thousands of angry Trump supporters gathered in Washington on Wednesday and listened to the president reiterate unfounded claims that the election was rigged in what was dubbed the Save America rally just hours before Congress was set to certify electoral votes for Democrat Joe Biden as the nations next president. Trump urged his followers to fight like Hell. And if you dont fight like Hell, he said, youre not going to have a country anymore. You dont concede when theres theft involved, Trump said in the speech. Our country has had enough and we will not take it any more. Hours later, many of those same supporters became rioters, scaling walls, breaking down barricades and smashing windows as they violently forced their way into the U.S. Capitol Building. Capitol Police did get the members out safely, which is big, but there was no serious attempt to defend the Capitol, said Josh Pasek, associate professor of communications at the Center for Political Studies at the University of Michigan. The police response to the insurrection yesterday was shocking to some people. There were several law enforcement agencies who were in paramilitary gear for the Black Lives Matter protests this summer. The Capitol Police werent in paramilitary gear and there didnt seem to be any serious backup. They got overrun fairly quickly. One video circulating social media shows a few dozen outnumbered officers, none wearing riot gear, punching, tackling and pepper-spraying protesters before a metal barricade was torn down. At the steps of the Capitol, the encroaching crowd bottle-necked and began to crush itself before those in the front pushed through security at the entrance. Inside, rioters chanted USA and engaged in vandalism. What Im surprised about is how easy it was for them to break into the Capitol and sort of rampage around in offices on the Senate floor, said Jonathan Hanson, a lecturer in statistics for public policy at the University of Michigan and a former congressional legislative assistant. Taken aback A pro-Trump protester carries the lectern of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi through the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building after a pro-Trump mob stormed the building on Jan. 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 Images from inside the Capitol that quickly spread far and wide via social media include photos of a man sitting in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi with his feet on her desk; a man walking with a Confederate Flag propped on his shoulder and another of a rioter gleefully waving at the camera while walking by with a U.S. House lectern. I was taken aback how ill-prepared the Capitol Police were to keep order, Hanson said. I dont think they should have let people get that close to the building. I dont think they had enough personnel ready. The police kind of, at some point, just gave up and let the people go in, and thats going to require some serious investigation. Five people died during the uprising, including 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt of California, who was shot by police inside the Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died Thursday night after suffering injuries defending the grounds and three others whom Metropolitan Police Chief Robert Contee said died of medical issues unrelated to violence. Police officials said Babbitt was attempting to push by officers who were protecting the chambers where evacuated members of Congress were sheltering. Capitol police, who are in charge of security on the property, with assistance from Metropolitan Police and other agencies, eventually regrouped and cleared the building and grounds. Video showed many rioters being escorted away without handcuffs and apparently not under arrest. For comparison: when Detroit protesters occupied Woodward Avenue, blocking traffic on Aug. 22, police violently dispersed the crowd with tear gas and batons, arresting nearly anyone they were able to detain, a total of 44 people, just eight fewer arrests than were initially reported by police following the Capitol incident. By Thursday, the arrest figures had grown. Metropolitan Police had reported a total of nearly 70 arrests, including those made through Thursday morning. Most were misdemeanor charges for violating the curfew that took effect at 6 p.m. Wednesday and for unlawful entry into the Capitol. More serious felony charges were issued for illegal weapons possession and a case involving violation of the Riot Act. Acting Washington D.C. U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said investigations are ongoing and more serious felony charges are expected for the suspects and others who have yet to be arrested. National response 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, Biden said Thursday. We all know thats true, and it is unacceptable. Former First Lady Michelle Obama concluded the same. This summers Black Lives Matter protests were an overwhelmingly peaceful movement ... and yet, in city after city, day after day, we saw peaceful protestors met with brute force, Obama said in a statement issued Thursday. 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 ... yesterday made it painfully clear that certain Americans are, in fact, allowed to denigrate the flag and symbols of our nation. Theyve just got to look the right way. The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation issued its own statement noting the disparity in police response at the Capitol versus other protests. 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 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. Law enforcement criticism following the upheaval was quick and harsh, leading to the resignation announcement of Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund on Thursday. Prior to his resignation announcement, Sund in a statement said protesters were attacking police with pepper spray and metal pipes. They were caught off guard by the aggression that ensued, he said. 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. But make no mistake these mass riots were not First Amendment activities; they were criminal riotous behavior. The Capitol breach comes months after 13 men were arrested and charged for allegedly plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The FBI in charging documents said one of the various plans discussed involved attacking Michigans Capitol and killing police in an effort to spark a civil war. I wish we could say we couldnt see it coming, Biden said following the Washington incident, but that isnt true. More on MLive: West Michigan man arrested during Capitol riot 6 Michigan residents arrested in DC Michigan representatives call for Trumps removal after riots in U.S. Capitol Betsy DeVos has long been the boogeyman of public education. Critics say her push to reopen schools shows why. Protesters at Betsy DeVos mansion say push for in-person classes puts students, staff in danger (Newser) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will find out Monday whether he can be extradited from the UK to the US to face espionage charges over the publication of secret American military documents. District Judge Vanessa Baraitser is due to deliver her decision at London's Old Bailey courthouse at 10am Monday, the AP reports. If she grants the request, then Britain's home secretary, Priti Patel, would make the final decision. Whichever side loses is expected to appeal, which could lead to years more legal wrangling. However, there's a possibility that outside forces may come into play that could instantly end the decades-long saga. Stella Moris, Assange's partner and the mother of his two sons, has appealed to President Trump via Twitter to grant a pardon to Assange before he leaves office on Jan. 20. And even if Trump doesn't, there's speculation that his successor, Joe Biden, may take a more lenient approach to Assange's extradition process. story continues below US prosecutors indicted the 49-year-old Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse that carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison. Lawyers for the US government said in their closing arguments after the four-week hearing in the fall that Assange's defense team had raised issues that were neither relevant nor admissible. "Consistently, the defense asks this court to make findings, or act upon the submission, that the United States of America is guilty of torture, war crimes, murder, breaches of diplomatic, and international law and that the United States of America is 'a lawless state,'" they said. "These submissions are not only non-justiciable in these proceedings but should never have been made. Assanges defense team argued that he is entitled to First Amendment protections for the publication of leaked documents that exposed US military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan and that the US extradition request was politically motivated. (Read more Julian Assange stories.) The mere talk of forcibly entering a citizens home without warrant or cause, is the hatch door to an outright tyrannical police state and England is leading the way. Technocrats demand obedience to the science that they and they alone claim to understand. Citizens are deemed ignorant and thus, must be forcibly corralled. TN Editor A top police commissioner in England has called for the power for police to enter private homes without a warrant for suspected of breaches of the countrys coronavirus lockdown restrictions. David Jamieson, the Labour Party police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands Police the second-largest police force in the country behind London said that officers should have the right to forcibly enter the homes of private citizens. For the small minority of people who refuse entry to police officers and obstruct their work, the power of entry would seem to be a useful tool, Jamieson told The Guardian. I have raised this issue with the policing minister previously and clarity on the power of entry would help police officers enforce the new Covid regulations more easily, he added. While PCC Jamieson has come out in favour of a vast expansion of police powers to enter peoples homes for holding so-called illegal gatherings, the former Labour Party MP has opposed greater stop and search powers for police to combat the scourge of knife crime. Presently, the police do not have the right to enter into peoples homes without a warrant or the occupants permission, except for emergency circumstances, such as situations in which police hear cries for help or to investigate a disturbance. Police have been calling on the government to increase their ability to carry out invasive searches since the start of the lockdown regime, with the Police Federation of England and Wales first calling for the ability to enter homes without warrants in April. Responding to the call from the police commissioner, Brexit leader Nigel Farage said: Before Covid, an Englishmans home was his castle. Not any longer! Our liberties are being destroyed. As England officially enters another national lockdown on Wednesday, police in London have also warned that people in the British capital are more likely to face fines for breaching the lockdown restrictions. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said that officers have been told to issue fines more quickly to anyone committing obvious, willful and serious breaches. The police force said that anyone who attends parties, unlicensed music events or large illegal gatherings will be subject to fines from the police, rather than just those who organise the events, as was previously the case. Similarly, those not wearing masks where they should be and without good reason can expect to be fined not reasoned with, the statement added. The MPS continued to warn that with the reduction of reasonable excuses for people to leave their homes, Londoners should expect officers to be more inquisitive as to why they see them out and about. Read full story here The father of Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick (above) who was killed in the MAGA riot after allegedly being hit over the head with a fire extinguisher has said he hopes his son's death will bring an end to 'all the lunacy that's been going on in this country' The father of Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick who was killed in the MAGA riot after allegedly being hit over the head with a fire extinguisher has said he hopes his son's death will bring an end to 'all the lunacy that's been going on in this country'. Charles Sicknick, 81, spoke out three days after the violent attack on the US Capitol that claimed his son's life to say he wants some good to come out of the tragedy. Charles told how his 42-year-old son who died while protecting the Capitol from violent Donald Trump supporters was also a Trump fan but that politics never got in the way of his 'love' for his job. 'He loved his job,' said Charles Sicknick in an interview with Reuters. 'I'll never get over this.' Sicknick, 42, died Thursday night, a day after physically engaging the mob. As rioters overpowered Capitol police, Sicknick was pepper-sprayed and hit in the head, his father said. Ambulance crews resuscitated him twice as he was rushed to a nearby Washington hospital. Sicknick died the next day. 'He ended up with a clot on the brain,' his father said. 'If they had operated on him, he would've become a vegetable.' Sicknick's death is being investigated as a homicide by the Washington Metropolitan Police. The FBI is assisting. As a member of the department's First Responder's Unit, Sicknick was the sixth U.S. Capitol Police officer to die in the line of duty. 'His death was a waste,' said John Krenzel, the mayor of Sicknick's hometown in South River, New Jersey. 'It's just a tragedy.' A GoFundMe set up by a fellow cop on behalf of Sicknick's family had raised more than $378,000 by the early hours of Sunday. 'If any good comes out of my son's death, I just hope that it stops all the lunacy that's been going on in this country,' Charles told Reuters. Charles Sicknick, 81, spoke out three days after the violent attack on the US Capitol (pictured) that claimed his son's life to say he wants some good to come out of the tragedy The devastated father revealed that his son was pepper-sprayed by rioters in Wednesday's assault and hit over the head by one of the thugs. After the attack he then returned to his division office, where he collapsed. Ambulance crews resuscitated him twice as he was rushed to a nearby Washington hospital, Charles said. He was briefly put on life support but medics were unable to save him. Sicknick died Thursday night in hospital, one day after the attack. Charles said Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the family Friday to offer their condolences. Sicknick died while protecting the Capitol from violent Donald Trump supporters. He was also a Trump fan Pro-Trump insurgents stormed Capitol Hill on Wednesday in an attack that left nation stunned During the call, Pelosi invited them to the Capitol to pick out a spot for a plaque that will be made in Sicknick's honor. Funeral services will also be held at the Capitol, he said. Sicknick will then be cremated and buried at a military cemetery in Arneytown, New Jersey. Senior Pentagon officials said Saturday they will likely grant approval for Sicknick to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery if his family wishes, after Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin made the request. Sicknick was a Trump supporter, his father said. While his parents avoided talking politics with their son, his family said Sicknick's political views never interfered with his duty to protect and serve. 'He just got along real well with everybody because he was a gentleman,' said Charles. 'He loved his job. I'll never get over this.' The heartbroken father, who turns 82 next month, added: 'I'm supposed to die first. Not my son.' While Pence and Pelosi have contacted the family, the president appears to have remained silent - despite Sicknick being a Trump supporter and Trump being accused of inciting the violence that resulted in his death. A GoFundMe set up by a fellow cop on behalf of Sicknick's family had raised more than $378,000 by the early hours of Sunday Trump has also not publicly commented on the officer's death or on the other four people who died when his supporters stormed the Capitol following his 'Save America' rally where he encouraged them to 'fight'. White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere released a statement Friday on behalf of Trump calling Sicknick an 'American hero'. 'Anytime a member of law enforcement dies in the line of duty it is a solemn reminder to us all that they run toward danger to maintain peace,' the statement read. 'The President and the entire Administration extend our prayers to Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick's family as we all grieve the loss of this American hero.' John Krenzel, the mayor of Sicknick's hometown in South River, New Jersey described his death as 'a waste' and 'a tragedy.' A murder investigation has been launched by the Washington Metropolitan Police, into Sicknick's death, with the FBI assisting Sicknick's dad said Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi had reached out to offer condolences. Pictured Sicknick Sicknick's first big assignment as a police officer was working at former President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. He had just been sworn in with the US Capitol Police Department, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Before joining the Capitol police in 2008, the New Jersey native served with the Air National Guard and was deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan. A murder investigation has been launched by the Washington Metropolitan Police, into his death, with the FBI assisting. It is unclear if authorities have identified any suspects yet or if there is any surveillance footage of the moments leading up to his death. As a member of the department's First Responder's Unit, Sicknick was the sixth US Capitol Police officer to die in the line of duty. Sicknick's brother Ken confirmed his death on Thursday, telling ABC7: 'After a day of fighting for his life, he passed away a hero. 'I would like to thank all of his brothers and sisters in law enforcement for the incredible compassion and support they have shown my family. 'My family and I hope that our privacy can be respected as we grieve. Thank you.' A makeshift memorial for Sicknick near the West Front of the US Capitol Saturday Mourners left flowers and notes in honor of the fallen officer who died in the line of duty On Thursday night, hundreds of his colleagues lined the streets of DC to honor him as his body was taken to the morgue. They stood in salute and flashed the sirens while he was driven past. Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered flags on Capitol Hill to be lowered to half staff in honor of the fallen officer. Pelosi said in a statement: 'On behalf of the House of Representatives, I send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after defending the Capitol complex and protecting those who serve and work here. 'The perpetrators of Officer Sicknick's death must be brought to justice. 'The violent and deadly act of insurrection targeting the Capitol, our temple of American Democracy, and its workers was a profound tragedy and stain on our nation's history. But because of the heroism of our first responders and the determination of the Congress, we were not, and we will never be, diverted from our duty to the Constitution and the American people. 'I have ordered the flags at the Capitol lowered to half-staff in Officer Sicknick's honor. The sacrifice of Officer Sicknick reminds us of our obligation to those we serve: to protect our country from all threats foreign and domestic. May it be a comfort to Officer Sicknick's family that so many mourn with and pray for them at this sad time.' He is survived by his parents, two older brothers, and his girlfriend of 11 years. Capitol Hill Police salute their fallen colleague Brian Sicknick on Friday after lowering the Capitol Building flag to half-staff Sicknick is one of five people killed in Wednesday's riot. The other four were all Trump supporters who breached the Capitol building. Ashli Babbit, a 35-year-old Air Forcee veteran from San Diego, was shot in the chest by a Capitol police officer while she tried to climb through a window into the congressional chambers. Roseanne Boyland, 34, was 'trampled in the Rotunda', her family told DailyMail.com Thursday after police said she had been potentially 'crushed' in the mob. Kevin Greeson, 55, from Alabama suffered a heart attack 'in the midst of the excitement', according to his family. Benjamin Phillips, 50, a computer programmer from Pennsylvania, died after suffering a stroke. The nation is still reeling from Wednesday's attack as the authorities continue round up members of the violent mob, officials face questions about their failure to prevent the security breach and the federal government is more fractured than ever before. Protesters were riled up by the president during a rally near the White House where he told them to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Joe Biden's presidential victory. Hundreds of Capitol Police cops lined the streets on Thursday night to honor their fallen colleague A police motorcade was seen escorting US Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick on Constitution Ave Thursday night A violent mob stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building. Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets. Three top Capitol security officials have stood down as questions are being raised over the failure to stop the breach occurring in the first place. Dozens have been rounded up and arrested since the attack including a QAnon supporter, a 70-year-old who brought two handguns, a rifle and 11 Molotov cocktails to the riot and a newly sworn-in West Virginia delegate. The FBI is asking for the public's help in bringing all those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, House Democrats will start proceedings to impeach Trump Monday charging him with 'incitement of insurrection' after he egged on his supporters and then failed to condemn the violence or tell them to leave the Capitol for hours after the violence erupted. Twitter banned the president from its platform Friday saying in a statement that his recent tweets amounted to glorification of violence. 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. Politics aside, consumers don't really have a right to somebody else's website and overwrought "FREE SPEECH" complaints clearly didn't read the user agreement but also FAIL to realize the true scope of the INFINITE INTERNETS. Put simply, from our perspective . . . Whilst pundit hacks offer sketchy 1st Amendment arguments, the social media crackdown threatens to spark a renewed interested in OPEN WEB tech that offers Internets denizens freedom to experience the online world outside of sloppy advertiser driven algorithms mostly programmed by overseas slave labor. Still, we know the knee jerk reaction here is to denounce the tech bro billionaires which is also fun. And so we ask . . . HOW WILL THE CRACKDOWN ON PREZ TRUMP IMPACT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA CONSUMPTION & PARTICIPATION?!? FB is still a great place to spy on frenemies, Twitter is still tops for making blood curses against strangers. Meanwhile the NEXTGEN is handing over data and far too many personal deets on TikTok & Snapchat. But again . . . We feel like this crackdown will inspire people keep exploring the online world rather than taking direction from MSM opinion makers. Links for perspective . . . WT: ACLU raises concerns amid Twitter's ban of Trump Independent UK: Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly says Twitter will ban users who are on the right or not woke Fox News: Gab gaining 10,000 users per hour, CEO claims, after Trump's permanent Twitter suspension New York Post: Trump fans ditch Twitter en masse after presidents suspension AP: Squelched by Twitter, Trump seeks new online megaphone FN: Kirstie Alley condemns Twitter for banning Trump in series of tweets UST: Rush Limbaugh deactivates his Twitter account after President Trump permanently banned Politico: Hey, Twitter, Are You Sure About This? Developing . . . Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Police departments across the country are investigating whether their own officers took part in the riot inside the US Capitol on Wednesday, with several officers and one police chief already facing potential termination or suspension. It comes as the FBI has launched its own investigation into the US Capitol Police Department to probe whether officers and other staffers inside the legislature may have aided demonstrators in gaining access to the building. Police departments in California, New Hampshire, Washington State, and Texas are among those who have already began investigating their own officers based on tips, social media posts and other evidence, with more expected to follow. Among the under fire officers is Thomas Goldie, a patrolman for Pennsylvanias Zelienople Borough Police Department whose wife uploaded a picture of him attending the protest to Facebook. In the since-deleted post, captioned We made it!!, Goldie is seen wearing a bobble hat that reads: Trump MAGA 2020 f*** your feelings. Zelienople Police Chief Jim Miller has said that Goldie was not believed to have taken part in the skirmish inside the Capitol, but added the matter has been referred to the boroughs legal department. Thomas Goldie (seen left), a patrolman for Pennsylvanias Zelienople Borough Police Department, after his wife uploaded a picture of them attending the protest to Facebook. He is seen wearing a hat that reads: 'Trump 2020 Zelienople Police Chief Jim Miller has said that Goldie (shown right) was not believed to have taken part in the skirmish inside the Capitol An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday Similarly, in San Antonio, Sheriff Javier Salazar of Bexar County said he had referred Lt. Roxanne Mathai to the internal investigations department after she posted a video of herself on Facebook near the Capitol, wearing a red, white and blue face mask and wrapped in an American flag. In her social media posts, Mathai, an eight-year veteran, reportedly wrote enthusiastically of the scenes unfolding outside the Capitol, but stated she would not be entering the building. 'And we are going in...in the crowd at the stairs...not inside the capitol like the others. Not catching a case lol,' she wrote in one post. In relation to the timing of her video, Salazar said investigators would determine whether police had declared the gathering an unlawful assembly at the time she captured the footage. If that is the case and she remained on scene and began filming and began making challenging statements, that means breaking the law, the sheriff said. Plumes of tear gas were reportedly seen wafting in the background in the clip, the New York Times reported. Lt. Roxanne Mathai is under investigation in San Antonio after she posted a video of herself on Facebook from near the Capitol, wearing a red, white and blue face mask and wrapped in an American flag Mathai called the protest 'one of the greatest days of my life' in social media posts Salazar said some of her Facebook photos also show the lieutenant in the middle of a crowd that may have 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.' 'If she just stood by while first responders were assaulted, it would be more than just troubling, it would be downright infuriating,' Salazar told My San Antonio. 'It makes you mad ... if someone that wears a uniform just stood there, watched and took pictures.' Mathai, a 46-year-old jail lieutenant, has already been suspended from the force since October, according to Salazar, for a separate unspecified incident. The sheriff said Friday he has referred Mathais video to the FBI and the internal investigations department. Her attorney, Hector Cortes, said he was confident shed be cleared of all wrongdoing because she didnt participate in any illegal activity at the rally. All her posts show that the closest she got to the Capitol was that she was on the lawn at the time the chaos was happening inside, unbeknownst to her, Cortes told the Washington Post. 'And we are going in...in the crowd at the stairs...not inside the capitol like the others. Not catching a case lol,' she wrote in one post In Troy, New Hampshire, Police Chief David Ellis has also been heckled with calls to resign after he attended the violent rally in DC. His presence at the scene was unearthed following the publishing of an interview he conducted with New York Magazine as the chaos unfolded Wednesday. During the interview, Ellis condemned the violent scenes, saying: [Breaking in to the Capitol] was not going to solve a thing, and then to see the police get treated the way they were treated, its ridiculous. The police chief went on to add that the unfolding anarchy didnt make him second guess his decision to attend, affirming: Theres a lot of Trump supports that are awesome people. Like me. Ellis later told New Hampshire Public Radio he accepted the outcome of the November election but attended out of support for President Trump, whom he has backed since 2016. Richard Thackston, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, has so far rebuffed calls for Ellis to resign or be fired. In Troy, New Hampshire, Police Chief David Ellis has also been heckled with calls to resign after he attended the violent rally in DC Thackston said Ellis was using his own time to make the trip, wasn't in uniform and was not representing the town. He added that Ellis is currently in quarantine, with plans made ahead of time. Dave knew he was going to be going there and coming back and needed to be in quarantine, Thackston told WMUR. There's no break in service or coverage, and it's not a compensation or an additional expense to the town. In Seattle, Police Chief Adrian Diaz confirmed Wednesday that two officers have been placed on leave as their alleged roles in the riots are being assessed. Diaz in a statement said the SPD was made aware that at least two officers were in Washington D.C. on Wednesday and confirmed they would be 'immediately' terminated if they were found to have been directly involved in the insurrection. 'The Department fully supports all lawful expressions of First Amendment freedom of speech, but the violent mob and events that unfolded at the US Capitol were unlawful and resulted in the death of another police officer,' Diaz said. 'The OPA [Office of Police Accountability] will investigate whether any SPD policies were violated and if any potential illegal activities need to be referred for criminal investigation.' Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz confirmed two officers are under investigation after attending the Capitol riots Wednesday The Seattle cops - who were off duty at the time - will be 'immediately' terminated if they were found to have been directly involved in the violence (stock image of Trump supporters at Wednesday's rally) In California, the Oakland Police Department has taken the stance that even showing support for the riots on social media could land officers in hot water if it breaches the departments hate speech guidelines. The department has opened a probe into current officers who liked or otherwise expressed support for posts of the riot from a retired Oakland officer. In a Friday statement, the department said: We will not allow any members to engage in or support this type of content and will root out this conduct anywhere within the Department. The Department wants to reassure our community that a full breadth of our resources will go into this investigation to ensure that any members engaging in this behavior are held accountable. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo insisted the distinctions between acceptable and fireable behavior should be clear in most cases. Most police departments prohibit officers from participating in political rallies while in uniform, but otherwise theyre able to express political views. Engaging in violence or other behavior that violates department codes even if its not a criminal offense could lead to termination, including expressing support for discriminatory or violent acts, Acevedo told the Post. If youre openly liking and supporting comments [conveying] support for people who had nooses, or were screaming about finding the vice president of the United States and harming him and who were caught with molotov cocktails youll likely receive severe sanctions, he said. Where federal authorities are concerned, a TMZ report Saturday indicated that the FBI had launched an investigation into whether police and security staff at the US Capitol may have assisted protesters in gaining access to the building. Various high ranking sources inside the UCPD told the outlet the FBI is puzzled by the ease in which the mob found its way into the building, and into the offices of the likes of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The entrance to her office is reportedly difficult to find, though protesters reportedly took less than 10 minutes to locate it, before ransacking her desk and stealing her laptop. It comes as the FBI has launched its own investigation into the US Capitol Police Department to probe whether officers and other staffers assisted protesters Various high ranking sources inside the UCPD told the outlet the FBI is puzzled by the ease in which the mob found its way into the building, and into the offices of the likes of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (above) 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) The FBI reportedly believe the mob may have been provided with a road map or guidance from someone or a group inside the building, helping them to find it so quickly. Suspects reportedly include Capitol Police officers and many other staffers, including engineers, plumbers, and janitors. Images that surfaced in the hours after the riot appearing to show police opening gates and removing barricades to allow the MAGA mob through are also raising eyebrows. Officers in those instances could be charged with cowardice or failure to take proper police action. The rioter, and anyone who aided them, may also be charged for threats and menacing towards Congress. The FBI particularly wants to know if any off-duty Capitol Police officers were in the building, and if so, why, according to TMZ. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) A number of cities have announced that they have signed deals for the advance purchase of the AstraZeneca vaccine. San Juan City, Valenzuela City, Vigan, Caloocan City and Iloilo City all confirmed their separate agreements with the pharmaceutical company on Sunday, many of them through social media posts. The local government of Valenzuela said its deal was for 640,000 doses of the vaccine. "With the AstraZeneca vaccines, 320,000 individuals will be vaccinated, which is 70% of the target population of the city (18 years old below are excluded)," said the post. "The vaccines are projected to arrive in the 2nd half of 2021 and Valenzuela City will be one of the first City Governments to roll out the said vaccines," it added. San Juan City also announced it has signed a tripartite agreement with the national government, through the National Task Force Against COVID-19, and the pharmaceutical company for the procurement of vaccines as soon as they become available. In a statement, Mayor Francis Zamora said they have allocated 50 million for the program, but did not disclose how many doses of the vaccine were included in the deal. Vigan said it has signed an agreement for the advance purchase of 100,000 to 120,000 doses of the vaccine. "We ordered enough doses to vaccinate all residents of Vigan City, aged 18 years old and above," said the post. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas said their deal was for 600,000 doses, costing about $3 million. Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan also confirmed their order of not less than 600,000 doses. Pasig City has also sealed the deal to purchase 400,000 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca worth P100 million. Mayor Vico Sotto said the quantity and delivery date will depend on several factors. On Jan. 6, President Rodrigo Duterte allowed local government units to enter into tripartite agreements with the national government and vaccine manufacturers so that they can purchase COVID-19 vaccines in advance. READ: COVID-19 vaccines: Where is PH in the procurement, clinical trials? Some local government units nationwide have announced how much they would be spending for the inoculation of their residents. << >> Makati City, Quezon City, and Taguig all said they would be shelling out 1 billion each to vaccinate their residents for free. Republican Senator Pat Toomey said in an interview with Fox on Saturday that he believes Trump has 'committed impeachable offenses' 'I do think the president's behavior this week does disqualify him from serving,' the top Republican said of Trump's actions that led Wednesday's riot He said his fellow GOP senators are currently doing 'a lot of soul searching' Yet he claimed he was not sure if the Senate would act to impeach in the last eleven days of Trump's presidency The Pennsylvania senator was opposed to attempts by his GOP colleagues to overturn the election result when Congress voted to certify Joe Biden's win Toomey also blamed Trump for the GOP loss of the Senate He claimed the message in Georgia 'got eclipsed' by Trump's voter fraud claims Republican Senator Pat Toomey revealed on Saturday he believes President Donald Trump has 'committed impeachable offenses'. In an interview with Fox, he claimed that Trump was no longer fit to serve after the president this week called on his supporters to 'fight' the election results, causing them to riot on the U.S. Capitol in violent scenes that resulted in the death of five people. ADVERTISEMENT The top Pennsylvania Republican said the president's role in the deadly riot at the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters was worthy of rebuke. Despite his confidence in Trump's guilt, however, Toomey admitted that he was unsure if the Senate would act on impeachment if it was passed through the House in the remaining eleven days of Trump's presidency. Scroll down for video Republican Senator Pat Toomey, pictured speaking in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday as Joe Biden's win was certified, has said he believes Trump has 'committed impeachable offenses' He told Fox new believes the president's role, as pictured above, in the deadly riot at the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters was worthy of rebuke The president urged his supporters during a 'Stop the Steal' rally on Wedneday morning to 'fight' the election result. They proceeded to storm the U.S. Capitol and five people died He claimed that he feared that Democrats may 'politicize the process'. 'I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, but I don't know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything,' said Toomey. 'I do think the president's behavior this week does disqualify him from serving.' 'I don't know what they are going to send over, and one of the things that I'm concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicize something,' Toomey added. Click here to resize this module Toomey was asked whether Senate Republicans also shared some of the blame for Wednesday's riot in their support for the president, to which he responded: 'I think theres a lot of soul searching thats going to have to happen.' 'There are people who perpetrated the big lie that Donald Trump won in a landslide and its all been stolen from him. Thats not true,' he said. Toomey added that there was 'a compounding of dishonesty' by those who claimed that the Congress vote on the Electoral College 'could result in a different outcome and therefore it was reasonable to try to pressure lawmakers'. LIKELY TIMELINE OF SECOND TRUMP IMPEACHMENT January 7 - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi comes out strongly Thursday in support of Trump's removal either by his own Cabinet or by Congress, if necessary after pro-Trump supporters violently breached and ransacked the Capitol January 11 - Democratic Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Ted Lieu of California are expected to introduce an article of impeachment charging Trump with abuse of power January 12 - 14 - House is expected to vote on a single article of impeachment charging the president with 'incitement of insurrection.' January 19 - Senate receives the article of impeachment from the House January 20 - Senate trial would start on the same day that President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated 'That was never going to happen. That was never possible. And so to willfully mislead people about that, thats a real problem,' he continued. The senator, who is the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Banking Committee, has already announced that he is not running for reelection next year. ADVERTISEMENT He was among the Republicans leading the opposition to attempts from his GOP colleagues to overturn the election results when Congress voted to certify Joe Biden's win on Wednesday. During the interview with Fox, Toomey also revealed that he believed the GOP had lost control of the Senate because Trump's unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud had caused a small GOP turnout in the two run-off races in Georgia on Tuesday. 'We lost those races because the races were about Donald Trump and not about our candidates,' the senator claimed. 'I think we had better candidates. He had a very, very good rationale to present to the voters, which is you don't want to risk the Democrats who have gone to this extreme left in recent years, you don't want to give them power.' Toomey alleged that the message 'got eclipsed' by the voter fraud claims. 'We had turnout problems. It's hard to turn out voters when you're telling them that the election is rigged against them anyway. It's not a great message to inspire people to go to the polls,' he said. 'I think we could have won both of those races.' On Saturday, it was revealed that House Democrats will circulate an article of impeachment charging President Trump with 'incitement of insurrection' on Monday. It came after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told his Republican colleagues in the upper chamber that the earliest a second trial would begin is Inauguration Day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had written a letter to colleagues on Friday in which she said that she would proceed with the impeachment process if Trump did not leave office 'imminently and willingly'. Toomey spoke out about Wednesday's violence and rioting on Twitter He was also a vocal opponent to his GOP colleagues attempts to overturn the result House Rep. Ted Lieu of California announced on his Twitter feed on Saturday that 180 members of Congress have signed as co-sponsors of the article of impeachment that he helped draft alongside fellow House Reps. Jamie Raskin and David Cicilline. ADVERTISEMENT Lieu, a Democrat, wrote that his party will introduce the article of impeachment during the House's pro forma session on Monday. Lieu said that while all 180 co-sponsors are Democrats, he is confident that Republican members of the House will support to impeach. 'We strongly believe some GOP legislators will vote for the Article of Impeachment based on what they informed us confidentially,' Lieu told Forbes. While the Democrats could now count Toomey onside, two other Republican sentors have also voice a willingness to see Trump impeached. On CBS This Morning, Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska said that he believed 'the president has disregarded his oath of office'. He added that he would 'definitely consider whatever articles they might move' when asked about the Democrats potential actions in the House. Sasse added that he 'swore an oath to the American people to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution' and claimed that the president 'acted against that'. Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska discusses a possible second impeachment of President Donald Trump on CBS This Morning and expressed his willingness Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, pictured above, has also demanded that the president resign suggesting she could be swayed to vote on impeachment Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has also demanded that the president resign suggesting she could be swayed to vote on impeachment. 'I want him to resign. I want him out. He has caused enough damage,' she told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday. A vote in the House could possibly come by Wednesday - exactly one week before Democrat Joe Biden becomes president at noon on Jan. 20. The articles, if passed by the House, would then be transmitted to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Trump. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office and succeeded by the vice president. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, shared no details about her party's plans as she addressed her hometown San Francisco constituents during an online video conference on Saturday. 'Justice will be done. Democracy will prevail. And America will be healed,' she said. 'But it is a decision that we have to make.' Republicans are not standing with Trump following Wednesday's riot on the Capitol, pictured Trump could potentially become the first U.S. President to ever be impeached twice after he was accused of having incited the violence that broke out Wednesday, pictured above Trump would become the first U.S. President to ever be impeached twice if it is voted through. No president has ever been removed from office after being impeached. After spending many weeks refusing to concede defeat in the November election, Trump promised - after the Capitol riot - to oversee a smooth transfer of power to Biden. He called for reconciliation and healing, but then announced he will not attend the inauguration - the first such presidential snub since just after the Civil War. Trump has few fellow Republicans speaking out in his defense. He's become increasingly isolated, holed up in the White House as he has been abandoned in the aftermath of the riot by many aides, leading Republicans and, so far, two Cabinet members - both women. ADVERTISEMENT Biden, meanwhile, reiterated that he has long viewed Trump as unfit for office. But on Friday he sidestepped a question about impeachment, saying what Congress does 'is for them to decide'. New York, Jan 10 : A US federal prosecutor has charged three Sri Lankans at a Los Angeles court in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday terrorist attacks on the island nation that killed 268 people, including five Americans. The Justice Department said on Friday that the three men, who are members of the ISIS in Sri Lanka, have been charged with "conspiring to provide, providing, and attempting to provide material support" to a foreign terrorist organisation. ISIS in Sri Lanka is the arm of the dreaded Islamic State terrorist group. The three are in Sri Lankan custody and were identified by the Justice Department as Mohamed Naufar, the "Second Emir" of the ISIS in Sri Lanka; Mohamed Anwar Mohamed Riskan, whoallegedly helped make explosives for the attacks,; and Ahamed Milhan Hayathu Moahmed, who allegedly killed a police officer and shot a suspected informant. The charges were filed on December 11, 2020, in the federal court in Los Angeles but announced only now by the Justice Department in the last days of President Donald Trump's administration. The Department said that they were charged after a nearly two-year investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which assisted Sri Lankan authorities. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Demers said: "These charges reflect that the US justice system remains a powerful tool to bring to bear against those who harm our citizens abroad. We will continue to pursue justice for the victims of these heinous attacks and for all American victims of terrorism." Commerce Department official Chelsea Decaminada, who was in Sri Lanka on an assignment, was killed in the attacks that targeted Christian places of worship and hotels where foreigners stay. Another victim was Kieran Shafritz de Zoysa, a fifth-grade student from a Washington school. "The domestic charges announced today for an attack on foreign soil represent the FBI's commitment to deliver justice to travelling American victims and to protect U. interests here and abroad," said Kristi K. Johnson, the FBI's Assistant Director in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Office. IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying that they were in retaliation against the West for defeating his terrorist organisation in Baghuz, Syria, in March 2019. IS was almost completely wiped out of territories it had held in Syria and al-Baghdadi was killed in a US airstrike in October 2019. Demers said that the charges against the three related to recruiting others to IS, purchasing and materials for and making explosives, training those who participated in the attacks, and murdering "in the name of this deadly foreign terrorist organization". (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) Avana, a division of Emmbi Industries, a manufacturing company in the field of packaging, water conservation, human safety and crop protection, has announced Sayaji Shinde as its official brand ambassador. The actor who is a crowd favorite amongst the regional audiences spanning multiple states is the new face of the segment that was launched in 2016 and has since pulled countless Indian farmers out of poverty with its unique end-to-end water conservation solutions and leading pond-lining products. Sayaji Shinde, who hails from a farmers family in the Satara District of Maharashtra, is a renowned artist who has delivered stellar performances and blockbusters in Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, English, Gujarati, and Hindi language cinema and has also acted in several critically acclaimed Marathi Plays. Additionally, the star has produced a handful of Marathi movies and is the recipient of four Filmfare nominations recognizing his acting prowess. He is also a passionate environmental activist, who has campaigned for tree plantation and conservation, overseeing the planting of over 20,000 trees in around 10 villages in the Satara district, and is closely associated with the NGO Sahyadri Devrai, responsible for planting 2,90,317 trees in Western Maharashtra. Maithili Appalwar, CEO of Avana stated, We are very excited to have on board with us such a huge name from the film industry, who has spent his life entertaining the masses, and is the perfect choice to represent a brand such as ours, whose motto has always been to serve the hardworking farmers and people of our country. Mr Sayaji is a true environmentalist, who has always used his platform to shed light on important causes like afforestation, and we are confident that his enormous regional appeal will be greatly instrumental in raising awareness on water management and our products unique offerings across the heart of India. Sayaji Shinde stated, I am happy to be associated with a business that has helped farmers in their daily work and is synonymous with trust, staying true to its motto Kisaan Sukhi Bhava. I believe that farmers are the backbone of our economy, being the proud son of a farmer, and I am delighted to endorse such an ingenious product that helps them use water judiciously and is also beneficial for our environment. Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India) Emergency Use Authorisation or Accelerated Approval has been granted by the Drug Controller General of India for Covishield and Covaxin The vaccination exercise will be conducted utilising experience of elections (booth strategy) and Universal Immunization Program (UIP) without compromising existing healthcare services, especially national programs and primary health care. (Photo-AP) New Delhi: Putting an end to the long wait for the COVID-19 vaccines, the union government on Saturday announced that the nationwide inoculation drive will begin from January 16. The date has been decided keeping in mind the forthcoming festivals like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc. Priority will be given to the healthcare workers and the frontline workers, estimated to be around 3 crores in number, followed by those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities numbering around 27 crore. On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in the country, potential threat from the new UK mutant virus and vaccination plan. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Health Secretary, and other senior officials. The PM will now have a virtual meeting with the chief ministers on Monday on this issue. India till date has over 1.04 crore cases and over 1.50 lakh fatalities due to COVID-19. In the last 24 hours 18, 222 fresh cases and 228 new deaths have been recorded. The total number of people with the new mutated strain of UK virus has now reached 90. According to officials, the vaccination exercise will be conducted utilising experience of elections (booth strategy) and Universal Immunization Program (UIP) without compromising existing healthcare services, especially national programs and primary health care. The PM was also apprised about the Co-WIN Vaccine Delivery Management System that will provide real time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualized tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine. Emergency Use Authorisation or Accelerated Approval has been granted by the Drug Controller General of India for Covishield (by SII) and Covaxin (Bharat Biotech). Central government is in the process of procuring the vaccines that will be delivered to main hubs in each zone and taken to different parts of the country from there. 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 79 lakh beneficiaries have been already registered on the platform, said health ministry officials. More than 61,000 programme managers, 2 lakh vaccinators and 3.7 lakh other vaccination team members have been trained for the vaccine drive. 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 Centre on Sunday said Co-WIN, an online platform for monitoring COVID-19 vaccine delivery, shall form the foundation for the anti-coronavirus inoculation drive which shall be citizen-centric so that the vaccine is available anytime and anywhere. India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the world's largest inoculation programme with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers. As part of preparations for the nationwide rollout of COVID-19 vaccine, the Health Ministry on Sunday held a video conference with officials from states and Union Territories to discuss feedback on the Co-WIN software and its operational use gathered from the vaccination dry runs. The meeting was chaired by Ram Sewak Sharma, the chairman of Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management to combat COVID-19 and member of National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration of COVID-19. Giving an overall view of the CoWIN software and the principles that shall underpin the technology backup for the vaccination exercise, he said robust, dependable and agile technology shall form both the foundation and the back-up for the country's COVID-19 vaccination drive. "The process should be citizen-centric and built on an approach that the vaccine shall be available anytime and anywhere," Sharma was quoted as saying in a statement. He stressed on the need for flexibility without compromising on quality and reiterated that inclusivity, speed and scalability have been kept in mind while designing the digital platform with all its components being portable, synchronous without excessive and unnecessary dependencies. Underscoring the importance of capturing the vaccination data in real time, Sharma said, "This is non-negotiable." He also highlighted the caution one needs to exercise to ensure there was 'no proxy' at all, while reiterating that the beneficiaries of the vaccination drive need to be uniquely and undeniably identified. About the use of the Aadhaar platform, Sharma advised the states to urge the beneficiaries to seed their current mobile number with Aadhaar for registration and consequent communication through SMS. It is extremely important to clearly identify a person who is getting vaccinated and keep a digital record on who gets vaccinated by whom, when and which one, Sharma stressed. The meeting was attended by principal secretaries of states, National Health Mission Directors, state immunisation officers and senior officers of the Union Health Ministry. India had recently granted emergency use authorisation to two vaccines, Oxford's Covishield being manufactured by Serum Institute in India and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Both vaccines, the statement from the Health Ministry said, have established safety and immunogenicity. After vaccinating healthcare and frontline workers, priority will be given to those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, together numbering around 27 crore, a government statement said. . The man accused of abducting an employee of Weston, Floridas Cleveland Clinic, raping her and then taking off in her car early Saturday morning has been captured and taken into custody, police said. Joel Cossio, 31, was captured north of Fort Myers in Charlotte County after a tipster who had seen the news coverage spotted him and alerted police, Sgt. Don Prichard, a spokesman for the Broward Sheriffs Office, said Sunday. Cossio remains in custody and is awaiting a judges order to return to Broward County, where he will face charges related to the attack, Prichard said. The victim, whose identity is being withheld by police, was on her way to work Saturday at around 7:20 a.m., when she was grabbed by her assailant, forced into her car and assaulted. The attack occurred at the Cleveland Clinic Florida Weston in the 3100 block of Weston Road, Prichard told reporters. A man ran after her, tackled her and forced her back into her own vehicle, Prichard said. He then proceeded to drive and sexually batter her at a location we are not going to disclose at this time. Deputies later found the victim at a Target store near Sawgrass Mills mall in Sunrise, after a 911 call was placed at around 8:12 a.m. in reference to a sexual assault in Weston. The victim told deputies that her attacker dropped her off at the Target store, then took off in her white Ford Explorer, heading west on Alligator Alley. Public records list Cossio as being from Hialeah. His brother answered his phone Sunday morning but declined to comment. No comment right now, he said. Im still processing this right now. Im sorry. On Saturday, Cleveland Clinic released a statement saying officials there were deeply troubled and saddened by the incident. Management also said our thoughts are with our employee and her family, and that it is committed to the safety and security of all patients, visitors and employees. It had no further comment. Prichard said late Saturday there was no indication the victim knew her assailant and no other individuals are known to have been involved in the crime. Police want to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident. Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Robert Rausch at 954-321-4234. To remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org. Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinelcom or on Twitter @Susannah_Bryan ___ (c)2021 the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Visit the Sun Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) at www.sun-sentinel.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Santiago, Jan 10 : The Chilean Ministry of Health reported 4,361 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since the peak of the pandemic in June 2020. With the new figure, the country's overall infection tally surged to 637,742, Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying on Saturday. According to health authorities, another 63 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 17,037 "We are maintaining an increase in cases which worries us greatly and keeps us very attentive to two important things: the overload (of cases) that health services is receiving or will receive in a few days, and the situation of the ICU beds, which could be occupied in a few more days," Health Minister Enrique Paris told local media. Undersecretary of Assistance Networks Alberto Dougnac said that the increase in cases has translated into an increase in the demand for beds in the country's intensive care units. "In particular, the regions of Tarapaca and Atacama have had a significant increase. We have agreed with local authorities to increase ICU beds," he said. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) GRAND RAPIDS, MI A 21-year-old man was taken to the hospital after being shot in the arm late Saturday afternoon on Grand Rapids southeast side. The victims injuries were non-life-threatening, Sgt. John Wittkowski said in an email. Officers responded to the scene in the 1100 block of Oakdale SE at around 4:20 p.m., Saturday, Jan 9, on reports of a shooting, Wittkowski said. Witnesses described two males subjects to police who had been shooting at a single male subject. Multiple different caliber casings were located on scene, Wittkowski said. A man police believe to be the victim arrived at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital at 5:15 p.m. by way of transport, he said. Police do not know the extent of the mans injuries at this time, but said they are non-life-threatening. There is no suspect information available to the public at this time. Also on MLive: One dies after vehicle strikes tree in Ottawa County West Michigan husband accused in strangulation death of pregnant wife, a teacher Michigan State hockey scores 2 goals late to stun Michigan 3-2 Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment For weeks we have been told to wait for the release of the smoking gun. The Kraken is about to be revealed. Everything is about to shift. The nation will be shocked. Well, things have changed in dramatic and shocking ways. But it was not the Kraken that came. It was the Crackdown. Twitter has now banned President Trump for life. This really happened, right in front of our eyes. But that was just one part of the Crackdown. Within hours, headlines had announced Twitters ban on Trump, along with other social media bans on Sidney Powell (she of the aforementioned Kraken promises), General Michael Flynn, and Steve Bannon. Along with this, Google and Apple cracked down on the Parler app, where many Twitter users had been fleeing. The whole thing felt surreal, as if a violent takeover of your country was happening in front of your eyes and you could hear the troops getting closer to your home. When will they come knocking at your door? To heighten our legitimate concerns of this ever-encroaching Big Tech censorship, all this took place just one day after former first lady Michelle Obama called for Silicon Valley to ban Trump for life. Was there any connection between her suggestion and Twitters actions? (See here for my response to her call. She had made her appeal as some of these internet giants, including Facebook and Instagram, had suspended Trump at least until the inauguration.) In response to Twitters ban, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley tweeted, Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country. #Unbelievable. (As of this writing, Sunday, January 9, at 11:05 AM, ET, the tweet remains up, thankfully, with almost 50,000 likes.) To be sure, there are legitimate questions to be asked about the limits of free speech. What if a platform was used by the radical left to post the addresses of pro-life leaders with instructions on how to kidnap their children and blow up their houses? Would that be legal, let alone ethical? Conversely, what if a platform was used by the radical right to help plan last Wednesdays siege of the Capitol, as Parler was allegedly used? I do understand the magnitude of what happened in DC this past week. It was a monstrous event of massive proportions, playing right into a dangerous, hyper-nationalistic mentality that the president himself helped stoke. (See here for my real time radio commentary.) Thousands of people joined in with the chaos and violence, not just a few rabble-rousing jokers. Thats why more than 50 police were injured and one was killed, Brian D. Sicknick, his head smashed with a fire extinguisher. Thats why there were four other deaths, including the tragic shooting of Ashli Babbit. This was the moment some of these radical right-wingers were waiting for. Its time to take America back. Time to stop the steal, by any means. Time for a new American revolution, by force if need be. To downplay the significance of the storming of the Capitol, with all our senior elected officials in the building, or to blame it all on Antifa agitators is to stick ones head in the sand. Personally, I have no doubt that President Trumps incessant rhetoric for the last four years helped create this violent atmosphere. That is why I lay the ultimate blame at his feet, even though I assume that he, too, was mortified by what actually happened at the Capitol. (For all those who criticized me for always adding a caveat whenever I would praise Trump, this is why I did it. Words have consequences. His words, as president, have often been dangerously irresponsible.) At the same time, the President called for calm and for law and order in the midst of the riots, issuing an excellent, conciliatory statement the next night. He was not willfully inciting violence, nor was there any indication that he was about to. Still, Twitter decided to ban him, the most powerful man on the planet, for life. What, pray tell, is coming next? This is one major reason that many of us voted for him in 2016 and 2020, seeing him as a real bulwark against this growing attack on our freedoms. With all his flaws, he would stand with us against Big Tech censorship and against other assaults on our liberties. Now he is banned for good (although he clearly has plans to move to another, yet to be announced platform), and we have no idea where a Democrat-led government will take us next. As for those who are convinced that the election was stolen, there is an even deeper sense of outrage coupled with helplessness. How can this be happening, they wonder, in broad daylight here in America? The fact is that we do not know what is coming next, and we have good reason to be concerned. But we do know these four things. First, while the internet giants are called the masters of the universe, there is only one Master of the Universe, and one day, every knee will bow to Him, be it willingly or unwillingly. Let us never lose sight of this. If God is for us, who can be against us? Second, we still have a voice. Lets raise it all the more now with as much force as wisdom and with as much love as truth. To quote Jordan Petersons first Rule of Life, Stand up straight with your shoulders back. This is not the time to cower. Third, everything will come to light one day. As Jesus told His disciples (in the context of them being persecuted and killed for their faith), So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known (Matthew 10:26). This brings us comfort in the here and now. Fourth, what people mean for evil, God can use for good. To quote the words of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers, You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20). In the midst of my very serious concerns Im also feeling very excited. Something good can come out of this, so lets keep looking up as we speak up. The Gospel cannot be banned. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. If you want to honor an excellent public school teacher, Sunday is the last day to nominate an educator for New York Citys ninth annual Big Apple Awards. The awards celebrate and honor teachers who demonstrate strong teaching practices and enrich their school communities with strong, rigorous instruction. During this pandemic, so much has been asked of our educators and we owe them a deep debt of gratitude, said city Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. Every year I look forward to celebrating and learning from Big Apple Award winners from across the city, and thats even more true this year. To our students, staff, family members, and all New Yorkers: take a moment and nominate a teacher who has made a difference in your life. We cant wait to recognize the incredible work of our educators. Students, families, educators, school staff, and community members can nominate teachers and counselors by visiting the Big Apple Awards website, through Sunday. Nominees must be current, full-time public school teachers or college counselors in a district school, charter school, or early childhood education center in New York City who demonstrate exceptional success in the classroom. Since the awards inception in 2013, the Big Apple Awards has recognized 124 outstanding New York City educators. Award recipients come from schools and neighborhoods across the city and represent a variety of subject areas, experience, and backgrounds. NOMINATIONS Big Apple nominees are reviewed based on their ability to demonstrate exceptional success in three key competencies aligned with the Framework for Great Schools impacting student learning, demonstrating strong instructional practice, and contributing to their school community. Following the nomination period, principals recommend a top nominee from their school to be considered for a Big Apple Award. Top nominees are reviewed by district superintendent teams and asked to highlight their accomplishments through an interview and classroom visit. Each district selects a winner to advance to the next round, where the Board of Judges determine participants for the chancellors Teacher Advisory Council for the next school year. The recipients will represent teachers citywide during the 2021-2022 school year as Big Apple Fellows, while continuing to educate and inspire students in the classroom. The Big Apple Awards are made possible in part by private support through the Fund for Public Schools. Last year, 19 exemplary New York City public school teachers were selected from nearly 7,000 nominations. They came from 75% of schools across the city and about 65% of nominations were submitted by students, families, and community members. Carranza, the deputy chancellors, and members of his cabinet surprised the 19 educators in a virtual meeting on the last day of school, bringing school staff together to celebrate their teachers outstanding work. They are currently serving as Big Apple Fellows and meet monthly with one another, becoming leaders and ambassadors for their profession. The Advisory Council meets bi-monthly to further impact policy across the DOE. Carolyn Unterman, an elementary school teacher at PS 26 in Travis, was one of 19 recipients of last years prestigious Big Apple Awards. According to the Department of Education (DOE), Untermans passion for teaching began with the belief that education can provide the opportunity to overcome all obstacles. She is open and vulnerable as an educator, and uses her own life experiences to motivate her students, said the DOE. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. WASHINGTON: US Vice President Mike Pence will attend President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris inauguration on January 20, a senior official confirmed. This is second such instance where Pence has taken a split decision from that of Trump. The outgoing V-P loyally stood behind Trump for four years. On Thursday, Pence had upheld Biden's certification in the Senate House after the US Congress finished tallying Electoral College votes. Though, Trump had called for Pence to show "extreme courage" by rejecting the certification process. The whole thing took place under the chaos at the Capitol Hill, when pro-Trump supporters went on a rampage and the US House session had to stalled for several hours. Donald Trump was blamed for instigating his supporters when he asked them to 'fight back'. Since the November 3 election, Trump had refused to concede defeat and had even alleged voters' fraud without any proof to prove his allegations. After the Senate House certified Joe Biden's presidency, Trump finally conceded defeat. Further, Trump said that he would not attend the inauguration of his successor, to which Joe Biden had responded that "It's a good thing, him not showing up." Not mincing any words, Biden said, "He exceeded even my worst notions about him. He's been an embarrassment to the country, embarrassed us around the world. He's not worthy to hold that office," Biden said at a news conference in Wilmington, Delaware. Also, former US presidents Barack Obama, George Bush and Bill Clinton are likely to attend the scaled-down inauguration, sans the traditional parade and crowds at the National Mall. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The EC has reminded states where assembly polls are due in the coming months not to assign any election-related duty to officials who have been charged for any lapse in any election in the past. In an advisory to the chief secretaries of Assam, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Election Commission (EC) has also said that officers against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in past and which is pending or has resulted in a penalty should also not be deployed for poll-related work. The advisory, sent last month, said any officer, who is due to retire within the coming six months, should not be associated with any election related duty. The terms of the legislative assemblies of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are coming to an end on different dates in May and June this year. Assembly elections are likely to take place sometime in April-May. The poll watchdog also asked these states to ensure that officers directly connected with the conduct of elections are not posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years. It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair. "To ensure free and fair election, the Commission has been following a consistent policy to the effect that officers directly connected with conduct of elections in an election going state/UT are not posted in their home districts or places where they have served for considerably long period," the advisory said. . We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form This year and crusade against abortion will be confined to the Internets but the activism hits home with a local cleric at the helm. Remember that the Kansas City, Kansas Archbishop Joseph Naumann offered high praise for the administration of Prez Trump and the pro-life stance of the MAGA crowd despite resistance from faithful urban leaders. Now . . . Here's a glimpse at their upcoming effort later in this month as conservatives confront their new status as the political minority in the nation's capitol. Read more . . . Vivek Wadhwa, an Indian American distinguished fellow at Harvard Law Schools Labor and Worklife Program and co-author of From Incremental to Exponential: How Large Companies Can See the Future and Rethink Innovation, along with Day One Insights founder Tarun Wadhwa, write about why Silicon Valley will have a tough time during Joe Bidens administration. (wadhwa.com photo) Quetta, Jan 10 : Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Quetta where he met the families of the 11 coal miners who were killed by armed men in Balochistan's Machh area on January 3, the media reported on Sunday. In a video released by Khan's office on Saturday, the Prime Minister can be seen interacting with the families, as well as other members of the Hazara minority community , Dawn news reported. Speaking to the families, the premier said that he had visited the community in the past and was well aware of the issues being faced by them. "I know that people were afraid of going to your imambargahs when the 'war on terror' was at its peak in Pakistan. I came to meet you then as well." Khan said that when he was first informed of the killings, he sent Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid to meet with the bereaved to assure them of backing by the federal government. "We have a whole programme prepared and a security forces cell is being made which will look at providing you (Hazaras) with protection and pursuing those responsible (for the attack)," Dawn news quoted the Prime Minister as further saying. The premier's visit came hours after the miners were buried at the city's Hazara Town cemetery following the end of a week-long protest by the Hazara community against the killings. On January 11, the 11 coal miners were kidnapped and killed by unidentified armed men in Machh, an area under serious security threat. According to the police, the attackers abducted the miners and took them to the nearby hills where they were fired at and seriously injured. The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State terror group. Bengaluru, Jan 11 : The Karnataka cabinet would be expanded on January 13 to induct seven legislators as ministers, said state Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Sunday night. "The BJP high command has permitted to induct seven legislators in the cabinet. They will be sworn-in on January 13 afternoon, as there is 'habba' (Sankranti festival) on January 14," Yediyurappa told news channels in Kannada on return from New Delhi. He, however, did not disclose names of the legislators to be inducted in the cabinet expansion, as they have to be "finalised and confirmed". "The list of would-be ministers will be finalised tomorrow (Monday) for taking oath in the afternoon of January 13," added the Chief Minister. In the 34-member ministry, seven posts are vacant to be filled in the third cabinet expansion. During his day-long visit to the national capital on Sunday, Yediyurappa met the ruling BJP's national leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, party's national president J.P. Nadda and party's Karnataka unit in-charge Arun Singh. The cabinet was expanded for the second time on February 6, 2020 when 10 legislators, who defected from Congress and JD-S were inducted after they won in the December 5, 2019 by-elections, caused by their resignations in July 2019, which led to the fall of the 14-month JD-S-Congress coalition government on July 23, 2019 and return of the BJP government on July 26, 2019. The first cabinet expansion, in which 17 ministers were inducted, took place on August 20, 2019. Yediyurappa was sworn-in as BJP Chief Minister for the third time on July 26, 2019. Priti Patel set up a new command centre in Dover to catch people smugglers The centre in Dover will see British carry out increased air, land and sea patrols Comes after boat believed to be carrying 35 migrants located at sea yesterday It was brought into Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, East Sussex on January 9 Rescue teams scrambled after reports of boat in difficulty 23 miles off coast A new command centre aimed at catching people smugglers ferrying migrants across the English Channel has been set up by Priti Patel. The high-tech centre, which will be situated at a secret location in Dover, Kent, will see the British authorities collaborate with law enforcement in Calais to carry out increased air, land and sea surveillance. ADVERTISEMENT The command headquarters will be led by the government's small boats commander Dan O'Mahoney who was appointed to collaborate with the French to tackle Channel crossings in August last year. The move comes after 20 migrants were brought ashore in Dover this morning after being picked up on small boats by Border Force along the English Channel in two separate incidents, the Home Office said. The migrants, who made the treacherous journey along the Channel as temperatures plunged to a freezing -2C, were seen wrapped in blankets and wearing life jackets as they disembarked their lifeboats. Priti Patel has set up a new command hub in Dover to carry out increased air, land and sea surveillance across the English Channel The command centre, which will see the British authorities collaborate with law enforcement in Calais, will be led by the government's small boats commander Dan O'Mahoney (left with the Home Secretary) Migrants arrive in Dover today after being rescued by Border Force officials along the English Channel Speaking about the new centre Mr O'Mahoney said: 'Significant steps were taken last year, including increased surveillance and more patrols on beaches, which have made crossing the Channel in this dangerous and unnecessary way harder than ever. 'Improved intelligence sharing has meant that the French prevented more than 6,000 attempts last year, but we know that more needs to be done. 'By setting up the new command cell we are making the UK's and French law enforcement response more agile than it has ever been. 'It will ensure we have the right capability in the right place at the right time to stop boats from leaving French beaches and to deal with people who do make it into the water, protecting lives and bringing the criminals responsible to justice.' The move, which forms part of an enhanced Government operation under the codename Altair, comes as figures revealed that 8,417 migrants made the treacherous journey on small boats and dinghies to reach the UK's shores in 2020. Click here to resize this module Earlier today, migrants were rescued by Border Force officials in Dover after making their perilous journey across the Channel in freezing temperatures. ADVERTISEMENT Another 12 individuals and two further boats with 14 people onboard were stopped by French authorities before arriving to the UK. The scenes came just a day after Border Force officers detained 103 migrants including women and children who crossed the English Channel in small boats in thick freezing frog. Six boats were intercepted in the Channel by Border Force patrol boats and brought into the harbour at Dover through the day on Saturday amid low visibility and plummeting temperatures. A Border Force team escort the migrants ashore after they are rescued along the English Channel this morning A migrant wears a life jacket as they are brought ashore by officials in Dover, Kent, on Sunday morning A group of migrants are brought ashore by Border Force Officials in Dover after they are spotted along the English Channel The Home Office said 20 migrants arrived in Dover after being rescued by teams in two separate incidents A person is brought ashore by Border Force officials A migrant is brought ashore Figures revealed that 8,417 migrants made the treacherous journey on small boats and dinghies to reach the UK's shores in 2020. Pictured: Rescue teams bring a group of migrants ashore on Dover A lifeboat carries a group of migrants in life jackets to the shore in Dover today A person is escorted by a Border Force official A migrant is escorted by an official Yesterday lifeboats were launched to rescue up to 35 migrants from one boat near the Sussex coast, which was believed to have been carrying children and five injured people. Teams of coastguards and RNLI Lifeboats from Eastbourne and Newhaven, as well as Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teams were called to the rescue mission at around 12:45pm. They received reports of a vessel 'with approximately 30 people on board' in difficulty about 23 miles south of Beachy Head. HM Coastguard confirmed yesterday to the BBC that it was 'coordinating a search and rescue response' after receiving a report that the 'with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty'. The organisation said it was 'concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities'. Emergency service teams - including lifeguards and police offers - were seen helping people ashore, including children wrapped in blankets being carried to safety. Sussex Police told The Argus that Border Force were at the scene, and several people have been detained. Rescue teams pick up migrants making the treacherous journey along the English Channel A migrant is brought ashore by rescue teams Border Force officials rescue a group of migrants Migrants arrive at the Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, East Sussex on Saturday, after a rescue operation was launched to save a boat 'in difficulty' Emergency services received reports of a vessel 'with approximately 30 people on board' in difficulty about 23 miles south of Beachy Head. Pictured: A person is helped ashore Pictured: A young migrant is carried by police officer. Teams of coastguards and RNLI Lifeboats from Eastbourne and Newhaven, as well as Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teamswere called to the rescue mission at around 12:45pm In its full statement to the MailOnline, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency said: 'HM Coastguard has been coordinating a search and rescue response to an incident 23 miles south of Beachy Head. ADVERTISEMENT 'A report was received just after midday that a vessel with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty. We sent Eastbourne and Newhaven RNLI lifeboats, and Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teams. 'HM Coastguard is only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities.' Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts Chris Philp said: 'People should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and not risk their lives making a dangerous and illegally-facilitated crossing. 'The Government has taken substantial steps to tackle this unacceptable problem of illegal migration. These efforts have contributed to a 70 per cent reduction in crossings since September on fair-weather days, by direct intervention on the French beaches. 'This means that we have been able to change the patterns of crossings that resulted in a surge of small boat activity 2018 and 2019. 'Post EU exit, this Government will work to fix the broken asylum system. Legislative changes to the law are being made to enable cases to be treated as inadmissible if they have travelled through a safe country. Though Britain's new trade deal came into force on January 1, and new laws on asylum seekers along with it, the rules remain largely the same for those attempting the crossing HM Coastguard confirmed earlier today to the BBC that it was 'coordinating a search and rescue response' after receiving a report that the 'with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty'. Pictured: An officer carries a person to shore One boat carrying around 10 people was intercepted and brought into Dover Marina, Kent, shortly before 5am on January 2. Pictured: Emergency workers escort young migrants 'The Government will continue to seek to return those with no legal right to remain in the UK.' On January 2, one boat carrying around ten people was intercepted and brought into Dover Marina, Kent shortly before 5am. Border Force towed the blue and white rigid hulled inflatable boat into the harbour before escorting the migrants up the gangway to be assessed. The men, wearing face masks, red lifejackets and wrapped in white blankets for warmth, appeared to be shivering from the bitter -1C temperature. Figures show a record 8,410 migrants made the treacherous Channel crossing by small boat last year - four times more than the 1,850 who made the journey in the whole of 2019. Pictured: A lifeguard helps a young migrant down a flight of steps off a lifeboat on Saturday Home Secretary Priti Patel signed a new deal with France at the end of November, after 757 people crossed, in an attempt to prevent crossings from disembarking from their shores A total of 211 people made it to UK shores in December following 33 arriving on New Year's Eve. September 2 saw the most migrants arrive in a single day ever as a record 416 made the dangerous journey on 28 boats. Though Britain's new trade deal came into force on January 1, and new laws on asylum seekers along with it, the rules remain largely the same for those attempting the crossing. Britain has said it will no longer accept asylum claims at sea, paving a way for those crossing The Channel to be returned to France. ADVERTISEMENT But the UK will not be permitted to do that until an agreement with France is reached. Twitter has removed a tweet by Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei suggesting coronavirus vaccines made in the United States and Britain are "untrustworthy", saying the post violated its rules. "Importing vaccines made in the US or the UK is prohibited. They're completely untrustworthy. It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations," said a tweet posted Friday on Khamenei's English-language Twitter account. "Given our experience with France's HIV-tainted blood supplies, French vaccines aren't trustworthy either," the Iranian leader added in the tweet with the hashtag #CoronaVaccine. Twitter later removed the tweet and replaced it with a message that said it was "no longer available because it violated the Twitter Rules". A spokesperson for Twitter said on Saturday that the tweet "violates... specifically our Covid-19 misleading information policy". "The account owner will be required to delete the violative Tweet before regaining access to their account," the spokesperson for the US-based social network giant said. The US social media company announced a policy in December to crack down on what it described as potentially "false or misleading information" about Covid-19 vaccinations. Such false claims, it said, include statements about vaccines that invoke deliberate conspiracy and those suggesting that vaccines are used to harm or control populations. The Islamic republic has reported more than 1.2 million cases of the novel coronavirus, which have caused over 56,000 deaths. It has accused arch-enemy the United States of hampering its access to vaccines through tough sanctions. - Vaccines 'safe' - Last month, President Hassan Rouhani said Washington had demanded Tehran pay for the drugs through US banks, adding he had feared the US would seize the money. France was singled out by Khamenei on Friday because of a scandal in the 1980s in which blood infected with HIV was distributed in France, and later abroad. Hundreds of people in Iran were among those infected. Khamenei's ban concerns vaccines made by pharmaceutical giants Pfizer of the US and its German partner BioNTech, American firm Moderna and the vaccine produced by multinational company AstraZeneca and Britain's Oxford University. The World Health Organization granted emergency validation to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at the end of December. The WHO's experts and others found the vaccine to hold "the must-have criteria for safety and efficacy set out by WHO and that the benefits of using the vaccine to address Covid-19 offset potential risks", it said. On Wednesday the organisation's experts warned it could take months before vaccines turn the tide against the pandemic. "We've got another three or six months of hard, hard road ahead of us. But we can do it. The cavalry is coming, the vaccines are coming," said Michael Ryan, the WHO's emergencies director. Twitter had said in December that "vaccine misinformation presents a significant and growing public health challenge -- and we all have a role to play". Khamenei's tweets are managed by his office and usually contain statements he made during sermons, which are later published by Iranian media. The English-language account @khamenei_ir has more than 873,000 followers, including the verified accounts of top Iranian officials such as Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif. Twitter is officially banned in Iran although several officials, including the president and his foreign minister, have verified accounts and make use of it often. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. GlobeNewswire The North America carbon fiber market is expected to grow from US$ 907. 32 million in 2019 to US$ 2,058. 44 million by 2027; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10. 9% from 2020 to 2027. The increasing usage of carbon fiber in the wind energy industry is bolstering the growth of the market in North America.New York, May 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "North America Carbon Fiber Market Forecast to 2027 - COVID-19 Impact and Regional Analysis By Raw Material, End Use Industry" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06075733/?utm_source=GNW Growing demand for renewable resources has led to a surge in the installation for wind farms, with large tracts of land and coastal areas devoted to the operation of wind turbines. The wind turbine manufacturers strive to produce more efficient and longer blades. Advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber are becoming a major part of the construction of wind turbines, specifically the blades. According to the studies conducted by companies operating in the market, longer the blades on a turbine, more is the energy it generates. Carbon fibers plays a crucial role in the wind energy industry. Large blades are typically designed for stiffness and deflection, rather than taking material strength into consideration. Carbon fibers, if used in the turbines, enable high stiffness characteristic that reduces blade deflection, allowing a larger tower diameter for a given blade-to-tower clearance. Carbon fibers are added in the spar cap, which is the backbone of the blade. These fibers are also considered as an effective alternative to the glass fibers used in the wind turbines, as they make the blades thinner, stiffer, and lighter. Furthermore, they have relatively low damage tolerance, compressive strength, and ultimate strain. Thus, carbon fiber has come up as an impactful technology for turbine manufacturers such as Vestas Wind Systems A/S and Gamesa Technology Corp. These companies use carbon fiber in select structural parts of the blades. Lighter blades require less robust turbine and tower components, and hence, the cascading cost savings justify the additional cost of carbon. The rising demands from the automotive and aerospace applications are among the other factors expected to positively influence the demand for carbon fiber in North America during the forecast periodThe US reported the highest number of COVID-19 confirmed cases than Canada and Mexico. Amid the pandemic, restrictions on supply and distribution chain are hindering the consumer goods industry in North America.The North America carbon fiber market is segmented on the basis of raw material, end use industry, and country.Based on raw material, the market is bifurcated into PAN and Pitch.In 2019, the PAN segment held a larger market share.Based on end user indsutry, the North America carbon fiber market is segmented into automotive, aerospace and defense, construction, sporting goods, wind energy, and others.The market for the aerospace and defense segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period.The overall North America carbon fiber market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources.To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market.The process also serves the purpose of obtaining an overview and forecast for the North America carbon fiber market with respect to all the segments pertaining to the region.Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data, as well as to gain more analytical insights into the topic.The participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders, specializing in the North America carbon fiber market. DowAksa; Formosa Plastic Corporation; Hexcel Corporation; Hyosung Corporation; Kureha Corporation; Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; SGL Carbon; Solvay; Teijin Limited; and Toray Industries, Inc are among the leading companies operating in the market.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06075733/?utm_source=GNWAbout ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.__________________________ CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 Thai fisheries industry assures seafood untainted by COVID-19 January 10,2021 | Source: Pattaya Mail The Thai fisheries industry has given an assurance that despite the recent wave of COVID-19 infections stemming from a shrimp market, frozen seafood remains untainted due to proactive measures and cooperation with the state. Deputy Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Fisheries Business and Industry Strategy Committee, Poj Aramwattananon has asserted that industrial factories in COVID-19 hit areas have maintained strict preventative measures, cooperating with state agencies to screen workers and stem any infection. In the interests of consumers and to boost importer confidence, they have been working with the Ministries of Commerce, Public Health, Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Interior, to secure documentation certifying their export quality and safety since July of last year and have produced a video detailing production processes for the information of foreign buyers. Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries, Wichan Ingsrisawang has explained that marine creatures cannot transmit COVID-19 to humans. Nevertheless, following the new outbreak, all operators in the seafood value chain have been told to increase screening operations and to regularly disinfect equipment. Certificates are provided to growers, fishers, transporters and markets that are able to comply with all measures, with 56 factories receiving the documentation so far. The Thai Frozen Foods Association has similarly sought to bolster confidence by assuring buyers that all of its members comply with state regulations, in particular rules concerned with screening the sectors workforce of over 20,000 laborers. 2016 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Theme(s): Others. Chris Christie said Sunday that if he were a lawmaker he would vote to impeach Donald Trump as Republican Senator Pat Toomey demanded the president resign 'as soon as possible'. When Christie, a former Trump ally, was asked if the president committed an impeachable offense, he told ABC's 'This Week' during a panel discussion: 'Oh sure, yeah.' 'You would vote to impeach?' ABC host George Stephanopolous asked the former New Jersey governor. 'If I think it's an impeachable offense that's exactly what I would do, George,' Christie said. 'But I'm not in there. But you want my opinion, that's my opinion. He added: 'If inciting to insurrection isn't [an impeachable offense], I don't know what is.' Chris Christie, once a staunch Trump ally, said Sunday that if he were a lawmaker he would vote to impeach, claiming: 'If inciting to insurrection isn't [an impeachable offense], I don't know what is' Republican Senator Pat Toomey also said Sunday Trump should resign and 'go away as soon as possible' to allow the country to heal in the wake of the riot at the Capitol Wednesday Amidst calls for resignation and a possible second impeachment of Trump, Vice President Mike Pence still hasn't ruled out using the 25th Amendment to remove the president from office just 10 days before his term is up. Christie said if impeachment does come to the floor, Republicans will 'have to vote their conscious.' 'I mean, what we had was an incitement to riot at the United States Capitol, we had people killed, and to me there's no a whole lot of question here,' Christie said. Toomey told NBC's Chuck Todd on 'Meet the Press' Sunday morning that the 'best way for our country is for the president to resign and go away as soon as possible.' 'I acknowledge that may not be likely, but I think that would be best,' the Pennsylvania Republican senator said. Representative Adam Kinzinger agreed with this sentiment during his interview with ABC on Sunday, claiming: 'I think the best thing for the country to heal would be for him to resign.' 'The next best thing is the 25th Amendment, and that's why I call on Vice President Pence to do it,' he continued on 'This Week', adding this route is the best because it would 'get the debate out of Congress.' Toomey also claimed in the wake of the chaotic descent on the Capitol by pro-Trump protesters on Wednesday, which left five dead, that the president shouldn't be allowed to run for this office ever again. 'I would certainly hope and I actually do believe that the president has disqualified himself,' Toomey said. 'I don't think he's a viable candidate for office ever again because of the outrageous behavior in the post-election period.' Mike Pence has not spoken publicly since Wednesday after the pro-Trump mob blamed him for Congress not overturning the election results. The vice president won't say if he will invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from power with just 10 days left in his term REMOVE TRUMP NOW FOR MAGA MOB, SAY 54% - BUT JUST 13% OF REPUBLICANS WANT HIM GONE A slim majority of Americans want Donald Trump removed from office in the wake of his supporters' murderous rampage through Congress, a new poll found Sunday. The ABC News/IPSOS survey shows support for removal at 54% compared to opposition at 43%. Trump could be removed immediately through being declared unfit under the 25th Amendment by Mike Pence and eight of the cabinet's 15 most senior members, or by a fast-tracked impeachment this week - although that would need Mitch McConnell to change position to get on board. But the poll shows a bitter partisan split over removal with 94% of Democrats in support but just 13% of Republicans. Now pay the price: A majority of Americans want Trump removed for whipping up the mob which stormed the Capitol and which he addressed at a rally outside the White House before they marched up the National Mall and desecrated Congress Democrats are set to introduce a single article of impeachment Monday, accusing Trump of incitement to insurrection. But McConnell told Republican senators Friday that the senate could not take up an impeachment until January 20 unless there was the consent of all 100 senators to get on a fast track, which appears unlikely. Also opposing impeachment is Kevin McCarthy, the House minority leader who backed Trump so strongly that he voted to overturn the election after the MAGA mob smashed into the capitol and chanted 'hang Mike Pence.' The poll however gives support to Nancy Pelosi's assessment that 'public sentiment' blames Trump for the violence. It found that 67% of people said Trump was to blame for the violence 'a great deal' or 'a good amount' and just 15% said none at all. Among the 43% of people overall who do not support removal, almost half of them said that he was to blame for the violence but that the fact he will be out of office on January 20 anyway means it is 'not worth pursuing.' It also found that Ted Cruz is being blamed with just 71% of people saying they had confidence in his ability to uphold democracy. Some of the poll's findings are likely to worry the incoming Joe Biden administration, the Democratic party and Republicans who want a clear break from the Trump era. A total of 32% of people said they did not believe Joe Biden's election was 'legitimate' and while 53% of people said they believed the president-elect would 'uphold democracy,' 45% did not. Advertisement Outside of calls for resignation and rumors Vice President Pence could use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump and take over in the final days, there are also those pushing for a second impeachment against the president. Toomey revealed Saturday that even he believes Trump 'committed impeachable offenses'. Pence has not spoken publicly since Wednesday's events where he condemned the attacks before moving forward with the joint session of Congress to certify the election overnight Wednesday to Thursday. Toomey doesn't think, however, that the 25th Amendment will be enacted or that Trump will be impeached before he vacates the White House on January 20. 'It does not look as though there is the will or the consensus to exercise the 25th Amendment option,' Toomey told NBC. 'And I don't think there's time to do an impeachment. There's ten days left before the president leaves anyway. I think the best thing would be a resignation.' Other than Toomey, there are several other Republican lawmakers calling for Trump's removal one way or the other, including Senators Lisa Murkowski, Ben Sasse, Mitt Romney and Representatives Garret Graves of Louisiana, Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Steve Stivers of Ohio. Kinzinger said lawmakers need to put aside consideration of their jobs to do the right thing for Americans. 'We ask young men and young women to give their lives for this country every day,' the 42-year-old Air Force veteran said on ABC Sunday morning. 'We have to be willing to give our careers to do the right thing when it's something as egregious as we're facing like we have been in this last week.' When Toomey was asked how and other Republicans didn't see a big event like the one Wednesday coming, the Pennsylvania senator said the president's actions since the election are far from just the 'offensive tweets' he's fired off in the past. 'The president spiraled down into a kind of madness that was different,' Toomey said of Trump's behavior in the last few months. 'I'm sorry if people don't acknowledge that.' 'I think what he did this past week is wildly different from the offensive tweets that were common during his presidency, and I don't think that those tweets clearly indicated that this was coming,' he said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Pence Thursday to declare Trump unfit for office after he told crowds to 'fight' moments before a mob stormed the Capitol. The Vice President refused to take their calls, leading the Democrats to begin an impeachment process as an alternative option to remove Trump from office. Despite Pence's silence, the Vice President is keeping the move to invoke the 25th Amendment very much on the table for if or when Trump becomes more unstable in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, a source told CNN. The latest twist in this week's events comes as it was revealed Pence sheltered in a bunker with his family during the Capitol riot and Trump didn't check in on his safety. Pence, daughter Audrey Pence and wife Karen Pence walk during the Inaugural Parade on January 20 2017. Pence and his family were forced to shelter in a bunker where they could hear the angry mob looking for him The source said Pence's team is concerned the president could take action that would risk national security if either the Vice President pursues the 25th Amendment or Democrats push forward with their impeachment plans. Now, Pence is working to ensure there is a smooth transition to the Biden administration and that the incoming team are best prepared for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, CNN reported. Tensions have reached a head between the president and his second in command following Wednesday's riot where Trump's supporters broke into the Capitol and chanted 'Hang Mike Pence'. Despite stoking the fury among the crowd by falsely telling them Pence had the power to stop the certification of Biden's victory, Trump did not check in on the Vice President during the siege. 'Was he concerned at all that an angry mob that he commanded to march on the Capitol might injure the vice president or his family?' a source said to CNN. Pence, his wife Karen Pence, daughter Charlotte and brother Rep. Greg Pence were forced to take cover in a secret location. The VP and his family - who had joined him for the ceremony - are said to have been able to hear the angry mob shouting 'where's Mike Pence' while they stormed through the building. The two men have not spoken since the violent attack on Capitol Hill, CNN reported. Trump has also not condemned the threats made against his second in command by his supporters and has gone to efforts to freeze him out including revoking the Vice President Chief of Staff Marc Short's White House access Wednesday. Pence has faced calls from Democrats to declare Trump unfit for office after he riled up crowds telling them to 'fight' (above) moments before a mob stormed the Capitol Pence has finally seen 'a glimpse of POTUS's vindictiveness' and is disappointed and saddened by it, a source told CNN. After his numerous attempts to overthrow the presidential election through unfounded claims of mass voter fraud failed, Trump pushed the blame for his defeat onto Pence. The president repeatedly and incorrectly claimed the Vice President could put a stop to the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the Electoral College. 'States want to correct their votes, which they now know were based on irregularities and fraud, plus corrupt process never received legislative approval,' Trump wrote on Wednesday morning, just hours before his supporters tried to hunt Pence down. '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!' 'If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency,' he added. '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!' He continued to falsely claim that Pence simply lacked the 'courage' as he whipped up the crowds at his 'Stop the Steal' rally into a frenzy Wednesday and urged them 'to fight'. 'Mike Pence, I hope you get to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country, and if you're not, I'm going to be very disappointed in you,' Trump said at the rally. Pence in fact did not have the power to do this - something he made clear in a statement Wednesday and in a conversation with Trump Tuesday. 'Some believe that as Vice President, I should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally,' Pence's statement read. A supporter of Donald Trump carries a Confederate flag on the second floor of the US Capitol Pro-Trump insurgents stormed Capitol Hill on Wednesday in an attack that left nation stunned 'Others believe that electoral votes should never be challenged in a Joint Session of Congress,' he continued. 'After a careful study of our Constitution, our laws, and our history, I believe neither view is correct.' This marked the first time Pence publicly broke rank with Trump and reportedly outraged Trump. 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.' It is a provision never before used for the removal of a president against his will. It requires 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'. Even if Pence and half the cabinet agrees, the 25th Amendment move requires a two-thirds majority of both chambers if the president objects. Several cabinet members are on an acting basis, lowering the number who could agree to the move. Pelosi and Schumer, the two top Democrats, had called on Pence to invoke the Amendment this week. Tensions have reached a head between the president and his second in command following Wednesday's riot Schumer revealed their efforts were scuppered when they were put on hold for 25 minutes before being told Pence would not come to the phone. House Democrats will introduce their impeachment resolution on Monday charging Trump with 'incitement of insurrection'. House Rep. Ted Lieu of California announced on his Twitter feed Saturday that 180 members of Congress have signed as co-sponsors of the article of impeachment that he helped draft alongside fellow House Reps. Jamie Raskin and David Cicilline. Lieu said that while all 180 co-sponsors are Democrats, he is confident that Republican members of the House will support to impeach. A draft of the article prepared by Cicilline, Lieu, and Raskin states that, 'Incited by Trump, a mob unlawfully breached the Capitol,' injured law enforcement, menaced lawmakers and the vice president, and interfered with the count of the Electoral College. Some Republicans have already suggested they are open to impeachment. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who voted to acquit Trump last year, said he will 'definitely consider' impeachment. And Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, who also voted to acquit, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that she wants Trump to resign. Senator Pat Toomey told Fox News Saturday he believes Trump committed 'impeachable offenses'. Two Republican Congress members told CNN they would support impeachment with one saying 'I think you will have GOP members vote for impeachment.' However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the earliest a second trial would begin is Inauguration Day because the Senate is in recess until January 19. The move to impeach a sitting president for a second time is an unprecedented event in American history. The fresh talk of finding a way to remove Trump came after he egged on his supporters, who stormed the Capitol An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress Trump's initial impeachment trial came after it emerged that he had pressured the Ukrainian president for information on Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. He was impeached in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress but was acquitted by the Senate in February after only one Republican - Mitt Romney - broke from party lines to back the impeachment article. The move to remove Trump from power comes in the wake of Wednesday's riot at the US Capitol. Trump is accused of inciting violence among his supporters telling them to 'fight' in a rally moments before the riot erupted. His response once the violence started has also said to have shocked White House aides. He stayed quiet for hours as rioters wreaked chaos on the Capitol and five died, reportedly watching the scenes unfold on TV and refusing to tell his fans to exit the building. He finally addressed the nation Wednesday several hours later - after Biden condemned the violence in a public address - where he told his supporters 'I love you' but 'go home'. It has also emerged that Trump resisted efforts to deploy the National Guard and White House officials had to intervene to make it happen, with Pence giving officials the go-ahead from where he was hiding out. Trump supporters broke through the barricades around the Capitol Wednesday and entered the seat of government sending lawmakers fleeing for their lives. Protesters were riled up by the president during a rally near the White House where he told them to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Joe Biden's presidential victory. Trump told the crowd to 'fight': 'Unbelievable, what we have to go through. What we have to go through - and you have to get your people to fight.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer demanded the president's removal from office Thursday A violent mob then stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building. Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets. Five people were killed in the violent riot including a police officer who was reportedly hit over the head with a fire extinguisher by a rioter. Three top Capitol security officials have stood down as questions are being raised over the failure to stop the breach occurring in the first place. Dozens have been rounded up and arrested since the attack including a QAnon supporter, a 70-year-old who brought two handguns, a rifle and 11 Molotov cocktails to the riot and a newly sworn-in West Virginia delegate. The FBI is asking for the public's help in bringing all those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, House Democrats will start proceedings to impeach Trump Monday charging him with 'incitement of insurrection' after he egged on his supporters and then failed to condemn the violence or tell them to leave the Capitol for hours after the violence erupted. Twitter banned the president from its platform Friday saying in a statement that his recent tweets amounted to glorification of violence. Citigroup did not single out lawmakers aligned with Trumps effort to overturn the election, but said it would be pausing all federal political donations for the first three months of the year. Citis head of global government affairs, Candi Wolff, said in a Friday memo to employees, We want you to be assured that we will not support candidates who do not respect the rule of law. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Jeremy Steins love for the Albuquerque BioPark extends beyond his death. Steins photos, many of which were taken at the ABQ BioPark, hang at The Gallery ABQ. Stein, who died last August from leukemia, loved photographing nature in its element and in captivity. We wanted to do something to honor him and we kind of talked around with the family. They said he had always wanted donations instead of flowers to go to the New Mexico BioPark Society, said Patricia Cream, director of The Gallery ABQ. He had so many prints already created, so we thought we could do a salon show at our gallery. And the family said they wanted 25% to go to the gallery for us showing, doing all the work to get it all set up, and then 75% to go to the BioPark Society. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ According to Steins artist statement provided by the gallery, he regarded himself as a nature photographer trying to capture and display the forms and aspects of our world. I want to show the underlying patterns and details in nature and the world in general, especially those elements which we usually see fleetingly or not at all, his statement reads. I am fascinated by the unimaginable complexity and richness of detail seen in all life, and do my best to capture it in my photographs. Stein says in his statement that he had been a photographer of some sort all of his life. From the very first time I saw a blank sheet of paper in the developing tray magically turn into a photograph, I knew I had to be a photographer, the statement says. That magic is still there for me, undiminished. I went on to a very different career, but always took pictures as an avocation, until I retired from my day job and could do photography full time. Cream remembers Stein as kind and always willing to share his knowledge about photography. Some of his photos that he took of the animals, he took actually in Africa. So a lot of the prints that we have, some of the lions and leopards, some of those are actually from his trip to Botswana, Cream said. I can remember him saying one day when we were talking hes like Listen, I have to finish up because I have to get down to the BioPark. Its time for me to take my photos. I mean he spent a lot of time at the zoo at the BioPark and he just loved taking photos. And I think thats the reason we have so many to work from, and his family could only keep so many, and so this is a great opportunity to get his beautiful photos out into the community. Stein had his own photography studio for many years and worked at Carr Imaging on Eubank NE. A lot of prints are matted and bagged, and so we had to go through a lot of them and get them physically ready to show at the gallery, Cream said. And we have 27 framed pieces that are hanging at the gallery as well. In addition to the salon show, the gallery will be raffling off some of Steins work. Patrons who come to the gallery in January will receive a raffle ticket. At the end of the month well do a huge drawing and give out, you know, Im hoping 10 to 15 pieces at the end of the month, Cream said. Were hoping that this will draw people in, that we can give away some of his pieces, also sell a bunch of pieces to help the BioPark and also, like I said, our gallery as well. London: The pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP) has demanded that Prime Minister Boris Johnson pay billions of pounds in compensation to Scotland for the mounting costs and disruption of Brexit. Brexit has strained the bonds that tie together the United Kingdom: England and Wales voted to leave but London, Northern Ireland and Scotland voted to stay. Anti-Brexit demonstrators in Edinburgh. Credit:Getty Images The SNP, which wants independence for Scotland and is pushing for a second referendum, said Scottish fishermen faced grave disruption due to Brexit. Johnson's Conservatives "must apologise to Scottish businesses and pay compensation to Scotland for the long-term damage they are doing to our economy costing us billions in lost trade and growth," said Ian Blackford, the SNP's leader in the British parliament. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Pair were first unmarried couple to occupy No10 when they moved in in 2019 he is said to be helping to look after the couple's eight-month-old baby, Wilfred Boris Johnson's future mother-in-law has been visiting Downing Street to help look after her baby grandson Wilfred, it emerged last night. Carrie Symonds mother Josephine McAffee has reportedly formed a household bubble with her daughter and the Prime Minister to provide childcare. She is said to be helping to look after eight-month-old Wilfred in the spacious flat above 11 Downing Street. Nanny McAffee: Josephine pictured above sharing a drink with a young Carrie Symonds Mr Johnson, 56, and Ms Symonds, 32, became the first unmarried couple to occupy Downing Street when they moved in in July 2019. They announced their engagement last February and Wilfred was born on April 29 last year at University College Hospital, London. Under lockdown rules, people can form a support bubble with another household of any size if they live on their own or if their household includes a child who was aged one or under on December 2 last year. A spokesman for Mr Johnson declined to comment on the claims in the Sunday Telegraph. A spokeswoman for Miss Symonds also said she would not comment on the arrangements, given that Carries mother is a private individual. Miss Symonds, an environmental campaigner and former director of communications at the Conservative Party, is the youngest partner of a Prime Minister in 174 years. She was born in London in 1988, the child of Ms McAffee, a lawyer at the Independent newspaper, and the newspapers co-founder Matthew Symonds. Boris Johnson 's future mother-in-law Josephine McAffee (pictured) has been visiting Downing Street to help look after her baby grandson Wilfred Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas Johnson was named after Boriss grandfather, while Carrie Symonds grandfather is the inspiration behind his first middle name. Nicholas is a tribute to NHS doctors Nick Price and Nick Hart, who treated the Prime Minister when he contracted coronavirus last year. Last month The Mail on Sunday published adorable pictures of the Prime Ministers son putting the finishing touches to a painting that was later sent to an 89-year-old with Parkinsons disease as part of a charity scheme. That's our boy: Boris Johnson, Carrie Symonds and Wilfred inside Downing Street last year Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds followed in the footsteps of David Cameron, his wife Samantha and their children by opting to live in the more spacious apartment above No 11 rather than above the shop at No 10. The couple also have a Jack Russell rescue dog, Dilyn. Sir Keir Starmer ditched plans to give a peerage to a leading Sikh independence supporter amid concerns over his alleged extremist links, it was claimed last night. But the Labour leader is facing calls to explain his decision after friends of senior public official Dabinderjit Singh Sidhu insisted it was complete nonsense to say he was a fanatic. Sir Keir is also being urged to say whether he had bowed to warnings that the Indian government would be furious to see Mr Singh receive the honour. Sir Keir Starmer ditched plans to give a peerage to a leading Sikh independence supporter amid concerns over his alleged extremist links, it was claimed last night Sources have suggested the timing of the peerage ahead of a planned visit by Boris Johnson later this month would have made it especially sensitive. Mr Singh, a long-standing campaigner for the creation of a sovereign Sikh state in the Punjab in India, was due to be one of six new Labour peers announced just before Christmas. But The Mail on Sunday understands that on the day of the announcement, he was told Sir Keir had withdrawn his nomination. The move came even though the House of Lords Appointments Commission, which vets peerages on security service advice, had approved the nomination. Labour sources would only say yesterday that they had received new information about the background of Mr Singh, who is a senior official at the National Audit Office. Mr Singh, 55, faced reports in 2008 that he had been a member of the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) which was banned in the UK in 2001 amid Home Office warnings its members were a threat to national security. The Evening Standard reported that in June of 2007, he had spoken at a rally in Trafalgar Square at which another speaker praised terrorism and at which the banners of a separate banned Sikh terror group Babbar Khalsa were on open display. That group was implicated in the bombing of an Air India plane off the coast of Ireland with the death of all 329 crew and passengers. Last night, friends of Mr Singh awarded the OBE in 2000 for services to the NAO, equal opportunities and the Sikh community -denied he had been a member of the Sikh youth organisation and said he had always campaigned peacefully for a Khalistan independent Sikh state. They also insisted the ISYF should never have been outlawed and that the ban was lifted by then Home Secretary Theresa May in 2016. One Labour MP who knows Mr Singh yesterday called on Sir Keir to sort this out, suggesting inexperience in his office had led to the confusion. Last month, ITV political editor Robert Peston tweeted he was a controversial figure in India. Mr Peston added that a leading figure in the Hindu community in the UK had told him the peerage would outrage the government of India. The Sikh Federation UK condemned what they called a hate campaign against Mr Singh. The Prime Minister had been due to attend Indias Republic Day celebrations on January 26 but he cancelled the visit amid the worsening pandemic crisis here. The Labour Party and Mr Singh declined to comment. But a party source said the decision to withdraw the nomination was taken when we were made aware of new information about Mr Singhs background. A TOTAL of 469 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Limerick this Sunday evening following 198 on Saturday. The 14-day incidence rate has risen again locally - from 1660.9 yesterday to 1878.4 today. Limerick remains the third highest in the country. The national average is 1291.2. There has been 3,661 new Covid cases in Limerick in the last 14 days. There were 109 Covid patients being treated in University Hospital Limerick on Saturday night. As of midnight, Saturday, January 9, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has been notified of 6,888 confirmed cases of Covid-19. There is now a total of 147,613 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. Of the cases notified today: 2,088 are in Dublin, 862 in Cork, 469 in Limerick, 405 in Wexford, 320 in Waterford and the remaining 2,744 cases are spread across all other counties. 3,252 are men / 3,595 are women; 60% are under 45 years of age - the median age is 38-years-old. The HPSC has today been notified of 8 additional deaths related to Covid-19. There has been a total of 2,344 Covid-19 related deaths in Ireland. As of 2pm today, 1,452 Covid-19 patients are hospitalised, of which 125 are in ICU. 100 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours. The Covid-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of Covid-19 in the community. The farmers have turned a stretch of highway into the site of a well-organised community. Many of the farmers are Sikh, and they said their beliefs and sense of tradition had helped them make the sacrifices to sustain the protests. The protesters, which one leader estimated at about 50,000, have organised a rotation to ensure their numbers do not shrink. When protesters tire or fall sick, they often arrange for replacements from their village before they leave the site. People line up for free food at the farmers protest in Singhu on the border with Delhi. Credit:Saumya Khandelwal/The New York Times Singh said about 5000 people alone from his village of 14,500 in the Faridkot district of Punjab had joined the protest, nearly 1000 of them women. Asked if he was nervous about his grandfather falling sick or getting infected with the coronavirus, he smiled. "My grandfather doesn't fear corona," he said. "He fears for our future." The protests have laid bare the dire reality of inequality across much of the country. More than 60 per cent of the 1.3 billion population still primarily depend on agriculture for their livelihood, though the sector accounts for only about 15 per cent of the country's economic output. Their reliance has only increased after COVID-19 badly struck the urban economy and sent millions of labourers back to their villages. For years now, debts and bankruptcies have been driving farmers to high rates of suicide. An aerial view of the farmers protest camp on the Singhu border with Delhi, India, on Friday. Credit:Saumya Khandelwal/The New York Times Government support to farmers, and regulation of the market, with guaranteed minimum prices for certain essential crops, helped the country move past the dire hunger of the 1960s to producing a surplus of grain in recent years. But with the economy being liberalised in recent decades, Modi who wants to see it to nearly double in size by 2024 sees such a large role for the government as no longer sustainable. Farmers, however, say they are struggling even with the existing protections. They believe market-friendly laws will eventually eliminate regulatory support and leave them bereft. India's weakened economy offers them little chance at a different livelihood. "The laws are a shoddy attempt at liberalisation. You just enacted them without thinking of farmers," said Vikas Rawal, a professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi who studies agrarian distress. "What you have to do is make farming remunerative for farmers by achieving a balance between public support, private investment and ecological concerns." Loading At first, Modi's government tried to paint the protesters as misguided, stoked by bitter opposition or even foreign hands a tactic used against previous waves of demonstrations. More recently, the administration's willingness to negotiate suggests it finds itself against a highly organised and motivated movement. As several rounds of talks failed, the farmers have threatened to drive their tractors into the capital. Modi's ministers have offered concessions on some issues, such as exempting farmers from penalties under a new air pollution law. But the farmers insist on nothing short of repealing the laws and enshrining minimum prices. With each passing week, the farmers said, they are growing embittered against a government that is holding fast while protesters gather in the elements amid a pandemic. Protest leaders say about 60 of their ranks have died from illness or suicide, though an exact figure could not be determined. "I have just one message for him," Harjinder Singh, 48, a ninth-generation farmer, said of Modi: "'Fear God'." Despite the difficulties, the protesters have found ways to rally support. Some have built elaborate stages, big and small, throughout the tent city in Singhu, where farm leaders and politicians can hold rallies. During breaks in the speeches, organisers read the list of the latest donations from across India and the world. There were also gifts sent by farmers from other parts of the country, from pineapples to almonds. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs the groundbreaking ceremony of a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ram in Ayodhya, India, last year. Modi wants to see the Indian economy double in size by 2024. Credit:AP Tech-savvy protesters disseminate videos and photos across social media to keep the crowds back in the villages energised and to keep the donations coming. Up and down the protest row, music blares from the sound systems installed on the tractors and seeps from the openings of the many tents. In one corner, a makeshift gym was established before it was turned into a "farmers mall" by an aid group offering free essentials like toothpaste, thermal underwear and soap for bathing and for laundry. In several spots, there are even laundry stalls with washing machines. Volunteers at medical tents take care of minor illnesses paracetamol for headaches, amlodipine for blood pressure. "Diabetes is the worst," said Manisha Sharma, 27, a paramedic who attended one medical tent. Despite the size of the crowd and the chaos of so many people surviving in the cold and mud, the protesters try to stay calm, wary of provocations that might give the government a pretext to discredit the movement or crack down in the name of law and order. "Last night, we caught a young local who had stolen a mobile phone," said Harjot Singh, a protester who was helping serve rice at one of the food tents. They let him go without punishment, he added. In interviews, many of the Sikh protesters portrayed farming and their fight for justice as a duty, and the sacrifice and organising that has made the protests possible as religious service. "It's cold, and it's hard to arrange water every morning for a bath," said Shabek Singh, who was dressed in a deep blue robe and a big round turban. "But we're not going anywhere. We will make this our temple." Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor A World Health Organization team will finally reach China this week to start probing the origins of the coronavirus, more than a year after the pandemic began and following accusations Beijing tried to block the investigation. Infection numbers surged across Europe, with Germany warning of the "hardest" days ahead as Britain raced to vaccinate as many people as possible to contain a virus that has infected close to 90 million people worldwide and killed nearly two million. The human and economic toll of the pandemic has caused anger and frustration worldwide, giving even greater political significance to the WHO's long-awaited investigation mission to China. The 10-member WHO team will arrive Thursday and "conduct joint research cooperation on the origins of Covid-19 with Chinese scientists", Beijing's National Health Commission said in a statement that provided no further details. Beijing has faced international criticism over its lack of transparency during the early days of the pandemic. The United States and Australia have led international calls for an independent inquiry, enraging China. Testing centres are screening people for Covid-19 in Thailand / AFP The announcement of the WHO team's arrival came on the anniversary of the first death confirmed by China in the central city of Wuhan, where a wet market was identified as the first major outbreak of the disease that then spread around the world. The anniversary of the first reported death passed by unmarked on Monday in Wuhan, where commuters move freely to work, and parks and riverside promenades buzz with visitors. "Wuhan is the safest city in China now, even the whole world," 66-year-old resident Xiong Liansheng told AFP. - Hospitals overwhelmed - The recovery of Wuhan is in sharp contrast to the many parts of the world where the pandemic is still raging, fuelled by new variants that are prompting governments from Israel to Australia to reimpose restrictions, including lockdowns and even curfews. Covid-19: vaccinations rates per country / AFP The surges in Europe and North America have hit even as Covid-19 vaccines were approved and rolled out in record time. Virus deaths in Germany crossed 40,000 on Sunday, with Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that the country had yet to feel the full impact of socialising over Christmas and New Year period. The coming weeks will be "the hardest phase of the pandemic" so far, Merkel said, with hospitals stretched to their limits. Hospitals in Britain, which has one of the highest death tolls in Europe, were also close to being overwhelmed, and the surge in cases forced the government to reinforce its campaign to get people to abide by stay-at-home orders. UK health authorities are rushing to give shots as many people as possible to meet a target of 15 million vaccinations among the most vulnerable by mid-February. The surge in Mexico, which the fourth-highest death toll in the world, has left hospitals in a "critical" state, with paramedics struggling to even find beds for patients. "For there to be room, one person has to be discharged or die," said Angel Zuniga, a Red Cross coordinator in the city of Toluca. "It's tough but it's the truth." - 'Living without fear' - Pope Francis and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II became the latest high-profile figures over the weekend to join the global vaccination campaign as officials try to overcome scepticism over jabs developed in record time. Beijing has faced international criticism over its lack of transparency during the early days of the pandemic / AFP "There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but today we have to get vaccinated," the Pope said Sunday, denouncing opposition to shots. While wealthier nations in Europe and North America have already started their vaccination drives, India -- with the world's second-biggest virus caseload -- will begin giving shots to its 1.3 billion people from Saturday in a colossal and complex undertaking. More than 150,000 Indians have died from Covid-19 and the economy is one of the worst-hit worldwide, with millions losing their livelihoods. "I look forward to getting the vaccine and living without fear and the mask all the time," migrant worker Shatrughan Sharma, 43, told AFP. "The last year was very tough for us." .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. To look at the work of Ynez Johnston and Leonard Edmondson is to enter a whimsical galaxy of symbols, shapes and forms. Johnstons dreamlike figures, plants and animals create an imaginary world both ancient and modern. Best known for his abstract works on paper, Edmondson was a master of intaglio printmaking using delicate lines and atmospheric space. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The works of these lifelong friends are on view at Santa Fes LewAllen Galleries and at lewallengalleries.com through Jan. 23. Each artist created work bridging the personal with the universal, rooted in their mutual inspirations, the surrealist squiggles of artist Paul Klee and his cohorts. Johnston painted joyful, colorful and fantastical landscapes, like an idiosyncratic embroidery gone wild. Edmondson produced softly-toned and veiled ambiguous shapes within a liquid space in works on paper. The pair would eventually develop their own unique visual language as American modernists. Scholars recognize Edmondson (1916-2002) as one of the masters of intaglio printmaking, a technique where the artist cuts into a surface and the incised line or sunken area holds the ink. He eventually rose to chair the print department at California State University, Los Angeles. Printmakers still use Edmondsons reference book Etching today. The relationship between the two very good friends is amazing, said Louis Newman, LewAllens director of modernism. He taught Ynez how to do printmaking. Each had their own vision. Johnston (1920-2019) conjured mythical landscapes with dreamlike figures and shapes echoing representationalism without copying it. With their fine lines and delicate construction, some of the pieces are reminiscent of embroidery. I knew Ynez, Newman said. She was a very unassuming, humble person. I think her way of making the art was to dig inside herself, into her interior world and put it out there. At times that world was child-like, but never childish. Her quiet demeanor hid a universe of imagination in a borderline between abstraction, pattern and figure. She cited Persian, Tibetan, Indian, Mexican, early Christian and Byzantine art influences, as well as European modernists like Matisse, Miro, Picasso and Klee. In 1950, the Museum of Modern Art awarded Johnston an exhibition when she was just 30. After college, she received a travel grant she thought would take her to Europes art centers. But World War II interrupted her plans and she headed to Mexico, which she visited regularly over the next three years. She said these excursions formed the cornerstone of her imagery for the rest of her career. Edmondson believed that he could create a universal sensibility through his nonobjective imagery. The two met in the late 1930s while they were both attending the University of California, Berkeley. Johnston rented a room from the sister of Edmondsons future wife. She augmented her rent with drawings. The two were explorers navigating the uncharted world of their dreams and subconscious. Neither artist was a follower. Both resist easy classification. They proved serious art making could be both personal and fun. Both artists earned substantial accolades; Johnston won a Guggenheim Fellowship and a National Endowment for the Arts grant; Edmondson also received a Guggenheim, as well as two Tiffany Fellowships. Edmondsons work hangs in more than 40 public collections, including the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, the National Gallery of Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Johnstons work also hangs in more than 40 museum collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Museum of Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Johnston wrote, Painting is for me like a voyage into oceans known and unknown, depths and distances ultimately unfathomable. The end of the voyage is never what one might have anticipated. 1. 62 Feared Dead In Indonesia Plane Crash TOI Indonesian rescuers retrieved body parts, clothing and metal scraps from the Java Sea one day after a Boeing 737-500 with 62 people crashed shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, said officials, according to TOI. 2. Ex-Pak Diplomat Accepts 300 Balakot Deaths ANI Former Pakistani diplomat Agha Hilaly confessed on a news television program that 300 terrorists died in the Balakot airstrike on February 26, 2019, as per a report in ANI. 3. PLA Soldier Held In Ladakh TOI A Chinese soldier was held by the Indian Army in Chushul, Ladakh on January 8. It's the second such incident in the midst of the military confrontation there since May 2020, as per a TOI report. 4. India's COVID Vaccination Drive From January 16 TOI The suspense over the Covid-19 vaccination drive ended as India's Covid vaccination drive starts on January 16, said the government as per a TOI report. Joshua Uy, a Penn Medicine geriatrician, could have gotten a COVID-19 shot a week ago through his hospital. But Uy, who is also medical director of Renaissance Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, decided to wait until Tuesday when vaccinators are coming to the West Philadelphia nursing home. He wants to send a message to his wary staff that the shot is safe. Federal authorities made nursing homes a top priority for vaccines because they have been hot spots for deadly infections. After two vaccines were approved last month, officials have focused on logistics, like shipping and deep-freezing. After 12 years at Renaissance, Uy foresaw an emotional problem. I knew that the real issue ultimately is going to be vaccine hesitancy, he said. He thinks evidence for the vaccines is really good, but he reads medical journals regularly and personally knows doctors involved with vaccine decisions and research. His workers, he said, are processing it in a really different way. So far, only about half the staff has signed up to get a first shot Tuesday. A worker who lost a son to COVID-19 early in the pandemic has insisted on being first. Uy and the director of nursing will follow. Renaissances experiences illustrate some of the early bumps in the rollout. Its workers are getting access to the vaccine a month later than hospital employees, who also got top priority, and many arent sure they want it. Being among the first offered the vaccine was meant as recognition that some groups have taken greater risks to protect the rest of us, and some have paid a higher price. But vaccination experts have long worried that many Americans, particularly those in some racial minorities, might balk at taking a vaccine developed in record time during a period of deep political polarization. At the same time, funding has been tight for education efforts, and even for vaccine distribution. This all leaves nursing home leaders with no simple answer to everyones question: When can life for staff, residents, and family return to normal? Facilities have clamped down on visitation to keep the virus out, but that has meant months of damaging isolation for fragile residents. Now they await government guidance on when they can relax rules, which will depend on how many people choose vaccination, how well the vaccines work, and how quickly cases in the community fall. In the short term, Uy said, nothing changes. On the positive side, he and other nursing home officials said the vast majority of residents want the shots. Vaccination pace is disconcerting In most states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, vaccines are being distributed to nursing homes and assisted-living facilities through a federal program that partners with CVS and Walgreens. The federal government allots doses to states, which then decide how many go to long-term care facilities. The doses are shipped directly to the retailers storage hubs. Several long-term care leaders in Pennsylvania and New Jersey said distribution so far has been frustratingly slow and uneven. Hospitals began vaccinating their workers two weeks before the first shots arrived in some area nursing homes on Dec. 28. The overarching theme that were hearing from providers on the front line is that this is taking much longer than expected, said Zach Shamberg, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, which represents long-term care facilities. Shamberg said some nursing homes have not been scheduled for first visits until February or later. Shamberg questioned why nursing homes arent getting a bigger share of the vaccine pie. They got 39,000 of Pennsylvanias 166,725 doses in the week of Jan. 3, he said. Pennsylvania has reported that 127 nursing facilities had vaccination clinics the week of Dec. 28 and that 222 were scheduled for clinics the week of Jan. 4. Shamberg said the state has about 700 nursing homes and 1,200 personal care homes with 240,000 residents and staff. CVS and Walgreens declined to say how many doses of vaccine they have received or given. A CVS spokesperson said his companys efforts are going as planned. Data are not yet available on state websites. Lynne Katzmann, founder and CEO of Juniper Communities, was initially told to expect vaccinations to start on Dec. 21. Instead the first was on the 29th in Colorado. Junipers first clinic in Pennsylvania was scheduled for Saturday in State College. New Jersey shots are to start on Monday. Katzmann pronounced the pace disconcerting, frankly. Stuart Shapiro, interim CEO of the Health Care Association of New Jersey, said CVS and Walgreens got off to a slow start, but the process has picked up speed. Richard Feifer, executive vice president and chief medical officer of Kennett Square-based Genesis HealthCare, the nations largest nursing home group, said last week that 45% of Genesis centers have had first clinics and he expects that almost all will have been offered first doses by mid-January. The rollout, he said, is extraordinarily complicated. This is the biggest public health undertaking that weve every experienced or contemplated in our lifetimes. Given all that, he said, its going remarkably well. Carrots, sticks, and Jell-O shots The American Health Care Association agrees with Uy that vaccine hesitancy is the problem to watch. To encourage vaccination, Juniper made getting a shot a condition of employment. Gracedale Nursing Home in Nazareth offered a $750 bonus to employees who got vaccinated. Uy said Renaissances owner has offered employees who get the shots a comp day. He hopes there will be some sort of reward for everybody if some not-yet-determined percentage of the staff gets vaccinated, a form of recognition that immunization is a community effort. These steps all come in addition to extensive education efforts. Other companies hope that education, openness to questions, and a festive atmosphere during vaccine clinics will counter hesitancy. We believe that the protection the vaccine offers should be incentive enough for staff to receive it and thereby protect themselves, their coworkers, and the residents they serve, said Dan Davis, chief operating officers of Presbyterian Senior Living, a Dillsburg, Pa., company that operates retirement communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Delaware. At Gracedale, Jennifer Stewart-King heard rumblings that staff members were afraid of the new vaccines because they were created so quickly. Even though the clinical trials were as large as usual for vaccines, workers feared being guinea pigs. She suggested the $750 bonus to Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure Jr., who thinks vaccines will save lives and livelihoods. Gracedale, which has 529 residents and about 665 employees, is the states largest nursing home under one roof. Seventy-six of its residents died of COVID-19. A CVS vaccination team has gone to the nursing home twice, on Dec. 29 and Jan. 3, a Sunday. Just 188 staff members 28% and 145 residents have been vaccinated. A large majority of residents want the shot when it is available for them, Stewart-King said. The amount of employee uptake makes me despondent, McClure said. After what we watched in the last year, all the death and dying, its crushing to me that we didnt get greater participation. Stewart-King, who got her first shot at the nursing home, hopes the numbers will improve after two more scheduled clinics. The first CVS visit was a surprise. She had told the staff to expect it in January, but got a text on Dec. 28 saying the vaccination team was coming the next day. Plus, staffing is low on Sundays. And CVS worked from 11 to 5, not convenient hours for the night shift. She thinks workers will be more open to the vaccines now that colleagues have led the way. Katzmann expected that most of her staff and residents would want the vaccine, but Junipers corporate team decided to mandate vaccination for staff, a step many companies are loath to take. My belief is that you want to do this for the common good, and thats our culture, she said. Most people at this point are really excited about the opportunity to have some certainty in their lives again, to just feel safe. So far, one Colorado employee, who had previously resisted wearing a mask at work, quit because of the vaccine rule. Everyone else at the recent clinic there got the shot. All but three residents were vaccinated. People were elated, Katzmann said. Companies like Genesis and Sunrise Senior Living are offering solely education, not carrots or sticks. Sunrise has been holding frequent meetings to address staff concerns. More than 90% of its residents have said they want to be vaccinated. The company wouldnt release numbers about staff. Sue Coppola, chief clinical officer, said Sunrise has hosted frequent town halls to discuss vaccine worries with staff and has made vaccine clinics fun with balloons, nonalcoholic Jell-O shots, Life Savers candies, and bulls-eye stickers. Feifer said staff vaccination rates at first clinics have varied greatly at Genesis facilities, with some above 75%, many at 50% to 75%, and some lower. Susan Wehry, a geriatric psychiatrist and Sunrise adviser, said some reticence is normal. Not everybody is an early adopter, she said. There are people who wouldnt do the first of anything. Offering money to take the vaccine, she said, could backfire. If this is so safe, people might ask, why do you have to pay me to take it? She thinks it will be more effective for people to witness coworkers getting the shot. Getting a vaccination needs to become the cultural norm in long-term care settings, she said. When can you visit Mom? Assuming large numbers of residents and staff eventually are vaccinated, shouldnt that mean family members especially those who have also been vaccinated can hope for visits soon? Nursing home leaders wish it were that easy. While the vaccines were tested in older people, they were not tested in nursing home residents. Vaccines might not be as effective in this group and its not yet known whether people who have been vaccinated can still spread the virus. Feifer pointed out that nursing homes get new staff and residents all the time, yet the federal program has no provision for vaccinating new people. There is no plan for that, and there needs to be one, he said. The biggest issue, officials said, is that long-term care is heavily regulated. Nursing home leaders take their cues from health departments, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These agencies have not factored vaccination rates into their guidance on socialization and infection control. In the meantime, nursing homes plan to keep testing for coronavirus, wearing masks, enforcing social distancing, and following the current rules on visits. Columbia, MO (65201) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread and possibly severe this afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 51F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. The Cygnus and Soyuz spaceships are pictured attached to the station. SpaceCast Weekly is a NASA Television broadcast from the Johnson Space Center in Houston featuring stories about NASA's work in human spaceflight. They include the International Space Station and its crews and scientific research activities, and the development of Orion and the Space Launch System, the next generation American spacecraft being built to take humans farther into space than they've ever gone before. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. She recently marked the first anniversary of the death of her second husband, Sean Pickwell. And 16 months on from losing the 56-year-old to liver cancer, breakfast radio host Robin Bailey has now said goodbye to her beloved dog, too. In an emotional tribute on Instagram, the 52-year-old informed her followers that Rai had passed on from a cancerous tumour, which 'had erupted in his abdomen'. Devastating: Breakfast radio host Robin Bailey (pictured), 52, was forced to put her beloved dog, Rai, down due to a cancerous tumour - months on from marking the first anniversary of the death of her second husband, Sean Pickwell 'Its awful but last night at 11.25 we had to put our big boy Rai to sleep,' she captioned her post, containing a series of images of the dog. 'He collapsed outside and we managed to get him to the 24-hour vets. A cancerous tumour had erupted in his abdomen and he was bleeding internally. 'One of the blessings of this lockdown is everyone was home and we all got to say goodbye and hold him while he slipped away.' The mother-of-three added that one of her sons, 18-year-old Lewin, was 'devastated' about the news. 'Its awful': In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Robin informed her followers that Rai (pictured) had passed on from a cancerous tumour, which 'had erupted in his abdomen' 'He collapsed outside': While it was terrible for the entire family, Robin said 'One of the blessings of this lockdown is everyone was home and we all got to say goodbye and hold him while he slipped away' Robin is also the mother to 16-year-old Piper and 20-year-old Fin. 'They say everything happens the way it's supposed to and the vet who helped us was someone I went to school with in Sydney... she was so kind and he was in pain so it was time,' she wrote. 'Lew is devastated, as we all are, as that big beautiful soul got us through some terrible traumatic times but everyone said we'd know when he'd had enough and we did! So heartbroken... he was one in a billion, one of those truly special dogs.' Heartbreaking: Robin added one of her sons, 18-year-old Lewin, was 'devastated' about the news. Robin is also the mother to 16-year-old Piper and 20-year-old Fin (all pictured) Rai's death follows Robin marking the first anniversary of her second husband's death in September, who died of liver cancer in 2019. His death came five years after her first husband, Tony Smart, tragically took his own life in September 2014. Robin only returned to the airwaves in January 2020, joining the Australian Radio Network's (ARN) 97.3 FM's breakfast show. It is the first she has worked since resigning from Triple M Brisbane in September to spend more time with late spouse. New Delhi, Jan 10 : During winter days, the body becomes stiff which makes it prone to cramps, joint pain, and injury. Yoga can cure your winter lethargy and stiffness. All you need is your yoga mat and as little as 20 minutes thrice a week to see the difference. Exercise heats up the body from the inside and releases stiffness from the muscles making you feel active and energetic. Grand Master Akshar shares a few yoga poses that may help deal with these winter woes. Sukshma Vyayam Start your day with sukshma vyayam. In yoga, warming up of the body starts from the toes and goes all the way up. You can start with ankle rotations, warming up the ankle joints, moving on to your knees, hips, arms, neck, and head. Warming up the body ensures that your productive levels on the mat are high and you also remain free from injuries. Go Slow Practise gently and slowly keeping awareness on each movement and syncing your breath along with each posture. When you practice slowly it ensures that you are mindful of your movements and this results in better strength flexibility and a positive outcome overall. Establish the communication between the mind and the body through the breath in a gentle and slow manner. Practicing any movements in a hasty way not only leads to injury but can also harm the respiratory and the nervous system. Choose your environment During the winter, choose a warm and cosy place for your practice. If indoors, choose a room or a spot where there isn't a cold draft in the air. If you are practicing outdoors make sure that you are well covered in warm clothing. Practise is vital to keep your body in good health and in a mobile condition. Practice the following yoga postures: Yoga Asanas - Cat Pose- Urdvha Mukhi /Adhomukhi Marjariasana: To get into this pose, kneel down placing your knees under the hips and palms under your shoulders. Inhale and curl your spine to look up. Exhale and round your back and shoulders to look at your navel. This asana is good for warming up the spine - Downward Dog -- Adhomukhi Svanasana: To form downward dog, you can start in Child's Pose resting your pelvis on your heels and reaching out in front of you with your forehead on the floor. From here, bring your toes down to push your knees and pelvis up forming a triangular shape with the body. Make sure the distance between the palms and your feet is neither too far away nor is it too close. - Upward Facing Dog -Urdvha Mukhi Svanasana: Come to plank posture and from here gently drop the pelvis and the stomach down without touching the floor. Lift the chest and the shoulders towards the sky and look up. In this posture do not bend your elbows and squeeze the glutes to activate the back muscles. These are simple and effective postures that can be performed by practitioners of any age. Once you are able to perform these postures with ease then you can add advanced level asanas in your practice such as Wheel Pose, Bow Pose, Peacock Pose, Headstand and so on. Along with your yoga practice, ensure that you monitor your food intake and consume water at room temperature. (Puja Gupta can be contacted at puja.g@ians.in) Nicola Sturgeon is under mounting pressure amid claims she told 'multiple untruths' over sexual harassment claims against Alex Salmond. Scottish Parliament Tory leader Ruth Davidson called on Ms Sturgeon to come clean over what she had known about the allegations. Scotland's First Minister has been accused of misleading the Edinburgh parliament over when she learnt of the claims. Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of misleading the Edinburgh parliament over when she learnt of the claims against Alex Salmond Last week, Mr Salmond accused Ms Sturgeon of giving 'simply untrue' evidence to a Holyrood inquiry over when she first knew of the allegations against him Mr Salmond, her predecessor, was cleared last year of 13 charges against nine women. He also won a judicial review against Ms Sturgeon's government, with a court ruling that its investigation into him had been 'tainted by apparent bias'. But last week, Mr Salmond accused Ms Sturgeon of giving 'simply untrue' evidence to a Holyrood inquiry over when she first knew of the allegations against him. He said that as a result, she had broken the Ministerial Code. Ms Sturgeon has 'entirely rejected' the accusation. But Ms Davidson said yesterday Ms Sturgeon had questions to answer over her conduct and the decision to contest Mr Salmond's judicial review which left the taxpayer picking up his 512,000 legal bill. Ms Davidson said: 'What Alex Salmond has said is that Nicola Sturgeon has misled parliament, which is a resigning offence. Ms Davidson said yesterday Ms Sturgeon had questions to answer over her conduct and the decision to contest Mr Salmond's judicial review 'And he says he can prove it because there were people in the meeting who will back up his evidence. 'We are in a situation where either the current First Minister has told multiple untruths to parliament, or her predecessor is lying to a parliament committee under oath.' Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, has conceded that if found guilty of breaching strict conduct rules, Ms Sturgeon would have to quit. But he added: 'I believe the First Minister has acted in an honourable way. She is someone I have every faith and trust in.' Jan. 10, 1971 Students share views on strike As the Scranton teachers strike continued, a reporter from The Scranton Times spoke to students of the school district to get their views on it. Deborah Poveromo, Central High student, said were getting cheated out of an education. I know the teachers do a good job, but theyre getting enough for it. Albert Stormes, West Scranton High student, said the strike was a mess. Were behind in our tests, were behind in book reports and everything else, right now it looks like were going to have to cram when we go back full time. Rose Marrazzo, Central High student, said I just dont think its fair. Our mothers and fathers are going to have to pay more. Itll probably hold up graduation for a lot of kids and a lot of others wont be able to take their college boards. Cindy Quackenbush, Central High student, said I think theyre justified but when are we going to get back, we have tests and everything else facing us. Mary Haggerty, Central High student, said I think the teachers are right, they should get a raise. The teachers, who were members of the Scranton Federation of Teachers, had been on strike since Dec. 21. Students returned to classrooms on Jan. 4 but had only been going half days. Earlier on Sunday, the Haryana Police used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent protesting farmers from marching towards Kaimla village where the event was slated to be held Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday cancelled his visit to the Karnal district after farmers protesting against the Centre's contentious farm laws shouted slogans and carried black flags. Earlier on Sunday, the Haryana Police used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent protesting farmers from marching towards Kaimla village where the event was scheduled to be held. Farmers, who have been demanding that the laws be repealed, had earlier announced their opposition to the ''kisan mahapanchayat'' that had been planned for Khattar's visit. Police made elaborate security arrangements for the chief minister's visit to the village where he was set to speak about the benefits of the three farm laws. Police also put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent protesting farmers from reaching the venue. While 1,500 police were reportedly deployed as security personnel for the meeting, protesting farmers marching towards the venue breached six checkpoints and reached the helipad where Khattar was supposed to land. "The farmers then moved to occupy the venue of Khattars kisan mahapanchayat, where around 2,000 farmers, most of them BJP supporters, were waiting," The Indian Express reported. At the event venue, farmers damaged the stage and broke chairs and tables, PTI reported. The programme was cancelled due to an unruly act by farmers at the behest of BKU leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, BJP leader Raman Mallik claimed, while Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala slammed Minister Khattar for using water cannons and teargas shells against farmers. The Hohoe High Court has directed applicants seeking to place an injunction on Member of Parliament-elect for the Buem Constituency, Mr Kofi Adams, to serve him with the summons. The court yesterday adjourned the case due to the inability of the applicants to notify the first respondent, Mr Adams of the petition seeking to prevent him from presenting himself to be sworn-in as MP-elect for Buem or from holding himself as such. Counsel for the petitioners, Mr Frank Davies, told the media, that they would attempt to serve him and return to court. Meanwhile, lawyers for the first respondent and the second respondent were absent in court. The second respondent, the Electoral Commission (EC), according to information gathered, were, however, served. Background Messrs Stephen Brempong, Johnson Addo, Titus Ayivor, Fuseini Abdul-Rahman and Wing Commander Emmanuel Kusi Apietu (retd) are part of 13 voters from the Oti Region who have sued National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament-elect for the Buem Constituency, Mr Kofi Adams, and the EC at the Hohoe High Court for disenfranchising them in the December 7, 2020, parliamentary election. The complainants, who are residents of 13 electoral areas in Santrokofi, Akpafu, Lolobi and Likpe (SALL), filed a suit and a petition challenging the election of Mr Adams and seeking a cancellation of the December 7 parliamentary election respectively. The petitioners are also seeking the conduct of a new election which would include their 13 electoral areas to allow them to cast their vote. Meanwhile, the lawyer for the complainants said the petitioners would come back to court when they were able to serve Mr Adams. Source: Graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Munchausen by Proxy is an official mental health diagnosis given to someone who, as a caregiver, convinces the person in his care that he is ill when he really isnt. The net result is the caregiver has total control over his charge and can even go so far as to cause his charge to be ill to fit the narrative. We who live in blue and, to some extent, purple states are victims of this syndrome, with state governments acting as the (mentally disturbed) caregivers, and the citizens, collectively, as patients. Many of the patients have been convinced that they are, in fact, being protected by their persecutors. Liberal media (and, at this point, that means virtually all uncensored media) shuts down any factual discussion of what works and what doesnt to stem the Wu Flu. If you examine the actual statistics, lockdowns a la California and New York have yielded no better results and it could be argued, much worse in terms of cases and hospitalizations, than more open states such as Florida and Texas. Where schools are allowed to function normally, there have been no more reported cases than in those where children languish at home, preventing parents from earning a living and learning their lessons haphazardly by remote Zoom class. What is most striking about the difference between these states, is that the closed ones have a far higher incidence of drug abuse and overdoses, child abuse, poverty, and suicide from despair. Many of us know someone who died from (or with) COVID, or has had severe COVID and recovered, or has lingering problems from long term COVID. Weve been fed this as an excuse, along with claims about ICU bed shortages. Its fear, fear, and more fear! Personally, I dont know a soul whos died from COVID, although I hear about friends of friends who have. But if you think about it, you also know someone, or many someones, who have died from other things. Take cancer, for instance. I know many people who have died of cancer. My mother, my grandmother, my friends Marion and Jeff, my old dental hygienist, my mother-in-law, my childhood best friend, the guy two houses from me, the guy two houses in the other direction, a friends husband, and the list goes on. People get sick, people die. It happens. People get in accidents and die too. Have we stopped living our lives to keep from having that happen? Have we ever even considered doing so? Never! Only for COVID. So, think about it. Ask yourself, why is there so little real information to make ones own decision, and why are we denied opportunities to make our own decisions? Why have we gone from 14 days to flatten the curve so we can ramp up hospital capacity to cope with the expected influx, to a year of living by not living at all, with no end in sight? Even before having a vaccine weve known that those who are going to get this thing are, yes, going to get it sooner or later. The vaccine may change the equation, but only for the better. Thats the way pandemics work. Either you get it over with, and reach herd immunity, or you live your life scared to allow anyone to look at your face, get within breathing distance, or educate your children in person. Early treatment would make the effects of the virus much less, but as discussed here, that is not the model our health bureaucracy espouses. An elegant and sensible solution would be to allowing those who have serious co-morbidities to get vaccinated or stay cloistered from society and supported financially as needed, while the rest of us get on with life. But thats not whats happening in the Munchausen by Proxy states. There is, quite simply, a vested interest in keeping us afraid and at home, masked and silenced. This must be ended, and those of us who disagree with the locked-down version of half-life in these United States must speak our minds while we still have the freedom to do so. The more people do, the better. IMAGE: Scary medical people by Pxhere. CC0 Public Domain. mfanukhona@times.co.sz LOZITHA Government spent E33 million on setting up a village for royal family members, the Times SUNDAY can reveal. It is understood that an estimated sum of E10 million is needed to complete the project. In total, it is expected that the project will cost E43 million (E43 062 000). Records for actual expenditure ended March 31, 2019, government had spent E33 062 000. It has been established that projects that could be financed with the additional E10 million include but not limited a shopping centre and school. project This newspaper was informed by reliable sources familiar with the project that the late former Hhohho Regional Administrator and Diplomat, Prince Tshekedi, owned a private school at Lozitha, which was demolished when the boundaries of Lozitha Palace were extended. Impeccable sources said the prince was not compensated for the demolished school. The Ministry of Agriculture, which is responsible for land and resettlement, estimated that an additional E10 million could be needed to ensure completion of the project. Some residents of the village, which is informally called MahlabaVille, said there would be a need for government to install street lights, drainage system and a mini-stadium. The residents, who are mainly members of the royal family, briefly addressed the issue on condition of anonymity. They said they did not want to jeopardise their negotiations with government as they were entitled to fair and adequate compensations, which should also take into account fertile land. They said they did not want the resettlement to compromise the standard of living they enjoyed before the displacement. A tarred road leading to the place village was constructed. A bridge was also built. There are currently about 20 spacious houses of different sizes and designs, which government built for the resettled residents. Bongani Masuku, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, said he could not provide details on the project as it bordered on personalities and sensitivities. He, however, confirmed that the project was not complete. budget He mentioned the need to construct a school whose owner he did not want to disclose. Masuku said they had requested for additional funding for the project, which he hoped the budget for the next financial year might accommodate it. Weve asked for money to complete the Lozitha project, but I cant give you detailed comment on the matter because we deal with personal compensations and sensitive stuff, he said. Princess Sikhanyiso, the Minister of Information, Communication and Technology, posted on August 19, 2020, on a website created in memory of Prince Tshekedi that he died before they could complete the school project. It is not clear if she was referring to the school, which government is expected to build for the prince. You left before we could bring those millions into the country, before we could erect those executive apartments, before we could complete the school project, and before we could host a commercial reed dance festival, the princess wrote in her tribute to the prince who was regarded by many in the country and outside as humble, philanthropist, and man of integrity. effects It must be said that some resettlements had adverse effects in the country, one of which is the transfer of the people from the site where the King Mswati III International Airport was built. The people had fields they cultivated to produce food. Many of them are still unhappy with the houses built for them by government. To illustrate their frustration, they hired the services of senior Mbabane based attorney Bongani Mdluli to demand on their behalf compensation in the sum of E80 million from the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (SWACAA). The residents said a consultant recommended that they be given a sum of E73 million for the resettlement of 188 homes that fell within the airport city boundary. Recalling the residents plight, Mdluli narrated in the letter that ever since the commencement of the project in 2001, the residents have had several meetings with SWACAA , particularly one which was held in May 2015 at Malindza chiefdom where SWACAA made an unequivocal undertaking that it would review the 2001/2002 Sikhuphe Resettlement Plan Report. constraints Government will also resettle certain residents of Manzana in Lobamba for an estimated budget of E55 million. The project has been deferred because of governments financial constraints. The Department for Land Use Planning, which is responsible for resettlement, had an estimated total budget of E341.7 million, from which E107 million had been utilised by March 31, 2019. This department is responsible for promoting rational land use and the development of agricultural land and water resources, particularly on Eswatini Nation Land (SNL). It is composed of the following sections - land development, land use planning and irrigation development. It must be said that the universally accepted principle of resettlement dictates that involuntary resettlement should be compensated fairly and adequately. The European Bank for Reconstruction, which also finances some projects in Eswatini, says the one common element of all resettlements that take place is that they affect people and communities and the way they go about their daily lives. The bank says resettlement usually means that people will need to move house or change how they earn their income two life events which are generally recognised as very stressful, and even more so when they are forced upon them by factors outside of their control. Therefore, the institution says the main focus of any resettlement and livelihood restoration programme has to remain firmly on those who are affected. Meanwhile, the 2003 National Rural Resettlement Policy (NRRP) is not limited to resettlement; it also sets out a wide ranging policy framework related to the improvement and planning of land use, and in this respect enables improved food security. The guiding vision of the NRRP is to establish a durable, practical and participatory framework for the planning and sustainable management of land, and the appropriate application of resettlement strategies in rural Eswatini, in order to increase agricultural production, promote the sustainable utilisation of natural resources and improve livelihoods. Related to the objectives that guide the overall vision of the NRRP, the policy defines eight policy principles. These policy principles cover the following issues: l Optimum and sustainable land use by rural communities; l An appropriate choice of land management strategies and resettlement models; l Sustained community participation and involvement; l Transparent, orderly and legitimate land allocation; l Fair, equitable and adequate compensation of persons affected by resettlement; l An appropriate and effective legislation; l Efficient management of land disputes; l Sustained monitoring and evaluation ensured for all rural resettlement programmes; An IG-level probe was ordered on Sunday into a POCSO case booked against a woman in Kerala for alleged sexual abuse of her teenaged son, after his sibling claimed that their father forced his brother to make the charge. The 37-year-old woman of four children was recently arrested on the charge of 'sexually abusing' her 14-year-old son, following a report by the District Child Welfare Committee based on a complaint by her estranged husband. "We received a complaint from the father of the child and forwarded it to the Child Protection Committee. An FIR was registered against the mother after getting the report from the committee We have recorded the statement of the child as well," police told PTI. The woman has been remanded to judicial custody by a court. However, the case took a new turn after the younger sibling of the boy told the media on Saturday that their father had forced the children to give a statement against their mother. According to reports, the father took the three sons aged 17, 14 and 9 to stay with him in the Gulf after he separated from their mother over domestic issues. The couple also has a six-year-old daughter, who is staying with the maternal grandparents. The man recently lodged a police complaint alleging that some behavioural changes were noticed in his second son after the latter came to live with him and when enquired he narrated about the "sexual abuse". Amid the conflicting statements, state police chief Loknath Behera ordered a probe by Inspector General of Police Harshitha Attaloori into the matter. Chinese Regime Introduces New Commerce Rules in Response to US Sanctions Chinas Ministry of Commerce issued new rules on Jan. 9 in a bid to push back on sanctions and restrictions imposed by foreign governments against Chinese companies and individuals. An order on unjustified foreign legislation published on the Ministrys website instructs Chinese entities to report within 30 days if they are affected by foreign laws that improperly prohibit or restrict Chinese citizens, companies, and organizations from conducting normal economic, trade, and related activities with a third state or its citizens. The Ministry will then determine whether the legislation affects Chinas national sovereignty, security, and development interests. If the foreign law is judged to be unjustified, Chinas State Council can issue an injunction against recognition, enforcement, and compliance with the foreign laws. In addition, Chinese individuals and entities that suffer significant losses for noncompliance with foreign laws are entitled to receive necessary support from Chinese authorities, according to the order. The order also states that Beijing may take necessary counter-measures in response to such foreign laws. Chinese individuals or entities that either fail to truthfully report how they face foreign restrictions in doing business or comply with foreign laws despite the injunction could be fined, according to the new rules. While the order didnt identify any specific foreign country, Chinese state media were quick to point to the United States. On Jan. 9, Chinas hawkish state-run media Global Times said in an article that the new order is Beijings legal self-defense against notably the U.S. bullying of China. It added that U.S. sanctions on Chinese officials over the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong and placing Chinese companies on a trade blacklist were President Donald Trumps bullying acts. On Jan. 10, the Commerce Ministry published the transcript of a media Q&A session involving an unidentified official. That official said the new rules were introduced in response to an unnamed country, that promoted unitarianism and prohibited economic exchanges between [Chinese] citizens with relevant countries. The Chinese regime has frequently accused the Trump administration of unitarianism, especially during the 20182019 trade war. The new rules in China are evidence that stricter U.S. export policies are effective at limiting the ability of the Chinese military from acquiring advanced U.S. technology, stated the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce, in a statement to The Epoch Times. In August last year, the Trump administration blacklisted 11 Hong Kong and Chinese officials, among them Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, for their roles in implementing Beijings draconian national security law, which punishes vaguely defined crimes such as subversion and secession with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Four months later, 14 more officials within Chinas rubber-stamp legislature who were involved in implementing the law were also targeted with U.S. sanctions. Last week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that the U.S. might impose more sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for the recent arrests of 53 Hong Kong activists, former lawmakers, and politicians. They were arrested for their involvement in a primary vote in July last year to determine which pro-democracy candidates would run in Legislative Council (LegCo) elections. That vote is now said to constitute subverting state power under the national security law. In November last year, Trump issued an order (pdf) banning U.S. investments in Chinese companies designated by the Pentagon as having ties to the Chinese military, citing threats to the U.S. national security. Some of the well-known Chinese companies blacklisted under the Trump administration included Chinese tech giant Huawei and 152 of its affiliates, semiconductor chipmaker SMIC, surveillance camera maker Hikvision, and drone manufacturer DJI. Chen I-hsin, professor emeritus of the Department of Diplomacy and International Relations at Taiwans Tamkang University, told Taiwanese daily newspaper China Times that Chinas new rules are a warning to President-elect Joe Biden that he shouldnt follow Trumps footsteps in sanctioning Chinese entities. Chen said because the Chinese rules wont have jurisdiction in the United States, their effect will be limited. But Beijing may resort to its usual tactics of sanctioning U.S. officials or denying visas to Americans as retaliation. This article has been updated with a statement from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. Dear Care and Feeding, Should I read my daughters diary? Before you say absolutely not! heres a longer version, with context, of my question. My daughter is 10, in fifth grade. She started a new school in September, where she didnt know anybody. As is totally appropriate for her age, Im sure, she is telling me almost nothing about her life. Many of my questions get one-word answers. But every night, she writes in her diary. And while I dont have any specific concerns other than the general anxiety that comes with parenting a fifth grade girl in todays world, I think that if I read her diary, Id get a sense of what is going on and would able to be a more supportive and responsive parent. She wouldnt have to know how I know what kinds of things to bring up (it helps that she knows I have access to all of her online chats and emails and that I occasionally skim themthough I have never mentioned anything Ive read, and, TBH, I very rarely even skim them). I have thought through what I would do if I discovered something concerning in her diary, and I feel confident it would be fine. I know that breaking her trust is a terrible thing to do, but at the same time parenting a preteen is SO HARD because of limited information, and shes at such a vulnerable age for social and internal stress to develop that I am finding it very difficult to resist. I saw my teen cousins struggle with eating disorders, self-harm, and anxiety, and I remember how much I struggled with social dynamics at my daughters age. Im really hoping you will tell me its OK to read her diary, even though I suspect you wont. Is there a way for me to get her permission, or will even asking her ruin everything? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nosy in the Northeast Dear Nosy, No. No, no, a thousand times noyou must not read your daughters diary. And you shouldnt ask for her permission to read it, either. A diary is private. That is the entire point of keeping a diary. (So while asking her wont ruin everything, its not a very loving thing to do.) I have a few questions about your burning desire to peek into this private corner of her life. First, if youre so worried, why arent you looking at the online chats and emails that you do have access to? Is it that you assume that shes being guarded there, since she knows you may be reading them? Or are you not that interested in what shes saying to othersyou only want to know what she is thinking? Or is there something else at play here? Do you not want her to have any privacy? Do you believe that at 10 she is not entitled to it? Advertisement Second: Have you tried talking to her? I mean really talking to her? Not asking her a bunch of questions (of course youre going to get one-word answers) but having real conversations with hermaybe including those in which you tell her about your own struggles at her age. And third (and fourth and fifth, etc.): Have you ever had such honest conversations with her? What are your interactions likewhat have they been like for these past 10 years? Children tend to be more open with their parents about how they feel, whats on their minds, and whats happening in their lives, when they believe they will be listened to (calmly), not judged, not overwhelmed by their parents responses. If you havent laid such groundwork in the past, you have a lot of work to do starting now. And it can be done! Creating an environment that encourages ones child to confide their worries (and share their joys) and that allows children to feel certain they can trust their parents and lean on them when they need to doesnt happen overnight. But I 100 percent guarantee that reading a kids private diary entries is not the way to do it. Restrain yourself. Advertisement Advertisement You say you have no specific concerns, which suggests youre not seeing signs of anything worrisome. This makes me wonder if some of whats going on is just your (understandable!) sorrow that your little girl is growing up. If the two of you have been close, and this silence on her part is something brand newand shockingto you, why not try being honest with her about how you feel (but leave out the part about wanting to read her diaryand dont sound tragic about it or make her feel responsible for your sadness)? Tell her you miss those long talks you used to have, or the fun things you two did together. Ask her if theres something special she might want to door come up with something yourself that you know will interest and please her. And do everything you can to create opportunities for her to let her guard down a little (long drives, when youre not looking at each other, can often do the trick). Advertisement One technique that some parents have found helpful when a child is unwilling to open up in conversation is keeping a journal that parent and child write in. A friend of mine has found that this has worked wonders with her 10-year-old daughter; she says that although they have periods when she and her daughter write in their shared journal a lot, and months at a time when neither of them write anything at all, when they do write an entry and then slide it under the others pillow without saying a word, it is the most marvelous treat when it is discovered there. Sometimes these entries are as perfunctory as I really didnt like dinner tonight. Why do you always have to make stew? Every once in a while, though, a simple question about how school was will yield a long, heartfelt answer about a fight with a friend. This would definitely be worth a try for you. Advertisement Advertisement But whatever you do, do not indulge your own worst impulses. Slate is looking to interview parents and children togetheryoung parents and older ones, younger kids and adult childrenfor an upcoming project. To participate, send us an email at pandemicparentproject@slate.com with a few words about your family. Dear Care and Feeding, I love my family (parents, siblings, in-laws), but I wouldnt say I am attached to them. I have lived abroad, and Ive been OK with not seeing family for extended periods of time. Now I live across state lines, and I really value the distance from them and being able to control when and how often we see each other. I think this is a completely healthy and normal thing. My partner, on the other hand, is extremely close to his family and doesnt understand why Im not as close to my family as he is to his. This is causing a rift between us as we are now raising our own little family. I want to spend holidays at home making traditions and memories with our children in our home. He wants to spend every single holiday with his family. No doubt we should have discussed this when we were planning a future together, because we arent compatible in this department (and I knew thatI knew, for example, that when he first moved out to live on his own, he went home multiple times a week to see his family). Advertisement Advertisement I love his family; I enjoy spending time with them. But his expectation that we spend every Christmas with them is not sitting well with me. I dont possess that innate desire to see my own family, and I just dont understand his. This causes me to wonder: Can two people with such different ideas/feelings about family togetherness stay happily together as a couple? Obviously we both value family, or we wouldnt have started our own. And I know having a family and maintaining a bond with your birth family are not mutually exclusive (dont people do that all the time?). What Ive been telling myself is that if its that important to my partner to spend holidays with his family, I will suck it upthough I know I will be resentful. I should add that Christmas for his family includes a large extended family, and I hate the idea of making forced small talk with his cousins and being forced to participate in a Secret Santa gift exchange with someone I see only once a year. Am I being selfish? If I am, lay it on me, I need to hear the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grinch in Miami Dear GiM, I dont think youre being selfish, but I do think you and your husband need to hash this out. Its a pity you didnt talk about it when you were datingbut its also no surprise. Its hard for people to think ahead, to project themselves into the future and picture how their very different approaches to life are going to work in the long term. But I dont think this particular incompatibility dooms the two of you. I can think of lots of couples in which one partner is close to their parents and the other isnt (my own marriage is one of them: I talk to my mother every day and to my brother at least once a week, and pre-pandemic, I visited my mother every couple of months; my husband goes months without talking to his family and years without seeing them). Families are different, and there are plenty of reasons some spend a great deal of time together and others dont. Whats important here is not how differently each of you interact with your families of origin but how you work out your life together given those differences. Advertisement Advertisement If you hate the idea of spending every Christmas with your husbands family, you need to talk to him honestly about it. Emphasize how important it is to you to start your own family traditions, in your own home. If your husband is heartbroken at the thought of never going home for Christmas again, then try to work with him on a compromise (one year at his familys, the next year just the two of you and your kids at homeor Thanksgiving with his family and Christmas at home). The details of the compromise matter less than the idea of compromise itself. And honestly, this is a much easier clash of desires/ideas to compromise on than so many others are. Couples who dont figure out ahead of time whether they want to have kids or not, or how many kids, or how theyre going to deal with religion or money or where to live, or a whole host of other matters that are hard or impossible to split the difference on, have a much harder row to hoe. Advertisement This is not to say that what youre experiencing is trivial, or that easier means easy. You may be sensing that this issue is indicative of larger issuesthat your feelings and desires, and the time the two of you spend as a family, are not your husbands priority, that the needs/feelings/desires of his parents and extended family are. So I would be prepared for this conversation to stir up bigger subjects than the one thats on the surface. For many couples, a real transition will happen only over time, as priorities change and their own nuclear family begins to shift into first position. I will say that I made the decision/announcement early on that all holidays would be celebrated in my own homethat we wanted to make our own traditionsand that both my family and my husbands were welcome to join us if they chose to (they rarely chose to). And Im already encouraging my daughter and her fiance to do the same thing. Advertisement Advertisement But this may have been easier for us because we were in our late 30s when we married and had our daughterand because, as close as I have always been to my family, I had already long established a separate household with its own rhythms (and, of course, my husband was not in the habit of going home). For a lot of couples, there can be some significant and difficult growing pains (which is why Im hoping to spare my daughter this particular challenge). I would like to offer a suggestion for when you and your husband sit down to talk this through. Pay attention not just to what you are going to do, but to why you each feel the way you do. You note that he doesnt understand why you arent as close to your family as he is to hisand also that because you dont have the same desire to spend time with your family, you dont understand his. Can the two of you have a productive conversation that helps you to understand each other? (And not just one conversation but an ongoing life of such conversations?) People dont have to think the same way, or have the same needs and desiresor be just like each other!in order to have a marriage that works. The differences are often what makes life interesting. But to stay married, you do have to make an effort to understand each otherand to compromise whenever theres a way to. Advertisement If you missed Fridays Care and Feeding column, read it here. Discuss this column in the Slate Parenting Facebook group! Dear Care and Feeding, My spouse and I have an ongoing debate about guardianship of our two elementary-aged kids. When our second child was born, we got ourselves together to make a will and discovered that we had very different feelings about which of our siblings would make the best guardian if something were to happen to us. In the end, we selected our kids grandparents as guardians, realizing that this solution was probably not a long-term one as the grandparents get older. Now were months into a pandemic and this question suddenly seems urgent again. The main problem is that the siblings that have children are, in my opinion, pretty reckless in the face of the coronavirus (flying across the country for vacations, for example, or attending indoor parties without any precautions). Its the selfishness of these actions that bothers me in particular. Theres no pressing need to change our wills at this point in time, but I find myself stewing over what we should do down the linepick a sibling that makes what I consider very bad choices? Pick one of the other single-and-childless siblings? Tap a godparent, despite the inevitable strain that would cause on relationships within the family? I realize I wont be around to deal with the fallout should it come to pass, but I still feel a need to sort out a plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im Not Dead Yet Dear INDY, Ive talked before about choosing a guardian, but your letter raises a very specific question that didnt come up then, and its one that Im glad to have a chance to answer. To wit: Do not choose a guardian for your children whose child-rearing decisions you already know youre not on board with! Forget about the inevitable strain on relationships within the family if you name one of the childrens godparentsor for that matter anyone else whos not a blood relativeas guardian. The only relevant concerns when you choose someone to take care of your children if you die before youve finished raising them are 1) whether you would want/trust your children to be raised by this person, and 2) whether that potential guardian is up for the task. And please, please, ask them. (Under no circumstances should you pull a Hollywood movie move and surprise your friends.) Advertisement But alsoas I noted the last time I talked about thisbe prepared to make changes down the line as your kids grow older and they (and their needs, and your needs on their behalf) change. The person you designate to care for your 8- or 10-year-old may not be the one you want to turn to when your child is 16. But whomever you decide on, you are absolutely right that you should have a plan in place now. This can turn on a dime from a theoretical discussion to an emergency one. Not that I mean to be morbid. Im sure you and your spouse will live long and happy lives and dance at your grandchildrens weddings. But just to be safe, Id say there is indeed a pressing need to change your wills. If youre still comfortable with the grandparents as your childrens potential guardians right now, you can let that bebut do name the person or people who will step in if the grandparents are unable to do so. That needs to be in writing, notarized, and kept in a safe place. Advertisement Help! How can I support Slate so I can keep reading all the advice from Dear Prudence, Care and Feeding, Ask a Teacher, and How to Do It? Answer: Join Slate Plus. Dear Care and Feeding, My niece and nephew, ages 4 and 2, are sweet kids. However, they are overindulged and borderline spoiled. Their mother almost never corrects them when they misbehave. She will occasionally make a halfhearted attempt, but will never follow through. The kids get away with everything and basically rule the house. When their father attempts to correct them, the kids burst into tears and crawl into their mothers lap, and she will then reprimand their father for talking to the kids that way (when he was not being harsh or unreasonable). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am trying to be objective, but their father is my brother. I have a good relationship with both him and his wife. But my brother isnt going to take marriage or parenting advice from his little sister. I dont feel comfortable saying anything to my sister-in-law, and she definitely isnt going to appreciate interference from me. But the alternative is watching my niece and nephew turned into brats, and watching my brother get bullied stinks, too. I dont know what to do, if anything. I know that you cant tell other people how to run their lives and raise their children. Other members of the family seem to feel the same way I do, but we all feel powerless to do anything. Any advice would greatly appreciated. Advertisement Torn Dear Torn, Any advice will be appreciatedreally? I sincerely hope you mean that. Because my advice is: Mind your own business. Your brother is a grown-up human being who can advocate for himself if he needs to. The children are not yours to raise. And no oneno one, not even siblings (especially not siblings, and most especially not a sibling-in-law)appreciates unasked-for advice about their marriage, raising their children, or their lives. Michelle More Advice From Slate My son is 10 years old, and he has recently started making CONSTANT Donald Trump jokes. He does a bad Trump impersonation all the time, calls people losers in a Trump voice, and jokingly claims to have won every game he plays with his siblings because it was rigged. Should I continue to laugh, or encourage him to stop? Bengaluru, Jan 10 : Four passengers, who returned from the UK on Sunday, tested Covid positive at the city airport, Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar said. "Of the 289 passengers who took the RT-PCR test on arrival from London, 4 turned positive. They have been quarantined," he said in a statement. Of the total, 273 were passengers (146 men, 95 women and 32 children) while 16 were crew members. "Swab samples of the infected passengers have been sent to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (Nimhans) here to ascertain the strain of the virus," said Sudhakar. The returnees were the first batch of passengers who flew into the city from London after flights from the UK resumed on January 8. Flights were suspended since December 23 due to the detection of a new Covid virus strain there. Of the 3,965 passengers who returned to the state from the UK between December 9-22, 40 tested positive, with 11 of them having the new UK virus strain. Some of their primary contacts also tested positive and have been quarantined. The Minister, who is a doctor himself, visited the Kempegowda international airport on Saturday to inspect the screening arrangements for Covid test of passengers returning from London and San Francisco on early Monday. As per the revised guidelines of the Union Home Ministry and the standard operating procedures of the Union Health Ministry, all UK returnees to the state have to undergo the RT-PCR test at the airport on landing even if they flew in with a negative test report, which has been mandatory. "If passengers do not carry a negative report, they will be tested on arrival at the airport through the RT-PCR method and quarantined for 14 days if they are Covid positive," the state Health Department has said. Her relationship with 'husband' Mark Scrivens didn't work out on the 2019 season of Married At First Sight. But that setback hasn't stopped Ning Surasiang from finding love. The mother of three, 35, has moved on from cafe owner Mark, 43, with a handsome gentleman named Kane Micallef. Happiness: Married At First Sight's Ning Surasiang (left) has debuted her new boyfriend, Kane Micallef (right), after her ex Mark Scrivens moved on with The Block star Bianca Chatfield The couple have been dating since August and appear to be smitten, with Kane frequently popping up on his girlfriend's Instagram account. 'Just two people catching some waves and maybe the "feels",' she captioned a gallery of photos of the pair enjoying a yacht trip in September. Mark also spent Christmas with Ning and her children, Kai, six, Kobi, nine, and Kia, 17. Ning posted several snaps of the couple over the holidays on Instagram, and captioned them: 'All I want for Christmas is you.' Instagram official: The couple have been dating since August and appear to be smitten, with Kane frequently popping up on his girlfriend's Instagram account Setting sail: 'Just two people catching some waves and maybe the "feels",' Ning captioned a gallery of photos of the pair enjoying a yacht trip in September Meanwhile, Mark has moved on from Ning with another reality star: former netball player Bianca Chatfield, from the 2018 season of The Block. The couple, who live together in Melbourne's St Kilda, will celebrate their second anniversary of dating in April. In September, Bianca said that being with Mark was the 'easiest relationship'. Lovebirds: Meanwhile, Ning's ex Mark (right) has moved on with another reality star: former netball player Bianca Chatfield (left), from the 2018 season of The Block Happy couple: The pair, who live together in Melbourne's St Kilda, will celebrate their second anniversary of dating in April 'We just have so much fun together and get along so well,' she told Woman's Day. 'It's the easiest relationship I have ever been in. 'I've learned a lot about Mark while living together, what fights to have, what fights not to have.' She added that the pair were looking for a 'fixer upper' in Melbourne to renovate into their 'forever' home. Do you remember when all those old wartime slogans suddenly started appearing on tea towels and mugs? Keep calm and carry on, Loose talk costs lives and my own personal favourite To dress extravagantly in wartime is worse than bad form, it is unpatriotic. They seemed so quaint, a nostalgic reminder of long-vanished times. It amused us, in our clever, modern, cynical way, to think of people dutifully obeying their entreatments. We would never be so gullible as to be taken in by such things and besides, a world so paranoid and fearful, where government should seek to control such aspects of life as the clothes on our back and the words in our mouths, was inconceivable. Wasnt it? Scroll down for video Frightening the population into submission is not the way to get this country back on its feet again. Its a way of sending everyone around the bend, of heightening existing divisions, of turning neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend Cue hollow laughter. Such gentle wartime admonishments seem positively quaint compared with the relentless propaganda now raining down upon us. And this time its not just a few words on the side of an omnibus, or a poster hastily pasted to an awning: its a full-on television and internet campaign. Its a non-stop assault on our senses, a constant, 24-hour cacophony of doom. Day and night, online and in print, on television and radio, the message is simple and inescapable: do as youre told, or were all going to die. The latest weapon of mass depression was deployed on Friday in the shape of Chris Whitty, recast as a modern-day Lord Kitchener, pointing the finger at anyone not yet cowering in terror behind the boxes of loo roll in the corner of a reinforced steel basement. Do you remember when all those old wartime slogans suddenly started appearing on tea towels and mugs? Keep calm and carry on, Loose talk costs lives and my own personal favourite To dress extravagantly in wartime is worse than bad form, it is unpatriotic Slowly and solemnly, and with the air of a prison chaplain addressing a congregation of especially recalcitrant young offenders, he lectured us about the gravity of the situation, reminding us in no uncertain terms that the very fact of our existence remains the greatest of threats to the NHS. By way of reinforcement, the Government released two terrifying new posters showing a dying patient yes, actually dying and a healthcare worker wearing full PPE, with the warning: If you go out, you can spread it. People will die. Meanwhile, Sage proclaimed an urgent need for even tighter restrictions. Tighter how, exactly? What do they want us to do actually stop breathing? Maybe that wouldnt be such a bad idea. After all, its becoming increasingly apparent we humans are the real problem here, not the virus itself. Dont get me wrong. I am no covidiot (hated word), no denier of either the existence or the severity of this disease. I understand the problems the NHS faces, and the huge responsibility that rests on the shoulders of Ministers (possibly more than most, since I live under the same roof as one), as they battle to get this thing under control. I sympathise with the impossible choices they are having to make, made all the more difficult by a Labour Party that has, at every turn, behaved with a level of venality shocking even by their current low standards. I understand that the Government cant do this without the collaboration of the general public, as I think do most sensible people. And I accept the need for restrictions, even though I think a lot of them dont always make sense and I fear for the long-term consequences of it all. What I dont get is the need to scare us witless. This Project Fear the Government seems to have embarked on as a way of ramping up the publics response to the rising R-rate does not strike me as either wise or particularly effective. There is only so much bad news people can take before they become desensitised to it, and I fear a lot of people are at that stage. In fact, I wouldnt be surprised if the current level of fire-and-brimstone rhetoric doesnt inadvertently result in people being less, not more, likely to fall in line. Things are not exactly helped by the over-the-top actions of certain police forces, which seem to have interpreted the current situation as an excuse to indulge in a spot of Stasi role-play. Deploying seven officers to arrest two women on a walk in a park, for example. Or threatening to fine people for throwing snowballs. Or barging into peoples houses on the whim of a neighbour. All these things make a population already on edge even edgier. Spreading panic and fear serves no useful purpose, and yet this is what the Government, the police and certain sectors of the media seem intent on doing. It wont have the desired effect. It will simply encourage the already hysterical, screeching harbingers of doom, the paranoid lockdown zealots, while alienating and very likely infuriating the vast majority of still (just about) sane people who are doing their best to keep their heads down and get through this nightmare in one piece. If you fill peoples hearts with misery and Im sorry, Mr Whitty in full apocalyptic mode is the very essence of misery they will lose all hope, and right now hope is the only thing getting most of us through our day. Hope not just in the vaccine, but in the possibility of salvaging jobs and businesses, of making up for lost school time, of seeing loved ones, of being able to book a table at a restaurant without feeling like a criminal. And besides, if Im honest, Im not sure how much more panicked I can be. I already wake up at 3am most mornings, my stomach liquid, Corona nightmares running through my head. I already lie there, listening to the ringing in my ears and the foxes howling, worrying about my parents, my children, the economy, friends who have lost loved ones, colleagues who are struggling, the faces of weary doctors and nurses on the news, the closed signs in shop windows and so on, in an ever-decreasing spiral of despair. I am sure I am not alone. There cant be a single person in the country who doesnt understand the severity of the situation. But just because things are serious does not mean we all have to be suicidal. Maintaining public morale at a time like this is vital otherwise we are not going to have the mental strength to get through to the other side and begin the long, slow process of recovery. Frightening the population into submission is not the way to get this country back on its feet again. Its a way of sending everyone around the bend, of heightening existing divisions, of turning neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend. And yet all we are getting from those who lead us is hysteria at a time when what we need is a cool, calm plan of action and a safe and steady hand. What we must do is focus on better days to come, not lose ourselves ever deeper in the abyss. We all know what needs to be done. Enough of the fear-mongering. Lets just look to the future and get on with it. Some cheering news: Tocilizumab, an arthritis drug, has been found to cut the risk of death for the sickest Covid patients by 24 per cent. Amazing. But I have one question: who dreams up the names for these medicines? This one sounds like a long-forgotten Egyptian pharaoh. All hail the mighty Tocilizumab, king of kings, conqueror of worlds, slayer of viruses. Appropriately biblical-sounding, dont you think? The streets are uncannily silent in my corner of West London, save for one sound: the screeching of bright green parakeets that flock en masse in the trees. There are calls to cull these grey squirrels of the sky, which some claim pose an urgent economic, societal and environmental problem. But I find their alien squawks and dazzling plumage perfectly suited to these strange, almost apocalyptic times. Leave the poor creatures alone. The competition regulator wants new rules to determine when social media behemoths can close accounts after Donald Trump was suspended from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, sparking warnings by some Coalition MPs that unclear self-regulation by the technology giants could limit freedom of speech. The technology behemoths blocked the US President from using their websites last week after he posted messages that the companies said could encourage violence, following a riot by a mob of his supporters at the US Capitol on January 7. The online banishment has sparked renewed global debate over whether Facebook and Twitter are publishers or "neutral" platforms and focused attention on how social media has spread fake news and other forms of political misinformation since Mr Trump lost the presidential election in November. Social media companies banned Donald Trump after he revved his supporters into a mob that then stormed the Capitol. Credit:Getty Images Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Rod Sims said there needed to be additional oversight of how decisions were made about the content allowed to circulate on these websites. "Clearly, the digital platforms do have some control over what we see and read," said Mr Sims, who led a world-first inquiry into Facebook (which owns Instagram) and Google (which owns YouTube). "How much we can leave it up to the digital platforms ... is one of the defining questions we have to face. We definitely need the government to get to grips with this; we cant just leave it with the digital platforms." Power supply was restored fully or partially on Sunday in many cities in Pakistan, including the national capital Islamabad, hours after several towns in the country plunged into darkness following a huge blackout due to a fault in the power distribution system. The power outage was reported shortly before midnight almost simultaneously in many cities. Residents of Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and others faced the blackout. Pakistan Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan said that technical teams were working to fully restore the power supply. He said that electricity supply was restored fully or partially in many cities like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Karachi and Faisalabad but it would take some time before the restoration of normal supply. Khan, along with Information Minister Shibli Faraz, told reporters that the power supply snapped at 11:41 pm on Saturday after a technical fault at Guddu power plant in Sindh province. It had what we call a cascading effect' and shut down the power system, choking about 10,320 megawatt of electricity, he said, adding that it was the precise amount of energy needed for the entire country during the winter nights. He said it was still unknown what exactly triggered the shutdown that caused the drop in the system frequency from about 50 to zero. Our teams are working to pinpoint the cause of sudden drop in frequency, he said, adding that three major supply lines originated from Guddu power plant and it was not known which was the first to experience the drop in frequency. Information Minister Shibli Faraz said that the transmission system was old and blamed the previous governments for neglecting it. Also read: 'Haan ye karlo pehle': Pakistan power blackout triggers meme fest Also read: 300 terrorists killed by India during 2019 Balakot air strike: Ex-Pakistani diplomat TV actor Amit Sarin, who has been a part of many shows such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Pavitra Rishta has tested positive for COVID-19. Sarin, who relocated to Los Angeles a few years ago, has informed that his wife Vineesha and two kids have also contracted the deadly virus in a video post on social media. Amit spoke about his family's health with IANS and said, "It has been six days now Vineesha, the kids and I have tested positive. Mentally, it was a jolt initially, but the good thing was that we were asymptomatic. And that is the silver lining." He went on to add, "We have immediately boosted our intake of vitamin C, D and zinc. We are having lots of water and fresh vegetarian food. This will definitely help us overcome the deadly virus. Though we have developed antibodies naturally without a vaccine and won't be infectious to others, but we are not going to take that for granted and follow the rules by wearing a mask, washing hands regularly and maintaining social distancing till we are vaccinated." Amit who was last seen on the small screen in Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, is currently producing a film titled Tiger Heart. He has also posted a video of his son getting tested for the virus whilst stating that he is proud of his kids. Take a look! ALSO READ: Parth Samthaan, Shrenu Parikh, Mohena Singh: TV Actors Who Tested Positive And Recovered From COVID-19 ALSO READ: Shilpa Shirodkar Becomes The First Bollywood Actress To Get COVID-19 Vaccine, Says 'Vaccinated And Safe' The coronavirus pandemic has broken many hearts and squashed plenty of dreams, but for Samantha it has meant delaying - perhaps even giving up - on her dream of having another baby. Buoyed by the improving Covid-19 situation in New South Wales last year, Samantha and her husband of over 10 years decided it was time a third set of tiny feet was running around their home. But with Sydney and its surrounds cast under the shadow of another virus outbreak in December, the Central Coast couple made the difficult decision to put their plans on ice. Sammy Stokes, her partner Andy and their nine-day-old baby girl Sunny pose for photos at their home in Kallangur, north of Brisbane, on May 5, 2020. The couple made the decision to have a home birth when Sammy was told that due to Covid-19 social distancing measure she could not have her support network with her at the hospital 'This isn't a decision that we want to make,' she told AAP. 'It is really hard. We really want another baby.' It's not the virus itself that scares the pair, but rather its impacts on the nation's economy and health system. 'It's only now that we're in January 2021 and it's all happening all over again that we realised that this is probably not over anytime soon,' she said. 'What's going to happen with our jobs? Is our mortgage going to be safe? What if there are restrictions and the father is not allowed at the birth? 'If we are successful and fall pregnant again, are we just putting more stress on ourselves at an already uncertain time?' The pair vowed to reassess the situation each month, but predict they're in for quite the wait. Pictured: Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt with Tamsyn Underwood and her premature baby Ruby in the neo natal intensive care unit at the Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Melbourne, on December 15, 2020 And at 34, Samantha knows that may mean baby number three never arrives. 'We've definitely prepared ourselves that this might be it... we might just have to accept that we won't try again,' she said. But Samantha is far from alone. Demographer Dr Liz Allen said many would-be parents will have put off their plans to create or expand families in 2020. 'Being stuck at home with a partner doesn't meet the necessary ingredients for increased fertility rates,' the population statistics expert told AAP. 'More sex is insufficient for a baby boom to occur.' Fewer opportunities to meet people coupled with economic uncertainty means people will likely delay or forgo having children during this period, she said. 'More sex is insufficient for a baby boom to occur.' Pictured: Sammy Stokes, her partner Andy and their nine-day-old baby girl Sunny pose for a photo 'People have lost their jobs and lost access to things like parenting leave. 'We've also seen difficulties in having basic needs met, like buying toilet paper and pasta. 'This all has a psychological impact on people and their feelings of insecurity and hope for the future.' Low fertility rates in 2020 would add to a long streak. Australian Bureau of Statistics data released in December showed the total fertility rate had declined to a low never seen in Australia's official national statistics. The measure, which indicates the average lifetime number of births per woman, fell to 1.66. Is that a problem? The answer is hotly contested. Dr Allen said it is, but not yet. Job insecurity, mortgages worries and Covid restrictions are causing couples to rethink their baby plans (stock image) With the birth rate below population replacement levels, as it has been since around the mid-1970s, Dr Allen says Australia is facing an ageing population crisis. 'How will the nation continue to be economically strong and maintain a level of socio-economic wellbeing if there are fewer relative contributors to government coffers?' Young people are really getting a raw deal, she said, with the pandemic only adding to the uncertainty. 'The nation wants young people to be the economic lifeline ensuring the country's future. But at the same time these pressures added to existing generational inequalities might mean that young generations won't accomplish the things we take for granted: secure housing, secure careers, and family.' But former South Australia politician Sandra Kanck said lower birth rates are exactly what Australia and the planet needs. Now the president of Sustainable Population Australia Ms Kanck said there is no depopulation or ageing population crisis. 'Even if we had zero net migration, our population would continue to grow in size slowly until around 2045,' she said. The 2022 race for governor in Connecticut will hinge on economic growth in the most sluggish state of the 21st century, not COVID-19, and certainly not the legacy of the disgraced Donald Trump. But to win that battle, most likely against Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont, the three likely Republican entrants none close to declaring yet will have to reckon with the ghost of Trump. Wednesdays mob scene at the U.S. Capitol made that scary graveyard walk easier for New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart; more complicated for former House GOP Leader Themis Klarides; and harder for 2018 party nominee Bob Stefanowski. Thats the surface view, at least. The three appear to stack up nicely: Stewart least aligned with Trump and Trumpism; Klarides, a 2016 Trump delegate, in the middle and edging, perhaps sprinting, further from Trump; and businessman Stefanowski delivering less criticism of the exiting president and his views though still some. Their statements about the breach of the seat of American democracy on Twitter and in more detail to me directly show that alignment. Its nice of them to give GOP voters some choices, understanding all too well that winning over Republicans in a primary and independents in a general election are two very different feats. Still, its not a clean picture. This being deep-blue Connecticut, where any Republican not named Berthel must hedge or be hedged, all three would-be GOP combatants for governor bring shades of gray to the Trump question. Klarides, Stewart blame Trump All three tread very, very carefully through this graveyard. As I said that day, I was saddened and ashamed at what happened, Stewart said in a 300-word statement her spokeswoman emailed to me Friday. The acts of those people and those who incited them were not representative of the Republican Party that I know. The party of Reagan, Bush and Lincoln. Stewart extolled GOP virtues and added, The road for Republicans in Connecticut has become much steeper since Wednesday but it has never been more crucial for those of us in office to demonstrate the values of the Republican Party that I know to our fellow citizens. Make no mistake, I have been critical of this President since the day he took office and what is most important right now is that our actions speak louder than our words. So, was that Stewart laying blame for the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol on Trump? Not directly but it seems clear. Her spokeswoman confirmed that, yes, the fourth-term mayor at least partly blames Trump for the siege. Klarides is far more direct in blaming Trump. This is not America. There is no place for inciting violence and storming our nations Capitol. There is no place for this behavior. The President owns this and he needs to stop now, she tweeted at 6:32 p.m. Wednesday. And Klarides, who didnt run for reelection in November to the state House representing Derby and surrounding towns, didnt leave any doubt when I talked with her Thursday. At this point by him not accepting the results he is continuing to incite people, Klarides said of Trump. Events...will take some time to unpack Stewart and Klarides have both said as bluntly as possible that the election is over and Trump should concede. Nobody likes to lose, Klarides said, citing the 60-plus lawsuits over election results in various states that all failed, but its time to move on. ... At a certain point, enough is enough. That reflected her comments in a story that appeared Wednesday, before the mob scene, by The CT Mirrors Mark Pazniokas. And Stewart said pretty much the same words. Stefanowski, by contrast, declined to say in that story and in a statement to me that Trump should concede, and that the results of the election are legitimate. The Madison resident also declined to blame Trump for inciting the siege on the Capitol, instead saying we need to study what happened. The events in Washington on Wednesday will take some time to unpack. The lack of preparedness of Capitol Police to hold back the rioters, the subset of people from an otherwise peaceful protest who became violent, and the lack of action by the president or other leaders in government that could have prevented the travesty, all need to be reviewed. Likewise, in his tweet Wednesday, he decried the violence and added, Our thoughts and prayers go out to all in harms way. Ah, the old thoughts-and-prayers line a motto for conservatives unwilling to lay blame for violence, almost like these things are acts of God. So we can see that Stefanowskis strategy still calls for him to appeal to that segment of voters aligned with Trump against established institutions, as was the case when he ran against Lamont. He far outperformed expectations with 644,000 votes, more than any governor ever collected except M. Jodi Rell in 2006. Still, Stefanowski has criticized Trumps behavior at times to me and other folks in the media. A delegate and a critic The GOP will work hard to make the 2022 election about anything but Trump, of course. If Donald Trump is the litmus test by which Republicans make their selection for the 2022 gubernatorial election we will lose and we will lose spectacularly, said Republican consultant Liz Kurantowicz, whos not currently working with any potential candidates for the office. This is what Democrats are praying for, that Connecticut Republicans will once again retreat to our familiar, proverbial circular firing squad and make Donald Trump the focus. Its a balancing act. Certainly for some voters, Trump will matter positively or negatively as we see in comments slamming all three politicians tweets on Wednesday, in both directions. Stewart may have been weaker than Klarides in her criticism of Trump this week but she has generally distanced herself from the president over the last four years. She did travel to the White House in February, 2018, and said to Pazniokas at The Mirror, Ive been pretty outspoken about not supporting Trump and about not supporting or being in favor of a lot of what hes done and his approach. Of course, shes a Republican mayor of an overwhelmingly Democratic city. In July, 2020, she told The Hartford Courants Chris Keating, We have to elevate our voices even louder to say Heres why you should vote for Republican ideology less government, pro-business, not necessarily the things spewing from President Trump. Klarides was a delegate for Trump in 2016 (she was in Cleveland for less than 24 hours, she noted Thursday) and even spoke at a Trump rally in Bridgeport which she may come to regret but she was not one this year. And her comments have grown more critical of the president. To be fair, she was never a full-on supporter. The first time he ran I had concerns about him but I thought he would grow into that job and....understand what it takes to be president of the United States but I didnt find that it happened, Klarides told me Thursday. As for changing her stance in order to position for a run for governor, well, I had to ask. Its just not true. I have served in this state for 22 years. I have supported Republican ideas, I have not supported Republican ideas, Klarides said. I have lived and worked with my conscience whether it was popular or not. dhaar@hearstmediact.com We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form 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. Vote View Results Corporate logos of LG and SK are seen in this file photo, Sunday. Korea Times file By Kim Yoo-chul Intellectual property (IP) rights have recently come to the fore as the main cause of industrial disputes. President-elect Joe Biden's administration is also expected to double down on the protection of IP rights especially in the wake of the ongoing trade dispute between the U.S. and China. Many foreign investors, companies and even individuals are expected to raise issues about the implementation of expected policies under the new U.S. government and their possible consequences. The U.S. federal authorities have aggressively been describing the threat of economic espionage by foreign companies as one of the looming threats to the economic vitality of the United States, a trend that has been leading to an increase in investigations. While the Chinese government and its state-controlled companies are currently considered the primary threat, other foreign entities also represent concerns as well. These changes have made industry watchers take a fresh look at ongoing patent disputes between Korea's leading battery manufacturers LG Energy Solution and SK Innovation (SKI) as the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is set to give a final ruling in the alleged misappropriation of trade secrets by SKI. In 2019, LG Energy Solution, a company spun off from LG Chem, filed a lawsuit against SKI with the USITC accusing the latter of gaining illegal access to trade secrets by hiring former researchers. LG believes SKI used these in developing its battery technology, which led to it winning more orders from major car manufacturers. SKI denied the allegation, however, the USITC issued a preliminary ruling in favor of LG saying SKI might have been involved in the destruction of documents, which was widespread throughout its organization. In the U.S., if an entity willfully destroys documents to get rid of evidence in a litigation case, it faces further penalties. While the USITC didn't imply that possibility, SKI may face an additional lawsuit in a Delaware court, where the battle started, and if the U.S. agency rules in favor of LG. "Given SKI's repeated commitment in terms of spending more on its plants in the State of Georgia, SKI may have attempted to resolve the issue politically by appealing to senior U.S. government officials that the firm's contribution to the regional economy is huge. However, things have changed after the victories by Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock, both Democrats, in Georgia because their victory solidified Georgia's political transformation. Now, SKI has to think about an exit strategy in the LG issue quite smartly and thoroughly," a patent expert in Seoul said, Sunday. Georgia was once considered a core Republican base. Among remedial action against SKI, LG was seeking a permanent injunction on SK products, however, it sought "adequate compensation for the infringement" of its IPs to settle the case. LG is said to have asked SKI to pay a "few billion dollars," while the latter apparently offered a "few million dollars," sources directly involved with the issue said. "If the USITC gives a final ruling in favor of LG ruling by accepting all its claims, then the case could be expanded to both criminal and civil suits. In the worst-case scenario, SKI might have to pay about $5 billion in compensation if it was finally found to have been involved in willful infringement," said an industry official. While LG has offered no comment on the matter, sources told The Korea Times that its top management "doesn't want to see the worst-case scenario," implying that LG will close the issue once conditions are met. SKI could take the issue to the United States Trade Representative (USTR) hoping to win a veto, which would lead to reduced compensation; but this is seen as risky, given its contribution and leadership both in South Korea and the United States. Its battery business is on track to rise thanks to huge demand from car manufacturers SKI could become a supplier for Hyundai Motor's E-GMP project. Plus, Chairman Chey Tae-won is set to lead the country's most-influential business lobby group, the KCCI, thanks to group-wide efforts to promote societal values on multiple fronts. "I would say a practical settlement agreement is needed between LG and SK as I've heard LG does not expect SK to pay a few billions. Rather, it was hoping to settle all differences once and for all in accordance with statutory remedies for IP infringement," another patent expert said. "It's time for SKI to accept LG's olive branch." Six people, including the driver, are feared dead after a Toyota Hilux double cab vehicle was swept off a flooded bridge on Gweru River along the Gweru-Matobo Road yesterday morning. By last night, the Gweru District Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and the police sub-aqua unit were still searching for the missing people, thought to be four men and two women. The vehicle was still to be located although the compressor it was towing was found dumped on the riverbank, a few kilometres downstream. Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko last night said search parties spent the whole day yesterday searching for the missing people and the vehicle, to no avail. The District Civil Protection Unit and the sub-aqua unit spent the whole day searching for the missing six people believed to be four male and two female adults who were swept away by the flooded Gweru River this morning. The search continued until this evening, but no one has been found yet, said Insp Mahoko. He said according to a witness, the Toyota Hilux was towing a mining compressor when it was swept away. Norlan Mupfiga who was driving towards Matobo found the river flooded and parked his vehicle hoping the water levels would subside.. The white Toyota Hilux which was behind him tried to drive past the flooded river bridge and it was swept away. Mr Mupfiga rushed to make a police report at Mtapa Police Station, said Insp Mahoko. He said the CPU and police sub-aqua unit went to the bridge and started searching for the vehicle and its occupants. Insp Mahoko warned motorists and pedestrians against crossing rivers in flood or low-level bridges under water. Government yesterday warned people against crossing rivers in flood following a number of incidents of people being swept away or marooned on islands midstream. In a statement, Local Government and Public Works Acting Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere implored citizens to be cautions and exercise patience by avoiding crossing rivers in flood. This rainy season has been characterised by incessant numerous incidents and activated rescue efforts where citizens tried to cross rivers in flood and were marooned across the country, said Minister Muswere. He said there were several incidents of people swept away and paid tribute to those who helped rescue them. Referring to seven people rescued in two incidents along the Runde River, he said: The Ministry would like to proffer the appreciation and gratitude to the various partners who immediately contributed in the rescue efforts namely the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe National Army, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and Honourable Members of Parliament for Chiredzi North (Cde Roy Bhila) and Chiredzi West (Cde Farai Musikavanhu), Tongaat Hullet, the media, local leadership and members of the community. Your hard work, dedication and team work is unparalleled, said Minister Muswere. Furthermore we implore all stakeholders, parliamentarians, councillors, traditional leaders and civil protection structures to intensify education awareness initiatives to empower citizens with the requisite information on the dangers of crossing rivers in flood. Accordingly, as the downpours remain unabated we appeal to all citizens to be cautious and stop crossing rivers and flooded bridges. Be patient and stay at home. We care for you. The country has been receiving significant amounts of rains that have seen some rivers overflowing their banks and covering bridges with flood waters. Seven people were rescued last Friday by the Air Force of Zimbabwe while four others are feared dead after being marooned at the confluence of the Tokwe and Runde rivers in Chiredzi, or further along the Runde River, following a sudden spilling of a weir upstream. Those rescued are a woman and her three daughters whose other two children were swept away. The police sub-aqua unit is still searching for them. Others who are missing are Kundai Chikwava (18) and her 11 month-old daughter Shantell Hungwe. After rescuing the four, the helicopter was sent to pick up three men trapped in the Runde in the Shindi area of Chivi. Last month, three people were killed when their pirate taxi was swept away when crossing a river in flood in Zvishavane. Police identified the three as Tariro Makwa (24), Aneno Manduku (39) and Gertrude Mudhonga (9) Midlands Police spokesperson, Inspector Ethel Mukwende said the pirate taxi, a Toyota Noah, had 10 people on board, when the driver tried to cross the river. Asst Insp Mukwende said the driver attempted to cross the river, resulting in the car being swept away with the 10 people on board. Herald The Greenwich Police Department is asking for the communitys help in making sure all residents have food to put on the table this winter. The GPD will hold a food drive at the towns Public Safety Complex off Greenwich Avenue at 11 Bruce Place from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 23, rain or shine. The most needed items are cereal, oatmeal, beans, peanut butter and jelly as well as canned tuna, chicken and chili. The food drive is the latest community initiative of the Greenwich Police Department. In the Battle of the Badges blood drives, the GPD, Greenwich Fire Department and Greenwich Emergency Medical Service have a friendly competition to see which one can get the most donors. This past December, the GPD held a successful stuff a cruiser toy drive to supply gifts for families in town. Organizing these kinds of events are important to the department, GPD Capt. Mark Zuccerella said. These events will help those who are in need, and as public servants we want to help people in need, Zuccerella said. And these kinds of events are great for connecting us to the community and building relationships. Most people only see a police officer when they are in crisis or being pulled over. We emphasize to each officer the importance of building positive relationships with members of the community and we reinforce the messaging that every citizen contact has the potential to improve or harm the public trust. The food will then be given to Neighbor to Neighbor, which runs a food pantry. During the pandemic, the demand for food has skyrocketed. Food drives can be a huge help to the nonprofit organizations efforts to help the needy. Neighbor to Neighbor is operating out of the Arch Street Teen Center, which has more space to allow for social distancing and to meet the huge demand for food. Construction is underway on its new headquarters, which will be on the grounds of Christ Church. Old Greenwich There is a vacant seat in District 6 in the Representative Town Meeting, and leaders hope to fill it before the bodys next full meeting on Jan. 19. Residents interested in the vacancy must contact the district chair and can appear at the district meeting Jan. 14. If more than one candidate steps forward, the districts delegation will vote. To be eligible to serve on the RTM, you must be a resident of the district and be a registered voter in town. The RTM is a nonpartisan body, and a member can be registered as a Republican, a Democrat, a third party member or unaffiliated. The person elected to the seat will fill out the remainder of the term, which ends at the end of 2021. The person will have the option of running for reelection in November to a full term. To launch your candidacy for the seat, contact District Chair Candace Garthwaite. More information is posted about doing that at www.greewnichct.gov. At www.greenwichct.gov/721/Representative-Town-Meeting-RTM, there is a sign up sheet for speakers at the Jan. 19 meeting of the RTM. Central Greenwich The Junior League of Greenwich is accepting applications from young women in town for its Community Service Award. The annual award goes to a local female high school student and carries a prize of $1,000 for a student who exemplifies the mission of the Junior League of Greenwich by demonstrating sustained commitment to community service. According to the league, The recipient must be someone whose volunteer activities demonstrate initiative and show significant and sustained commitment to community service and leadership. The contest is open to local female students in grades 9 through 12 who are town residents or who attend school in town, public or private. The recipient must be someone whose volunteer activities demonstrate initiative, leadership, and a sustained commitment to community service, the league said. The applications will be accepted through March 29. It can be downloaded from www.jlgreenwich.org. The applications must be accompanied by two written recommendations from non-family members who have knowledge of the students volunteer activities. Last year, the league presented its award to Stephanie Guza, who was a senior at Sacred Heart Greenwich. She was recognized for her work in founding the Help End Period Poverty Project, which spread awareness, created education and provided free feminine hygiene products to women in need. Guza held three fundraisers at Sacred Heart Greenwich and raised enough to donate $2,000 of feminine hygiene products to several nonprofit organizations that support low-income and homeless women. She used her $1,000 award to further her project by purchasing and donating products to organizations and shelters in town. Cos Cob A lost landscape has been brought home, and it can be viewed at the Greenwich Historical Society by the public starting Saturday. The new exhibit, Lost Landscape Revealed, will run from Jan. 16 to March 28. It features works by Amerian Impressionist painter Childe Hassam and by other artists who demonstrate Cos Cobs role in the history of American art. The exhibit is built around Hassams painting The Red Mill, Cos Cob, which was acquired by the Greenwich Historical Society last year. This is an exciting opportunity to debut an exceptional painting that speaks to the atmosphere and surroundings that attracted Hassam and many other noted artists to Cos Cob, said Maggie Dimock, the societys curator of exhibitions and collections. Cos Cob was once at the center of Impressionism in America when Hassam, and other artists like John Henry Twachtman, Theodore Robinson and Elmer MacRae gathered at Holley House, now the Bush-Holley House, to paint and teach. According to the society, the exhibit explores how Hassam, one of Americas foremost Impressionists, and fellow artists, including Elmer MacRae and Kerr Eby, captured the appearance of the waterfront community known as Cos Cobs Lower Landing. Through paintings, photographs, and artifacts this one-time busy mercantile district will be brought to life. The Red Mill, Cos Cob depicts a view across Cos Cob Harbor toward the Palmer and Duff shipyard. which was once on a peninsula in the Mianus River opposite the Holley boardinghouse. The society notes that the red mill in the title is not in fact a mill but is a large building used by Palmer and Duff workers for sail making and ship carpentry. Tickets must be reserved in advance by visiting www.greenwichhistory.org/visit. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 20:05:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Jan. 10, 2021 shows the Chinese national flag and the police flag hanging on helicopters in east China's Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is steadily advancing the efforts to build a peaceful China and the rule of law under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the latest instruction to raise the levels of the Peaceful China initiative and the rule of law in China on eve of the first Chinese People's Police Day, which falls on Sunday. He called on all police officers to take concrete actions to make new greater contributions to safeguarding people's happiness, national security and social stability. The call followed another instruction Xi made last November, urging a greater focus on solving prominent problems, as well as efforts to make the implementation of the Peaceful China initiative more scientific and raise its levels of public participation, rule of law and intelligence. Xi's guidance has powered the initiative through the past eight years with a series of positive results. Overall, China is considered one of the safest countries in the world by more and more people. The number of criminal cases involving the deaths of individuals per 100,000 people in China is among the lowest in the world. About 95.55 percent of the Chinese people are satisfied with the current status of public order. By the end of November 2020, police had busted more than 3,500 mafia-style criminal organizations over three years. Special policewomen pose for photos at a shooting training gym in Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Golog, northwest China's Qinghai Province, Jan. 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Long) Xi's latest instruction was heeded by members of the police and judiciary, who pledged efforts to consolidate the Peaceful China initiative and the rule of law in China. Sun Andong, a police officer from Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, said that being careful and patient is crucial for primary-level police officers to better handle disputes. "In the new year, I will continue to work hard and make new contributions," Sun added. Li Peng, a judicial police officer of the Supreme People's Court, vowed to start from details to let the public have a stronger feeling of warmth and justice of the law throughout judicial process. The people's court will fully play its role in punishing crimes, resolving conflicts and maintaining justice, said Liu Li, a Beijing district court official. Efforts will be made to better deal with disputes and defuse risks in accordance with laws, as well as press ahead with campaigns to fight organized crime, Liu added. Deng Yong, a senior official from southwest China's Sichuan Province in charge of judicial, procuratorial and police work, said that they will comprehensively implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and strive to meet people's new demands and expectations of fairness and justice. Deng also said sustained efforts will be made to create a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment. Two members of his Cabinet have resigned, and other prominent Republicans are distancing themselves from President Donald Trump after he encouraged his followers to march on the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, and they attacked the historic building. Yet amid news reports of a growing anti-Trump movement within the GOP nationally, Louisianas Republicans remain solidly behind the president. Though they have condemned the violence, none of the six Republican members of Louisianas congressional delegation have joined colleagues from other states in blaming Trump for the mob that terrorized the Capitol. The assault injured 50 policemen and left one of them dead. Four others died in the riot, one of them shot by police and the others of medical emergencies. The GOPs two most important Louisiana fundraisers bank owner Joseph Canizaro and former shipbuilder Boysie Bollinger remain Trump supporters. Five of Louisianas six congressional Republicans with U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Baton Rouge the lone exception voted against accepting at least some of the electoral votes Joe Biden received, in an attempt to deny him the presidency. And despite the belief of Democrats and even some Republicans that those five engaged in seditious, anti-democratic behavior and should pay a political price for doing so, no evidence has yet emerged that they will. The five really did the right thing, Moon Griffon, the pro-Trump talk show host based in Lafayette, said on the air Friday. The group includes U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, of Madisonville, and U.S. Reps. Steve Scalise, of Jefferson, Mike Johnson, of Benton, Garret Graves, of Baton Rouge, and Clay Higgins, of Lafayette. All five men will be up for re-election in two years, with Kennedy up for a second six-year term. Far from chastising Trump, right-wing media the primary source of news for many conservatives is pushing a conspiracy theory that radical leftists known as antifa fomented the attack. Cassidy has been praised by editorial pages for standing up for the integrity of the November election, even though his candidate didnt win. But many conservative voters have excoriated him on social media, and Griffon called him a spineless politician. On Friday, Graves went further than his colleagues in telling WWL-AM broadcaster Dave Cohen that Trump made ridiculous comments to supporters Wednesday. When Cohen asked whether Graves thought Trump should step down - as Democrats favor Graves said, the president needs to do a better job backing off of, apologizing, making it crystal clear that he made huge mistakes He effectively needs to resign. What I mean by that is that effectively he will not be out there talking, speaking, wielding the full authority and power of the White House and maybe even technically finding a way to hand over the keys to Pence. Trump has been the dominant Republican in Louisiana since capturing 58.09% of the states vote in 2016 when he was elected president. Over the next four years, Cassidy and all of Louisianas five House members sided with Trump at least 90% of the time on congressional votes, according to a scorecard by fivethirtyeight.com. Kennedy was a notch behind them, backing Trump 88% of the time. Trumps dominance in Louisiana continued on Nov. 3 when he captured 58.46% of the vote, the 11th highest percentage he won in a state. President Trump has done a great job over the past four years, said Woody Jenkins, who spent 28 years in the state House from Baton Rouge and who served as one of Louisianas eight presidential electors in December. Wednesdays bizarre events centered on a constitutional requirement that Congress accept the votes of the Electoral College. Traditionally, this has been little more than a ceremonial vote. Former U.S. Rep. Henson Moore recently said he had no memory of taking those votes in 1977, 1981 and 1985 when he represented a Baton Rouge-based district in the House. But Trump saw the certification as perhaps his last best chance to overturn Bidens victory with allegations of fraud and irregularities, even though courts and election officials from both parties, as well as Attorney General William Barr, found no evidence of substantial wrongdoing. Trump and his sons railed against the stolen election before thousands of followers near the White House and then told them to show strength and march to the Capitol. There, Trumps followers barreled through barricades, pushed through doors and broke windows to enter the building and forced lawmakers including Vice President Mike Pence, a target of Trumps ire for his refusal to overturn the election to flee to safety. Eight hours later, after some of the rioters had pranced about the Senate chamber and ransacked the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, police restored order and allowed Congress to resume its debate. Both the House and Senate overwhelmingly rejected Trumps effort to derail Bidens election and approved the electoral slates in Arizona and Pennsylvania, the two states that his congressional supporters had challenged. The prominent Republicans who have criticized Trump most sharply since Wednesday including U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming and U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah mostly live in the north, the Midwest and the West. That tracks the votes on Arizona and Pennsylvania, in which Republican delegations from Southern states, including Louisiana and its neighbors, heavily sided with Trump. In all, 139 of 201 Republican House members sided with the president, or 69%, while only 8 of 51 senators voted with Trump, or 15%. Overall, 58% of Republican House and Senate members voted not to accept the electors in at least one state. Quin Hillyer, a conservative columnist who worked in Louisiana politics before moving to Alabama 20 years ago, described himself as furious with the House and Senate members who sided with Trump. How could they not realize they were playing with fire? Hillyer asked. How could they not know that a legally improper challenge of an election based on lies after a year that had been extremely divisive and scary would not risk a conflagration? I wrote a column on Monday that warned about violence at this rally. Hillyer also noted that Cheney, the third-ranking Republican, had refuted the claims by Kennedy, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, of Texas, and others that they could overturn Bidens victory. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Scalise was asked whether he and the other Republicans who voted not to accept Bidens win bore responsibility for encouraging the violence at the Capitol on Wednesday. The people responsible are those who attacked law enforcement and stormed the Capitol, and they need to be held accountable, he said. Graves addressed the question more directly. I completely disagree with any suggestion that anybody who voted against the slate of electors has blood on their hands, he said. Is there a subset of those people, including the president of the United States, who bear some responsibility? Absolutely. While some business leaders nationally have criticized the president the normally staid National Association of Manufacturers has even suggested possibly invoking the 25th Amendment to force him out of office no prominent businessmen in Louisiana have spoken against him. Stephen Waguespack, who served as chief of staff to then-Gov. Bobby Jindal and now heads the powerful Louisiana Association for Business and Industry, wrote in a column Friday that Trump, rather than running on a strong economic record of job creation, has relied more on incendiary rhetoric to provoke furor and rage against those who disagree with his positions. But Waguespack devoted more space in his column to expressing concerns that Joe Biden will lead the country down a ruinous path of socialism. Canizaro and Bollinger served as the co-finance chairmen for Trump in Louisiana in both 2016 and 2020. Canizaro said he thought the president had lost credibility because of the most recent actions, but added that, with his huge national following, The party needs Trump, and Trump needs the party. Bollinger said Trump did some silly things but wondered whether some leftist radicals had infiltrated the Trump crowd at the Capitol and carried out mayhem as a way of tarnishing the president. Im very suspicious about the people who were so rambunctious, Bollinger said. If you look at all the Trump rallies, youve never seen that before. Its odd. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley is under sharp attack in Missouri for leading the effort to deny Biden his victory, even after Wednesdays insurrection. No similar movement has arisen against Kennedy and the four others. Neither Canizaro nor Bollinger had anything critical to say about the votes of the five or about Cassidy either. They both did what they think is right, Bollinger said in words echoed by Canizaro. Pollster John Couvillon said he expects Republicans to suffer at least a partial short-term loss in popularity, similar to what happened following the Watergate scandal in 1974. Another pollster, Ron Faucheux, said he expects the events in Washington will ensure that each of the Republicans faces a Democratic candidate in two years. Whether any of them will lose because of it is another question, said Faucheux. The state is a pro-Trump state. But, he added, it was a particularly bad vote to cast. It was predicated on a lie, that the presidential result could be overturned, when in fact it couldnt. I think it was a mistake for anybody to have voted for this, not only in terms of a constitutional mandate but also in terms of politics. Bob Mann is a historian, a professor at LSUs Manship School of Mass Communication and a former aide to Democratic lawmakers. In his view, the votes by Kennedy and the four members of Congress against the electors amounted to trying to disenfranchise the votes of millions of voters in other states. In saying that, Mann was reminded of numerous conversations he had with Russell Long, while writing the late senators authorized biography, about his votes during the 1950s and 1960s to deny civil rights to Black people. After Longs Senate career was over, Mann said, He admitted that he was wrong. It was a part of his record he had to live with. Mann then referred to Kennedy, Graves and the others. Some day, theyre going to have grandchildren who ask them what they did during the Trump days, Mann said. Im guessing thats going to be a difficult conversation. It wont be like the World War II soldiers talking about fighting on the beaches of Normandy. Andrea Gallo contributed to this article. She celebrated her 60th birthday on New Year's Day and revealed that it is the first time she has ever felt like a 'serious adult'. And Fiona Phillips has admitted that she regrets her stint on Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with pro dancer Brendan Cole and eliminated in week four. The TV presenter, 60, said she felt self-conscious on the show and that the New Zealand dancer, 44, who was axed from the show this year, was focused on winning. Regrets: Fiona Phillips admitted that she regrets her stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005, where she was partnered with pro dancer Brendan Cole (pictured in June 2018) She told The Mirror: 'I felt so self-conscious, but I thought, 'I will have a professional dancer and it's a nice programme'. 'But Brendan is a rough old taskmaster and really wanted to be number one or nothing.' Fiona said she has always hated getting on the dance floor and went as far as insisting that she 'should never have done' the BBC dance contest back in 2005. Brendan was famously axed from the show back in 2018 amid claims he was 'difficult to work with' 'Shouldn't have done it': The TV presenter, 60, said she felt very self-conscious on the show and that the New Zealand dancer, 44, (both above) was only focused on winning Speaking to The Mirror at the time, Brendan said: 'One of the saddest things about leaving Strictly was a report claiming the production staff found me hard to work with, that hurt me to the bone. 'Generally speaking I have a very good relationship with them and I would always make sure they were OK, I recognise what they do they work harder than anyone so that was a kick in the teeth. Brendan continued: 'I may have fallen out with a couple partners or had a go at someone for doing the wrong thing but I've never asked anyone for a coffee'. The New Zealand dancer added he was 'far from a diva' but admitted he has 'spent a lot of time as a character'. The GMTV star also reflected on the big moments in her career after her milestone birthday, which she quipped has made her feel like a serious adult for the first time. Admirer: But Fiona revealed that one of her favourite moments in her career was when Richard Gere (pictured in September 2017) cheekily flirted with her on the Oscars red carpet And she revealed that one of her very favourite moments from her longtime career was when Richard Gere cheekily flirted with her on the red carpet at the Oscars. She revealed the American Gigolo actor, 71, had arrived at the awards show with supermodel Cindy Crawford, 54, which didn't stop him from calling her 'gorgeous'. She continued: 'He was with Cindy Crawford and I was going down the line trying to talk to people and he turned to me and said, "You're gorgeous".' Fiona also had a hilarious encounter with Hollywood star Mel Gibson after meeting him at the 1996 Oscars, where he won awards for best director and best picture. She described the Lethal Weapon star, 65, as another one of her favourite famous stars to have met during her successful broadcasting career. The journalist explained Mel was wearing a kilt for the awards ceremony and admitted she hilariously asked him what men wear underneath their kilts. The actor replied by saying 'under where' so she repeated 'under your kilt' - and Fiona admitted the awkward encounter continued for ages before she realised he was saying 'underwear'. Fiona also said her pal Victoria Beckham is a delight, while crowning Bette Midler as the most amazing and loveliest person that she has ever encountered. But she was less impressed with meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger, who she claimed stormed off set when he became annoyed with the camera crew. She described the Terminator star, 73, as 'so b****y rude', as she claimed she saw him sighing and checking his walk before walking off set in a bad mood. Awkward! Fiona also described a hilarious encounter she had with Mel Gibson back in 1996 (pictured in February 2017), where she asked him what he wore underneath his kilt While reflecting on her incredible career, Fiona insisted that she has no plans to retire any time soon, as she likes having a reason to get up in the morning. Fiona, who is married to ITV boss Martin Frizell, also described hosting GMTV with Eamonn Holmes between 1997 and 2005 as the crowning moment of her work life. In March last year, Fiona revealed that she had contracted coronavirus, detailing her symptoms including an 'annoying dry cough, aches, pains, lethargy and a whole-body-sized cloak of sweat'. She became one of the first media personalities to reveal she was suffering from coronavirus. Moody: But she was less impressed with meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger, who she claimed stormed off set when he became annoyed with the camera crew (pictured in November 2019) She wrote in a column for The Mirror that the 'unwelcome bed partner' has brought with it 'a whole-body-sized cloak of sweat' and 'scratchy gut pain'. The star revealed: 'Having come bearing gifts such as a fiery sore throat, high temperature/fever, shortness of breath, annoying dry cough, aches, pains, lethargy and a whole-body-sized cloak of sweat nice I'll be doing my best to make sure [COVID-19] doesn't stay too long either.' She recounted: 'The first sign of the nasty bug's generosity was about a week ago, in the form of a horrible, sort of scratchy gut pain that made me feel full, from my throat, right down through my whole digestive system. 'It kept me awake all night it was as if a witch had shoved her twiggy broom up into my alimentary canal and on into my throat, left it there and had then intermittently twisted it.' Covid: In March last year, Fiona revealed that she had contracted coronavirus, detailing her symptoms including an 'annoying dry cough, aches, pains' (pictured in August 2017) She first revealed she had coronavirus on March 20 after suffering a 'sore throat, dry cough and headache'. The former GMTV host took to Twitter to share the news as she described the illness as 'not very pleasant'. Sharing the news on Twitter on Friday, Fiona wrote: 'I am in bed with #coronvirusuk It's not a very pleasant bedfellow, but nothing more than sore throat, dry cough, headache & tiredness. As long as it stays that way....DON'T panic!' But Fiona was quick to reassure fans that she wasn't in too much distress despite her diagnosis - something that clearly changed as the weekend went on. Fiona is best know for presenting GMTV and has regularly guest hosted Lorraine. Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, have we become a nation of wimps? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices I. Introduction In the aftermath of the protests that devolved into deadly riots in Washington, D.C. and resulted in the breach of the Capitol building, there is a temptation to stand down and not question any further whether Joe Biden is the duly elected president of the United States. That question, which is key to preserving our democracy, must not go unanswered, violence or no violence. We hear claims that what occurred in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday happens only in third-world countries. Perhaps the more germane question is whether these types of elections are third-world phenomena and fall well short of the integrity we should demand of our election process and the officials who preside over it. I make no claim that the voting irregularities writ large are of a scope that would change the outcome of the presidential election because I honestly do not know. But this uncertainty, which I believe that many share, and not just supporters of Donald Trump, is a cancer on the Republic because it strikes at the foundation of our democracy. If we can't trust the elections, we can't trust the politicians who come to power as a result of those elections, and without trust there is no democracy and ultimately there is no country. II. The "Patriotic Myths" The first myth is that patriotism demands that we now stand down in questioning the results of the presidential election. In fact, the opposite is true. There are no circumstances in which outstanding, credible questions regarding the integrity of our elections should go unanswered because without ensuring the integrity of our elections, we can have no enduring fidelity to those politicians who emerge victorious from those elections. The second myth is that there is ample time to study the election results and procedures after Mr. Biden's inauguration. But what if the wrong man occupies the Oval Office, one not duly elected by a fair and impartial vote of the American people? What are the American people supposed to do after the fact? What is the constitutional procedure for removing a sitting president from office should it be discovered ex post facto that he was the product of a fraudulent election? The third myth is that a true patriot knows when to stand down even if there are voting irregularities. The necessary implication is that Mr. Trump is not a patriot because he refuses to go away quietly and simply accept defeat, deserved or otherwise. I do not doubt that Mr. Trump's ego plays a prominent role in his challenging the election results. He does not like to lose. But there is a much larger issue at play. It is instructive to recount the 1960 presidential election between the Democrat, John F. Kennedy, and the Republican, Richard M. Nixon. In the immediate aftermath of that election, Nixon was presented with credible evidence of voting irregularities in Illinois by the Kennedy campaign that could have overturned the results of an election that was decided by a mere one hundred thousand votes. For the good of the country, Nixon declined to go public with these voting irregularities out of concern that it would throw the country into a constitutional crisis. Nixon has been lauded for that selfless act, but was it a patriotic decision? Nixon was known to be far more hawkish on the Russians and a more seasoned statesman than Kennedy. The Russian premier, Nikita Khrushchev, believed that Kennedy could be manhandled, and the result was the Cuban Missile Crisis, precipitated by the Russians' attempt to place nuclear warheads a mere 90 miles from our shores. This was an event of epic proportion that brought the world closer to nuclear Armageddon than ever, before or since. John Kennedy was credited with peacefully resolving the crisis, but the credit rightfully belongs to his brother, Robert Kennedy, who masterfully worked the backchannels with the Russians. With Nixon in the Oval Office instead of Kennedy, it is reasonable to believe there would have been no Cuban missile crisis to resolve. Khrushchev knew Nixon well since he had served as President Eisenhower's vice president, and the gauntlet would likely never have been thrown down. So if you believe that the first object of government is to protect the citizenry, was Nixon a true patriot in not challenging the 1960 election? Did the country have the right man on the job? Fast-forward to the present day. The archenemy at the door is no longer the Russians, though they are still a threat, but the Chinese. Donald Trump is the first president in our history not to kick the can down the road and call out the Chinese for their flagrant violations of international conduct, including theft of intellectual property; foreign trade irregularities; rampant espionage; and criminal conduct with regard to COVID-19 and the death, misery, and economic damage that it has wrought the world over. The Chinese are the bad actors du jour, and they have been for some time. Whatever your opinion of Donald Trump, and I fully recognize that not all of them are favorable, he called out the Chinese and identified them as the threat that they pose to this generation and all subsequent generations. He would have earned my vote for this action alone. He had the vision and the courage to do what no other president before him was willing to do, and this country is far better off for it. It may just not know it yet, but it will very soon. Should Donald Trump just walk away as Richard Nixon did before him and turn the keys to the Oval Office over to Mr. Biden? Would those be the actions of a true American patriot? I am not convinced that they would be in light of the alleged financial ties of Mr. Biden's family to the Chinese. In another time and place, when journalists recognized their jobs to be objectively reporting the news rather than making the news, even the appearance of such improprieties would have been sufficient to deny Mr. Biden his party's nomination, much less the presidency. Even though John Kennedy was the media darling of his era, ties to the Russians (or even the appearance of such ties) would have driven him from the political landscape on a rail. As a country, we weaken these standards for acceptable conduct on the part of our politicians at our own peril. III. Conclusion I am no apologist for Donald Trump and would be among the first to point out his myriad personal failings, but I am not looking for a Sunday school teacher in our president. We tried that once with Jimmy Carter, and we know how that turned out. If that is our litmus test, I submit that there is a long line of past presidents who should have been disqualified as well. I do not condone the tragic violence that occurred in Washington, D.C. or Mr. Trump's purported role in fomenting it. But even the nicest of dogs will bite when you abuse it, and abused Mr. Trump and his supporters have been. I believe there is reason to question the character of the man who will be inaugurated on January 20 and the integrity of the electoral process that brought him there. And if you are a true patriot, you should question it, too, because the first object of government is to protect the citizenry. Dr. Weisman is professor of economics emeritus at Kansas State University and a former director of strategic marketing at SBC (now AT&T). He has published more than 140 articles, books, and book chapters. His research has been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. He has consulted for Fortune 500 corporations in the areas of economic regulation, business strategy, and competition policy. Image: Ninian Reid via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped). Support for President Donald Trump has been consistently strong among evangelicals, with some professing that he has been the best friend Christians have had in the White House. On the first Sunday since a mob of his supporters seeking to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's election stormed the U.S. Capitol and five people including a police officer died, the messages from the pulpits of Christian leaders who've backed Trump were as disparate as the opinions of the nation's citizenry. They ranged from recitations of debunked conspiracy theories of who was responsible, to calls for healing and following Jesus Christ rather than any individual person, to sermons that made no mention of Wednesday's chaos and what it means for the future. Here is a look at what some were preaching to their flocks: ___ OWENSBORO, Kentucky Brian Gibson, pastor and founder of HIS Church, spoke to his Christian congregation and online viewers about his bus tour around the U.S. the past month to speak with supporters of President Trump. I stand up and represent Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and I preach to stand for the First Amendment. I intend to keep this nation a free nation. HIS Church, we intend to keep this nation a free nation, he said, referencing both the presidents recent banning from social media platforms and restrictions on church assembly during the pandemic. Gibson was onstage Jan. 5 at a Prayer to Save America event billed as a combination worship service and rally for Trump the day before congressional certification of the electoral votes. As he described the events of the 6th, Gibson questioned how easily the Capitol was breached, raising debunked assertions that antifa supporters were among the violent mob. So now I know some, some bad actors went in and I believe potentially there were antifa up there. I think more and more I know there were antifa up there, insiders up there that started that action. And I also know that some Trump supporters followed their lead without a shadow of a doubt because you dont get 2 million people together without having some radicals in the crowd or some simple people in the crowd that you could lead anywhere, right? he asked. Story continues ___ SACRAMENTO, California The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, the president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference who delivered a prayer at Trumps inauguration and has also advised him, told his congregation Sunday that America needs to hear a message of repentance. We must all repent, even the church needs to repent. The American nation will be healed when the American church repents, he said to some cheers and applause. We must repent for making the person who occupies the White House more important than the one who occupies our hearts. We must repent for permitting the donkey and the elephant to divide what the Lamb died for on the cross, Rodriguez said. We must repent for voting for individuals whose policies run counter to the word of God and the spirit of the living God. Rodriguez, the lead pastor of New Season, said he was praying for a season of instead of Instead of destroying property, building altars. Instead of confrontation, conversations. ... Instead of many under fear, one nation under God. ___ SAN ANTONIO The Rev. John Hagee of Cornerstone Church, a staunch supporter of Trump, did not mention the president by name but criticized the assault on Congress by what he called a rebellious mob. The Secret Service had to escort the vice president of the United States to safety out of the Capitol building. Gun shots were fired. Tear gas was deployed in the Capitol Rotunda. People were killed. ... This was an assault on law. Attacking the Capitol was not patriotism, it was anarchy, Hagee said. His words drew tepid applause from the crowd at his megachurch, but they soon after gave Hagee a standing ovation when he rallied support for law enforcement: This is what happens when you mob the police. This is what happens when you fire the police. This is what happens when you watch a policeman shot and belittle his sacrifice for the public," he continued. "Wake up, America! America and democracy cannot function without the rule of law. We back the blue. ___ APOPKA, Florida Paula White-Cain, a longtime spiritual counselor to Trump and who served as a faith adviser in his White House, made a subtle allusion to the insurrection ahead of her Sunday sermon. Calling the nation deeply divided, White-Cain condemned lawlessness and added that my hope is never rested in any person, any man. My hope is in Jesus Christ. White, who delivered a post-election prayer service in which she called upon angelic reinforcement to help achieve victory, also reaffirmed her commitment to the First Amendment an echo of the warnings from some conservatives this week that their freedom of speech was threatened. ___ COEUR, D'ALENE, Idaho The Rev. Tim Remington, the conservative Christian pastor of The Altar church, avoided specific references to Trump and the attack on the Capitol, but offered plenty of politically charged warnings. The next two weeks are probably the most important two weeks in the history of America, said Remington, who in the spring led in-person services in defiance of a stay-at-home order issued by the governor. I pray the army of the Lord is ready. He targeted the media in particular for criticism. I rebuke the news in the name of Jesus, Remington said. We ask that this false garbage come to an end. ... Its the lies, communism, socialism. I dont know how weve put up with it this long. And without going into specifics, he said America is not seeking the truth. For them to suppress another persons opinion its wrong, its unconstitutional, he said. God have mercy. ___ CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio The Rev. Darrell Scott, the Black senior pastor of New Spirit Revival Center, did not mention the events in Washington. Scott, an early supporter of Trumps 2016 campaign who worked with the administration on urban and prison issues, once praised the administration as probably the most proactive administration regarding urban America and the faith-based community in my lifetime. But there was no talk of the president Sunday in a livestreamed service entitled What God Has for Me, in which Scott focused on encouraging congregants to recognize Gods involvement in their lives. ___ Associated Press reporters Sally Stapleton, Luis Andres Henao and Gary Fields contributed to this report. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Robert Price is a journalist for KGET-TV. His column appears here on Sundays; the views expressed are his own. Reach him at robertprice@kget.com or via Twitter: @stubblebuzz. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) A.J. Plitzuweit registered 19 points and six assists as South Dakota got past Kansas City 68-62 on Saturday night. Stanley Umude had 13 points and seven rebounds for South Dakota (6-6, 4-0 Summit League), which earned its fifth consecutive victory. Mason Archambault added 13 points. Xavier Fuller had six rebounds. Josiah Allick had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Roos (5-8, 1-3). Brandon McKissic added 15 points. Demarius Pitts had 13 points and six rebounds. The Coyotes improve to 2-0 against the Roos on the season. South Dakota defeated Kansas City 66-64 last Friday. ___ For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25 ___ This was generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from STATS LLC, https://www.stats.com Netflix recently released a new eight-part series, Bridgerton which will enable you to travel into the world of Regency London as Daphne tries to find a man to marry. Also, there is a twist when Lady Whistledown writes society scandals that changes the fortunes of powerful families within minutes. So, here are five reasons why everyone should watch Netflixs lavish new drama Bridgerton. Storyline This show is not just another random love story. There is so much more to it as the show is set in an era where Daphne is presented in front of the queen which is a legit marriage market. She is supposed to impress suitors for the weddings and thereon, get married to a suitable boy. Netflix Lady Whistledown Lady Whistledown is an anonymous writer who can destroy a family by revealing the intimate family secrets of powerful people. Her words are read by everyone in the town and are believed. Her gossip sheet is something everyone is curious about. The Story Is Extremely Addictive The story is extremely addictive and the thrill keeps the audience hooked to the screen. Throughout the eight-part series, Lady Whistledown will keep you hooked to the show. Netflix Cast If the storyline doesnt impress you then the cast surely will. Also, every actor in the eight-part series will impress everyone. Netflix Soundtrack Even though the series is set in Regency Era, youll be surprised to hear Ariana Grandes Thank U Next playing when Daphne is heading to the ball. Pope Francis has said that the Vatican will initiate Covid-19 vaccinations from next week and that he is in line to receive a vaccine dose. The pontiff made the comments during an interview with a channel in Italy set to air on Sunday night, reported CNN. "It is an ethical duty to take the vaccine, here in the Vatican we will start next week, I am also in line to take it," he said, according to a news anchor for the channel in a preview of the interview, which was released Saturday. In December, the Vatican deemed that it was morally acceptable to be vaccinated against Covid-19 after some anti-abortion groups raised concerns about how the vaccines were manufactured, CNN reported. "It is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process," the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said in a note approved by Francis. Earlier, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, have received COVID-19 vaccinations, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday. (ANI) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. A total of fourteen Sunday flights connecting the three Balearic airports and Madrid-Barajas have been cancelled - six at Palma Son Sant Joan (both inbound and outbound), four at Mahon and another four at Ibiza Airport. Flights for Sunday evening - 21.00 and 21.40 at Son Sant Joan and Ibiza respectively - are pending confirmation. The situation at the airport in Madrid will be evaluated at 13.00, two of the four runways having been cleared of snow overnight. It is hoped that the airport will be able to reopen some time on Sunday afternoon. The army's UME emergency unit was brought in to help with clearing snow from aircraft parking stations. If the weather doesn't deteriorate, the intention is that planes which had to be diverted on Saturday will return to their Madrid base so that they can operate on Monday. Of the 400 or so flights on Saturday, around twenty were diverted; the rest were cancelled. For Sunday, 283 flights had been scheduled. Otherwise, the UME has been assisting Madrid town hall in clearing snow elsewhere. Overnight it had started to freeze, bringing further disruption to public transport. Only the Metro was operating a near normal service on Sunday morning. The snow which has affected much of Spain has been the heaviest in fifty years. In Madrid, the regional government has asked the public to help with the snow-clearance effort. On Sunday morning, Aemet raised a red alert for snowfall in the province of Teruel (Aragon) - twenty centimetres in 24 hours. There were orange alerts for Zaragoza, Aragon: Tarragona, Catalonia; and Castellon, Valencia - ten centimetres in 24 hours. 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coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 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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 Highlights Durov compared the two messaging apps on various features like end-to-end encryption, the origin of the app, and the source code of the apps. Durov said that WhatsApp is "unable to compete with Telegram in quality and privacy." He said after WhatsApps updated terms of service the number of users migrating from WhatsApp to Telegram has accelerated. Telegram founder Pavel Durov has hit out at Facebook saying that the company should respect its users. Durov said that Telegram has become a major problem for the Facebook corporation. Durov said that WhatsApp is "unable to compete with Telegram in quality and privacy" and that the Facebook-owned messaging app has switched to covert marketing citing articles which state WhatsApp used multiple paid bots. Durov also noted that WhatsApp's new policies ask users to feed all their private data to Facebook's ad engine. "I hear Facebook has an entire department devoted to figuring out why Telegram is so popular. Imagine dozens of employees working on just that full-time. I am happy to save Facebook tens of millions of dollars and give away our secret for free: respect your users," Durov noted in a post "Millions of people are outraged by the latest change in WhatsApp Terms, which now say users must feed all their private data to Facebook's ad engine. It's no surprise that the flight of users from WhatsApp to Telegram, already ongoing for a few years, has accelerated," he added. Durov further compared the two messaging apps on various fronts. He noted that Telegram client apps have been open-source since 2013. "Our encryption and API are fully documented and have been reviewed by security experts thousands of times," Durov said. He said that Telegram is the only messaging app in the world that has verifiable builds both for iOS and Android. He further claimed that WhatsApp intentionally obfuscates or keeps its code vague, "making it impossible to verify their encryption and privacy." He also commented on the origin of the Telegram app saying that it is not Russian. "Telegram has no servers or offices in Russia and was blocked there from 2018 to 2020. Telegram is still blocked in some authoritarian countries such as Iran, while WhatsApp and other "supposedly secure" apps have never had any issue in these places," Durov also explained the end-to-end encrypted nature of Telegram saying that every chat on Telegram has been encrypted since launch. He said that secret chats on Telegram are end-to-end encrypted and that cloud chats also offer real-time secure and distributed cloud storage. "WhatsApp, on the other hand, had zero encryption for a few years and then adopted an encryption protocol funded by the US Government. Even if we assume that the WhatsApp encryption is solid, it's invalidated via multiple backdoors and reliance on backups," Durov said. On Saturday, WhatsApp head Will Cathcart, in a series of tweets noted that even by updating the terms of service, with the end-to-end encryption in place, "we cannot see your private chats or calls and neither can Facebook." He further noted that the updated policy will work towards being transparent and to better describe optional people-to-business features. WhatsApp's new terms of service are slated to go into effect from February 8, 2021 failing which the users will lose access to the app. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has sparked a new skirmish with Victoria after pointed comments on Sunday about 'other states' shutting borders without asking. Ms Berejiklian told 'other state leaders' that unexpected breakouts needed to be watched for 48 hours before shutting the borders. 'Firstly, please talk to us in New South Wales before you close the border,' she said on Sunday. 'Closing a border can affect literally tens and hundreds of thousands of people, depending on where it is, and that's a big call.' Ms Berejiklian said it was difficult to minimise stress on citizens while also keeping the virus at bay. New South Wales recorded three new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday for a weekly total of 48, of which 16 were locally acquired, NSW Health said on Sunday. There are now 109 active coronavirus cases in NSW but only one is serious enough to have required hospitalisation. That percentage of tests in the state returning a positive result is 0.11 per cent. 'I just ask other state leaders to, please, talk to us before they close their border to New South Wales and give us a chance to demonstrate our capacity to get on top of the virus without adversely impacting our citizens,' Ms Berejiklian said. On New Year's Eve traffic queues stretched more than 40km from the Victorian border as holidaymakers made a mad dash home. Pictured: the Mallacoota checkpoint, December 31 Some travellers started queuing to get back into Victoria a few days early, nervous the border might shut. Pictured: Mallacoota on the NSW-Victorian border, December 29 Ms Berejiklian said when NSW closed its borders she had spoken 'at length' with the other premiers. 'And I'd just ask the other premiers extend that same courtesy,' she said. Ms Berejiklian then declined to say whether Mr Andrews had spoken to her about the border closure. 'Look, this is not about he said, she said, but I think it would be appropriate to have discussions before those major decisions are made', she said. Victoria's decision to close the border to NSW on New Year's Eve with little warning threw Australia into chaos during the holiday season. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian slammed 'other state leaders' for shutting the borders without talking to NSW, Pictured: Passengers arriving in Sydney from Melbourne in July Coronavirus border closures created havoc for tens of thousands of Australians last year. Pictured: checkpoint at Albury on the NSW-Victorian border in July An estimated 60,000 Victorians cut their breaks short as they frantically tried to get home before midnight on New Year's Day after which they would have to spend 14 days isolating at home. It triggered a mad dash for the border never before seen in living memory, with checkpoint queues stretching more than 40km all the way up to Eden on the NSW South Coast. About 4000 Victorians didn't make it back in time, The Age reported. They were trapped on the wrong side of the border where they had to apply for exemptions to return home. Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley immediately rejected Ms Berejiklian's criticism on Sunday, saying his colleagues had kept NSW fully informed ahead of the New Year's Day closure. When asked if Victoria had told the NSW government ahead of time that they would close the border, Mr Foley said: 'Yes'. He also said that he had often communicated with his NSW counterpart, and then-Acting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan had contacted Ms Berejiklian several times. Mr Foley said the same 'at length' conversations were reciprocated from Victoria to NSW that NSW extended before it closed its borders to Victoria earlier last year. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews hopes to reopen the border to NSW 'sometime next week', Ms Berejiklian said on Sunday. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) is angry with 'other state leaders' who she says did not communicate before shutting borders, in comments interpreted as meaning Victoria Victoria's coronavirus response commander, Jeroen Weimar, said there had been 5000 applications to enter the state from NSW with nearly 900 processed, and a small number rejected. 'We continue to process those at hundreds a day but there is more work to do and I'm very grateful for the patience of people who are still waiting to come back to the state,' he said. Victoria has also imposed restrictions on travellers from Greater Brisbane, requiring them to get tested and isolate at home until Monday when a further assessment will be made. Queensland imposed border restrictions on NSW in response to a growing outbreak in December. Pictured: Coolangatta checkpoint on December 21 Greater Brisbane (pictured Saturday) is now on a three-day lockdown after a quarantine cleaner caught the highly infectious UK coronavirus mutation and visited several locations. Brisbane residents are under a snap lockdown until 6pm Monday after a hotel quarantine cleaner caught the highly infectious UK variant on January 2 before visiting several shops, sparking fears of an outbreak of the harder-to-contain virus. So far, 147 people have been found to be close contacts of the cleaner with 112 of them testing negative. Queensland recorded a second consecutive day of zero new infections however the states chief health officer Jeannette Young would not commit to lifting Brisbanes lockdown on Monday until she sees tomorrow's figures. Health Minister Martin Foley said 96 travellers returning from Greater Brisbane had arrived at Melbourne Airport in an apparent breach of new restrictions and had gone into home quarantine on Saturday, while several flights were cancelled between the two states. Victoria recorded its fourth consecutive day of zero locally acquired cases for a total of 45 active cases. Washington: A West Virginia state lawmaker and a man pictured sitting at an aide's desk in U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office are among those facing federal charges stemming from the siege on the U.S. Capitol by President Donald Trump's supporters, federal prosecutors said on Friday. In a related development, Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen announced the FBI would team up with Washington's police department to jointly investigate the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was injured while defending the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. "Just because you've left the D.C. region, you can still expect a knock on the door if we find out you were part of the criminal activity at the Capitol," Steven D'antuono, the FBI Washington Field Office's assistant director in charge, told reporters in a telephone news briefing. The Justice Department on Friday released details on 13 defendants who were charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for their roles in connection with the Capitol riots. They included Cleveland Meredith, who was charged with threatening Pelosi as well as possession of an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition, and Richard Barnett, the Gravette, Arkansas, man who was photographed sitting at Pelosi's desk and is also known as Bigo. "The shocking images of Mr. Barnett with his boots up on a desk in the speaker of the Houses office on Wednesday was repulsive," Rosen said in a statement. "Those who are proven to have committed criminal acts during the storming of the Capitol will face justice." Prosecutors also charged Nick Ochs, a prominent member of the Proud Boys, with being in the Capitol unlawfully, based in large part on a photo he posted on Twitter of himself smoking a cigarette in the Capitol along with the caption "Hello from the Capital lol." Among others facing charges were Lonnie Coffman of Falkville, Alabama - whose truck parked near the Capitol and inspected by police contained 11 Molotov cocktails as well as firearms - and Mark Leffingwell, who is accused of assaulting a police officer. Ken Kohl, a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office, told reporters in the news briefing that West Virginia Delegate Derrick Evans also faces criminal charges after he apparently "recorded himself storming the Capitol." John Bryan, an attorney for Evans, said in a statement that his client is "an independent activist and journalist" who was exercising his First Amendment rights to peacefully protest and lm a historic and dynamic event" and did not engage in violence. Leffingwell and Meredith both made virtual court appearances in Washington, D.C. on Friday evening. Several others appeared in federal court in other states. Leffingwell's wife Julie told the judge her husband works at a packaging plant in Seattle, and his lawyer said his client is a disabled veteran who suffered a traumatic brain injury while he was serving in Iraq. Magistrate Judge Michael Harvey released Leffingwell from custody but ordered him not to possess any firearms and to report to pretrial services on a weekly basis. Meredith, 52, told the judge he is unemployed after selling his business in 2019. The judge ordered he must remain in custody, pending a hearing on Jan. 13. In addition to the 13 people facing criminal charges in U.S. District Court, another 40 people were facing lesser charges in the District of Columbia Superior Court, a local venue. Many of those individuals were arraigned on Thursday and released, with an order from the judge not to return to Washington unless it is for court appearances or meetings with their attorneys. D'antuono on Friday declined to characterize the probe of Sicknick's death as a homicide investigation during the briefing, saying the circumstances were still being reviewed. "We're not going to go into it at this point because it's an active investigation," he said. Capitol Police confirmed late on Thursday evening that Sicknick had died after suffering injuries while on duty at the U.S. Capitol during the riot. After being injured by protesters, the officer returned to his office where he collapsed. He died at a hospital. Capitol Police have said the Washington police's homicide unit was probing the death. Pelosi on Friday ordered flags at the Capitol lowered to half-staff in honor of Sicknick. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. From Priyanka Chopra's The White Tiger on Netflix to Saif Ali Khan's Tandav on Amazon Prime Video, video streaming platforms are set to launch more shows this year. While over-the-top (OTT) players have a strong content lineup for 2021, theatres continue to struggle for films due to factors like cinemas operating at 50 percent capacity and low footfalls. OTTs are expected to launch more than 400 originals this year as compared to less than 200 titles in 2020, according to a report by Omdia, an independent analyst and consultancy firm headquartered in London. After all, original titles like Scam 1992 on Sony LIV found strong traction. Karan Taurani, Analyst and Vice President at Elara Capital, pointed out in a research note that SonyLIV saw 5x growth in terms of viewership, more users post the launch of Scam 1992 starring Pratik Gandhi. The platform will launch six originals this year. Theatres which were pitted against OTTs last year saw limited traction for film releases, especially from Bollywood, like Suraj Pe Mangal Bhari, Indoo ki Jawani. 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 Many single screen cinemas have shut shop citing dearth of content, and many others are on the verge of shutting down permanently until producers of big ventures like Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi and Ranveer Singh's 83 announce their release dates. While theatres saw limited film release in 2020, video streaming platforms increased their count of new shows last year despite the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, Netflix had launched as many as 90 Indian originals, up from 80 in 2019 and 30 in 2018. Its rival Amazon Prime Video had increased its count of originals to 110 in 2020 from from 100 from 2019 and 90 in 2018, according to a recent report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Additionally, OTT platforms are expected to spend Rs 4,905 crore on content this year. The budget for content will also increase by 15-20 percent. "Content cost on digital will continue to be much higher than TV, as regional content cost may grow sharply, given the entry of global over-the-top giants to make large-scale regional content," Taurani said. While content cost on television in the range of Rs 30,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh per episode, OTTs spend around Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore per episode for their shows. More languages, more content As for regional content, it is expected that OTTs will spend Rs 150 crore this year. If we look at regional content on OTT platforms in the last few years, Amazon Prime Video had acquired three new languages to reach a total of 10 languages in 2019. Malayalam, Punjabi and Marathi content was added on the platform in 2019. In 2019, another OTT platform, ZEE5, added two originals per month in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and Kannada. Sony LIV also added 15 to 20 originals in Tamil and Telugu that year. In addition to national players adding more regional content on their platforms, language-specific content platforms like Hoichoi and recently-launched Aha will also be strengthening their content portfolio. Aha, the Telugu platform plans to launch around 52 originals this year. More Indians on OTTs Taurani estimates that around 1 crore Indians cut chords and opted for OTT platforms during the lockdown, largely due to a greater content variety. Thus, it would not be surprising if more Indians shift completely to digital this year considering the continued focus of OTTs on originals and regional content. Graham Says He Is More Determined to Roll Back Protections for Big Tech After Twitter Bans Trump Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said on Saturday that he was more determined to rollback liability protections for big tech companies after Twitter permanently removed President Donald Trumps account from its platform. Twitter may ban me for this but I willingly accept that fate: Your decision to permanently ban President Trump is a serious mistake, Graham said in a series of posts on Twitter. The Ayatollah can tweet, but Trump cant. Says a lot about the people who run Twitter. Im more determined than ever to strip Section 230 protections from Big Tech (Twitter) that let them be immune from lawsuits, he added. Big tech companies such as Twitter, Facebook, and other Silicon Valley companies have repeatedly been criticized for their unbalanced policing of user content on social media platforms. Critics claim that the companies are engaging in conduct that limits conservative viewpoints and stifles free speech. Trump and the Justice Department have urged Congress to roll back legal protections under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act for companies that have engaged in censoring or political conduct. The president last month vetoed a defense-spending bill when lawmakers failed to limit the protections in the bill as requested by the administration. Section 230 largely exempts online platforms from liability for content posted by their users, although they can be held liable for content that violates anti-sex trafficking or intellectual property laws. The law allows companies to block or screen content in good faith if they consider it obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, excessively violent, harassing, or otherwise objectionable. The protections, however, werent intended to apply to services that act more like publishers than online platforms, former Attorney General William Barr said in a speech in May. Big Tech are the only companies in America that virtually have absolute immunity from being sued for their actions, and its only because Congress gave them that protection, Graham said. It is now time for Congress to repeal Section 230 and put Big Tech on the same legal footing as every other company in America. Legal accountability. Twitter on Friday permanently removed Trumps account from its platform and justified its censorship by saying that the president had violated its Glorification of Violence Policy. One of the presidents last posts was a video calling for protesters at the U.S. Capitol to leave the area in peace. 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, he said in the deleted video. After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around themspecifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitterwe have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence, Twitter said in a statement. In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action. Our public interest framework exists to enable the public to hear from elected officials and world leaders directly. It is built on a principle that the people have a right to hold power to account in the open. However, we made it clear going back years that these accounts are not above our rules entirely and cannot use Twitter to incite violence, among other things. We will continue to be transparent around our policies and their enforcement. The Epoch Times cannot independently verify the claims made by Twitter in its determination. Twitter did not respond to The Epoch Times questions about whether it had any evidence that Trumps statements were directly linked to any violence. The account removal came after a group of rioters and a minority of protesters waving American and Trump flags illegally stormed the Capitol building as lawmakers were counting electoral votes in a joint session. The mayhem left five people dead and dozens of police officers injured. The media, lawmakers, former officials, and other critics have put the blame on Trump for Wednesdays incident and have been calling for his impeachment. Earlier that day, the president addressed a crowd in Washington D.C. where he reiterated his allegations about election irregularities and fraud, and his dissatisfaction with the media and several lawmakers. At 12:16 p.m., he encouraged protesters to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard at the planned protest outside the Capitol. As thousands of protesters moved their demonstration to the U.S. Capitol, small pockets of violence were reported during clashes with police and media, while the vast majority of protesters remained peaceful. At 2:15 p.m., a small subgroup began rioting, smashing windows in an attempt to enter the Capitol building as other protesters tried to stop them. Shortly after, at 2:38 p.m., Trump started posting on Twitter, urging his supporters to Stay peaceful. He continued his urge for peace and respect for law enforcement throughout the afternoon. Rioters ended up breaching the Capitol building, and other protesters followed. Trump has since condemned the heinous attack by intruders on the Capitol, saying the demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engaged in acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay, he said. Twitters Policing Trumps account was not the only one targeted in Twitters ramped-up policing. The social media platform had also suspended the accounts of former national security adviser Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn and lawyer Sidney Powell, citing Coordinated Harmful Activity. Similarly, Brandon Straka, the head of the conservative WalkAway movement, told The Epoch Times on Friday that Facebook had removed the groups page and banned individual accounts belonging to the team. The move to remove Trumps account has received widespread scrutiny. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley both likened Twitters move to conduct by the communist party in China. Silencing people, not to mention the President of the U.S., is what happens in China not our country, Haley wrote. You want to ban @realDonaldTrump, fine youre a private company, but @Twitter deleting the Presidents account which highlights this admin & its history is wrong. @Facebook & @instagram banning all images from the Capitol riot is a dangerous precedent to set. We arent in China, Carson wrote. Leading up to and after the November general election, Twitter also increased its policing of posts by the president and other users over claims of voter fraud. In a Nov. 12 update, the social media company said it had applied labels, warnings, and other restrictions to about 300,000 posts from Oct. 27 to Nov. 11 for content that they classified as disputed and potentially misleading. This number represents about 0.2 percent of all U.S. election-related posts published in that time period. Twitter is going wild with their flags, trying hard to suppress even the truth. Just shows how dangerous they are, purposely stifling free speech. Very dangerous for our Country. Does Congress know that this is how Communism starts? Trump said in a Twitter post on Christmas eve. The social media company also suppressed a series of exposes by the New York Post last year about the alleged business dealings of Hunter Biden, son of President-elect Joe Biden. The push to remove Section 230 protections have received push back from technology groups. Mimi Nguyen-Ly contributed to this report. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! BISHKEK, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- An early presidential election and a referendum on the form of government started in Kyrgyzstan on Sunday. At 8:00 a.m. local time (0200 GMT), all 2,474 polling stations were open throughout the republic and will remain open until 08:00 p.m. (1400 GMT). In addition, 48 polling stations will be opened abroad. According to the Central Election Commission (CEC), some 3.5 million voters are registered. Seventeen candidates, including one woman, are competing for the presidency. The voting procedure will be monitored by 333 international observers from 44 countries. The referendum to choose the form of government is going on at the same time on Sunday. Voters will be offered to vote for either the presidential or parliamentary system of governance. They will also have a choice to vote for none. Voters will be given two ballots -- a white one for the presidential election and a blue one for the referendum, the CEC said. Due to the importance of the political events in Kyrgyzstan, the special services of the country have enhanced work to ensure public order and security. More than 11,000 police officers will ensure public order during the voting, with more than 9,000 volunteers assisting them. In connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, the voting will be held according to a specific algorithm developed by the country's health ministry and the CEC. The early presidential election is held in Kyrgyzstan due to the resignation of President Sooronbai Jeenbekov on Oct. 15 last year after violent protests in Bishkek following a parliamentary election, whose results were later annulled by the country's CEC. People planning to get back in shape for their New Years resolution got off to a late start in 2021. Gov. Tom Wolf ordered gyms and fitness centers closed for three weeks over the holiday season as COVID-19 cases increased. Gyms reopened Jan. 4 throughout Northeast Pennsylvania but were hit hard by the latest mandated shutdown. Tony Grobinski, owner of Nanticoke Fitness Center, said they lost nearly four months of income because it was the second time gyms were forced to close. Gyms were previously ordered to close from mid-March through late June and both shutdowns occurred at the typical busiest times of the year, he said. A number of young adults came to Nanticoke Fitness Center to work out last week but Grobinski said they lost many senior citizens as members and they were a big part of the business. We made it through the worst of it and this second shutdown was really decimating for us, he said. Without that older crowd back and to lose a good chunk of December, it was tough. While Nanticoke Fitness Center was forced to shut down, other businesses such as Dollar General next door remained open and drew crowds. Grobinski said he would have liked to see more facts to support the reasons that gyms were ordered to close but other businesses were permitted to remain open. The last thing we would want to do as a business is cause a problem for society in general and I dont believe that gyms do that, he said. I think it was unfair for us to be shut down. People come here by choice. They want to come here. Under Wolfs orders, gyms and fitness centers can now operate at 50% capacity. Inside the 14,000-square-foot Nanticoke Fitness Center at 443 W. Main St., Grobinski showed there is plenty of room for people to spread out. The gym is open 24 hours a day so members can separate throughout the day, he said. Members are encouraged to wipe down equipment and Nanticoke Fitness Center uses a state-mandated disinfectant, he said. Nanticoke resident Kaylee Cromer, 21, a member who came to work out at Nanticoke Fitness Center on Tuesday, said going to the gym keeps her in shape and relieves stress. She is glad it reopened with safety precautions. I believe going to the gym and staying safe really helps a lot of people. Cromer said. When Nanticoke Fitness Center initially opened on Monday, Grobinski said it wasnt super busy but people are starting to come back out again for physical and mental health benefits. You cant imagine how many people I hear tell me how great it is to be back here. Theyre so excited to be back, he said. They really look forward to coming here to get their mind off everything else and get back to normal. The first part of December was shaping up to be a good month at Nanticoke Fitness Center when it was ordered to close, Grobinski said. NEPA Fit Club in Blakely also was doing well in November and the first part of December when Wolf announced gyms must shut down again on Dec. 12, said owner Mike Marcinek. It was a tough time of year to be shut down, Marcinek said. Most people think that fitness businesses slow down in December but November and December were two of our better months this year. NEPA Fit Club has taken a number of safety and sanitation measures and started socially distanced programs which made people feel comfortable coming back to the gym when the governor ordered fitness shut down right before the holidays, he said. It was a tough time for people because its stressful, he said. It was a challenge. On a typical year, Marcinek said he usually starts to see people who make New Years resolutions to get back in shape coming to the fitness club in late January and early February. Since NEPA Fit Club was just permitted to reopen Monday, however, he said he thinks that will delay some people from coming back even longer. Many of our older clientele are staying home, he said. We also have a large population of health care workers and they say coming here is a great stress relief but some of them are just so busy that it has been difficult for them to make it in. Marcinek is confident about business in 2021, however, saying he thinks people are starting to feel safer and they realize its important to be proactive about their health. Going to the gym and taking care of yourself boosts your immune system and makes you more resilient and makes you able to take on the things life can throw at us, he said. I think we found out this year that life can throw a heck of a lot at us. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) The Senate committee of the whole is set to start the hearing on the government's COVID-19 vaccine plans on Monday. Senate President Tito Sotto said the focus of the hearing will be on what the government's plans are regarding the procurement of vaccines for Filipinos. Sotto said the questions they want answers to are why the country still has no vaccines, when and how these will be distributed, and how the vaccines will be stored. The hearing is the result of a privilege speech delivered by Senator Kiko Pangilinan in December where he asked about the government's plans for the over 70 billion COVID-19 fund in the 2021 national budget.. Among those expected to attend the hearing are vaccine czar Carlito Galvez and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. Budget Secretary Wendell Avisado, and Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Pena, as well as representatives from the Departments of Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Interior and Local Government have also confirmed their attendance. RELATED: Duterte orders PSG to skip Congress vaccine probe, warns solons of 'little crisis' On Sunday, Senator Ping Lacson said among the matters he would pursue was that frontline workers deserve to know the government's overall vaccination plan as they are the ones who attend to COVID-19 patients. Lacson said, they would also investigate the number of lost opportunities in the country being a priority in procuring vaccines. Meanwhile, Sotto said, the issue of vaccinations administered among the Presidential Security group was not included in the agenda, however it would be entertained should a lawmaker ask about it. CNN Philippines' Joyce Ilas contributed to this report. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. 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. To its millions of fans, Mrs Brown's Boys is an unmissable treat. While some critics pan it as unfunny and an affront to good taste, the sitcom which stars Brendan O'Carroll as foul-mouthed Irish matriarch Agnes Brown is one of the BBC's biggest success stories. Part of the appeal lies in the knowledge that many of the cast are actually members of O'Carroll's family. But according to one of its former stars, it is the O'Carroll clan's domination of the show that he claims is causing a toxic atmosphere behind the scenes. Gary Hollywood, who played hairdresser Dino Doyle, told The Mail on Sunday: 'So much of the show, off screen, is about Brendan's own family. It's like jobs for the Browns. Mammy's clan: Cast members of Mrs Browns Boys and their relationship to Brendan OCarroll left to right Fiona OCarroll (daughter), Paddy Houlihan (no relation), Danny OCarroll (son), Martin Delany (son-in-law), Jennifer OCarroll (wife) Brendan OCarroll, Rory Cowan (no relation), Gary Hollywood (circled, no relation), Dermot ONeill (no relation), Pat Shields (no relation), Jamie OCarroll (grandson), Amanda Woods (daughter-in-law) While some critics pan it as unfunny and an affront to good taste, the sitcom which stars Brendan O'Carroll as foul-mouthed Irish matriarch Agnes Brown is one of the BBC's biggest success stories At times, as the years went on, it felt like it was a case of the Mrs Brown's mafia, which was difficult if you weren't in it. There is a fear of falling out with them, and of course that creates a tense atmosphere and I found myself walking on eggshells.' The show was reportedly thrown into chaos last month when a bitter row broke out over Hollywood's pay. Hollywood was furious after learning that he earns less than the rest of the cast. Now he is taking legal action against O'Carroll, the BBC and the TV production company which makes the show, citing discrimination and unfair dismissal. In papers lodged with an employment tribunal, the Glaswegian actor says he was paid 25 per cent less than his colleagues for his role in last year's six-part chat show spin-off, All Round At Mrs Brown's. And he says he was dropped from one of the two Christmas specials just days before filming started. Hollywood says when he raised both issues with Dublin-born O'Carroll, 65, he was told that he should be 'more grateful'. 'I am so hurt by what Brendan has done to me,' said the 41-year-old from his Lanzarote home. 'The fame and fortune has gone to his head. I worked with him for 20 years and this was not how I thought my time working on Mrs Brown's Boys would end. I'm devastated. What I have learned is it is his way or the highway. In my opinion, Brendan has changed so much in recent years since becoming more rich, famous and powerful. Gary Hollywood (pictured), who played hairdresser Dino Doyle, told The Mail on Sunday: 'So much of the show, off screen, is about Brendan's own family. It's like jobs for the Browns' Gary Hollywood pictured left with Rory Cowan, who is seen above as Rory Brown Hollywood pictured above with Mrs Brown, who is played by Brendan O'Carroll 'When I raised my problems with Brendan, I was met with hostility. I felt it was bullying like you can't say what you want to any more. I was told I should be grateful, that I'm lucky.' Among the members of O'Carroll's immediate family starring in the show are his wife Jennifer, who plays his on-screen daughter Cathy. His sister Eilish O'Carroll portrays next-door neighbour Winnie McGoogan, while son Danny O'Carroll appears as Buster Brady and daughter Fiona O'Carroll as daughter-in-law Maria. Meanwhile, O'Carroll's real life son-in-law Martin Delany and grandson Jamie O'Carroll are also regular characters. While it may seem inevitable that a family working together would form a close-knit group, Hollywood says it only recently made things difficult. 'It used to be that we were all one,' he explains, 'but in later years as Brendan became such a star, things really changed. Previously, I used to be able to speak openly but in later years I was scared I might say the wrong thing about someone and that would be it. Brendan's family are close so I felt like an outsider with them.' The show was reportedly thrown into chaos last month when a bitter row broke out over Hollywood's pay. Hollywood was furious after learning that he earns less than the rest of the cast Last September, Hollywood left Lanzarote, where he lives with his wife Cherylanne and ten-month-old son Olly, to quarantine at his parents' home in Glasgow before filming for the Christmas specials. Excited at the prospect of getting back to work after the pandemic, he waited for his contract. But days before filming began he was told he was only taking part in one show. 'I messaged Brendan to ask what was going on, saying that it wasn't good enough,' said Hollywood. 'I told him unless I was in for two then I wouldn't be in either of them. I hadn't earned anything since the previous February and the final message I got back said I would be 'missed from everything' and he wished me a 'safe flight'.' With fans learning that loveable hairdresser Dino would not be taking part in the show any longer, O'Carroll told interviewers that relations between the pair were 'amicable'. He also said Hollywood 'decided he wanted to follow his own star and we are delighted for him', which left Hollywood furious because he says that was the last thing he wanted. In addition, he was still angry at having his pay slashed by a quarter for the fourth series of the chat show spin-off. He had previously received a text message explaining it was due to a reduction in the show's running time. Hollywood said: 'The text said that it had been sent to the whole cast. I could see the logic in that and it wasn't a problem for me. But then I established that it was only me who got it, the rest of the cast didn't have their money reduced.' O'Carroll, who left school at 11, is estimated to be worth at least 10 million and, in 2017, he and his family splashed out on seven homes in Florida. He first launched Mrs Brown as part of a radio soap opera based largely on his mother Maureen who raised 11 children on very little income. Hollywood says he cannot understand why the BBC won't intervene in the dispute. 'I think the BBC are frightened of Brendan,' he said. The BBC, O'Carroll and his company, BOC Productions, all declined to comment but it is understood that a defence is yet to be filed. Eleven gang members, including the networks Dutch leader, have been arrested in the biggest 'synthetic' drug raid in Spanish history. Spanish Police announced that the case involved a criminal organization with the greatest reach in the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs in the history of drug trafficking in Spain. It was also one of the largest hauls of ecstasy in Europe, worth tens of millions of euro. Expand Close Photograph of drugs seized in Spain on Friday / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Photograph of drugs seized in Spain on Friday After an operation lasting a year, police seized 827,000 Ecstasy pills, 76 kg of amphetamine, 39.5 kg of crystal meth, 310 kg of hashish, 89 kg of marihuana, hashish, 2,000 doses of LSD and 1.65kg of cocaine. The gang smuggled drugs in the false compartments of lorries carrying classic cars from Spain to Britain. To finance its operation, the organisation transported marijuana and hashish in the lorries to Britain and Holland where the drugs were sold. On the return journey, the trucks would bring the ingredients to make Ecstasy, LSD and amphetamines at the gang's factory in Barcelona. Spanish police said the gang's 'cooks' would make the drugs which were later sold across Spain. The drugs were worth tens of millions of euros but it is hard to put a figure on it, said a police source. The members of the gang used computers and mobile phones which could hide messages and panic buttons in case they were detected by police. Two firearms, two grenade launchers, a machete, computers, encrypted telephones, five cars, three speed boats were also seized during the raids. Police blocked 23 bank accounts linked to the gang. The gang, whose members were from Holland, Spain, Romania, Colombia and Italy, appeared before a court accused of drug trafficking, belonging to a criminal organisation and illegal possession of arms. Eight were remanded in custody. 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 Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education on Tuesday has opposed in the Madras High Court saying that NEET 2017 Question papers for admission to MBBS and BDS courses were easier than the papers in English. NEET Results 2017 had been delayed and should be declared soon, the Board said. CBSE has rejected the contention that question papers in vernacular languages such as Gujarati were easier compared to English after Justice M V Muralidharan had on May 24 stayed declaration of the NEET results and directed officials of the Medical Council of India, the CBSE director and the Union health ministry to file their counter affidavits. Union health and family welfare secretary, director-general health services, New Delhi, Medical Council of India (MCI), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Tamil Nadu health and family welfare secretary were asked by the judge to file their replies by June 7. The court had on Tuesday sought the English translation of Gujarati, Hindi and Marathi question papers of the NEET. On May 7, over 11.35 lakh students appeared for the CBSE NEET exams 2017 across the country. 88,000 candidates had registered for NEET in Tamil Nadu, while more than 84,000 took the test. CBSE was forced to stop evaluation of answer sheers following the courts order. Also, the answer keys were not declared as per schedule on May 30. There are 24 government-run colleges and equal number of private colleges in Tamil Nadu. The counselling sessions will start only by the month-end even if the CBSE NEET Results 2017 are announced in mid-June. "The first concern for many of us is whether students will first secure the required mark to make it to the colleges. Without knowing that, we have had to apply for other colleges to keep options open. But even colleges have a deadline and will not reserve seats. Only when we get clarity on results can we move ahead," R Geeta, a parent was quoted as saying by TOI. The Supreme Court had in April 2016 made NEET mandatory for admissions to all medical and dental colleges. CBSE had conducted the examination across the country on behalf of the medical and dental councils of India on May 7. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The town where Wendy Farmer was born no longer exists. It was literally dug up for coal in the 1980s when mining in Victorias Latrobe Valley expanded. As a schoolkid, she took tours of the old power stations, of their towers belching out the planet-warming emissions that stripped the blue from the sky. "We were taught that it was just steam and the power stations make the weather," Farmer says. "But it was Victorias backbone, it powered the whole state. Theres a lot of pride still in those old stations and mines." Then 2014 came and the fire at the Hazelwood coal mine. It burned for 45 days, blanketing the valley in smoke and sending Farmers husband and other workers to the emergency room. Despite assurances by authorities at the time that the air was safe, multiple inquiries have now linked premature deaths in the local community to the haze. The fossil fuel industry was already known to be driving global warming but now longstanding health concerns hit home, too. "And I began to really see [our community] needs a future beyond coal," Farmer says. "Its not good for us." Energy cannot be created or destroyed, just changed from one form to another, says the First Law of Thermodynamics. The switch from powering the world with fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) to renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydrogen is already under way. Renewables are now largely cheaper than these old power sources and that means more mines and legacy power stations will close in coming years. The question is: how fast and what happens to the workers when they do? Almost everywhere industries have collapsed, workers have been left in the lurch, from manufacturing and coal today to the cotton mills of the previous century. But when Germany shuttered its black coal industry in 2018, it did it without sacking a single worker, under a model known as "just transition". So how did the Germans pull it off? How is the power shift going across Australia? And why has "just transition" become a dirty word dividing both Labor and union meeting rooms? A "just transition" is not a given in Australia, where climate change debate has been especially fraught. Credit:Matthew Absalom-Wong Advertisement What is happening to fossil fuel jobs? In 2016, Donald Trump won his unlikely election at least in part by declaring an end to "the war on coal". In office he stripped away environmental regulations on the industry and instead injected it with more federal money. And yet, by the end of his term, US coal-fired energy capacity had fallen faster than in any other presidential term in history. By 2019, coal miner pay cheques were bouncing as mining giants such as Blackjewel and Murray Energy shut mines and filed for bankruptcy en masse. "The trend thats happened here theres no slope," energy economist Robert Godby told the US journal Energy News in April 2019. "Its like the elevator is not just plunging down the elevator shaft; the cable broke and were just going straight down." Loading As the worlds window to stop burning fossil fuels shrinks to a handful of pivotal years, demand for coal is plummeting and not just in the US. Rival clean energy technologies are more reliable than ever and fossil fuel industries are increasingly propped up by huge government subsidies. Many banks are now refusing to finance projects altogether. Big global players such as China, the European Union and likely soon the US under President-elect Joe Biden, all plan to decarbonise their economies by the middle of the century. Speculation is even growing that some of Australias trading partners, such as those in the EU, may consider imposing a carbon tax at their borders. Australias youngest coal-fired power station, Bluewaters in Western Australia, bought by a Japanese company for about $1.2 billion less than a decade ago, has already been written off as worthless by its owners. "No company should be surprised We are going to see a seismic reallocation of capital," Larry Fink, the billionaire boss of the worlds largest investment fund, Blackrock, told a conference in November. Advertisement Australia has grown wealthy from its natural resources and its mining industry is one of the most skilled in the world. It is now the third-biggest exporter of fossil fuels behind oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Russia and the first for coal, meaning many countries with limited domestic supplies rely on our coal. But this cuts both ways, wrote academic Judith Brett in a recent Quarterly Essay leaving Australias relatively undiversified export profile vulnerable to the worlds waning appetite for fossil fuels as well as shifting trade winds such as Chinas new war on Australian coal. And the rise of automation has already gobbled up a slew of extraction and power station jobs across the world, too. In Queensland, where mining giant Adani is opening one of the worlds largest untapped coal reserves, a local perception that the project would create a jobs bonanza is said to have helped tip the federal election for the Coalition in 2018. While Adani said it would create 10,000 jobs, it has since admitted the number is more like 1500 at most, many of them short-term. Loading Fossil fuel jobs in Australia are highly paid, attracting younger workers compared with those overseas where mining has been in decline for longer, and so presenting a particular problem for a transition out of coal and gas. But they still make up a sliver of the nations 12-million-strong workforce. In 2019, for example, there were about 38,000 people working in coal mining. In Australia, most talk of an energy transition centres on thermal coal, which is burned to make electricity. Coal-fired power stations employ about 8000 workers, many of them in trades, with transferable skills. In mines, some employees are office workers but a large number are machine operators with more specific qualifications who would likely need retraining to move into new careers. The phase-out of black coking coal, which is used to make steel, may take longer, according to an analysis by University of Queensland economist John Quiggan for the Australia Institute, but he argues Australia could follow countries such as Canada in shutting down thermal coal by 2030. While a chorus of experts says that a renewables-led rebuild is the best path out of the pandemic recession for the sunniest and windiest continent on Earth, the Morrison government is also investing in new gas projects as a "transition fuel" away from the high-polluting coal until, it says, renewable power storage improves. Old industries give way to new ones all the time but the coal jobs on the line also tend to be in regional areas. When mines and plants close, whole towns can be devastated maintenance and equipment firms will shut, sometimes followed by shops and schools. Real estate prices can collapse, populations age and shrink and local tax bases evaporate. Advertisement Minings increased reliance on fly-in, fly-out worker models may be starting to dilute this effect in some towns but many, such as the Hunter region of NSW, remain vulnerable. "The whole community needs a plan to recreate itself, not just the workers," Farmer says. Workers walk on a heap of coal at a mine in the Mahanadi coal fields, India. Almost 40 per cent of Indias electricity already comes from renewables but talk of a just transition is only starting to break through into the energy debate there, spurred on in part by health concerns over poor working conditions for miners. Credit:Reuters What does 'just transition' mean? Four years ago, ethicist Simon Longstaff and a vanguard of prominent Australian experts handed the Coalition government an eight-point blueprint for transitioning the energy sector "fairly" to renewables. Nothing happened. But in the regions, as mines and power stations continue to close, the understanding that there isnt a plan has begun to crystallise. Loading Now, Longstaff says, people are worried "and they should be". But he says that the idea that coal miners, even generations of workers, are intractably wedded to the fossil fuel industry misses the point of their concerns. "What theyre really saying is, I need a job, I need a way to provide for my family and have meaningful work. Theyre saying, Dont leave me behind." The term "just transition" was coined by North American unions in the 1990s as concerns about abrupt closures grew. The basic premise is that, as a shift from fossil fuels to renewable power is necessary for the common good, just as those industries have provided for the common good before the threat of global warming was understood, those workers and communities most affected should not be penalised. Advertisement When fossil fuel work dries up, research suggests that about a third of all workers go onto similar jobs, a third find work but take a dip in pay or job security and a third retire and never work again. Already about 26,000 Australians work in renewables and many workers have already made the leap across from coal, including in the Latrobe Valley. But switching over is not always straightforward. Often the clean energy jobs are in construction and so shorter-term, or in rooftop solar and energy efficiency retrofits. The sectors rapid expansion has also drawn concern from unions about working conditions and pay is still usually a step down, sometimes even half that of a miners average $130,000 salary. In the case of Port Augusta, long the heartland of coal and steel in South Australia, the closure of old power plants saw the community rally around new solar projects but so far one of the biggest to get off the ground, the Bungala solar farm, hasnt hired as many locals as hoped. Of course, the end of coal does not mean the end of mining. Australias lesser-known minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt are now needed to build green technology. Some coal towns, meanwhile, are reforging their economies around agriculture, tourism and electric car manufacturing as well as clean electricity. In Latrobe, Farmer says some former Hazelwood workers have retrained in nursing and aged care. Wendy Farmer, in front of Hazelwood power plant in 2016, formed community group Voices of the Valley and says there's no reason the Latrobe Valley couldn't become a renewable energy hub. Credit:Josh Robenstone For a transition to really be "just", it must be orderly, Longstaff says. That means consultation and, usually, early retirement packages for older workers as well as a suite of retraining and job-matching support for younger ones. "You have to plan it before you begin, you sit down with the communities affected and say, What do they need?. Thats not to say everyone just gets a big pension either." Loading Opponents to government intervention often speak of letting the market decide but others insist the shift to clean energy is now inevitable. And when there is no dialogue or formal support, the fortunes of workers on the losing side can be left entirely to big corporations squeezing the last drop of profits from a region. Advertisement New Delhi: Seven of the top-10 most valued Indian firms together added Rs 1,37,396.66 crore in market valuation last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) emerging as the biggest gainer. Besides TCS, other winners on the top-10 chart were HDFC Bank, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Infosys, HDFC, ICICI Bank and Bharti Airtel. In contrast, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bajaj Finance registered decline in their market capitalisation (m-cap). The valuation of TCS rose by Rs 72,102.07 crore to Rs 11,70,875.36 crore, while industry peer Infosys added Rs 21,894.28 crore to reach Rs 5,58,772.73 crore m-cap. HDFC gained Rs 15,076.62 crore to take its valuation to Rs 4,77,663.03 crore, Bharti Airtel jumped by Rs 13,720.73 crore to Rs 2,94,736.49 crore, ICICI Bank added Rs 10,054.48 crore to Rs 3,74,253.88 crore, HDFC Bank's m-cap moved up by Rs 3,855.36 crore to Rs 7,88,613.86 crore and HUL's valuation grew by Rs 693.12 crore to Rs 5,61,626.18 crore. On the other hand, the valuation of RIL declined by Rs 34,296.37 crore to Rs 12,25,445.59 crore and that of Bajaj Finance dipped by Rs 12,024.63 crore to Rs 3,06,156.55 crore. Kotak Mahindra Bank's valuation went lower by Rs 4,661.65 crore to Rs 3,90,253.33 crore. During the last week, the BSE benchmark index gained 913.53 points or 1.90 per cent. In the ranking of top-10 firms, RIL was leading the chart followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, HUL, Infosys, HDFC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance and Bharti Airtel. . 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. 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. Barely 11 months after President Donald Trump was acquitted in a momentous Senate trial, the nation now confronts the possibility of yet another impeachment battle in the twilight of his presidency, a final showdown that will test the boundaries of politics, accountability and the Constitution. No president has ever been impeached for high crimes and misdemeanours twice. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was weighing bringing a new article of impeachment to the House floor as early as Monday charging Trump with incitement of insurrection for encouraging the mob that ransacked the Capitol to disrupt the solemn process finishing his own election defeat. If Pelosi decides to proceed, the House could approve the article in days, this time with even some disaffected Republicans joining the Democratic majority to send the matter to the Senate for a new trial unlike any of the previous three in American history. Read | Twitter can legally bar Trump under the first amendment While it seemed unlikely that 17 Republicans in the Senate would go along with Democrats to reach the two-thirds necessary for conviction, the anger at Trump was so palpable that party leaders said privately it was not out of the question. The fresh bid to remove Trump from office and strip him of his power without waiting until his term expires Jan. 20 capped a traumatic week that rattled Washington more than any since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Emotions were raw. The White House was in meltdown. The military was on edge. The Cabinet was in revolt. The Republican Party was in civil war. And the president was in hiding, stripped of his social media bullhorn, ostracized by his allies and at odds with almost everyone including his loyal vice president. Also Read | Facebook, Twitter crackdown around US Capitol siege is too little, too late The storming of the Capitol by Trumps supporters that left five people dead, among them a police officer, transformed the politics of the city in ways that were still hard to measure. A new impeachment would be more than a do-over of the drive that failed last year because this time the crime was not a phone call to a foreign leader captured on the dry pages of a transcript but the siege of American democracy played out live on television for all to see. Insurrectionists incited by Mr. Trump attacked our nations Capitol to stop Congress from accepting the Electoral College results, said Rep. Ted Lieu of California, who began drafting the article of impeachment while sheltering during the Capitol takeover and sponsored it with Reps. David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Jamie Raskin of Maryland, two fellow Democrats. People died. We cannot just issue sternly worded press releases as a response. Unless Trump resigns, Congress must impeach to hold him accountable. Yet the timing of such an effort, with just 11 days until Trump is to leave office, scrambled the equation. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Republican leader, indicated that under Senate rules a trial could not begin until Jan. 19, the day before President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, meaning the process would not advance quickly enough to avert any feared dangerous moves in Trumps last days in power. Also Read | Increasingly isolated Trump threatened with second impeachment That raised the prospect of conducting a trial after Trump vacates the White House, overshadowing the opening days of Bidens administration at a time when he would like to turn the page and confront crises like the coronavirus pandemic, which has grown even deadlier while attention has focused on Washingtons political wars. A nationally televised trial could dominate discussion and would prevent other business in the Senate. If the House does send articles of impeachment over, they really get the Biden administration off to a bad start, Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., said in an interview Saturday. Whether thats the first 10 days or the first 20 days of the Biden administration, its certainly not how youd want to start your presidency off. Some of Trumps critics argued that it would be important to hold a trial even if he is already out of power in order to bar him from ever seeking office again, a penalty envisioned by the Constitution and perhaps more important, to render a verdict condemning his actions for the sake of history. Weve never had to consider even the possibility of impeaching a president twice, or in the final days of his presidency, said Michael J. Gerhardt, a constitutional scholar at the University of North Carolina who testified in Trumps first impeachment and favors another trial. But weve never had a president before whos encouraging sedition as Trump has done in his last few days in office. Yet even some of the presidents harshest critics worried that a last-minute impeachment and an overtime trial could help him rally supporters by presenting himself as a victim not a villain, allowing him to turn the focus from his own actions to those of his opponents. It historically will be important, said Andrew Weissmann, who was a deputy to special counsel Robert Mueller and recently published a book, Where Law Ends, expressing frustration that the president was not held fully accountable for his actions during the Russia investigation. But the danger is he is acquitted and the momentum of condemnation now is lost. Plus, until we change the mentality of his base, we have not gotten at the underlying issue. At the moment, a strong majority of Americans holds Trump responsible for the attack, with 63% saying he has a good amount or even a great deal of blame, according to a PBS Newshour-Marist poll. But when asked whether steps should be taken to remove him from office as a result, Americans retreated to their partisan corners, with 48% saying yes and 49% saying no. A Reuters-Ipsos survey found that 57% of Americans want Trump to leave office right away. But most of them favored removal by Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet through the disability clause of the 25th Amendment, with just 14% calling for another impeachment. Trump has few defenders among Republicans for his actions exhorting the crowd before it marched on the Capitol and even some in the conservative news media turned on him, most notably The Wall Street Journal editorial page, which called his actions impeachable and urged him to resign. But in the face of impeachment threats, some Republicans began taking up the fight against his opponents again. They may not like him or believe it is politically viable to be seen as excusing his behavior but are still energized by battling his enemies on the left. On Sean Hannitys Fox News program Friday night, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who was accosted by Trump supporters at an airport for opposing the presidents efforts to overturn the election, was suddenly back to castigating Trumps rivals and talking about Hunter Biden. Graham focused on Trumps video message Thursday calling for healing and reconciliation, a video the president privately expressed regret for making. Instead of trying to match what President Trump has done, the radical Democrats are talking about another impeachment that will destroy the country even further, Graham said. Still, Trump might have a challenge finding lawyers to defend him in any trial. Jay Sekulow, who was a leader of the defense team in the impeachment trial last year, called the idea of a second impeachment a gigantic mistake by Democrats during a radio show, but has not participated in Trumps legal efforts to overturn Bidens election and did not respond to a message asking if he would represent the president again. Pat A. Cipollone, the White House counsel who teamed up with Sekulow, has been so upset about the Capitol attack that he has considered resigning. One of the few members of his defense team who said he would stick with the president was Alan Dershowitz, a Harvard Law School emeritus professor who had a secondary role last time. In an email Saturday, he said he would defend Trump on free speech grounds. Trumps speech, whatever one may think of it on the merits, is clearly protected by the First Amendment, he said. To impeach him for a constitutionally protected speech would violate both the First Amendment and the constitutional criteria for impeachment and would do enduring damage to the Constitution. Jonathan Turley, a George Washington University law professor who testified in the House against Trumps first impeachment, said the latest drive was a rush to judgment out of partisan anger. The fact that Trumps critics have called for him to be removed either by impeachment or the 25th Amendment, he said, showed that they are interested only in the outcome, not the legitimacy of the method. This opportunistic use of impeachment would do to the Constitution what the rioters did to the Capitol: leave it in tatters, Turley said. The Democrats should not repeat one impulsive, destructive act in the Capitol with another in such an impeachment. The House voted almost entirely on party lines to impeach Trump in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress in connection with his effort to pressure Ukraine to incriminate Biden in wrongdoing while withholding vital security aid. But the Senate acquitted him last February also on a nearly party-line vote. A second impeachment would in some ways revise how that first one looks in history. Some have argued that focusing on the Ukraine episode was too narrow given Trumps many actions violating norms in Washington. Others have said it served as a warning that the president would use his power to cheat in an election, a forecast now borne out. While there is scholarly debate about whether an official can be impeached or tried after leaving office, there is precedent. When William Belknap, the war secretary under President Ulysses S. Grant, was accused of corruption, he rushed to the White House to submit his resignation minutes before the House impeached him. Lawmakers proceeded anyway and the Senate went ahead and put him on trial, although it acquitted him. The Constitution specifically provides for the Senate to bar anyone convicted from holding federal office in the future, a secondary penalty that can be approved in a separate vote but requires only a simple majority of 51 senators rather than two-thirds. The Senate has applied this penalty to impeached judges in the past. At some point, democracies have to be able to defend themselves, said Corey Brettschneider, an impeachment expert at Brown University. The framers probably didnt give us enough to protect us against a president, but disqualification is one thing they rightly did give us. Hollywood couple Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen relocated from Los Angeles to Sydney last year. And while it's been widely speculated that they moved Down Under to escape the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the US, new reports claim they were actually fleeing America's tumultuous political climate. 'They didn't want to raise their kids in Trump's America,' an insider told Sydney Morning Herald of the couple's decision to move to Australia on Sunday. 'They didn't want to raise their kids in Trump's America': Isla Fisher, 44, (right) and husband Sacha Baron Cohen, 49, (left) reportedly fled from LA to Sydney because they 'didn't want to raise their children in Trump's America' - not just because of coronavirus The couple relocated to Australia in December, and have since enrolled their three children at a school in Sydney. Borat star Sacha has long been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration. Speaking to Variety, the English comedian said he believes that Trump's claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election will have dire consequences in future. Outspoken: Borat star Sacha has long been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration 'The danger of Trump and Trump-ism will remain':Speaking to Variety , the English comedian insisted that Trump's claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election will have dire consequences in future 'The danger of Trump and Trump-ism will remain. We still have 80% of those who voted for Trump believing the election was stolen and that's a very dangerous figure,' he said. The Ali G actor warned that America risks becoming an 'authoritarian regime'. 'When you have a large body of the population who believe they've been wronged, that segment of the population can be used to do horrific things,' he said. On Friday, Sacha publicly applauded Twitter for banning Trump from its platforms following the riots in Washington. 'This is the most important moment in the history of social media': On Friday, Sacha publicly applauded Twitter for banning Trump from its platforms following the riots in Washington 'This is the most important moment in the history of social media. The worlds largest platforms have banned the world's biggest purveyor of lies, conspiracies and hate,' he Tweeted. Sacha has also used Trump as inspiration for his comedic projects, including his recent flick Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which featured an embarrassing moment involving Trump surrogate Rudy Giuliani. Sacha even admitted to Variety that he hoped his movie would persuade people to vote against Trump in the 2020 election. Politically-charged: Sacha has also used Trump as inspiration for his comedic projects, including his recent flick Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which featured an embarrassing moment involving Trump surrogate Rudy Giuliani 'I don't want to egotistically imply that people would watch Borat and not vote for Trump, but that was the aim,' he told the magazine. Meanwhile, Home And Away star Isla has previously spoken of her desire to escape the US and live 'off the grid' in Australia. She told Marie Claire magazine in 2018: 'I have this secret fantasy of slowing down, moving to Byron Bay, getting off the grid and sitting on the sand with a Vegemite sandwich.' The Scooby-Doo star added that it 'isn't easy' raising children in LA, saying: 'There's not really a culture of bringing your kids to dinner parties or to restaurants past 6pm. 'I tend to entertain at home because I want to be with my family it's easier to put your kids to bed and have a wine with friends.' Local Korean newspaper Korea IT News has reported that Hyundai Motors and Apple are going to sign a deal on autonomous electric vehicles by March 2021, with production set to start around 2024 in the United States. The original report from IT News had detailed that the vehicles would be produced at Kia Motors factory in Georgia. Both companies could also invest jointly in a new factory in the United States with an aim to produce 100,000 vehicles by 2024. The annual production capacity of the plant would be around 400,000 units. Seemingly, Apple and Hyundai also plan on releasing a beta version of the Apple Car next year. It is unclear what the report means by this. The report was later updated to remove all this information. Last month, reports first emerged that the Apple Car will feature next level battery technology and the vehicle will go into production in 2024. The report was refuted by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and Bloomberg, with both saying the vehicle was at least half a decade away at the earliest. Hyundai, however, soon confirmed in a statement that it was in the early stages of talking with Apple possibly about partnering on a self-driving electric vehicle. The Hyundai statement itself had made it clear that Apple was talking to other automakers as well. Plus, with the talks being still in the early stages, it is unclear how the Korean report claims that the agreement between Apple and Hyundai would be signed in March. At this point, only one thing is clear about the Apple Car it is in the early stages of development. Theres a lot that could happen over the next couple of years that would determine the final production schedule of the vehicle. It is also looking likely that Apple will partner with Hyundai or any other major vehicle maker on a self-driving electric vehicle. [Via Reuters Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14 last year. January 14 will mark seven months of his demise. However, the case of his death is yet to be solved, reminds actor Shekhar Suman. "Every 14th of the month is a grim reminder that one more month has gone and we are still awaiting justice on Sushant's front. June 14th - jan14th," Shekhar Suman tweeted on Sunday along with the hashtag #JusticeForSushantSinghRajput. Every 14th of the month is a grim reminder that one more month has gone and we are still awaiting justice on Sushant's front.June 14th - jan14th.#JusticeForSushantSinghRajput Shekhar Suman (@shekharsuman7) January 10, 2021 The actor has been constantly vocal on social media seeking justice for Sushant, a case which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On January 1, Suman had tweeted: "I wish to also start the new year by hoping that Sushant gets justice as fast as possible." Meanwhile, Sushant's family lawyer Vikas Singh appeared for a hearing by the Bombay High Court last week in the case filed by the deceased actor's sisters, against an FIR filed by his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty. The advocate tweeted saying he is hopeful that the FIR registered by Rhea will be quashed. The Huawei P50 has been in the news for quite some time now. In the past, reports have talked about the specifications of the companys next-generation flagship smartphone. Now, a new report sheds light on the display of the P50 series. So far we know that the Huawei P50 series will include three smartphones -- the Huawei P50, the Huawei P50 Pro and the Huawei P50 Pro+. Now, a report by GizChina says that Huawei will use three different types of displays in these three smartphones. Among these smartphones, the Huawei P50 will come with a micro-curved display that is similar to the Samsung S20 smartphone. The Huawei P50 Pro, on the other hand, will come with a waterfall display. The report says that the company will continue to use the hyperboloid display of the previous generation in this model. Lastly, the Huawei P50 Pro+ will use a quad-curved display. Apart from this, Huawei is also making changes to the front camera module of its upcoming P50 series smartphones. The Huawei P40 series smartphones featured a pill-shaped camera module that was stacked towards the left side on the top. The upcoming P50 series, on the other hand, will come with a punch-hole display wherein the single front camera is placed in the middle of the screen, which is similar to the Galaxy S20 series. Separately, reports hint towards the Huawei P50 Pro to run on the companys in-house Kirin 9000 processor. Additionally, the P50 is expected to come with a display with a screen size between 6.1-inch to 6.2-inch. The P50 Pro is likely to come with a 6.6-inch display while the P50 Pro+ is tipped to come with a 6.8-inch display. 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. Nine Indian fishermen held by Sri Lankan Navy, fishermen associations to go on strike January 10,2021 | Source: The Hindu At least nine fishermen from Thangachimadam and Rameswam in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, who had ventured into the sea, were reportedly arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on charges of crossing the international maritime boundary line (IMBL), in the early hours of Sunday. In support of the fishermen arrested, fishermen associations in the coastal district here have announced that they will go on a strike from Monday, and passed three resolutions to this effect at a meeting. According to sources in the Fisheries Department, 517 mechanised boats had obtained tokens from Rameswaram and ventured into the sea on Saturday. Over 2,000 fishermen from Rameswaram, Thangachimadam, Mandapam and other hamlets were on the boats that left. In a mechanised boat owned by A. Kirubai, of Manthope, Thangachimadam, there were nine fishermen including Kirubai (37), Valan Koushik (24), Micheyaas (30), Kingston (28), Sam Stiller (21), Nijaan (30), Brighton (22) and others. P Sesu Raja, a fishermen association leader said the nine were arrested. The Sri Lankan Navy personnel had arrested them when they were fishing in the Indian waters closer to Katchatheevu, he said. He further said that according to information reaching here, the arrested fishermen were taken to a camp in Kankesanthurai. Speaking to The Hindu, a senior official at the Fisheries Department, Chennai said that a total of 36 fishermen in four mechanised boats from Rameswaram have been arrested by the SL Navy in less than a month. With Sundays arrest, 45 fishermen and five boats have been held by the Sri Lanakn authorities till date. When asked about a report that the Sri Lankan government had released seven out of the 36 fishermen, he said that they were yet to be handed over as they were all quarantined in a camp due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fishermen leaders, in a resolution passed at a meeting here, have condemned the Sri Lankan government for repeatedly arresting fishermen, who, they claimed, were fishing only in Indian territory and had not violated the IMBL. They insisted that both the Central and State governments consider their demands immediately and take steps for the release of the arrested fishermen. Until then, they said they would remain off the sea. At a time, when the COVID-19 pandemic had made them poorer, such arrests had only forced them to seriously consider giving up fishing, Mr. Sesu Raja said. 2021, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access Lynn Bartels thinks politics is like sports but without the big salaries and protective cups. The Washington Post's "The Fix" blog named her one of Colorado's best political reporters and tweeters. Bartels, a South Dakota native, graduated from Cottey College in 1977 and Northern Arizona University in 1980 and then moved to New Mexico for her first journalism job. The Rocky Mountain News hired her in 1993 as its night cops reporter and in 2000 assigned her to her first legislative session. The Gold Dome hasn't been the same since. In 2009, The Denver Post hired Bartels after the Rocky closed, just shy of its 150th birthday. Bartels left journalism in 2015 to join then Secretary of State Wayne Williams's staff. She has now returned to journalism - at least part-time - and writes a regular political column for Colorado Politics. Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday at the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museums gusher to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the day Anthony Lucas and the Hamill brothers struck oil on Spindletop hill in Beaumont. Amid a pandemic, visitors some for the first time and others for the first time since their elementary school field trips enjoyed a free visit to the history museum site. The anniversary commemoration included reenactments of the historic day, along with other performances throughout the early afternoon. While Saturdays turnout didnt compare to the 100-year anniversary, museum director Troy Gray was still proud of the response after staff prepared months in advance for the celebration. Weve been preparing since July and a lot of the stuff has been trying to mix it up how we can do things differently this time around. The planning of how we can improve has begun since the last celebration we had, Gray said. Im happy with the turnout this morning. I know it will only improve throughout the day. Gray, who wasnt the director at the time of the 100th anniversary, said more than 3,000 visitors attended the Spindletops centennial celebration. During that event, the reenactment gusher that has now become synonymous with the museum made its debut. The celebration of the Spindletop gusher not only represents the origin of Beaumont but an opportunity to showcase to visitors what the historic day in Southeast Texas was like 120 years ago, Gray said. But like many of the celebrations in the last nine months, there was some apprehension about how to host an event during a pandemic. Gray admits there were some doubts early on about whether the 120th anniversary celebration would take place. We have one advantage in that we are an outside museum, Gray said. People can spread out and of course we require masks. But there was apprehension because the event comes after the holidays. I think we are doing it well. Gray and the staff are already thinking of how to make the 125th-anniversary celebration extra special as it will also be the 50th anniversary of the museums existence. Gray hopes to replicate the 100th anniversarys attendance for the 125th anniversary in a few years. jorge.ramos@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/byjorgeramos Parents who reaped big savings when the Coalition's new childcare system began have found that rising fees are gobbling up the benefits. Education Department documents show daycare fees are projected to rise 4.1 per cent a year for the next four years, far outstripping inflation. Labor predicts all the savings from the new system will be wiped out within a year, despite $9 billion in annual subsidies. Davina Borrow-Jones, with son Lucas, 3, has a legal practice specialising in advice for mothers who start small businesses and has found that childcare fees are a big barrier for women. Credit:Sam Mooy Childcare centre fees rose 6.1 per cent on average between mid-2018, when the new system began, and the March quarter of 2020, the most recent quarter for which data is available. Family daycare fees rose 5 per cent over the same period. But the benchmark hourly fee that subsidies are based on grows in line with the consumer price index; and since the system began, the CPI has increased just 2.7 per cent. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Labour and Social Development Minister warned that the labour market is going through a critical situation. We need to enhance the kingdoms investment atmosphere and maintain its pioneering position as an investment-attracting destination, said Jameel Humaidan. The Chairman of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority also said the current situation warrants further steps to enhance the Kingdoms ability to attract local and foreign capitals to boost economic growth and generate more jobs. Humaidan was chairing the first meeting of the newly-restructured LMRA Board of Directors. The minister also pledged more efforts to develop LMRAs work, commensurate with the latest developments, while taking into account the rights and interest of work parties. He called on board members to spare no effort to overcome the challenges and meet the royal vision of consolidating the labour market based on sustainability, fairness and competitiveness. Humaidan affirmed that LMRAs priorities and projects follow the directives and aspirations of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He expressed thanks and appreciation to the former members for improving the quality of the services delivered to various social segments. He also praised LMRAs ongoing cooperation and coordination with various government entities and private establishments, stressing that they are the pillars of LMRAs work. Members of the new LMRA board pledged to do their utmost to maintain the labour environment of the Kingdom in line with HM the Kings vision. The panel elected the Chief Executive Officer of the Information and e-Government Authority, Ali Mohammed Al-Qaed, as Deputy Chairman of LMRA board, and formed the relevant committees. Earlier, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa issued Decree 83/2020, re-structuring the Board of Directors of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA), under the chairmanship of the Labour and Social Development Minister. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Its unthinkable. On April 23, 11-year-old Landon Fuller of Hobbs took his own life. His parents said he had written in his journal that his loneliness was driving him mad. He wrote in it that all he wanted was to go to school and play outside with his friends. The day after Landons death, his grieving parents notified the school system and canceled his enrollment. In May, Landons mother, Katrina, reached out to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who promised her by phone that mental health would become her number one priority. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Little has happened: A suicide hotline and a website. Are children really going to go there when theyre on the brink of desperation? This unacceptable solution to a serious mental health problem involving our kids speaks volumes of this governors administration. Nearly eight months after Landons death, a brief form letter arrived at Katrinas mailbox. It came from the Public Education Department and had a Utah return address. We care about Landons well-being and success, the curt letter began. The insensitive letter asked why Landon wasnt in school, saying that records indicated he had been absent. The letter questioned whether he was actually attending school. How could the state not know that a student had died? How could something like this actually happen? This insulting and impersonal communication is not only callous, inexcusable and lacks any decency, but it clearly shows the states inability and unwillingness to address this mental health crisis happening throughout New Mexico. Its a statewide crisis created by the governors Public Health Order, and its taking a toll on young lives. The governors decision to have schools online is failing students in many ways. The administration is simply out of touch. This is not acceptable, and the lack of empathy and initiative to tackle this mental health emergency is appalling. The state wont take student mental health seriously, cant handle its education records responsibly and refuses to address this deadly problem. More New Mexico students have died from suicide than from COVID-19. Landons death is one too many. Other children have committed suicide this year, and there have been other attempts across the state. New Mexico suicide prevention centers in 2020 have seen a spike in calls. The latest CDC statistics show that New Mexico has the second-highest suicide rate in the nation with 25 per 100,000 residents. Only Wyoming, with 25.2 is higher. Theres no state law requiring suicide prevention training for schools, and theres still no comprehensive prevention plan in New Mexico. To say one cares about mental health is one thing to actually do something to protect kids is another. The governor has failed the state again; her administration has proven to be dysfunctional and irresponsible. The Public Education Department recently admitted it cannot find thousands of its students. Whats going on here? How many of these students are on the verge of desperation and the only support parents get is a form letter? If schools were opened up, students could be kept from falling further behind, teachers could be watching for mental struggles and parents would know in a timely fashion if their kids were not in school. Governor, it is time to get the schools open or at least give families the option of in-person learning. Chicago and Evanston police investigate a crime scene after a gunman went on a shooting spree before being killed by police during a shootout in Evanston, Ill., on Jan. 9, 2021. (Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Chicago Sun-Times via AP) Police: Chicago Shooter Who Killed 3 Posted Social Media Rants CHICAGOA man who police say killed three people and wounded four others during a series of shootings in and around Chicago posted nonsensical and expletive-laced videos in the days and hours leading up to the attacks. Investigators on Sunday were trying to determine a motive for the Saturday afternoon attacks in which police say 32-year-old Jason Nightengale apparently chose his victims at random. Police killed Nightengale in a shootout just north of the city about four hours after authorities say he shot his first victim in the head in a South Side parking garage. Those killed included a 30-year-old University of Chicago student from China named Yiran Fan, Anthony Faukner, 20, and Aisha Nevell, 46, a security guard. Wounded were a 77-year-old woman, 81-year-old woman and a 15-year-old girl, according to Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown. Another woman was shot in the neck in Evanston, police in the suburb said. Authorities didnt release many details about Nightengale, a Chicago man whose LinkedIn page listed work over the years as a janitor, security guard and forklift operator. But a series of disturbing videos posted to Facebook over two years under Nightengales middle name, Oliver, offered clues as to his state of mind. Jason Nightengale in a 2018 booking photo. (Chicago Police Department via AP) In one posted Thursday, Nightengale held a gun to the camera and muttered unintelligible statements as he appeared to be driving. A police official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation confirmed it was Nightengale in the video. No music. No. No music, Nightengale says in the video, his speech slurred. I dont need no seat belt. Im coming, girl. He posted dozens of other short videos, including several in the hours before the first attack, which were viewable until the page was taken down Sunday. In one, he says, Im going to blow up the whole community. In another, Nightengale appears to groove to the Bee Gees Staying Alive while laughing. The shootings began shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday with the killing of Fan, who was shot in the head while sitting in his car in a parking garage in the Hyde Park neighborhood, Brown said. After that, Nightengale just randomly walked into an apartment building a block away, where he shot the female security guard and the 77-year-old woman, who was getting her mail, Brown said. The guard was pronounced dead at a hospital and the other woman was hospitalized in critical condition. From there, Nightengale went to another nearby building and stole a car from a man he knew. He then opened fire at a convenience store, killing the 20-year-old man and wounding the 81-year-old woman in the head and neck. The woman was in critical condition. After leaving the store, Nightengale shot a 15-year-old girl who was riding in a car with her mother, leaving the girl in critical condition, police said. He then went back to the convenience store and fired on officers who were investigating the earlier shooting. None of them were injured, Brown said. Nightengale then drove about 10 miles north to Evanston, which borders Chicago, where police responded to a report of shots that had been fired inside a CVS. Nightengale had apparently walked into the pharmacy, announced that he was robbing it and fired off shots that didnt hit anyone, authorities said. He then went across the street to an IHOP restaurant, where he shot a woman in the neck. She was in critical condition, Evanston police Chief Demitrous Cook told reporters. Nightengale left the restaurant and was confronted by officers in a parking lot, leading to a shootout in which he was shot and killed, Cook said. Evanston police Sgt. Ken Carter said Nightengale appeared to have a connection to Evanston, but he did not have further details. He said Sunday that an outside agency would take over the investigation since Evanston police were involved in the fatal shooting. Chicago police released an October 2018 booking photo of Nightengale that was taken after he was charged with multiple driving-related offenses, including driving on a suspended license. His criminal record started in 2005 and included arrests for gun and drug violations, aggravated assault, and a 2019 domestic battery case, according to WLS-TV. An attorney for Nightengale couldnt be located Sunday. Friends were shocked to hear of the shootings, describing Nightengale as a devoted father to twin girls who had a charismatic personality and a sense of humor but who had been through tough times. Tommy Taylor remembered meeting Nightengale at a movies in the park event in Rogers Park, a Chicago neighborhood that borders Evanston. They hung out over the years. From all the years I knew him, he had always been a good guy and funny guy, Taylor said. Something had to happen in order for him to break him like that. University of Chicago officials said Fan was working toward a doctorate in a joint program between the universitys schools of business and economics, and that his family in China had been notified of his death. We know that this shocking incident brings grief to our entire community and concern for the wellbeing and safety of others, the university said in a news release. In the days ahead we will come together as a community to mourn, and to lift up fellow members of our community in this difficult and very sad time. Please join us in wishing consolation and healing for our students loved ones. Brown said the information he shared at the news conference was preliminary and could change. He said investigators had little information about Nightengale but plan to release more details as they get them. Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown speaks to reporters near the scene of a shooting after a gunman went on a shooting spree before being killed by police during a shootout in Evanston, Ill., on Jan. 9, 2021. (Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Chicago Sun-Times via AP) When you hear this whole story, it seems that you have a crystal ball of what hes doing next, and we all know we dont have a crystal ball where he goes next nor do we have this on any of our police surveillance cameras, Brown said. We are responding to the scene as these crimes are happening, getting information, and again, hes going to the next while we are trying to keep up with whats happened previously. By Sophia Tareen Please disable your ad blocker, and refresh the page to view this content. TWO YOUNG sisters have been awarded 6,000 each from an insurance company after a collision. Denis Linehan, solicitor, acting on behalf of the two siblings, said the road traffic accident occurred in August 29, 2016. Kilmallock Court heard that both girls were aged six and two at the time. If proceedings involving a child are to be settled, approval of the court is required in the procedure called an infant ruling. Mr Linehan said both infants were seated correctly in a car being driven by their father when the vehicle was struck by another car. The solicitor described it as a minor enough collision. After it the children suffered bed wetting and such, said Mr Linehan. He said he was concerned the injuries might relate to a different accident that occurred a year earlier on November 23, 2015. Kilmallock Court heard the children were in the car driven by their father when it collided with a fox crossing the road. Following the receipt of medical reports from doctors, Mr Linehan said he was satisfied that the childrens injuries related to the accident in 2016. These were handed into court. As well as the bed wetting, Mr Linehan said the girl, aged six at the time of the incident, was nervous and frightened for a short period of time. Her father took the stand. Mr Linehan asked the man, who had completed a sworn affidavit, if he was satisfied with the offer of 6,000 from the insurance company? Yes, he said. Judge Marian OLeary said on the basis of his sworn evidence she was approving the settlement of 6,000. Mr Linehan said the background for the second sister, aged two at the time of the accident, was the same. Again, the solicitor said he had concerns there might be an overlap with respect to her injuries following the previous incident with the fox in 2015. He handed in a doctors report which stated she had no physical injuries but did have post traumatic stress from the car crash in 2016. Mr Linehan said an offer of 6,000 was received from an insurance company for the child just being in the accident. He wholeheartedly recommended the offer. Mr Linehan asked the father what were the effects of the accident on the second sister. P*****g the bed. Going to the toilet in the bed and waking up at night time, said the father. Approved, said Judge OLeary. The sums of 6,000 each will be lodged in court until the girls turn 18 years of age. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, has directed that the operations of the new Bahrain International Airport passenger terminal begin on January 28. This announcement followed a tour of the new airport by HRH Prince Salman to review developments on the Airport Expansion Project, and the readiness of the new Passenger Terminal Building, said a Bahrain News Agency report. The Airport Expansion Project is one of the kingdoms largest national development projects within the air transportation sector in the last 20 years. The project includes a new Passenger Terminal Building four times the size of the current building, with the passenger capacity increased to 14 million annually. The project also includes a central utility complex, 5,500 parking spaces, a greatly expanded duty-free shopping area, two reception and hospitality lounges for first class and business class travellers, a private aviation building providing services for private jet owners and passengers, in addition to a central security gate, a private building for rescue and firefighting services, and an aviation fuel field. During the visit, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister noted that strategic infrastructure projects such as the terminal reflect the kingdoms progress in developing its national economy and supports the kingdoms comprehensive development, led by HM the King. HRH Prince Salman praised the skill and dedication demonstrated by Bahrainis to enhance important national assets in the kingdom. The Airport Expansion Project will enhance the kingdoms connectivity and further strengthen its position as an increasingly important hub in the region, he said. Moreover, the project provides quality opportunities for citizens within the kingdoms logistics sector, a key priority sector in Bahrains diversifying efforts, he said. HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Development and Infrastructure Projects Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa; and the Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa on the tour. During the tour, HRH Prince Salman was briefed by Minister of Transportation and Telecommunication Kamal bin Ahmed on the latest developments related to the project. Advertisement Democrats will proceed with the impeachment of 'deranged, unhinged and dangerous' Donald Trump this week unless Mike Pence uses the 25th Amendment to force him from office, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Sunday night. Pelosi made the announcement in a letter to colleagues, framing it as an ultimatum to Pence to invoke the powers of the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. If not, she said, the House would proceed with impeachment. Trump could become the only president to be impeached twice. 'In protecting our Constitution and our Democracy, we will act with urgency, because this President represents an imminent threat to both,' she said, and added: 'The horror of the ongoing assault on our democracy perpetrated by this President is intensified and so is the immediate need for action.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told 60 Minutes on Sunday that she wants impeachment for Donald Trump so he can't run for office in the future Pelosi wrote to her Democrat colleagues on Sunday night to explain the next steps Pelosi said she would prefer if Vice President Mike Pence invoked the 25th Amendment 'because it gets rid of him he's out of office' now as concerns mount that Trump could pardon the mob in his last 10 days in office Pelosi fought to contain her emotions as she told 60 Minutes how her staff cowered under desks in the dark for two hours, as a frenzied mob of Trump supporters smashed through her office. Richard Barnett, 60, has been charged with unlawful entry 'I think there was, universally accepted, that what happened...' she said, pausing to compose herself. 'Was a terrible, terrible violation of what - of the Capitol, of the first branch of government, the legislative branch, by the president of the United States.' Pelosi's door was smashed down, and rioters stormed her private office. 'The staff went under the table, barricaded the door, turned out the lights, and were silent in the dark,' Pelosi said, showing 60 Minutes interviewer Lesley Stahl the damage. 'Under the table for two and a half hours.' During this time in hiding, they listened to the invaders banging on that door. Pelosi's team cowered, praying the mob did not find them. 'You see what they did to the mirror there? The glass was all over the place,' said Pelosi. 'They took a computer and all that stuff. 'And then the desk that they actually were at was right there that they defamed in that way, feet on the desk and all that.' The MAGA rioter who put his feet up on Nancy Pelosi's desk was arrested along with a man who brought 11 Molotov cocktails, two handguns and an assault rifle to the Capitol on Wednesday Richard Barnett, 60, shows off a letter from Nancy Pelosi's desk which he stole Rioters draped in Trump flags are pictured rampaging through Pelosi's office One man is seen photographing a picture from Pelosi's office, having broken into the room Trump supporters in their MAGA caps played with Pelosi's office furniture One of the rioters, Richard Barnett, 60, was pictured putting his feet up on her desk. Another, Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr, allegedly wrote in a text to a friend that he was thinking of 'putting a bullet in [Pelosi's] noggin on Live TV'. TIMELINE OF TRUMP'S FINAL DAYS OF OFFICE Jan 10 - Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I, a leader of the House effort to draft impeachment articles accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, reveals he has 200-plus co-sponsors. Jan 11 - Pelosis leadership team will seek a vote on a resolution calling on Vice President Mike Pence and Cabinet officials to invoke the 25th Amendment. House Democrats are also expected to introduce articles of impeachment on Monday. Jan 12 - A full House vote is expected on the matter on Tuesday. Jan 13- Pence and the Cabinet have until today to act. If not, the House would move forward with impeachment. Democrats plan to delay an impeachment trial for 100 days to allow Biden to focus on other priorities as soon as he is inaugurated. Jan 20 - The inauguration; Trump leaves office and Joe Biden becomes the 46th President of the Unites States Advertisement Another text allegedly reads: 'I'm gonna run that c**t Pelosi over while she chews on her gums.' According to officials, a third text from Meredith, who is a married, father-of-two, says he has 'a sh*t ton of armor piercing ammo'. Meredith is one of 13 people who have been charged with federal crimes. Pelosi told Stahl: 'The evidence is now that it was a well-planned, organized group with leadership and guidance and direction. And the direction was to go get people. 'They were vocally saying, 'Where's the speaker? We know she has staff. They're here someplace. We're going to find them.'' She, and other Democrats, further fear the president could pardon those involved in the storming of the Capitol in his final days. Pelosi's plan seeks a vote on Monday on a resolution calling on Pence and Cabinet officials to invoke the 25th Amendment. Under rules when the full House is not convened, any objection would reject the resolution. Pelosi would then put the resolution before the full House on Tuesday. If it were to pass, Pence and the Cabinet would have 24 hours to act before the House would move toward impeachment. With impeachment planning intensifying, two Republican senators said they want Trump to resign immediately as efforts mounted to prevent Trump from ever again holding elective office in the wake of deadly riots at the Capitol. House Democrats were expected to introduce articles of impeachment on Monday. The strategy would be to condemn the president's actions swiftly but delay an impeachment trial in the Senate for 100 days. That would allow President-elect Joe Biden to focus on other priorities as soon as he is inaugurated on January 20. Jim Clyburn, the third-ranking House Democrat and a top Biden ally, laid out the ideas on Sunday as the country came to grips with the siege at the Capitol by Trump loyalists trying to overturn the election results. 'Let's give President-elect Biden the 100 days he needs to get his agenda off and running,' Clyburn said. Pressure was mounting for Trump to leave office even before his term ended amid alarming concerns of more unrest ahead of the inauguration. The mob overran the Capitol Police shortly after Trump urged them to 'fight' on his behalf 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 Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress 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' A man in a QAnon hoodie is seen inside the Capitol on Wednesday Lawmakers and law enforcement are pursuing all available avenues to find and prosecute those involved in the Capitol riot using picture and video evidence to do so A protester struggles with a riot police officer outside the Capitol building after the 6pm curfew went into effect The president is accused of whipping up the mob that stormed the Capitol, sent lawmakers into hiding and left five dead. Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania on Sunday joined his fellow Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska in calling for Trump to 'resign and go away as soon as possible.' 'I think the president has disqualified himself from ever, certainly, serving in office again,' Toomey said. 'I don't think he is electable in any way.' Murkowski, who has long voiced her exasperation with Trump's conduct in office, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that Trump simply 'needs to get out.' A third Republican, Sen. Roy Blunt, of Missouri, did not go that far, but on Sunday he warned Trump to be 'very careful' in his final days in office. Corporate America began to tie its reaction to the Capitol riots by tying them to campaign contributions. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association's CEO and President Kim Keck said it will not contribute to those lawmakers all Republicans who supported challenges to Biden's Electoral College win. The group 'will suspend contributions to those lawmakers who voted to undermine our democracy,' Kim said. Citigroup did not single out lawmakers aligned with Trump's effort to overturn the election, but said it would be pausing all federal political donations for the first three months of the year. Citi's head of global government affairs, Candi Wolff, said in a Friday memo to employees, 'We want you to be assured that we will not support candidates who do not respect the rule of law.' Potentially complicating Pelosi's decision about impeachment was what it meant for Biden and the beginning of his presidency. While reiterating that he had long viewed Trump as unfit for office, Biden on Friday sidestepped a question about impeachment, saying what Congress did 'is for them to decide.' President-elect of the United States Joe Biden leaves Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, DE on January 9 Biden acknowledges the media as he arrives for church in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., January 9 Lisa Murkowski, senator for Alaska, has said she is considering quitting the Republicans Murkowski said that Trump should resign, saying he had done enough damage The mob overran the Capitol Police shortly after Trump urged them to 'fight' on his behalf Trump supporters, egged on by the president himself, stormed the Capitol on Wednesday House leaders, furious after the insurrection, appear determined to act against Trump despite the short timeline. Mike Pence 'has not ruled out the 25th Amendment' Mike Pence and Donald Trump have not spoken since Wednesday's uprising, CNN reported, during which pro-Trump rioters charged through the Senate looking for Pence and threatening to 'hang' him. Trump was angered by Pence telling him he was not constitutionally able to overturn the election, and lashed out at his vice president on Wednesday, telling supporters: 'Mike Pence has to come through for us. If he doesn't that will be a sad day for our country.' He later tweeted: 'Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution.' Pence has finally 'gotten a glimpse of POTUS's vindictiveness,' one source told CNN. It is the first time the normally-loyal Pence has publicly broken with the president. CNN said that Pence has not ruled out the 25th Amendment. Invoking the 25th Amendment would require 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' - an unprecedented step. On Thursday, sources close to the VP said it was 'highly unlikely' Pence would attempt to invoke the 25th Amendment. He has not ruled it out, however. Advertisement Mitch McConnell, the Senate Majority Leader, has said an impeachment trial could not begin under the current calendar before Inauguration Day. While many have criticized Trump, Republicans have said that impeachment would be divisive in a time of unity. Senator Marco Rubio said that instead of coming together, Democrats want to 'talk about ridiculous things like 'Let's impeach a president' with just days left in office. Still, some Republicans might be supportive. Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse said he would take a look at any articles that the House sent over. Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a frequent Trump critic, said he would 'vote the right way' if the matter were put in front of him. The Democratic effort to stamp Trump's presidential record for the second time with the indelible mark of impeachment had advanced rapidly since the riot. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I, a leader of the House effort to draft impeachment articles accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, said Sunday that his group had 200-plus co-sponsors. The articles, if passed by the House, could then be transmitted to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors to acquit or convict Trump. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office and succeeded by the vice president. It would be the first time a U.S. president had been impeached twice. Potentially complicating Pelosi's decision about impeachment was what it meant for Biden and the beginning of his presidency. While reiterating that he had long viewed Trump as unfit for office, Biden on Friday sidestepped a question about impeachment, saying what Congress did 'is for them to decide.' While some Democrats are pushing for the impeachment route, the House Speaker told '60 Minutes' in an interview that will air Sunday night that she prefers invoking the 25th Amendment because it gets Trump out of office immediately. 'There is a possibility that after all of this, there's no punishment, no consequence, and he could run again for president,' CBS' Lesley Stahl said to Pelosi in a clip released ahead of airing the full interview. 'And that's one of the motivations that people have for advocating for impeachment,' Pelosi explained. She is, however, concerned that if Trump is not booted from the White House right now, he will use his last 10 days in office to pardon those part of the mob who descended on the Capitol Wednesday or even himself and other allies. 'I like the 25th Amendment because it gets rid of him he's out of office,' Pelosi said. 'But there is strong support in the Congress for impeaching the president a second time.' 'What if he pardons himself?' Stahl asked. 'What if pardons these people who are terrorists on the Capitol?' Pelosi shot back. Congress is moving to prosecute or punish any and all they can find who were involved in the riots at the Capitol and have already found some who were pictured prominently. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Sunday in an interview with ABC's 'This Week' that half of the members of the House were at risk of dying during the riots. 'Perhaps my colleagues were not fully present for the events on Wednesday, but we came close to half of the House nearly dying on Wednesday,' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Sunday of the pro-Trump mob descending on the Capitol House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Sunday that Democrats will vote on impeachment this week, but said the party might wait until after Joe Biden's first 100 days in office to move the articles to the Senate 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 'If another head of state came in and ordered an attack on the United States Congress, would we say that that should not be prosecuted? Would we say that there should be absolutely no response to that?' the New York congresswoman told ABC host George Stephanopoulos. 'No,' Ocasio-Cortez asserted. 'It is an act of insurrection. It's an act of hostility. And we must have accountability, because, without it, it will happen again. 'Perhaps my colleagues were not fully present for the events on Wednesday, but we came close to half of the House nearly dying on Wednesday,' she said. Hakeem Jeffries, a fellow New York Representative, agreed with AOC's points in an interview with NBC on Sunday, claiming: 'Donald Trump represents a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the American people, as well as our democracy' The representative, as well as the handful of members of her progressive 'squad', are fully on board with plans to again impeach President Trump. Clyburn said Sunday that articles have already been drawn and he is expecting a vote in the lower chamber in the coming day. 'I think that will come probably Tuesday, and maybe Wednesday, but it will happen this week,' the No. 3 House Democrat told 'Fox News Sunday' when asked about the House taking action to impeach Trump. 'The rest of the articles have been drawn up.' 'If we are the people's House, let's do the people's work and vote to impeach this president,' Clyburn continued in his interview with Fox's Chris Wallace. 'And then we'll decide later or the Senate will decide later what to do with that impeachment.' Ocasio-Cortez said 'every minute' Trump is still in office, there is a looming threat. 'I absolutely believe that impeachment should be scheduled for several reasons,' she said on Sunday. 'Our main priority is to ensure the removal of Donald Trump as president of the United States,' AOC added. 'Every minute and every hour that he is in office represents a clear and present danger, not just to the United States Congress, but, frankly, to the country.' While Democrats pursue impeachment, many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are calling for Trump to step down on his own volition to prevent Congress from having to intervene. Lawmakers were forced to evacuate the House and Senate chambers and shelter in offices or other locations on Wednesday after thousands of Donald Trump's supporters breached the Capitol and rioted through the halls There are also talks of banning Trump from running for president again in the future as speculation mounts he will pursue another run for the White House in 2024. 'In addition to removal, we're also talking about complete barring of the president or, rather, of Donald Trump from running for office ever again,' Ocasio-Cortez told ABC. 'And, in addition to that, the potential ability to prevent pardoning himself from those charges that he was impeached for.' Jeffries also wants immediate action against Trump, expressing concern that the president still has 'access to the nuclear codes.' 'The goal at the present moment is to address the existential threat that Donald Trump presents at this time. Every second, every minute, every hour that Donald Trump remains in office presents a danger to the American people,' the Democrat representative said on Sunday during an interview on 'Meet the Press'. 'You know, Donald Trump may be in the Twitter penalty box, but he still has access to the nuclear codes,' Jeffries said, referencing Trump's indefinite ban from Twitter. 'That's a frightening prospect.' He added: 'Donald Trump is completely and totally out of control, and even his longtime enablers have now come to that conclusion.' Clyburn, however, said Sunday that House Democrats are weighing if they should hold off on sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate until after Joe Biden's first 100 days in office. This way, Democrats would allow the new president to install key members of his team and would have a new 50-50 split Senate to work with. As long as I dont write about the government, religion, politics, and other institutions, I am free to print anything. Pierre Beaumarchais (1732-1799) In 1982, seven years after Saigon fell, General William Westmoreland, the former US Commander in SE Asia declared: Vietnam was the first war fought without censorship. Without censorship, things can get terribly confused in the public mind. Censorship in America is not a modern phenomenon. During the early days of the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln shut down all pro-secession newspapers in the state of Maryland and even had known pro-Southern state legislators thrown in prison. Had Lincoln not acted as he did, Maryland would have joined the Confederacy and the position of the nations capital at Washington DC would have become untenable. The history of the US would have been very different. Censorship came of age during WWII when military censors routinely opened and read letters US servicemen sent to loved ones back home. Some of these letters survive today, their blackened or cut-out sections attesting to the military censors effectiveness. During the first and second Gulf Wars, information was disseminated to the media through controlled briefings. The lesson of Vietnam had been learned: images of dead and mangled bodies are not conducive to maintaining public support during wartime. The lesson yet to be learned is that censorship can be used, but only in times of war and even then, only on an extremely limited basis. Some two and a half centuries ago, the great English poet and critic Samuel Johnson wrote, Every society has a right to preserve public peace and order, and therefore has a good right to prohibit the propagation of opinions which have a dangerous tendency. . . . No member of a society has a right to teach any doctrine contrary to what the society holds to be true. This argument is inherently flawed. It presumes that the controlling elites always hold correct ideas. Every single totalitarian ruler from Hitler and Stalin to Mao and Saddam Hussein would claim he did. So too, would religious extremist groups such as ISIS and the Taliban, who not only executed anyone who disagreed with them but, in the process, destroyed priceless historical artifacts in the name of religious and ideological purity. During the early days of the Third Reich, the Nazis made a very public spectacle of the burning of books, heaping on the flaming pyre any writings which did not conform to their ideals. Among them was the work of the great 19th-century German philosopher Heinrich Heine who wrote, Wherever books will be burned, men also, in the end, are burned. History has proven how prophetic those words were. The Communists achieved their goals not through a display of arson, but by sentencing to prison or exile anyone who did not conform, including Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who wrote of these times in The Gulag Archipelago. Make no mistake: Censoring thought, ideas, and speech is a totalitarian states hallmark and will inevitably lead to tyranny and oppression. Given the growing power of mainstream media and, especially, big tech, our ability to access accurate information, our freedoms and, ultimately, our democratic institutions are all in peril. In todays age of information, more people get their news from the internet than from newspapers/periodicals. The resulting power becomes even more acute given that internet executives and their algorithm writers are anonymous. This concentrates enormous power in the hands of big tech, who use censorship to advance an ideological and political agenda. Defenders of these practices claim that they are protecting the public from harmful ideas, yet the censorship is invariably one-sided. It is always Republican or Conservative voices who are silenced or deleted. This is reverse McCarthyism and is nothing less than the weaponization of the means to access and disseminate information. It is an abrogation of the right of free speech to advance a radical agenda and, thanks to Section 230, the censors have complete immunity to do exactly as they wish. This is a far more insidious form of censorship than anything previously because it is silent and unseen. There is no public display of burning books and no Gulag Archipelago (as of yet) to which dissidents can be exiled. The burning book has been replaced by the deleted post as the weapon of choice for the ideological censor of today. Years ago, the late Hubert Humphrey, an ardent Progressive, once stated: Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of dissension, discussion and debate. It is sad to note how far we have strayed from this simple rule. In the light of history, one cannot help but wonder what Heinrich Heine would say if he were alive today. Although one cannot say with absolute certainty, it might be something like this: Wherever posts will be deleted, people also, in the end, are deleted. A long time ago, Thomas Jefferson warned the American people: When government fears the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. As of this writing, more and more Americans are beginning to fear their own government. Caren Besner is a retired teacher who has written articles published by American Thinker, Sun-Sentinel, Dr Swier, News With Views, The Front Page, The Published Reporter, Washington Examiner, The Algemeiner, Jewish Journal, Independent Sentinel, Jerusalem Post, Arutz Sheva, San Diego Jewish World, The Times of Israel, The Moderate Voice, IsraPost, The Jewish Voice, JooTube, The Florida Veteran, and others. IMAGE: WWII Censorship poster from the Works Progress Administration. 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. 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. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. DANBURY Connecticuts delegation to Washington, D.C. is demanding answers from Danbury prison officials about two gas leaks, as well as COVID-19 testing and quarantining protocols at the facility. U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-5, wrote to the prisons warden, Diane Easter, demanding answers following Nov. 13 and Dec. 26 gas leaks at Danbury Federal Correctional Institution, which they said posed a significant threat to the safety and security of both inmates and staff. During the November incident, Eversources Yankee Gas subsidiary responded to the prison, isolated the leak and issued a red tag, indicating a safety concern requiring immediate repair, according to a news release from Blumenthals office. During the December gas leak, however, first responders from Yankee Gas and the Danbury Fire Department were denied access to the prison due to poor communication at the facility, according to the release, and were not allowed access until the next day. A fire department spokesman, however, said Danbury firefighters were not denied access. The gas leaks were reportedly in different sections of piping at the prison and repairs were made on Dec. 28, according to the news release. In their letter to Easter, Blumenthal, Murphy and Hayes wrote that one gas leak may be an isolated incident, but two different gas leaks in two different sections of piping in as many months is indicative of a larger, systemic infrastructure problem at FCI Danbury that must be investigated and remedied as soon as possible. Further, it is very troubling that a communications failure within FCI Danbury led the gate staff to turn away Eversources response team when a gas leak could pose an incredibly significant and deadly danger, they added. As a result of the December leak, heat and hot water were turned off to a portion of the prisons camp area, resulting in 47 female inmates being moved to visiting rooms, according to the news release. Poor heating and cooling infrastructure poses a danger to both staff and inmates. The recent steam heat explosion (at) the West Haven VA is an example of the very real threat to staff and contract workers from inadequately maintained infrastructure, Blumenthal, Murphy and Hayes wrote. COVID-19 concerns The delegation also is seeking answers regarding COVID-19 testing and health safety practices at the low-security prison on Pembroke Road after family members of inmates raised concerns about turnaround time for COVID test results and quarantining. Blumenthal, Murphy, and Hayes are asking Easter to conduct an immediate assessment of the critical infrastructure at FCI Danbury to identify and remedy any emergent health and safety issues for which we would appreciate a report on the results of that assessment. They are asking her to take steps to ensure that incarcerated individuals and FCI Danbury staff alike are protected from COVID-19. Lawyers representing Danbury FCI inmates have claimed in a lawsuit that there have been delays in identifying medically fragile people for release during the pandemic. A federal court judge on Friday said he hopes vaccinations at the prison will render the lawsuit moot. This story has been updated to reflect that Danbury firefighters were not denied access, according to a spokesman. Nepal is not exactly known for its fishing scene. If you think of Nepal, most often, it is known for its beautiful and intimidating mountains (of which it hosts eight of the ten highest in the world). But, with over 100 different species of fish in the waters around Nepal, fisherfolk will never be bored here! The bonus? You will be out on the serene water, surrounded by the magnificent mountainous, jungle scenery that Nepal is known for. The best time to fish is between the monsoon seasons. Head to any one of these spots from February to May (springtime), and October to November (autumn) for the chance to battle a fish in the serene mountain environment. Here are our choices for the best places in Nepal to fish. 1. Seti Karnali File: Karnali River Dont miss your chance to fish on the longest river in Nepal. At 315 miles long, there are plenty of fishing spots along the Karnali river, where your chances to catch large fish are good. But, our top choice spot is Seti Karnali where the Karnali meets the Seti tributary. The Seti river itself is 107 miles long, and also has a variety of fishing spots. You can float down the river on a float tube as you fish, which gives you an opportunity to marvel at the beautiful scenery as you pass. You can fish for unique species like the Golden Mahseer and the Silver Mahseer (also called the Indian salmon). Although catch-and-release is encouraged, the Mahseer is a tasty fish to cook, so you could catch your own dinner! They are endangered, so take only one. You will have the best luck using a spinning rod and reel with a monofilament line with a weight of up to 40 pounds. Choose brightly coloured spinners that are on the larger side. This river is also home to the Gangetic river dolphin, which is the largest freshwater mammal on the Indian subcontinent. Keep an eye out for one while you are fishing! 2. Pokhara lakes File: Phewa lake, Pokhara Inside the city of Pokhara are a couple of lakes that offer great fishing opportunities. Phewa (or Fewa) lake and Begnas lake are both stunning clear lakes that have amazing mountain backdrops. Phewa lake is a great fishing spot, but it is also a wonderful place for families to spend a day together. There are kayaks and boats for hire, a market nearby, and many restaurants nearby. It is tourist-oriented, so it can get busy. Although this lake is often crowded with people, it is so big that it is not difficult to find a more peaceful spot where you can fish away from other people. There is also a temple in the middle of Phewa Lake, so you can have a spiritual experience. Begnas lake is much quieter and is about 10 miles outside of Pokhara. It is relatively untouched, so if you want a more relaxed fishing experience with a solitary feel, Begnas Lake is the better choice. In both of these lakes, you will be able to catch Mahseer, common carp, catfish, sahar, katle, asla, and others. Most restaurants in the Pokhara area have Phewa Lake fish on their menus! 3. Balephi river About 45 miles outside of Kathmandu, you will find the Balephi river. This whitewater can be challenging to fish as it is a narrow and fast-flowing river. It is a well-known destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, but the fishing can be great here too. Similar to other rivers and lakes in Nepal, the fish you are most likely to catch here are the Golden Mahseer and the catfish. You may also find trout, carp, or common Mahseer on the end of your line. This is a prime fishing spot for those who may enjoy adventuring as well as fishing. You can go whitewater rafting to get your adrenaline pumping or explore the surroundings for a more relaxed activity. If you do choose to fly fish in the river, be careful as the narrow nature of the river means you may get your line caught in the trees on the bank. Also, watch out for whitewater rafters while you are casting! 4. Tamor river File: Flooded Tamor River Fishing in the Tamor river gives you the opportunity to catch some more unusual species. The Tamor is a quiet river and has not been fished as much as others. Therefore, the fish population continues to grow, and it makes for an exciting days fishing. You may catch river loaches, the Nepali minnow, catfish, Himalayan trout, asala, and the trophy catfish, known as goonch. Catching a goonch is the ultimate dream for many anglers fishing in these waters. These monster fish present a challenge, both mental and physical. They are extremely muscular and heavy and have a habit of planting themselves in the rivers bed, between rocks so they cannot be moved. If you are after one of these big fish, you will need to prepare yourself and use a braided line for extra strength. By all accounts, the lure you use is of no consequence if the goonch is not hungry, it will not bite, no matter how appealing your bait is. Even if the goonches are not biting, your chances of catching other fish are good. A day on these waters is worth it even if you get no bite, simply for the spectacular views of Mount Everest and Mount Makalu. Conclusion Nepal is so much more than just mountains, jungles, and spiritual enlightenment. If you are a fisher, you will find these waters to be interesting and challenging, and you will have a chance of catching some large and unusual fish. Anyway, the scenery in Nepal is so beautiful that fishing is a great reason to spend some time outdoors, surrounded by its amazing nature. It is also a good activity to do if you want some alone time, or if you are looking for something fun and educational to do with the family! Whatever your reason for getting out your rod and reel, fishing in Nepal is much more than you may expect. Apple has removed Parler from the App Store for failing to moderate its community. On January 8th, Apple gave the company, which operates a social media network popular with Donald Trump supporters and the far-right, 24 hours to take a tougher stance on content the company said encourages illegal activity. We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity, a spokesperson for the company told Engadget. Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to peoples safety. We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues. The move comes after Google suspended the app from the Play Store on Friday. Like Apple, Google cited the fact Parler allowed its users to continue to call for violence for its decision. Ahead of Wednesday, those who took part in the US Capitol riot used the network to plan the incident. Despite the suspension, both Android and iOS users can continue to use Parler while Amazon continues to host the app. However, that window is rapidly closing, with Amazon recently telling Parler it will suspend its AWS hosting privileges on Sunday evening. Parler can find a new host, its days are likely numbered. When news of Apples demand first came out, Parler CEO John Matze said he disagreed with the companys moderation policies. Apparently they believe Parler is responsible for ALL user generated content on Parler, he wrote in a post on Parler. Therefor [sic] by the same logic, Apple must be responsible for ALL actions taken by their phones. Matze has maintained he hasnt seen the platforms users use the platform to promote illegal activities. 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 theres nothing particularly wrong about that. In many ways, the story of the last few days has been one of employee action. According to a report from The Washington Post, Twitters decision to ban Donald Trump came after hundreds of the companys employees pushed CEO Jack Dorsey to make the presidents suspension permanent. Amazon too saw its employees call on it to cut ties with Parler. The full text of the letter Apple sent to Parler can be seen below: To the developers of the Parler app, Thank you for your response regarding dangerous and harmful content on Parler. We have determined that the measures you describe are inadequate to address the proliferation of dangerous and objectionable content on your app. Parler has not upheld its commitment to moderate and remove harmful or dangerous content encouraging violence and illegal activity, and is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines. In your response, you referenced that Parler has been taking this content very seriously for weeks. However, the processes Parler has put in place to moderate or prevent the spread of dangerous and illegal content have proved insufficient. Specifically, we have continued to find direct threats of violence and calls to incite lawless action in violation of Guideline 1.1 - Safety - Objectionable Content. Your response also references a moderation plan for the time being, which does not meet the ongoing requirements in Guideline 1.2 - Safety - User Generated content. While there is no perfect system to prevent all dangerous or hateful user content, apps are required to have robust content moderation plans in place to proactively and effectively address these issues. A temporary task force is not a sufficient response given the widespread proliferation of harmful content. For these reasons, your app will be removed from the App Store until we receive an update that is compliant with the App Store Review Guidelines and you have demonstrated your ability to effectively moderate and filter the dangerous and harmful content on your service. Regards, App Review Board Update (9:54 PM ET): Amazon has told Parler it will suspend the companys AWS hosting access. Unless the app can find an alternate host, it will go offline on Sunday. 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 Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force has launched an emergency alert system to advise Lehigh Valley residents and beyond about the status of COVID-19 testing in their areas. The system available through OnSolve, called CodeRed, will specifically advise the public on the status of the forces COVID-19 testing locations and when a local testing sites daily limit is reached, said William H.E. Clark Jr., the task forces logistics manager and All Hazards Incident Support Team coordinator. The service is free to those living in the 10 statewide counties the task force serves. The alert system also allows residents to be notified by area emergency response teams in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. These include evacuations notices, bio-terrorism alerts, boil water notices and missing child reports. Here are the links by county to register for the emergency alert system: In Northampton County, register here. In Lehigh County, register here or here In the neighboring counties: In Carbon County: Register here or here In Lackawanna County, register here or here In Luzerne County, register here. In Monroe County, register here or here In Pike County, register here In Susquehanna County, register here and here In Wayne County, register here In Wyoming County, register here. The Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force provides emergency response training, planning and equipment to the emergency service providers in the region. The mission of the task force is to protect human life, work to mitigate emergencies and respond to human-made and natural disasters throughout the region. The task force also works to secure critical infrastructure in the region including: 54 major roadways; 52 school districts and colleges; two international airports; several health care systems; and government buildings. Due to the close proximity to New York and New Jersey, resources in the region play a key role in recovery operations for large metropolitan areas, officials said. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Back in 2018, I stood in a draughty aircraft hangar in Huntingdon, West Virginia, watching Donald Trump address his devoted supporters. It was the final week of the mid-term elections, and he was upbeat. His speech began as a standard brew of US new-dawn optimism, mixed with casual slaps at his Democratic opponents. Then it turned. As I wrote at the time: His tone, and the mood, changes. He begins regaling the crowd with a blood-curdling description of the migrants marching towards Americas border. They are violent offenders, sexual offenders, murderers, he warns. Do we let them in? he asks. Build the wall! the crowd chants in response. The violent mob that marched on the US Capitol last week did so for one reason. Their President told them to. And hes been telling them to since day one of his presidency. Lock her up! The very fine Nazis of Charlottesville. Stand by, Proud Boys. Dont show weakness, show strength. The violent mob that marched on the US Capitol (pictured) last week did so for one reason It was only ever a matter of if, not when, Americas far-Right thugs those Trump told after their onslaught that we love you, youre very special would heed their commander-in-chiefs call to arms. Over the past few days, those of us in the UK have been looking with complacent horror at the assault in the US capital. Thank God hes nearly gone, we have told ourselves. Followed swiftly by: And thank God something like that couldnt happen here. It could. First, people are completely misunderstanding the Trump phenomenon. He has always been the opportunistic appropriator not instigator of the vicious forces that have torn his nation asunder. Americas racial tensions. The culture war. The class war. First, people are completely misunderstanding the Trump (pictured) phenomenon. He has always been the opportunistic appropriator not instigator of the vicious forces that have torn his nation asunder. Americas racial tensions. The culture war. The class war What do you have to lose by trying something new, like Trump? he asked black America in 2016. Youre living in poverty, your schools are no good, you have no jobs, 58 per cent of your youth is unemployed. What the hell do you have to lose? Secondly, and more importantly, people are failing to recognise how those forces are global. And that unless we all stop and take a step back, the scenes we saw on Capitol Hill are destined to be repeated here just as surely as a night-time curfew follows day. The insurrection launched by Trump and his allies against the 2020 US election had several components. But one of the most significant is one weve become all too familiar with. The withdrawal of losers consent, that basic principle that allows democracy to function. Over the past few days, those of us in the UK have been looking with complacent horror at the assault in the US capital. Pictured: Police use tear gas guns to disperse pro-Trump protesters Despite a decisive defeat, Trump told his fanatical followers the election had been stolen from them. He claimed they were victims of malfeasance and deception. Of a conspiracy launched by foreign actors. He took to the courts to get the results overturned. He demanded the US legislature defy centuries of convention. And when all that failed, he urged people to take to the streets. Liberal Britain does not want to hear it, but that is exactly what weve seen here in the four long years since the Brexit referendum. Court challenges. Wild conspiracies about Putin and Cambridge Analytica. The upending of settled parliamentary procedure by a partisan Speaker. Cabinet Ministers and their families being escorted from Brexit debates by a phalanx of police as protesters chanted Nazi, traitor and scum. There is no moral or practical equivalence between those who have continued to oppose Brexit, and those who violently smashed their way into Congress. But US democracy had been under sustained attack for two months before the Rotunda was stormed. And the idea that the democratic will of the majority can be defied, just so long as the cause of the minority is noble, has now been embedded in our own body politic. Unless we all stop and take a step back, the scenes we saw on Capitol Hill are destined to be repeated here just as surely as a night-time curfew follows day. Pictured: Riot police push back a crowd after they stormed the US Capitol It has also been interred at precisely the moment another democratic cornerstone is crumbling. Namely our current inability to rest our political discourse upon even the most basic foundation of truth and fact. Trump attempted to cling to power by peddling one of the biggest lies in Western political history the claim he was a victim of a stolen election at precisely the moment he was trying to steal one himself. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, he pleaded to Georgia election officials. But it was buttressed by a thousand smaller lies. Fraudulent voting machinery. Destroyed ballots. Fifty thousand Trump voters turned away from the polls. Not one of them was true. But again, we can see a similar attempt to eviscerate reality unfolding here in the UK the idea the Covid crisis is some great hoax. Soaring infections are simply a result of more testing and false positives. Rising hospitalisation figures can be accounted for by asymptomatic people with broken legs. Deaths are simply the unfortunate annual by-product of any winter flu season. Its not true. As Boris told the Commons, this mutation, spreading with frightening ease and speed in spite of the sterling work of the British public, has led to more cases than we have ever seen before. He later ordered the Covid-sceptics to grow up. Youve heard about the pressure the NHS is under and weve all got to do our bit responsibly to protect it, he chided. But as we saw in Washington, the debate is no longer being led by grown-ups. Its being dominated by those who refuse in the face of all evidence to step beyond the warm embrace of their own tribe. But as we saw in Washington, the debate is no longer being led by grown-ups. Its being dominated by those who refuse in the face of all evidence to step beyond the warm embrace of their own tribe. Pictured: Protesters broke windows to access the US Capitol On Thursday, former Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell condemned Trumps supporters. We have got to stand together on this one now because we cant allow proto-fascism to be developed anywhere, he intoned. This is the same John McDonnell who praised students for kicking the s*** out of Conservative HQ as the best of our movement. Anyone who seriously thinks we are insulated through our signature British moderation from the anarchy we saw last week is deluding themselves. And theyre forgetting a key fact. Trumps assault on US democracy failed. But it failed because he was repulsed by a codified system of checks and balances constructed with the specific purpose of defying a demagogue like him. We have no such protection here in the UK. I still remember the increasingly fantastical stratagems being floated back in 2019, as people became ever more desperate to end our Brexit purgatory. Some Ministers were debating use of the Civil Contingencies Act to force it through, I was briefed. Other journalists were told Boris would defy any no-confidence vote and squat in Downing Street. Remainer MPs were spotted sneaking into John Bercows chambers to discuss their latest plot for seizing power from the Government of the day. In the end, the sort of anarchy we have witnessed in Washington was avoided. But only just. Imagine for a second if Boriss dramatic Election gamble had failed. If the result had not been a decisive majority for getting Brexit done, but a hung parliament and continued Brexit obstructionism. How much longer would it have taken for the toxic pressures that were building up to finally explode? I fear it wouldnt have taken long. My usual seat in the parliamentary press gallery sits facing the Opposition benches. On the wall is a plaque with the names of fallen members. One of them bears the name Jo Cox. The 2021 Trump putsch was ultimately repulsed. But only after the USs most sacred institutions were brutally defiled. It couldnt happen here? Unless people on all sides of the political divide take time to reflect on what we witnessed last week, its again not a matter of if, but when. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. A teenager who was allegedly hit by a van and flung into a brick wall has died in hospital while the driver is accused of being high on a mix of drugs. The 17-year-old boy and his friend were walking from Casula train station, in south-west Sydney, at 12.40 pm on Thursday. A grey Kia Carnival allegedly veered off the Hume Highway and mounted the kerb before hitting the pair and sending the 17-year-old flying 20 metres into a brick wall. Paramedics took the teenager to Liverpool Hospital to be treated for his critical head injuries before he passed away at 2am on Saturday. A grey Kia Carnival allegedly veered off the Hume Highway and mounted the kerb before hitting the pair and sending the 17-year-old flying 20 metres into a brick wal Paramedics took the teenager to Liverpool Hospital to be treated for his critical head injuries before he passed away at 2am on Saturday His friend was uninjured, having been narrowly missed by the van. Police allege the driver Cameron Forsyth, 37, had his driving impaired by morphine, due to past heroin use, and delta-9-tetrahhydrocannabinol, due to cannabis use. Forsyth was uninjured and taken to Liverpool hospital for drug and alcohol testing. He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, drive in manner dangerous and negligent and his licence was also suspended. On Friday, he was hauled before the courts, refused bail and scheduled to appear again on March 8. Following the incident, Ambulance NSW Inspector Braden Robinson said paramedics did everything they could to try to save the 17-year-old boy. 'Paramedics did a great job responding to such a significant job in an extremely busy location,' he said. 'Please take care when driving in these treacherous conditions. We need everyone to look out for each other.' Following the incident, Ambulance NSW Inspector Braden Robinson said paramedics did everything they could to try to save the 17-year-old boy (@ChaudhryMAli88) WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 09th January, 2021) Canadian public health officials are investigating the death of a Florida doctor who received the Pfizer vaccine against the novel coronavirus just weeks earlier, Health Canada told Sputnik on Friday. On Tuesday, Heidi Neckelmann said in a social media post that her husband Gregory Michael, an obstetrician at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, died after receiving the vaccine on December 18. Neckelmann explained that Michael developed petechiae - round spots that appear on the skin as a result of bleeding - three days after receiving the vaccine and died of hemorrhagic stroke weeks later. "We're looking into this. Stay tuned," Health Canada's media relations department said in an email. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement on Wednesday that it is "aware" of the death of Michael. Pfizer, which developed the vaccine in conjunction with German biotechnology company BioNTech, told USA Today that it is "actively investigating this case," although said that it did not believe that the vaccine played a role in the Florida physician's death. The CDC has logged 21 cases where individuals experienced anaphylaxis - a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur after vaccination - after vaccination between December 14 and 23, according to a report made public on Wednesday. There have been reports of fatalities following immunization in Israel and Switzerland, however, no links have been established between the death and the vaccination. Pfizer was the first vaccine against the deadly disease approved by Canadian health regulators and the first dose was administered on December 14 to a personal support worker in a long-term care home in Toronto. Listen to article Nigerian politicians and all the political parties started a long time ago in scheming for the 2023 political tickets and their representatives. But it will soon get clearer to people like me when political parties start zoning, selecting or electing their principal officers - because it is a known fact that any zone that produces a party chairman etc., never produces a presidential candidate of the same party. While it is true that some individuals started their own preparation of contesting the 2023 presidential election even before the 2015 elections, some waited and are still waiting to see as events will turn out. But for one political party, All Progressive Congress (APC), proceedings are gearing towards one man, Ahmed Tinubu, the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, who actually was one of those that had the desire to govern Nigeria and started working towards its actualization before the 2015 elections. President Buhari tried many times before 2015 to become Nigerian president but failed at every attempt until he came into alliance with Tinubu in 2015 to form APC. With the help of Tinubu many political parties and politicians collapsed their structures into APC, even many PDP stalwarts then who never supported President Goodluck Jonathans second term or that had had one problem or the other with some party members formed a group within their party which they named nPDP pulled out from PDP and joined APC. And we learnt that one of the agreements reached between Tinubu and Buhari was that Tinubu will give all he has in making sure that Buhari becomes the Nigerian president in 2015 and that Buhari would in return support Tinubu in becoming Nigerian president in 2023. Body language and unspoken words in APCs hierarch tend to support the above narrative that Tinubu or at least his anointed will be the APCs presidential candidate in 2023. So, APC zoned its presidential ticket to the south west (Yoruba) the day Buhari sealed his agreement with Tinubu, and it is time for Buhari to pay Tinubu back and redeem his pledge and integrity. Will the northern oligarch allow him do that? Have events changed anything like it happened between the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar? And how sellable is APC and Tinubu to Nigerians? I cannot tell what the leaders of APC will tell Nigerians as the achievement of their party and why they should be voted back to power in 2023 as situation of things in Nigeria go from bad to worst. The bedrock of development, education is suffering in Nigeria and students and parents are in agony and pains: Courses that should take four years to finish in higher institutions etc. may take up to five, six or more years because of lecturers strikes. And under this government we have witnessed multiple strikes by lecturers that lasted more than necessary in demand of good welfare packages. Nigerian people believe that the reluctancy and the slow approach by government officials in amicably resolving disagreements with lecturers timely were so perhaps because many of their children are schooling abroad, so schools could be closed until thy kingdom come, they dont feel the brunt. Sadly, the majority of the Nigerian youths who painfully studied using candle/lantern as electricity, survived the aggressive environment of cultism, sexual harassments and exploitations by lecturers through the selling of handouts and inhuman conditions of studying in unsanitary and filthy environment they were subjected to graduate are pitifully and helplessly in idle states and hopelessly hopeless of any opportunity of employment. There are no knew factories under this government, instead closure of old ones and retrenchment of workers are the order of the day, and the reasons are not farfetched. Apart from the globally known economic meltdown caused by many factors that included Covid-19, the Nigerian environment is so extremely hostile, a very unconducive atmosphere for companies whether local or foreign to emerge and flourish because there is no water, no electricity, no good road, no security and the exchange rate of Nigerias money (Naira) to foreign currencies is rapidly dwindling daily dangerously very bad to a country that depends on importation for almost everything. There is no conducive atmosphere for companies whether local or foreign to emerge and flourish because there is no water, no electricity, no good road, no security and the exchange rate of Nigerias money (Naira) to foreign currencies is rapidly dwindling daily dangerously very bad to a country that depends on importation for almost everything. The security situation in Nigeria has never been so bad like it is now. No place seems save as Nigerians are being murdered or kidnapped every day in their homes, on the streets and on their farms. The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, not long ago said that Northern Nigeria is the worst place to live in Nigeria because bandits and Boko Haram have taken over. According to the Sultan, 76 people were killed in a community in Sokoto in a day. In Borno State, a House of Representatives member, Ahmed Satomi, who represents Jere federal constituency confirmed that (on 28.11.20) Boko Haram killed 44 rice farmers in Zabarmari. For these fears, a coalition of northern groups formed the operation Shege Ka Fasa to protect the north, the governors from South west formed Amotekun to protect the Yorubas, and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under Nnamdi Kanu formed Eastern Security Network (ESN) for the safety of the people of the old eastern region. The question then is, what did the APC leaders meet when they came to power that they improved upon? The ugliest part of all this is that this government that has plunged Nigeria into trillions of debts and that has borrowed more than any government since the creation of the country is still on borrowing spree. How many visible and quality structures has this government erected to measure the bogus money it has borrowed? What plans has the government got to stop borrowing? I know that the Nigerian people are very horrible when it comes to choosing their political leaders because they forget easily and can be effortlessly deceived, but on which ground will APC stand to sell itself as a party and its presidential candidate to these Nigerians? The bitter truth is that the performance of APC since it came to power as a national ruling party in Nigeria failed every standard so disappointing and shameful. It flopped in economy, failed in security and it is the most corrupt government in the history of Nigeria. In all ramifications, there is no area of governance that one who is not a sycophant can sincerely give this APC government under Buhari a pass mark. But will Tinubu win the presidential election for APC if he finally gets the ticket? Or will the emergence of any south westerner as APCs presidential ticket diminish its chances and boast that of PDP? Mathematically speaking as the situation stands today, 2023 has presented itself as a very good opportunity for the PDP to reproduce the next president of Nigeria. While it is true that there are many other political parties, but the reality remains that none of the parties has the resources and the structures required to win a presidential election except these two identical parties named PDP and APC. However, other political parties in Nigeria may count in the 2023 presidential election only if they all can agree to come together like the way the political parties that formed APC did before the 2015 general elections, in exception of this forget them, none will singly be a threat to APC and PDP. They can only separately play the spoilers role. Whether APC presents Tinubu or another person the effect will be the same as long as that person is from south west. But it will be a political blunder and a grave mistake should PDP take someone from Yoruba or Igbo as its presidential candidate. Irrespective of what people may say or how the party echelons may be pressured, PDP members should not forget that the advantage they have now is that APC as a ruling party is not doing well and at the same time the hands of its members are constrained to take someone only from south west - if they do contrarily they will split to the advantage of PDP. But if PDP refuses to be tactical and take sentiments and emotions away and does not scheme for the emergence of a northerner, considering Nigeria factors, APC will again win the presidential election no matter where its candidate will come from. Note also, if APC picks a northerner as a presidential candidate which I doubt strongly, PDP will gasp for breath of survival. Uzoma Ahamefule, a concerned patriotic citizen and a refined African traditionalist, writes from Vienna, Austria. +436607369050 (WhatsApp messages only) Photo: Uzoma Ahamefule Sharna Burgess was left in the lurch last year after her Channel 10 show Dancing With The Stars was axed and sold back to former owner Channel Seven. But the 35-year-old ballroom dancer has hinted she may be returning to the franchise sooner than expected. In a Q&A style post to her Instagram Stories on Saturday, Sharna revealed she'd be very interested in joining Channel Seven's revamped judging panel this year. 'I would love to': Sharna Burgess (pictured), 35, has revealed she wants to join Channel Seven's revamped season of Dancing With The Stars this year 'I would love to if they will have me,' she told her followers after being asked whether she would ever return to the show. Sharna appeared on the Australian Dancing With The Stars judging panel in 2019 and 2020. Prior to that, the glamazon starred on Dancing With The Stars U.S. for twelve seasons. Will she return? In a Q&A style post to her Instagram Stories on Saturday, Sharna revealed she'd be very interested in joining Dancing With The Stars: All Stars season on Channel Seven this year It comes amid rumours Channel Seven has lined up TV veteran Sonia Kruger as the host for the Dancing With The Stars: All Stars season. The network announced in December the show would be 'refreshed, re-imagined and reborn as a unique television event' in the new year. While hosts, judges and contestants on Dancing With The Stars: All Stars are still yet to be announced, it was expected to feature some of the biggest names to appear on the series since it began in 2004. Familiar face: Prior to appearing on the Australian judging panel, Sharna starred on Dancing With The Stars US for twelve seasons These could include Bec Cartwright, Pauline Hanson, Grant Denyer, Fifi Box, Adam Brand, Tina Arena, Ricki-Lee Coulter, Manu Feildel and Christian Wilkins. Daryl Sommers, 69, who hosted the show between 2004 and 2007 alongside Sonia, 55, is also reportedly returning to the show in the new year. Seven Network's Programming Director Angus Ross said in a statement on December 20 that he was 'delighted to welcome [Dancing With The Stars] home' as it was 'one of the most successful television formats in the world'. 'Next year's special season will bring back some of the big names and personalities from seasons past in a brand new format, plus several other surprises that we will reveal shortly,' he said. Another show under her belt? It comes amid rumours Channel Seven has lined up TV veteran Sonia Kruger as the host for the Dancing With The Stars: All Stars season Srinagar, Jan 10 : Based on credible input regarding presence of terrorists of proscribed terror outfit LeT in a hideout constructed in a house in village Chandhara Pampore in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, police along with the Army and CRPF launched a search operation Sunday morning. During search one large hideout of LeT outfit was found in a cowshed and was destroyed subsequently, officials said. Police said one terrorist associate identified as Adil Ahmad Shah, resident of Chandhara Pampore, of LeT was also arrested. "Incriminating material and cache of ammunition including 26 round of AK-47 were recovered from the busted hideout," police said. Police have registered an FIR. The Challenge stars Jordan Wiseley and Tori Deal got engaged in November 2019 but split a year later after returning from filming season 36. Following the Jan. 6 episode, she appeared on a podcast and gave exclusive details about her breakup, revealing they had a rocky relationship for a while. Jordan responded to her comments in his Instagram Stories. Jordan Wiseley and Hunter Barfield attend The Challenge XXX: Ultimate Fan Experience | Lars Niki Jordan Wiseley and Tori Deal ended their engagement After proposing during The Challenge 34: War of the Worlds 2 and returning as a power couple for Total Madness, Tori competed in Double Agents while Jordan Wiseley stayed home. After filming in Oct. 2020, fans began noticing that she didnt return to the home she shared with Jordan. Even though the two denied breaking up, they eventually announced the split in late November. RELATED: The Challenge Stars Jordan Wiseley and Tori Deal Split After 3 Years of Dating Tori explained the two separated due to several little incidents that made them realize they arent compatible. In Jordans caption, he wrote the pressures of being in a public relationship eventually led to their demise. Shortly after the couple announced their breakup and around the time Double Agents premiered, viewers claimed they spotted the rumored couple on a Turks and Caicos vacation together. Fessy hasnt acknowledged it, while Tori barely touched on the rumors in The Official Challenge podcast episode, noting she did travel there. Tori talked about their breakup in podcast During the Jan. 6. episode of season 36, a segment highlighted a possible romantic relationship between Tori and two-time competitor Fessy Shafaat. In a confessional, he admitted he found her attractive and felt they shared a genuine connection but respected her then-relationship. Other competitors in the house noted they felt Tori and Fessy might have had something going on, although the two denied it. Before the episode aired, Tori saw a minute-long promotion clip of the segment and denied cheating on Jordan in an Instagram Story post. 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: Tori Deal Gave a Clue Her Broken Engagement to Jordan Wiseley Isnt as Amicable as it Seems Following the episode, she appeared on Chicks in the Office podcast and spoke more in-depth about her breakup. According to Tori, she and Jordan had a rocky relationship for a while and broke up a few times before leaving to film the current season. She explained they had a tough time during COVID-19 and frequently argued. Even so, Tori insists she still wanted the relationship and begged him to stay. However, it didnt work out, and she claims they almost immediately broke up after she returned home. Jordan responds to her remarks in Instagram Stories A few hours after the interview made its rounds around the internet, Jordan addressed his exs remarks on his Instagram. He explained he saw the clip and noted, its certainly news to him. While Jordan didnt clarify which part he found surprising, the three-time champ said he hadnt spoken on their breakup because he considered it special and deep and something he wanted to keep between them. RELATED: The Challenge 36: Tori Deal Denies Cheating on Jordan Wiseley With Fessy Shafaat Therefore, he called it so disappointing to see what its being turned into. He has yet to comment on her rumored relationship with Fessy. However, Fessy has claimed he and Tori arent dating and doesnt believe they will in the future. The Challenge 36 airs Wednesdays at 8/7 Central on MTV. ALTON The discussion of a parade in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be the main topic at the Alton Committee of the Whole meeting. The parade is planned 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17. The parade route will require the closure of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Washington Avenue, 20th Street and College Avenue. Watching your child take their first steps is an emotional milestone for any parent but for brave Rowena Owen it's even more poignant because she is learning to walk again at the same time as her young son. Entrepreneur Rowena's life changed forever on a sunny Thursday in August when a distracted driver careered onto the wrong side of the carriageway and slammed head-on into her Audi A6. The mother-of-one, 40, was driving back from a lunchtime get-together with a friend who lives an hour from her home in Canterbury, Kent when the horrific smash happened at an infamous accident blackspot on the A2070. The impact, which police investigators believe involved a combined speed of 100mph, almost completely destroyed both cars, and left Rowena fighting for her life with devastating injuries to her legs, feet, neck, arms and internal organs. Rowena Owen is learning to walk again at the same time as her young son after a horror car crash left her fighting for her life. Pictured: her first cuddle with Harvey after leaving hospital It took firefighters 55 minutes to cut her out of the tangled wreckage and she was airlifted in a critical condition to Kings College Hospital in Central London. Rowena spent six weeks in hospital in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, underwent four operations to rebuild her shattered body and was only able to see son Harvey once in that time. After arriving home on September 25, she began the long and painful road to recovery only able to get around with the help of a gutter frame, at the same time as her 15-month-old was taking his first steps. Rowena, who joint owns Kent-based holiday let firm Bloom Stays, told FEMAIL: 'I know I'm lucky to be alive, everyone has told me that. Rowena spent six weeks in hospital in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, underwent four operations to rebuild her shattered body and was only able to see son Harvey once in that time. Pictured on partner Charlie's birthday, shortly before the crash Entrepreneur Rowena's life changed forever on a sunny Thursday in August when a distracted driver careered onto the wrong side of the carriageway and slammed head-on into her Audi A6 (pictured: the aftermath) 'We were both in big, strong cars and the police say that's what saved me and the other driver as well. 'Being away from Harvey for so long was really tough, I only managed to see him once when my partner brought him up to London to the hospital. 'I couldn't wait to see him. He isn't quite walking yet, so as I had to learn to walk again we started doing it together. 'Going home was full of mixed emotions, a slight tension of how am I going to manage? 'I got home after a two-hour journey lying down in an ambulance, still unable to bear the thought of sitting upright for more than 20 minutes. 'Arriving to the open arms of Charlie my partner, who had done a mad shop around to ensure I had all the kit to be comfy at home. Rowena's terrible injuries included a broken femur in her right leg, a broken tibia and fibula in her left leg with a five-inch-deep gash in her shin caused by the tibia splintering and bursting through her skin. Pictured before the crash 'It felt like Christmas morning once indoors and it was almost the strangest dream to be back home looking at Charlie, holding his hand. We were not allowed to on his occasional permitted visits! 'A kiss was forbidden until the Covid results came back as my son's nursery had a possible case. 'When I first got home, I was using what's called a gutter frame with shoulder support because I could put weight on my right leg but wasn't allowed to put weight on my left leg as my bones were healing at different rates. Rowena was driving back from a lunchtime get-together with a friend when the horrific smash happened at an infamous accident blackspot on the A2070 'I was obviously delighted but having nothing more than a commode and a gutter frame made me realise my family were going to have to do everything for me. 'The first morning I woke up at home was really was incredible, a night's sleep uninterrupted by nurses, beeps and occasional crash noises. 'Then Harvey was brought in awake and happy with his morning milk and a beaming smile and happy hands outstretched for a hug. That hug was without a doubt the best hug I have ever had.' Watching Harvey cruise around the furniture, bravely tottering to take his first steps made Rowena realise it was possible her toddler would be walking before her. 'It took at least two weeks before I caught up with him and we tried together,' she recalled. 'Now we can just about totter around a bit together. I can also take a couple of steps now with Harvey in my arms, but no more than that. 'I've been told it will take me about two years to recover, and that I will need a lot of physio as the body forgets how to move and muscles waste away. 'I even had to learn to hold my arms up again, and they weren't even broken. 'I am determined to make a full recovery, so I can do the things mums do with their families.' Rowena (left with business partner Nicky Russon) said she is determined to make a full recovery Doctors have told Rowena she should make a full recovery from her catalogue of injuries. Only the broken foot dubbed a Lisfranc break - could prove troublesome in later years. Her terrible injuries included a broken femur in her right leg, a broken tibia and fibula in her left leg with a five-inch-deep gash in her shin caused by the tibia splintering and bursting through her skin. She also broke her left foot, with the middle of the foot separating from her toes. Rowena also suffered a broken bone in her neck, a slipped disk, concussion and deep wounds down to the bone on her right forearm and ankle. Doctors later found she had a perforated bowel which was caused by the seatbelt 'hugging' her, and she was also treated for a pulmonary embolism as a result of bleeding heavily from her left leg. Medics told her she suffered such bad injuries because she was braced rigid on impact having had just 1.5 seconds to react to the oncoming vehicle. Rowena is keen, once the country is free from the curse of Covid, to hold a huge fundraising event for the Kent Air Ambulance, which saved her life. Pictured: images from the crash site Rowena underwent four operations, two immediately after she was flown to Kings Hospital, to piece together her severely damaged legs. Three days after the smash she was transferred to Guy's and St. Thomas' to undergo plastic surgery on the left leg and foot and have rods inserted. Rowena was in the operating theatre again five days later when amid complications it was discovered her bowel had been pierced and she was suffering from an embolism. She recalled waking up in hospital around six hours after the accident to find her partner of ten years, Charles Cardwell, 42, by her bedside. 'I wasn't aware what happened, but I felt calm, safe and somehow knew I had been awake before, but it was all so very confusing,' she said. Numb from pain, Rowena, who was a keen gym-goer before the accident, was able to ask whether the accident was her fault. She was told it wasn't. Doctors have told Rowena she should make a full recovery from her catalogue of injuries. Only the broken foot dubbed a Lisfranc break - could prove troublesome in later years. Pictured: Harvey's only visit to Rowena in hospital with Rowena's mum on FaceTime Flashbacks of the accident are frequent, especially when she is falling asleep. She said: 'I have different ones, some very serene of sunshine and wind, which are apparently the last visions of comfort I saw which my mind is showing me to take away the nastiness and put nice bits in its place. 'It's mostly when I am about to fall asleep as I am drifting off. It's more feelings than what I see and it's the sounds, the horrible bang. When I was in hospital, I would hear bangs, but staff told me that was flashbacks. 'My last actual memory is of going round a roundabout, then I have a very faint memory of the impact where I see a car in front of me - then black. 'I have since read the roadside report which they have to update every ten minutes said, "life threatening", then "life changing", then back to "life threatening", so I know I was lucky. 'I discovered that minutes after the crash I called the emergency services myself, which is haunting as I don't have any memory of the event, but yet I know I must have been terrified. Watching Harvey cruise around the furniture, bravely tottering to take his first steps made Rowena realise it was possible her toddler would be walking before her. They are now learning together 'The first two police officers who arrived would have seen my leg. My bone was shattered and came through and was bleeding. It must have been pretty horrendous-looking, the door was crushed closed which made it difficult for the emergency services to treat me.' Rowena plans to arrange to meet Officer Janser of Folkestone Station who stayed with her in the aftermath of the accident while his female colleague treated the driver of the other vehicle. And a meeting with the paramedics who kept her alive on the helicopter flight from the scene to Kings Hospital is also on Rowena's to-do list. Rowena is also keen, once the country is free from the curse of Covid, to hold a huge fundraising event for the Kent Air Ambulance, which only receive minimal funding from local government and rely heavily on public donations. My accident was in the middle of nowhere. It was touch and go whether I would survive Rowena Owen, 40 She added: 'I haven't met the officer who was with me yet, but I do have a feeling I know what he looks like, so it will be interesting when I see him if it brings anything back. 'I didn't know the air ambulance are not supported and only have a tiny amount of local government funding. 'My accident was in the middle of nowhere. It was touch and go whether I would survive. 'It's not just car accidents, it's stabbings and all sorts of people who need that type of care. I haven't met them yet, the crew who flew me. 'I want to see if I remember them. They are encouraged to meet survivors as it's good for their mental health to see the results of their work, so I want see them and thank them. 'They see people in horrible situations. I will meet them this year. I want to try and give something back. 'Through Bloom Stays we have holiday lets that have helicopter landing pads, so I'd like to do a big thing, with all the great and good of the county. 'Not just to raise a fiver or a tenner they deserve so much more than that. I owe them my life.' Guangzhous Liwan district carried out nucleic acid tests throughout Wednesday night and Thursday in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19. The southern metropolis is under pressure to prevent imported infections, after a person was confirmed Friday to have contracted a strain of the coronavirus first found in India. The city reported three new cases, one local and two imported, on Wednesday May 27, 2021 05:09 PM Investment house Cerno Capital is a small 'boutique' fund manager, based in London's West End before lockdown sent its 16 staff scattering to all corners of the country. It runs assets of 650million and manages three investment funds aimed at the public. Among them is the 111million fund Cerno Global Leaders, managed by James Spence, co-founder of Cerno, since launch just over three years ago. The fund is interesting on many levels. First, the portfolio is a concentrated one, with only 24 holdings or as Spence describes the fund 'high conviction'. At no time are there more than 30 company stakes. Second, each holding has roughly the same weighting in the portfolio although Spence says 'we don't touch the rudder every day'. This approach means gains from winning stocks are quickly banked and used to increase positions that have not performed as well. 'We buy into share price weakness,' adds Spence, 'and sell into strength. The idea is that every company whose shares we own can make a meaningful contribution to the fund's overall performance.' Third, although the fund's 'global leaders' title suggests that its portfolio comprises many of the world's leading brands, this is not the case. Although the likes of Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Nestle and Samsung are held by the fund, there are a number of lesser known companies. For example, Swiss-based flavours and fragrance manufacturer Givaudan and US based Aptiv designer and manufacturer of the electronic 'brains' behind most cars. 'We look for companies that are consistently profitable, have strong balance sheets and are likely to continue to be winners in the future,' says Spence. 'Sometimes, they are leaders in areas far away from the eye of the consumer. A food company will seldom develop a new product without an input from Givaudan. Similarly, Aptiv's electronic systems are embedded in most leading car brands. In my eyes, it's a better investment opportunity than opting for a holding in Tesla or BMW.' Spence says there are some 500 to 600 stocks that he keeps tabs on. Sectors that he avoids include banking and commodities (too cyclical) as well as companies involved in tobacco, armaments and the mining of fossil fuels. Spence's modus operandi is moulded around holding companies for the long term 12 of the stocks have been in the portfolio for at least five years. 'For us to trade stocks,' says Spence, 'it is either because our investment thesis failed the company we thought would be a winner turned out not to be one or a company's valuation becomes so stretched it makes sense to take profits.' The result is low portfolio turnover although last year was an exception as a result of the coronavirus. Ahead of the global pandemic in March last year, Spence disposed of four US holdings Federal Express, Oracle, Rockwell Corporation and Waters Corporation. Late last year, he also disposed of a stake in engineering firm Ansys after its valuation 'became extended'. The only purchase was a new position in Aptiv. The fund's performance numbers are strong. Since launch, Cerno Global Leaders has delivered an overall return of 55 per cent comfortably ahead of the average for global investment funds (a return of 37 per cent) and the performance of the FTSE World Index (up 40 per cent). The fund is not suited for income seekers. Its stock market identification code is: GB00BF00QK62 and the annual charges total 0.87 per cent. When watching this Jimmy Dore Show about the Capitol incident one can clearly see that some of the police were reluctant to intervene against the surprise visitors. Some even took selfies with them. The police may have been overwhelmed and decided that more fighting would have been counterproductive. Or, maybe, they let it happen on purpose? The LIHOP theory is often applied to the 9/11 incident in 2001. The FBI and others knew that terrorist from the Middle East were about to use air planes to attack within the U.S. but it was decided to let that happen and to use the event for political gain. That political gain came in form of the Patriot Act which gave the government more power to spy on its citizens, and in form of the war of terror on the Middle East. Even weeks before Wednesday's event there had been lots of open source chatter about a big protest in Washington and plans to take on the Capitol. Like in in 455, when the Vandals sacked Rome, there was little done by the local authorities to prevent that. The actors in both incidents have by the way remarkable similarities. If we consider that 'Vandals' storming the Capitol was known to be upcoming and that the vandals actually managed to do it, we have to look for potential aims of those who might have allowed it to happen. Two are sticking out. The 'Domestic terrorism' issues and the mass destruction of communication channels used by Trump and the political right. Joe Biden gave a hint when he (falsely) called the Capitol incident an act of 'domestic terrorism': President-elect Joe Biden characterized the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as domestic terrorists, referring to the violence as one of the darkest days in the history of our nation. ... Mr. Biden has said he plans to make a priority of passing a law against domestic terrorism, and he has been urged to create a White House post overseeing the fight against ideologically inspired violent extremists and increasing funding to combat them. Federal law defines domestic terrorism as dangerous and illegal acts intended to coerce a population or influence the government. While it can be charged in some states, no generic federal crime exists. Domestic terrorism spans extremist ideologies, but it has been predominantly a far-right phenomenon in recent decades, according to researchers. In 2019 Adam Schiff, the unhinged Russia basher who has falsely claimed that he had evidence of a Trump collusion with Russia, introduced a 'domestic terrorism' bill that will now likely be taken up. The Hill reported at that time: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, introduced legislation Friday that would make domestic terrorism a federal crime. The Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act would create a federal criminal statute that would cover domestic acts of terror committed by those without links to foreign organizations. ... The attack in El Paso by a white supremacist is only the most recent in a disturbing and growing trend of domestic terrorism, fueled by racism and hatred. The Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act would for the first time create a domestic terrorism crime, and thus provide prosecutors with new tools to combat these devastating crimes, Schiff said in a statement. The actual bill Schiff introduce is quite generic and covers a wide range of actions as well as attempts to take such actions or conspiring to do them: Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection (b), and with the intent to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion, or affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping (A) knowingly kills, kidnaps, maims, commits an assault resulting in serious bodily injury, or assaults with a dangerous weapon any person within the United States; or (B) creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury to any other person by knowingly destroying or damaging any structure, conveyance, or other real or personal property within the United States or by attempting or conspiring to destroy or damage any structure, conveyance, or other real or personal property within the United States, in violation of the laws of any State, or the United States, shall be punished under section 2332b(c). Any prosecutor will be able to use the wording of the law to indict someone who has been talking about bashing a road sign for 'domestic terrorism'. Such a law will of course not only be used against the 'white supremacists' who Schiff claims to dislike but, as ACLU pointed out, primarily against the left and minorities: People of color and other marginalized communities have long been targeted under domestic terrorism authorities for unfair and discriminatory surveillance, investigations, and prosecutions. Law enforcement agencies use of these authorities undermines and has violated equal protection, due process, and First Amendment rights. Law enforcement agencies already have all the authorities they need to address white supremacist violence effectively. We therefore urge you instead to require agencies to provide meaningful public data on their use of resources and failure to prioritize white supremacist violence. The ACLU strongly urges you to oppose H.R. 4192, Confronting the Threat of Domestic Terrorism Act because it is unnecessary and would serve to target the very communities that Congress is seeking to protect. The Capitol attack does not justify such new laws or more spying. As a second consequence of the Capitol incident the tech monopoly companies, which are largely aligned with the corporate Democrats, took coordinated action to disrupt the communication between Trump and his political followers as well as within the general political right. The company Trump used for mass emailing to his followers has stopped its service for Trump. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and Shopify have all banned Trump. Apple and Google took steps against the Parlor app which is mostly used by people on the right. It wasn't only Trump who was banned: Ben Collins @oneunderscore__ - 21:19 UTC Jan 8, 2021 BREAKING: Twitter is taking dramatic action on remaining QAnon accounts for breaking their "Coordinated Harmful Activity" rules, some of whom heavily promoted Wednesday's storming of the Capitol. Mike Flynn, Sidney Powell, 8kun's Ron Watkins banned. Twitter's statement below: Thousands of Twitter accounts, mostly not prominent ones, were culled over night. The banning of Trump has nothing to do with the actual content of Trump's or others' communications: Byron York @ByronYork - 23:53 UTC Jan 8, 2021 Twitter has permanently banned President Trump, and they did it on the basis of two unobjectionable tweets. Example: Twitter says Trump's 'I won't go to inauguration' tweet will 'inspire' violence. https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/c... The was an organized and likely long planned campaign initiated by the incoming Biden administration. Trump's tweets and followers were probably the biggest traffic generators Twitter and Facebook ever had. They would not have killed off that profitable source of revenues if the incoming administration had not threatened them with new regulations. Michael Tracey condemned this campaign in a series of tweets: Twitter's stated rationale for banning Sidney Powell, Mike Flynn, and others -- "behavior that has the potential to lead to offline harm" -- is extraordinarily creepy and could be used against virtually anyone if the powers-that-be decided it was politically necessary Purging the sitting President from his primary communications platform is absolute authoritarian lunacy It was obvious within about 10 minutes on Wednesday that this crisis would be exploited to drastically ramp up censorship and suppress political speech None of this is about safety, its about purposely inflating a threat in order to assert political and cultural dominance If were accepting this new incitement doctrine there are thousands of activists who could be purged/criminalized for inciting an enormous wave of violent riots over the summer. But thankfully theres a thing called protected speech, although its quickly being shredded The most extreme, coordinated corporate censorship offensive in modern history and liberals/leftists are in a mindless celebratory stupor. Pathetic shills Corporate liberals and leftists have been absolutely obsessed with purging the internet of political undesirables since 2016, and this "crisis" is the perfect opportunity to finally fulfill their deepest authoritarian wish The new corporate authoritarian liberal-left monoculture is going to be absolutely ruthless -- and in 12 days it is merging with the state. This only the beginning Must just be a total coincidence that YouTube also happened to terminate Steve Bannon. Definitely not a coordinated political revenge campaign by the tech oligarchs as they wait for a Democratic administration to come in Notice that the threat of "violence" Twitter says justifies their political purge never applies to traditional forms of state violence -- Trump's tweets announcing bombings or assassinations were never seen as necessitating some disciplinary intervention in the name of "safety" Make no mistake. Both actions that follow from the ludicrous Capitol 'sacking', Biden's 'domestic terrorism' act and the systematic eradication of communication channels for people with certain opinions, will primarily be used against the left. When President Biden starts his first war all significant protest against it will be declared to be 'domestic terrorism'. All communication against it will be 'inciting' and therefore banned. We know this because it has always been like this New Delhi: Several reports have claimed that a former diplomat from Pakistan admitted that as many as 300 terrorists had died in the Balakot airstrike conducted by India on February 26, 2019. However, the information has turned out to be false as the video clip cited by media houses was doctored. News agency ANI had reported that Agha Hilaly made the statement during a TV new debate on a Pakistani Urdu channel. "India crossed the international border and did an act of war in which at least 300 were reported dead. Our target was different from theirs. We targeted their high command. That was our legitimate target because they are men of the military. We subconsciously accepted that a surgical strike- a limited action- did not result in any casualty. Now we have subconsciously told them that, whatever they will do, we'll do only that much and won't escalate," Agha Hilaly reportedly said. However, 'Alt News', a non-profit fact checking website, found that in the debate uploaded on YouTube by HUM news as part of a program called "Agenda Pakistan", Hilaly said, "India ne jo kiya, international boundary ko cross karke ek act of war. Jisme kam se kam 300 logo ko unhone marna tha." In English, this translates to, "What you did, India was an act of war. By crossing the international boundary India committed an act of war in which they intended to kill at least 300 people." Alt News further stated that video clips posted on Twitter, however, has an "abrupt cut around 0:7-0:9 seconds". The word "marna (to kill)" sounds as if Hilaly said "mara (killed)". The 'n' pronunciation has been edited out. Former Pak Diplomat Zafar admitted On Tv that in Balakot airstrike 300+ Terr0rists kiIIed and response of Pakistan was weak.pic.twitter.com/EKYGGuC9dS Maverick Bharat (@Mave_Intel) January 9, 2021 In a pre-dawn strike in February 2019, IAFs Mirage 2000 fighter jets had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and carried out strikes in the terror camps in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakoti in a well-planned operation. Pakistan had refused to acknowledge the presence of terrorists who were killed during the airstrike. In the early hours of 26 February, 2019, the IAF jets bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camps in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan and avenged the Pulwama terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. Rescuers have discovered body parts and pieces of clothing during a desperate search for a missing Indonesian plane which mysteriously crashed after taking off on Saturday afternoon. Sriwijaya Air Flight 182, with 62 people on board, took off from Soekarno-Hatta international airport for a 90-minute flight over the Java Sea between Jakarta and Pofntianak in West Kalimantan. But at 2.40pm - just four minutes after takeoff - the Boeing B737-500 plunged nearly 3,300 metres in less than 60 seconds to an altitude of just 75 metres, with witnesses claiming they heard two explosions. Rescuers have discovered body parts and pieces of clothing during a desperate search for Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Sunday said authorities launched a widespread search for the Boeing 737-500 after narrowing down 'the possible location of the crash site' The Boeing B737-500 plunged nearly 3,300 metres in less than 60 seconds to an altitude of just 75 metres. Pictured: debris discovered in the ocean These pieces were found by the SAR team between Lancang Island and Laki Island, National Search and Rescue Agency Bagus Puruhito said Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Sunday said authorities launched a widespread search for the Boeing 737-500 after narrowing down 'the possible location of the crash site'. 'These pieces were found by the SAR team between Lancang Island and Laki Island,' National Search and Rescue Agency Bagus Puruhito said. Personnel on the Rigel navy ship detected a signal from the fallen plane, in line with the coordinates from the last contact made by the pilots. 'We have immediately deployed our divers from navy's elite unit to determine the finding to evacuate the victims,' Indonesian military chief Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said. Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of a local life boat, told local television that human remains were found, saying: 'We found body parts, life jackets, avtur (aviation turbine fuel) and debris of the plane.' A fisherman, named Solihin, told the BBC that he had been at sea when he witnessed the plane crash into the water near to his ship. 'The plane fell like lightning into the sea and exploded in the water. It was pretty close to us, the shards of a kind of plywood almost hit my ship. 'We thought it was a bomb or a tsunami since after that we saw the big splash from the water. 'It was raining heavily and the weather was so bad... We were very shocked and directly saw the plane debris and the fuel around our boat.' Locals on a nearby island said they heard two explosions before discovering metal pieces, cables and fragments of a pair of jeans floating in the sea. Fifty-six passengers - including seven kids and three babies, two pilots and four cabin crew were on board the 26-year-old plane. Indonesian search and rescue officers inspect a bag with wreckage believed to be of the missing plane at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Indonesia The plane - believed to be a Boeing B737-500 - is understood to have fallen 10,000 feet in less than 60 seconds just four minutes after it took off The missing plane is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX jet involved in two earlier fatal crashes - including the Indonesian Lion Air crash in 2018 which killed 189. Mr Sumadi said the doomed flight was delayed for an hour before it took off at 2.36pm. But the aircraft disappeared from radar four minutes later, after the pilot contacted air traffic control to ascend to an altitude 8,839 meters. A dozen vessels - including four warships - were deployed in a search and rescue operation centered between Lancang island and Laki island, part of the Thousand Islands chain just north of Jakarta. 'Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than [3,000 metres] of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta,' the tracking agency said on its official Twitter account. The Arizona Republican Party is on the brink of censuring Cindy McCain for campaigning for Joe Biden - a move her daughter Meghan slammed Sunday as coming from 'troglodytes.' The party singled out John McCain's widow for rebuke after she publicly split from it and endorsed Biden in the presidential election, following Donald Trump's relentless attacks on the war hero after his death. The censure passed the Maricopa County GOP Saturday, with 'near unanimous cheering/approval,' according to a tweet from the Arizona Republicans' account. The full party will consider the censure motion later this month. But the party earned a swift rebuke both from Cindy McCain and her daughter Meghan, a co-host of ABC's The View. 'I like people who don't start insurrections or commit acts of domestic terrorism against our republic,' Meghan McCain tweeted, a reference to Trump's slur against her father that: 'I like heroes who weren't captured.' And Cindy McCain tweeted: 'I am a proud lifelong Republican and will continue to support candidates who put country over party and stand for the rule of law.' The censure motion included a bitter personal attack on Cindy McCain, about her battle with prescription opioids in the 1980s and early 1990s, something which she has been open about for decades. Derision: Cindy and Meghan McCain attacked the Arizona GOP for moving to censure her. Her husband John was its most beloved figure but the party in the state now backs Trump over him. Trump lost the state in the general election and both its Senate seats have gone Democratic Smear: Among the elements of the censure are an attack on John McCain's military service It also smeared John McCain, saying he had been 'known for serious wrongdoing during his military service.' It even supported Trump saying his attacks on the senator, which continued for years after his death and were most recently made on December 17, were 'truthful.' The censure attacked Cindy McCain for supporting gay marriage and accused her of supporting 'others that run counter to Republican values,' which it did not specify. And it demanded that the GOP in the state 'dissolve in perpetuity' and connection to any McCains 'who have supported her views and actions' - certain to be a reference to Meghan. It also said that the censure would be discussed on 'January 23, 2020.' The censure attempt marks the latest episode in the Arizona Republican Party's war with the McCains - despite John McCain having been its most famous and beloved figure. John McCain died in August 2018, and since then both Senate seats have gone to Democrats, while Trump lost the state in November's election for only the second time since 1952. The state party has become stridently pro-Trump, with its twitter account used to promote conspiracy theories about voting fraud and in the last few days repeatedly claimed that the MAGA rioters were 'antifa.' Shortly after the riots, it tweeted a thread which condemned violence but said: 'As protesters-turned-rioters illegally stormed the U.S. Capitol this afternoon, one peaceful protesters in the street muttered: "This is getting out of control," to which another loudly responded: "And is exactly what happens when you treat Americans like bulls***."' Beloved figure: John McCain was Arizona's senator from 1987 until his death in 2018, taking the seat of Barry Goldwater. His widow Cindy is a native of the state with deep Republican roots Mourning: Cindy McCain, her daughter Meghan and sons Jimmy (left) and Jack (right) at John McCain's funeral. The entire McCain family was included in the censure motion It has also attacked Jeff Flake, the former senator who stepped down in 2018 after a string of attacks by Trump. Cindy McCain's Republican roots in Arizona run deeper than her late husband's. Born Cindy Hensley, her father founded Hensley & Co., an Anheuser-Busch distribution business which made the family one of the state's wealthiest. Cindy McCain was Junior Rodeo Queen of Arizona in 1968, and when she married John, smoothed his way into Arizona Republican politics, with the aid of her father's extensive party contacts. She also largely lived in Arizona while her husband served in Washington - and it was in the late 1980s that she became addicted to prescription opioids, and began to get the director of her charity - a doctor - to write prescriptions in employees' names to get more of them. Her parents staged an intervention in 1992 and she was charged by the Drug Enforcement Agency. She went public with her struggle with addiction and received the support of her husband and sought help, while she avoided charges as a result. She has spoken repeatedly of her struggle, once telling Jay Leno that she triest 'to talk about it as much as possible because I don't want anyone to wind up in the shoes that I did.' Lakhs of students of Class 10 and Class 12 are eagerly waiting for the release of CBSE Class 10, 12 Board exams 2021 date sheet ever since Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal announced recently that CBSE Class 10, 12 board exams 2021 will be held from May 4 till June 10. Though the CBSE is yet to make any official announcement regarding the announcement of the date sheet, it is widely speculated that the board could announce the timetable by mid-January. For his part, Pokhriyal had also announced that the government is making efforts to release the dates as soon as possible. A notice on CBSEs website said that the date sheet for CBSE Class 10, 12 Board Exams 2021 will be declared in the coming days. Students should monitor official website of CBSE, i.e., cbse.nic.in, for any announcement and should not fall prey to the fake news circualting about the datesheet. Once the CBSE Class 10, 12 Board Exams 2021 date sheet is released, students can follow these steps to check it online Step 1: Visit the official website of CBSE, i.e., cbse.nic.in. Step 2: Under the announcement section, click on the link that reads, CBSE schedule for 10th and 12th Step 3: Click on the class 10th or class 12th link. Step 4: A new page will appear on the screen with the PDF file. Step 5: Save and download the date sheet for future reference. Live TV Few weeks ago, the CBSE had reduced the syallabus for Class 10, 12 Board exams by 30% but on December 31, the education minister made it clear that the further syllabus deduction for the upcoming board exams is going to be tough and he had suggested the students to start preparing for the exams. WEATHER A nice start will give a morning of hazy sunny spells. Cloud will increase by lunchtime and from mid-afternoon there's a likelihood of showers which will develop into persistent rain through the evening. Highest temperature 14deg in moderate southerly breezes. On this day in 1960, the last commercial barge on the Grand Canal made its final journey to Limerick, with a cargo of Guinness. Police responded to a home on Atlanta Avenue and spoke with a woman who said she was moving and noticed that a few items from her side shed were sitting in the neighbors' yard. The woman said she just wanted the tent back and so police handed it to her. Police spoke with the owner of the yard. The owner said he had no idea how those items got in his yard. He said it is possible that the items fell out while the movers were moving them.* * *Police responded to a disorder on Baldwin Street.After arriving on scene officers met with a man who said that an individual approached him and began rambling about nonsense. The man asked the individual to leave and he refused. The man believes the individual was stealing his mail due to him knowing personal information about him and having a business card of a business associate. Officers located the individual and identified him, but were unable to confirm if he had been stealing the man's mail. The individual was informed by police that the man no longer wanted him on their property and was instructed that if he were to return he would be arrested.* * *Police responded to a theft at Soho Nail Salon, 2020 Gunbarrel Road. An employee said a black female entered the salon and asked to use the restroom. When the employee went to unlock the restroom, the woman stole the employee's iPhone 10 (valued at $1,200) in a pink case and ran out of the salon headed east toward Walmart. The employee said that she would provide police the serial number for the phone when able. Police searched the area, but were unable to locate any woman matching the suspect's description.* * *Police responded to a damaged property accidental at CVS Pharmacy on Dorchester Road. A man told police that a vehicle struck his BMW on the right side rear corner while it was parked at the pharmacy. The man said there was a note left on his vehicle with a woman's name and a phone number. The man said he made numerous attempts to contact this woman and it appears now that the number has been blocked.* * *Police responded to a shoplifting at Books A Million, 5230 Hwy. 153. Upon arrival officers spoke with an employee regarding the theft of a book. The employee said a white male entered the store and made his way to the Manga section of the store. The man selected a Berserker Deluxe Edition novel and then made his way to the center of the store. The man can been seen on camera opening his jacket and putting the book inside. When the man entered an open area, he no longer had the book in his hands and made his way to the exit. The manager was to send officers surveillance images of the suspect.* * *Police responded to a shoplifting at Chattanooga Wine and Spirits, 6804 Shallowford Road. An employee told police that a black female passed the point of sale without paying for three bottles of tequila that she had placed in a red handbag. The value of the stolen property is $234. The woman entered a Pontiac G6 vehicle with a Tennessee license plate before leaving the scene in the direction of Shallowford Road.* * *Police responded to a call at the T-Mobile store, 3446 Rossville Blvd., about a man who was seen passed out on the sidewalk near Rossville Boulevard. The man had ear phones in his ears and was unable to hear the police. The man was awakened by police to verify his well-being. The man said he was simply using the outlet near the sidewalk to charge his phone. The man said he fell asleep while charging his phone.* * *Police responded to a shoplifting at the Aldi's on Lee Highway. An employee told police that someone shoplifted a pair of shoes. The employee was able to show officers camera footage of a black female taking off her shoes and putting on a pair of shoes that were located in Aldi's. The employee said the shoes were valued at $20. The woman was seen leaving past the point of sale and getting into a black sedan.* * *Police were called to a pawn shop at 1904 E 23rd St. Upon arrival police spoke with a man who had bought a bicycle from the pawn shop and a manager of the pawn shop. The man said the bicycle had a problem with the tire tube stem coming off. The store manager told the man that the purchase he made was an "as is" purchase. The man said he was unaware of that, so he told the manager he wanted a tire for his bicycle and wanted the manager to call the police. The manager told the man that he could purchase a tube for his tire. The manager called police per the man's request. The man had a friend help him put a tire on his bike that his friend brought him. The man left the property after the tire was changed without incident.* * *Police responded to a theft call on at Bennett Avenue. Officers spoke with a man who said that his "friend", who he only knew by her first name, was over because he invited her to his address. He said when he went into the bathroom, the friend took $550 in cash from his wallet. The man said that he knew the friend for awhile, but did not know where she lived, her last name, or anything else about her. Police were not able to identify a true suspect at this time. JERSEY CITY A 63-year-old man was charged with sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Leon Rueda, of Jersey City, is facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child and sexual assault. The boy was under Ruedas care, Suarez said. Rueda was arrested on Wednesday around 3:30 p.m. at the Hudson County Prosecutors Office. The HCPO filed a motion for detention pending trial, which will be heard on Tuesday, Suarez said. The offices Special Victims Unit conducted the investigation and arrest. Even without live animals and competitions, Schuylkill County will be represented at this years Pennsylvania Farm Show. The 2021 show, which began Saturday and runs until Jan. 16, will take place virtually with a theme Cultivating Tomorrow. The largest indoor agricultural event in the country, it typically features competitive events, demonstrations, educational booths, animals and food at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. This years online events will include panel discussions, demonstrations, projects and activities, segments on the history of the show, farm tours, as well as the singing of the national anthem every day of the show and live duckling and beehive cams. Among the participants is Sterman Masser Potato Farms in Sacramento, which will be featured on a virtual tour airing at 3 p.m. Thursday on Pennsylvania Cable Network and on the Farm Shows Facebook page. In the video, President Dave Masser will guide viewers on a tour of the companys Hubley Township facilities and farm, focusing mainly on its packaging facility, where potatoes are washed and put into bags. Masser said a cameraman from PCN filmed him giving the tour in November. He said Wednesday the virtual show will be unique but said it is a great way to connect consumers to agriculture. Masser commended the state Department of Agriculture for putting the virtual event together, but notes it will lose the hands-on component. Its one thing to see things online, but its another to feel agricultural items in-person and to see all the animals, contests and tractors, he said. Youre not able to connect as easily. The company has been a part of the show since it was founded in 1970, Masser said. As a member of the Pennsylvania Potato Cooperative, the company provides the baked potatoes the cooperative sells at the show. While the companys potatoes wont be sold at the farm show this year, the public can still buy them. The company is selling potato donuts as a fundraiser to benefit Tri-Valley Youth Activities and those same donuts will be available for purchase the week of the Farm Show at Giant Food Stores and Karns Quality Foods. Also participating in the virtual show is Patrick Porcupine Pat McKinney, environmental education coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District, who will present the Lunchtime Favorites segment of the national Food, Land and People national curriculum in a pre-recorded video shot at the district building and submitted to the Department of Agricultures communications office last month. In it, McKinney demonstrates where the food items belong on a Venn diagram labeled plant, animal and both, with another circle reading other. In the video, he uses a peanut butter and jelly sandwich drawn on a paper plate to explain where the different parts of the sandwich belong on the chart. The video can be viewed on the Farm Shows Facebook page and website. It reminds people the food they eat originated from somewhere, not just brought from a store, McKinney said. Having the show done virtually, he said, gives more people a chance to view what happens at it. Its an opportunity for worldwide participation, he said. McKinney, who has attended the Farm Show for the past three years to staff a Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts exhibit, said even though the show will lose its hands-on aspect, the online format is something many are already used to. There are so many people participating in virtual formats, its not a big deal to them, he said. Regular attendees arent going Some residents who regularly attend wont be part of the show this year. Paul Shealer, owner of Evergreen Acres in Auburn, said this will be the first time since 1979 he isnt participating in the Christmas tree competition, which is a qualifier for the national Christmas tree competition, the winner of which is displayed in the White House. I really do like to promote our product at the show, he said. Shealer, who is chairman of the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association, said he was able to qualify for the national competition that will take place in August in North Carolina because he was named grand and reserve champion at last years show. Tabitha Mease, who owns Mease Meats in Pine Grove, said she and her sons, John and Luke Mease, wont be going for the first time in 11 years. We didnt get any animals to show as I wasnt sure it was going to happen, she said. Mease said participating gives them a sense of community and a chance to make friends, many of which they see once a year at the event. Hopefully it will be back next year, she said. It will be the first time in several years that members of the Blue Mountain 4-H Livestock Club wont participate with their animals. Forty-two of them did last year, leader Kim Morgan said. Its a bummer, she said. I and the kids look forward to it. With the pandemic going on, she said the club hasnt had any events this year and is hopeful the Schuylkill County Fair will be held this summer to allow members to qualify for the show. Last years fair was canceled over fears of the pandemic. Morgan said agriculture is a hands-on field that is hard to replicate virtually. One of the hs in 4-H is hands, and you cant really use them with a computer screen, she said. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has asked the Punjab Police to arrest chief of the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Masood Azhar by January 18 in connection with a terror-financing case. The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Gujranwala issued the arrest warrant in the terror-financing case instituted by the CTD in the previous hearing on Thursday. Judge Natasha Naseem Supra during the case hearing on Friday directed the CTD to arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar by January 18 and present him in the court. In case of failure (to arrest him), the court may begin proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender, a court official told PTI on Saturday. Azhar has been accused of terror financing and selling jihadi literature.The Pakistan government arrested over 100 members of the banned militant outfits including the JeM chief's son and brother.In December 2020, Hafiz Saeed, the leader of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, was sentenced to more than 15 years in prison after he was convicted in another case. Also Read: Foreign sanctions: China prohibits firms from complying with international laws Indonesian aircraft with 62 on board crashes into sea Massive fire at Port of Cork, Ireland brought under control On the frontline: The Communication Workers Union has called for the Government to publish a plan for vaccination BT and Royal Mail have asked the Government to prioritise their engineers and postal workers for Covid vaccinations after the most vulnerable have had their jabs, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. It is understood that Royal Mail executives along with representatives of BT's infrastructure arm, Openreach, have called on Westminster to allow their thousands of employees to be pushed towards the front of the queue for injections. The Communication Workers Union which represents the employees of both companies has called for the Government to publish a plan for vaccination. The Government has earmarked four top priority groups numbering about 13 million people which it wants to vaccinate by mid-February. The list comprises those aged over 70, the extremely vulnerable, care home residents and healthcare workers. Those who are over 60 and people in other at-risk groups will then be injected. Debate is raging over who should get the vaccine after the first waves of those who are most at risk. There have been calls for teachers, supermarket staff and other key workers to be fast-tracked. Olly Kunc, managing director for service delivery at Openreach, told The Mail on Sunday that his workers, along with engineers fixing heating and electricity supply problems, were 'keeping the UK going' and should be 'high up the list' along with teachers. Kunc said: 'These are workers who are helping to keep people connected, helping to keep people safe and warm in their homes. 'It will be a great thing if those on the front line were high on the list after the critical people the vulnerable, those in the NHS and care homes. In February, I think we'll be going in harder and saying our engineers go into more homes than anybody else in the country and it would be good if you could help us.' Kunc urged the public to ensure they maintain a social distance from engineers amid reports that many people are failing to stick to public health guidelines. Professor Wei Shen Lim, Covid-19 chair for the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said: 'It is estimated that vaccinating everyone in the priority groups would prevent 99 per cent of deaths including those associated with occupational exposure to infection.' Royal Mail declined to comment. Separately, Pimlico Plumbers founder Charlie Mullins told the MoS that he is prepared to pay for his employees to be privately vaccinated if that becomes possible in the future. Donald Trump will make a final trip as president to his famed southern border wall in Alamo, Texas - named after the San Antonio mission - on Tuesday as he continues to face calls from all sides to resign following his supporters' siege of the Capitol. The president will celebrate the completion of 400 miles of border wall built during his administration in a promise he made to his supporters to make the immigration system more strict. The visit is expected to be Trump's first public appearance since he addressed a crowd Wednesday near the White House as thousands of his supporters descended on Washington D.C. for a rally to protest and disrupt Congress certifying the election for Joe Biden that same day. Trump was blamed for riling up the crowd, who, after his remarks, marched to Capitol Hill, breached the Capitol building and caused destruction and chaos throughout the halls, offices and chambers. President Donald Trump will travel to Texas on Tuesday for a final trip surveying his southern border wall His visit to one of the biggest promises of his presidency comes as Democrats will move to vote as early as Wednesday on impeachment One of the president's remaining allies, senior campaign adviser Jason Miller, praised Trump's upcoming visit on Twitter The protesters were able to delay Congress' action for around six hours and five were left dead including one pro-Trump female protester who was shot in the chest and a Capitol Police officer. Many of the president's closest allies have abandoned him during this time, including some administration officials resigning, like Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who is married to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Jason Miller, a Trump campaign advisor and one of the president's remaining allies, lauded Trump's upcoming visit to the southern border wall. 'Trump to visit U.S.-Mexico border to laud border wall,' he tweeted Sunday along with a thumbs-up emoji and link to an article detailing the trip. Trump's campaign for the presidency in 2016 focused extensively on his desire to construct a border wall. He also promised that Mexico would pay for the wall, but it has been largely out of pocket for the U.S. While most of the wall went up in areas that already had existing smaller barriers, the government has put millions into building hundreds of miles of fencing as high as 30 feet in a short amount of time. Most of the wall has been completed this year as the president has sped up his timeline for construction as the election loomed. The administration prioritized areas where the wall could be built more quickly. While Trump makes his trip to Texas, Democrats in the House will move forward with holding a vote on impeachment as early as Wednesday. During Trump's presidency, 400 miles of border wall were constructed, whether brand new or in areas were there was existing, smaller barriers Trump has taken the brunt of the blame for the unprecedented attack on the Capitol last week, with Democrats and Republicans claiming his words inciting the violence. The president released a video Wednesday urging his supporters to go home as the situation on Capitol Hill escalated. The video was removed from Twitter and Trump was banned from the platform for 12 hours and given that time to delete the content. After the ban, he returned to Twitter, posting complaints that the election was unfair, bashing Democrats and Biden and revealing, finally, that he would not attend inauguration on January 20. He also released a video last week on Twitter condemning the violence at the Capitol. Twitter indefinitely barred Trump from its platform and Facebook did the same claiming the president would be locked out of his account until at least after inauguration. Consultants hired by Charleston to review a proposed seawall around downtown said the city needs to be more proactive about making sure the structure works over the long term, or risk being disappointed by the end result. The project will work best if leaders map out how the hurricane surge barrier fits with drainage projects and other work, said Andy Sternad, an architect and the project manager for consultant Waggoner & Ball. "The city doesn't really have that visibility right now," Sternad said. Sternad's firm is leading a team hired by Charleston to respond to the $1.75 billion Army Corps of Engineers proposal. The Corps unveiled a first-draft study in April proposing an 8-mile looping wall around much of the Charleston peninsula, a breakwater in the harbor south of the city and high-powered stormwater pumps. It's the largest-ever proposal to handle flooding in the city. The plan, which would go through years of adjustments before construction, spurred questions: Will it trap rain inside the city? Will it push hurricane-surge waves to nearby suburbs and islands? What will it look like? Some of those questions won't be addressed until the official design phase, which could come in a few years with a fresh round of congressional funding. Some will be addressed for the first time in the coming months, as the Corps releases an "optimized" plan. A Corps spokeswoman said those results will be presented to the public in February or March. But the Waggoner & Ball team told the city at the end of 2020 that it needs to be more assertive with the Corps. The firm wrote that the adjusted wall alignment as of December did "not function in the Citys long-term interest for adaptability and internal storm water management," including waves that might make it over the wall. Waggoner & Ball was instrumental in the recent Dutch Dialogues process, which explored how to manage water in four flood-prone sections of Charleston. As to whether Charleston can make the Corps project fit with its overall goals, "Im not sure that the city is on that path today, but the door is still open," Sternad said. The analysis suggests a delicate balancing act for the city, in part because the Corps is only tasked with fixing one problem: the surge of ocean water that hurricanes send onto land. Charleston faces multiple flooding threats, including chronically poor drainage, excessive rainfall, and rising tides driven by climate change. "I will continue to encourage the Corps to further partner with us to consider the drainage aspect of all this, in addition to the surge and sea-level rise aspect," Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said. But if the project ever comes to fruition, it requires not just the consent of the city but the Corps itself. The engineering group has its own set of cost-and-benefit determinations and mandates from Congress to follow before it can approve the proposal and ask lawmakers to fund it. Their involvement has so far provided a fully paid-for study, and would cover 65 percent an approved project's costs. "The city is aware of Waggoner & Balls concerns," said Mark Wilbert, chief resilience officer for the city of Charleston. "Were actively working with the Corps on all of their concerns." Gates and canals Waggoner & Ball's analysis unveiled an early tension in the wall design: whether to closely follow the edge of the peninsula, or place the barrier in marsh and water. Aligning the wall too tightly to land "potentially cut(s) off opportunities to solve storm water problems in the future," Sternad said. But there are environmental implications to putting the wall farther out. During last summer's public comment period two federal agencies worried the plan would damage marshes that serve as a nursery for fish and other animals. The wall's path directly affected an estimated 26 acres of salt marsh, in particular as it sliced through pluff mud along the Ashley River. Placing a wall there, even with some openings to allow tides in and out, could cause erosion and the disappearance of cordgrass, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said in a letter to the Corps. Causing marsh damage also adds to the cost of the project, because every acre must be paid for in mitigation credits from a bank that restores the same type of wetland. The Corps' updated alignment now avoids more marsh. But for Sternad, building the wall tight to land raises other issues. It makes it harder for the city to manage rainfall, which wouldn't be able to run directly into the harbor (the Corps has proposed high-powered pumps for this purpose). Moving the wall out, and effectively creating an interior canal, would make it easier to drain water, Sternad said. A tighter alignment also means the wall could cut across Lockwood Drive. The low-lying thoroughfare is one of the first streets in the city to flood and in moving the wall closer, the Corps now suggests crossing the road just south of the James Island expressway, and creating a gate that would be closed during the most severe tidal flooding. But the dozens of gates that the Corps has already suggested in other areas for tidal flow, vehicle traffic and pedestrian crossings all add to the cost over time, Sternad said, because the city will be responsible for closing, opening and maintaining them. In its first draft report, the Corps said operations and maintenance for the protection system would cost almost $5.6 million a year. "There should be an ambition to have no vehicle gates and no rail gates," Sternad said. Rising tide A wall that sits on high ground also provides less wiggle room if a hurricane wave overtops it. The water would wash directly onto the city behind it, instead of flowing into a canal or holding area first, Sternad said. It's a possibility that the wall might be overtopped. The height selected by the Corps 12 feet above mean sea level, or about 3 feet above the High Battery would protect against most storms, but not the highest surges of 1989's Hurricane Hugo, which landed north of the city. The Corps has said making the wall higher is cost-prohibitive, because it would require lifting or gating overpasses for U.S. 17 and Interstate 26. But at its current proposed height, the wall faces not only hurricanes but also a moving baseline. Future sea-level rise will make it even more likely that surge waves wash over. Waggoner & Ball analyzed this possibility in its review. According to the firm's preliminary simulations, a 12-foot wall would have a roughly 6 percent chance of being overwhelmed between now and 2030, a 24 percent chance between now and 2040, and a 37 percent chance between now and 2080. The Corps is only designing a wall to last for 50 years, but even if the project is eventually funded, it may not be completed for many years after that. Thus, it would have to last well beyond 50 years from today. This means it's crucial that the wall is designed so it can be added on to in the future, Sternad said. "As the water's coming up, the wall has to rise with it," he said. Corps spokeswoman Glenn Jeffries said the wall will be "adaptable," but to what extent is undecided. Only in the next design phase would project managers decide how much the wall could be altered after it is built, she said. The public square Although the public is eager for information, the Corps has offered few updates since the summer on its revised plan. That's led to a recent call for a citizen group to track the project's progress. Susan Lyons, a founder of the flood advocacy group Groundswell, said she's contacted several members of City Council and the mayor to ask for such a panel. "There was this huge vacuum in the public square between April (when the plan came out), and the wintertime," Lyons told The Post and Courier. "It's just been very much behind the scenes, and it's not right." Tecklenburg said he thought a citizens group was "a great idea," and that he wants one to be formed. He said that the Corps' coming update is "a great time for everybody to dig in and focus on it." There will be more opportunity for input, too. The Corps' has promised to hold another public comment period after it officially presents its adjusted plan in late winter or early spring. After that, Charleston will have to make a commitment to move forward with the project, including indicating how it may pay for its share of the cost. Charleston's deadline to do that was originally in May but will likely be pushed back, said Jeffries, of the Corps. If the feasibility study is signed by high-level Corps officials after that, most of the details will come in the next phase, which rounds out the design, including the look of the barrier and its exact location. More public engagement is exactly what needs to happen, Sternad said. Most importantly, the city needs to lay out how the wall fits with drainage work and other flood projects in each section of the peninsula. "If the city can organize that process and create a framework plan before this next (design) phase, then it can take charge of its destiny," Sternad said. A West Virginia State House Member has been arrested on two federal charges for joining the MAGA supporters' list and arrested during the Capitol riot. W.Virginia delegate caught on his Facebook Live joining the Capitol Riot Derrick Evans, a newly sworn-in West Virginia delegate has been charged with violent entry, entering a restricted public building, and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds Wednesday, as per WSAZ. Evans was caught in a Facebook Live video he took as he entered the Capitol building during the riots. WATCH | My live report on the arrest of WV Delegate Derrick Evans. Hes facing federal charges for his alleged involvement in the riots at the U.S. Capitol. #WSAZ READ MORE VIA @WSAZnews: https://t.co/Wc6ITrDoec pic.twitter.com/bHgvPSz9DZ Chad Hedrick (@WSAZChadHedrick) January 9, 2021 @ Twitter The charges stem from the West Virginia delegate as he yells in the video, "We're in! We're in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol!" WSAZ obtained an affidavit noting that Derrick Evans was also heard chanting to people in the doorway during the live video, while the front of the crow shouted, "Move! Move! Move!"On Friday, FBI agents were spotted at Evans' home in Prichard and took him into custody. According to Daily Mail, Evans wears a Tolsia Rebels highschool sweatsuit. He was escorted to the authorities' car. The State House Member was taken to a federal courthouse in Huntington for a hearing and was released on a personal recognizance bond. An affidavit noted that Evans told rioters not to vandalize anything Evans was charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, as per WV Metro News. The federal affidavit against the delegate says that Evans had a meme on his Facebook page on New Year's Eve before that riots happened, stating, "A storm is coming, and there is nothing the left can do to stop it!" However, according to WSAZ, the affidavit noted that the West Virginia lawmaker could be heard in the video telling other people not to vandalize anything, After the Capitol riot, Evans posted a statement Wednesday on his Facebook page saying that he wanted to ensure that everyone did not have any negative interactions with the authorities, nor he participate in any destruction that has occurred. Meanwhile, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice urged Evans to resign from his delegate position. In a statement on Thursday, Evan's lawyer claims that he will not do it. Entering a restricted building is a misdemeanor offense that could penalize a person, but it could increase if the "the offense resulted in significant harm," WV Metro News says. The other charge to Evans was also a misdemeanor that could put him in jail for six months if he was convicted. Read also: Washington DC Airports Tighten Security Following Suggestions to Ban Rioters From Flying Two other people were arrested in connection with the Capitol riot Aside from Derrick Evans, Richard Barnett, and Lonnie Coffman were some of the several people arrested in connection with the MAGA riot in the Capitol. Coffman bought 11 Molotov cocktails, an assault rifle, and two handguns on the same day. On Friday afternoon, the DOJ announced that 13 people had been charged, including Barnett who left a threatening note on Pelosi's desk. Moreover, Barnett was charged with unlawful entry and was taken into custody in Arkansas. It is still unclear whore Barnett now is or if he will be extradited. Read also: Here's a Complete List of Senators and Representatives who Pledge to Object to Electoral Votes @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. 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. Doctors and nurses treat a COVID-19 patient in a makeshift intensive care wing at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance. The deluge of patients has made the work of hospital discharge planners more challenging. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) The patient needed a ventilator or she would die. The hospital wanted to discharge her, but there was no place she could go. As the surge of coronavirus infections created a terrifying shortage of hospital beds across Southern California, discharge planner Erika Gomez faced a dilemma. She needed to move the woman a neurology patient as safely as possible, while also freeing up a critical bed at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. Over the next two weeks, Gomez reached out to 126 subacute care and congregative living health facilities in Los Angeles County, searching for a bed and a ventilator. Though some considered caring for the woman, they all ultimately said no. Her insurance wouldnt pay enough. Finally, a residential home with which Gomez had a good relationship agreed to help. It would take the woman in and lend her a ventilator. Days earlier, Rancho Los Amigos which is taking in patients from the other three county public hospitals to help lighten their load had nearly reached its capacity. Even with discharges, it was like trying to save the Titanic from sinking with a teacup. The work of discharge planners has never been more critical than in this moment, as they try to free up beds in dangerously full hospitals confronting a deluge of COVID-19 patients. For some patients and their families it can feel like an eviction. But for the people on the other side of the battle against an unrelenting pandemic, its about saving lives and keeping the precarious Jenga tower of a healthcare system from crashing down. Were working as fast as we can, Gomez said. Administration is asking, Well what are your efforts? What are you doing now to discharge patients sooner rather than later? Hospital discharge planners must juggle family preferences, healthcare plans and intake restrictions at nursing homes while trying to free up beds. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) Every day is like a jigsaw puzzle, with discharge planners trying to figure out where patients fit. There are nursing homes suffering staffing shortages or that are in lockdown. Patients who refuse to transfer or whose families are worried they wont get the care they need elsewhere. Health plans that wont approve moving a patient to an agency that they dont contract with. Story continues If there is another place for them to go we need to let that patient go to that other bed because theres somebody else whos dying right now and they need a bed, said Suzette Shields, a clinical social work supervisor at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. In L.A. County, hospitalizations have stabilized at a high number, hovering between 7,900 and 8,100 from Monday through Thursday. But officials have warned that the level of hospitalizations is unsustainable, leading to a shortage of available ambulances and forcing patients to wait hours for beds to open. The countys four public hospitals, which include Rancho Los Amigos, as well as other hospitals across Southern California, may soon ration care because they are so short on resources. At a news conference Friday, California Hospital Assn. Chief Executive Carmela Coyle said that hospitals are struggling to discharge patients to skilled nursing facilities, home health care and other settings outside the hospitals. She cited some counties that passed bans prohibiting skilled nursing facilities from accepting hospital patients because of concern about COVID-19s spread. Some of those bans still exist in many places, she said. We really need help. We need a release valve, she said. We have ambulances continuing to flow into hospitals, dropping patients off in acute care need. And yet, we have challenges in discharging patients to other parts of the healthcare system when they are no longer in need of that acute care, and it is creating a bottleneck. "I'm trying my best to constantly discharge, because I know that there's other people that need the bed that are really sick out there," said a discharge planner at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Above, a nurse at Harbor-UCLA checks notes on a window. (Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times) Dr. Christina Ghaly, the L.A. County director of health services, said Tuesday that within the Department of Health Services about 10% of inpatients no longer needed an acute level of hospital care. Charmaine Dorsey, director of the departments Patient and Social Support Services, said there are close to 100 patients waiting to be discharged in the countys four public hospitals. But its been a frustrating task to move them and free up badly needed beds. Health plans were asked to help reduce administrative barriers, Dorsey said, yet we are still being denied authorizations and experience increased delays in obtaining authorizations. Were in a crisis now where if we find a place, we need the health plan to say, Go ahead and send the patient, you need to get them out of your bed and put them in the right level of care, Dorsey said. Health plans, help us. Dont deny. Last week at Rancho Los Amigos, Gomezs patient caseload had doubled into the 20s. She spent a day working on a placement for a woman who had been in the hospital for two weeks, only for her family to turn down the transfer. (State law prohibits the movement of a patient unless the person agrees to the placement.) The patients family members asked that she be moved to a specific facility they had in mind which was on lockdown because of COVID-19. They later filed an appeal through Medicare. After the appeal was denied Wednesday, Gomez stayed late to speak with the family, who eventually agreed to the discharge for that evening. Even before the pandemic, discharge planners across the state faced challenges finding placement for patients who were uninsured, homeless or dealing with comorbidities of health to name a few. The workers spend days making referrals and calling residential homes, skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes to try to find the right place. As of Thursday, the most recent day for which complete data are available, there were 21,855 coronavirus-positive patients hospitalized in California, with 4,812 in intensive care. Coyle called on county and state governments to help hospitals with transitioning patients out of hospitals, especially in the hardest-hit areas of the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. She said this will be particularly important over the next 10 days, when she anticipates the surge to reach its worst moment. In Orange County, Angelica Rojas, whose husband had spent about a month in the intensive care unit at Providence St. Jude Medical Center, worried when she was told in December that her husband might be transferred. They told me theres so many patients, that theyre trying to free up beds, Rojas said. But she worried that her husband would get sick again and possibly regress. My husband is still not out of the woods. She said she was relieved to learn that her husband would be moving to Providence St. Judes Inpatient Rehabilitation unit in the next few days, instead of a different hospital. Speaking generally about patient cases, Roslyn Ausina, director of case management at Providence St. Jude, said there is often a lot of discussion with families regarding potential transfers outside the hospital. With a higher volume of patients in the emergency room, theres always someone ready to go to the next bed. During this pandemic, we understand the need to create critical surge capacity. At the same time we must address discharge difficulties, always ensuring the right level of care at the right time and place, Ausina said. The No. 1 priority is that patients go to a safe place to heal and recover. Its a delicate balance and one that Maritza Sandoval, a discharge planner at Harbor-UCLA, is well acquainted with. In a recent case, members of a family did not want their loved one transferred from the hospital and threatened to call their attorney. The children wanted their mother in a specific rehabilitation hospital, but therapists at the hospital didnt feel she was eligible for that care. On a call with the womans son, Sandoval laid it out on the table. Im sorry; Im being honest with you, we need the beds, she said. We have many people waiting in our emergency room just for a bed who are really sick. Your mother is no longer sick we should be thankful for that. Discharging his mother meant someone who needed to get out of the emergency room could then take her bed. Thankfully, she said, the womans son understood. Sometimes you just have to empathize with them and say, Look, I understand where youre coming from, I know youre afraid, Sandoval said. Its constantly working with families and trying to think of other alternatives that theyre comfortable with and hope that they work. Sandoval has had cases in which a patient has the coronavirus and families are afraid for them to come home because they feel they cant care for them. One woman, who was coronavirus-positive and ready to be discharged home with oxygen, told the staff she was too anxious to leave. Sandoval connected her with a clinical social worker who calmed her and got her discharged the next day. In the emergency room, discharge planners described seeing beds by the ambulance entrance of patients just waiting to be seen. Several units in the hospital have been converted to take care of patients. What if thats someones loved one who just had a heart attack and that has nothing to do with COVID, but now they cant come into the emergency room because we have no bed? Shields asked. On Dec. 7, 51 COVID-19 patients were at Harbor-UCLA, with 18 in the ICU. On Thursday, that number stood at 164, with 52 in the ICU. (By Friday, the number of patients with the coronavirus had risen to 171.) Discharge planner Yesica Lopez crossed her fingers Thursday that shed be able to discharge at least one patient so she could free up a bed. Unfortunately, Sandoval said, she didnt foresee discharging anyone that day. In the nearly 14 years Sandoval has worked at the hospital, shes never felt the pressure like she does now. All eyes are on us, Sandoval said. Im trying my best to constantly discharge, because I know that theres other people that need the bed that are really sick out there. Times staff writer Soumya Karlamangla contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Lawton, OK (73501) Today Partly cloudy early. Scattered strong thunderstorms developing this afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High around 90F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. OUR WORLD was turned upside down in 2020 but one thing remained the same - the staff and volunteers of Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW) worked 24/7 to care for abandoned, mistreated and dumped pets. It has been a sad start to 2021 as on Sunday there was a horse rescue in the city outskirts. Marion Fitzgibbon, a director of LAW, said a horse was submerged in a dyke full of water. She was frozen and had a broken leg. A vet was called and sadly she was put to sleep, said Marion. She describes 2020 as a stressful year for LAW. The Covid-19 pandemic caused the closure of our three charity shops which bring in more than 50% of our annual income. Our sanctuary in Kilfinane also had to close to the public but remained open for the intake of abandoned and unwanted animals. The monthly running costs of the sanctuary is 60,000 euros per month. The demand for our services continued to increase - we took in 530 dogs and 335 cats. We continue to provide shelter for as many horses as possible. We also provide an equine service and our equine vet treats injured equines that are abandoned and neglected in the city and county. During the winter months we provide hay for the starving horses and ponies. The sanctuary also gives shelter to rabbits and goats, said Marion. Veterinary costs escalated last year - around 200,000 for the twelve months. The biggest challenge facing LAW in 2021 will be to open a veterinary clinic at the sanctuary which is managed by Marie OConnor. They hope their clinic will help to reduce costs and cut down in time driving to veterinary clinics several times each week. The cost involved in fitting out the clinic will be approximately 25,000 and we will start fundraising for this, this month. We experienced an increase in the number of animals needing surgery for serious injuries during the past year. The most difficult part of our job is not being able to reach out to all the animals that need our help. It is very sad when an animal arrives at the sanctuary and it is too late to intervene. Sometimes these animals have suffered for days and nobody has seen them or maybe people did not know what to do. The mindless cruelty to animals is the hardest part of our work, said Marion. LAW appeals to everyone to get their pets microchipped if possible. The cost of a microchip is 15 or 20 but it is very important and could save your dogs life. Every dog should also wear a secure collar and identity tag at all times. We would also appeal to the Department of Agriculture to enforce the microchipping legislation for equines. It is never possible to identify the owner of an abused and neglected horse. The cruelty continues unabated and nobody can be held accountable. As storms and high winds are forecast frequently please make sure your pets are safe indoors when bad weather is forecast. Pets get lost continually during bad weather and often get injured as they are frightened and running in panic, said Marion. LAWs financial position continues to cause concern, she said. The cost of running the sanctuary continues to increase. The budget for 2020 was 800,000 but our income was greatly reduced due to the closure of the shops and the sanctuary. It was possible to keep the sanctuary staff employed due to the Government help with Covid-19 payments. We are also most grateful for the Department of Agriculture grant of 69,000. A huge thank you is due to our wonderful staff and all our loyal volunteers and supporters. Facebook and Paypal donations have ensured that the sanctuary continues to remain open for the intake of animals during this very difficult time. LAW has had many heart warming stories throughout the year. The most rewarding part of our work is when we can save an animal and stop its suffering, said Marion. Some of the many cases dealt with on a daily basis, seven days a week in 2020 at LAW was Ruby. In June, a foal, only a few weeks old, was rescued when she was found standing next to her dead mother. The cause of her death was not known and the mare was not microchipped. No owner came forward so there was no accountability. Ruby came to LAW in Kilfinane and was cared for around the clock by the farm staff. Shortly after Ruby arrived, another foal was found abandoned in the city, he was named Bandit. Bandit was extremely nervous when he arrived at LAW, but now Ruby and Bandit are great company for each other. Mossy the goat was rescued after being found wandering on his own. Mossy was a quirky little character and could be found above on the table. Mossy was rehomed to a local resident and lives happily with two other goats. LAW also rescued some hens found dumped in the forestry and some ex-battery hens that had very little feathers and had never seen life outside. German Shepherd Max captured their hearts when he was rescued with the help of gardai. Max was literally skin and bone when he arrived in in Kilfinane. Max was put on a careful feeding regime to get him back to health. Max had such a gentle nature and wonderful personality, he found a loving home and was adopted as soon as he was well enough to leave the sanctuary. Max has his own Facebook page and Instagram account named Maxs Happy Ever After where his followers can see his progress and keep in touch with him. Lurcher Bertie was another poor dog found completely emaciated. LAW staff were shocked to see a dog so thin that was alive. Bertie had surgery to remove part of his intestine, as he had a condition called intussusception, caused by the severe diarrhea he had suffered from. Bertie is at LAW being cared for, where he is making a good recovery and gaining weight. Bertie has a huge following on Facebook keeping up with his progress. Jessica was another poor dog found straying on the street in Limerick. Jessica had nails so overgrown they were curling over. Jessica spent a few months at LAW recovering. Jessica is the sweetest natured dog who was a firm favourite with the staff and other dogs at the sanctuary. Rocky, a ten-year-old blind dog, had spent all of his life tied to a dog box on a four foot chain. Rocky was rescued and brought to LAW. Rocky melted hearts and was adopted by a lovely retired couple. Rocky will never have to endure living on a chain ever again. Poppy, a gorgeous lurcher, came to LAW when she needed an emergency section as she had a puppy stuck in the birth canal. Poppy and her seven lovely puppies are all reserved to loving new homes. Last month, LAW called to rescue a cat that was on the top of a pole. The cat had been stuck at the top of the pole all day and possibly from the night before. Thanks to the Limerick Fire and Rescue Service the cat had a dramatic rescue. Marion said the cat unit has been busy again with many kittens found abandoned. Sheila was one little black kitten that came into LAW at just a few days old after being found under a hedge. The cat unit staff bottle fed her around the clock, during the night, taking turns to mind her. Sheila had a damaged back leg which could not be saved, but, after veterinary care and the dedicated care from the cat unit staff, Sheila survived and was adopted to a fabulous home in Limerick. Marion says LAW depends on donations and with the publics support will continue to help stray and abandoned animals. LAW welcomes donations over the phone between 9am and 5pm by card or by text to LAW4 to 50300 to donate 4. By post to Limerick Animal Welfare, Moorestown, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick V35 PC93, by Paypal, or through the donate button on their Facebook, web or Instagram pages. Thank you for your support during these challenging times. Limerick Animal Welfare wish all our supporters and followers a Happy New Year for 2021, said Marion. For more see limerickanimalwelfare.ie or their Facebook page. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's leading disease and infectious expert, credited African-American female scientist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett for leading vaccine research. African-American Scientist Leads Vaccine Research The federal government has invested billions of dollars in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine that will end the global pandemic. When Pres. Trump visited the National Institutes of Health last March, the leads of the vaccine research explained their mission. The key to the success of the agency's mission is the 34-year-old African-American female scientist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett. During the "CBS This Morning: Saturday," she told the co-host Michelle Miller that she was just there telling the COVID-19 Task Force about the progress of the vaccine they have been doing. Just two weeks after Pres. Trump and the White House COVID-19 Task Force did a visit, her team began the first stage of human clinical trials. She also shared that they took a lot of the knowledge they have gained in the last six years and applied it to a vaccine platform in collaboration with Moderna. Today, Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine rolled out across the country after it received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration just one week after the agency gave the same authorization to Pfizer-BioNTech. Read also: How Long Will Moderna Vaccine Protect You From Getting COVID-19? Dr. Fauci Credited Corbett for Her Research Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's leading disease and infectious expert and at the same time the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, credited Dr. Corbett during a webinar for her work in developing the vaccine. Dr. Fauci said, "The vaccine you are going to be taking was developed by an African American woman and that is just a fact." It is very important that people will know the people and key persons behind the success of the COVID-19 vaccine because this will boost their confidence in getting the vaccine. Read more: CDC Says Not To Worry Yet on the New 'USA Variant' of COVID-19 Dr. Corbett's Background and Interest in Science Dr. Corbett's interest in science started at an early age but she did not expect that this will make a difference in her life. In a recently published article in CBS News, she said, "To be honest, I didn't realize the level of impact that my visibility might have... I do my work because I love my work." Dr. Corbett attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore, as a Meyerhoff Scholar, an aggressive program that mentors minorities and women in science. This is one of the opportunities in her life that helped her to achieve her dreams. Among the graduates of the program is Surgeon General Jerome Adams. Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, president at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, for nearly 30 years, said Dr. Corbett had a strong background in science but the way she connects and talks to people separated her from the rest. In fact, Dr. Hrabowski also said the country needs more scientists like Dr. Corbett who can connect to people. He also stated, "What we do at UMBC is to support students of color, Black, but also students in general, to make sure they make it in science." By the time we put it all together, hes here in Evanston. All we know at this point is that theres a Red Toyota with license plate numbers, but again, we dont have a crystal ball, we dont know where that red Toyota is anywhere in the city,' Brown said. We have no idea that hes coming to Evanston and nor do we have any motives for any of this at this point. 6D. DIWALI, the Hindu festival of lights, returns to the New York Times Crossword after nearly 30 years. 11D. The rap star CARDI B has been in the Crossword three times under her full stage name, but this is her first-name-only debut. Previously, CARDI had appeared only once, as an abbreviation relating to the heart. 26D. In this clue, blue means not clean, so talking a blue streak would be CUSSing. Todays Theme Ms. Kimes is handing out sandwiches from the DELI, so have your orders ready. Hold the mayo on mine, please, unless you are in possession of Kewpie, the Japanese brand, which everyone knows is the One True Mayo. Dont @ me with the Hellmanns. Im sorry. As is so often the case when were talking about food, I drifted. Anyway, the first words in the theme entries are types of sandwiches, although the theme phrases themselves have nothing to do with food. For example, the answer to the clue at 18A, Cast celebration at the end of filming, is a WRAP PARTY, where WRAP is the sandwich. Similarly, the answer to 44As Going from nightspot to nightspot is CLUB HOPPING, where CLUB is the sandwich. Still hungry? Try the MCRIB at 1A or the POP TARTS at 9D. Constructor Notes Im so happy to have my debut puzzle published in The New York Times! I started constructing a little over a year ago and set The Times as my ultimate goal, so I was thrilled that the second puzzle I submitted was accepted. Ive been addicted to solving crosswords since my days in law school, where Id tear out The New York Times Crossword from the newspaper each day and solve them during particularly dull classes. My original submission had references to both SUB and HERO, but we had a debate about whether these were the same thing. We settled on CUBAN as a hero substitute. (Apologies for the dad joke, I couldnt help myself.) Id like to take a moment to say thank you to Erik Agard and others who were generous with their time at the Crossword Puzzle Collaboration Directory on Facebook. Im very appreciative of the many people who go out of their way to increase diversity and representation in mainstream crosswords, and to help newcomers get a foothold in the constructing game. The Tipping Point Almost finished solving but need a bit more help? Weve got you covered. MBABANE AG to the rescue! An advice given by Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo appears to have saved the country from making financial commitments on the cyber security deal between the Ministry of Information Communications and Technology and the Ministry of Defence of the State of Israel. The AG gave legal opinion stating that two particular paragraphs of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties should be removed. While the MoU was with regard to cooperation on cyber security issues, these paragraphs would have seen the country committing itself to an Implementation Agreement that was attached to the document. Impeccable sources disclosed that it was these clauses that would have bound government to Project Harmonia a deal that is worth US$72 million (about E1.2 billion) with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) - an Israeli government company (parastatal). Despite this, IAI, the sources said, believes it has a binding cyber security agreement with the Ministry of ICT. Manqoba Khumalo, the Acting Minister of ICT, has, however, stood his ground and stopped any cyber security deal with IAI because he says any agreement that may exist with this company was not approved by Cabinet. Acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku also said he did not know about this project. On November 15, 2019, the AG wrote a memorandum to Principal Secretary in the Ministry of ICT Maxwell Masuku expressing his legal opinion on the MoU. He noted that there were paragraphs 5 and 6 of Article IV that made reference to an Implementation Agreement, which gave the impression that the Implementation Agreement formed part of the MoU. He said in his offices view and opinion, these paragraphs were misplaced because, usually, an MoU is a non-legally binding agreement between two or more parties. common line The AG said an MoU expressed a convergence of will between parties indicating an intended common line of action. We advise that the Parties through the MoU are merely demonstrating their intention to cooperate on matters of cyber security. As to how this cooperation will be carried out, this will be covered in specific Implementation Agreements. The specific Implementation Agreements that may be concluded by the Parties will also require vetting by the Law Office, wrote the AG. He advised that the Parties may conclude Implementing Agreements for specific activities under the MoU. He said this was covered in paragraphs 1 to 4 of Article IV. Please delete paragraphs 5 and 6, he wrote. The AG added: Apart from the above, we do not see anything objectionable with the rest of the MoU. After attending to the above correction, the MoU will be in order and may be forwarded for Cabinet approval, added the AG. With the two paragraphs out of the way, it left the MoU stating that the parties may conclude Implementing Agreements (IAs) for specific activities under the MoU and these would be performed on a Government-to-Government level, as should be agreed separately on case-by-case basis. The effective implementation may include, inter alia, evaluation, pre-qualification and nomination of suitable private companies or other institutions or experts from their respective countries to implement as well as partner and collaborate together in development projects, reads paragraph 2 of this Article. Paragraph three is a provision that the parties would collaborate to decide, on a case-by-case basis, how their joint activities would be funded and resourced. Whenever one party intents to procure specific cyber security and/or services from the other party, it will notify it in an official letter of request that will include at least the following: the identity of the selected prime contractor; the description of the cyber security system, equipment and/or services, reads the fourth and last paragraph under this Article IV. Masuku said after the AGs advice, the Ministry prepared a Cabinet paper, which this publication has seen, but there is no proof that it was presented to Cabinet. In this paper, which Masuku said was prepared by him, the Ministry of ICT gave a background, justification, the consultation process undertaken, an analysis, preferred option and request to Cabinet regarding the MoU. In the background, it was stated that the Ministry of ICT sought to enter into an MoU with the Ministry of Defence of the Government on cyber security. The Ministry narrated that it had the mandate of providing an enabling environment for ICTs in the country and this included development of cyber security legislation, policy and institutional frameworks as well as implementation strategies to ensure a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace in Eswatini. In doing so, the ministry said it needed to partner with countries and organisations that were ahead in implementation of cyber security programmes and projects. To this end the Ministry in line with its Strategic Plan 2019-2023 wishes to establish partnerships with leading countries in areas such as ICT infrastructure development, e-government and cyber security. The Ministry of Defence of the Government of Israel is responsible for all cyber security programmes in Israel and has agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of ICT in Eswatini as the responsible Ministry for cyber security issues, reads the Cabinet paper. In justifying the need for the MoU, the ministry said cyberspace was borderless and the country could not fulfill its cyber security agenda alone but needed to partner with countries like Israel to facilitate knowledge transfer, up skilling, deployment of technology tools and setting up of cyber security institutional frameworks. It is on this basis that the Ministry is requesting the approval of Cabinet in entering into an MoU on cyber security with the Ministry of Defence of the Government of Israel. Furthermore, since the country won the bid and has signed an Agreement to host the Africa e-Trade it is requisite to establish a safe, robust and resilient cyberspace in the kingdom that will protect and safeguard the implementation of the e-Trade platform, the Cabinet paper further states. The ministry said it had made all necessary consultations with its stakeholders involved in cyber security and has also consulted with the AGs office in the drafting of the MoU. In its analysis, the ministry said the Ministry of Defence of the Government of Israel was responsible for all cyber security programmes and initiatives in Israel and had agreed to enter into an MoU with the Ministry of ICT in Eswatini as the ministry responsible for cyber security issues. The MoU will benefit the country largely in the area of cyber security and will provide opportunities for skills transfer, deployment of cyber security solutions, mutual legal assistance and cooperation on Cyber Incident Response, the ministry told Cabinet.According to the Cabinet paper, the cost of the cyber security deal was yet to be determined and Masuku pointed out to this publication that, to this end, no financial commitment had been made. financial implications The financial implications will be detailed in the implementation agreements with particular Israeli companies proposing to implement a cyber security programme with Eswatini, it is stated in the paper. The paper then adds: Cabinet is humbly requested to consider and approve the request by the Ministry of ICT to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement herewith attached with the Ministry of Defence of the Government of Israel on cyber security. The paper shows that besides the MoU, other documents attached were a Contract Agreement Harmony, Implementation Agreement between ELTA (Israel) and MICT (Eswatini) Harmony and a PDF of the MoU. It has been stated that while the cyber project was supposed to be included in the 2020/2021 financial year, it was left out because there was no budget for it. We realised that the budget for the ministry might not cover all its aspirations and its a common practice in any ministry to apply a reallocation that has to go through the Ministry of Finance for approval. We had budgeted for e-government and cyber security forms part and parcel of e-government, so we had said we would take part of the budget for e-government to implement cyber, which is a subset of e-government. STOPPED So its neither here nor there that the project was stopped because there was no budget. There is a budget for e-government under the ministry, PS Masuku said. The PS has now come out to state that what Inkhosatana Sikhanyiso signed was not a contract with any Israeli company, but an MoU with the Government of Israel stating that the company the ministry would engage on the cyber security project would be one that had their approval. They (Israelis) were so amenable with the fact that we were signing an instrument that said once all government protocols had been fulfilled we would then be willing to sign an agreement. What we signed therefore was not an agreement, but an indication that we would be willing to sign once government had approved the process, the PS said. Before the MoU was arrived at, the late Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, approved a travelling minute submitted to him by Inkhosatana Sikhanyiso, seeking to travel to, among other countries, Israel for purposes of the cyber security deal. The minute, dated May 20, 2019 and addressed to the PM, stated that the Inkhosatana and her delegation had been invited to consultative meetings on ICTs in three different countries; namely, Estonia, Sweden and Israel. However, the Inkhosatana informed the PM that due to difficulties encountered in the acquisitions of visas for entry to Estonia and Sweden, she would only be travelling to Israel and would leave Eswatini on May 21, 2019 to return on May 29, 2019. In the minute it was stated that in Israel, there would be meetings with ELTA/IAI Systems Ltd (Israel Aerospace Industries), Ministry of Economy and the Israel National Cyber Authority. The meetings were scheduled for May 23 to May 26, 2019. It is shown in the minute that the PM approved the trip on May 21, 2019. Accompanying Accompanying the Inkhosatana was Director of Communications in the Ministry of ICT Andreas Dlamini and Dr. Rejoice Bethusile Maseko, the Director Research, Science, Technology and Innovation. It is very crucial that Mr. Andreas Dlamini (Director Communications) and Dr. Rejoice Bethusile Maseko (Director Research, Science, Technology and Innovation) are part of the delegation so as to provide well informed advice to the Honourable Minister on the ministry policy direction on the issues to be discussed, reads part of the minute. Also part of the delegation was Dudu Sihlongonyane, the Manager for Special Economic Zones at the Royal Science and Technology Park, since her parastatal will be required to implement all the Science, Technology and Innovation initiatives agreed on at these meetings. Masuku told the Times SUNDAY that upon return from this trip, the proposed MoU between the Ministry of ICT and the Ministry of Defence of the State of Israel was then presented to the attorney general for his input. Kathmandu, January 10 Nepal is hosting the clinical trial of a Covid-19 vaccine developed by a South Korean company, informs the Nepal Health Research Council. The vaccine development by the International Vaccine Institute will be tested at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu and Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavre. The ethical board of the council has already endorsed the proposal for the trial and is waiting for the cabinets endorsement, according to the NHRC Member-Secretary Dr Pradeep Gyawali as reported by Himalaya Television. Around 1,800 people will receive this vaccine under the trial in Nepal. Dr Laxman Shrestha and Dr Divya Singh Shah among other doctors will conduct the trial. Dr Shrestha says the trial will begin within a few days. Authorities say a man who was stabbed to death in November was killed in a romantic rivalry, and about a month later, the suspect took his own life. Tyler Slippy was found dead in the bedroom of his apartment in Hollidaysburg Nov. 22, WJAC is reporting. Tyler Slippy, 27, was found dead in his Hollidaysburg home Nov. 22. Investigators said Friday he was killed by a co-worker, who took his own life in a hotel Dec. 23. (Hollidaysburg police). In a press conference Friday, Blair County District Attorney Pete Weeks said Slippy was likely killed by coworker Kenneth T. Kim, 39, who was found dead in a hotel room Dec. 23, The Altoona Mirror is reporting. The investigation showed that Slippy died from blood loss due to stab wounds to his neck, head and chest, but he had deep defensive wounds, indicating he fought his assailant, reports indicate. His apartment showed no signs of forced entry, but there appeared to have been a struggle in the bedroom, where he was found, according to reports. Over the course of several weeks, police interviewed more than 25 witnesses, one of whom was Kim. In a follow-up interview with Kim, police noticed a cut on Kims hand, which he said was an injury from unloading his dishwasher, reports indicate. But police soon found Kim had been treated for a wound several hours after Slippy was killed, reports indicate. Police soon learned that Kim told a friend that he had killed Slippy because of a romantic rivalry over Slippys girlfriend, who worked with the two of them, the Altoona Mirror reports. When police spoke to the friend, he was aware of details that were not publicly known. Police followed up by using Luminol, a chemical forensic aid, and found a significant amount of blood that had been cleaned up in Kims home and in the vehicle they believe he was driving the night of Slippys killing, reports indicate. After he became the main suspect in the case, Kim stole a car from a car dealership and fled from the police as they conducted a search warrant on his property, reports indicate. He was found dead in a Cambria County hotel room after taking his own life, according to reports. Kim would have been arrested on charges of first-degree murder had he not taken his own life, reports indicate. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! 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 City of San Antonios Covid-19 vaccination registration site went live at 9 a.m. on Saturday, the 9,000 available slots filled up in six minutes. In Michigan, more than 20,000 people tried to enter a health systems portal for Covid vaccinations at the same time, crippling the system. As states try to scale up vaccine rollouts that have been marred with confusion and errors, the online registration sites operated by a welter of agencies and using a range of technologies are crucial. But the problems they are experiencing reveal yet another challenge to getting Americans inoculated: There are many, many more people who want to be vaccinated than there are opportunities to get the shot. The registration system worked as designed, but there is far greater demand than available supply at this time, Dr. Colleen Bridger, an assistant city manager, said in a statement. When we receive more doses from the State of Texas, we will have more appointments available in the coming days and weeks, and we will keep the public informed about registration opportunities. Michigans largest health care system, Beaumont Health, had problems with its website on Friday, said Hans Keil, the systems chief information officer. Beaumont Health, which operates several hospitals in the Metro Detroit area, had recently announced plans to offer residents 65 and older vaccinations, and about 25,000 people tried to gain access to the online portal simultaneously, Mr. Keil said. The portal didnt crash, but many users couldnt enter. 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. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 23:21:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LANZHOU, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Ganlin-1, recently made a successful maiden flight for generating artificial precipitation in northwest China's Gansu Province, in the latest efforts to use technology for ecological protection. During the flight, Ganlin-1 conducted operations such as atmospheric detection and catalyst spreading to generate precipitation. "The use of UAVs for precipitation enhancement will help increase ice and snow reserves, promote the ecological restoration and protection of the Qilian Mountains and mitigate water shortage in parts of Gansu Province," said Wang Chenghai, a professor at Lanzhou University, adding the glaciers and snow resources of the mountain range are shrinking as a result of climate change. The deployment of the UAV is one of the efforts for Gansu to strengthen ecological environmental protection after some long-standing environmental issues were dealt with to restore the damaged environment. The Qilian Mountains is a major vast mountain range standing across the border of Gansu and Qinghai Province, with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters. The range is an important water source of the Yellow River, China's second-longest, and a key ecological shield in western China. Due to prominent problems such as over-exploitation of mineral resources, illegal construction and operation of hydropower facilities and excessive emissions by local enterprises, the ecological environment of the Qilian Mountains suffered serious damage for a period of time, which aroused high attention from the central authorities. President Xi Jinping made important instructions several times on tackling the long-standing environmental violations in the Qilian Mountains, demanding resolute rectifications. In 2017, the central authorities punished local senior officials in Gansu for their failure to undertake their duties. In the same year, the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform, headed by Xi, passed a plan to establish the Qilian Mountains National Park and explore coordinated ways to protect the environment, improve local standards of living and supervise the exploitation of natural resources. Gansu also launched an ecological restoration campaign to protect the Qilian Mountains. Authorities have closed 117 exploration and mining projects and eight hydropower stations. Meanwhile, all 484 residents of 149 households in the core area of the nature reserve were relocated by the end of 2017, and one-third of residents in the buffer area have also been displaced, said Yang Weijun, Party chief of Zhangye City, a key place for restoring the damaged environment. The city also imposed a grazing ban on some 63,300 hectares of grasslands. In an inspection tour in Gansu in 2019, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said protecting the ecological environment of the Qilian Mountains is of great strategic significance to safeguarding the national ecological security and promoting the sustainable development of Gansu and the Hexi Corridor. He urged proper balance of the relationship between production and environment, active development of eco-friendly and sustainable industries and better protection of the grassland resources. The Qilian Mountains National Park covers 50,200 square km -- 34,400 square km in Gansu and 15,800 square km in Qinghai. It is home to many rare animal species, including snow leopards, wild donkeys and blue sheep. After years of intensive restoration efforts, the populations of snow leopards, Tibetan wild donkeys, white-lipped deer and alpine musk deer have been expanding as the quality of their habitats were significantly improved. "Continuous monitoring shows that the populations of wild animals have proliferated and their distribution areas have expanded," said Ma Duifang, an official with the administration bureau of the park's Gansu section. In December 2020, a video clip recorded by herdsmen in Kazak Autonomous County of Aksay in the city of Jiuquan showed over 100 Tibetan wild donkeys grazed on snow-covered land. A group of goitered or black-tailed gazelles were captured on video in another area of the park in Gansu. The footage showed 12 goitered gazelles hunting and running together in the vast Gobi Desert near Zhangye City. "In the Gansu section of the Qilian Mountains, it is rare to see goitered gazelles move in groups," said Ashing, a Tibetan forest ranger who shot the video. "With the further construction of the Qilian Mountains National Park, the ecological environment in this region will see sustained improvement," said Zhao Xumao, a researcher in ecology at Lanzhou University. Enditem Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Experts organising the roll-out of Britain's vaccinations are discussing who should be prioritised next - amid calls for teachers to be at the top of the list. Boris Johnson has previously pledged to have all 13million of the most vulnerable people immunised against Covid-19 by next month - but there are increasing calls to protect frontline workers such as teachers and police. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which is overseeing the massive rollout, has been told to come up with a plan by the middle of February for the priority order of who should be vaccinated next. Professor Adam Finn told Sky News today: 'JCVI will be discussing over the coming month phase two if you like as to who should be prioritised next. 'As you can appreciate these considerations start to be social values in a way more than the criteria we normally use, which is pressure on the health service. As Britain hopes to have 13million people in the four most vulnerable groups vaccinated by mid-February, talks have turned to who will receive priority jabs next 'There are broader considerations when it comes to people with different occupations and the relative importance of them in society.' Asked about the position of teachers on that list, he said: 'I can't predict exactly what will be prioritised but I can say that we will be discussing this and coming up with a plan, and I can also say that when it comes to teachers I think we all appreciate the critical role that they all play and so that really will figure in the discussions.' Prof Finn's comments come just days after Matt Hancock insisted teachers have a 'very strong case' to be next in line to receive the coronavirus vaccine. Professor Adam Finn told Sky News today that the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation would have a plan in place for the next round of jabs by mid-February Four groups of people have been identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation as being most in need of the vaccine. They are care home residents and staff, all over-80s and frontline health and social care workers, all over-75s, and all over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable. But with the Government hoping all 13million people within those groups will be vaccinated by mid-February, discussions are increasing on who should receive doses next. The Health Secretary told MPs that ministers are currently 'considering' who will get the jab once the top four priority groups of the most vulnerable people have been vaccinated. Senior MPs and industry figures have stressed that a speedy return to lessons is paramount to prevent the latest national lockdown causing further damage to children's education. Immunisation of teachers and staff is heralded as the key to getting pupils back in classrooms, as children themselves are at very little risk from the disease. Mr Hancock told the House of the Commons that teachers have a 'very strong case' to be next in line once those four groups have been covered. He said: Of course we are considering, once we have vaccinated those who are clinically vulnerable, of course we are considering who then should be the next priority for vaccination and teachers of course have got a very strong case, as have those who work in nurseries and many colleagues across the House have made that point. We will consider that. Earlier this week, Priti Patel voiced her hopes for the next stage of the roll-out. The Home Secretary told Good Morning Britain: 'I want to see everyone receive the vaccine that's the imperative of the work that we're doing. 'There's work taking place on those individuals who have occupational exposure to infection. That's people on the frontline, our nurses, but also teaching professions. 'I feel very strongly on our police officers fire officers, people on the front line. The joint committee for vaccination and immunisation are looking at all of that right now and they are working on a programme to ensure that those professionals are given the vaccine. Trump devotees may think the failed coup was their nadir, but they should prepare themselves for the next grand mal freak-out: The Socialist Takeover. The Democrats are poised to seize control of the Senate, and everyone knows what that means: Well be a veritable Venezuela, a quasi-Cuba. Let the pearl-clutching begin: Expect a $2,000 stimulus check in the mailbox for all those desperate slackers, because suddenly their kids dont want Cheerios for supper three times a week. Expect billions in funding for states to distribute coronavirus vaccine whats the rush on that, anyway? Then there will probably will be a flood of bleeding-heart bailouts to deal with evictions and child care and small businesses. And that will be followed by big-ticket items that poll well, like better health care and climate change mitigation and infrastructure projects. Oh, the humanity: Its Red Menace Redux. Thats the rubbish Republicans have been peddling, anyway. The reality is the opposite: With the slim majority the Democrats will have in the Senate, the path will be narrow when it comes to advancing legislation Socialist or otherwise because they must navigate factions within their party while peeling off votes from the Republican side in order to achieve filibuster-proof majorities. But incoming Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is obligated to what his predecessor refused to do, even during the pandemic: He will govern. That is a profound departure from what we got from the 116th Congress, which was the least productive in history, according to Common Cause: Only 1 percent of the 15,000 bills that were introduced in Mitch McConnells chamber passed since the last session began. On McConnells watch, the Senate has become a very expensive lunch club that occasionally votes on a judge or two, as Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) put it in 2019. In the Covid age, however, the Republican leaders obstruction fetish has crossed over into pure cruelty. Schumers first policy goal will be another round of direct payments targeted to people who need it quickly, responsibly and not to those who havent felt the economic crush of this pandemic. McConnell, who stonewalled relief efforts from March to December, never gave it the $2,000 payment an honest chance, but high-profile GOP senators including Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham, and Josh Hawley have expressed support of boosting the direct payments. It is time they are heard, because the stimulus bill passed last month was wholly inadequate. It is also time to get Senate Republicans to weigh in on aid to states, assistance with vaccine distribution, and help for small businesses. This is not Socialism. It is practical help for Americans who have been hammered by the worst public health and economic catastrophe in a century, some of it resulting from a failure of government. This is about survival, just like bedrock programs such as Social Security and Medicare which, indeed, also incited fatuous claims of Socialist tyranny after they were signed by FDR and LBJ. Schumer says he will act boldly, and ultimately, he should legislate matters that Republicans have supported in the past lowering prescription costs, background checks on guns, election security, immigration reform, and infrastructure. All have overwhelming public support. None ever moved under McConnell. If the Republicans are more interested in stonewalling Joe Bidens agenda, then Schumer must ponder the elimination of the filibuster: Senators representing 11% of all Americans can kill a bill favored by the other 89%. That is absurd. But not as absurd as the Socialist fear-mongering that one party has used to justify its indolence. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. One of the famed Tuskegee Airmen - the first black pilots in the segregated U.S. military and among the most respected fighter pilots of World War II - has died from complications of the coronavirus, it was announced Friday. Lumpkin, a native of Los Angeles, died of COVID-19 at home on December 26, just a few days shy of his 101st birthday. His death was announced by his son, Ted Lumpkin III, who told the LA Times: Were carrying on his [legacy], but its the end of an era. Los Angeles City College, which Lumpkin attended from 1938 to 1940, also issued a statement memorializing his death. The LACC Foundation is very sorry to hear about the passing of Ted Lumpkin, but we are so honored to have met and spent time with Ted during his visits to the campus, said Robert Schwartz, Executive Director, Los Angeles City College Foundation. Ted Lumpkin represents the best of our distinguished alumni in his service to our country as a member of the groundbreaking Tuskegee Airmen and his other accomplishments during a long and highly productive life; he will be missed by all of us. Ted Lumpkin jr (above in 2008), a native of Los Angeles, died of COVID-19 at home on December 26, just a few days shy of his 101st birthday Lumpkin (pictured sitting in 1945) was drafted in 1942 and assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron in Tuskegee, Alabama WHO WERE THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN? The Tuskegee Airmen were the first black military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps (AAC), a precursor of the U.S. Air Force. Trained at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama, they flew more than 15,000 individual sorties in Europe and North Africa during World War II. Their impressive performance earned them more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and helped encourage the eventual integration of the U.S. armed forces. During World War II, black Americans in many U.S. states were still subject to the Jim Crow laws and the American military was racially segregated, as was much of the federal government. Advertisement Lumpkin was drafted in 1942 and assigned to the 100th Fighter Squadron in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Tuskegee Airmen escorted bombers in Europe. Lumpkin wasn't a pilot because his eyesight wasn't good enough, but he served as an intelligence officer who briefed pilots on missions, according to the Times. During his tenure in the military, he earned a bachelors degree and masters degree in sociology from USC. He met his wife Georgia while he was a student and the pair were married soon after. He later retired from the Air Force Reserves as a lieutenant colonel, and started a new era of his life working as a social worker for Los Angeles County. In his later working years, he reshifted his career focus again, becoming a real estate broker and opening his own company. Lumpkins wife, Georgia, told the Times that he didnt talk much about his experiences with the airmen. We were married for a number of years until I heard about them, she said. When I realized who these guys were and what theyd done, I was just overcome at how much they persevered. They did not bow down. They achieved things that detractors said they couldnt, werent capable of doing. Lumpkin (left in 2015) reportedly didn't like discussing much about his time in the military to family members Following his death, now only eight of the original Tuskegee combat pilots and several support personnel are still alive. They are all in the 90s or older Ted Lumpkin III said that when he was young he was watching a television show when the announcer introduced members of the Tuskegee Airmen. Who the heck are these guys? Then, theres my dad walking onstage, he said. He never talked about it, but from there it took off like wildfire. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. He also was among the surviving airmen invited to attend the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama in 2009. Following his death, now only eight of the original Tuskegee combat pilots and several support personnel are still alive. They are all in the 90s or older. Lumpkin is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, several grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Brussels: The European Union (EU) has secured a deal to double the supply of the corona vaccince. President of the European Commission Ursula Von der Leyen said on Friday said that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, bringing its total to 600 million doses. She told a press conference, "We have right now, access to 300 million doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine. Now the good news is that we have agreed with BioNTech-Pfizer to extend the contract. With the new agreement, we could purchase a total of up to an additional 300 million doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine. In other words, this will allow us to double the number of doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer."Von der Leyen said the EU has so far secured up to 2.3 billion doses from the most promising vaccine candidates for the EU and its neighbourhood. The delivery of additional doses will be starting in the second quarter (Q2) of 2021, with 75 million being available in Q2 and the rest in Q3 and Q4. The global tally of coronavirus cases stands at 89,324,792. While 63,990,133 have recovered, 1,920,754 have died so far. The US, the worst-hit country, has 22,446,955 cases, and 378,085 have died from the disease there. Also Read: Mukesh Ambani slips additional on worlds prime 10 richest billionaires record Brazil detects the first case of re-infection with covid-19 variant Brazil's corona cases cross 8 million mark The Shiv Sena-led Maharashtra government's move to downgrade the security cover of former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his family, ex-UP governor Ram Naik and MNS president Raj Thackeray, and to withdraw the security cover of state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil, has evoked the allegations of "political vendetta". As per a government notification issued on January 8, the security covers of BJP leader and former CM Narayan Rane, Chandrakant Patil and another senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar have been withdrawn. Rane had 'Y-plus' security. Reacting to the development, Fadnavis, who is the Leader of Opposition in the state Legislative Assembly, said he was not worried but also alleged that the government was giving security on the "basis of politics". As per the notification, Fadnavis will now get 'Y-plus security with escort', instead of the 'Z-plus' cover. The security of his wife Amruta Fadnavis and daughter Divija has been downgraded from 'Y-plus with escort' to 'X' category. Former Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik will now get 'Y' cover instead of 'Y-plus'. MNS chief Raj Thackeray's security cover has been downgraded from 'Z' to 'Y plus with escort'. Maharashtra BJP spokesman Keshav Upadhye alleged that the security of Fadnavis and other BJP leaders was downgraded out of "political vendetta". "The decision shows what kind of a mindset the government has, and it is unfortunate. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, Fadnavis was travelling to the nook and corner of the state, while Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was sitting at home," he claimed. Upadhye said Fadnavis was the first to reach Bhandara where 10 babies died in fire at a hospital on Saturday. "Even if the entire security cover is removed, he (Fadnavis) would continue to travel in the state and highlight the voice of the people," the BJP leader said. Fadnavis said he had not taken security when he was the state BJP president. He said he received security for the first time after becoming the chief minister of Maharashtra (in 2014) and subsequently, on the threat perception after the hanging of (1993 Mumbai blasts convict) Yakub Memon and action against Naxalites. "I feel security should be given on the basis of threat perception, now the government is giving security on the basis of politics. Some are getting increased protection even when there is no threat perception to them," he said. "I am a people's person and this doesn't impact my travel (schedules) to meet people," Fadnavis added. Rejecting Upadhye's charge, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said in Nagpur that the decision to review the security cover of several leaders and prominent personalities has been taken as per the threat perception, irrespective of political affiliations. "A committee of five senior officers was set up to review the security and take a decision as per the threat perception," he said. BJP leader Narayan Rane, a former Shivsainik and fierce critic of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, said the state government would be responsible if anything happens to him. Rane said he had been given security by the Mumbai Police because he had a threat from terrorists. Sudhir Mungantiwar said he was given security due to Naxal threat. "I thank the government for withdrawing my security cover. This means the Naxal threat doesn't exist. Our aim to highlight people's voice will be more stronger," he said. The Congress, which is one of the constituents in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, besides the NCP, said it was the Narendra Modi government which had acted out of "political vendetta when it withdrew SPG security to the Gandhi family". In a statement, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said it was not the MVA government but the Modi regime which had acted of political vindictiveness. "The opposition BJP is crying hoarse over downgrading of security to their leaders after review of threat perception. But the Gandhi family and former PM Manmohan Singh were under threat, still their security and staff was downgraded, " Sawant said. The government, as per the notification, has upgraded the security of two persons, downgraded of 11, withdrawn of 16, while 13 new people have got security cover. Prominent among the new persons to get security are Sunetra Pawar, wife of state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Varun Sardesai, secretary of the Yuva Sena and nephew of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's wife Rashmi Thackeray. Both have been given 'X' security cover. As per the notification, Union minister Ramdas Athawale will get only 'Y-plus' security instead of the 'Y-plus with escort', while his colleague Raosaheb Danve's 'Y-plus' cover has been withdrawn. Danve is the BJP MP from Jalna while Athawale, whose RPI (A) is part of the NDA, is a Rajya Sabha MP. The government has also withdrawn the security cover of former minister Rajkumar Badole, BJP MLAs Prasad Lad and Ram Kadam, and former speaker and BJP MLA Haribhau Bagade. Former Mumbai Congress chief Kripashankar Singh, who quit the party, and BJP's former minister Shobhatai Fadnavis, an aunt of Devendra Fadnavis, will also not enjoy the 'X' category security. The security of BJP's former minister Ashish Shelar has been downgraded from 'Y-plus' to 'Y'. State Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar and Relief and Rehabilitation minister Vijay Wadettiwar will get 'Y-plus with escort', while Shiv Sena MLA Vaibhav Naik, who had defeated Narayan Rane in the 2014 Assembly polls, will get 'X' security cover. Current state ministers Sandeepan Bhumre, Sunil Kedar, Dilip Walse Patil and Abdul Sattar, Leader of Opposition in the Council Pravin Darekar and state Assembly's Deputy Speaker Narhari Zhirwal have been given 'Y' cover. Three police officers have been injured while trying to arrest a man with a knife in Sydney's CBD. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Man Fatally Shot in Sydneys West A man has been shot and killed in a violent attack on a suburban street in Sydneys west. The man was found with gunshot wounds after reports of a shooting on William Street at Fairfield about 2.40am on January 10. The 34-year-old died at the scene despite efforts from emergency services to revive him, NSW Police said. Detective Acting Superintendent Glen Fitzgerald said the man was well known to police, who would investigate if the incident had any links to gangs or organised crime. We believe the attack to be targeted. He is well known to police, the Fairfield City police commander said. This is a violent attack on a suburban street, and its totally unacceptable behaviour. A crime scene was established and sections of William Street and Harris Street were closed. Sydney San Francisco, Jan 10 : After Google, Apple on Sunday took down Parler, a social media app for conservatives and far-right extremists, from its App Store over encouraging violence in the US. The Cupertino-based tech giant gave an ultimatum to Parler on Friday to moderate its app or be removed. "Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people's safety. We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues," Apple said in a statement. "Parler has not upheld its commitment to moderate and remove harmful or dangerous content encouraging violence and illegal activity, and is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines," it added. Parler is touted as a free speech alternative, allowing posts that include conspiracy theories, threats and hate speech, among other things, to remain on the platform. Parler CEO John Matze posted a statement, accusing Apple of applying a "horrible double standard" in its decision. "Apple, Google and the rest of the anti-competitive pack of big tech tyrants coordinate their moves and work together to stifle competition in the marketplace," Matze said. Google one Friday removed Parler from its Play Store after it found that Parler did not take stronger action to remove posts that sought "to incite ongoing violence" in the US. "We're aware of continued posting in the Parler app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the US. In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the app's listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues," Google said. By Seth Taylor taylorse@grinnell.edu Grinnell College community members are asking the College to rescind Rep. Tom Coles 71 honorary degree after he objected to the certification of President-Elect Joe Bidens victory on Wednesday. The Oklahoma representative, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the College in 2016, was one of 139 House Republicans and eight Republican Senators to object to Bidens victory, a futile attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election that has been condemned by Republicans and Democrats alike. Nat Jordan 21, who has spearheaded the effort to rescind Coles honorary degree, called Coles vote fundamentally ungrinnellian. Its a slap in the face to JB Grinnells legacy, and its brought dishonor to the entire community of Grinnell, he said. A petition circulated by Jordan has been signed by 1,690 people as of Jan. 10. Republicans objection to Bidens victory, which they maintain was about concerns of voter fraud, was part of a last-ditch attempt by President Donald Trump and his supporters to overturn the results of the election, a months-long effort that involved countless unsubstantiated claims and summarily dismissed lawsuits. The effort culminated on Wednesday, when a group of violent Trump supporters, many of whom were brandishing confederate flags and other white supremacist iconography, stormed the Capitol building and forced legislators to seek shelter, temporarily stopping the certification of Bidens victory. In the aftermath of the insurrection, five people are dead and many more are wounded. Those who objected to certifying Bidens Electoral College victory have been blamed for tacitly encouraging those who broke into the Capitol building, and Trump himself may face legal repercussions for inciting the violence. Cole, who was elected to a tenth term representing Oklahomas 4th District with 68% of the vote in November, released a statement condemning the violence. But he still objected to Bidens victory in the states of Arizona and Pennsylvania once lawmakers returned. Cole said in a press release prior to the riot that his constituents were concerned about fairness and transparency in other states election processes and that he would express their concerns with my vote on the floor today. There is no evidence of widespread fraud in any states elections. Coles office did not respond to requests for comment for this article. Jordan dismissed the argument that Cole was simply representing the concerns of his constituents, arguing that Cole swore an oath to uphold the constitution, not to cater to the unfounded concerns of his voters. The U.S. is a representative democracy for a reason, because the masses can be misinformed, and clearly are misinformed, said Jordan. He knows as well as you and I do that the allegations of voter fraud are simply false. Jordan notes that in Coles speech accepting his honorary degree he told graduates they should look for leaders who prize pragmatism and traditionalism, as well someone who believes in the institutions of the country, who believes in fair play, who believes in open elections, who believes in the public process. Reading that speech the morning after Coles vote, Jordan said his jaw dropped. If Representative Cole really believes in that image of what a leader should be, then he should resign along with the other Republican congresspeople who voted to disregard the popular will of the people in this country, Jordan said. Cole, one of only a handful of Native Americans in Congress, was given his honorary degree in 2016. Before running for Congress, Cole served as an Oklahoma state senator, as chair of the Oklahoma Republican Party and as Oklahoma Secretary of State. In Congress, he served as the chairman of the National Republican Campaign Committee during the 2008 cycle. According to the Grinnell College Faculty Handbook, honorary degrees recognize and thereby encourage a standard of excellence, which is exemplary to the students for the conduct of their lives and promote the reputation of the College as an institution which recognizes and promotes such excellence. Honorary degree nominations are recommended by the Grinnell College faculty and approved by the Board of Trustees. There is no established process at Grinnell for rescinding an honorary degree, but other colleges have done it before. In the wake of high-profile sexual assault cases, figures like Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein were stripped of their honorary degrees. And on Friday, Lehigh University rescinded an honorary degree given to Trump in 1988. In an email to students, President Anne Harris condemned the violence at the Capitol. Democracy is anything but a static and assured state and we were starkly reminded today of how it can be fractured, and of how much effort and commitment is needed to sustain it, she wrote, adding, the work of Grinnell College is the work of democracy. Harris has not addressed the petition publicly, but she told The S&B that she was aware of the petition and that she would be researching the issue alongside other groups on campus. She cautioned, however, that any decision the College makes will take time, as it will set precedent for future decisions. For Jordan, in order for the College to uphold the values articulated in Harris email, it must rescind Coles honorary degree. I think that its a necessary step for the College if they do truly believe that our core value as Grinnellians is democracy, he said. PORTLAND, Ore. -- Senator Ron Wyden is in support of congress acting on the 25th Amendment following riots at the capitol this Wednesday. Wyden called the events that unfolded a domestic terrorist attack. He says the president ought to be held to account. He also calls him "a clear and present danger." Wyden says he views what happened as "the culmination of the president spending 4 years fanning the flames of fanaticism. Wyden said, The 25th amendment was passed in 1965 and what was particularly noteworthy is one of the amendments authors, who was a Republican from Virginia spelled out that it applied if a president was, and I quote here, unable or unwilling to make a rational decision." Wyden says this was a classic definition of domestic terrorism as people tried to use intimidation to advance a political goal. He added that every day the current president is in office, it is a threat to the values that are sacred to this county and to the values of Oregon. Charleston, WV (25301) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Voters are going to the polls in Kyrgyzstan Sunday to choose a new president as well as decide on constitutional changes in the form of government, Anadolu agency reports. As many as 3.5 million registered voters started to cast their votes at 2,474 polling places nationwide at 8.00 a.m. local time (0200GMT). As many as 17 candidates are seeing the presidency, including former Prime Minister and presumed front-runner Sadyr Japarov, former Parliament Speaker Adahan Madumarov, ex-State Committee for National Security head Abdil Segizbayev, and a former member of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court. The country will also decide on its form of government: parliamentary, presidential, or no change. If a presidential candidate gets more than half of the votes Sunday he will be elected, and if not the top two candidates will proceed to a second round. Sundays election in the Central Asian country comes in the wake of protests which erupted last October after eight political parties rejected parliamentary election results, claiming the process was unfair. The demonstrators stormed the parliament and other buildings and clashed with police, demanding new elections. In response, the election authority annulled the election results. Clashes between protesters and security forces left at least one person dead and 590 others injured. Derrick Evans PHOTO:By West Virginia Legislature - Image sourced from website run by the West Virginia Legislature. Presumably copyrighted, usage governed by About tab which states: "Photos are high resolution and can be downloaded and printed at home, posted to social media, or shared with your local newspaper."https://westvirginialegislature.zenfolio.com/p512156471/hf4362d7d, Copyrighted free use, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=98628320 Lawmaker Charged with Entering Capitol Resigns By The Associated Press HUNTINGTON - A West Virginia state lawmaker has resigned to face federal accusations of entering a restricted area of the U.S. Capitol after he livestreamed himself with rioters.Republican Del. Derrick Evans notified Gov. Jim Justice on Saturday that he was resigning effective immediately.Evans said he took full responsibility for his actions and deeply regretted any pain or embarrassment he may have caused.He said he hopes his resignation can remove any distraction from the Legislature and help begin the healing process.Evans appeared before a federal judge on Friday afternoon after his arrest.He faces misdemeanor charges of entering a restricted area and disorderly conduct. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Aside from leaving thousands of cars trapped and train stations and airport services suspended, a persistent blizzard blanketed a huge portion of Spain with an unusual amount of snow, which also killed at least four individuals on Saturday. Snowfall Hits 50-year Record High Weather agency AEMET, mentioned in their report that as of 7 a.m., the snowfall in Madrid reached the level that is unseen in a span of half a century. The national weather agency also shared that not less than 20 inches of snow fell in the Spanish Capital, CBS News reported. The Andalucia region emergency sevice recovered the bodies of a man and a woman after their car was washed away by a flooded river close to the town of Fuengirola. Based on the information shared by the Interior Ministry, a 54-yar-old man was also found dead in Madrid under a huge pile of snow. The local police department also reported that a homeless man died due to hypothermia or a condition of having a lower body temperature than normal body temperature, in the northern city of Zaragoza. On Saturday evening, more than half of the provinces of Spain remained under severe weather alerts for Storm Filomena with seven among them tagged at the highest level of warning. Since the warning system started to adopt forty years ago, authorities in Madrid activated a red alert for the first time and also seek help from the military in order to rescue people from vehicles trapped on everything from small roads to the major thoroughfares of the city, Voice of America reported. A citizen, Sandra Morena, was trapped while commuting to her night shift as a security guard in a shopping center but rescued out by the emergency unit of the army on Saturday morning and she arrived home safe and on foot. The 22-year-old security guard shared that it usually takes her 15 minutes for her travel time but that time it took her 12 hours freezing without having any food or water while crying along with other individuals for they do not know how they are going to get out of there. She also added that the snow can be very beautiful however, spending the night trapped in a car due to that thing, is definitely not fun. Fernando Grande-Marlaska, the Interior Minister shared that as of Saturday evening, Spanish security services had rescued all the individuals who were trapped in vehicles, over 1,500. Read Also: FBI Offers $50K Reward for DC Pipe Bombers, Release Photo of Suspect The weather agency AEMET also warned that a number of regions would be receiving more than 24 hours of continuous snowfall due to the unusual combination of a cold air mass stagnant over the arrival of the warmer Storm Filomena from the south and the Iberian Peninsula. Jose Luis abalos, the Transport Minister also warned the public that the snow is going to turn into ice and the situation will be more dangerous compared to what they are currently experiencing. The Transport Minister also emphasized that the priority was to assist those in need but also to ensure the supply chain for food and other basic goods, Sky News reported. Related News: DC Protest Aftermath: Protesters Identified Start Losing Their Jobs @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Church of Saint Antipas, a short walk from the Kremlin in central Moscow, dates back to the 16th century but is taking a distinctly modern approach to attracting new worshipers - Andrei Borodulin /Andrei Borodulin Among the golden icons, incense and acapella chanting of the Orthodox Christmas service, an altar server pulls an iPhone from his robes and takes a photo of a priest that will later be uploaded to Instagram. The Church of Saint Antipas, a short walk from the Kremlin in central Moscow, dates back to the 16th century but is taking a distinctly modern approach to attracting new worshipers. The Russian Orthodox Church as a whole is a conservative, politically powerful institution that, unlike the Church of England or even the Vatican, has done little to adapt to the times. But with its range of hoodies, smartphone cases, and a fashionable cafe on church grounds, Saint Antipas is making a unique appeal to a young, urban audience. In Russia there is sometimes wariness in relation to the Church. You cant walk here. You cant stand there. There are shawls [for women to cover their hair], said Father Andrei Shchennikov, a former stage and TV actor who now heads Saint Antipas. While he supports Orthodox traditions, Father Andrei said he wanted to defuse tension around religious worship. Father Andrei Shchennikov is a former stage and TV actor who now heads Saint Antipas - Andrey Borodulin /Andrey Borodulin You have to go where the people are, the 44-year-old said of the churchs activity on social media. The priest himself used to run Saint Antipas Instagram account but he recently handed over duties after tiring of online haters and the need for constant updates. The church counts a number of Russian celebrities among its congregation. Irina Abramovich, the ex-wife of oligarch and Chelsea owner Roman, is reported to be one of its financial patrons. At the weekends, its Antipa cafe buzzes with millennial Muscovites. Along with flat whites and pastries, the cafe sells a slickly produced Orthodox lifestyle magazine called Khleb or Bread. Its the centre of the city, people have pretty good taste. To communicate with them you have to talk in a modern way, said Anastasia Balakireva, the up-and-coming architect who designed the space along with collaborator Mikhail Knyazev. Story continues Moscows a very driven city. Theres a calmer atmosphere here even if youre not religious, said the 30-year-old, who described herself as Orthodox but is not a regular churchgoer. Services went ahead for Orthodox Christmas this week despite the coronavirus epidemic. While some worshipers wore masks, others went barefaced and kissed icons in line with Orthodox tradition. Although the majority of Russians describe themselves as Orthodox believers, and President Vladimir Putin is often photographed at services, surveys show that few regularly attend mass. Persecuted under the Soviets but now closely aligned with the Kremlin, the Orthodox Church has found itself at odds with progressive Russians in recent years. Father Andrei said he had no argument with Church authorities and did not support any changes to the liturgy, which can last up to several hours and is still in Church Slavonic. The Orthodox Church hierarchy has not commented publicly on Saint Antipass approach. I am a traditional conservative, Father Andrei said. The cafe, everything else, its like a ring that holds a previous gem - the gem is what has real value. Only the Lord himself can call people to God. Leaving Cert exams are still expected to take place this year, but some assessments are now likely to look a little different. Last Monday, education stakeholders and unions were invited to a meeting with government officials. Covid-19 case numbers were rising rapidly and it was becoming clear a call would have to be made on schools reopening. The Government's position was clear. They had advice from Nphet that it was safe for pupils and teachers to come back. Most union officials were surprised, given how dramatically the third Covid-19 wave had gripped communities nationwide. Unions sought updated advice and it was agreed public health experts would brief teachers' representatives and management bodies later in the week. Meanwhile, chief medical officer Tony Holohan wrote a letter to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. This letter is a cornerstone in the Government's "schools are safe" message. Dr Holohan's letter stated that "schools should reopen in January as planned, as provided for in Level 5" of the living with Covid-19 framework. He added that the impact of lost school time "outweighed the risks of reopening". Expand Close Are the oral exams going ahead? Are the practicals going ahead? Are the mocks going ahead? Michael Cregan. Photo: LimerickBurke/Press 22 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Are the oral exams going ahead? Are the practicals going ahead? Are the mocks going ahead? Michael Cregan. Photo: LimerickBurke/Press 22 However, the letter, dated January 5, cited data up to January 2, when there were 3,394 new daily cases. There have been in excess of 4,900 cases every day since, so unions questioned it. "The landscape had totally changed," Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO) general secretary John Boyle said. "But we were willing to listen to updated advice." Dr Holohan's letter had caveats that created further doubts for teachers. It cited rising levels of community transmission as a risk to ongoing education, and suggested Level 5 measures might not be sufficient to bring the virus under control. Later, in bold font, Dr Holohan added: "Equally, it is my view that, while the experience from September to December 2020 has clearly demonstrated that schools are in themselves a safe environment, the current epidemiological situation has deteriorated to a point where the significant levels of mobility and linked activity that the full reopening of schools would generate, constitutes a very significant additional risk in the context of what are already unprecedented levels of disease transmission in the community." Expand Close INTO general secretary John Boyle / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp INTO general secretary John Boyle HSE public health experts Dr Abigail Collins and Dr Kevin Kelleher met with unions later in the week with the promised updated health advice. Some found it reassuring, but it came against the backdrop of almost 5,500 confirmed cases the night before and about 25,000 positive cases in the previous week. Dr Collins is of the view that schools play a crucial role in child development and the level of reward in attending during the pandemic outweighs the risk because of the regimented practices in place around hand-washing, mask wearing and the full suite of restrictions brought in last August. "Schools being open is about more than education. It is about psychosocial development, not regressing for special needs children, supporting social needs and opportunity and equity," she told the Sunday Independent. "This is about shaping their future lives and the schools being open is an important part of that. We should do everything as a society to make it safe enough to allow that. "We have proven school is a safer place to be than many community settings over the past month [while schools were shut and cases increased]. It should be a high priority to facilitate that." Crucially, her advice does not change whether schools sit for three days or five days per week. The move to bring in Leaving Cert students and special needs pupils part-time for January, which was abandoned by the Government last Thursday, less than 24 hours after the plan was unveiled, was a policy matter rather than one driven by public health advice. For teachers, the three-day week raised issues around childcare provision for teachers with children. Other teachers were nervous of being exposed to health risks, and there were genuine concerns for the safety of staff and students with underlying conditions. Some schools were worried about not being indemnified by insurers. When the three-day plan was announced last Wednesday it was also considered that there was insufficient time to put the necessary logistics in place to simultaneously run online classes for some year groups alongside the sixth years, who on any given day could be at home or in school. "Our school simply wouldn't have the IT infrastructure to cope with 40 teachers live-streaming classes at the same time from the school building all day while the Leaving Certs are in," one principal said. Teachers' Union of Ireland general secretary Michael Gillespie said unions are happy to follow the public health advice, but there are too many questions around health and safety for staff and students at present. He said consultation will be key going forward. "We need a restoration of confidence and that is not there at the moment because the case numbers are so high," he added. "We will follow the public health advice and if they can strongly suggest we should go back, we will. We want to do that and we have proven already that we are willing to go back." While the Government's U-turn gives clarity to what will happen from tomorrow, when students and teachers log on from home at 9am, it will cause angst for parents who have to balance work, school and domestic life. There are also serious issues still to be addressed about the impact of school closures on vulnerable pupils, special needs students and the Leaving Cert. Funding for the school meals programme remains in place, but details on how food will be provided are being worked on. Meanwhile, there are thousands of children who see school as a haven from issues such as abuse, homelessness, poverty and deprivation. They will need to be supported. Officials are now looking at an earlier return to classrooms for special needs students. While many schools are considering abandoning mock exams to allow students more in-class time, the Department of Education is also progressing this week with planning for the Leaving Cert. A government source said some leeway is likely to be given to students taking part in practical assessments where deadlines are looming, but it will be difficult to meet because they may need access to specialist rooms and school equipment to complete them. Officials are also actively considering changing how the oral exams in Irish and European languages take place to allow them to happen online. "If you are learning online, it is possible more could happen online, too, but that would have to be hammered out next week," the source said. "None of these things are perfect scenarios, and there are people who may not have access to broadband, but they are looking at ways of facilitating that - such as a student coming in to an empty school." Teachers and the Government are keen to avoid a repeat of the predicted grades that were used last year. A threat of legal challenges is a significant consideration. With court cases ongoing in relation to last year's Leaving Cert, there are concerns that this year's cohort has missed more school than the class of 2020 and may also argue there was more time this year for the Government to put contingencies in place. National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals president Michael Cregan, who is principal of Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ in Limerick, said teachers and students need urgent clarity on what happens between now and June. "We met with our sixth years on Friday and the questions they want answered are around the orals. Are they going ahead? Are the practicals going ahead, because there are practical deadlines coming up at the end of the month? Are the mocks going ahead? If they are not going ahead, what criteria are you going to apply to us for predictive grades? "That is important because there has to be equity there. We can't have a teacher in one part of the country using two exams when a teacher somewhere else is using four exams." 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. Singapore: Twin brothers from India have been each jailed for five months and ordered to receive three strokes of the cane for attacking a compatriot at a dormitory in Singapore. Lakshmanan and Raman Pothiyappan, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous hurt to their fellow countryman and colleague, Thevvan Velayutham, 41. The duo were each jailed for five months and ordered to receive three strokes of the cane, The Straits Times reported on Tuesday. They committed the offence at a Shaw Road dormitory near Upper Paya Lebar Road on Oct 29 last year. Deputy Public Prosecutor Soh Weiqi said Thevvan, who is also a construction worker, was sitting in the front porch of the dormitory when the two brothers started punching and kicking him. ALSO READ: Pakistani Hindu arrested from temple in Haryanas Jhajjar Lakshmanan, who had consumed alcohol shortly before the attack, also threw a chair at Thevvan and it struck his head and body. Soh said: Raman had informed that the victim and Lakshmanan were not on good terms, and that he had joined in the assault to support his brother. Thevvan later went to Changi General Hospital, where he was found to have injuries, including a broken nose and a fracture near an eye.Soh told District Judge Samuel Chua that the victim has since fully recovered from his injuries. She urged the judge to sentence the brothers, who were unrepresented, to at least five months jail with caning. Before handing out the sentence on Monday, Judge Chua told the brothers: The injuries were severe... Such offences will not be tolerated in Singapore. For causing grievous hurt, each attacker could have been jailed for up to 10 years and fined or caned. ALSO READ: Bengaluru police arrests three Pakistanis with fake documents For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. NEW DELHI : Two flight surgeons will soon fly to Russia where they will get hands-on experience in space medicine from their Russian counterparts for the Gaganyaan mission, an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) official said on Sunday. The flight surgeons are doctors from the Indian Air Force who have specialised in aerospace medicine. The flight surgeons will leave soon. They will get hands-on training with flight surgeons in Russia," the official said. Training of astronauts is a critical aspect of the human space mission project. Fight surgeons are responsible for astronauts' health before, during and after a flight. The flight surgeons will also get to train with the prospective astronauts, the official said. The four test pilots of the Indian Air Force, chosen for India's first manned mission to space, have been undergoing training at the Yu.A. Gagarin Research and Test Cosmonaut Training Centre near Moscow since February last year. Named after Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space, the Center was built to support manned space programmes, space exploration activities, space engineering, cosmonauts' training, as well as ensuring their safety in space and providing post-flight rehabilitation programmes for cosmonauts. The training of Indian astronauts has been affected due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown in Russia, and they are expected to be back in India by March. The flight surgeons will also travel to France for training. The French module of space surgeons training will be more theoretical in nature," the official added. In 2018, flight surgeon Brigitte Godard, who was with French space agency CNES then, had visited India to start the training of physicians and engineers. France has a well-established mechanism for space medicine. It also has the MEDES space clinic, a subsidiary of CNES, where space surgeons undergo training. Gaganyaan, an ambitious mission to send three Indians to space by 2022, could be slightly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit ISRO's supplies from the industry, the official said. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. AUSTIN Just days after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and four others, the Republican Party of Texas held its own rally near the Texas Capitol to condemn violence. Dont do anything stupid, Republican Party of Texas chairman Allen West warned the crowd, just as the rally was starting Saturday. If youre here to cause any chaos, any disruption, any kind of disturbance, leave now. While the hundreds of people clad in bright red Make America Great Again hats, with many waving blue Trump flags, gathered near the Texas Capitol to talk about the Legislatures upcoming session beginning Tuesday, the events of Wednesday were on the minds of many speakers who spoke against violence. Those that want to get their word out with violence and destroying property and shooting and killing and burning are not righteous people, state Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, told the crowd. That is not us. Beaumont Republican Chris Breaux, a member of the state partys executive committee, declared that those who stormed the U.S. Capitol were knuckleheads. But while party officials decried the violence, there was no hesitation in continuing to declare that the presidential and U.S. Senate races in Georgia were lost by election fraud, though no credible cases have been proved by the presidents campaign or Republicans around the nation. Many have pointed to Republicans fueling the anger of extremists as one of the reasons the crowd in Washington stormed the Capitol. Did you know that we lost two Senate seats in Georgia probably because of fraud, Breaux asked the crowd. Did you know Donald Trump probably had a blowout and we lost the presidency because of fraud? Breaux got loud responses of yes from the crowd to both questions and told them to channel their anger toward lobbying state lawmakers. A heavy police presence of state troopers and National Guard soldiers surrounded the Texas Capitol grounds for the rally, designed to put pressure on the Legislature to act on Republican priorities. The rally also included frequent jabs at Gov. Greg Abbott, accused of not doing anything to protest the alleged fraud. Former state Sen. Don Huffines, a Dallas-area Republican, fired up the crowd by saying King Greg isnt doing enough to fight election fraud in Texas. Has he done anything to secure our elections? No, said Huffines, who lost his re-election in 2018 to current state Sen. Nathan Johnson. Abbott has signed legislation to increase penalties for voter fraud, and it was his appointed secretary of state who began efforts to purge thousands of Texans from the state voter rolls before the 2020 elections under a false assumption they were not legal citizens. Later during Saturdays rally, speakers blasted the governor for instituting mask restrictions and for a general executive overreach in his attempts to control the spread of the coronavirus. Few in the crowd of hundreds wore masks or followed social distancing guidelines. The attacks on Abbott are no surprise given the tone of West and the Republican Party of Texas since the summer, when the chairman joined a lawsuit against Abbotts decision to extend early voting as a response to COVID-19. In October, West led a Free Texas demonstration outside the Governors Mansion, blasting Abbotts coronavirus restrictions. Other priorities listed by party leaders included banning all abortions, allowing full open carry of guns, expanding school choice to include private school vouchers and protecting monuments such as a Confederate monument a few hundred feet away on the state Capitol grounds. West said the purpose of the rally was to make sure the Legislature knows the Republican Party of Texas isnt going to stay quiet. We are here today to embolden and encourage our representatives, especially for the great state of Texas, West said. Cuba announced on Saturday that it has signed a bilateral agreement with Iran to test the efficacy of its homegrown COVID-19 vaccine. The agreement has been signed between Cuba's state-run Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV) and Pasteur Institute of Iran, which will see the Phase three clinical trial of its vaccine in the Islamic Republic. IFV in a statement said that the agreement will complement the clinical evidence of its vaccine candidate Soberana02 and will allow both countries to move faster with the immunisation process. Read: Iran Warns Of Expelling United Nations Nuclear Inspectors If US Doesn't Lift Sanctions "The Pasteur Institute of Iran has a long history of collaboration with BioCubaFarma. Today the ties of friendship between our two countries are strengthened with a new agreement related to the vaccine Soberana02 of the Finlay Institute," said BioCubaFarma in a tweet. Finlay Vaccine Institute is one of the BioCubaFarma institutions. Read: Iran Is In 'no Rush' To See US Return To 2015 Nuclear Agreement, Says Khamenei The agreement between Havana and Tehran comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that his country will not import COVID-19 vaccines from the United States and Britain because of trust issues. Khamenei, during a live televised speech, said that COVID-19 vaccines from the US and Britain are forbidden, calling them "completely untrustworthy". Communist Cuba is considered arch-rival of the United States in the Americas because of the former siding with Russia during the Cold War in the 20th century. Read: US Capitol Siege: Iran's Rouhani Mocks Western Democracy, Terms It 'weak And Fragile' Phase 1 & 2 trial complete Cuba has already completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials of the Soberana02 vaccine in the country, which, as per the IFV, triggers an immune response in 14 days. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Finlay Vaccine Institute, established in the early 1990s, is a leader in Cuban health technology, producing various vaccines such as the tetanus vaccine vax-TET and a combination vaccine against tetanus and diphtheria. Earlier, the director of the Finlay Institute, Doctor of Science Vicente Verez had said that they are preparing to conduct a trial of the Soberana02 vaccine abroad. Read: Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei Bans COVID-19 Vaccine Import From US And UK Instead of buying incense with an artificial scent made of chemicals, high-income families pay millions of dong for clean incense. Every year in the 12th month of the lunar year, Nguyen Thi Hue, 40, who lives on Chua Lang street in Hanoi, orders a box of frankincense from a frankincense workshop in Duy Phu commune in Duy Xuyen district in Quang Nam province. Burning incense is an ancient cultural and religious ritual in Vietnam. The natural aroma of frankincense incense helps create a tranquil and peaceful space, which helps absorb the energy flow that brings prosperity, and expresses the landlords respect for the deceased. We are willing to spend a big amount of money every year to burn incense on death anniversaries and during the Tet holiday, she said. Many years ago, Hue bought incense made of artificial scent. But she was not satisfied about the products. Three years ago, when traveling in Quang Nam and Da Nang on a short-term tour, she had the opportunity to visit Duy Phu commune in Quang Nam province, and saw how locals made incense. After witnessing the sophisticated process of making clean incense followed by the families there, she decided that she would only use incense made by craftsmen in Duy Phu, though the products are much more expensive than those made on an industrial scale. At that time, a box of 100 sticks of incense was priced at VND90,000. She bought five boxes. This is clean incense with a slight scent and little smoke. When the incense is burnt, it doesnt produce ashes and doesnt cause eyes to sting. The frankincense is made of 100 percent natural non-toxic materials. Hue not only buys frankincense to worship her ancestors, but also to give to her friends and partners as gifts. She believes that the gifts, with the pure scent, show her devotion to the recipients and are meaningful on the new year. The incense can be burnt every day in houses, offices and shops, and helps attract positive energy, according to feng shui experts. Since the products are made of natural materials and give a pleasant scent, they are expensive. The prices are between VND100,000 and VND600,000 per box. Hue and her three siblings spend VND10 million a year on incense. Ngoc Ha in the My Dinh urban area in Hanoi said she likes burning incense made of natural materials, because it is safe for closed rooms with air conditioners and for pregnant women and kids. Tran Van Hai, a petty merchant selling clean incense online, said the prices remain unchanged this year. A box of 100 sticks of incense sells for VND70,000-100,000. Lan Anh Phia Thap incense village in Cao Bang The incense craft of the Nung ethnic minority people in Phia Thap Village, Quoc Dan Commune, Quang Uyen District, Cao Bang Province is contributing to the preservation of a traditional spiritual culture. Cham traditions live on at annual festival Every October, the Cham ethnic minority from around the country, particularly those in the south-central province of Binh Thuan, celebrate the Kate Festival -- one of their biggest and most unique cultural activities. e Northern Irelands health chiefs have warned that the number of people with Covid-19 in hospital will double by the third week of January compared to the current figures. The prediction was made in a joint statement by the chief executives of the regions six health and social care trusts on Sunday. Dr Anne Kilgallen, chief executive of Western Trust, said Northern Ireland hospitals are facing into an abyss. She said: We can say that this situation is more grave than it has ever been in the course of this pandemic. I would go so far as to say our hospitals are facing into an abyss. At the moment one in four of the people in our hospitals have Covid-19. Its about 700 people. At the peak of the first surge there were 400 people in hospital so already were in a very grave situation. She said they are trying to keep their emergency departments for the sickest people and that all but the most immediately urgent surgical procedures have been deferred. This has been a heartbreaking decision for each of us as chief executives and its a decision that has not been taken lightly but were absolutely certain we need to do this now if were going to be able to provide essential services to those who are the sickest in our society, Dr Kilgallen added. It came as an alert was issued to staff at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen appealing for them to go directly to the hospital due to increasing pressures on the healthcare system regionally on Sunday night. Attention all off-duty staff in the vicinity of SWAH. Due to increasing pressures this evening on the NI Healthcare System, we are appealing to you to contact or go directly to the hospital. Thank You pic.twitter.com/VLMvSg9g8X Western Trust (@WesternHSCTrust) January 10, 2021 South West Acute Hospital said: Attention all off-duty staff in the vicinity of SWAH. Due to increasing pressures this evening on the NI Healthcare System, we are appealing to you to contact or go directly to the hospital. Thank You. The health chiefs said the surge in expected hospital admissions cannot be solved by creating more beds because the staff are not there to care for increased numbers of patients. The situation is very serious with modelling projections indicating that in the third week in January we will be trying to contend with double the number of Covid positive patients compared to the current position today, when several hospitals already have record numbers of patients, the statement read. This is not a simple matter of putting up more beds. We need the staff to care for the increased number of patients. Pre-existing staffing pressures and staff absence because of Covid, and other reasons, mean that those staff simply arent there. Northern Irelands health system has come under severe pressure since Christmas hospitals are almost at full capacity and cancer surgery procedures were among the operations cancelled in Belfast. Sunday saw a further 17 deaths due to Covid-19 and 1,112 additional positive cases in Northern Ireland. It brings the total number of people who died of the virus to 1,460 and the total confirmed cases to 88,700 since the pandemic began. There were 703 people with the virus in hospitals across Northern Ireland and 53 in ICUs. Hospital occupancy was at 94% and there were 15 ICU beds available. The regions seven-day incidence rate per 100,000 of the population stands at 556. Read More Surge capacity in private hospitals being accessed, HSE chief says Newry, Mourne and Down had the highest rate at 801 per 100,000 population, followed by Mid Ulster at 751 and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon at 722. The health chiefs said several trusts had already had to stand down all but the most urgent elective surgery, including some red-flag cancer surgery, to redeploy staff to meet the urgent and immediate needs of extremely ill patients needing ICU care. These postponed operations will be rescheduled as soon as possible, they said. We have established a regional approach to ensure that any available theatre capacity across Northern Ireland is allocated for those patients most in need of surgery, both during surge and as we come out of this surge. This may mean that patients will need to travel further for their surgery. Cancer services are seeking to maintain chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other non-surgical treatments and alternative treatments will be provided in the absence of surgical options. They added that healthcare staff would do everything they could do to deal with the unfolding situation, despite being exhausted. It will definitely not be easy and the care that we are able to provide will at times fall short of the high standards we normally deliver but we will do our very best, they said. Desperately ill patients whether Covid or non-Covid will always be the ones being prioritised. The public has been urged not to attend emergency departments at any time unless they need emergency care. It is likely that those who do attend will wait longer to be seen and for admission to hospital if that is what they require, the chiefs said. Patients arriving by ambulance will also wait at times, sometimes for many hours before space is available in an already over-stretched ED. They warned that when there is pressure in one part of the health and social care system inevitably it impacted on other parts. We might once again need families to be willing to fill unavoidable gaps in domiciliary care, they said. Never has the phrase all in it together been so pertinent and just so important. The Covid-19 vaccines provide the long-term hope and the current lockdown offers the opportunity to shorten the duration of the current surge, they added. They urged the public to continue to play their part by staying at home, practising social distancing and wearing face coverings. New lockdown restrictions preventing people from leaving home except for essential reasons came into effect on Friday. The strict rules will remain in place until February 6 but will be reviewed later this month. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. One resident of the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington has tested positive for COVID-19, the homes director said Friday. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. In this Sept. 21, 2020, file photo, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft speaks during a news conference at the U.S. State Department in Washington. AP By Teddy Ng China accused the United States of "playing with fire" with its plans to send its UN envoy to Taiwan next week, saying the move would create "new difficulties" for the already troubled ties between Beijing and Washington. The visit from January 13 to 15 by Kelly Craft to Taiwan is seen by the mainland as the latest move by the outgoing administration of Donald Trump to further damage China-US relations and put US president-elect Joe Biden in a corner. "We wish to remind the United States that whoever plays with fire will burn himself. The United States will pay a heavy price for its wrong action," a spokesman for China's mission to the United Nations said in a statement. China strongly urges the United States to stop its crazy provocation, stop creating new difficulties for China-US relations and the two countries' cooperation in the United Nations, and stop going further on the wrong path." The US would not succeed in its attempt to harm China's core interests by politically manipulating Taiwan, it added. Craft will be the third senior US official to visit Taiwan after undersecretary of state Keith Krach visited in September and Health and Human Rights Secretary Alex Azar went in August. In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, first row third from right, poses for photo with the delegation led by U.S. Under Secretary of State Keith Krach, first row second from left, at Tsai's presidential residence in Taipei, Taiwan on Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. AP The US mission said that during her trip, Craft would "reinforce the US government's strong and ongoing support for Taiwan's international space, in accord with the US one-China policy that is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three US-PRC joint communiques, and the Six Assurances to Taiwan". Craft is also expected to deliver remarks on Taiwan's contributions to the global community and call for expanding Taiwan's participation in international organisations. The American envoy has been vocal in her support for Taiwan and has lashed out at Beijing over human rights issues. She told a Heritage Foundation seminar in New York last month that Beijing's human rights abuses stood "in stark contrast to Taiwan, a true force for good in the world". But Beijing sees Taiwan as a breakaway province and opposes any official visit between the US and the self-ruled island. Its fighter jets approached the island in August and September during the visits by Azar and Krach. Craft's visit follows a series of recent actions taken by the Trump administration against China. This week, the president signed an executive order banning Chinese payment apps in the US. The White House has also ordered the delisting of three major Chinese companies from the New York Stock Exchange. Diplomatic observers said those moves would further damage China-US relations during the remaining two weeks of Trump's term, but Beijing might not take drastic countermeasures at this stage. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, left, speaks during a meeting with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen in Taipei, Taiwan Monday, Aug. 10, 2020. AP Liu Weidong, a specialist on US-China relations with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the trip would not have a big impact on the next US administration's policy on China or Taiwan. "With little room to influence domestic policies, Trump has been desperately trying to cause trouble to prevent a rapprochement between China and the US," Liu said. "Trump is trying to put pressure on the incoming Biden administration because [Biden] will be criticised for not doing enough if he is seen to have backtracked on some of Trump's policies regarding China. But this attempt will have limited impact and will not have sway on the new administration's policymaking." The announcement of Craft's trip came amid unrest in the US, with crowds laying siege to the US Capitol. Congressional Democrats have called on Vice-President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment a provision that unseats the president should they be deemed unfit for office and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has threatened impeachment against Trump. Even though Craft is not a US cabinet member and is unlikely to offer the self-ruled island anything substantial, the trip could still boost US-Taiwan relations. Wang Kung-yi, director of Taiwan International Strategic Study Society, said the White House could be trying to set a precedent. U.S. President Donald Trump, left, and China's President Xi Jinping pose for a photo ahead of their bilateral meeting during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. REUTERS 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Frontline workers risking their lives amid the pandemic deserve to know the details of the government's overall vaccination plan, Senator Panfilo Lacson said. In a statement on Sunday, the lawmaker said this is among the matters he will pursue in the Senate Committee of the Whole's first meeting on the issue on Monday. "Do we have a clear vaccination plan? Based on our conversations with doctors and frontliners, it appears we don't," he said in a DZBB interview, noting that they are wondering whether they would be prioritized in inoculation efforts. "The frontliners deserve to know because they are the ones who go to the morgues, they are the ones who attend to COVID patients," he added. In the country's vaccination road map, frontline healthcare workers are supposed to be first in line. Indigent senior citizens, other senior citizens and the remaining indigent population come next. While members of the military and the Philippine National Police are supposed to come fifth in inoculation efforts, Presidential Security Group personnel have already been vaccinated against the highly contagious disease some time last year even though no vaccine has yet been approved for use in the country. Medical frontliners have decried the controversial vaccination, saying health workers are more susceptible to COVID-19 given the nature of their work. It was a sentiment shared by many lawmakers and critics. The Food and Drug Administration, the Bureau of Customs and the National Bureau of Investigation have since launched separate investigations into the issue, particularly on how unregistered vaccines were able to enter Philippine territory. The Armed Forces of the Philippines was supposed to conduct a probe of its own, but cancelled it on the same day President Rodrigo Duterte defended his close-in security detail on the controversy. However, Lacson noted that while the Senate may take up the issue, ensuring that vaccines would be available for all Filipinos should be the priority. The lawmaker said he would also be pursuing in the hearing the country's supposedly missed opportunities to secure vaccines much earlier, including doses from Pfizer. Last month, Lacson alleged that it was Health Secretary Francisco Duque III who "dropped the ball" on the deal to buy 10 million doses from the American drug maker, an allegation the Cabinet official has denied. "At least 25 Filipinos die and 1,300 are infected by COVID every day. There should be a sense of urgency. But why are we not seeing it?" Lacson added. The debate regarding digital privacy has been going around for several years now. However, many smartphone users have started paying attention to this topic now after the recent change in WhatsApp policy to share user data with Facebook. If you are concerned and want to control and protect your privacy on your smartphone, here are a few settings you should update. Manage App Permissions: Have you ever paid any attention to the permissions that an app requires on your phone? The chances are that you would have just installed the app, agreed to everything and started using the app this would give apps open access to all the information on your device. Thankfully, you can change this to ensure that your privacy is protected with any app that you install on your smartphone. Open Settings on your smartphone and head to the Privacy section to access the Permission Manager. Once you open the Permission Manager, it will show you a list of device features such as camera, call logs, location, microphone, storage, etc. You can open each section to view the list of apps accessing that particular feature and then change settings to deny any app that you dont want to access a specific feature. We strongly recommend giving permissions to only essential apps and removing the other ones. Example: If you use Telegram for communication, you need to provide permission for contacts, but you can deny access to your call logs. Going ahead, make sure that you read through the permissions requirement of any app that you install and give access permission to protect your privacy. : Almost all apps and services require you to create an account to use them now. However, what most of us tend to do is that instead of going through the option to create an account, we choose to sign up using Google, Facebook or Twitter. You dont realise that when you choose that option, you are providing access to all the information in your Google, Facebook or Twitter account to these third-party apps and services. This is a significant privacy risk as the apps can use your personal information and your usage history to track you regularly. Instead of choosing the easy method of signing up with an existing service, take a few minutes and always sign up with your email manually. You can revoke the account access for third-party apps and services for the apps and services that you have already signed up for via Google or Facebook. Head to your Google account settings and open the Security section to view and edit third-party apps with account access. For Facebook, open your account settings and then go to the Apps and Websites section to view and edit the list of apps that have been logged in via Facebook. Turn Off Ad Personalisation: When you browse the internet, check your email or access your social media network, you always come across advertisements in one form or the other. Its not by chance that these ads are always relevant to your interests or your recent searches. This happens because, by default, Google and Facebook have ad personalisation turned on for your account, which means that by tracking your usage and using your personal information, relevant ads are shown to you that match your interests. To prevent this from happening, you need to change your privacy settings. For Google, open your account settings and go to Data & Personalization. You will see the Ad Personalization option in this section, open Ad Settings and then you can turn off this feature. This would stop Google from using your information across Chrome, YouTube and all other Google services. To do the same for Facebook, open settings > Ads and go to Ad Settings > Data about your activity from partners and then turn off the option for Facebook and Instagram account under Choose where we can use data from our partners to show you personalized ads. Location History Control: Did you know, Google keeps track of your location history all the time. Google uses this information to provide personalised suggestions and recommendations depending on your history. However, this also means that your location is continuously being tracked, and your past and current location activity can be viewed through your account. You can view your location history by opening the Google Maps app on your phone and going to your profile > Your Timeline. On the page that opens, you will be able to view your location from any day in the past. To stop your location tracking, tap on the three dots on the top right and open settings. In settings, tap on Location history settings, and then you can turn it off for your Google account. 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. Indianapolis, IN (46208) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 85F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Rain likely. Low 64F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. India's Future Group expects swift regulatory approval of its $3.4 billion (Rs 24,713 crore) deal to sell its retail assets, its chief executive said, even as its warring business partner Amazon.com Inc intensifies efforts to block the deal. Future and Amazon are at loggerheads over the Indian group's August deal with Reliance Industries Ltd. The US giant alleges the deal breached some of its pre-existing contracts with Future. A New Delhi court in December dismissed Future's request to restrain Amazon's repeated attempts to get authorities to stall the deal. But the judge left the fate of the transaction with the regulators. "The court has already given their view that every institution can take a view" on the sale, Future Group founder and CEO Kishore Biyani told Reuters in an interview. "So there is no reason why things should be delayed." Amazon declined to comment on Biyani's remarks. Reliance did not respond to a request for comment. Also read: Amazon was fully aware of talks with RIL for sale of retail assets: Future Group CEO Kishore Biyani The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), the market regulator that has been reviewing the deal for months, did not respond to a request for comment. Sebi and India's stock exchanges could still reject or take more time in approving the deal, which is critical for the survival of Future Retail, whose more than 1,700 outlets were hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. Future Retail has warned that failure to close the deal could lead to the company's liquidation and job losses for more than 29,000 employees. "We have restored businesses to a certain extent, but there are challenges," said Biyani, dubbed India's retail king for transforming the country's retailing in recent decades. Amazon protests The outcome of the dispute embroiling Future, Reliance and Amazon is seen shaping India's retail landscape, especially in deciding who will have an upper hand in the groceries market expected to be worth around $740 billion a year by 2024. Following Amazon's 2019 deal with a Future unit, the Indian retailer's groceries and fashion products are offered for sale on Amazon's website, while Future stores also act as local warehouses serving the US giant's food supply chain. Biyani said he had no intention of changing his business ties with Amazon despite the souring relationship. Criticising Amazon, however, Biyani said he was confused what Amazon wanted to achieve by blocking his deal. "I am disappointed," he said. "What do they want? They want so many employees to suffer, business to go down?" Amazon also took Future to a Singapore arbitrator, which passed an interim order in October saying the Reliance deal should be halted. Although Future says that order is not binding, the US e-commerce giant is continuing its efforts to block the deal. In a letter on Tuesday, Amazon asked Indian stock exchanges BSE and NSE to suspend their review of the deal in light of the ongoing Singapore arbitration. To buttress its case, Amazon on December 30 shared with the exchanges a confidential 63-page legal opinion signed by a former chief justice of India, Dipak Misra. In the opinion, seen by Reuters, Misra said SEBI or any other statutory authority "cannot ignore" the interim order passed by the arbitrator. Misra and the NSE did not immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment. BSE declined to comment. Jan. 1 At 7:49 a.m., an officer was dispatched to the 4100 block of University in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle that had already occurred. A passerby said a white BMW had both front and rear drivers side windows smashed. Contact was made with the victim who said nothing was taken from the vehicle. At 9:54 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle with a broken window in the 4200 block of Emory. Upon investigation, it was discovered that an unknown suspect(s) forced entry into the vehicle over the night hours and took items without consent. At 10:20 a.m., an officer observed a black SUV with a smashed drivers side window in the 4100 block of Milton. The officer made contact with the victim who said a pair of sunglasses were missing from the center console. An officer was dispatched to the 5700 block of Community for a report of a burglary of a motor vehicle. The reportee said two windows were smashed and items were removed from the vehicle. At 2:28 p.m, an officer was dispatched to a parking violation in the 2900 block of Bissonnet. Upon investigation, it was discovered the parked vehicle was reported stolen through HPD on 12/30/20. The vehicle was secured and towed to a secured area for HPD's investigation. At 7:57 p.m., an officer with the West University Place Police Department was dispatched to the police station lobby in reference to a found property report. A resident turned in a found cell phone which was taken for safe keeping. Jan. 2 An officer met with the victim of identity theft in the police station lobby, 3800 University Blvd. The victim said an unknown suspect used her identifying information to get a credit card. At 11:20 a.m., an officer was dispatched to a business in the 2600 block of Bissonnet in reference to a burglary of a motor vehicle that had already occurred. The victim said an unknown person(s) smashed the rear passenger side window to his rental vehicle and took a bag with his laptop and other property. An officer investigated an open door of a business in the 3900 block of Bellaire Blvd. The door was forced open and it was discovered by the owner that cash drawers were removed from the cashier areas. At 3:18 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the 4100 block of Byron, in regards to found property. Upon arrival, the officer collected the property and identified the owner of the item. The item was taken to the police department for safe keeping. Jan. 4 At 2:04 p.m., officers with the West University Place Police Department were dispatched to the 5600 block of Academy in reference to a distress call. The individual was located and through investigation, was determined to be in emotional distress and pose a risk to himself. He was transported and admitted to the Neuro Psychiatric Center without incident. An officer was dispatched to the 2600 block of Bissonnet for a report of a burglary of a motor vehicle. It was reported that the victims vehicle was broken into and the interior was rummaged. A report burglary of a motor vehicle was generated. At approximately 4:53 p.m., a police officer was dispatched to the 3800 block of Swarthmore, in regards to a Burglary of a Motor Vehicle, which had already occurred. The complainant stated several pickup trucks, whose owners were working at her residence, were burglarized. Information was taken and a report was generated. Jan. 5 At 01:16 a.m., an officer was dispatched to S. Loop W & Stella Link to pick up an individual with an outstanding SETCIC warrant with the West University Place Municipal Court. The individual was taken into custody and transported to the West University Place Police Department Jail for booking. At approximately 8:16 a.m., a police officer was dispatched to 3800 University, in regards to a report of failing to stop and give information, which had already occurred. The victim stated an unknown driver struck her vehicle and did not leave their contact and insurance information. Information was gathered and a report was generated. A West University Place Police Officer was dispatched to the station for an ID Theft complaint. It was advised that an unknown suspect used the victims personal information to file for an SBA loan. An Identity theft report was generated. Jan. 6 At approximately 3:27 am, an officer observed a vehicle traveling westbound in the 4200 block of Bissonnet with a defective third brake light. A traffic stop was conducted in the 4500 block of Bissonnet. Upon further investigation it was discovered the driver had an outstanding warrant out of the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the passenger was in possession of a possible narcotic. The driver was arrested, and the possible narcotic was seized without further incident. At 12:40 PM, an officer was dispatched to West University Place Police Department in regards to an ID theft that already occurred. Upon arrival, it was discovered an unknown suspect(s) used the victims credit card information to purchase items without consent. At 11:15 p.m., an officer with the West University Place Police Department observed a vehicle fail to signal lane change while northbound in the 5400 block of Buffalo Speedway. A traffic stop was conducted and after further investigation, the driver was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver was issued citations and released from the scene. Police have seized suspected Class A drugs worth around 120,000 following the search of a property in Co Londonderry. Detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit, assisted by uniform colleagues, carried out the search in the Tobermore area of Magherafelt on Sunday. Police said the search was part of proactive investigation into organised crime. Following the discovery of the suspected drugs a 43-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of Class A controlled drug with intent to supply. Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said: The seizure of these suspected drugs is further evidence of the commitment of the Police Service of Northern Irelands Organised Crime Unit in removing dangerous drugs from our communities and thwarting the efforts of organised criminal gangs intent on profiting from the detrimental effects drug use causes in communities. The demand for drugs fuels the local drug trade which causes irreparable damage and loss to many families. During this global Coronavirus pandemic those who peddle drugs are placing more demand on the NHS. The majority of people are working hard to protect the NHS in these unprecedented times; meanwhile drug dealers are endangering lives and increasing pressures on our emergency services and frontline workers. "I would appeal to anyone with information about illegal drug use or drug dealing to call police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. The Scranton School District paid more than $45,000 in legal fees for attorneys who represented current or former district employees who were interviewed as part of a statewide grand jury investigation of the district. The fees, which were paid to 10 law firms, covered legal expenses only for people who were witnesses and do not include any fees relating to representing anyone charged with a crime, solicitor John Audi said. The school board agreed to provide the employees with representation because they were aiding authorities in the investigation, Audi and school board President Katie Gilmartin said. I certainly would want to see a public entity support its employees who are participating in good faith in a grand jury investigation, Gilmartin said. Audi said the district also was advised by legal authorities it had an obligation to provide the employees attorneys. The district has a duty to represent its employees who, through no fault of their own, become witnesses in a criminal investigation of activity at the worksite, Audi said. Scranton attorney Tullio DeLuca was paid the most, $6,958. Other attorneys were: the law firm of Eckert Seamans, Pittsburgh, $6,970; attorney Corey Kolcharno, Blakely, $5,938; attorney Paul Walker, Scranton, $5,700; the law firm of Mazzoni Karam Petorak & Valvano, Scranton, $5,485; attorney Tim Hinton, Scranton, $4,395; the law firm of Doherty Hayes, Scranton, $2,632; attorney John Finnerty, Scranton, $2,632; attorney Terrence McDonald of Dunmore, $2,535; and the law firm of Scartelli & Olszewski, Scranton, $2,272. The district has been under investigation since at least 2018, with the probe resulting in two separate sets of charges being filed In March 2018, former district fleet manager Daniel Sansky was charged with billing the district for work he performed on personal vehicles of at least a dozen of its employees, including former Business Manager Gregg Sunday. Sunday was charged in February 2019 for his role in the scheme. Sansky pleaded guilty in June 2019 to theft by deception and was later sentenced to six to 23 months in prison. Sunday pleaded guilty in March 2019 to one count of conflict of interest, restricted activities, and was sentenced to three years of probation. In September 2020, former Superintendent Alexis Kirijan, Ed.D., former Chief Operating Officer Jeff Brazil and maintenance foreman Joseph Slack were charged with endangering children and the public for failing to act after learning multiple district buildings had asbestos and elevated levels of lead in the drinking water. Those cases remain pending. Copies of the bills, which The Times-Tribune obtained through the states Right to Know Act, do not identify the employees or provide any detail of the work the attorneys performed. That information is privileged and was redacted. Most of the bills are for representation between June 2019 and December 2019, which coincides with the lead and asbestos investigation. The employees were permitted to choose their own attorney, all of whom agreed to charge a fee of $195 per hour. Audi said the board agreed to the rate but did not vote to approve it at a public meeting because the district was under a gag order not to reveal any issues relating to the grand jury. Joshua Wong Questioned on Charges Under Beijings National Security Law HONG KONGHong Kong police have brought pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong and Tam Tak-chi for questioning for violating Hong Kongs pro-Beijing National Security Law, increasing the total number of arrests using the Beijing-backed law from 53 to 55. Both were in police custody when they were taken into questioning on Thursday. Wong, former secretary-general of local pro-democracy party Demosisto, has been serving a sentence in Shek Pik Prison. Tam, a former radio presenter nicknamed fast beat and vice chairman of the pro-democracy party People Power, has been detained at the Lai Chi Kok Reception Center since September last year. Although Wong and Tam were in custody, Hong Kong police stated that they were arrested again due to their running in the 2020 primary elections for the pan-democracy camp. Since the two were already serving a sentence in detention, there was no need for bail or reporting to a police station. Both Wong and Tam were both candidates in the primary elections. The elections were held on July 11 and July 12 last year ahead of the Legislative Council (LegCo) elections, initially scheduled for September. But they have since been indefinitely postponed. The pan-democratic primary was the first-ever grassroots effort bringing together all democratic parties in Hong Kong in the hopes of winning a majority of more than 35 seats in the LegCo. Over 600,000 Hongkongers cast their ballot in the primary vote. Before arresting Wong and Tam, the Hong Kong police arrested 53 opposition figures on Jan. 6 over their participation in the primary race, charging them subversion according to Article 22 of the National Security Law. The Hong Kong National Security Office dispatched about 1,000 police officers to execute the mass arrest, the largest since implementing the Hong Kong National Security Law on July 1, 2020. Most of those arrested were released on bail the next day. They were required to pay bail of HK$30,000 ($3,865) to HK$50,000 ($6,441), surrender their travel documents, and are not permitted to leave Hong Kong for the next six months. Nathan Law, Sunny Cheung, and Ted HuiHong Kong primary candidates in exileissued a statement on Facebook on Jan. 6: The unprecedented scale indicates how the communist government has decided to purge the democratic camp, silencing all dissent. White terror stems from the ambiguity of the law; it threatens all 600,000 Hongkongers who had cast their vote. According to a Jan. 7 update posted by supporters on Joshua Wongs Facebook page: The welfare officer of the Correctional Services Department notified Joshua Wongs family that Joshua was transferred from Shek Pik Prison to Lai Chi Kok Correctional Institution this morning to record a statement. He was charged with violating the Hong Kong National Security Law. The post said that Wongs lawyer was not present as Wong recorded his statement. And when the lawyer arrived, Wong had already been returned to prison. Wong was dressed in prison clothes, handcuffed with chains around his waista look similar to how the founder of Next Media, Jimmy Lai, appeared at a recent trial. Lai was back in custody after he was denied bail on Dec. 31 last year. Joshua Wong was jailed on Dec. 1 for his role in the anti-government protests of 2019. His sentence is for 13 and a half months. Tam Tak-chi has been in detention since September 2020. He was charged with incitement over his shouting of slogans such as Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times and Five Demands, Not One Less on the street. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Ten relatives who were exposed to the Filipina earlier diagnosed with the new COVID-19 variant in Hong Kong all tested negative for the virus through antigen and antibody tests, a local official revealed on Sunday. Manuel Mamba, governor of Cagayan province where the Filipina domestic helper hails from, said the relatives are all asymptomatic. However, he noted that results of the RT-PCR tests, considered as the gold standard in detecting the coronavirus, are still pending. Sa Cagayan po sampu lang 'yung na-identify, may exposure sa kanya. At awa ng Diyos, [sila ay] asymptomatic, negative sa antigen at negative din sa antibody [test], Mamba said in an interview with CNN Philippines Newsroom Weekend.Pero sa RT-PCR, wala pa po. [Translation: Here in Cagayan, only 10 were identified that had exposure to her. By Gods grace, they are asymptomatic, negative in antigen, and negative also in antibody. But no results yet for RT-PCR.] Mamba added the individuals, who all come from the same place in the province, are still under home quarantine. Hong Kong health authorities earlier bared that a Filipina domestic worker, who arrived from Manila in December, was detected with the new United Kingdom COVID-19 variant which initial studies cited as potentially more contagious. The Philippines Department of Health later on confirmed the passenger is a 30-year-old woman from Cagayan Valley. Authorities said they are tracking her other close contacts in Metro Manila, as well as the passengers who boarded the same Philippine Airlines flight to Hong Kong last Dec. 22. The country also earlier imposed restrictions to travelers from nations with reported cases of the new variant from the UK, and of another mutation discovered in South Africa. READ: PH adds Austria in travel restrictions list over new COVID-19 variant EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2021 Helga Zepp-LaRouche: The Capitol Assault Was Another 9/11 Jan. 9 , 2021 (EIRNS)Helga Zepp-LaRouche today, speaking on The LaRouche Organization weekly Manhattan Project webcast, described how the orchestrated assault on the Capitol Building in Washington on Wednesday, Jan. 6, was another 9/11, intended to justify fascist dictatorship in the United States by the incoming Biden Administration, turning power over to the central bankers Green finance destruction of industry and agriculture. Helga Zepp-LaRouche: Good day! Of the many extraordinary things my late husband, Lyndon LaRouche, will be remembered for, by everyone who met him, and had the privilege to work with him, is that he had one incredible ability, and that was to [analyze events in the context of] new historical development. I have in memory many times when something new happened, some new incident, some murder, some clash, some mass strike, some phenomenon, and everybody would look puzzled, and say What is this? This is totally unexpected, and he would just give it a concept and a name, and then afterwards everyone would say, Oh yeah, now I can see it. Thats exactly what it is. I think we are in such a situation. I think we are, with the developments of Jan. 6th, we have experienced one of those extraordinary turning points which, if we do not give it the right interpretation, we cannot come up with the right conclusions for what to do. So, we will try this evening to apply that method [of Lyndon LaRouches], because what happened is incredible: Its a huge danger, and I think the danger is much bigger than the ordinary citizen suspects. What happened on Jan. 6th was the beginning of a new, global fascist danger. It can lead to an incredible strategic escalation with Russia, with Chinabut it can also open up something which can be defined as a solution. But first we have to identify exactly what happened. I was watching the YouTube channel of the session of the Joint Session of Congress, because I wanted to get a live impression. And as I was watching, shortly after 2 oclock, the camera shifted from the session inside the hall where the hearing was taking place, to the entrance of the Congress. I recognized this place immediately, because I went through there many times. I remembered the magnetometer, and I could see how many people with MAGA hats and other T-shirts pro-Trump, marched in relatively peaceful, quietly, almost joking. There were some policemen standing by, not doing anythingand it looked completely odd. And as the development unfolded, this roaming around and ransacking of a few hundred people, and it lasted almost two hours: I was completely puzzled, as was everybody else who watched this. Why was there no security? How did these people get through in the first place? Why were they allowed to roam the hallways of the Congress for such a long time? Then, as the coverage continued, one could hear the most important relevant government politicians were brought into safety. One could hear that gas masks were distributed, and tear gas was used inside the building. In any case, step by step, the enormity of this whole affair became very clear. Immediately, you had Chuck Schumer, the Senator from New York, saying this is a desecration of the temple of democracy, and he and others like Pelosi and so forth immediately said, Now, we have to have the 25th Amendment. Trump cannot stay one day longer in his position. Remember, Schumer was the person who had threatened President Trump at the beginning of his time in office, saying dont mess with the intelligence community, they have six ways from Sunday to get back at you; which was a clear threat. Immediately, you had Pelosi, Ben Rhodes, Michael McFaul, the former U.S. Ambassador to Moscow, not only demanding the 25th Amendment or the impeachmentif the 25th Amendment would not be implemented, then impeachment by Congress. But they also all started to say this is to the benefit of Putin, this is a gift by Trump to Putin. This is really extremely ominous. What has Putin to do with this affair? The fact that they all would mention that, points to another dimension of this crisis, and I will come to discussing this in a second. The first question one has to ask oneself is the cui bono? Does that breaching of the security at the Capitol help Trump in any way? Does it make any sense that the people who are Trump supporters would do that? Well, lets look at Jan, 6th. It was clear before that some major demonstrations and possibly also violence would happen. It was also clear that Jan. 6thand Trump had said this to his supporters many times: Look, come to Washington, this will be a big day. And Jan. 6th was the only day where there was a chance that the truth about the irregularities in the six swing states, possible vote fraud, could be presented in front of the two houses of Congress, the American population, and the world public. Because up to that point, any effort to create any kind of publicity about it was completely denied by the media, which said there is not one shred of evidence, this is all just made up by Trump, vote fraud did not exist. Then, in alphabetical order, the different complaints against irregularities in the different states were supposed to be presented. And relatively at the very beginning, namely, when Arizona was discussed, this breach of security occurred and the whole process stopped. So immediately, naturally, the narrative went out that Trump was supposedly the author of that. It is true that Trump, at the rally before the hearings started, had made a speech in which he presentedone could say with a certain bitter toneall the many incidents which had previously been discussed in Pennsylvania, in Georgia, in the other states. And it is true that he then after he was finished with his speech, said, Lets walk down Pennsylvania Avenue in the direction of the Capitol. Then, the question is, did he incite his followers to do that, or was that actually a disruption of what would have been a peaceful, powerful demonstration of the representatives of the 75 million voters who voted for Trump? There are now many video clips circulated from cell phones, from other video cameras, there are eyewitness reports of people who participated in the rally. And they all report a whole pattern of events. Namely, there were, for example, at one part of the outer perimeters of the Capitol, men dressed in black, hammering away at a door or a window, and very clearly a group of other men blocking the people behind to try to stop these men, or to have any access to them. It was very clearly a pattern where you see a group of men blocking and giving protection to those who committed the violence. There are other reports that all of a sudden, in a relatively calm and peaceful demonstration, groups of men appeared, who started to shout slogans like Lets burn down the place! And they tried to incite some of the bystanders to follow them. There were also reports that some people were egged on, but many not. So, what is very clear is that there is a whole pattern of people reporting strange vans coming with people dressed in black, or dressed in Trump shirts and MAGA hats. But there were outside elements coming into the demonstration, playing the role of provocateurs. That is something which obviously will be investigated, because five people died in the course of these events. Many people were arrested; many pictures were taken. But what all of this points to is the famous third force: That something happened, what Nelson Mandela, in the context of the tribal tensions in South Africa, was attributed by him to a so-called third force which wanted to discredit the ANC [African National Congress] at the time in order to impose their political will. Exactly the same MO happened in the coup in Kiev in 2014. If you remember the demonstrations in the Maidan, which started at the end of November, escalated into January, February. Then around Feb. 22, you had the coup, where all of a sudden the Nazis of the Bandera tradition, but it then turned out there were sharpshooters who had fired on both sides, on the demonstrators and on the police. There is a very high suspicion that something like that occurred, because one big question, which many people are asking now, and which has to be investigated is, why was there no adequate security? It was clear that this would be the big day of the Trump supporters, of Trump. There were tons of articles on Jan. 4th and Jan. 5th, which say there will probably also be violent demonstrations, one cannot exclude it. Nothing was done. The police were not well-equipped; the National Guard were there, but they were only called in by the mayor for traffic control. Normally, when you have some major event in Washington, they close down everythingthe museums, the public buildings. Nothing of this sort had occurred, and the Capitol Police were clearly under-equipped to deal with that. Now that all needs to be investigated, and the chain of command must be clarified. But there are many comments. For example, Chinese and Russian media are saying, with a certain amount of schadenfreude one can say, now the United States is getting a mild dose of the medicine they have administered to other countries, like Ukraine in 2004 and 2014; Serbia in 2000; other countries, Georgia; Belarus; the Arab Spring; all the color revolution efforts against Venezuela. But I think that is taking it too short. Because that somehow does not make the necessary distinction between the people who have been involved in the coup against Trump from 2015 onward; the collusion with British intelligence, which the evidence has been produced but not published, unfortunately, in time. But it is also very clear that the evidence will be produced. The only person who said something quite in the right direction was, interestingly, Mikhail Gorbachev, who said that the whole operation was clearly preplanned, and that the string-pullers will become obvious very soon. I think if you think about this affair, it is not Trump trying to make a coup against Biden, or Trump being responsible for this violence, as if mentioning the fact that there was vote fraudfor which there are thousands of eyewitnesses; there are many state legislators who even spoke at our different events. So there is no question that there was vote fraud. But the narrative which they are now trying to knit together is that the moment you speak the words vote fraud, then this is fake news and this must be banned: And this is what happened. Twitter banned Trumps account, and in the meantime, it has been made indefinite. All the other social media want to ban Trump. So, something else is going on here. I would think that it reminds you much more of 9/11. I want to take it back to what Lyndon LaRouche said on Jan. 3, 2001, where he had an absolutely prescient, really prophetic recognition of what would happen. He saidthis was three weeks before the George W. Bush Administration came into officehe said that he was convinced that they would go for some form of a Reichstagsbrand, a Reichstag Fire, because they would be confronted with difficulties in the financial system that they would not have an answer to, and therefore they would instigate a Reichstag Fire. That was three weeks before Bush came into the White House, and nine months before Sept. 11. It just happened to be that on Sept. 11, my husband was giving a live radio interview to a program in Utahthis was around 9 oclock in the morningand when the attack on the World Trade Center happened, somebody put a piece of paper in front of him and said, this just happened. And without access to any books or files or other resources, he immediately said, This could not have happened without the complicity of rogue elements of the U.S. security apparatus. And he said that with the full authority of being the author of the SDI, the Strategic Defense Initiative, which was implementedif people rememberby President Reagan on the March 23rd, 1983. He had done extensive studies about NORAD, about security measures. So, he immediately said, you can not do thatespecially when it became clear that it was four planes, including an attack on the Pentagonwithout such complicity, simply because the security apparatus and measures in place would not allow that. So, he also immediately, later elaborating that in writings, said its not just the incident as such; but it has a strategic dimension, including the fact that this was an attack on the Pentagon, the danger of some thermonuclear war. He even praised President Bush to a certain extent, because he did get on the phone with Putin at the time, and that obviously helped to get a certain amount of control in the situation. I think what the 9/11 attack did accomplish was, it gave the pretext for the Patriot Act. And I think many Americans remember the horror, the days of uncertainty, of what was the significance of this. People had all their yellow ribbons, and it was a period of shock. But, it was the period when the Patriot Act was implemented, and the worldwide surveillance really got going by the NSA, of the GCHQ (the British equivalent of the NSA), and all the limitations on civil rights, which followed at that time. And I think what happened on Jan. 6th is something like that, but in one sense much bigger: Because immediately you have the censorship of the President of the United States. That had already happened after Nov. 3rd, when Trump said that there was reason to believe that there was vote fraud. You remember that the CEOs of the main TV stations started to just cut in the press conference of the President of the United States, as if he would be some little dictator in a banana republic, and they would say, we disagree with what the President just said. So, the censorship started there. But after this incident on Wednesday, all the Big Tech, mega-giant IT firms thought that they are more important than the elected President of the United States, who is still the sitting President. And now, they have imposed a banning of any access of Trump to social media. This is enormous! People should think twice. I know there are some people who probably think, Oh, thats a good thing! We didnt like Trump in the first place. But look at what President Lopez Obrador from Mexico said in a press conference, Friday. He said, This is very, very bad. I think we are looking at the danger of a global dictatorship. I think we have to think about alternative options, and this is like the Holy Inquisition. This is the danger of a global dictatorship. And I think that is exactly what we are looking at, because if you think that of all people, Michelle Obama was calling on Silicon Valley to make sure that Trump would never again have access to social media; this is incredible. Obviously, one person who got immediately the significance of what that means, is Edward Snowden, who said people should be extremely wary of this, because if they can do this to Trump, the danger is they will do this to everybody. This is the beginning of a complete censorship, (and these are now my words), they want to quiet down all opposition to the present policies of the establishment. Why would they want to do that? Lyndon LaRouche, on the Jan. 3rd 2001, said that the Bush Administration would plan a Reichstag Fire kind of operation, because they would have to deal with problems of the financial system that they could not manage. I think this is exactly what is now at stake, just much, much bigger: Because we are sitting on the top of a systemic crisis, bankruptcy of the present trans-Atlantic financial system. Remember that after the collapse of 2008, nothing of the fundamentals was changed; they just kept pouring money through quantitative easing, through the injection of trillions of dollars, which did only one thing: It increased the wealth of the speculators, of the upper 1% of the trans-Atlantic establishment. But it impoverished the middle class, it made the poor poorer. And this is the situation which has led, among other things, to the election of Trump; it has led to the Brexit; it has led to an increasing distrust of the mass of the population with the so-called leadership. What they have in store now, and that is what Biden is part ofthe Green Deal. They plan, and you will see that from Jan. 25-29, where the World Economic Forum is planning a series of events to announce big-time the so-called Great Reset. And what this is all about, under the pretext of restructuring the economy in the post-pandemic erawhich we are very far away from, as people may have noticed, because the pandemic is pretty much out of control in many placesto then go for a greening of the economy to basically impose a dictatorship by the central banks, whereby investment would only go into decarbonization, green energy, green industry. This will destroy the United States and European nations as industrial nations, because it will lower the energy-flux density in the production process. It will destroy industry, and it will increase the war danger. Why? Because the present campaign against China, against Russia, is only because of geopolitical reasons, because the Western establishment is not willing to recognize that it is their policies which led to the present crisis. And they blame China, in particular, for everything. But the rise of China has nothing to do with the failure of the neoliberal system. When the West is implementing policies which will lead to even more destruction of industry, and China is happily dealing with the COVID crisis, and did much better restarting the economy than the West did, it increases the war danger. The fact that immediately Pelosi and all these other people were screaming Putin! Putin! and you have the anti-China campaign, which means this is the danger of war. Because you do not make such accusations which are not founded, without wanting to create an enemy image, as a preparation for war. So, that is the situation. I think we are looking at the danger of a new fascism. Fascism in the tradition of Hjalmar Schacht. That kind of austerity with the added Green elementHitler was Green also, by the way. But it is a danger of a new fascism with total censorship, with total Goebbels kind of control of the media. Any person who loves freedom, who loves the Constitution, who thinks civil liberties and civil rights were something which mankind had to fight for in many fights over the centuries, this is a call for action. People have to be mobilized and recognize this for what it is. Now, there is a solution. This solution has been developed by Lyndon LaRouche over many years: The only way you can solve this problem is, you have to address the fundamental reason why all of this is happening. That is the collapse of the present neoliberal financial system. It has to be replaced with a New Bretton Woods system, exactly as Franklin D Roosevelt had intended it to beit never became that, because Roosevelt died at a bad momentbut Roosevelt had intended the Bretton Woods to be a system where credit would be given to overcome the under-development of the developing countries, and increase the living standard of every living human being on the planet. That still is the solution. The invitation to go for the New Bretton Woods new financial credit system is absolutely on the table. The Four Laws of Lyndon LaRouche: Glass-Steagall; global banking separation in the tradition of Roosevelts Glass-Steagall must be implemented now. You need a Hamiltonian national banking system; and you need especially an increase in productivity through international cooperation in crash programs for thermonuclear fusion energy, which has come much closer in the recent period. And also international cooperation in space research and travel. Now that must be put on the agenda. President Putin has called for a summit of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. That should still be addressed as long as President Trump can pick up the telephone, call up Xi Jinping, call up Macron, call up Putin. And this should be scheduled on an emergency basis. I know it sounds like a very unlikely thing this late in the day, but if you are in such a situation, you have to do unbelievable things as an answer. I also think it is a call for all the citizens around the world to understand what the danger is: To start to mobilize for such a solution. To cooperate with China on the Belt and Road Initiative for the industrialization of Africa, to fight the famine, which is gigantic. To fight the pandemic, to make sure that every single country on this planet has a modern health system, which can only be accomplished if Russia, China, India, the United States, Germany, Japan, South Korea, all the major industrial countries are working together. The requirements are so big that no country alone can do it, nor even a group of countries, but we have to put together all the industrial capacities of the entire world to solve the problems which are threatening all of humanity. Im calling on you to help us in this mobilization, because this is a very serious moment, and we have no time to lose. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. CLEVELAND -- This past Friday, I stepped down from my position as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. During my three-plus years as U.S. attorney, our office had no higher priority than working to save the lives of our neighbors, friends, and relatives in Northern Ohio. And when I began as U.S. attorney in 2017, nothing was killing more Ohioans than opioids and narcotics-related overdoses. In 2017, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office reported 727 deaths attributable to narcotics overdoses. These numbers were the highest on record and represented a huge increase in synthetic opioid deaths from the preceding year, most notably fentanyl and its more powerful cousin carfentanil. To combat these trends, immediately upon entering office, I established a Diversion Working Group to pursue unlawfully diverted prescription painkillers across the supply chain. This work resulted in the nations first use of the federal Controlled Substances Acts civil provisions to enjoin several health care professionals from illegal prescribing. The great work by this group has led to numerous prosecutions, convictions, and civil suits of irresponsible health care workers and there is much more to come. This team attacked the on-ramp to addiction for many Ohioans and has undoubtedly saved countless lives. Justin Herdman just stepped down as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. I knew we also had to double down on our efforts to prosecute drug traffickers. During my tenure, our office prosecuted more narcotics-related offenses in each year between 2018 and 2020 than ever before. The decision to prosecute someone at the federal level is not made lightly, but the fact is that in this era, where fentanyl has killed thousands of Ohioans, there is no such thing as a low-level drug dealer. These numbers represent individual defendants, people who turned a profit on dealing death to addicted Ohioans, and with federal prosecution, we have removed each of those threats from our communities. These efforts will be continued and strengthened, with the establishment of the Cleveland Strike Force funded by the Justice Departments Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force. We also established a team to prosecute online traffickers, many of whom had direct connections to international cartels and overseas manufacturers of synthetic opioids. These prosecutions, which relied heavily on sophisticated investigative techniques directed at cryptocurrencies and money laundering, have received national attention and led to the indictment of a significant drug trafficking organization based in China. Yet even with all of these initiatives, I acknowledge that we cannot simply prosecute our way out of this problem. While our attorneys are the best in the world at what they do, we cannot go it alone when it comes to winning this fight. In 2018, our office convened a group of health care, recovery, social services, and law enforcement leaders at the Cleveland Clinic. This group recommended a new community action plan that established a team dedicated to incorporating data and analytics into the U.S. Attorneys Heroin and Opioid Task Force. These efforts have seen success and, in some instances, improvements in the death rate associated with overdoses. In 2018, the district experienced the first decrease in narcotics overdoses since 2010. In Cuyahoga County alone, 2018 saw a 24% decrease in overdose deaths from the preceding year, and that number remained relatively stable through 2019. But we are not out of this yet. For 2020, we will undoubtedly see a rise in overdose deaths, as COVID-19 has pushed the opioid crisis from the headlines, often leaving our neighbors who are suffering from addiction to do so in isolation. The past four years have witnessed much progress in this crisis, but there is obviously more work remaining. I am honored to have contributed to this important fight on behalf of Ohioans, and I look forward with hope to a day, in the not too distant future, when we can collectively acknowledge that we have won this war against overdoses. Justin Herdman stepped down Friday as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions, comments or corrections on this opinion column to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. Twitter has been forced to step in and stop 'Hang Mike Pence' trending in the wake of the MAGA mob riot where Donald Trump supporters called for the Vice President's execution and strung up a noose outside the Capitol. The phrase was trending on the platform in the early hours of Saturday morning just hours after the social media giant permanently banned Trump citing risks of 'further incitement to violence'. A screenshot shows that of 1.26am, over 14,400 Twitter users had used the phrase. The trend came just one day after President Trump was banned indefinitely from Twitter for 'glorifying' and inciting violence. Some Twitter users werre quick to point out the hypocrisy that 'Hang Mike Pence' was allowed to trend for ten hours while Trump and other conservatives have been removed from the platform. 'WTF why is this allowed to trend?' journalist Yashar Ali tweeted, adding that many social media users were quoting the mob rather than making threats toward Pence. 'I get that people have been tweeting it to quote some of the insurrectionists but it shouldn't be allowed to trend.' Twitter confirmed in a statement to Newsweek that it had moved to block the phrase because it violated rules on trending subjects. Twitter has been forced to step in and stop 'Hang Mike Pence' trending in the wake of the MAGA mob riot where Donald Trump supporters called for the Vice President's execution and strung up a noose outside the Capitol 'We blocked the phrase and other variations of it from trending. We want trends to promote healthy discussions on Twitter. This means that at times, we may prevent certain content from trending,' a spokesperson said. 'As per our Help Center, there are Rules for trends - if we identify accounts that violate these rules, we'll take enforcement action.' The phrase was no longer trending later in the day and it does not appear on the Twitter Trending USA site, which tracks trending topics. On Twitter's Help Center, it has a rule to prevent violent threats against individuals as well as the glorification of violence. The threatening phrase surfaced online in the wake of Wednesday's riot where Trump supporters - among them white supremacists, QAnon fanatics and Proud Boys - violently broke into the Capitol building in an attack that left five people dead. Horrifying footage from the scene of the siege shows a mob chanting 'Hang Mike Pence' as they stormed the building. A Reuters' photographer covering the riot also claimed he heard at least three Trump supporters speak about hanging the Vice President from a tree as a 'traitor'. Jim Bourg, the Reuters News Pictures Editor in DC, tweeted Friday that he heard 'many more' speak about executing Pence as they stormed the Capitol and tried to hunt him down. 'I heard at least 3 different rioters at the Capitol say that they hoped to find Vice President Mike Pence and execute him by hanging him from a Capitol Hill tree as a traitor,' Bourg said. Horrifying footage from the scene of the siege shows a mob chanting 'Hang Mike Pence' as they stormed the building 'It was a common line being repeated. Many more were just talking about how the VP should be executed.' Pictures from DC on Wednesday revealed that a noose was erected on a wooden frame on the West Front of the Capitol by the president's mob. Some of the crowd also made a noose from a camera cord after they attacked members of the media and destroyed thousands of dollars worth of equipment as journalists and TV crews tried to report on the chaos. The VP and his family are said to have been able to hear the angry mob shouting 'where's Mike Pence' while they stormed through the building. The outrage from Trump's supporters toward Pence came after the president incorrectly claimed the Vice President could put a stop to the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the Electoral College. 'States want to correct their votes, which they now know were based on irregularities and fraud, plus corrupt process never received legislative approval,' Trump wrote on Wednesday morning, just hours before his supporters tried to hunt Pence down. '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!' 'If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency,' he added. A noose is seen on makeshift gallows as supporters of Trump stormed the US Capitol Wednesday A Reuters' photographer covering the riot claimed he heard at least three Trump supporters speak about hanging VP Mike Pence from a tree as a 'traitor' '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!' Pence in fact did not have the power to do this - something he made clear in a statement Wednesday and in a conversation with Trump Tuesday. 'Some believe that as Vice President, I should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally,' Pence's statement read. 'Others believe that electoral votes should never be challenged in a Joint Session of Congress,' he continued. 'After a careful study of our Constitution, our laws, and our history, I believe neither view is correct.' Some of the crowd also made a noose from camera cord and hung it from a tree after destroying TV crew equipmentn, according to Buzzfeed reporter Paul McLeod Yet Trump continued to falsely claim that Pence simply lacked the 'courage' as he whipped up the crowds at his 'Stop the Steal' rally into a frenzy and urged them 'to fight'. 'Mike Pence, I hope you get to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country, and if you're not, I'm going to be very disappointed in you,' Trump said at a rally Despite fuelling the mob's anger towards his second-in-command, Trump failed to check in on Pences safety during the riot. Sources said Trump also 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. As well as the violent phrase about executing Pence, Twitter has been busy purging the social media site of content that 'incites violence' in the wake of Wednesday's riot. Twitter permanently suspended Donald Trump's account Friday. The Twitter account of Donald Trump on Friday night after it was permanently suspended 'After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' Twitter said of its ban on Trump. Twitter then spent Friday night playing whack-a-mole with Trump as he tried to address his supporters on the social media platform through other people's accounts, leading to a number of them also being suspended. Earlier Friday, Twitter announced it had suspended the accounts of Trump's former election fraud lawyer Sidney Powell, former National Security advisor Mike Flynn, and the founder of 8Chan - now known as 8kun - for promoting QAnon conspiracy theories. Such efforts to clamp down sparked a flurry of chatter from conservatives that they will stage an exodus from the platform and move to the likes of Parler, which has become known for extremist and inflammatory content. Listen to article In a country where good news is scarce and bad news is commonplace, a nation where the political class and elite are the harbinger of all sorts of rascality, epitome of crass misgovernance. We were anxiously waiting for the next drama to occupy public space. Happily yet unfortunately the Paternity scandal, and its ante-dent DNA drama sprung up. And the bastion of democracy USA also brought along with Trumpism, a once in a lifetime epic. For Moyo, Tunde Thomas and Nuhu Adam, FCMB and their friends, these were not interesting times. For the purpose of my admonition let me refresh our memories. There was an allegation that his Moyo told late Tunde Thomas her two children were fathered by First City Monument Bank FCMB MD, Mr. Nuru Adams. An allegation already denied. Family sources say the allegations about the paternity of Tundes children with Moyo Thomas are unsubstantiated and malicious, adding they were intended to portray Tunde as an uncaring father and thereby rubbished his reputation. The MD has since taken a leave to allow for an in-house investigation to see if he has run foul of any law. A release by a family source said Neither Tunde nor any member of his family raised any dust about this matter. It is very wrong and totally unacceptable for an alien entity to seek cheap publicity at the expense of a gentleman that has gone to be with the Lord. Grieving friends and family members (surviving mother, siblings and wife) should not be caused further hardship. According to the news making rounds, the knowledge of the alleged paternity of the children led to the death of Moyos husband Tunde. Moyo and Tunde had differences leading to their separation and eventual relocation of Moyo to the USA. Tunde is the father of the 2 children and Moyo never told him he was not their father. Moyo and Tunde clearly worked to ensure the differences they had did not affect the relationship they respectively have with the two children. Tunde had a mild stroke in 2018. By the grace of God, he was able to fully recover from this and carried on with his life. He was obviously doing well at his job and was in another relationship with a lady who was pregnant before his death. Nigerians in their sabi-pass shares as received did not think about the innocent kids as their pics were splashed all over social media; FCMB became the butt of all kinds of jokes like other banks or corporate organizations were any better. We became sanctimonious saints on adultery and fornication matters. This entire episode stinks, reeks of Nigeria, no one knows really what is the truth. Tunde is dead, we will never know his side of it all, even if Moyo speaks we will deride her, friends of Tunde, foes and friends of Mr. Nuru, FCMB will have their say. After a while the story will go, as all things Nigerian. The kids look like the MD of FCMB, we all are now visual DNA experts, we have again temporarily engaged in moral norms and declining cultural facades. Like Mallam El-Rufai and property destruction, we feign controversies like its not in the same country that the Nigerian Customs destroy and burn rice and poultry products when IDPs and Orphanages litter the landscape. We pretend that we dont know that our system of banking and banking hall and service morality is peculiar. Same population that secretly and openly watched, cheered, voted and enjoyed the entire Big Brother Naija cluster are all screaming this world is wicked, the man is wicked, its what they do in the banking hall, as if many of us dont engage in sex like party as was attempted in Kaduna. Is sex party not being in a room with my bae, (isnt what they call women these days or sidechicks) popping champagne, music playing, we are naked and if you know; you know the rest. So who born Nigeria, who be our papa who we resemble, we love controversies, nothing is ever what it seems because we refuse to address our paternity, so we are helpless and hapless orphans, killed, maimed and violated daily while friends of Nigeria watch and debate how to tackle our countless issues. Almost every facet of national discourse is laced with opium. In our DNA years back a complete ship disappeared on Nigerian waters, tractors were blown away by wind in Bauchi state. With a life expectancy age of less than 40 years these days theres no time to see our full DNA. If you are not hacked down by some drunken cop; robbers do not shoot you down. You are not stolen and you do not disappear, you are advised to check your paternity while thanking God for the gift of life in the nation of the once happiest people. It is not in our Senates DNA to be really upset for the common man, they are always in jolly mood, exchanging banters, collecting their remunerations after which they go on recess. Even when the nation is on fire, our Federal Executive Council still manages to give away contracts, they do not fight, they are all smiles as they lie to us about a 2021 budget, when the 2020 budget was barely 20% accomplished. May I end this way, two men met, and struck up a conversation. One was telling the other about some family problems he was having with one of his many kids. After a while the other guy said, "You think you have family problems? Get a load of my situation. A few years ago I met a young widow with a grown up daughter and we got married. Later, my father married my stepdaughter. That made my stepdaughter my stepmother and my father became my stepson. "Also, my wife became my mother-in-law of her father-in-law. Then the daughter of my wife, my stepmother, had a son. This boy was my half brother because he was my father's son, but he was also the son of my wife's daughter, which made him my wife's grandson. That made me the grandfather of my half-brother. This was nothing until my wife and I had a son. Now the sister of my son, my mother-in-law, is also the grandmother. This makes my father the brother-in-law of my child, whose stepsister is my father's wife. I am my stepmother's brother-in-law, my wife is her own child's aunt, my son is my father's nephew and I am my own grandfather. sheeesh! These days when one wakes up, the first thing I do is to call colleagues, friends and foes alike to find out if we are still safe, if our politicians have not sold us back into slavery. I try to find out if we are still Nigeria and Nigerians. You do not want to blame me for that. The opposition is trying to put up front and yet then swim in the same mistakes of those they want to change. The fact is simply put; there is something about the nation Nigerian. The leaders are terrible; the led are an abridged version of terrible. I end this admonition by saying let us do a paternity test! And pray that the Almighty Allah helps us realize the reality of our grim circumstances of existence. The fact is that there are still lice in the Nigeria fabric, serious issues are still amusing. If we continue like these whether we will still find it funny and laughable only time will tell. 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. With the benefit of hindsight, Twitters decision to expel its poster man-child, super-user over the assault on the US Capitol was inevitable. Donald Trump did not just embrace the social media model of noise, outrage and over-sharing to build his network of more than 88 million followers, he helped build the insight that when its a pure race for scale, objective facts no longer matter. In fact anger-fuelled feels work so much better. Donald Trump was not just a super user, he helped generate insights into how to build mass followings. Credit:AP A career huckster, Trump intuitively tapped this vein of virality, gaming first the traditional media, then the Republican Party, and finally the US democratic system with his virtual fantasy world. The impact of Trumps excesses are a feature, not a bug, of networks designed to make money by observing users behaviour and then selling access to them. The algorithms behind this alchemy give users what they want, push them into self-reinforcing bubbles and privilege content that inspires a fevered response over sober truth-telling. and plan to restart cross-border flights for the first time in more than three years from January 11. Saudi Arabian Airlines will operate weekly flights from Jeddah and Riyadh to Doha, while Airways will resume flights to several destinations in the kingdom. This comes after and reopened their land border Saturday, Qatari sources told AFP, as they restore ties following a landmark deal to end a three and a half year rift. Qatar Airways said it will resume flights to on Monday, following an agreement to end more than three years of dispute between the two countries. The flag carrier tweeted that its flights will return to Saudi Arabia starting with services to Riyadh on Monday, followed by Jeddah on Thursday, January 14, and Dammam on Saturday, January 16. On Sunday, Saudi airline SAUDIA said it will resume its flights to Qatar as of Monday, for the first time since 2017. The moves came after Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt signed a reconciliation agreement with Qatar during the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in the Saudi city of al-Ula. DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been living together for almost five years. His parents bought a house a few doors down. They pop in whenever they feel like it and even walk into our bedroom while we are in bed. I need this to stop. His mother and I had a falling-out in the past because she felt she had a right to control everything down to where I keep my dirty laundry. This is a touchy subject with my boyfriend, let alone his mother. Please help me. -- NEEDS PRIVACY IN MARYLAND DEAR NEEDS PRIVACY: No one should enter your home without first asking permission, and that goes for your boyfriends parents. That they would enter your bedroom while you and their son are in bed is over the top. I fail to understand why this would be a touchy subject with your boyfriend. When he became an adult and moved out of his parents home, surely it had something to do with privacy. Its time you changed the locks on your doors. Hash this out with a professional mediator if necessary. If you cannot do that, start counting your blessings. Chief among them should be thanking the Lord this woman is not your mother-in-law. DEAR ABBY: Im a 16-year-old girl with a problem. It takes me forever to choose an outfit in the morning, no matter the occasion. Its not that Im a fashionista. Its just that I cant seem to put together anything that makes me feel comfortable. Ill put something on, think I like it, walk into the bathroom and then notice things about it that I dont like. Its starting to get on my nerves. I have tried shopping for clothes that I know I like, but even then, it seems like Im changing my outfit three or four times before I leave. How can I make myself feel more comfortable about what Im wearing? -- FASHION STRUGGLE IN MICHIGAN DEAR FASHION STRUGGLE: Try laying your clothes out and coordinating your accessories the night before. After you have done it, leave the room for an hour or so. If you like what you have assembled before you go to bed, the chances are better that you will like it in the morning. You will also be less stressed and wont have wasted time obsessing before leaving the house. DEAR ABBY: I am hurting because my mother favors my brother. I talked to her about it a few times, but she said it hurts her when I say things like that. I dont bring it up to her now, but I am very troubled by it. I have invited her to visit so she could meet my fiance, but she refuses. She says its too long a drive. I miss her tremendously and want to see her. My fiance told me to give it time, but I dont think its fair. What can I do about this situation? -- RANKED SECOND IN NORTH CAROLINA DEAR RANKED SECOND: Because you miss your mother and want to see her, I suggest you make the long drive and visit HER. And when you do, bring along your fiance. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. Planning for Wednesday's march on the U.S. Capitol began well in advance - time enough to manufacture and sell T-shirts for the occasion. As the first flight from London landed at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) in Bengaluru early morning on Sunday after the ban on flights from the United Kingdom was lifted, four passengers have been quarantined on the airport premises. "A flight from London with 273 passengers, including 146 male, 95 female passengers, and 16 crew members arrived at Bengaluru today," informed K Sudhakar, State Health Minister. "All 289 passengers have undergone testing and one pool of 4 persons has been found positive," said Sudhakar adding that all the four passengers have been quarantined on the airport premises. "Separate tests were conducted for the four passengers. Their swab collections have been sent to NIMHANS. Once we come to know which person is infected, he or she will be subjected to our hospital or institutional quarantine for further treatment," he said. The total number of people infected with the new strain COVID-19 that was detected in the UK stands at 90. No fresh case of the new strain was reported in the last 24-hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session 140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt World oil prices falling Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 The Italian painter Canaletto famously painted this view of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London. (Old Royal Naval College) A Maritime Masterpiece: Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich Larger Than Life: Art that inspires us through the ages Greenwich Palacethe birthplace of the Tudor monarch King Henry VIIIonce stood on the site where the Old Royal Naval College now stands in Greenwich, London. Known as the father of the royal navy, Henry made substantial investments in his fleets. Located beside the River Thames, the palace site was ideal for Henry to be close to the docks where his favorite warships, the Great Harry and the Mary Rose, were moored. Traces of the Tudor palace do remain on the site, but most of the palace was destroyed after it fell into disrepair during the English Civil War (16421651). In place of the palace is an astounding testament to Britains maritime history: the magnificent baroque-style Old Royal Naval College, built during the late 17th to early 18th century. Before her death, Queen Mary II (16621694) commissioned the Royal Hospital for Seamen to be built at Greenwich for Royal Navy retirees, although it was more of an almshouse than a hospital. It took over 50 years to build and operated from 1694 until 1869. The hospital became the Royal Naval College from 1873 until 1997. Although preeminent architect Sir Christopher Wren was appointed architect for the new hospital, he was busily rebuilding over 50 churches after the Great Fire of London, so his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor completed most of the work. Wren believed that architecture aims at eternity, and as such, he wanted the hospitals design to be timeless, said Will Palin, former head of conservation at the Old Royal Naval College, in an audio recording. The college complex consists of four courtyard buildings that sit on either side of a path that leads to the River Thames. The purpose of this design was to allow the view of the river from the Queens House, which was set farther back, to be unimpeded. Built from white Portland stone, the buildings mirror one another with a series of columns, capitals, pediments, and colonnades, all of which lead to a harmonious design. Under the matching domes are the St. Peter and St. Paul Chapel and the Painted Hall, which is a banquet hall. The magnificent Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor. (Aerial-motion/Shutterstock.com) The magnificent Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor. (Old Royal Naval College) An ornately decorated fence at the Old Royal Naval College. (Nataliia Zhekova/Shutterstock.com) The Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul is located under the left dome of the Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall is under the right dome. The Queens House sits in the distance. (Old Royal Naval College and Jigsaw Design & Publishing 2010) Inside the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. (Old Royal Naval College) The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, where hundreds of figures feature in Sir James Thornhills paintings celebrating Britains monarchs and its naval and merchant might. (Old Royal Naval College) The proscenium arch connects the lower and upper Painted Hall. On the archs ceiling are the allegorical signs of the zodiac representing the constellations the seamen navigated by. (Old Royal Naval College) The upper hall of the Painted Hall in Greenwich, London, depicts King George surrounded by his family to show the strength of his reign and the solidity of the Protestant line. (Old Royal Naval College) Grambling State University President Rick Gallot recalled a stab of fear that shot through him when he saw Lee Hall on the campus of the school founded in 1901 to educate Black students forbidden from attending the states public institutions. After all, a special committee is coming to the end of their research of the names on buildings and streets on the LSU campus, looking to see just who these people were and whether their names should continue to be memorialized at the states flagship in a new era of diversity after a legacy of racial exclusion. I had a brief scare there, Gallot recalled. Its not a matter of being anti-any other race but it is certainly important for people of color to come and be surrounded by buildings that reflect Black excellence. He found out the building was named in 1939 after E.A. Lee, not the Confederate general. E.A. Lee was a White superintendent of education in Natchitoches Parish in the 1920s and 1930s who supported Grambling and hired trained teachers from there to work in the then-segregated schools that were having trouble finding qualified educators for Black children. After years of playing second fiddle to White institutions, historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs, are about to come to prominence now that Joe Biden has been ratified as the next president. John Bel Edwards sets special elections for two vacant U.S. House seats Gov. John Bel Edwards on Wednesday called special elections for two vacant U.S. House seats, setting the contests for March 20 with April runo Never before have so many HBCU graduates been tapped to serve in the highest levels of government. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris went to Howard University in Washington, D.C., and the Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, soon to be called a U.S. senator once Georgias election results from Tuesday are certified, graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta. Louisianas two exemplars chosen to high profile positions are both connected to HBCUs. Later this month Congressman Cedric Richmond, of New Orleans, will become senior adviser to the president and director of the Office of Public Liaison. He graduated from Morehouse. And while Linda Thomas Greenfield, who Biden wants as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was among the first Black students to attend LSU in the early 1970s, she grew up next to Leland College in Baker. She received early lessons in public service from her father who took upon himself the task of keeping up the grounds after the HBCU closed in 1960 for financial reasons. Greenfield still owns property adjacent to Leland. Baker's long-gone Leland College was Uptown New Orleans' first university In recent articles about Louisiana-born diplomat Linda Thomas-Greenfield, readers may have noticed mention of a small African American college HBCUs, about 100 of them still existing, were created after the Civil War and during Jim Crow when African Americans were forbidden from the better-funded public institutions, like LSU. Colleges, in general, and HBCUs, in particular, were suffering financially prior to the COVID-19 pandemic enrollments declining and tuitions increasing. "In 2015, the share of black students attending HBCUs had dropped to 9% of the total number of Black students enrolled in degree-granting institutions nationwide," says the National Center for Education Statistics. Often those realities turn into debates about the need for HBCUs in a time where the predominantly White schools accept Black students. Georgia and Tennessee consolidated colleges. Gallot was a state legislator during the administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal and helped fight back an effort to merge some Louisiana HBCUs with predominantly White institutions nearby. U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, then as a state lawmaker from Jefferson, was a leader of that movement. The idea was reasonable, can a state with only 4.6 million people afford so many institutions of higher learning? As Gramblings chief salesman, Gallot first sally is the universitys unique academic offerings, like the states only bachelors degrees in cybersecurity or cloud computing. But this interview was taking place Wednesday as Gallot was watching on television a violent crowd of White insurgents, some of whom waved Confederate battle flags, rampaged through the U.S. Capitol hoping to halt the ratification of the states certified Electoral College ballots that would make Biden president-elect. +5 Baker native, LSU graduate tapped as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations President-Elect Joe Biden on Monday tapped Baker native and LSU alumna Linda Thomas-Greenfield as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The other thing that is so in the spotlight right now as I am looking at these protests going on in Washington and the racial division that has been promoted by this president: Students want to feel like they are attending schools where they will be celebrated and not just tolerated, Gallot said. But for this environment would a Kamala Harris been able to do at USC (the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles) what she did at Howard? And to become the successful lawyer that she was, a district attorney (in San Francisco) and attorney general of California and U.S. Senator? Theres a certain level of confidence that also comes with being in an environment where you look around and see people who look like you and know they are interested in your success, not wondering who didnt get a spot in the class because you did, Gallot said. Current policies have not been attractive enough to persuade investors to pour money into support industries for the automobile industry. After many years of development, the industry remains weak. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), there are 10 OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), namely Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ford, Mecerdes Benz, Thaco, TC Motor and VinFast, in the Vietnamese market. The OEMs conduct CKD (complete knock down) assembling on their production lines which includes four major stages: welding, painting, assembling and testing. Of the automobile supply chains, there are only 18 first-class vendors and 58 second- and third-class vendors. Some vendors supply both car and motorbike parts. The car parts made in Vietnam are mostly simple, low-cost and labor- intensive parts, such as seats, batteries and large plastic parts. Most sets of car parts needed for the assembly must be imported. The car parts that can be made in Vietnam have production costs 2-3 times higher than that in Thailand and Indonesia. Analysts say that the automotive supporting industry in Vietnam cannot develop because the domestic automobile market is too small. These 10 manufacturers could put out 500,000 products a year, but only produce half that number. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), the Vietnamese car market is still the smallest among the five countries in ASEAN that have an automobile industry, just one-third of the Thai market and one-fourth of Indonesia. The governments Resolution No 115 on solutions to encourage the development of supporting industries released on August 6, 2020 also says supporting industries have an important significance for economic restructuring towards industrialization and modernization. Due to low output, the equipment depreciation cost per unit of production is high. Therefore, the prices of domestically made car parts are often higher than imports of the same types. The small size of the automobile industry is attributed to overly high taxes and fees, and the low incomes of Vietnamese. Toyota Vios had the highest output with only 27,000 products a year, which is 1/8 of the output of the same type in Thailand. The Party Politburos Resolution No 23 set a goal that Vietnam would fulfill industrialization and modernization by 2030 and basically become a modern industrial country among the ASEAN top 3. To reach that goal, according to the resolution, it is necessary to prioritize some mechanical engineering fields, such as automobile, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and industrial, electrical and medical equipment. This means that the automotive supporting industry will be given priority for development in the period from now to 2030. The governments Resolution No 115 on solutions to encourage the development of supporting industries released on August 6, 2020 also says supporting industries have an important significance for economic restructuring towards industrialization and modernization. They will improve labor productivity and competitiveness, create added value, and contribute to the increase in the proportion of processing and manufacturing industries in the economy. Developing supporting industries is considered one of the most important solutions for Vietnam to improve the quality of its economy, develop in a sustainable way, and avoid the middle-trap income trap. According to the Ministry of Finance, the government has issued policies offering preferential tariffs on some car part imports, which encourages domestic production. However, enterprises say this only eases the disadvantages of the supporting industry and doesn't help the auto industry in general. In late 2020, MPI set to work on a plan to develop an automobile ecosystem. The motorization period is nearing and the demand for automobiles is increasingly high. The Vietnamese market is expected to have a scale of 1 million products by 2025. Under the draft, 1,000 enterprises by 2025 and 2,000 enterprises by 2030 would be capable of directly supplying automobile assembly in Vietnam. The enterprises would make products with high competitiveness, satisfying 45 percent of essential needs for domestic production and consumption by 2025 and 70 percent by 2030. Some analysts have commented that the goals are too ambitious. Thailand, which began developing its automobile industry nearly 50 years ago, has 2,000 car part vendors with a localization ratio of 70-80 percent. Meanwhile, Indonesia, which has developed the industry for 30 years, has 1,000 vendors, with a localization ratio of 50-60 percent. Therefore, having 1,000 vendors and a localization ratio of 45 percent in five years, and 2,000 vendors and 70 percent in 10 years is believed to be unattainable. Tran Thuy Car dealers sprint in last months of year, car prices plummet A number of large manufacturers slashed car prices in early October, signaling a fierce race in the Vietnamese auto market. Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way The centuries-old canals and palaces of Venice have captivated generations of visitors, and on this incredible Italy experience youll cruise the islands of the Venetian lagoon before staying in stunning Lake Garda and heading home on the famous Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Youll discover the Unesco World Heritage site, where gondolas replace cars and the canals are lined by elegant Renaissance palaces, in the company of designer and TV presenter Kevin McCloud, and also visit the beautiful surrounding islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Youll be joined by Kevin on your tour of Venices famous Rialto Bridge and Fondaco dei Tedeschi and hell give a talk on design and architecture on board your luxury Uniworld Super Ship. Iconic: The centuries-old canals and palaces of Venice have captivated generations of visitors You'll travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, enjoying a three-course lunch and four-course dinner OUR SPECIAL GUEST You will be joined by Kevin McCloud Kevin McCloud is a designer, writer and television presenter. He has hosted Channel 4s Grand Designs since its debut in April 1999 and has also fronted Grand Designs Abroad, Kevin McCloud: Slumming It, Kevin McClouds Man Made Home and Kevin McClouds Escape To The Wild. He has written several books on design. Advertisement Gourmet meals and unlimited drinks are included, as well as a wide range of immersive, flexible and specially curated excursions to truly bring Venice and its islands to life. Youll then spend two nights enjoying the natural beauty of Lake Garda before returning to the UK overnight aboard the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. REASONS TO BOOK Meet Kevin McCloud: Kevin will give a talk, then answer questions in a Q&A session. The next day, hell board a water taxi with you on the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge and Fondaco dei Tedeschi. Venice will take your breath away. Join a tour of spots that are usually reserved for locals, visit the spectacular Doges Palace and enjoy St Marks Basilica after hours. Sail in style: Uniworld is one of the worlds most prize-winning luxury river cruise lines. Youll be sailing on one of the newest and most luxurious cruise ships in Italy, SS La Venezia, which has been inspired by Venetian culture and offers a choice of three dining venues. Travel on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Board the iconic train and step back in time, enjoying a three-course lunch and four-course dinner in the restaurant cars. Explore the Veneto: Youll also see the waterfront shops, colourful facades and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. And youll stop at Chioggia, a charming port loved by fishermen and sometimes called Little Venice. Peace of mind: Uniworld is Abta-bonded and your trip is Atol-protected, so you can book with confidence, as it is 100 per cent protected. Tehran: A South Korean diplomatic delegation has arrived in Iran to negotiate the release of a vessel and its crew seized by Iranian forces amid an escalating financial dispute between the countries, Iranian state-run media reported. The South Korean-flagged tanker seizure by Iran's Revolutionary Guard in the crucial Strait of Hormuz last Monday came as Iranian officials have been pressing South Korea to release some $US7 billion ($9 billion) in assets tied up in South Korean banks due to American sanctions that apply worldwide. It appeared the Islamic Republic was seeking to increase its leverage over Seoul ahead of South Korea's pre-scheduled regional trip, which included a stop in Qatar. This CCTV image provided by South Korea's Taikun Shipping Co shows the moment the South Korean tanker was captured by an armed Iranian Revolutionary Guard speedboat, right, on the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on January 4. Credit:AP Iran maintains the tanker and its 20-member crew were stopped in the mouth of the Persian Gulf because of the vessels "environmental pollution", a claim rejected by the vessel's owner who says the armed troops stormed the tanker and forced it to change course and travel to Iran. The crew, including sailors from Indonesia, Myanmar, South Korea and Vietnam, remain in custody at the port city of Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz. She recently returned from a sun-soaked getaway before the UK was plunged into its third national lockdown. And Samira Mighty was understandably yearning to be back in the Maldives as she posted a throwback snap on Sunday. The Love Island star, 25, displayed her incredible figure as she posed in a blue and white triangle bikini. Wow! Samira Mighty was yearning to be back in the Maldives as she posted a throwback snap on Sunday, flaunting her incredible figure in a blue triangle bikini She showcased her washboard abs and toned legs, wearing the bottoms high on her hips, and opted for no make-up. The TV personality leaned on the sink in the bathroom of her villa as she gave a sultry look to the camera. She accessorised with a bracelet and a necklace and wore her braids down, captioning the post simply: 'take me back,' followed by a rainbow emoji. At the end of last year, Samira posted a fun bikini-clad throwback video from her trip as she reflected on the past year via her Instagram page. Fun in the sun: The Love Island star, 25, posted a fun bikini-clad throwback video from her recent trip as she reflected on the past year via her Instagram page at the end of last year The reality star penned a message as she admitted she doesn't 'even recognise' herself while looking back at photos and videos across 2020. Alongside the post, Samira shared a short video where she could be seen smiling and posing for the camera while on the back of a boat. She wrote: 'Let's keep these short n sweet. No one wants 7 page essays. Ahah. Rah 2020 can be done. 'As I reflect on this year, and look back on pictures and videos, I don't even recognise myself. 'I have had moments of great happiness but a lot of this year, I've had a cloud over me that I have struggled to shift. I've learnt a lot about myself I will say. This year has been a struggle for so many, and it hurts so much.' Samira opted to remain hopeful for 2021, although she is sure it will still 'be difficult and different' for many. She continued: 'However, 2021 I'm sure is still going to be difficult and different but we need to look forward. Smile more. Love more. Keep the negative energy in that s****y year. 'In any case, thank you from the bottom of my heart to my friends, family and agents, I'm aware I close into myself when things are rough for me but I'm always thankful. Sun-soaked: She could be seen smiling and posing for the camera, as she admitted she doesn't 'even recognise' herself while looking back at photos and videos across 2020 'Of course everyone who supports me on here and my therapist Mandi (not sure if she will see) but for saving me as a person and pulling me out of the deepest mud. She is the light of my life. Forever grateful.' The X Factor: Celebrity star is currently single, and has admitted she has no plans to jump into the dating pool anytime soon. She recently confessed to MailOnline that her stint in the Love Island villa can be a turn-off to potential suitors. Samira said: 'I think a lot of people could be intimidated by the whole Love Island title.' However, she admits she feels empowered by her single status, as she focuses her attention to singing, hoping to release music in the new year. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Update: Late Monday, Finks Hoagies announced that its latest fees had been waived and it would be allowed to reopen, as normal, on Wednesday, Jan. 13. A hoagie shop was slapped with fees three separate times, and closed once, for a single mask violation in what the owner frames as a power struggle between his small business and the Philadelphia Health Department. Finks Hoagies in Tacony has been a sandwich destination for 14 years, best known for its carefully constructed Italian hoagie, served up on a seeded Liscios roll slicked with homemade olive spread. Owner Dennis Fink, a proud Vietnam vet and longtime resident of the Northeast, says his business has been down 40% since the coronavirus pandemic began, bringing in just enough to cover his costs: food, labor, rent, gas, electric, phone. I havent taken a cent since March, Fink said in a Friday interview. My wife says, Why dont you just close? Youre working 60 hours a week for nothing. I say, No, Im paying the bills. The lean times made it all the tougher when, on Dec. 11, his regular health inspector came into the hoagie shop while Finks mask was pulled down as he was making a call. The inspector told him hed have to close for two days for not wearing the mask properly. This was the second time Finks had been found in violation of the departments mask policy. An inspection report from Dec. 3 describes unmasked employees as a new violation, as well as employees who werent six feet apart. Both instances were corrected on-site and no cease-operations order was issued. I said, I was on the phone, Fink recalled of the inspectors visit on Dec. 11. She said, Doesnt matter, you gotta have that mask on, youre working with food. Though there were no customers in the store at the time, I was in the wrong, Fink wrote in a later Facebook post. He closed the shop until Dec. 16. On Dec. 14, he paid a $315 fee that was emailed to him, a total he found excessive by any stretch of the imagination. Do you know how many hoagies I gotta sell makes $315 profit? (Finks hoagies go for $6.48 per half, $12.96 for a whole.) READ MORE: Why Philadelphias business community rarely gets its way in City Hall That was that until Wednesday, when the inspector returned. Fink and his crew were busy making sandwiches. We didnt see her walk in, but we all had our masks on. We dont want to see nobody get sick on our accord, he said. Plus, since the infraction on Dec. 11, were paranoid about it now. Im afraid to leave my house without the mask on, like someones gonna fine me. According to Fink, the inspector approached and asked why they were open. He said he had paid his fine. She told him he wasnt to have reopened until she came for a reinspection. I said, Reinspect us? You shut me down for not having a mask on. Youre going to come out and say, Oh, look, hes got a mask on? Fink recalled. I said, Youre kidding me, right? ... 25 days have lapsed. (Fink said he hasnt received any paper copies of the citations, only emails, the first of which came with a PDF attachment that he didnt open or realize existed until his son later went to look at the email again. Im not a computer genius, he said. The first email contained an in-line invoice that didnt specify the need for Health Department approval to reopen. The PDF contained a signed copy of the inspectors citation, along with instructions to schedule a reinspection for approval. It also included a blank line for Finks signature.) After back-and-forth with the inspector, an exasperated Fink asked whether she could have her supervisor call him. At that, he said, the inspector left, only to return 45 minutes later with a closure notice to put on his door, as well as two police officers. Fink told the officers what he had told the inspector that he refused to close. He said they told him, Well, they want us to arrest you. His response: Im telling you Im not closing, so you got to do what you got to do. In the end, Fink wasnt arrested. The police wrote a report and left. He said the inspector stayed outside during their visit, then made a call when they departed. Shortly after, a local police sergeant came into Finks and asked what the problem was. Fink reexplained the situation, repeating his stance on not closing. READ MORE: City of Philadelphia offers some BIRT tax refunds to beleaguered business owners According to him, the sergeant then left and told the inspector that the police werent going to get involved, and that the inspector should reach out to the citys Department of Licenses and Inspections for a court order if she wanted to close the business. When Fink checked his email later in the day, he found a citation and an order to cease operations for employees not masking described as a new violation and a second invoice for $315. (The health department doesnt issue fines, said spokesperson James Garrow, but a fee is incurred when a cease-operations order is issued.) Hell with that, Fink said to himself. The next day, a woman came in and identified herself as being with the city. She asked, Why are you open? I said, Im a hoagie shop. She said, You were closed. I said, Im not closing. [She] turned around and walked out. An hour later, he received another email, this time with more detailed instructions, as well as another cease-operations order and a third $315 fee. It came from the inspectors supervisor. After that, he took a disc containing security camera footage of his shop to a lawyer friend. They looked at the time-stamped footage of when the inspector entered the shop on Wednesday. Fink took screenshots of before and during the inspectors visit, circling the employees masked faces, and posted them to Facebook, along with a note describing the events. Were not trying to fight the city, we agree with the mask mandates, it reads. We just want answers. We want to be able to continue to run our business without being harassed and shaken down by the city for $315 every other week. Before these latest interactions, Fink said, his relationship with this health inspector had been fruitful. He points to changes hes enacted after citations and recommendations she had made: replacing their deli slicer, dating containers in the refrigerator, upgrading from a little-guy exterminator to Terminix after he was closed last February for pest problems. He noted on Facebook that he had installed a plastic barrier by his cash register after she advised he do so earlier in December. After that posting, Fink heard from many people as well as City Council, including Councilmembers Bobby Henon and Kendra Brooks. Fellow business owners reached out to share their own plight. One recounted being shut down for letting a maskless takeout customer wait inside during a downpour. Meanwhile, spokesperson Garrow said that following the Facebook post, health department staff has received threats of violence on social media. They are afraid for their lives, Garrow wrote, adding that the department is currently coordinating with the police. Garrow clarified that the department allow[s] establishments to correct temporary oversights on-site if they arent particularly egregious, but in this particular case, the lack of proper masking and failure to follow COVID protocols twice in eight days led to a cease operations order. He said that before the pandemic, operators were given the opportunity to sign inspection reports on-site, but that has stopped since. Inspection reports are emailed and posted online. Disputes are handled through the Office of Food Protection. What do you do? Fink asks, before answering himself. You gotta get rid of these high fines, number one. And theyve gotta come up with a better system and warnings, and educate the business guys thinking that we know everything. Struggling restaurants and bars have had to adapt to a slew of new health regulations during the pandemic, including enforcing mask usage and social distancing by employees and customers. Some have evolved over time, but the health department has posted them online and consistently and widely communicated [changes to them] to the public, press, and restaurants since the summer, Garrow said. Health inspectors, too, have been tasked with upholding the new protocols in addition to their regular work of maintaining basic safety and hygiene standards. The department also fields COVID-19 complaints from the general public. For now, Fink is appealing the citations and keeping his shop open. He cant afford to pay multiple fines, but hes also upset about the attempt to involve the police, which he sees as an effort to bully him into paying. Thats an abuse of power, he said. Its shaking me down, is what theyre doing. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A resident has asked Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to intervene in the 10-month stalemate over filling a vacancy on City Council. Garry Kanter, an outspoken critic who has taken the city to court before, filed the complaint on Friday (Jan. 8), asking a judge to step in and compel the six remaining members of council to make an appointment -- as required by city charter. Im not a lawyer, but I knew that the writ of mandamus was available based on my earlier lawsuits against the city, said Kanter, who paid $258.95 to file the case, preliminarily assigned to Judge Deborah M. Turner. They have e-file available to the little guy, he said. The seat has been vacant since Melissa Yasinow resigned back on March 2 with nearly two years left on her term. At this point, there is just a little under a year left, with a full four-year term coming up in the November election. Kanter cites the city charter, which states that any vacancy in the council, except as otherwise provided, shall be filled by appointment by a majority of the remaining members of council. Unlike cities such as Solon, where council has 30 days to fill a vacancy for one of its own before the appointment goes to the mayor, there is no time frame provided in the Cleveland Heights City Charter for when the vacancy needs to be filled. The city will have to address the no time element issue with the judge, Kanter said after filing the complaint. I dont know that it will go well for them. Recommendations from the council-appointed Cleveland Heights Charter Review Commission in 2019 discussed a time limit for filling council vacancies. The panel recommended 90 days, although council pushed that proposal back to 150 days before tabling the proposed charter amendments indefinitely. Before the Yasinow vacancy, the two previous council appointments were made within about 3 1/2 months. What has defied logic and explanation throughout the latest process is the fact that its been nearly eight months since council narrowed the field of more than 20 applicants down to a short list of four finalists. That was around mid-May, when Craig Cobb, Tony Cuda, Robert Koonce and Anthony Mattox were selected. After at least eight executive sessions totaling more than 12 hours discussing the appointment, council put the process on indefinite hiatus late last year. In his court filing, Kanter cites a reference from Mayor Jason Stein that there was little point in reconvening until there was some indication of a potential compromise. No time element does not mean they can just not even bother to try, Kanter said. Thats infinity, but at the same time, they have an obligation in the city charter: They shall appoint someone. Meanwhile, numerous residents and even some council members have recommended going with rank-choice voting to reach consensus on the finalists -- or go back to the original pool of applicants, all of whom were interviewed and taped by the local chapter of the League of Women Voters. The four finalists composed a joint letter that they said took about 30 minutes to draft in late October, urging council to make the appointment. There also have been repeated requests to bring the discussions out of executive session and into a public setting to try to end the deadlock among the six remaining council members, all of whom are named individually in Kanters complaint. Thank goodness the citizens had the foresight to change to the strong mayor form of government and that we get to elect four council members this year, Kanter said. And we dont even know who the fourth is. Kanter earlier sued the city for failing to keep minutes of all of its meetings, including councils Committee-of-the-Whole sessions, which he argued was a violation of the Ohio Public Meetings or Sunshine Law. Although his 2015 lawsuit was dismissed in Common Pleas Court, a decision that was upheld at the appellate level and not heard by the Ohio Supreme Court in early 2018 -- the defense being that the city charter took precedence over the Sunshine Law -- city officials soon started recording those meetings after all. As for his current legal action, one member of council said over the weekend that all members of the legislative body had not yet been served with court papers and were unable to comment on the pending litigation. Read more from the Sun Press. Each time, Davis dredges up the painful stories from her family's past in a bid to set the record straight about a struggle stretching back more than a century. The debate over the history of slavery in Australia is one that resurfaces on a regular basis, much to the chagrin of the tens of thousands of Indigenous workers who have been fighting for decades to reclaim wages that were withheld from them under discriminatory laws until the 1970s. The comments in June 2020 , which the Prime Minister later apologised for and clarified, prompted a fresh examination of Australia's colonial history at the height of a reinvigorated global Black Lives Matter movement. Prime Minister Scott Morrison had just been on radio, her friend informed her, claiming there was no history of slavery in Australia. "Did you just hear this?" came her friend's voice down the line. Waskam Emelda Davis was sitting in her favourite orange armchair in her loungeroom on a cool winter's day when her phone rang. Article 1 of the United Nations Slavery Convention defines slavery as "the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised". So how did slavery operate in Australia? How long did the practices continue? And how has it made a lasting impact on the nation? "Slavery is slavery. You can't dress it up or dress it down," Davis says. "The kidnapping, the coercing, the stealing and the serious abuses that happened to our people ... this is something that's handed down through generations.'' The 58-year-old has spent her life advocating for the rights of Australian South Sea Islander people the descendants of men, women and children known as "sugar slaves" who were taken from the Pacific islands and forced into hard labour in Australia. She chairs the Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson organisation in Sydney. Emelda Davis says her grandfather was 12 when he went for a swim at the beach near his home on the island of Tanauta (formerly Tanna) in Vanuatu and never returned. "Nevertheless, employers exercised a high degree of control over 'their' Aboriginal workers who were, in some cases, bought and sold as chattels Employers exercised a form of 'legal coercion' over their workers in a manner consistent with the legal interpretation of slavery." "It is true that Australia was not a 'slave state' in the manner of the American South," writes Stephen Gray in the Australian Indigenous Law Review . As such, there was to be no slave trade in Australia. However numerous historians, legal experts and government officials have found that the controls imposed on Pacific Islander and First Nations peoples essentially amounted to slavery. Around the time of colonisation in Australia the First Fleet arrived in 1788 an anti-slavery movement was growing in Britain. The British Parliament abolished the Atlantic slave trade in 1807 and passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. "[Islanders] were legally indentured, but then you've got to ask, did they understand the indenture system? Often no, they wouldn't have had a clue what it really was ... therefore you might say the contract's invalid," he says. "Just think, you're a capitalist in the 1830s and 1840s and they've just abolished slavery and you want cheap labour, so you scratch your head and you say, 'Well, how can I get cheap labour?'. He says the indenture system has often been called "a new form of slavery". Those who chose to leave the islands signed three-year indenture agreements, explains University of Queensland historian Professor Clive Moore, but few knew what awaited them in Australia. The practice, known as blackbirding, was sanctioned by various Queensland laws from the mid-1860s to 1904. Several members of parliament grew wealthy through this system. At least 50,000 people, mostly men, from 80 Melanesian islands were brought by boat to work in Australia's agriculture, maritime and sugar industries. Some went voluntarily but many were coerced or kidnapped. Their wages were less than a third of other workers. He was kidnapped in the late 1800s, she says, and taken to Bundaberg, in north Queensland, where he was put to work in the cane fields. Those who remained were subject to racial discrimination and embarked on a long journey to carve out their own place in Australian society. Ultimately, around 5000 workers were forcibly deported. In a cruel twist of fate, their deportations were funded by the wages of deceased South Sea Islanders, whose estates were controlled by the government. When the White Australia policy was enacted in 1901, the government ordered the mass deportation of all South Sea Islander people, sparking outrage among those who had built lives on the mainland and wished to stay. "The mortality figures are horrific," he says. "The government must have known and yet it did absolutely nothing to try to stop it." Moore estimates 15,000 South Sea Islander people around a third of the workforce died from common diseases during their first year in Australia due to low immunity levels. It could be argued that what happened to South Sea Islander workers was a precursor to the systematic wage controls imposed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups from around the 1890s, notably in the pearling and cattle industries. In the late 19th century, every mainland state and the Northern Territory enacted laws, known as the protection acts, to control the lives of Indigenous people. Prior to this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers were routinely exploited. Historian Dr Ros Kidd says there is evidence that women were used as sex slaves, children were kidnapped and Aboriginal stockmen were encouraged to form opium addictions to make them reliant on their employers, who supplied the drug. Kidd says the protection acts were largely introduced to ensure industries remained profitable rather than to protect the welfare of Indigenous people. "Part of the problem, as the authorities saw it, was the rise of inter-racial children and the fact that we, as the whites, needed to assert some authority and regulation over all of this," she says. Under the protection acts, most Aboriginal people were removed from their homelands and forced to live on missions or reserves run by the church or government, respectively. Some South Sea Islander people were subjected to the same controls. Aboriginal people were forbidden from speaking their native languages or practising their cultures, and children were separated from their families and placed in dormitories. Employment laws varied from state to state but, for the most part, the wages of Aboriginal people were diverted to government-managed trust funds, while local protectors managed the residue as legal trustees. Official documents reveal protectors habitually defrauded Aboriginal workers for much of the 20th century. For most Queensland workers, the minimum monthly wage was set at five shillings (around $24), less than one-eighth of the non-Indigenous wage. Sometimes, the worker would receive a small portion of that amount as pocket money but, in many cases, they received nothing. Workers could, in theory, withdraw from their trust account for necessities but only with permission from the local protector. Requests were often refused, or workers were falsely told they had no money. Roy Savo, right, with another stockman. Roy Savo is a former stockman who spent a decade working on Queensland cattle stations from the age of 13. He says he didn't see physical money until he was almost 20. "When we wanted to go to the shop, they'd just write us a note and say, 'Take that to the shop'," he says. "That's how we got through life." The 80-year-old says the bosses would not call the Aboriginal workers by their names, referring to them only as "boy". "They made you feel so low. When I think back, we were just no one, nothing. We had no chance against the white people, they just ruled our lives. We were one step from being an animal. In some places you were told to sit out and eat with the animals anyway, out in the wood heap." When he was about 19, Savo ran away from his "job". Dodging authorities, he continued to work at various cattle stations and railways across far north Queensland and the Torres Strait, before meeting his wife and starting a family in Silkwood, south of Cairns. In Western Australia, most employers weren't legally required to pay Aboriginal workers at all until the 1940s, so long as they provided rations, clothing and blankets. Many workers in the Northern Territory died from starvation in the 1920s and '30s due to poor rations, records show. One anthropologist reported that on one station, only 10 children survived from 51 births during a five-year period. The government declined to intervene. The chief protector in the Northern Territory said in 1927 that Aboriginal pastoral workers were "kept in a servitude that is nothing short of slavery". Those who absconded from a work contract could be whipped, jailed or arrested and brought back in chains. Aboriginal children were routinely indentured to work, with boys sent to farms and pastoral stations and girls to domestic service for non-Indigenous families. Their wages were supposed to be administered similarly to the adults' but there was little to no regulation to ensure employers complied with the law. Protectors themselves described Queensland's Aboriginal wage system as a "farce" in the 1940s, says Kidd, with workers "entirely at the mercy of employers who simply doctored the books". She notes the broad lack of oversight prompted one protector in the Northern Territory to remark: "I think it is about time that slavery is put a stop to among the natives of Australia." South Sea Islander women planting sugar cane by hand at Bingera, Queensland, about 1897. Credit:State Library of Queensland When did this kind of slavery end? The protection acts were gradually amended and replaced throughout the second half of the 20th century but some controls endured until at least 1972 the year Gough Whitlam was elected prime minister. And yet when the laws were repealed, the money held in trust was never returned to Aboriginal workers. The unpaid funds have become known as the stolen wages. In Queensland, Aboriginal trust funds were used to cover government revenue shortfalls. Millions were spent on regional hospitals. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were used to facilitate the forcible removal of Aboriginal families from their traditional lands. In today's money, Kidd conservatively estimates the missing or misappropriated funds to total $500 million in Queensland alone. "The government made a lot of money exploiting the savings accounts for its own profit," she says. "This is while people were starving and dying in need of these payments." People lining up for flour rations at the Barambah Aboriginal Settlement (now known as Cherbourg) in Queensland in 1911. Credit:State Library of Queensland For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been fighting to get that money back. In Queensland, thousands joined a class action to sue the government. In 2019, the state government agreed to a landmark $190 million settlement. It was the largest settlement for Indigenous people outside native title and the fifth-largest class action settlement in Australian history. But it was less than half what the workers were owed and by the time the settlement was reached, more than half of the claimants had died. Similar class actions are being investigated in NSW and the NT while one has been launched in WA. Australian South Sea Islanders are also fighting for reparations for an estimated $38 million in misspent wages of deceased workers. A year after Queensland's class action was settled, Roy Savo still doesn't know when, or how much, he will be paid for a decade's hard labour. He fears it will be much less than he had hoped. "I wanted to buy a home," he says. "But looking at what I'm going to get now, I'm thinking it would be better putting it into some trust or something for my funeral. I come in with nothing, go out with nothing, I suppose." South Sea Islander labourers hoeing a field, Herbert River, Queensland, c. 1902. Credit:SLQ What is the legacy of slavery in Australia? As fate would have it, Emelda Davis' housing unit in the inner-Sydney suburb of Pyrmont looks out to the refinery where the raw sugar harvested by South Sea Islanders was once processed. It's widely acknowledged much of Australia's wealth across the sugar, pastoral and maritime industries was built on the backs of Indigenous and South Sea Islander labour. "The contribution of the 60-odd thousand [South Sea Islanders], coupled with our First Nations families, is quite significant in establishing what we call today the lucky country," Davis says. "Our legacy is what people are thriving off today." At the Redcliffe Hospital, north of Brisbane, there is a plaque to acknowledge that it was built, in part, with a $1.7 million loan from Aboriginal trust funds in the 1960s. Similar plaques have been installed across Queensland, at the recommendation of a 2016 taskforce, to recognise the labour and financial contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Yet many within these communities still live in poverty. Disparities in health, education and employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are well documented. Ros Kidd says this disadvantage is "inextricably linked" with historical practices. She says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were excluded from the capitalist society. "They trapped people in what I would call engineered disadvantage because it didn't happen by coincidence, it didn't happen through an unfortunate set of circumstances. All of these conditions and this poverty was specific government policy and practice." Australian South Sea Islanders, too, have inherited generations of trauma and disadvantage. The community was officially recognised as a distinct cultural group in 1994, but without targeted policies Davis says they often "fall through the cracks", missing out on support programs tailored for Indigenous Australians. "We're at a point where it's completely desperate. There's no hope in looking to our government for anything. It's just constant hoop-jumping and lining up against everybody else in the queues for rations," she says. The legacy of trauma is also felt in the Pacific Islands. On a beach in Vanuatu, there's a spot called Howling Rock, where mothers would mourn their husbands and children who disappeared. There are songs, passed through the generations, warning not to go to certain beaches for risk of being taken. But new generations in Australia have inherited something else from their ancestors, too: strength. Queensland artist Dylan Mooney, 24, has Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander heritage. His paternal great-great-grandparents were blackbirded from Vanuatu. His great-great-grandfather worked on sugar plantations in northern NSW while his great-great-grandmother, Fanny Togo, was sold as a house servant in Sydney. Mooney says knowing what his ancestors went through has only strengthened his sense of identity and pride. "I carry that with me every day that strength, that resilience, that story of survival." President Donald Trump is expected to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border on Tuesday to highlight his administration's work on the border wall, the White House said Saturday. Trump will travel to the town of Alamo, Texas. He will mark the completion of 400 miles of border wall and his administration's efforts to reform what the White House described as the nation's broken immigration system. Trump's campaign for the presidency in 2016 focused extensively on the president's desire to construct a border wall. He also promised that Mexico would pay for the wall, but it has been paid for by U.S. taxpayers. While most of the wall went up in areas that had smaller barriers, the government has built hundreds of miles of fencing as high as 30 feet (9 meters) in a short amount of time most of it this year. The administration prioritized areas where the wall could be built more quickly, and crews have blasted hills and bulldozed sensitive habitats in national wildlife refuges and on American Indian land to do it. The visit will likely be the president's first public appearance since he addressed supporters on Wednesday riling up a crowd that later staged a violent siege of the U.S. Capitol. He is anxious to highlight accomplishments as his presidency winds down. Meanwhile, Democrats in the House are pushing for an impeachment vote next week and are planning to formally introduce their proposal Monday with a vote possible by Wednesday. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. A medical worker takes a swab sample from an infant for COVID-19 test in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China, on Jan. 7, 2021. (STR/CNS/AFP via Getty Images) Areas of Seven Chinese Provinces Enter Wartime Mode Following COVID-19 Outbreaks Areas of Hebei, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Henan, and Ningxia provinces, as well as Inner Mongolia and Beijing announced that they entered wartime mode over the weekend due to surges in COVID-19 cases. Wartime mode typically means that restrictions are placed on when residents can leave their homes, and almost all public facilities, such as schools, stores, stadiums, and parks, are closed. A spokesperson for the Beijing city government Xu Hejian said at a press conference on Jan. 8: At present, diagnosed patients and cluster outbreaks are happening all around the country. Tight Control The central government advised against travel for the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, which falls on Feb. 12 this year. Millions usually make trips to their hometowns to reunite with their families. Over the weekend, city governments across the country also announced a new rule requiring those who wish to travel during the holiday to get prior approval from their employers. For example, Meizhou city in Guangdong Province issued a notice on Jan. 8: All staff and workers in the citys government departments, state-run enterprises, and private companies should not leave Meizhou city for Lunar New Year If you really need to leave, you must get approved from the management team of the company/department. Meanwhile, Shijiazhuang, a city of 11 million in northern China, continued to see new infections amid a severe outbreak. At a Sunday press conference organized by the city government, officials ruled that all residents must take a second nucleic acid test for COVID-19 in the next two days, and that all residents cannot leave their homes for another seven days. Only couriers and medical staff who have a special pass can travel on the streets freely. Last week, the city entered lockdown. Initially, authorities still allowed over 60 large-scale grocery stores to remain open for customers on Sunday. However, state-run China National Radio reported on Sunday evening that all grocery stores in the city were closed and people could only order online. Food prices skyrocketed as a result. Shijiazhuang resident Gong Huo complained on social platform Weibo that some stores refused to sell him food unless he bought multiple items at the same time.The grocery store asked me to order flour, cooking oil, and rice if I want to buy vegetables and eggs. Moreover, I have to wait for delivery. Because the store wont deliver unless more than 100 people from my residential compound also order food, he posted. Other Regions Wang Qiang (pseudonym) from Nanpi county, Cangzhou city in northern Chinas Hebei Province told the Chinese-language Epoch Times that his family was forced to move to a quarantine center after being isolated at home for seven days. Authorities said it is because he and his wife came back from another city recently. My grandma is 80-year-old, and both my parents have diabetes and hypertension. They are vulnerable to being infected with COVID-19. Now the officials forced all five of us to leave our home and move to a quarantine center. Otherwise, they will order police to detain us, Wang said in a Saturday interview. Wang added that the official in charge of epidemic control in his area told him that the outbreak in nearby Dongguang county is very severe. At press time, authorities made no official announcement about the outbreak in Dongguang. The Epoch Times called Nanpi Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The official who answered the phone confirmed the policy that all families with members who recently traveled out of town need to be quarantined at quarantine centers, but he refused to provide further details about the local outbreak. Provincial officials in southwestern Afghanistan have accused the Afghan forces of killing at least a dozen civilians after villagers brought in bodies of victims to protest the alleged incident. Nimroz provincial council head Baz Mohammad Nasir told RFE/RL that the deaths were a result of Afghan Air Force strikes in the Khashrood district. The Afghan National Army's 215th Maiwand Corps said it had received reports of civilian casualties and were investigating. The corps confirmed that Afghan troops with air support had been targeting a Taliban base near a highway in Khashrood. The Taliban did not immediately comment, but local media have echoed claims of civilian casualties. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has blamed Afghan air forces for a significant number of civilian casualties in the past. It documented 63 instances of Afghan air strikes resulting in the death of 156 people and injuries to 193 more between January and September. UNAMA said that represented a considerable year-on-year increase in civilian casualties. New Delhi: There is something cooking between Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan. As Hrithik turned 47 on Sunday (January 10), Deepika talked about a double celebration. To this, Hrithik replied with a silent emoji. The cryptic Twitter posts began after Hrithik wished Deepika on her birthday on January 5. The War actor had tweeted, Happy Birthday my dear @deepikapadukone! Keep shining and dazzling the world like only you do. Best wishes, always. Retweeting his post, Deepika wrote, Thank You so much HR! Now for another big celebration coming up in a couple of days...! @iHrithik. On Sunday, Deepika replied to her post and tweeted, Err....or Two!? #double #celebration. And, the 'Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai' actor acknowledged with a silent emoticon. Thank You so much HR! Now for another big celebration coming up in a couple of days...! @iHrithik https://t.co/oD2belXkVi Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) January 7, 2021 This Twitter exchange has left their fans guessing if the duo has tied up for a new venture. A user commented, Do a movie with him asap, while another wrote, Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone in a film aur kuch nahi chahiye ab (I dont want anything else). Hrithik has yet to announce his next project since he last appeared in War and Super 30 in 2019. Meanwhile, Deepika, who spent her New Year with husband, actor Ranveer Singh in Ranthambore, is shooting for director Shakun Batras next. A Vietnamese man, 37, has been charged with breaching quarantine directions The man was a crew member on a bulk carrier berthed at Albany Port, in WA He allegedly jumped from the ship into the water and swam ashore on Saturday WA police said the seafarer was found at a backpackers lodge later that evening A seafarer has been charged for breaching quarantine directives after allegedly jumping from a vessel to swim to shore. WA Police said the 37-year-old man was a crew member on a bulk carrier which berthed at the Albany Port, on the state's southwest coast, on Thursday. ADVERTISEMENT It is alleged the Vietnamese national jumped into the water on Saturday, and swam ashore in contravention of border and maritime crew directions. A 37-year-old Vietnamese national has been charged with breaching quarantine directives after jumping from a cargo ship to swim to shore at Albany Port (pictured), on Western Australia's south coast Click here to resize this module Crew of ships are not permitted ashore onto WA land under the emergency management quarantine directions. The man was found by police shortly before 7pm on Saturday at an Albany backpackers lodge. He was tested for COVID-19, which was negative, and his health assessed. The man was charged with failing to comply with a direction and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday. Leading Qatari banks Masraf Al Rayan and Al Khaliji have entered into a merger agreement to create one of the region's leading Shariah-compliant regional banks. The merger agreement is conditional on, amongst other things, obtaining regulatory approvals and upon the requisite resolutions being passed by the shareholders of Al Rayan and Al Khaliji. Both entities will continue to operate independently until the effective date of the merger. It will be effected by a statutory merger whereby Al Khaliji will be dissolved and all of its assets and liabilities shall become part of Al Rayan by operation of law with effect from completion of the Merger. Following the merger, Al Khaliji's business will be absorbed into Al Rayan's business, and Al Rayan will be the remaining legal entity, which will continue to operate in accordance with Islamic Shariah principles. As per the deal, Al Rayan will issue 0.50 Al Rayan shares for every Al Khaliji share, corresponding to a total of 1,800 million new shares issued to Al Khaliji shareholders. With this move, Ali Bin Ahmad Al Kuwari will become chairman and Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Bin Thani Al Thani will become vice chairman of the board of the merged entity. The Executive Committee of the board will be chaired by Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Bin Thani Al Thani. The merger, which has the support of the board of directors of Al Rayan and Al Khaliji, will, once effected, create a larger and stronger financial institution with a strong financial position and significant liquidity available to support Qatars economic growth and to finance development initiatives in line with the Qatar Vision 2030. Furthermore, it will create one of the largest Shariah-compliant banks in Qatar and in the Middle East with combined assets worth around QR172 billion ($47 billion) as of September 30. The merger is also expected to contribute positively to the economic development in the country by supporting corporate businesses and small and medium sized entities, and will also create a strategic partner for the public sector. On the merger, Al Kuwari said: "This is a landmark transaction that will contribute to Qatars economic growth, vision and ambitions and is a testament to our commitment to creating a more robust Qatari banking system." "The combined entity will create an even stronger institution that will aim to create value for our customers and shareholders," he stated. Sheikh Hamad said: "The combination of both banks will create increased scale, capacity and efficiency to allow us to support our diverse customer base and drive the enhancement of our product offering across the board." "We are confident that this transaction will contribute to the development of the economy as a whole," he stated. JP Morgan is acting as financial advisor to Al Rayan and Al Khaliji in their role as members of the steering committee in connection with the merger, while K&L Gates and KPMG are acting as legal and transaction advisors to Al Rayan, respectively. Clifford Chance LLP (in conjunction with Sultan Al-Abdulla & Partners) and EY are acting as the legal and transaction advisors to Al Khaliji, respectively.-TradeArabia News Service By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/10/2021 ADVERTISEMENT [ Spoilers Warning: This report contains spoilers revealing if Tarik and Hazel are still together after reuniting on 's eighth season.] ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Did Tarik and Hazel get married and are they still together now -- or has the couple broken up? ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. couple Tarik Myers and Hazel Cagalitan are picking out a wedding venue on Season 8 of , but did they go through with the wedding? What do spoilers reveal about if Tarik and Hazel are still together or if the couple split after Hazel arrived in America?Tarik was a 43-year-old realtor and single father from Virginia Beach, VA, when he stumbled across Hazel, a single mother from Quezon City, Philippines who is now 28-years-old, on an Asian dating website.After three months of dating virtually and over the phone, Tarik traveled over 9,000 miles and 36 hours to meet Hazel in-person in the Philippines on : Before the 90 Days' second season.Tarik took a lot of heat from family and friends -- especially his brother Dean -- for pursuing a woman overseas who could be scamming him, and a part of Tarik did fear Hazel might have been using him for a Green Card.Not only was Hazel shy, reserved and not affectionate when she met Tarik in-person, but she also lived in the poorest and most shocking of conditions.But it didn't take long for Tarik to become completely smitten with the girl, and so he decided to propose marriage to her anyway before he traveled back to the United States.Tarik and Hazel were still engaged six months after : Before the 90 Days' second-season finale aired on TLC in October 2018.Tarik wished his love a happy birthday in March 2019, and then he shared a sweet video of her face and captioned it with a series of hearts in April 2019.That same month, TLC released Season 3 of : What Now?, its online digital series that is available for streaming on tlc.com and the network's TLC GO app. The 21-episode season included two episodes focused on Tarik and Hazel.During the : What Now? episodes, Tarik explained he had traveled to the Philippines a total of three times to visit Hazel and was in the process of preparing all the paperwork required for Hazel's K-1 visa application.In addition, Tarik's family and friends were shown urging him to get Hazel to agree to sign a prenuptial agreement before they got married.Tarik followed their advice and told Hazel he would like her to sign a prenup before their wedding, and while she seemed offended at first, she ultimately agreed to follow through with it."She is beautiful on the inside and outside. She's like an Asian version of Angelina Jolie and I love her," Tarik said in a confessional on 's eighth season.At the time 's eighth season filmed, Tarik and Hazel had been together for two years and Hazel got approved for a K-1 visa.Hazel was going to meet Tarik's seven-year-old daughter Arie for the first time. Tarik apparently has majority custody of Arie, who stays with her father five out of seven days a week and lives with her mother on the weekends.Tarik shared how Arie has high-functioning autism and everything in his life revolves around her. Tarik hoped Hazel would love Arie and that they'd get along wonderfully.Hazel also has an eight-year-old son Harrey, and Hazel was having a tough time leaving him behind. Tarik and Hazel therefore planned to bring Harrey to the United States "eventually" in order to give the boy more opportunities in life.Tarik admitted he was "surprised" when he learned Hazel is bisexual, and he told her that Virginia Beach is "full of smoking hot women."Hazel apparently wanted to have a girlfriend on the side, and Tarik therefore wondered how that was going to work and whether Hazel was really in their relationship for him or just permanent residency in the United States."I feel cautiously optimistic about it, but we're not even married yet -- and what you're thinking about is the girlfriend we need to find?" Tarik explained in a confessional."We've had some trust and jealousy issues in the past, so it does make me nervous. But she wants to go full steam ahead on this thing, so I hope we're really ready for it."Tarik revealed he had questioned Hazel's character one time but ended up being wrong.Tarik had been engaged for almost a year when he and Hazel had a big misunderstanding. Tarik recalled how they thought Hazel was pregnant at the time and so Hazel took one positive pregnancy, followed by two negative tests about a week later."So I'm thinking that she terminated the pregnancy, so I flipped out. I thought, 'I can't be with nobody who is going to do sh-t like this,'" Tarik explained."A woman can do whatever she wants with her body, but I think my feelings went all over the place because it's a trust thing. I thought she did it without talking to me, and I was like, 'This is over.'"Three weeks after their breakup, Tarik apparently started talking to a new woman named Minty from Thailand. Tarik said he had been "falling in like" -- not love -- with the girl, but he wanted to clean things up with Hazel before pursuing a new relationship.Hazel insisted to Tarik that a doctor had told her that she was never pregnant and her menstrual cycle had just been late. Hazel therefore forgave Tarik, who then came clean about his interactions with Minty.Hazel was upset at first but then suggested she wanted to talk to the "beautiful" Minty.Tarik had yet to tell close friends and family that Hazel is bisexual because he knew people would have preconceived notions, and Hazel having a girlfriend was simply going to be a part of their married life.Tarik revealed to Kia that he, Minty and Hazel all met in the Philippines about a year-and-a-half prior.Tarik suggested the girls had hooked up and everything was "beautiful" for two-and-a-half days."But Day 3, Hazel just put an end to it. Hazel felt like Minty was more into me than she was into Hazel," Tarik shared."Hazel could see I was just fascinated by Minty. It was refreshing to me to be able to speak in Thai and talk about all the stuff I experienced in Thailand, but there was this jealousy that came over Hazel immediately and it ended right there. Hazel told me to never contact Minty ever again."However, Tarik confessed he had texted Minty again a couple of weeks back. Tarik said he just wanted to check on Minty and make sure she was okay due to the coronavirus pandemic, and he insisted that he was going to tell Hazel.Tarik acknowledged Hazel isn't a pushover, so he was afraid to break the news that he had reached out to Minty.Tarik said raising a child with autism is tough and he could only hope Hazel would have the patience to co-parent his daughter and love her."You never really know someone until you live with them," Tarik noted.It had been four or five months since Tarik and Hazel last saw each other, and they had been dating for over two years and overcame many hardships together.Tarik then picked Hazel up at the airport with flowers. He wore a powder blue suit for their reunion, and it was an emotional moment for Tarik.Hazel said she was "overwhelmed" with happiness and Tarik looked "so handsome" in her favorite color.Hazel said she really missed her son and hated saying goodbye, but the pair planned to have Hazel's son join them in America someday for a better life."This is the turning point in my life. It's like everything before her and then everything after her," Tarik said.On the drive to Tarik's home, Hazel was shocked by all of the big houses in America and how clean everything looked. Tarik's home was huge compared to Hazel's place in the Philippines considering Hazel lived in poverty.Hazel noted the house was big but messy, and Tarik told the cameras he and his fiancee have two different definitions of "clean."Hazel said coming to the United States was "a dream" but Tarik's house was big and overwhelming. She hoped she could eventually feel at home in Tarik's place.The next day, Tarik took Hazel out for an American breakfast, which she thought was salty, greasy and very sweet. She joked about how she'd probably get chubby living in the United States because she was used to eating rice every morning in the Philippines.Tarik was ready to pick a venue for their wedding, but Hazel wanted their pace to slow down since she had a lot to adjust to, including being away from her home, son and family in the Philippines.Hazel hoped she could become a loving mother to Ari, but she feared it might be difficult to take care of a child with special needs. Hazel anticipated loving Ari just like she loves her son Harrey back home.Hazel said her parents wanted her to get married in their church, but Tarik explained that he didn't want to marry in the normal, typical way and Hazel's church essentially freaked him out a little bit.Hazel said religion is important to her and she wanted to make her parents happy, but Tarik tried to talk her into marrying at Edgar Cayce's A.R.E., a cultural and spiritual center that apparently means a lot to him.The center was named after a famous psychic, but Hazel thought the place was weird and said she didn't want to get married there. Hazel, however, told her fiance that she'd think about it and they could compromise and make a decision together about their future.Tarik and Hazel are still a couple and their relationship appears to be better than ever.Tarik apparently rang in the New Year of 2021 with Hazel by his side.Tarik posted several photos of Hazel standing in front of a sunset, including two pictures of Hazel standing out of the sunroof of a car."Ok. So the house may have been a LITTLE messy," Tarik captioned the slideshow, referring to Hazel's first impression of his home in America."I'll make it up to you with a beautiful sunset. 2020 GO THE F AWAY ALREADY! BYE FELICIA! Everyone have a SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2021 #Tarzel #90dayfiance ##90daybaresall #90dayfiancepillowtalk #beforethe90days."On December 18, Tarik posted two selfies with Hazel in which she looked stunning in a burgundy dress and matching lip. In one of the pictures, she was kissing Tarik on the cheek."Hawt Sauws. Hella Hawt Sauws. #Tarzel Watch #90dayfiance Sunday at 8pm EST on @tlc #90daybaresall #90dayfiancepillowtalk #90dayfiancebeforethe90days," Tarik wrote alongside the images.One day earlier, Tarik posted a similar photo and captioned it, "Repost @illipina26 : Asialina Jolie says 'Haters don't hate hate, haters hate LOVE'. I concur. #90dayfiance #90daybaresall #90dayfiancebeforethe90days #90dayfiancepillowtalk."Hazel -- who initially posted the quote on her own Instagram account, along with selfies featuring Tarik and herself -- commented on Tarik's post with multiple kiss-blowing emoticons.Tarik also posted a video of Hazel on October 25.In the video, Hazel told her fans, "I'm here to send good tidings and well wishes to your family and friends... I'm here for y'all! Have a good one!"Tarik captioned the Instagram post, "My beautiful Hazel is on Cameo now. Book her for all occasions. She is Hazel Cagalitan on Cameo. Thanks. #beforethe90days #90dayfiance."On August 28, Tarik posted a selfie of the couple, revealing they had watched Black Panther three times in one week together because Hazel loved it so much. He said it was "the first move we ever watched together."Tarik posted a photo of Hazel and her father on June 21 and gushed about how he raised 14 children in poor conditions."I thought I knew the difficulties of fatherhood until I met this man. He raised 14 children in conditions most of us only see on TV. Never once shirked his responsibility. The definition of a real man. Salamat Pa. Happy Father's Day," Tarik wrote.Tarik also wished Hazel a happy Mother's Day in May."When life dealt you crap, you turned it into fertilizer. I was proud of you before the cameras rolled. And I'll be proud of you... Well anyway. I'm your defense mechanism against anyone. And I mean anyone. Happy Mother's Day Zellybean," Tarik wrote alongside a photo of Hazel and her son.Back in October 2019, Tarik gushed about Hazel on Instagram."I had so many rules that you became the exception to. So many standards that you exceeded. Also, I'm forever grateful to you for pulling those knives out of my back that a smiling faced Judas shoved in. You are goals. #TarZel #90dayfiance #90dayfiancepillowtalk," he wrote.And in August, 2019, Tarik called his girl "an implausible, irreplaceable gift from God.""I caught lightning in a bottle. A shy little Braveheart. Thinking about her disorients me. All of the 'but what ifs' become irrelevant. I get asked daily why I'm only following her on IG. My answer is bc I caught fking lightning in a bottle. Duh. #Tarzel #GodBlissWoman #90dayfiance," Tarik captioned the post.Hazel's latest post with Tarik is from July 2019, when the pair were enjoying each other's company at the beach.She also gushed about Tarik days earlier when she wrote, "Sometimes I still pinch myself to make sure Im not dreaming. Sometimes I still cant believe that youre real and that ur mine.""I never thought that some1 as amazing as u would fall in love with someone as silly as me," she continued."But Im so glad that u did because my life has been nothing but wonderful. Thank u 4 coming into my life and for letting me show u how much u mean to me. #TarZel #ILoveYouHoney."In summer of last year, Tarik said he likes to show Hazel his love rather than just say it and gushed about how strong and proud he was of her.Tarik and Hazel's posts about one another date all the way back to Fall 2018.In October 2018, Hazel posted a selfie with Tarik and captioned it, "I Love Him. Period."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! US Democrats on Saturday were readying for an unprecedented second impeachment of Donald Trump as the defiant president showed no signs of stepping down after the deadly violence at the Capitol Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2021 ) :US Democrats on Saturday were readying for an unprecedented second impeachment of Donald Trump as the defiant president showed no signs of stepping down after the deadly violence at the Capitol. Democrats said impeachment proceedings could begin as early as Monday -- an extraordinary acceleration of a process that historically has taken weeks, but one that might not be completed before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn into office on January 20. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned that Democrats will launch the process unless Trump resigns or Vice President Mike Pence invokes the 25th Amendment, where the cabinet removes the president. "He's deranged, unhinged and dangerous. He must go," Pelosi, referring to Trump, tweeted on Friday. The move to impeach came amid continued fury over the storming of the Capitol on Wednesday by angry Trump supporters, which left five people dead, including a Capitol policeman. - 'Gravely endangered of US' - The impeachment text being prepared by Democrats laid blame squarely at the president's feet. "In all of this, President Trump gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of government. He threatened the integrity of the democratic system, interfered with the peaceful transition of power, and imperiled a coordinate branch of government." Trump, who had urged his supporters to come to Washington on Wednesday for a rally opposing his November election loss, has remained defiant, even after finally posting a video Thursday in which he belatedly promised an "orderly transition" to the Biden administration. But the president also said that "it's only the beginning of our fight." That sort of language prompted Twitter to suspend Trump permanently and fueled Democrats' moves against him. The Twitter ban drew an angry response from Trump, who in a statement late Friday accused the popular platform -- where he had more than 88 million followers -- of having "coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left." Twitter not only suspended the @realDonaldTrump account but took action against others, including @POTUS, when he briefly turned to them. - Biden defers to Congress - Several Democrats and at least one Republican lawmaker -- Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska -- have urged Trump to resign and avoid the messiness of impeachment proceedings in his final full week in power, but he reportedly has remained defiant in talks with his aides. Trump has said he never intended for his supporters to attack the Capitol building -- where Congress had convened to certify Biden's victory in the state-by-state Electoral College tally -- but only meant to encourage peaceful protest. But in the chaos that day, one Trump supporter was shot and killed, lawmakers, reporters and staff were forced to take shelter, a Capitol policeman was killed in the chaos and invaders looted and vandalized the historic building, some parading through its halls with Confederate flags. Just as when Trump was impeached in a traumatic 2019 partisan vote -- but not convicted -- the process requires first majority backing in the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives, and then, for conviction, two-thirds approval in the Senate. Reaching two-thirds could be difficult in the narrowly divided upper chamber, but a number of Republicans who long supported Trump have expressed their disgust with the events of Wednesday. Trump supporters including Senator Lindsey Graham have urged Biden to intervene with top Democratic lawmakers to call off the impeachment effort. "I'm calling on President-elect Biden to pick up the phone to call Nancy Pelosi and the Squad to end the second impeachment," Graham said Friday on Fox news, referring to the House speaker and a group of four young progressive Democrats who are favorite targets of the political right. But Biden -- whose inauguration on January 20, traditionally a pomp-filled event attended by thousands, is being seriously scaled back -- on Friday side-stepped a reporter's question about impeachment. "What the Congress decides to do is for them to do," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 05:27:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- More than 130 airstrikes have targeted the positions of the Islamic State (IS) in the Syrian desert over the past 48 hours, a war monitor reported on Saturday. The intensified airstrikes were carried out by Russian warplanes against the positions of the IS militants in the Syrian desert in eastern Syria as the latter attacked and captured several Syrian military sites, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The UK-based watchdog group said the IS militants later withdrew from the sites they had advanced to, fearing the airstrikes. During the battles over the past 48 hours, 19 government soldiers were killed as well as 12 IS militants, said the Observatory. After losing key areas across Syria, the IS group stationed in several parts of the Syrian desert and has carried out countless attacks on Syrian government forces. Since March, 1,170 soldiers and pro-government fighters have been killed during IS attacks in the desert as well as 633 IS militants. Enditem 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. In the village of Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu, one noise that the students heard other than the teacher's voice was the sound of water dripping. The roof leaked and the floor was in the worst possible condition for the 20 students of the Panchayat Union Primary School. Water would accumulate in the two classrooms making it difficult for the kids to concentrate on their lessons. But then a teacher came to the rescue. As per a report in The New Indian Express, N Poonkodi, headmistress of the school in Karukakollai village of Denkanikottai Taluk, spent Rs 1 lakh rupees which the government had allocated to fix the leak. She also shelled out Rs 30,000 from her own pocket to get the classroom walls painted. EPS I requested the then Chief Education Officer R Murugan to allot funds to repair the roof, and he allotted Rs 1 lakh. The funds were received following the order of the Krishnagiri Chief Judicial Magistrate in June to utilise the fines levied on tipper lorries for various violations, she said. This lady travels daily 55 km from Hosur. She is the only teacher and handles all the students by herself. iStock (Representational) She also spent Rs 37,000 to fix the floors of the school. The woman went above and beyond for the kids in her care. The world needs more like her who look to impart more than just education but also make a safe learning environment for the kids. New Delhi: Scientists in a new study claim that Tyrannosaurus rex most likely had scaly skin despite its ancestors having feathers. Recent studies provided evidence for feathers in its ancestors and suggested that the giant predator may itself have sported bird-like plumage rather than reptilian scales. According to the reports, Phil Bell, a paleontologist at Australias University of New England said the new research shows without question that T. rex had scaly skin. Researchers analysed fossil evidence that suggests T rex had scales much like modern reptiles rather than feathers or fluff. The team investigated skin impressions from a T rex skeleton known as Wyrex, unearthed in Montana in the US. Read more: Giant asteroid may collide with Earth, warn scientists after analysing 144 fireballs from meteor shower The study published in journal Biology letters suggest that the giant tyrannosaurs lost their feathers over time because they no longer needed them as insulation. The fossil integument (outer covering) from T rex and other members of the group confirm that these large-bodied forms possessed scaly reptilian-like skin, researchers said. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. One of the more amusing moments of the 2016 Republican National Convention occurred when Mike Pence was giving his speech accepting the nomination for vice president. I happened to be standing near where Chris Christie was seated with his family. As the governor of Indiana spoke, the governor of New Jersey worked his cellphone, rarely looking up. He sat through the many standing ovations for the man who beat him out for the No. 2 spot on the ticket headed by Donald Trump. That might have been a bad break for Christie, but it was a good break for the GOP. Pence was the perfect counter to Trump. Trump was from the coast while Pence was from the heartland. Trump was loud and bombastic while Pence was quiet and considered. Pence was experienced in government and well-liked by his party leaders. Trump was neither. Pence was the one who won him the election, said Joe Pennacchio, a state senator from Morris County who was a Trump delegate at the convention. He gave Trump support within the party. They basically trusted Trump based on Pence. After last week, Trump will be lucky to finish out this term, never mind run again in 2024. That means we could see a rerun of the Christie-Pence battle, this time for the No. 1 spot. The politicians and the pundits in New Jersey are already handicapping that race. Among them is Andrew Napolitano, the former judge who is the legal analyst for Fox News. Napolitano told me he likes Christies chances in the event he follows through on his speculations about taking on another presidential primary race. Christie can define what the Republican Party stands for far better than Pence, who spent three years and 11 and a half months supinely agreeing with all of Trumps excesses, Napolitano said. He straddles both camps, the never-Trumpers and the Trump people. When I asked about Trumps recent erratic behavior, Napolitano said thats nothing new with The Donald. Ive known him for 35 years. Ive gone to dinner with him, he said. Hes always been this way. Another Jersey guy who has been watching Trump over the years agrees. Thats him, Seth Grossman said of Trump. He surrounds himself with people who tell him what he wants to hear. Grossman is an Atlantic City lawyer and sometimes political candidate who heads a conservative group called Liberty and Prosperity. He disagreed that Pence will be tarnished by his association with the former casino owner. He stood with Trump as long as he could, said Grossman. But the plain language of the constitution was staring him in the face. Thats the 12th amendment, which gives the members of the Electoral College the sole power to name a president. Grossman, who has attended many a Miss America pageant over the years, offered an analogy between the role of the late host Bert Parks and the role of the vice president. Bert Parks doesnt pick Miss America, he said. Bert Parks opens the envelope and read what the judges said. He cant change the votes. Nor could Pence. In a letter to Congress, Pence said that the vice president has no unilateral authority to decide presidential contests Thats undebatable. But it didnt spare Pence the wrath of Trump, who tweeted just before the session Wednesday that Mike Pence didnt have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution. But after the riot in the Capitol, defying the Donald looked positively prescient for anyone seeking a future in Republican politics. Over the past few months Christie also broke with Trump as his behavior became increasingly bizarre. After the riot on Wednesday, he went on ABC-TV to denounce Trumps actions. Nobody who saw this today other than the president of the United States and his most blind supporters could think this was acceptable, he said on ABC News. He added, As someone who has known him for 20 years, today breached something none of us should have to put up with by anybody whos given the honor of being an elected leader in this country. That sure sounded like a statement from a guy who wants to be an elected leader once again. In his book, Let Me Finish Christie gives a blow-by-blow account of his fight with Pence for the nomination. He suggests that the opposition of Trumps in-laws, the Kushners, was key to The Donalds decision to pick Pence back in 2016. I dont know what sentiments Christie was tapping into his phone as Pence was speaking back then. But I suspect well be hearing more of the same in 2024. ADD - READ GROSSMANS PIECE ON THE 12TH AMENDMENT: In an article on the Liberty and Prosperity blog, Grossman makes the case that any constitutional conservative would have to reject Trumps activist attempt to change the clear meaning of the Constitution: The Twelfth Amendment of our U.S. Constitution could not be more clear. Vice-President Pence, as President of the Senate, shall, in the presence of the Senate and House of Representatives, open all the certificates of the Presidential Electors. The person having the greatest number of votes for President, shall be the President, if such number be a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed. . . The Constitution does NOT give the Vice-President (President of the Senate) any power to reject or even question any certificates. It does NOT give the Senate or House of Representatives the power to reject or question any certificates. The Constitution was written that way for a good reason. Our Founders did not want to give a defeated Vice-President, from a defeated party, the power to nullify an election that he or she lost. ... Any American who calls him or herself a conservative must understand and respect our Constitution. Vice-President Pence did what the Twelfth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution required him to do. He should be praised, not criticized, for doing that. Mike Pence did his job. President Trumps lawyers didnt do theirs. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Pubs and bars in England could be closed until the start of May under draconian plans being examined by officials. No10 is said to be privately gloomy about the prospects of an end to the third lockdown next month. March 23 - the year anniversary of the start of the first lockdown - is being touted as a more realistic end date. Boris Johnson has already warned that lockdown measures are unlikely to all be lifted at once, in favour of a gradual lifting of restrictions as rising numbers of vaccinations take place. But today it was suggested that the bank holiday on May 3, is a more likely date for boozers to re-open their doors to a thirsty public. 'The May Day bank holiday is more likely the moment you see pubs reopening,' a source told the Sunday Times. It came as Health Secretary Matt Hancock refused to deny that stricter lockdown measures could be introduced if the current stay at home messages are ignores. Asked if ministers would consider curfews, closing nurseries, banning support bubbles, limiting exercise to an hour a day or enforcing the wearing of masks outside, he said: 'I dont want to speculate, because the most important message is not whether the government will further strengthen the rules, the most important thing is that people stay at home and follow the rules that weve got.' Health Secretary Matt Hancock today said that the plans were to lift restrictions in the 'spring', but appearing on Sky's Ridge on Sunday he refused to give a firmer date Today it was suggested that the bank holiday on May 3, is a more likely date for boozers to re-open their doors to a thirsty public. Tony Blair 'advising Hancock on vaccine strategy' Former Labour leader and prime minister Tony Blair has been advising Tory Health Secretary Matt Hancock on his vaccines strategy, it emerged today. Mr Blair, who stepped down as leader and as an MP 13 years ago after 10 years in power, has become a powerful voice in the fight to use vaccines to allow the UK economy to come out of hibernation and save lives and livelihoods. He has offered 'strategic advice' to the Cabinet minister several times during the pandemic, the Sunday Times reported today. It said he had also spoken with Haroness Harding, the much-criticised head of the test and trace programme. Mr Hancock did not deny the claim when asked today, saying merely: 'I talk to all sorts of people and we take ideas from lots of sources.' Advertisement Both he and Home Secretary Priti Patel defended police as officers began clamping down on Covid rule-breaking, including 200 fines for people who ignore just one verbal warning to go home. The Home Secretary said the increasing number of new Covid-19 cases proved there was a need for 'strong enforcement' in cases where people were clearly breaking the rules. Health Secretary Matt Hancock today said that the plans were to lift restrictions in the 'spring', but appearing on Sky's Ridge on Sunday he refused to give a firmer date. 'Well, weve always said in the spring and well hold to that and the reason is well have vaccinated the most vulnerable groups, the over-70s, the extremely vulnerable, by the middle of February,' he said. 'It then takes two to three weeks for their immunity to come through from the first dose and well watch the data, well watch the data. The reason we dont put a specific date on it is because we dont yet know, we still dont know, the effect of the vaccine on transmission.' It came as one of the Government's top science advisers said that 'even stricter' lockdown rules would be needed if the current ones do no halt the rise in cases. Professor Peter Horby, the chairman of Nervtag, told the BBC's Marr show it 'remains to be seen' if current restrictions will be enough. The UK's Covid death toll passed 80,000, after a further 1,035 deaths were recorded yesterday, increasing fears that the total will surpass 100,000 by the end of the month. England's chief medical officer has warned the NHS faces the 'most dangerous situation' in living memory as the pandemic causes record deaths and hospital admissions. As the country awaits the ramping up of coronavirus testing and vaccinations this week, Professor Chris Whitty has said the only way to prevent avoidable deaths is for the public to stay home wherever possible. 'Hospitals are always busy in winter, but the NHS in some parts of the country is currently facing the most dangerous situation anyone can remember,' Prof Whitty wrote in the Sunday Times. As the country awaits the ramping up of coronavirus testing and vaccinations this week, Professor Chris Whitty has said the only way to prevent avoidable deaths is for the public to stay home wherever possible Hancock admits it is 'highly likely' Britons will face annual Covid jabs Britons are 'highly likely' to need a Covid vaccination every year for the 'foreseeable' future, Matt Hancock has today warned, as he also revealed 200,000 people a day are now receiving their first dose of the jab. The Health Secretary said the UK could require an 'dual vaccination programme', with yearly jabs to protect against flu and coronavirus. It comes as a top public expert today warned as many of 90 per cent of Britons would need to be protected against the virus in order to achieve heard immunity. Professor Devi Sridhar said such a roll-out would take until next Autumn to complete. She warned that, with scientists still unsure about how long vaccine protection lasts, those inoculated now could lose their immunity by that time. Meanwhile, in another blow to Britons, a top epidemiologist today warned normal life in the UK may not be able to resume even after the most vulnerable people were vaccinated - saying it was 'likely' social distancing could still be in place by the end of the year. However, in a glimmer of hope, Mr Hancock revealed the UK's vaccination roll-out was accelerating towards the Government's two-million a week target. He said the UK was now vaccinating 200,00 people a day and was rapidly approaching the rate needed to cover the most vulnerable by the middle of February. In a further boost, the Health Secretary also revealed every adult would be offered - but not given - a Covid jab by Autumn. It comes as 500,000 letters have been sent out inviting the over-80s to come in for their vaccine. Advertisement 'If the virus continues on this trajectory, hospitals will be in real difficulties, and soon. 'Staff-to-patient ratios - already stretched - will become unacceptable even in intensive care.' The number of patients with Covid-19 in hospital is at a record high in England, while the official coronavirus death toll for the UK passed 80,000 on Saturday and lab-confirmed cases hit more than three million. Prof Whitty commended the public for their efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 and noted the hope offered by various vaccines, but he echoed other experts in saying it would be some weeks before the jabs start to reduce the number of people taken to hospital. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has said that expanding the Community Testing Programme to more people without symptoms is 'crucial given that around one in three people' who contract Covid-19 are asymptomatic. DHSC said councils will be encouraged to test those unable to work from home during lockdown - a move likely to include police officers, supermarket workers and taxi drivers. Lateral flow tests, which can return results in as little as 30 minutes, are at the heart of the programme, the eligibility of which has now been 'expanded to cover all 317 local authorities', DHSC said. Sir Keir Starmer warned that lockdown rules may need to be made tougher if they do not arrest a surge in Covid cases - as he demanded nurseries be shut down immediately. The Labour leader attacked 'mixed messages' from ministers over the lockdown restrictions as he urged Boris Johnson to front daily press conferences until the lockdown is lifted. The UK's Covid death toll passed 80,000, after a further 1,035 deaths were recorded yesterday, increasing fears that the total will surpass 100,000 by the end of the month. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said today he would not speculate on whether the lockdown rules could be strengthened. He was asked whether measures like a one-hour limit on leaving home could be brought in. But appearing on the BBC's Andrew Marr programme, Sir Keir said: 'They are tough and they're necessary. They may not be tough enough. 'In a sense, I think the most important thing is people get that message about stay at home. 'And it's up to the Government to put that message out there the whole time. We've had mixed messages I'm afraid for the last nine months which is why we've got a problem. 'I would like to see the Prime Minister out there every day with a press conference making sure that message is absolutely getting through.' You might NOT be able to get an ambulance: Health chief warns Covid surge could leave patients unable to get help from paramedics with some already facing 10-hour waits Sick patients in need of an ambulance may not be able to get one at their time of need if pressures on the NHS continue to increase, a leading paramedic has today warned. Tracy Nicholls, the head of professional body the College of Paramedics, says ambulance services are under 'unprecedented pressure' with handover delays at a scale never seen before. She said some ambulance crews have reported waiting up to ten hours to transfer a patient to hospital staff in areas where there is increased pressure on NHS services. And in a stark warning, she said there was a 'potential risk' that patients would not be able to access an ambulance if such pressures continue to increase. The caution comes as England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty today said hospitals face 'the worst crisis in living memory' as Covid-19 cases continue to soar - with 46,000 medical workers now off sick. And he warned that Britons who do not take the coronavirus lockdown seriously will cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door. His scathing comments, made in an article in the Sunday Times, came as Briton recorded a further 1,035 Covid deaths on the deadliest Saturday since April 18 - bringing the total number since the start of the pandemic to 80,000. But while the death figures continues to climb, hospitals face an ever-increasing struggle to deal with the added pressure of Covid patients. And Ms Nicholls said the pressure was being filtered down to paramedics. She told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: 'It (the ambulance service) is under unprecedented pressure. 'We are very used to seeing ambulance services take some strain over the winter months due to the normal pressures we would see any particular year. 'But this year particularly has seen incredible pressure because of the clinical presentation of the patients our members are seeing. They are sicker.' She added that the delay for category three calls, where a patient may have fallen, has been 'up to 10 hours' in high-pressure areas. Asked if there was a risk people might not be able to get an ambulance if the pressure on the NHS continues, Ms Nicholls said: 'I think it is a potential risk. Tracey Nicholls (pictured), the head of professional body the College of Paramedics, says ambulance services are under 'unprecedented pressure' with handover delays at a scale never seen before Britons not taking the coronavirus lockdown seriously could soon cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door, Professor Chris Whitty warned in a scathing article for the Sunday Times. Pictured, ambulances outside the Royal London Hospital on January 8 Footage showed the inside of St George's Hospital as Covid cases soar in Britain. The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history A mother issued a harrowing plea while recovering from coronavirus in intensive care, after the virus 'floored' her on Christmas Day. Doctors told Allie Sherlock, had she not been put on a ventilator at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (pictured), she would have died Staff say they are exhausted and fearful as they are told that St George's Hospital will only get busier in the coming days Prof Whitty (pictured) blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable 'We are open for business, as is all the NHS. The ambulance services are doing an amazing job under difficult circumstances.' She added: 'But I'm sure it's frightening for people to think that because of the pressures from Covid-19 they may somehow not get an ambulance in the same way.' The warning comes as it was revealed almost 50,000 hospital workers are currently off sick with Covid-19, according to the chair of the British Medical Association, Chaand Nagpaul, meaning an already stretched workforce is under even more pressure, The Guardian reports. Mr Nagpaul said: 'It is only if the NHS workforce is kept fit and well that we will be able to meet the unprecedented surge in demand that the coming weeks and months will bring as well as delivering the vaccine programme that remains our only hope to end this dreadful pandemic.' Meanwhile, Prof Whitty today blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable. 'We must stay home except for work, exercise and necessary activities. Every unneccesary interaction you have could be the link in the chain of transmission which has a vulnerable person at the end,' he wrote. 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I'd make it': Covid patients speak out from intensive care in footage that shows emotional medics inside packed London hospital One nurse at UCH, Ashleigh, revealed that they are being forced to prioritise their care which will inevitably lead to a lower standard of care Shocking footage from an intensive care unit has revealed the extent of the coronavirus crisis and the strain it is piling on the NHS. Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients. Operating theatres and some paediatric rooms have even been converted into intensive care units to deal with the ever-growing number of patients. The harrowing footage comes on the same day Britain breached 1,000 Covid-related deaths since the virus's peak in April. Department of Health figures revealed that a whopping 1,041 people have died as a result of coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Footage filmed by the BBC showed the alarming reality on hospital wards. One patient, Attila, 67, opened up about the trauma of suffering from the virus. He said: 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I would make it. There is no oxygen around. It's very frightening.' Advertisement The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history. But it's not just Britons with coronavirus who are at risk, as patients in need of treatment for other illnesses face 'unsafe' waiting times. NHS hospitals are treating half the usual number of cancer patients, according to The Sunday Telegraph, as London needs to treat 500 more cancer patients a week to stay on top of demand - but only 122 were treated in the capitals NHS hospitals this week. It could take the NHS six years of 1990-level waiting lists - meaning patients will be forced to wait years for operations - and more than 900million to get back to where healthcare was pre-Covid, according to Rob Findlay, an expert who produced software for nearly 20 NHS trusts. He told People the 168,000 patients who have waited a year for treatment will more than double by March after lockdown caused operations to be delayed. Professor Neil Ferguson said the number of patients with coronavirus in hospitals will sour by 20 per cent. 'It will be quite difficult to avoid another 20,000 deaths,' he added. Meanwhile, a further 1,035 people have died today in the deadliest Saturday since April 18, as the total Covid death toll since the pandemic began hit a grim 80,000. The total marked a 132.5 per cent rise on the 445 deaths recorded on Saturday last week and was the highest Saturday figure since April 18. But in a positive sign the upward curve in cases may be levelling out a further 59,937 people tested positive, up just 3.8 per cent on last Saturday. Most hospitals are struggling to cover the levels of staffing needed to properly treat desperately ill patients. In Kent, the origin of the UK Covid strain that quickly overwhelmed London and the south east, 25 per cent of clinical and administrative staff are reportedly off sick - making it more difficult to administer vaccinations. Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: 'There are enough right now to deliver the limited supplies that we've got. But we certainly haven't got enough staff to deliver a much larger programme in two or three weeks' time, while at the same time as continuing to deliver the flu vaccination programme and delivering normal business in general practice as well.' It comes after the scene in the packed intensive care ward of St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London was recorded in a series of photographs. Its doctors and nurses revealed the unit has now doubled in size. Shattered staff at London's largest hospital say they are working 'to the limit' of their ability, battling low morale, exhausting shift patterns, and the prospect that the worst is still to come. Medical Director at NHS London, Vin Diwakar, warned medics that even if coronavirus patients grew at the lowest likely rate and hospital capacity is increased - including opening the Nightingale at the ExCel Centre - the NHS would still be short 2,000 general, acute and ICU beds by January 19, the HSJ reports. Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain - and bosses fear that there will be an exodus of staff when the third lockdown ends at Easter. Staff at London's University College Hospital told the BBC they are having to make choices about which patients to prioritise after a surge in young people left fighting for their life and needing ventilators. St George's emergency department consultant Dr Mark Haden said: 'Everyone's stress levels are higher than usual. Everyone is working to the limit, to the threshold of what they're able to. The hospital bed occupancy is very, very high, it has lots of Covid patients as inpatients at the moment.' The Press Association was given access to the ICU where Ms Cooper said: 'There is very little joy in our work at the moment. It's hard to find that joy when you come into work - you're scared for your colleagues, your families and yourself.' She said some staff have had to be sent home to take time off due to the unprecedented pressures on the job, while others have battled on despite not being able to see family abroad for nearly a year. A consultant takes a moment to use his phone in the corridor of the Intensive Care Unit 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, Tooting, as their condition worsens A staff nurse treats patient Peter Watts, 64, in the Emergency Department at St George's Hospital in Tooting, London's largest hospital Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain sweeping the country St George's has been forced to double the size of its intensive care unit from 60 beds to 120 beds to cope with the number of Covid cases And Mrs Cooper said she was concerned about the coronavirus legacy on staff in the emergency department. 'There's only so much you can come in and see an unprecedented number of healthy people die before that affects you,' she said. 'There is going to be an impact on mental health for a long time for our staff. 'We're quite resilient and adaptable, that's part of being in the emergency department, that's what we love. But this is going to have a sustained impact on staff and that's what worries me because I can't see how we're going to help that, because it is an impact that can't be seen in someone but it is very much felt. Intensive care consultant Mohamed Ahmed said he had seen staff in tears at the end of their shift, while some decided they could no longer come to work. Intensive care consultant Mohamed Ahmed said he had seen staff in tears at the end of their shift, while some decided they could no longer come to work Staff nurses work in the corridor of the Acute Dependency Unit at St George's Hospital in Tooting Dr Ahmed, 40, said: 'After the first wave, we had quite a lot of staff who resigned. They couldn't cope. We had nurses who had all their family members abroad and of course they couldn't see them, so they couldn't get that support. It was extremely difficult. 'We have had a lot of sickness, so we've had situations where very good nurses are having to work on behalf of all of those who are unable to come in - it's one of these situations you never want to put your staff in.' Asked how much more staff could tolerate, Dr Ahmed said: 'The wiggle room, as you say, has been stretched so much. However, predominantly we're programmed in such a way as to deal with anything. But it would stretch us beyond our limit.' His intensive care colleague, matron Lindsey Izard, described how staff were 'really on the edge, they're exhausted and they're getting Covid themselves'. And Omome Etomi, a medical registrar on the hospital's Acute Medicine Unit, said she was 'shattered'. Dr Etomi, 28, said: 'I think psychologically more than anything, it's been months and months of this. Even in between waves, we never really went back to normal. For us it's been a really long few months. It's challenging.' Emergency department consultant Mark Haden paid tribute to the staff for stepping up to the challenge. Dr Haden, 36, said: 'We make it look like business as usual but it's very much not - it's very different to our usual pattern of work. 'Everyone's stress levels are higher than usual. Everyone is working to the limit, to the threshold of what they're able to. It is stretching us and we are having to find new ways of working in order to look after our patients. 'We will always find ways to cope - I have every faith that everyone in this trust will step up.' The PM pledged to vaccinate the most at-risk 13million Britons by mid-February with the ambition of easing restrictions but later conceded there would not be a 'big bang' release from the current national lockdown. A patient is brought into the Royal London Hospital, in London. Britain's National Health Service (NHS) is coming under severe pressure as COVID-19 hospital admissions continue to rise He revealed seven mass coronavirus vaccination centres will open next week to turbo-charge efforts to get jabs to millions of people, with the make-shift sites operated by NHS staff and volunteers. But politicians fear he may have over-promised with his pledge, with ministers already trying to shift the blame for disruptions to the initial supply of vaccines, with Boris Johnson first saying the hold-up was due to quality checks done by regulators and Matt Hancock trying to pin difficulties on limited manufacturing supply. Pharmacists have called for their shops to be used to dish out the jabs and asked the NHS to use its 'invisible army' of volunteers to ensure up to 3million are vaccinated each week. And Former prime minister Tony Blair published a 'blueprint' and urged No10 throw all its weight behind the vaccine programme, insisting scaling up the scheme 'is not complicated'. Defending England's third national lockdown, the Prime Minister told a recalled House of Commons that his hand had been forced after a new variant of the disease was found to be spreading with 'frightening ease'. Mr Johnson said No10's mass inoculation programme meant nearly one quarter of over-80s had already received jabs and England had vaccinated more people 'than in the rest of Europe combined'. 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 His national shutdown, which includes a strict stay at home message and the closure of schools, is due to be reviewed in the middle of February but the laws underpinning it are not due to expire until the end of March. Mr Johnson has said he hopes the rules can start to be lifted in the spring but he has failed to give a firm commitment, fuelling Tory fears that the restrictions could be in place far longer than the initial seven weeks. Mr Johnson stressed that when rules are eased there will be a 'gradual unwrapping' of lockdown rather than an immediate end as he dashed hopes of a swift return to normal life. Senior Tories accused the Prime Minister of launching an 'assault on liberty and livelihoods' as they warned lockdown will inevitably cause some people to 'break'. Mr Hancock ducked demands to give a firm end point for lockdown as he suggested that even if the vaccine rollout happens by mid-February, curbs might have to stay if deaths do not fall. The Health Secretary came under fire from his own side as he kicked off the debate on the regulations underpinning the brutal squeeze - which has already come into effect. Mr Johnson made clear that a successful roll-out of the vaccine programme will be key to determining when the lockdown measures can be lifted. He said: 'We have already vaccinated more people in this country than in the rest of Europe combined and we will give the House the maximum possible transparency about our acceleration of this effort, publishing daily updates online from Monday so that jab by jab honourable members can scrutinise the process being made every day. Above are the locations of the seven mass vaccination centres that will begin operating from next week. They were revealed by the Prime Minister 'Yet as we take this giant leap towards finally overcoming the virus and reclaiming our lives we have to contend with the new variant which is between 50 and 70 per cent more contagious. 'The tiers the House agreed last month, was working with the old variant but alas, this mutation spreading with frightening ease and speed in spite of the sterling work of the British public, this mutation has led to more cases than we have seen ever before, numbers that alas cannot be explained away by the meteoric rise in testing.' But fears are growing that the Prime Minister may have over-promised with his pledge to jab 13million Britons by mid-February. GP dishing out Covid jab says they have had NO doses despite being 'raring to go' A GP on the frontline of Britain's great coronavirus vaccine push has revealed doctors have still not received doses that were supposed to arrive last month, amid fears Boris Johnson has over-promised with his pledge to jab 13million Brits and end lockdown by March. Dr Rosemary Leonard, an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late. Dr Leonard, who also writes a column for the Daily Express newspaper, warned the vaccine roll out was becoming a 'postcode lottery for patients', and believes the delay is the result of 'central supply issues'. Despite being just days into the rollout of the Oxford vaccine, there has already been finger-pointing between the Government, regulators and the jab's manufacturer AstraZeneca over who is to blame for the delays. Matt Hancock and NHS bosses have suggested manufacturing has been too slow, while the Prime Minister has blamed the UK's stringent batch testing rules which mean every deliver of vaccine needs to be quality checked. It comes as independent pharmacists begged the Government to let small chains dish out vaccinations to help Number 10 fulfill its ambitious vaccine promises, which will require jabbing a mammoth 3million Brits a week. MailOnline has spoken to at least half a dozen membership bodies which claim there are 11,000 pharmacies 'ready, willing and able' to assist in the rollout of the programme. They say they are being held back by more Government red tape. Advertisement A GP on the frontline of Britain's great coronavirus vaccine push revealed doctors have still not received doses that were supposed to arrive last month. Dr Rosemary Leonard, an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late. Dr Leonard warned the vaccine roll out was becoming a 'postcode lottery for patients', and believes the delay is the result of 'central supply issues'. Despite being just days into the rollout of the Oxford vaccine, there has already been finger-pointing between the Government, regulators and the jab's manufacturer AstraZeneca over who is to blame for the delays. Matt Hancock and NHS bosses have suggested manufacturing has been too slow, while the Prime Minister has blamed the UK's stringent batch testing rules which mean every deliver of vaccine needs to be quality checked. It comes as independent pharmacists begged the Government to let small chains dish out vaccinations to help Number 10 fulfill its ambitious vaccine promises, which will require jabbing a mammoth 3million Brits a week. MailOnline has spoken to at least half a dozen membership bodies which claim there are 11,000 pharmacies 'ready, willing and able' to assist in the rollout of the programme. They say they are being held back by more Government red tape. Meanwhile shocking footage from an intensive care unit has revealed the extent of the coronavirus crisis and the strain it is piling on the NHS. Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients. Operating theatres and some paediatric rooms have even been converted into intensive care units to deal with the ever-growing number of patients. Footage filmed by the BBC showed the alarming reality on hospital wards. One patient, Attila, 67, opened up about the trauma of suffering from the virus. He said: 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I would make it. There is no oxygen around. It's very frightening.' A doctor went on to explain that if the hospital is forced to keep increasing its capacity at this rate it will only be able to last another week before it cannot provide intensive health care to all patients. The high street has also thrown its weight behind the rollout of the mass vaccination scheme to get life back to normal by spring. Bensons for Beds revealed it has written to the Government, offering all 250 of its stores across the UK to serve as temporary vaccination centres. And the owner of the London nightclub G-A-Y claimed this morning he'd written to Westminster Council putting forward his venue. So far only 1.3million people in the UK have been vaccinated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech jabs since the programme launched a month ago. There is a growing clamour today for the process to be ramped up dramatically - with concerns that local chemists and other facilities are not being used enough. In an attempt to justify the decision to send England into its third national lockdown, Mr Johnson also said an ONS report showing the extent of infections across the country as well as rising hospitalisations showed it was 'inescapable that the facts are changing and we must change our response'. Dr Rosemary Leonard (left), an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients Gavin Williamson confirms TEACHERS will decide GCSE and A-Level grades Teachers will decide school pupils' GCSE, A-level and AS-level grades this summer after exams were scrapped due to Covid-related school closures, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed. The exams that were due to be sat in May and June this year will be replaced by school-based assessments, he told the Commons in a statement this afternoon. The under-pressure minister finally faced MPs amid chaos over the decision to close schools during the new lockdown. He told MPs 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. Telling MPs that 'our schools have not suddenly become unsafe', he said they are 'much better prepared than last March' to implement home-learning. He said: '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.' He said the details of how the teacher assessments would work were being 'fine-turned' along with Ofsted, exam boards and teaching unions. Advertisement He told MPs: 'So we had no choice but to return to a national lockdown in England with similar measures being adopted by the devolved administrations so that we can control this new variant until we can take the most likely victims out of its path with vaccines.' When Mr Johnson announced the lockdown on Monday night he said the measures would be reviewed in the middle of February. But the regulations being voted on by MPs this afternoon are due to last in law until the end of March. Mr Johnson tried to assuage Tory fears that the measures could still be in place in April but also insisted the nation must be 'extremely cautious about the timetable ahead'. He said: 'As was the case last spring our emergence from the lockdown cocoon will not be a big bang but a gradual unwrapping. 'That is why the legislation this House will vote on later today runs until March 31, not because we expect the full national lockdown to continue until then but to allow a steady, controlled and evidence-led move down through the tiers on a regional basis, carefully brick-by-brick, as it were, breaking free of our confinement but without risking the hard won gains that our protections have given us.' Mr Johnson said schools will be the 'very first things to reopen' when lockdown measures can start to be eased. Sir Keir Starmer said Labour will support the new lockdown as he warned the UK is facing 'perhaps the darkest moment of the pandemic'. But he said the situation is not the result of 'bad luck' and that it 'follows a pattern' as he accused the Government of failing to heed the warnings of experts and of repeatedly failing to act swiftly enough. 'In the first wave of the pandemic the Government was repeatedly too slow to act and we ended 2020 with one of the highest death tolls in Europe and the worst-hit economy of major economies,' he said. 'In the early summer, a Government report called 'Preparing for a challenging winter' warned of the risk of a second wave, of the virus mutating and of the NHS being overwhelmed. 'It set out the preparations the Government needed to take, I put that report to the Prime Minister at PMQs in July. 'Throughout the autumn Track and Trace didn't work. Sage advised a circuit-break in September but the Prime Minister delayed for weeks before acting. 'We had a tiered system that didn't work and then we had the debacle of the delayed decision to change the rules on mixing at Christmas. 'The most recent advice about the situation we're now in was given on December 22 but no action was taken for two weeks until Monday of this week. 'These are the decisions that have led us to the position we're now in and the vaccine is now the only way out and we must all support the national effort to get it rolled out as quickly as possible.' There is growing anger on the Tory backbenches over the Government's handling of the pandemic. In an unsettling incident of animal cruelty, five men allegedly killed and ate a leopard in Kerala. They were soon arrested by the police. The incident was reported from Mankulam, a small town in Idukki District, which shares its boundaries with forested areas. Forests and Wildlife Protection Society - FAWPS According to the forest officials, the five men trapped a leopard and killed it. After skinning the nearly 6-year-old big cat the next day the accused cooked its meat and ate it. Since they could not finish the cooked meat the accused threw away a portion of it in a river. How would you feel if someone punched, thrashed and stabbed you? Well, it's the same pain and horror that animals go through, but there are some monsters out there who seem to gain some sick pleasure by hurting animals. The most recent case that shocked us all, a group of crazed men were caught hitting a Gangetic dolphin with axes and sticks as the endangered species bled to death in UP. Warning: Sickening AF video. These pathetic excuse for human beings, these Incredible Indians are beating a Ganga Dolphin to death. Ganga/Ganges is one of Indias holy rivers and the Ganges Dolphin is India's national aquatic animal. https://t.co/IZQQrj0HZS Ram Subramanian (@VORdotcom) January 8, 2021 The men had first trapped the dolphin in a net and then continued to assault it, holding it by its fin as the water turned red with its blood. Voices of local residents can be heard in the video with one of them saying Faltu mein maar rahe ho yaar (You are hitting the dolphin for no reason). The aquatic mammal was later found lying lifeless near the canal. The dolphin had suffered multiple injuries, including severe wounds from the axe. An FIR added that the killing of a Gangetic River Dolphin is a punishable offence under Section 9/51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, according to The Hindu. The motive behind the crime is still not known. Humans are supposed to be more sensitive and perceptive than the rest of the species on the planet. But, that does not seem to be the case, here are some instances of animal abuse that are absolutely gut-wrenching: 2. Pregnant Elephant Ate Pineapple Stuffed With Crackers In Kerala Twitter Notorious villagers in Kerala allegedly fed a pineapple stuffed with crackers to the elephant. The wild elephant had left the forests of Silent Valley in Palakkad district, meandering into a nearby village in search of food. Photos showed the elephant standing in the river with her mouth and trunk in water, perhaps for some relief from the unbearable pain. The forest officer said she must have done this to avoid flies and other insects on her injuries. The crackers exploded in the mouth of the jumbo and it died while standing in the Velliyar river. 3. Kitten Burnt Alive With Lighter in Hyderabad Reuters/Image For Representation In July last year, an unidentified man in Hyderabad burnt a kitten alive and recorded the incident as the innocent creature died a painful death. Responding to the gruesome incident, animal rights group Humane Society International/India had announced a reward of Rs 50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person who committed the abominable act. 4. Monkey subjected to extreme brutality YouTube A monkey was allegedly hanged to death from a tree in Telangana before a crowd in the month of June 2020. The incident came to light after the video of a monkey being hanged to death came to light on social media. In the video, other people could be seen cheering as the monkey died. Three persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident. The incident took place at the Ammapalem village which falls under the Vemsoor block of Khammam district. Also Read: Finally! Animal Abusers Won't Get Away By Paying Rs 50 Fine As Laws Are About To Get Stricter 5. Man In Delhi Ties Dog To Two-Wheeler Twitter/Abhishek Joshi An unidentified man from Delhi decided to tie up a dog to a two-wheeler and drag it along the road. According to reports, the dog was rescued when a local noticed the incident and raised an alarm. 6. Men Torturing Gangetic Dolphin To Death In Kolkata YouTube In another case of Gangetic Dolphin abuse, a man named Rafiku Saihk uploaded a video that showed a group of men holding the dolphin by its snout and tailing and torturing it. Also Read: A Startling & Thought-Provoking Series On Animal Abuse Will Put Humans To Shame 6. Monkey Being Tattooed, Sedated & Killed By Animal Shelter Staff In an extremely distressing incident, animal campaigners captured footage inside the Biomedical Primate Research Centre in the Netherlands. The Animal Shelter staff were seen tattooing a monkey and then sedating it before killing it. According to the MailOnline, campaigners say some were severely injured after their stressed cage-mates were ferocious because of being tortured day in and day out. Humans have stooped to shameful levels and with news of animals abuse hitting headlines every day. things still seem to be murky in terms of mitigating cases of cruelty and punishing perpetrators. A roadside bomb exploded in Afghanistan's capital on Sunday, killing at least three people in a vehicle, the latest attack to take place even as government negotiators are in Qatar to resume peace talks with the Taliban. Tariq Arian, spokesman for the interior minister, said a spokesman for the ministry's public protection forces, was one of the three killed in the attack. One other person was wounded he said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in the capital in recent months, including on educational institutions that killed 50 people, most of them students. Sunday's attack comes as Afghan negotiators are to resume talks with the Taliban aimed at finding an end to decades of relentless conflict. Rep Image/AP (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) Courtesy Nicole Koller When Arizona received its first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine in early December, emergency room nurse Nicole Koller saw a first ray of hope in the seemingly unending horror that had arrived with a post-Thanksgiving surge. The 47-year-old traveling nurse filled out an online pre-screening survey and figured she and the other health care workers battling COVID day after day at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix would be among the first to get vaccinated. But in a sign of the national dysfunction over vaccine distribution, Koller was told she could expect to wait up to six weeks because of a computer glitch. She kept pushing, though, and after an inquiry by The Daily Beast, the Maricopa County Health Department arranged for her to get a shot on Dec. 28nearly two weeks after she first applied. Now, she has COVID. If I had gotten my vaccine a week before, my outcome could have been different, she told The Daily Beast this week. Maybe not, but I wonder about it. The Arizona ER Nurse Watching COVID-Denying Pols Get the Vaccine First Had she received a shot when she first applied on Dec. 16 , Koller might have stood at least a chance for some immunity at years end. She might not have been so fatigued on New Years Eve that she spent it in bed. She told herself she was just exhausted by 12-and-a-half hour shifts during a surge in which too many people continued to insist COVID is just a flu and still refused to wear masks. Between how sick people are and constantly arguing with people who are still saying stupid things, it is just exhausting, she told The Daily Beast. I thought it was just getting to me, this constantly seeing people die and short of breath. But as exhausted as she woke on Jan. 1, Koller still reported for duty at a COVID unit at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona at 7 a.m. Her patients included a man who was not wearing his mask when she entered with antibiotics as well as steroids and a nebulizer to assist his breathing. Story continues He had some very choice words about putting on a mask, she recalled. He said its his room and he shouldnt have to wear a mask in his room. I said, Hey, youre protecting yourself as well as me. The man continued to insist that he should not have to wear a mask in his room. You try not to let it get to you because you know people are not feeling well, Koller later said. But it does get to you. Such encounters might have accounted for her fatigue, but they didn't explain breaking out in a cold sweat during the shift. I was drenched, she recalled. And the nurse could not ascribe it to being of menopausal age. I thought, This is the strangest hot flashes I ever had. Im cold, not hot, she recalled. I thought, This isnt good. I thought something's wrong, but I wasnt totally sure. She had the first concern of all decent who suspect they may have the virus. You worry about causing harm, she remembered. But at least I have an N95 (mask) and face shield. Im thinking, Im taking care of COVID patients, so I dont think I could make anything worse. The cold sweats continued after she went off duty at 7:30 p.m. I went home and had to change clothes three times because they were drenched through, she remembered. She is a traveling nurse on contract, so she had to pay out of pocket for a COVID-19 test the next day. She stayed home pending the result, which came back the following afternoon: Detected. It appears I have COVID, she told The Daily Beast on Sunday. She had been religious about taking all the recommended precautions on- and off-duty. But she had been required to reuse an N95 at work and figured she had become infected while working constantly around COVID. She described her symptoms as pretty badsore from head to toe, cold, sweaty, cough, etc., but stable. She felt worse the following afternoon. Bit of a rough day, she said. Im afraid Im not feeling very well. She has asthma and became alarmed when she began to have trouble breathing. But she seemed to be improving two days later. It was a little scary, as my lungs started to be affected, she said. I can breathe easier today. She further reported, My chest doesnt hurt as much. Its still hard to take deep breaths... Im a little short of breath. 'A Sinking Ship: Arizona Docs Say Ducey Steered State Into COVID-19 Surge But she couldn't help but think that she might have been spared any symptoms had her shot not been delayed by that that computer glitch. The vaccine had been approved for emergency use at what the Trump administration described as warp speed, but it was being administered at the usual pace of government in Maricopa and seemingly everywhere else in the country. Koller could not understand why officials were not acting as if lives were at stake. Its incredibly sad to me, she said. It seems like it would be the highest priority. The emergency use had lost a sense of emergency. Millions of doses were sitting unadministered while officials fretted over schedules and plans. She decided that they were so worried about people receiving the vaccine in the wrong order that too few people were getting it at all. Plans, not people, Koller said. Vials were sitting on a freezer shelf in Maricopa County on a day that Kollers hospital ran out of body bags. They know people are going to keep getting sick and keep dying, she said of health officials across America. They should be constantly giving vaccine out, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until its gone. I just dont understand why that isnt happening already. And, even if everybody were vaccinated tomorrow, there would still have to be a second dose, followed by another period before immunity kicks in. They know it takes time, right? she asked. Too many officials are acting as if they have all the time in the world, working business hours, with weekends and holidays off. And meanwhile, the virus keeps spiking, making so many people sick that there are shortages in everything from ICU beds to oxygen to PPE. We are mandated to use our N95 masks for two weeks in a row, Koller said of her hospital. We ran out of the protective gowns a week ago. The daily COVID death toll in America has topped 4,000 and may jump even higher in the days ahead as a post-Christmas surge kicks in. As a nurse who has fallen ill on the front line in the fight against COVID, Koller knows that those who ignore the precautions are missing the essential element of patriotism. It seems like the most patriotic thing you can do is to protect the people around you, your family, your friends, the community, and that seems to be missing, Koller said. She spoke as a true patriot. I want people to be safe, she said. Everyone I care about and everyone I dont care about. She knows that people are impatient to get back to their normal lives. They want to be happy and see all their friends and pretend its great, she said. I dont know how you can pretend everything is great when so many people are dying. As a nurse, she would love to get back to when she can again give a patient a kiss on the forehead or hold their hand. She retains a core desire to comfort and heal that she brought to emergency nursing 26 years ago. Its been heartbreaking working through this, she said of the COVID fight. And it will get only more wrenching until health officials everywhere put the vaccines to emergency use like we are in the biggest emergency in our history. At least Koller seems to be prevailing in her personal battle with COVID. I am continuing to get better each day now, she said. So thats good. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. CARROLLTON A beloved historic property will be a destination for beloved unions in Greene County. Walnut Hall Estate, owned by Brittany and Bobby Weller, is set to open this spring as an all-inclusive wedding venue. The 12-acre setting includes a main house, a guest house, an old red barn, a dairy barn and silo and a 60- by 120-square-foot building for receptions. Walnut Hall is near and dear to a lot of people and we hope to do them proud by bringing it back to life, Brittany Weller said. We are not changing the structure, just, finishing what was started and refreshing what is there. The couple who owned the property prior to the Wellers restored the electric service. The Wellers are hanging drywall, repairing plaster and exposing some brick walls. Many stories and memories about the site at 216 E. State Route 108 in Carrollton are posted on the venues Facebook page, such as this one from Elizabeth A. Rawe Schwab: My Grandmother Rawe and Mrs. Rainey were friends and I was there with my Grandma for tea many times. I have a picture of the three of us looking at the goldfish pond that was on the west side of the house. Also, years later friends of my parents, C.A. and Jennie Gerson lived there with their sons. Dad and I were 4-H leaders and their sons were members of the club many 4-H meetings were held in that home also. Former owner Henry T. Rainey (Aug. 20, 1860 Aug. 19, 1934) was a prominent American politician who was Speaker of the House during the first 100 days of Franklin D. Roosevelts term in office in 1933. Rainey served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1903 to 1921 and from 1923 until his death. When FDR was president, he attended Henry Raineys funeral at the house, Brittany Weller said. Like Rainey, Bobby Weller is a farmer. The Wellers live and work in Madison and Greene counties. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive, Brittany Weller said. The city of Carrollton has been working hard to revitalize the area and shine a light on our county, and we hope to add to their efforts. The Wellers intend for Walnut Hall Estate to provide space for rehearsals, indoor or outdoor wedding, receptions and overnight stays all at the same location. In general, it can accommodate 500 people. Guests will have full access to the grounds and for extended time periods, if needed, Friday through Sunday. The indoor wedding site will be set up like a small chapel and will be climate-controlled. The structure for receptions will be built next door. The main house has seven bedrooms guests can use overnight. There also are two separate bridal suites in which to get ready. The parlor will be set up with an area for stylists to do hair and makeup for the bride and bridal party, while the basement will have more of a masculine feel with a bar and lounge area. The bridal couple can stay the night at the guest house, we are calling the honeymoon suite, a little cottage with two bedrooms and one bath, Brittany Weller said. The original beam is exposed. Its one of our favorite parts of the property. The Wellers were inspired to provide a venue when they couldnt find what they were looking for in a venue when they married in 2009. The idea came about when we couldnt find a space big enough or the look we wanted, so we used our own cattle pasture, rented a tent; it was just too much, Brittany Weller recalled. So we hope to fill a need in Greene County. We were driving by and saw a For Sale sign. Then the bidding opened up and we had to make that decision right then and there. We thought it must be meant to be. The Wellers have given tours of the site during the past month. To schedule a tour, leave a message at Walnut Hall Estates Facebook page; you also can request information on wedding packages and prices. Guests can use their own choice of caterers. The Wellers are in the process of applying for a liquor license from Carrollton and will supply liquor and a basic bar setup. They estimate being open and holding their first events by late May. COVID kind of made us nervous. Weve had a few rescheduled weddings, Brittany Weller said. Theres some couples who had a small wedding, but not really their reception, that well be able to accommodate. Bird flu confirmed in few more places in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh No permission given for use of vaccine against bird flu; not even by other nations: Centre Avian flu spreads across in 7 states; govt tightens vigil India oi-Madhuri Adnal Amethi (UP), Jan 10: Amid a bird-flu scare in several states, six crows were found dead under mysterious circumstances in the Sangram pur area in this Uttar Pradesh district, officials said on Sunday. Chief Veterinary Officer of Amethi Dr MP Singh said the crows were found dead at different places of Kaiti village in the Sangrampur police station area. A team of doctors, along with forest officers, is being sent to the village and the samples of the dead birds will be sent for testing, he added. Bird flu: Delhi closes Ghazipur poultry market for 10 days, bans import of live birds Shiv Bahadur Shukla, a resident of the village said the crows were found dead at different places in the village. "This has triggered fear among the villagers," he added. However, Singh said till the test reports are out, nothing could be said with certainty about bird flu. Over 1,200 birds were found dead across the country on Saturday, including 900 in a poultry farm in Maharashtra, with the Centre saying the outbreak of avian influenza has been reported in Uttar Pradesh, taking the number of affected states to seven. Besides Uttar Pradesh, the other six states are Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 15:10 [IST] New York: US federal prosecutors have filed motions saying that Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez took bribes from drug traffickers and had the country's armed forces protect a cocaine laboratory and shipments to the United States. The documents quote Hernandez as saying he wanted to shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos' by flooding the United States with cocaine. Juan Orlando Hernandez Alvarado, President of Honduras, pictured speaking to the United Nations General Assembly, is accused of protecting drug traffickers. Credit:AP The motions filed on Friday with the US Southern District of New York do not specifically name the president, referring to him as CC-4, or co-conspirator No. 4, but clearly identify him by naming his brother and his own post as president. The president, who has not been charged, has repeatedly denied any connection to traffickers despite the 2019 conviction of one of his brothers, Juan Antonio Hernandez. During that trial, the president was accused of accepting more than $US1 million ($1.29 million) from Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzman an accusation repeated in the new motions. Egypts Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, discussed developments to support the Palestinian cause in Cairo with Jordanian counterpart Minister Ayman Al-Safadi, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Shoukry discussed with Al-Safadi the results of the talks held recently with the different concerned parties as part of the preparations to the quartet meeting between Egypt, Jordan, Germany, and France on Monday in order to revive the Middle East peace process. This coming meeting aims to encourage Palestinians and Israelis to restart negotiations in order to reach a just and comprehensive political resettlement based on the two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state based on the 4 June 1967 borders with its capital being East Jerusalem. The two ministers also discussed the latest developments in the region, especially in Syria, Libya, and Yemen, where both parties agreed on the necessity to stop foreign intervention in Arab countries and reach peaceful solutions for these crises in accordance with the needs of Arab National Security. The new Jordanian ambassador to Cairo, Amjad Adaileh, attended the meeting. Short link: A Louisiana man was taken into custody last weekend after being found with a stolen vehicle in Pine Grove Township. According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Schuylkill Haven, around 5:30pm, on Saturday, January 2nd, 2021, troopers took Dirk Andrew, 48, of Tallulah, Louisiana into custody in the area Anspach Drive and Suedberg Road after he was found with a vehicle that was stolen from Heritage Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Harrisburg. Andrew was taken into custody and charged with receiving stolen property. Andrew was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Reiley and released on $25,000 unsecured bail. Many elder millennials may have learned to manage money much like our parents did: waiting for statements to arrive in the mail, balancing checkbooks and paying in cash. But if youre planning to impart the same lessons to your own children, ask yourself a few questions first. Is this still how you deal with your finances? How often do you carry cash anymore? Do you even know where your checkbook is? If the respective answers are no, rarely and maybe in that box I never unpacked since moving six months ago, then the money lessons of the 90s arent going to cut it for the next generation. The way we handle money had already been changing dramatically, but the pandemic accelerated those changes. One example: A September 2020 American Express study found that since the COVID-19 outbreak began, 70% of merchants had customers request contactless payment options, and 73% of merchants prefer customers to pay with a card or app instead of cash. So trade in those old-school money lectures for a primer on plastic and digital payments. By the time your kids become financially independent, they may thank you for it. Because cash is tactile, it provides a natural way to introduce younger kids to money. But according to Gregg Murset founder and CEO of the BusyKid app, which teaches kids about money management you dont need to stick to coin counting for long. I think kids are very smart these days, and they can learn that a quarter equals 0.25 in like five minutes, he says. Since cash is out and cards are in, theres little reason to avoid introducing credit and debit lessons as soon as possible. Swap checkbook lessons for monitoring bank and credit accounts online. Show your kids what a credit card statement looks like. Talk about building credit history by showing them your credit report. Rosanna Agado, who recently moved from the Seattle area to Glasgow, Scotland, maintains a spreadsheet for her three kids. Rather than give them their weekly allowance in the form of cash, Agado and her husband act like a bank account and lender combined. When one of their children decides to buy something, the parents pay and deduct the total from that kids savings. The kids are allowed to go into debt and arent charged interest, but they must skip however many weeks of allowance are needed until the debt is repaid. Their eldest son, who is 14, now has a bank account with a debit card, and while Agado doesnt monitor his purchases, she does check the balance daily. Having that freedom of having the card to spend on his own, its like credit card light, she says. He knows theres a limit on what he can spend. If something seems unusual, Agado discusses the purchase with her son to verify that its accurate not to judge his decision, but to teach him the importance of monitoring his account for suspicious activity. Credit cards can be a much-feared financial product because of the risk of getting into high-interest debt, but they can be a useful tool, too. Sharing your credit triumphs and errors with your kids can help them make confident decisions as adults. Agado and her husband dont want credit to be a mystery to their kids. They discuss topics like credit card rewards, which card to use for which purchase and what happens if you take on debt or miss a credit card payment. One of the main driving forces was the fact that my husband and I both destroyed our credit when we were younger, she says. Money talks are important, but kids learn even more when they apply those lessons to real-life purchasing decisions. Let your kids choose what to buy, within reason, even if you think theyre making a frivolous choice that will blow through a months worth of their allowance. Much as you learned from your own regrettable decisions, your children can do the same. Better a $10 mistake at 13 than a $10,000 mistake at 33, after all. I think its a big mistake for parents to helicopter their kids too much when it comes to money, Murset says. I would much rather kids buy something with their money and have the heartburn that comes with remorse. While sheltering in a secure location as a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, House lawmakers may have been exposed to someone who was infected with the coronavirus, Congresss Office of the Attending Physician said on Sunday. In an email sent to lawmakers, Dr. Brian P. Monahan, the attending physician, said that while the time in this room was several hours for some and briefer for others, during that period, individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection. He told lawmakers to obtain a P.C.R. test as a precaution and continue taking preventive steps against the spread of the virus. Congress has long struggled to stem the spread of the virus within its ranks, with mixed guidance and a delayed testing regimen. Dozens of lawmakers, staff members and reporters took shelter in the secure room on Wednesday, but a handful of Republicans refused to wear masks, one person there said, even as Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Democrat of Delaware, tried to pass out masks. Los Angeles: Television actor Amit Sarin, who relocated to Los Angeles a few years back, has tested positive for Covid-19. Amit's wife Vineesha and their two children have contracted the virus, too. Known for his role in shows such as 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', 'Nisha Aur Uske Cousins', 'Pavitra Rishta', Amit enjoys a huge fan following in India and different parts of the world. The actor, who is currently producing a film titled 'Tiger Heart', told IANS, "It has been six days now Vineesha, the kids and I have tested positive. Mentally, it was a jolt initially, but the good thing was that we were asymptomatic. And that is the silver lining." "We have immediately boosted our intake of vitamin C, D and zinc. We are having lots of water and fresh vegetarian food. This will definitely help us overcome the deadly virus. Though we have developed antibodies naturally without a vaccine and won't be infectious to others, but we are not going to take that for granted and follow the rules by wearing a mask, washing hands regularly and maintaining social distancing till we are vaccinated," he added. "Our daily routine has been the same, we are doing mostly the same thing which we have been doing the entire pandemic for the last 8 months spending lots of time together," Sarin said. SACRAMENTO California legislators who return to work Monday will quickly be asked to vote on a flurry of high-profile spending measures to confront the worsening toll of the coronavirus pandemic. At the top of their agenda: find a way to reopen schools for millions of students who have been out of the classroom since March, provide cash payments to low-income families, distribute COVID-19 vaccines more quickly, and extend an eviction moratorium. Ostensibly, legislators and Gov. Gavin Newsom agree on the broad strokes of the budget proposal he released Friday, which includes a $5 billion immediate action plan he wants approved within weeks. Right now, we have one job: stopping COVID and helping those who have been affected, said state Sen. Steve Glazer, D-Orinda. Everything else is just second. But beyond their shared goals, legislators are eager to reshape several of Newsoms key proposals and assert more oversight over the governors pandemic response. Among the most pressing issues for the Assembly and Senate: Reopening schools: Newsom has proposed offering schools more money if they reopen for in-person learning by mid-February. His Safe Schools for All proposal would give districts $450 to $750 for every elementary student, money that districts can use to implement safety measures. The $2 billion plan is designed to give districts a financial incentive to bring back younger students and those who are vulnerable, including disabled and homeless children and foster youth. But some Democratic legislators say tying funding to a specific deadline could give more money to wealthy communities and punish districts in urban areas that face more challenges in reopening. It seems unfair, said Sen. Connie Leyva, a Democrat from Chino (San Bernardino County) who chairs the Education Committee. What about smaller or poorer school districts that cant get up and running by then? We dont want to penalize them. Leyva said legislators hope to refine Newsoms plan by emphasizing in-person learning for vulnerable students first. The governor released his proposal amid a growing demand from parents to reopen schools. Newsom wants the Legislature to approve his proposal in the next few weeks, citing what he sees as the negative effects of distance learning on young childrens education and emotional health. In this environment, we cant wait, Newsom said at a news conference Friday. Those kids are falling through the cracks. Eviction moratorium: Californias partial eviction moratorium protecting tenants facing hardship because of the pandemic expires at the end of January, raising concerns that thousands of renters could lose their housing. Newsom says he wants to extend the law, but he hasnt said for how long. Thats part of the negotiations, thats part of the give and take, he said Friday. Legislators also arent sure how long they want to extend the moratorium. Competing bills introduced last month could extend the pause for two months or through the end of the year, as Assembly member David Chiu proposed. The San Francisco Democrat said widespread evictions could increase deaths during the most dangerous phase of the pandemic. We must keep people safe in their homes, he tweeted. Cash payments: Newsom is pushing lawmakers to swiftly approve one-time $600 direct payments to low-income people, an effort designed in part to help keep families housed. The payments would cost $2.4 billion. Checks would be sent to taxpayers who received the states earned income tax credit for the working poor, typically those who earn $30,000 or less. Newsom said payments could go out within weeks. Assembly member Phil Ting, the San Francisco Democrat who chairs the budget committee, said theres broad support for such payments. If we dont do it now, we run the risk of having a greater catastrophe down the road, Ting said. A little bit of money today will help significantly tomorrow. Some legislators, however, also support larger or more frequent payments. Last summer, Democrats unsuccessfully called for the state to pay an extra $600 a week in federal unemployment benefits that expired. Assembly member Alex Lee, D-San Jose, said Friday that matching the paltry $600 one-time payments that Congress approved in last months stimulus package isnt enough to protect people facing economic ruin. Some progressive legislators, including Lee, called Thursday for the state to set aside an additional $5 billion to help tenants facing eviction for missing rent. It is so not enough with the dire straits were in, especially in California, Lee said of $600 payments. We need to be getting real, material aid in peoples hands, so they can pay back that debt. Newsom has also asked legislators to quickly approve a swath of aid for business owners, including $575 million for grants to help small businesses adapt operations to the pandemic and $71 million to waive fees for bars, restaurants, barbershops and other businesses forced to close or limit service. Vaccine distribution: California has received about 2 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine, but it has been slow to administer those doses. Newsom proposes spending an estimated $372 million to improve distribution. The governor has said the money will help the state build the vaccine management system for health providers, purchase transportation and storage supplies, and expand a public education campaign. His budget doesnt give specifics of how much would be spent where. Newsom didnt include the vaccine funding in his immediate budget action plan, and legislators said they also hadnt received details. Sen. Richard Pan, a Sacramento Democrat who chairs the Health Committee, said that beyond improving the logistics of administering doses, the state must fund an extensive public education campaign to counter falsehoods from anti-vaccine activists. He said misinformation about the risks of the vaccine is spreading rapidly on social media and threatens to undermine the vaccines effectiveness if enough people arent inoculated. The biggest challenge has been that the pandemic response has been politicized, Pan said. Peoples Instagram and Facebook feed has been fused with lies and myths that we have to basically explain away. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Alexei Koseff contributed to this report. Dustin Gardiner is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dustin.gardiner@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dustingardiner TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) -- State representatives of the Wabash Valley gathered Saturday morning to answer questions from the public, and discuss different topics for this year's general assembly. Normally what's called the "Legislative Crackerbarrel" would be held in person. Due to COVID-19, it happened online through the Vigo County Public Library. This was the first "Crackerbarrel" meeting of the legislative session. Because of the pandemic, it was virtual. Five leaders from around the Wabash Valley took the publics' questions. Those questions highlighted a variety of topics. One of the biggest topics of discussion was education. Several people are wondering where funding for education will come from. There is legislation that's in the works right now for funding schools. State Representative Bob Heaton said it could get passed this year. Representative Heaton said, "It's going to provide about $164 million additionally to k through 12." Representative Tonya Pfaff said she supports extra funding for schools. She said Indiana schools have a very good success rate and they need the funding to continue that success. Representative Pfaff said, "They need help. Since the property tax caps came on we just don't have the money that we need to support all the services that our schools provide." You can find out what specific bills are making their way through the legislature by going to the state website. You can click here to find that information. You can also find the entire meeting on the Vigo County Public Library Youtube Channel. The next legislative meeting will take place on February 13. A special unit has been created by the government in the countrywide investigation wings of the Income Tax department for focussed probe in cases of undisclosed assets held by Indians abroad and possession of black money in foreign shores, officials said. The Foreign Asset Investigation Units (FAIUs) have been recently created in all the 14 investigation directorates of the tax department located in various parts of the country that are primarily tasked to undertake raids and seizures, and develop intelligence to check tax evasion done by various methods. A total of 69 existing posts in the tax department were "diverted" by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in November last for the creation of this unit after approval from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a senior officer told PTI. The CBDT frames policy for the Income Tax department. "The FAIUs have been created as new wings within the various investigation directorates of the tax department to bring focus on cases of undisclosed assets held abroad by Indians and black money stashed abroad. "India is now getting voluminous data in this context by way of various fresh treaties signed and some of those which have been re-negotiated in the recent past," another officer said. We are now in a global regime where automatic exchange of tax information is the norm. More and more countries and jurisdictions are following the international protocols set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for tax transparency and combating instances of global money laundering, terror financing and tax evasion, he said. The taxman now has huge data coming in from various international and domestic sources to check possible illegal foreign assets holding of an individual and hence, a dedicated wing was required to analyse this information and sift through this mountain of data, the official said. The new units will also probe cases of Indian entities named in global tax document leaks like the Panama Papers. The major treaties or automatic tax information exchange protocols through which Indian tax authorities get information include the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) and the most recent Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) between India and the US. FATCA covers automatic sharing of information on bank accounts as well as financial products like equities, mutual funds and insurance, and is aimed at fighting the menace of black money stashed abroad. Banks, mutual funds, insurance, pension and stock-broking firms will report their Indian client details to the US which will be shared with New Delhi. Similarly, Indian entities will do a reciprocal information sharing about Americans. The FAIUs will be under the authority of the jurisdictional director general of income tax (investigation) rank officer and its work will be directly monitored by the CBDT, the officials said. The Income Tax Return (ITR) forms also have a separate column seeking details of foreign assets of an individual or entity and these get obviously matched with the information obtained through automatic exchange from global counterparts. Any mismatch requires dedicated investigation and the new wing can very well do that job, they added. The territorial integrity of Armenia as well as the lasting and inviolable preservation of its statehood is an unconditional all-Armenian commitment, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I said in a statement. The statement runs as follows: As we have noticed recently, the truce announcement which was called to stop the war unleashed by Azeri-Turkish army against Artsakh, contains such indefinite and ambiguous clauses that can endanger the security, independence and territorial integrity of Armenia. The dangerous items of the truce have to be clarified at the request of Armenian and with the support of Russia. The territorial integrity of Armenia as well as the lasting and inviolable preservation of its statehood is an unconditional all-Armenian commitment. At the crucial moments of its centuries-old history our people have always and selflessly said its no to the dangers threatening our nation and our Motherland. We are not aware of the details of the Putin-Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting to be held on January 11 in Moscow. It is our demand, and we believe also the demand of our people, that Yerevan by its signature under any agreement did not place in jeopardy the sovereignty, statehood and territorial integrity of Armenia. Posted Saturday, January 9, 2021 5:18 pm A Mossyrock man has been arrested and is facing charges that include controlled substance homicide after a woman he allegedly sold drugs to died of an overdose. Joshua Ryan Jacobs, 34, allegedly sold five fentanyl pills under the name Cookie to the woman, identified in court documents as Layla Horton. He made his first appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Friday. Jacobs sent a text message to Horton on Nov. 9 the day before her death advising her to try one half of a dose first and telling her to be careful, according to court documents. Horton replied that she had taken a whole dose. She did not reply to Hortons next text message wishing her a good, safe rest of the night, sent at about 12:30 a.m. on Nov. 10. She was found dead inside her Mossyrock residence later that day. Toxicology and autopsy findings showed that Horton had lethal amounts of fentanyl in her blood, according to Lewis County Superior Court documents, and that she died of acute fentanyl poisoning. Following an investigation by the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), Jacobs was arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail at 1:10 p.m. on Jan. 7 on one count of controlled substance homicide and one count of possession of a controlled substance, heroin. He was being held on $25,000 bail Friday night. An arraignment has been scheduled. Amid the bird flu outbreak across the country, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has banned the import of live poultry in the national capital. Additionally, Ghazipur's poultry market will remain shut for 10 days, the Chief Minister announced on Saturday. He said that bird flu has not been reported in the national capital so far. "After incidents of deaths of birds were reported in Delhi, 104 samples have been taken and sent to a lab in Jalandhar to assess the presence of bird flu. The results of the reports will be released by the day after tomorrow and action will be taken based on those results. However, so far any case of bird flu has not been reported in Delhi," the CM said. Nevertheless, a surveillance team has been formed in each district under District Magistrates. Veterinary doctors are also on alert. Sanjay Lake, Bhalasva Lake, Hauz Khas lake, and poultry markets are the focus of the experts, he said. A rapid response team has been formed to look into the deaths of crows which has been recently reported in Delhi. Delhi's urgent measures come as at least 24 crows were found dead at a park in South Delhi's Jasola area in the last three days. Ten ducks were found dead at the Sanjay Lake. So far at least 35 crows have died in Delhi. Samples have been sent to labs for testing. Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu. The Centre has, meanwhile, asked state governments to ensure effective communication and coordination with health authorities. Health officials have been asked to keep close vigilance on the outbreak. Surveillance around water bodies,live bird markets, zoos and poultry farms have also been increased. Also read: Bird flu: Centre asks states to prepare for any eventuality; allay people's fears Also read: Bird flu outbreak in 4 states; Kerala culls 17,326 birds, Haryana on high alert SUV That said, pre-production prototypes have started to share some of their secrets in recent months, despite still being highly camouflaged from head to toe.While last time we met a 2022 Range Rover cold-weather testing in northern Sweden , now its time to check a right-hand-drive one out on European roads, sprinkled with Bosch test vehicle stickers all around.Spy photographers also managed to peek inside, where they snapped a few shots of an interior that is obviously not ready for production in the current configuration but does share a few interesting details.By far, the two most interesting ones are the massive center console touchscreen, which looks like it will be the largest ever fitted to a production Jaguar Land Rover vehicle so far, and the touch-capacitive buttons on the steering wheel.The rest of the dashboard and center console details are either camouflaged or simply not fitted to the car yet, so it looks like this is still an early testing prototype.Outside, the car delivers a similar unfinished feeling, and every bit of metal is wrapped with camo, but the Range Rover Velar -esque design motifs are hard to hide from prying eyes.The gently sloping roof is a new addition to the venerable Range Rover, but it makes the proportions of the full-sizemore cohesive and somewhat sportier-looking, despite its size.Based on a brand-new architecture that will be used on a lot of upcoming Jaguar and Land Rover models, including the all-electric 2022 Jaguar XJ replacement, the new Range Rover is expected to weigh considerably less than its predecessors, thanks to the extensive use of aluminum and high-strength steels.The SUV is expected to feature an engine lineup that should start with a four-cylinder, with most of the powerplants being inline-sixes from the Ingenium family.The 5.0-liter V8 is a bit long in the tooth, and JLR is expected to replace it with a new mild-hybrid V8 developed by none other than former Land Rover owner BMW. Pia Miller has completed her latest round of 14 day quarantine - her second in a year - after returning to Sydney. Her first order of business was tending to her locks, with the actress heading out to see Renya Xydis, stylist to the stars, at Valonz Haircutters in Paddington on Sunday. The 37-year-old covered up her face in a black, satin face mask, and a pair of sunglasses. New do: Pia Miller (pictured) headed out to see Renya Xydis, stylist to the stars, at Valonz Haircutters in Paddington on Sunday Her mask matched her chic, slinky slip dress, under which she appeared to go braless. Pia wore her Chanel purse cross-body, with the gold chain strap slung over one shoulder. She ensemble her look with a pair of beige flat slides with a lace pattern, showing off her black pedicure. Back in black: The 37-year-old covered up her face in a black, satin face mask, and a pair of sunglasses. Her mask matched her slinky slip dress, under which she appeared to go braless Wow! Also on show was Pia's stunning engagment ring, which is said to be priced at between US$800,000 (AU$1.10million) to US$1.4million (AU$1.9million) Also on show was Pia's stunning engagment ring, which is said to be priced at between US$800,000 (AU$1.10million) to US$1.4million (AU$1.9million). A number of gold bracelets only further drew the eye to the resplendent 10-carat to 12-carat solitaire oval diamond, which is set in a platinum band. The beauty's hair looked in need of a good cut, with the wind whipping it out of shape around her face. Whirlwind romance: Pia returned home to Australia alone last month, weeks after getting engaged to Patrick (right) in Malibu Stunning! Pia announced her engagement on November 28, sharing this post showing off her incredible diamond ring The Home and Away actress returned home to Australia alone last month, weeks after getting engaged to Hollywood mega-agent Patrick Whitesell in Malibu. On Saturday, Pia uploaded a romantic photo of herself and Patrick, 55, cosying up beneath the Eiffel Tower, writing, 'Miss you,' next to the image. Pia announced her engagement on November 28, showing off her huge diamond ring on Instagram, alongside the simple caption: 'PW'. 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. Even as the US dubbed the equalisation tax, or the Google tax, discriminatory, India saw a 64 per cent growth in its collection after the third instalment deadline on January 7, raking in as much as Rs 1,436 crore after Q3. The collection in the same period last year was at Rs 877 crore, a government official told Business Standard. This comes as India saw a mend in its direct tax collection in January as the contraction reduced to 9.6 per cent from November's 13 per cent. A federal investigation in the US has even threatened to slap tariffs against India due to this tax. The US has called the tax unreasonable, burdensome and inconsistent with international tax policies. The Google tax is applied to non-resident e-commerce companies in India. Against the discriminatory allegations, India has maintained that the levy was to ensure a fair and competitive market for local and foreign e-commerce companies. Till 2019, the tax rate was at 6 per cent for digital advertising services, but the taxs scope has been widened since then to include foreign e-commerce companies with turnover of over Rs 2 crore till April 1, 2020. These companies will be charged a 2 per cent levy. Companies like Adobe, Uber, Udemy, Zoom.us, Expedia, Alibaba, Ikea, LinkedIn, Spotify, and eBay come under the ambit of this tax. India collected direct tax of Rs 6.32 lakh crore after refunds on January 8. This was about Rs 6.99 lakh crore in the 2019-2020 period. Collections have picked up the pace, in line with the overall economic activity. We hope to match last years collection in direct taxes of Rs 10.53 lakh crore. It may be slightly higher, accounting for the Vivad Se Vishwas dispute resolution scheme collection, said a government official is quoted as saying in the report. Bengaluru accounted for about half of the total Google tax at Rs 723 crore, a growth of 45 per cent while Hyderabad saw a collection of Rs 422 crore, compared to 2019s Rs 269 crore. Delhi saw a whopping 376 per cent growth in the levy collection at Rs 181 crore, compared to Rs 38 crore last year. Mumbais collection more than doubled at Rs 82 crore. According to a statement by the Government of India, it 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. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. 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. 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. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images (Bloomberg) -- Three men who allegedly took part in the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday have been charged in federal court in Washington, the Justice Department announced. Jacob A. Chansley, also known as Jake Angeli, was charged with illegally entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on the Capitol grounds, the department said in a statement on Saturday. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Yankees have re-signed Tyler Lyons to a minor-league contract, per the MLB.com transactions page. The veteran southpaw pitched in one game for New York last season. Lyons has bounced on and off the Yankees roster a few times since he first signed with New York in August 2019. The 32-year-old has tallied 10.2 relief innings across twelve appearances in pinstripes, allowing eight earned runs. Lyons hasnt found much success over the past three years with any of the Cardinals, Pirates or Yankees. He did, however, have a few productive seasons in St. Louis early in his career. In spite of Lyons recent history, theres no harm in bringing back a familiar player on a minor-league pact to bolster organizational depth. Aside from closer Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton is the only lefty reliever on the Yankees 40-man roster. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. By Robert Neff Chickens and eggs were very popular gifts from the palace. Circa late 19th century. Robert Neff Collection A Korean mourner with a fan. Circa early 1900s. Robert Neff Collection In the past, it was customary to present small gifts for the New Year usually merchants presented their valued customers with calendars as they were useful gifts that also served as a form of advertisement. Foreign merchants in Joseon Korea were no exception. In Korea, the idea of giving calendars, even between friends, remained popular up until a couple of decades ago. It was rather strange to enter a Korean home and not see a large number of calendars gracing the walls. But things have changed and for the first time, this year, I was not offered a calendar by friends or businesses. During the 19th century, Westerners living in Seoul were often presented with gifts from the palace. In 1887, a writer reported: "[Eggs] and game were sent to some of the foreigners, and, each member of the royal family sending a hundred eggs, the recipients were rather embarrassed at getting 400 eggs all at once. Game is very plentiful around Seoul in the wintertime, and gifts of pheasants by ten and twenties kept the larders of all the foreign residents continually stocked. The Queen often sends as gifts to foreign ladies, bit of embroidery done by her women in the palace, and they are generally little amulet bags or ornamental pockets of royal red satin embroidered with a fine, smooth floss in conventional flower designs most nearly like Chinese work." In 1891, Clarence Greathouse an American advisor to the Korean Government received from the palace "about a dozen pheasants, many pounds of beef, several hundred eggs, 2 bags of English walnuts, 2 packages of persimmons & etc." Not to be outdone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs sent a similar package of goods and added some of the largest and best lemons that the Greathouse family had ever seen. Most people were pleased at receiving these gifts from the palace but not everyone. Horace N. Allen (an American missionary doctor who later became the American representative to Korea) seemed less-than-appreciative of a gift he received in 1885: "[I] received my share of the Royal Favors being four squealing pigs, 20 chickens, 600 eggs, a basket of large sized large smelling fish, a basket of direct fish dried, another of dried sort of sole, a basket each of apples, pears, and peaches. I gave 5,000 won cash ($3.12) to the coolie for bringing the worthless stuff as is the custom. I gave half to Dr. Heron and then gave all of my portion to the servants excepting the chickens, eggs and a small portion of fruit such as we may eat before it spoils. This also is the custom. It would be proper now for me to send a couple of cases of wine to the King." Fred Dustin in his office in the 1960s. A large calendar can be seen on the wall. Robert Neff Collection A famous philanthropic saying goes In the joy of others lies our own. Well, events unfolding on New Years Eve showed that this would now have to be rephrased as In the joy of others lies our virus. Anticipating a surge in silly behaviour, the government acted swiftly and decisively by deploying community police and ministry of health personnel to patrol hot spots such as Block 338 in Adliya, famous for its eateries and lounge scene. The result was that everybody was either warned for not complying or given penalties for ignoring warnings. Overall, this led to a much safer celebration of the advent of 2021 for all. What is it that makes us adopt risky behaviour despite all the evidence to the contrary? Whether it is wearing seatbelts, smoking tobacco or sneezing in public during a pandemic, we refuse to obey the rules unless threatened with fine or dire consequences. Is it really that a fine of BD 20 or 200 is more effective to our minds than the thought of losing our lives or being hurt in an accident? As we slowly get back to the transformed normal, we also need to be vigilant that all the precautions are observed so that this evil genie of a virus which we have managed to bottle up does not escape once more to threaten us. I do notice that many smaller restaurants do not check the temperatures or take details of diners and distancing seems to be cursory at best. Business owners must do their bit to enforce the regulations this is the last mile before we can let down our guard and each one of us plays a vital role in maintaining the discipline of 2020 which we learnt through a trial by fire. 2021 will be the Year of the Vaccine. I urge as many Bahrain residents as possible to take the shot so that they can protect themselves and our community. Our government has done so much to make our Kingdom safer we too should now reciprocate. Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood 8a Magazine published an Article of Interest by John M. Collard, turnaround specialist, outside director, interim CEO executive, and private equity advisor. www.StrategicMgtPartners.com www.StrategicMgtPartners.com/8aprofits.pdf Formatted Version Article-of-Interest: 10 Ways to Restart and Improve Profits in Your Company By John M. Collard Restarting companies after Coronavirus shelter-in-place, stay-at-home and social distancing orders is a formidable task, but can be done. This will require changes in thinking about how the company operates and what it will look like. When you add revenue without increasing indirect costs and overhead you drive profit. Here are some ideas to restart new profitability. Use these as a starting point since this most likely isn't your first rodeo. We have all been bucked off before, The following ten ideas may spark your business intellect, during which you will surely think of more. Add New Products and Services to Offer Existing Customers Look for new task and change orders to expand work for customers under contract. Needs change and customers will add business when they like what you do for them. Consider bundling or unbundling products and services, and reprice them to make them more acceptable to customer need. Enter into joint ventures or strategic alliances with teaming partners, suppliers or customers to market each other's products. Seek partners whose business complements your own, then their products and services should match up well. These alliances can also expose your business to new markets. Enter New Markets with Your Existing Product and Service Offerings Figure out what you do best and try marketing to them, while developing new business in new areas. If you have expertise that you perform on Army contracts, for instance, then try marketing to the Navy, Civilian Agencies, and/or Commercial Customers. Your products and skills are transferable, because new customers often have similar needs. Many restaurateurs have adapted to curb-side and delivery service, they can also expand to catering events or operating corporate facilities as well. Be creative. Revitalize aging products and services. What other uses can you find for them? Repurpose their uses in order to attract new markets, then you have a new stream of income from a product or service that was once dormant. When you are strong in operations and production, then produce private label for others. When strong in sales and marketing then contract with subcontractors to do some of the work. There are always opportunities. Understand and Adjust Pricing Based on Cost-Driver Activity Think in terms of Activity-Based Costing and Net Profit Margin. When Overhead is allocated (or not) on the wrong cost base, then profits become skewed in the wrong way, which can adversely affect pricing. Develop managerial accounting systems that give visibility to costs required to produce revenue by activity. Don't fall into the trap of allowing one product activity line to subsidize another. Balance the price-to-cost ratios based on the activity that uses the support structure. For example; if one product requires the majority of plant and facilities to produce, then allocate costs by square footage usage to that product, instead of by revenue, for instance. Think of every product or service that your company sells as if it were a separate business. Does each one contribute to profitability? Perhaps not. When this occurs, you may need to dispose of some products and services and keep those which generate money. This will help you eliminate costs in favor of profitability. Give Customers What They Want When you give customers exactly what they want, and only what they want, pricing is usually not an issue for them. When you deliver value, that outweighs price, because that value helps the customer meet their needs and produce better results. When you give customers what they want, they can become referral sources. When you give customers more than they ask for, they willingly accept the extra benefits for no extra cost. Give them only what they are willing to pay for. Sometimes You Need to Fire a Customer When you find yourself in the situation where one customer is absorbing all of managements' time and attention, and they are not a profitable account, renegotiate or fire them. Pursue profitable accounts. Unless there is a sound reason why you are subsidizing that customer, then why work at a loss? In some cases a customer account absorbs a large portion of overhead, but even then work at breakeven. Meticulously Manage Assets and Resources Assets that are not actively being used to generate profit should be sold for cash. Why hold on to assets that are idle or have become expenses? Use the proceeds of sale to reinvest into your business to increase its profitability. While resources of the human kind can't be sold, they can be furloughed. Carefully manage resources that are not billable to contracts. Increase percent billable. Reduce inventory to the smallest amount possible to generate cash. Develop favorable relationships with vendors that allow you to receive product or services on consignment and pay them once that product is sold. Actively collect accounts receivable, and implement new credit terms to bring payments and retainers in more quickly. Bill frequently, collect often. Make Sure Your Team Knows What Is Expected Instill a sense of urgency throughout your business. Never allow a business atmosphere of complacency. This only leads to poor operations, lack of new business, and it will be overtaken by competitors. Promote excellence throughout your business, from the front desk to key executives. Implement a clear set of expectations, so that your team has proper guidelines to follow. Communicate profit and sales goals, quotas, daily expected activity, and train them how to effectively communicate with prospects and existing customers. Identify the key positions within your company that have contact with customers. Management, marketing and business development, customer support, all have a very important role. Retain customers by providing great customer service, or lose them when you don't perform. Stress understanding specific customer needs during the BID process to develop winning strategies, and increase win ratios. Base Incentives on Profits Instead of Revenue Link compensation to productivity for everyone in the company. Employees should only get paid for results when they produce, and not paid when they don't. Your employees will work harder, increase their work-ethic, and focus on the results that you strive for. For example; pay incentives for sales people based on gross margin instead of revenue, to drive the profit motivation. Merge with or Acquire a Partner Company Combining company operations can add complimentary skills and products. Utilize the best attributes of both organizations, and eliminate duplication. When you add revenue and related direct costs for operations you typically can run the combined entity without duplicate overhead. The overhead equivalent of one company is eliminated and the cost turns into increased profit. Part of a larger, more profitable pie is always better than struggling to cover costs. Create an Advisory Board to Seek Expert Input from Outside Your Organization People are very creative, particularly if properly motivated. Outside expert influence can bring a fresh perspective, and new ideas that you may not have thought of before. It is often difficult to separate your current vision for your business from what is actually going on. Don't be afraid to explore strengths and how they can be applied elsewhere to drive profits and cashflow. Don't be afraid to explore weaknesses and how they can be overcome and improved. Studies show increased profitability when advisors get involved. You may want to interview key clients to get their input on new product and service offerings. Drive your team to think in terms of profits, cashflow, expansion, and creativity. They will reward you with profitable activity. Be proactive. ### About the Author: John M. Collard John is Chairman of Strategic Management Partners, Inc. (410-263-9100, www.StrategicMgtPartners.com ) in Annapolis, Maryland. John is a Certified Turnaround Professional (CTP), and a Certified International Turnaround Manager (CITM), who brings over 35 years senior operating leadership, $85M+ asset and investment recovery, 45+ transactions worth $1.2B, new business developed of $950M+ and win ratio of 3.5 of 5.0, and $80M fund management expertise to run troubled companies, serve on and advise boards of directors, and raise capital. John has parachuted in as the Interim CEO, CRO, senior executive to turn around troubled entities, and serves as an outside director. John is inducted into the Turnaround Management, Restructuring, and Distressed Investing Industry Hall Of Fame. John is Past Chairman of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), Past Chairman of the Association of Interim Executives (AIE), and a Senior Fellow of the Turnaround Management Society. John is a Founder of TMA. John is Prince George's Business Leader of the Year. John is honored with the Interim Management Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Interim Executives. John is honored as Most Admired CEO in Maryland by Daily Record. John is honored with SmartCEO Distinguished Leadership Award. About the Firm: Strategic Management Partners, Inc. ( www.StrategicMgtPartners.com 410-263-9100) is a turnaround management firm specializing in board and private equity advisory, executive CEO leadership, new business development, asset and investment recovery, raising money capital, and investing in and rebuilding distressed underperforming troubled companies. The firm has been advisor to Presidents Bush (41 & 43), Clinton, Reagan, and Yeltsin, World Bank, EBRD, Company Boards, and Equity Capital Investors on leadership, rebuilding troubled companies, investment recovery, turnaround management and equity investing. SMP is celebrating 25+ years of service to its clients. SMP was named Maryland's Small Business of the Year, and received the Governor's Citation, Governor Martin J. O'Malley, The State of Maryland as a special tribute to honor work in the areas of turning around troubled companies and saving jobs in Maryland. Turnarounds & Workouts Magazine twice named SMP among the 'Top Outstanding Turnaround Management Firms'. American Business Journals named SMP among the Best Turnaround Management and Consulting Firms in Baltimore, Washington, and the Mid-Atlantic Region. Global M&A Network Turnaround Atlas Awards named SMP as Boutique Turnaround Consulting Firm of the Year. Strategic Management Partners, Inc.: turnaround managers ready to run troubled companies, recover assets from investments gone bad, advise boards of directors and investors on company viability in distressed situations. We provide strong interim and operational leadership, strategic planning, financial, defense conversion, sales and marketing acumen developed building organizations in large and small companies, including President of public & private middle-market companies providing solutions to Commercial, Federal Government, International markets. Enterprises range from start-up to $100+mil. Industry expertise: Manufacturing; Job Shop; Engineering Services; Computer Processing/Services/Software/Integration; Communications; Defense Electronics; Aerospace; Federal Government Contracting; Systems Integration; High-Tech; Finance; Marine Services; Real Estate Development; Construction; Fabrication; and Printing. End ### Reference: www.StrategicMgtPartners.com Turnaround Managers www.StrategistLibrary.com or www.StrategicMgtPartners.com/library/libindx.html Restart and Improve Profits Published by 8a Magazine Why Hire Outside Directors When Private Companies Don't Have To? Published by Journal of Private Equity Fixer-Uppers: Rebuilding Company Value Published by Private Company Director Built to Sell. Value Creation Model Published by Shareholder Value Magazine Raising Money Capital Published by Chief Executive Magazine Is Your Company in Trouble? Published by Corporate Board Magazine Managing Turnarounds Phases and Actions Published by RMA Journal Social Media: John M. Collard on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/JohnMCollard John M. Collard on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/JohnMCollard John M. Collard on Twitter at http://twitter.com/JohnCollard Collard on NewsReleaseWire 8a Magazine: www.8amagazine.com 8a Magazine 8a Magazine Joint Venture Directory Firm: www.StrategicMgtPartners.com Turnaround Management Experts www.StrategicMgtPartners.com/jcsum-8a.pdf Capabilities Statement End ### She has written 15 best-selling novels and sold 35 million books worldwide and now Marian Keyes wants to share her wisdom with aspiring writers. The Irish author says she has been moved to teach others a way they can escape through writing now that life has been become so "brutal" under lockdown. "I am very, very aware of a collective gloom at the moment," she told the Sunday Independent. "It's been awful. With the pandemic, with the really high figures, with the capers in the US the other night and Brexit impacting us, too. "And I think this lockdown has been even harder on people. We were so innocent the first time round. We had this sensibility that we were 'all in it together'. And we thought that if we all did the right thing, we would see results. So it's dispiriting to find, 10 months on, that the figures are higher than ever. That combined with the time of year - the dark and the cold - makes things a lot harder now. "So I thought about it, and I get so much pleasure and escape from reality through writing, that if other people could enjoy that, too, it would be great." Her free course, which starts tomorrow at 7.30pm, will air on Keyes's 'Instagram live' account and will run each Monday night for four weeks. It will cover the basics of plot, characterisation and dialogue as well as the psychological hurdles writers face, such as self-doubt and the fear of failure. Offering reassurance to others, Keyes, whose works include Watermelon, said: "Most mornings when I turn on the computer, I just think 'oh jaaaaaysus' because writing comes from the subconscious and that's not easy to access. "So I think it's absolutely appropriate to talk about the 'blankness' when you start. When I sit down, I need to get into the imaginative part of myself and that door isn't always obvious." On the age-old belief that everyone has a book in them, Keyes said: "Everybody is entitled to give it a go. There should be no gatekeepers. Some people are going to be better than others. Some are going to enjoy it more, but right now this is about people enjoying themselves and finding something else to escape into that isn't our grim reality. "Life is so brutal at the moment. And I realise that starting a course could feel like another burden but the thing about this course is that it is just a bit of craic and I am sure people will get something from it, hints and tips, but there is no exam at the end. "So it's supposed to be fun." While Shakespeare may have written King Lear during a plague, Keyes says she isn't so sure that a crisis unleashes creativity so she tells people not to expect too much of themselves, whatever their line of work. "I can't speak for everybody - but this is a very unusually unpleasant time and when people are anxious and worried about the future it's very difficult to do good work. There is literally a physiological reason for it. "When people are frightened, they shut down the imaginative part of their brain and switch to the fight-or-flight instinct to keep safe. "And I have found I could barely read when the first lockdown hit, never mind write." A 35-year-old man was shot once in the neck and taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he died, police said. A 25-year-old woman was shot twice in the left arm and taken to Northwestern, where she had been listed in good condition. NEWS Pentagon transforms Campia Turzii unit into a NATO air hub at the Black Sea A former Soviet airbase in central Romania could become a hub for US Air Force operations in south-eastern Europe, where the Pentagon is seeking to Mai mult Nuclearelectrica shareholders approved to terminate negotiations with Chinese for building reactors 3 and 4 from Cernavoda Nuclearelectrica's Board of Directors has been mandated to initiate proceedings to terminate negotiations with China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), as well as legal effects Mai mult Renault holds expansion of its plant in Romania, 15,000 jobs cancelled at global level "Putting capacity growth projects planned in Morocco and Romania on hold" - is one of the measures included in the draft plan of Renault Group Mai mult Romania is a net importer of electricity in 2020 as well Romania imported an amount of electricity of almost 796 GWh in the first month of this year, by more than 36% above what it exported Mai mult Shareholders of Galati steel plant promise investments of one billion euros GFG Alliance has committed to invest one billion euros to upgrade Galati steel plant in order to reduce emissions and increase production. Another EUR 1 Mai mult Top 3 reasons why young people leave Romania Lack of trust in authorities, corruption and low living standards are the main reasons why young people leave Romania. The data is part of a Mai mult IMM Invest Romania program implementing rules have been published The Ministry of Public Finance announces that it has issued the methodological norms for the implementation of the Program for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises Mai mult Pollution import and car park expansion: comparisons with the other EU states Romania is the EU country with the fewest cars in terms of the number of inhabitants, according to data recently published by Eurostat. We appear Mai mult Laura Codruta Kovesi remains alone in the race for European Chief Prosecutor French Prosecutor Jean-Francois Bohnert will be appointed as head of the European Financial Prosecutor's Office, a position for which he was heard on Thursday, 11 Mai mult Edward F. Grusheski, 74, who was instrumental in making the once decrepit Fairmount Water Works a top attraction and center of environmental education, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, of colon cancer at his home in Philadelphia. He came to the Philadelphia Water Department in 1988 to develop an interpretive center at the Fairmount Water Works, a project that grew from earlier philanthropic efforts to raise money to restore the 1815 engineering and design marvel that neighbors Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill. He also was a spokesman for the water department. Mr. Grusheski cajoled a variety of government agencies and nonprofit organizations into backing the effort to create a place where the public could learn about water, urban watershed ecology, sustainability, art and architecture. The center opened in 2003. Ed jump-started it, said Karen Young, executive director of the Fairmount Water Works. He had a vision for what it could be. He was able to think beyond the structure, to the future of encouraging stewardship of our water source. The waterworks and the city water system were in Mr. Grusheskis fiber, more than just a passionate cause, Young said. If you went to his home, and he loved to entertain, you would not be served bottled water, said his friend Ron Hovey. Youd get Philadelphias finest. And hed tell how it was safer than bottled, which doesnt have as many regulations on it and no plastic goes into the ocean. Mr. Grusheski had an endless supply of his trademark bow ties. He traveled the world (often working with water-resources groups), collected fine art, and loved the orchestra. Once, on a trip to Italy, he chased down examples of Palladian architecture, which influenced the design of the Water Works, Hovey recalled. Mr. Grusheski was born in Boston on May 2, 1946. He graduated from the Boston Latin School in 1964 and earned his bachelors degree in 1968 at Georgetown University, along with classmate and friend Bill Clinton, friends and family said. Afterward, he served in the Army in Korea, translating and analyzing electronic communications. Later, in 1974, he earned a masters degree in American civilization at the University of Pennsylvania. Before his involvement with the waterworks, Mr. Grusheski was a curator and educator at the Boston Childrens Museum, the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton, Philadelphias old Civic Center Museum, and what is now called the Independence Seaport Museum, on Penns Landing. He also had a dry sense of humor. In the early 2000s, a blood clot required Mr. Grusheski to have a leg amputated, Hovey said. He was fitted with a prosthetic. Once, he and Hovey pulled up to 30th Street Station in a taxi. As Mr. Grusheski got out of the car, the prosthetic, which had loosened, went flying. Some people gasped. Some screamed. Oh dear, I lost my leg, Mr. Grusheski deadpanned, according to Hovey. He was on the boards of the Global Water Alliance and the Fund for the Water Works, and was the president of the Philadelphia-area chapter of the Society for Industrial Archeology. He also served on the planning committee of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. Mr. Grusheski, who was an only child, leaves behind many beloved cousins and a circle of close friends. Many took turns sitting with and helping him when he began hospice care at home. Christine Accas, a cousin who lives in Florida, said she felt blessed she was able to get to Philadelphia three days before Mr. Grusheski died. He was my brother-cousin. We grew up together, Accas said. He was a joy to be with, the most enthusiastic, optimistic person. That was his true spirit. Mr. Grusheski will be buried in his native Boston at a later date. Plans for a memorial service in Philadelphia are pending. Donations in his memory may be made to Old St. Josephs Church, 321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106; or the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, 640 Waterworks Dr., Philadelphia, Pa. 19130. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/10/2021 ADVERTISEMENT [ Spoilers Warning: This report includes spoilers that reveal if Jovi and Yara are still together and living in America together.] ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Are Jovi and Yara still together or has the couple broken up? ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. couple Jovi Dufren and Yara Zaya were shown disagreeing on where they'd like to live long-term and how they'd like to raise their children on Season 8 of , so what do spoilers reveal about if Jovi and Yara are still together now?Jovi, a 29-year-old who works in underwater robotics from New Orleans, LA, met Yara, a 25-year-old makeup artist from Kiev, Ukraine, through a travel app.Jovi said he thought Yara was very beautiful and they're both family-oriented and seemed to like a lot of the same things -- such as beaches, scubadiving and traveling.Jovi decided to meet Yara in-person during a work trip to Budapest. He said he had no expectations when they first met and, despite an awkward introduction, "really good sex" led to more hangout sessions.Jovi described Yara as a girly-girl who loves fashion, makeup and designer bags.During the first few months of their relationship, Jovi and Yara took vacations together all over the world, including a stop in Bali. Jovi also visited his girl in the Ukraine multiple times.Jovi revealed he got Yara pregnant six months into their relationship and that was a huge shock to him."I was dumbfounded, it was so unexpected. This is not what I'm ready for. I thought she was trying to trap me. I thought, 'This is her ticket to America,'" Jovi admitted. "But after the shock wore off, it actually pulled us pretty closer together."At that point, however, Jovi said he loved Yara, and so he decided to propose marriage to her during a trip to Cuba.Afterward, Jovi applied for a K-1 visa so he could marry Yara and they could become a family, but then the couple received bad news that they had lost the baby.Since Yara was no longer pregnant, Jovi confessed he experienced a case of cold feet and realized there was no rush to get married anymore and settle down together in America.But after more time passed, Jovi determined Yara was the person he wanted to be with and he felt good about having her in his life. And Yara was prepared to move to Louisiana in just a few days after her K-1 visa was approved.Jovi said his mother Gwen was Yara's biggest supporter, but Gwen was surprised about her son's choice of partner to marry. Gwen apparently always thought her son would wed a sweet southern girl, and she had trouble picturing Yara liking Jovi's lifestyle of hunting and fishing.Gwen warned Jovi that many Ukrainian women want to get to the United States and receive green cards. Jovi putting his trust into Yara was apparently a big thing for him.Due to Jovi's hectic work schedule, he said he'd only have two weeks with Yara before going off to work for a month. They wouldn't have 90 days like the average K-1 visa couple, so Jovi was a bit concerned they'd have less than 60 days together.Gwen thought the situation was "absolutely nuts" and didn't understand how Jovi and Yara were going to make this work. Gwen wasn't even convinced Jovi was truly ready for marriage.Jovi's friends also didn't think he was ready to be a husband and deal with the challenges of marriage. His best friend Kline's girlfriend Sara even predicted Jovi's life was going to spiral out of control.Jovi admitted he's a free spirit who likes to drink and doesn't really think before acting, so he acknowledged a woman coming into his life and trying to change him would be tough.But Jovi was completely smitten withn Yara and told the cameras, "If Yara and I don't work out, I'll be devastated."Jovi and Yara then reunited in the airport after Yara traveled for 30 hours.When asked to reveal what she loved most about Jovi, Yara wasn't sure what to say other than he had a good body when they first met.Yara disappointed Jovi that night by refusing to go out on the town. Yara just wanted to shower, sleep and rest after her long journey to America, but Jovi was hoping to party and introduce Yara to his friends."I don't think me and Yara are on the same page about a lot of things, but our 90 days start today and we have a lot to think about before we get married," Jovi said.During Yara's first full day in New Orleans, Jovi then gave Yara a tour of the city, including Bourbon Street, which Yara considered chaotic and crazy.Yara seemed overwhelmed by her environment and admitted she thought America was going to be "sweet dreams" but Ukraine was better -- although "more poor."Jovi then wanted to introduce Yara to his parents, but Yara didn't want to spend the night at Jovi's parents' place because she said she wouldn't feel comfortable. Jovi said Yara didn't have a choice because that's simply Louisiana culture.Yara jokingly threatened to return to Ukraine, but Jovi argued that America is a better country, which apparently upset Yara.Jovi said he needed the women to get along in order for him to have a comfortable marriage, and with 88 days to wed, Jovi took Yara to the Bayou to meet Gwen.Gwen told the cameras that if she got a bad feeling about her son's fiancee, she'd warn Jovi to prevent him from making a big mistake.Yara told Gwen that she'd be okay with sleeping over although it might be a bit uncomfortable for her. Gwen admitted she was a little sad knowing Yara actually considered not staying the night.Gwen asked the couple about their wedding plans, and Yara said she'd love to get married in Las Vegas. Jovi, however, wished his grandparents could attend a local wedding.Yara explained that she wanted her relatives to be able to attend the wedding and if they couldn't make it, she didn't want a wedding for one side of the family, meaning her groom's family.Yara and Jovi therefore decided on making a weekend out of it and going to Las Vegas to wed.Gwen felt sad and wondered if Yara was being "a little selfish" in wanting things her way, but Yara told the cameras she wasn't going to let Gwen control her like she allegedly controlled Jovi.Gwen hoped to talk about the topic more, noting she'd be "really, really disappointed" if she couldn't be a part of or do anything for her son's wedding.Gwen called Yara "a cool person" and said she could tell Jovi had a connection with her, but Gwen said she needed to spend more time with her son's fiance before being convinced she's the right girl for Jovi.Yara reminded Jovi that they were not going to have a wedding in his hometown and she didn't want a big wedding, adding, "I will not get married in a trailer park."Jovi later took Yara shopping so she could pick out a new rug and mirror for their place."I am the boss," Yara bragged, adding that Jovi has terrible "swamp taste."The saleswoman at the furniture store noticed Jovi seemed "snippy" because he hated the sparkly rug Yara had picked out. The woman told the cameras, "If Yara was my friend, I would tell her Jovi is maybe not The One."Yara left the store in an angry manner, and she said she was tired of people thinking she's "a b-tch" while Jovi is a perfect, kind person. Yara said Jovi needed to treat her better or else she wouldn't marry him."He [can't] talk to me like this and be so rude and mean to me," Yara complained, before telling Jovi that all he did was "b-tch" at her.The pair fought on the way home and Jovi called Yara "ridiculous." She told Jovi to buy whatever he wanted because he didn't seem to appreciate anything she had done for him, and they snapped at each other back and forth.When the couple returned to their apartment, Yara reminded Jovi that she had left everything in her country behind for Jovi and it would be nice if he could sacrifice something, like his taste in a living-room rug, for instance.Jovi argued he had done a lot for Yara as well, including cleaning his apartment so it would look decent for her arrival. But Yara countered by saying, "You don't care about nothing."Jovi eventually apologized for his behavior in the furniture store and said he just wanted to make Yara happy and feel at home."Everything I do is to basically make her feel more comfortable," Jovi told the cameras.Yara demanded that Jovi start calling his apartment "our" apartment.Jovi realized both he and Yara had "selfish tendencies" and needed to be more accommodating with each other and compromise more, so Jovi gave in and bought a white rug for their apartment's living room.Yara admitted she thought New Orleans was "a nasty village," and she said she just didn't like the city. Yara wished she and Jovi could move somewhere else, like Los Angeles, so she told Jovi to make her happy by relocating, but Jovi pictured raising a family in New Orleans.Since Jovi had to leave for work for a whole month, he gifted Yara with a new iPhone so she would be able to call and communicate with him. He didn't want Yara to be completely bored by herself in the city since his mother even lived an hour away.Yara was thrilled about the phone and gushed how Jovi was the best boyfriend ever in the moment.But Yara was sad about Jovi having to go to work for four weeks. She said she didn't know anybody in New Orleans and didn't like the idea of Jovi's mother being her only friend.The couple then discussed children while dining out, and Yara said she hated the idea of being left alone with the kids while Jovi worked a full month at a time away from home.Yara said she'd need help with their kids, but Jovi said his mother did a great job of raising him while his father was gone doing similar work.Jovi said he loved his upbringing and also thought it would be great to spend four weeks of interrupted time with his children once he returned home from work.Yara broke down into tears and recalled how Jovi had left her alone when she had an operation while pregnant with Jovi's child and so she no longer trusted him.Yara complained about Jovi leaving her when she had a miscarriage, adding that she might never be able to trust him again and would never want to be left alone with children again.Jovi recalled the turn of events differently and insisted he never meant to ditch Yara during her time of need. Jovi also said he never realized Yara was so resentful about him leaving her alone in Albania while she was pregnant with their child and lost the baby.Yara's time in America didn't get off to a great start, and Yara complains in a trailer teasing what's to come on 's eighth season that Jovi is an alcoholic and party animal."He needs to understand I [gave] up everything I have to be here," Yara says in a confessional.Yara later says she "deserves somebody better" after Jovi is shown joking with a friend how he wasn't married yet."I'm going to walk away," Jovi threatens his fiancee."You f-cking walk away," Yara dares him with tears in her eyes. "I'm just done with you."It appears Jovi and Yara are still together. For starters, Jovi's Instagram profile picture features Yara.And on Yara's Instagram, her description says, "38 country, traveling with my [love]." Jovi has a similar description on his own Instagram page, saying he's been to 57 countries and is "on an adventure to see the world!"Yara posted a photo of herself standing next to a Christmas tree and wished her followers a Happy New Year for 2021, and one eagle-eyed fan noticed the room looked like Jovi's apartment.In mid-December, Yara posted a picture of herself touching her hair, and an eagle-eyed Instagram user noticed an engagement ring and wedding ring on Yara's left hand.But when a fan commented, "Ooooooooo a wedding ring," Yara commented, "Not wedding, this is an ordinary ring, I wear it so that the engagement ring does not get lost, because it is big for me."The fan wrote back that Jovi needs to size the ring for Yara, and she replied, "Hahahahah, i was thinking about that, but I newer have time."Jovi posted the video clip of Yara saying he no longer had a good body, which was footage that aired in the premiere of 's eighth season."Well damnnnnn, that's harsh," Jovi playfully captioned his post along with crying-laughing emoticons.Yara shared the same video clip on her own Instagram account and said, "It's so funny. I'm definitely not a romantic person who can talk about feelings."When one fan wrote, "I can't wait to see more of you and jovi you two are so cute together."Yara replied, "Thank you," which seemingly confirms they are still a couple.On December 6, Jovi requested of his followers, "Tune in to see our story."And Yara commented on his post, "You are special!! WE DONT HAVE SEX IN THE FIRST NIGHT."Earlier this month, Yara posted a photo of herself filming behind-the-scenes and wrote alongside it, "I want Jovi to look at me with the same loving eyes as this woman looks at me in the first photo."Yara also uploaded a photo of herself drinking wine with a cityscape in the background, and Jovi commented on the picture, "Dayummmm. Are you single??"Jovi's flirtatious remark would seem to suggest they're still dating.The pair were definitely still together in early May, when Yara captioned a selfie of the couple with three red heart emojis.One follower gushed "gorgeous couple," and then Yara responded, "Thanks."Yara also posted a throwback photo of Jovi proposing marriage down on one knee. She wrote "memories" alongside the photo with a red heart emoji.And in February, Yara uploaded a few photos of herself in an ivory suite and pink shirt, and Jovi commented, "Like."Going back to late December 2019, Jovi posted a photo with Yara in which they were sitting in front of a fireplace at Christmas time.Yara commented, "I look ugly here."One month earlier, Yara posted photos with Jovi posing on a rooftop and captioned them, "Best [man] in the world, love you so much."Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! ADVERTISEMENT The Embassy of Sweden in Abuja has a vacancy for the position as Personal Assistant to the Ambassador. The Embassy offers 6 months of probation, then, if satisfactory, a permanent position at the Embassy. The Personal Assistant to the Ambassador belongs to the Section of Administration, Consular Affairs and Security of the Embassy, but is directly subordinate to the Ambassador/Head of Mission. The Personal Assistant also substitutes the Accountant of the Embassy, when needed (secondary responsibility). The Ambassador of Sweden in Abuja is accredited to Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon and ECOWAS. The working language for locally employed at the Embassy is English. Starting date for the position is February 2021 (date after agreement) Main tasks and responsibilities: Administrative support to the Ambassador, including calendar meetings, arrangements and incoming correspondence, mail/email etc. Selection of prioritized invitations/activities, when needed. Assisting with business travel arrangements and bookings for the Ambassador and Deputy Head of Mission Assisting with practicalities regarding delegation visits from Sweden and other external promotional activities Providing supporting documents for the Ambassadors activities Protocolary contacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other authorities and official contacts in Sweden and the Embassys countries of responsibility (see above) such as notes verbales, correspondence to customs authorities and updated diplomatic lists. Drafting letters, correspondence and invitations Managing/updating the Embassy database system with key political, economic and local development partners Some administrative tasks regarding the salaries, vacation and sick leave for locally employed staff Accounting of the Embassy when the Accountant is away (secondary responsibility) Competence and working experience: Excellent knowledge of English, both in written and orally Working experience from public authorities, preferably other diplomatic missions, agencies, ministries or other state authorities. Social and communicative skills and a good sense of cooperation, structure and personal responsibility. Ability to work under time pressure. Good IT-knowledge in Office for PC and other web-based programs. For non-Nigerian nationals, work permit or other necessary arrangement We look forward to your application with a CV/biography and a cover letter to linda.pedersen@gov.se no later than 18 January 2021. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. That lack of a voice rankles many in a fast-growing city, who argue that Washington has more residents than Vermont or Wyoming but no say in national affairs. The citys fight edged marginally forward last summer when the House of Representatives approved legislation granting statehood to much of Washingtons 69 square miles, reducing the remaining District of Columbia to an enclave of federal offices, the Capitol and White House, and the Mall. That proposal a dodge around the constitutional mandate for a capital not beholden to any state went nowhere in a Republican-controlled Senate that was disinclined to create a jurisdiction that would most likely be an impregnable Democratic stronghold. But the unexpected capturing of the Senate by Democrats in Georgia elections on Tuesday has inspired hopes of progress. On Wednesday, statehood supporters seized on the Capitol Hill fiasco as further evidence of the case for statehood, citing the federal governments slow response to calls by Ms. Bowser and others to dispatch the District of Columbia National Guard to protect the Capitol. Governors can summon the National Guard in their states at will, but the District of Columbia Guard can be deployed only after approval by the Pentagon and, by extension, the president. That approval was delayed while the mob controlled the Capitol, seemingly because President Trump did not sign off on the deployment. Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller eventually approved the request after consulting with Vice President Mike Pence and other senior officials, but the decision was so opaque that the District of Columbia Council at one point posted an angry statement on its website claiming that the request had been rebuffed. It was obvious the Guard was wanted around 3 p.m., and authorization didnt occur for at least an hour, if not longer, Phil Mendelson, the Council chairman, said on Thursday. Folks are trying to find out exactly what happened. He added, I can assure you that if the mayor had the ability to directly call or redeploy the Guard, that would have happened quickly. The citys relations with the Trump administration have long been poisonous. After the federal government drew sharp criticism last summer for its blunt crackdown on people protesting racial inequalities, Ms. Bowser retaliated by declaring a section of Sixteenth Street closest to the White House Black Lives Matter Plaza, its new name emblazoned in huge letters on the pavement. Wynnum and Mount Gravatt residents are urged to check their backyards and bins for items including running shoes and a baseball cap after the slaying of a 45-year-old man. Detectives are looking for a Woolworths freezer bag and other items. Credit:Queensland Police Service A 24-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 45-year-old Wynnum man discovered dead on Wednesday. Queensland police were called to the Ronald Street address just after midday after a friend of the 45-year-old man found him dead and called triple-0. Police said the man died from "significant head injuries" on Wednesday morning. Three days later, police arrested and charged a 24-year-old Mount Gravatt man with murder. He will appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday. Brisbane residents will learn today whether they will be allowed out of a snap three-day lockdown as New South Wales and Victoria continue trading border barbs. The Greater Brisbane lockdown is set to expire at 6pm on Monday and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will be under pressure to lift restrictions after Queensland recorded zero new locally acquired coronavirus cases for the third day in a row. The state's chief health officer Jeannette Young on Sunday refused to commit to lifting the lockdown, however, until she sees Monday's figures. Airlines have been thrown into chaos with flights cancelled as other states and territories began closing or restricting their borders to Queensland. Ms Palaszczuk is expected to make an announcement about the lockdown at 9am on Monday. Queensland recorded no new cases of coronavirus on Sunday but Brisbane residents have no guarantee yet they will come out of lockdown on Monday. Pictured: Brisbane, Sunday Queensland Premier Palaszczuk (left) and Chief Health Officer Young (right) would not say on Sunday whether the restrictions would expire on Monday night It comes after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian fired a subtle shot at the Victorian Government, complaining borders were shut without proper consultation. Her claim was immediately denied by Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday he hoped to reopen the border to NSW as soon as next week. 'Hopefully settings can change fairly soon, maybe next week, maybe early next week,' he said. 'The border will be closed not one moment longer than it needs to be.' The Queensland Premier took to Twitter on Sunday to outline why the lockdown was needed. She also wrote an opinion piece in the Sunday Mail New South Wales recorded three new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday, NSW Health said on Sunday. Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant revealed the three were close contacts of known cases missed by contact tracers - and they had been out in the community while infectious. NSW Health issued a public health alert on Sunday for a string of new venues mainly in Bankstown in Sydney's southwest. Anyone who visited Bankstown Central Shopping Centre's Big W, Smiggle and Oporto in the Food Court on 6 January (11.30am to 2pm) and 8 January (1pm to 2.30pm) is a casual contact and must get tested and isolate immediately. The border bickering between NSW and Victoria continued Sunday with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (left) complaining other states shut borders without consultation. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews (right) said he hoped to open the border to NSW on Monday The same alert has been issued for Bankstown Central Shopping Centre's Target, Myer, Best and Less for 6 January (11.30am to 2pm) and for Bankstown Service NSW on 8 January (11.45am to 1pm). Anyone who visited the Thai Hung Supermarket in Marrickville in Sydney's southwest on Thursday 31 December (3.45pm to 4.45pm) is also a close contact and must get tested immediately and isolate. All the health alerts for scores of venues and public transport routes can be found on the NSW Health website. There are now 109 active coronavirus cases in NSW from the latest round of outbreaks that escalated in December. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian shot a veiled barb at Victoria's Labor Premier on Sunday as she complained about 'other states' shutting borders without asking first. 'Firstly, please talk to us in New South Wales before you close the border,' she said in her coronavirus update on Sunday. 'Closing a border can affect literally tens and hundreds of thousands of people, depending on where it is, and that's a big call.' An estimated 60,000 people made a mad dash to the Victorian border before midnight on New Year's Day after the state suddenly shut its borders to avoid a NSW coronavirus outbreak. Checkpoint queues stretched more than 40km as motorists rushed to cross to avoid having to spend 14 days in home quarantine. Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley immediately rejected Ms Berejiklian's criticism on Sunday, saying his colleagues had kept NSW fully informed ahead of the closure. When asked if Victoria had told the NSW government ahead of time that they would close the border, Mr Foley said: 'Yes'. NSW Health issued coronavirus alerts for a slew of shops at Bankstown Central Shopping Centre Sydney on Sunday Anyone who visited the Thai Hung Supermarket in Marrickville, Sydney on 31 December (3.45pm to 4.45pm) is a 'close contact' and must get tested immediately and isolate Sydney Airport on December 17. Victorian health authorities said on Sunday that 96 air passengers arriving in Melbourne Airport on Saturday after borders shut are now isolating Victoria has also come under fire for shutting the border with little notice to anyone who had recently been in the Greater Brisbane area on Friday night leaving passengers stranded at airports. Details were published on Twitter 15 minutes before the border shut at midnight. Airlines were thrown into chaos as some flights continued on Saturday while others were cancelled. Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley said on Sunday that 96 travellers returning from Greater Brisbane, who had arrived at Melbourne airport on Saturday in a possible breach of Victoria's travel ban, had gone into home quarantine. Brisbane's Queen Street Mall on Saturday as the snap three-day lockdown cleared the streets Brisbane's snap three-day lockdown was sparked when a hotel quarantine cleaner caught the highly infectious UK strain on January 2 before visiting several shops. Queensland's immediate lockdown is an effort to avoid an outbreak of the mutation that has thrown Britain into its worst health emergency in living memory. So far, 147 people have been found to be close contacts of the cleaner with 112 of them testing negative. More than two million residents of Greater Brisbane will find out today whether their tough restrictions will be lifted. While no new covid cases have been found in the 24 hours to Sunday morning, neither Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk nor Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young are would say if lockdown would lift today. Queensland now has a total of 20 active cases and Ms Palaszczuk said she would give an update on the lockdown situation at 9am on Monday. Greater Brisbane (pictured on Saturday) is expected to remain a ghost town today with workers told to stay home unless they are essential Border queues on the NSW-Queensland checkpoint at Coolangatta on December 21. Border tensions have been raised by sudden rule changes after outbreaks in the eastern states The queue on New Year's Eve as motorists rushed home to Victoria from NSW ahead of restrictions. NSW has criticised 'other states' for not communicating before shutting borders Victoria-NSW border check point at Wahgunyah on January 1 Ms Palaszczuk took to Twitter on Sunday explaining why she ordered the sudden lockdown. 'For those who have had party or wedding plans interrupted I am sorry, but I would rather a temporary interruption than to be going through the devastation this virus is causing in other countries,' she wrote. 'One in 50 have tested positive in the UK. In Australia its one in 85,000. Thats whats at stake for us.' Brisbanes CBD is expected to remain a ghost town on Monday as workers have been told to stay home unless they are deemed 'essential'. In an opinion piece in the Sunday Mail, Ms Palaszczuk said Brisbanites could take heart from good early signs. 'People are heeding the call to stay home and, when theyre not at home, theyre wearing masks.' The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. KYODO NEWS - Dec 28, 2020 - 23:46 | World, All, Coronavirus The Indonesian government said Monday it will close its borders to all international visitors for two weeks starting New Year's Day, as the country tries to keep out a potentially more transmissible variant of the coronavirus. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told a press conference that the new regulation would be effective Jan. 1 to 14 and applies to all foreign visitors except for high-level government officials. Foreign visitors who arrive in Indonesia from Monday through Thursday are still allowed to enter the country but will be required to show proof of a negative PCR test, taken from the departure country and valid for 48 hours, Retno said. "Upon their arrival in Indonesia, they must take another PCR test, and if the results are negative, they must self-isolate for five days," she said, adding another PCR test will be required after the self-isolation period and before they can continue their journey in the country. As of Monday, Indonesia had recorded 719,219 cases of infection, with 21,452 deaths, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access The variant is different from those already spreading in Britain and South Africa. Japan on Sunday reported that four people who had arrived in Tokyo from Brazil were found to be infected with a new variant of the coronavirus. The four passengers, who landed at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on January 2 from the state of Amazonas, Brazil, tested positive after spending time in the airport in quarantine, Japan's Health Ministry announced, according to Deutsche Welle. Read alsoLockdown in Ukraine on Jan 8-24: RegulationsTakaji Wakita, head of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, said the variant was different from those already spreading in Britain and South Africa, Kyodo News reported. The institute reported that there was no evidence at present that the new strain was more contagious. Of the four, a man in his 40s had been hospitalized after his breathing difficulties worsened, a woman in her 30s complained of a sore throat and headaches, and a male teenager developed a fever. More news reports Reporting by UNIAN Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 21:52:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due to conclude on Saturday his visit to five African nations. Braving the COVID-19 pandemic, the visit has particularly shown the great importance China attaches to maintaining its profound friendship with Africa. [January 09, 2021] Professional Beauty and Hair Courses by OTE- Online Training & Education KOLKATA, India, Jan. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- OTE- Online Training & Education is a Hybrid Educational Web portal as well as Mobile Application created by Lam Aid Limited, a British MNC. OTE provides world's best online platform for students to learn and acquire knowledge around the globe by attending video courses, online training on different topics. Students can join course using OTE platform as per their interests. We ensure to provide skill enhancement course materials, training and online tests in order to make education seekers capable to achieve your education goals. Our online courses are of three types which include video courses, professional training courses and language courses. 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Financial Action Task Force is the global money laundering and terrorist financing overseer which as the inter-governmental body sets international standards aimed to prevent illegal activities on terror funding and money laundering. One of the recommendations requires the DPMS sector to fulfil obligations of customer due diligence (CDD) when they conduct cash transactions above a certain limit (USD/EUR 15,000). India has been a member of FATF since 2010. Sources said that reports in the media alluding that any purchase, even if below Rs 2 lakh, of gold, silver, jewellery or precious gems and stones in cash require KYC are baseless. Sources said that since in India, cash transactions above Rs. 2 lakh is not allowed under section 269ST of Income-tax Act, 1961, dealers not receiving cash more than Rs 2 lakh in compliance with the existing provisions of the Income-tax Act will not be covered under this notification. Also read: No new KYC disclosure norm for jewellery purchase, only valid for high value cash purchases U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey said Sunday he thinks President Donald Trump should resign following last weeks attack at the Capitol. Toomey, R-Pa., is the second Republican senator to say Trump should step down. On Friday, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, said Trump should resign. In an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper on State of the Union Sunday, Toomey said he agreed that Trump should resign. He also said Trump committed impeachable offenses but hes not sure theres sufficient time to impeach him and it may not be possible to do so after he has left office. But Toomey said, Certainly he could resign and that would be a very good outcome. I think at this point with just a few days left its the best path forward, Toomey said. Republican Sen. Pat Toomey says he thinks President Trump should resign: "I think at this point with just a few days left it's the best path forward" #CNNSOTU https://t.co/3LzY9t4nuO pic.twitter.com/XIjPVqUdK9 CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) January 10, 2021 Toomey said hes not optimistic that Trump will resign but said, It would be the best way forward. On Saturday, Toomey said on Fox News that Trump committed impeachable offenses. Scores of pro-Trump supporters invaded the Capitol Wednesday as lawmakers met to count the Electoral College votes. Five people were killed in the violence, including a Capitol police officer. The rioting occurred after Trump spoke before a large rally of his supporters in Washington. Pennsylvanias senior senator, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., D-Pa., said last week Vice President Mike Pence and the cabinet should invoke the 25th Amendment and have Trump removed from office. Some other Democratic U.S. House members from Pennsylvania have said Trump should resign or be removed. Casey said using the 25th Amendment, which calls for the removal of a president who is incapacitated or unfit for office, would be the fastest way to get Trump out of office. President Trump is a threat to our domestic and national security, Casey said in a statement. In a separate interview with NBCs Chuck Todd on Meet The Press, Toomey said he doesnt see the political will to use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump. And he reiterated his view that there isnt enough time to impeach Trump before his term expires Jan. 20. I think the best way for our country, Chuck, is for the president to resign and go away as soon as possible, Toomey said. After a delay of several hours following the Capitol violence, Congress returned Wednesday and completed the count of electoral votes, affirming President-elect Joe Biden will be Americas next president beginning on Jan. 20. It came after an unsuccessful challenge of Pennsylvanias electoral votes; several House Republicans from Pennsylvania stood with Trump supporters and said the votes should not be counted. In the CNN interview, Toomey, who voted for the president and publicly endorsed his reelection, said Trumps behavior since the election has become far worse. Trump has endured scathing criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans for continuing to contest the legitimacy of the election and inflaming his supporters. Lawmakers have also blasted Trump for failing to speed more assistance to the Capitol and for waiting too long to call for those rioting at the Capitol to stop the violence. On CNN, Toomey said Trump has descended into a level of madness that was unthinkable. Toomey sought to contrast Trumps behavior before the election to his action in following weeks, including this past week. What weve witnessed this week is orders of magnitude more egregious than anything weve seen before, Toomey said in the CNN interview. While many Democrats have called for Trump to resign or be removed from office, some lawmakers say its not practical since his term ends in less than two weeks. Some lawmakers have said another impeachment effort would only further divide the nation. In the CNN interview, Toomey also said he thinks Trump is no longer electable; there has been speculation Trump would run for president again in 2024. In the later interview on NBC, Toomey said, The president has disqualified himself. I dont think hes a viable candidate for elective office ever again. Toomeys term expires in 2022. He has said he is not seeking re-election to a third term. Despite the claims of Trump and his supporters who contest the election was rigged, federal, state and local officials have defended the integrity of the election. Former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, long a key ally of Trump, said there is no evidence of widespread fraud that would have altered the results of the elections. Courts around the country have rejected dozens of Trumps legal challenges of the election, including some in Pennsylvania. More from PennLive Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf calls for state senator to be held accountable for participating in Trump rally Deadly siege focuses attention on Capitol Police Capitol violence: Pa. members of Congress describe day of chaos in Washington Blame for U.S. Capitol violence lies squarely with Trump, former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge says 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 View Results WASHINGTON - Twitter's decision to ban President Donald Trump mere days before the end of his term sparked a fierce political backlash among his most fervent allies on Saturday, sending some of his supporters - and the White House itself - scrambling to find another potent tool to communicate online. Many prominent conservatives - including Brad Parscale, Trump's former campaign manager, and Rush Limbaugh, the leading voice in right-wing radio - reacted to Trump's suspension by blasting Twitter, quitting the site outright or encouraging the president's loyal following to turn to alternative services. Trump himself signaled he is in negotiations to join other social networks, and he raised the possibility he could create a new online platform on his own. For now, the White House is considering an early push as soon as Monday against Twitter and other tech giants, blasting it for having silenced the president's ability to reach supporters while calling for fresh regulation against Silicon Valley, according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Trump, who is apoplectic about being banned, plans to spend the final days of his term in office railing against the industry, the person said. Yet Trump's threats also underscore his reliance on the very social-media sites he has long disparaged for perceived political biases. On Twitter, the outgoing president frequently leveraged his more than 88 million followers to savage his rivals, boost allies, and sometimes spread falsehoods on a viral scale. This vast online reach offered Trump an online megaphone that was unparalleled in American politics. But his rhetoric was also vitriolic - the consequences of which turned deadly after a mob of his supporters seized on his baseless tweets about the 2020 election and stormed the U.S. Capitol this week. The president and his allies now face a daunting technical and logistical challenge in relocating to a new social network or setting up their own online hub, which is likely to be much smaller than the grand audiences Trump had enjoyed until recently. A shift away from mainstream platforms would mark a retreat to more insular conservative communities and threaten to exacerbate the partisan divisions in a country that Trump already had left on edge. "For more casual supporters of the president, I think they will receive his messages less frequently," said Emerson Brooking, a resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council who studies issues including disinformation. "Obviously, he will have millions of hardcore supporters tuned into broadcast sources still carrying his messages, or [they will] go into whatever online space he occupies . . . but that is going to be a smaller, more devoted group," Brooking said, expressing fears they may become "extremely radicalized." Trump's removal from Twitter came as part of a broader reckoning late Friday across much of the mainstream web, as tech giants including Apple, Facebook and Google took unprecedented steps to discipline apps, users and accounts seen as instrumental in stoking the violence that left lawmakers under lockdown earlier in the week. Before it banned Trump, Twitter removed a slew of users affiliated with QAnon, a prominent conspiracy theory. Google-owned YouTube suspended channels associated with Stephen Bannon, Trump's former campaign manager. And Apple and Google both removed Parler, a pro-Trump app where users have threatened further violence, from their portals for smartphone software downloads. Apple announced its move late Saturday, saying the app is suspended until it improve its content-moderation practices. Amazon delivered the biggest blow Saturday, saying it would stop offering its web hosting services to Parler, a move that threatens to darken the conservative site indefinitely. (Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post). The actions reflect a new vigor on the part of Silicon Valley to punish those that have peddled harmful content - from election disinformation to hate speech and violent threats. Congressional lawmakers, digital researchers and human-rights groups praised the moves this week, even as they decried them as too little, too late, coming near the end of Trump's term. But the bans amounted to a digital massacre in the eyes of Trump's conservative allies, many of whom decried them as censorship. One of Trump's top allies, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), pledged he is "more determined than ever" to try to terminate legal protections for Facebook, Twitter and other social-media sites, faulting them for censorship. Limbaugh deleted his Twitter account, and fellow talk-radio host Mark Levin also announced he would leave, encouraging users to do the same. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., posted a widely watched video on Facebook that warned supporters it is only a matter of time until social media companies "inevitably throw us all off the platforms they so heavily censor and regulate only one way." He solicited Trump supporters to sign up for alerts on his website. "I'll let you know where I end up, my father ends up, where we can direct ourselves so we can keep this going," Trump Jr. said. On Friday, Trump threatened to decamp to a new social-networking serving almost immediately after Twitter banned him, vowing he would "not be SILENCED!!" -- and promising a "big announcement soon." More than any other social service, the loss of Twitter seemed to strike a personal note: Trump had been obsessed with the platform, he loved to post a tweet and time how long it would take to command attention on television. He often would pull out his phone and say, "Watch this, bing bing bing," recalled senior administration officials. The White House on Saturday declined to comment on the president's plans or timing. Already, though, Trump's team has been inundated with requests for him to join their alternate social networks - and his emissaries have entertained conversations with other companies. But Trump has told allies he prefers to launch his own services, according to two aides, who cautioned it may be infeasible and expensive. He also plans to hammer lawmakers in the coming days for failing to repeal Section 230, a provision of federal law that spares tech giants from being held liable for the content posted by their users. Such a repeal could have backfired on Trump, some experts note, resulting in his removal from Twitter sooner. Parscale, his former campaign manager, encouraged the president on Saturday to strike out on his own. "I believe the best avenue for POTUS is to use his own app to speak to his followers," he said. If Apple or Google block the service, Parscale added, Trump has "a clear path to a victorious lawsuit against them." Even before the Capitol riot led to his suspension, Trump had weighed turning to other social-media services. In the summer of 2019, aides to Trump at the White House and others on his reelection campaign discussed joining Parler, according to two people familiar with the matter who requested anonymity to describe private conversations. Trump even invited Parler's top executive to the White House as part of a broader social-media summit that summer where he blasted Silicon Valley over unproven allegations that they censor conservatives online. A locked, private account with the name @realDonaldTrump - the same username the president once had on Twitter - appears to have sat dormant on the site since this June. The president's campaign - under the account Team Trump - also has had an active account on Parler dating back to 2018. On Saturday, the Team Trump account blitzed their roughly 3 million followers with posts that faulted Twitter for having censored the president. Parler did not respond to a request for comment. Another conservative hub online, Gab, took to Twitter to reveal it had a "big call with someone very special" scheduled on Saturday. The company did not mention Trump or anyone else by name, but later tweeted a story mentioning the president's negotiations with potentially new social services, fueling speculation. Like other pro-Trump online communities, Gab departs from much of Silicon Valley by eschewing aggressive enforcement against content that its critics see as harmful, dangerous and violent. Asked about Gab's tweet, the company's chief executive, Andrew Torba, responded with an insult and otherwise declined to comment. Gab later tweeted Saturday that "threats of violence have no place" on the site, noting it has "tens of thousands of volunteer users" who monitor it. Several advisers said they believed Trump is unlikely to quickly join an outlet like Parler because he feels it doesn't have the influence. Earlier this year, the president himself also told aides from the 2020 campaign, the White House and the Republican National Committee that he would have his own platform, but repeatedly declined to name it, saying only it would be coming "soon." But the president would face a daunting task in standing up his own social network. It could be an expensive endeavor that might take years to build. Social-media sites are attractive to users only insofar as they manage to capture a large number of them and their friends. Trump may struggle to incubate such an audience given the overtly political nature of his digital endeavor, some experts said. "It's very hard to build a new network," said Yochai Benkler, the co-director of the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. "Maybe he's so big and important he could get some millions of people to join a network. The economics will make it much more insular and internal . . . Networks benefit from being an option for people to reach lots of different people." But Trump's quest to rebuild his online reach - securing himself a prominent voice as he prepares to relinquish the presidency - marks only the latest effort on the part of Republicans to serve as their own information gatekeepers. The party and its allies dominated talk radio starting in the late 1980s, set their sights on cable news in the 90s and in more recent years have stood up a wide array of websites that operate under the banner of conservative news. Social-media, experts said, is simply the next frontier. "The quote-unquote liberal bias of the media is not simply an assertion, it's a taken-for-granted reality on the right," said Lawrence Rosenthal, the chair of the Center for Right-Wing Studies at the University of California, adding that many conservatives now see the same bias in Silicon Valley. "It is the current incarnation of something that has been taken for granted on the right for decades and decades." Twenty-five years ago this month, the Cheshire Education Foundation began serving the community by raising private funds to provide enhanced learning opportunities for students in the Cheshire Public Schools. In the years since 1995, the CEF has contributed well over a million dollars for projects and initiatives that would have been beyond the conventional budget resources of the public school system. And the scholarship programs administered by the foundation have helped more than 200 Cheshire High School graduates pay for their college educations. The only member of the CEF board of directors who has served for the entire 25 years is local realtor Marty Rauch. On the occasion of the foundations 25th birthday, he recalled how it all started. The superintendent at the time, Dr. Ralph Wallace, conceived of the idea, and he approached me along with a number of others to see if we could get a foundation started in Cheshire, said Rauch. Bill Meyerjack was completing his term as chairman of the Cheshire Board of Education, and he was the first chairman of the Cheshire Education Foundation. Marty Rauch described the positive attitude of the first board members as they focused on raising money for projects like the video production studio at Cheshire High School. We were all working to help the kids in Cheshire, who are this communitys most valuable asset, he said. There were no politics involved whatsoever. Cheshires was one of the first education foundations in the state of Connecticut. The first CEF board secured a $100,000 grant from the John G. Martin Foundation and board members contributed another $25,000 to purchase the equipment needed to build the video studio. In the 25 years since then, the foundation has provided funding for dedicated science classrooms at Chapman and Doolittle Schools, computer technology and Smart Boards for use across the district, the Olin Outdoor Science Classroom at Highland School, workshops for students with composers and other artists, and, most recently, cameras and microphones for 10 classrooms at Cheshire High School to improve the engagement of at-home learners with their teachers and classmates in the building. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many members of our community dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for our students, said current Cheshire Schools Superintendent Jeff Solan. Their efforts allow us to innovate and stretch the bounds of what we could provide our learners otherwise. The annual trivia contest best exemplifies the Cheshire Education Foundation for me. Not only are they raising money for a great cause, but they are having a lot of fun doing it and even showcasing our students in the process. Since its beginning, the Cheshire Education Foundation has been committed to helping students with scholarships for their continuing education. We started with just one scholarship, said Dr. Walter Gay, who was the first chairman of the CEF scholarship committee. But I was impressed that word spread so quickly, he added. This spring, the Cheshire High School class of 2021 will be able to apply for 14 scholarship awards, totaling $26,500, that are administered by CEF. Helping students in need is what is most rewarding for me, said Dr. Barry Feldman, who has chaired the scholarship committee since 2003. I am proud of how many kids have benefitted from the mini-grants, programs, technology and scholarships funded by the Cheshire Education Foundation, said current CEF chair Jane Leukart. The diversity of the types of programs we are privileged to be part of is very rewarding. My goal for the future is to keep engaging students and give them opportunities to help shape their futures. That has been the common theme since December of 1995. Dr. Gay, who was there at the beginning, said he was amazed by the great accomplishments of the foundation since its founding. Speaking from his 25 years of continuous service on the CEF board, Marty Rauch said, I hope to continue to see it blossom, to get our message out, and to help make Cheshire a unique public school system where students can reach for the moon. We invite anyone who would like to make a contribution to our CEF programs or scholarships to send a tax-free donation to Cheshire Education Foundation at P.O. Box 7 in Cheshire, said Leukart. For 25 years, the mission of the Cheshire Education Foundation has been to help acquire and distribute funds to assist an already excellent school system to become one of the finest educational organizations in the country. And it remains the mission with new members and new projects for the years ahead. (Dennis Deninger is a member of the Cheshire Education Foundation.) Truesee's Daily Wonder Saturday, January 9, 2021 Archives Truesee presents the weird, wild, wacky and world news of the day. May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 Subscribe The meeting on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that took place on Sunday failed to achieve any progress, the Egyptian foreign ministry announced in a statement as South Africa is looking into possible next steps. According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, the online meeting failed to achieve any progress due to the differences on how to resume the talks and the procedures related to the negotiations process. Sudan insisted on the necessity of delegating the African Union appointed experts to present solutions to the disputed issues in the talks and to elaborate on the GERD agreement; something which both Egypt and Ethiopia rejected because the negotiation process, as well as the right to draft the texts and provisions of the filling and operating agreement of the GERD, are fundamental rights for the three countries The Egyptian statement said, adding that the AU experts were not experts in the technical and engineering fields related to the water sources and dam operations. Egypts Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shouky and Minister of Irrigation and Water Sources Mohamed Abdel-Ati participated in the video conference talks. The statement of the Egyptian foreign ministry asserted that Egypt is ready to get involved in serious talks in order to reach, in the nearest possible time, a legally binding agreement on the filing and operations of the GERD that safeguards Egypts rights and water interests and is in line with the decisions of the African Union offices meetings held in December on the issue. South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Naledi Pandor, who attended the online meeting, expressed her sorrow for the failure to achieve any progress, the statement said. She also added that she will present a report on this round of talks to South Africas president in order to determine the next steps to be taken. South Africa is currently the chair of the African Union. Sudanese demands and objections Sudanese Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Yasser Abbas told the Sudanese Official News Agency that Sudan demanded during the meeting to change the methodology of the negotiations and to expand the role of the African Union experts in a way that enables them to play a fundamental role in facilitating the negotiations, especially after the bilateral meetings held on Saturday with the experts. Sudan had already skipped the last meeting, according to an official statement released last week, in objection to not receiving a response to its demands of holding bilateral meetings between the AU experts participating in the negotiations and each of the three countries' representatives separately to discuss and identify points of differences, while continuing to hold trilateral meetings between the three countries' negotiating teams. The Sudanese government warned that it would withdraw from Sunday's meeting if its demand of granting a bigger role for experts was not met, the Saudi-owned news website Asharq reported, citing Sudanese diplomatic sources. We cannot continue this vicious cycle of round talks indefinitely, considering that the GERD represents a direct threat to the Roseires Dam, which has a reservoir capacity less than 10% of the GERDs capacity if the filing and the operations of the GERD starts without an agreement and daily exchange of information, Abbas said. Abbas revealed that Sudan has officially presented a letter to the African Union objecting in the extremist terms to the letter sent by Ethiopia to the AU, Sudan, and Egypt on Friday declaring its intention to proceed with the second filing of the GERD estimated at 15 billion cubic metres of water next July whether there is an agreement or not. Ethiopia also claims that it is not obliged to notify or exchange data with downstream countries in advance of the filling and operating procedures of the GERD, which constitutes a serious threat to Sudanese water dams and half of the population of Sudan. The AU-mediated talks have been observed by representatives from the EU, the US, the AU, as well as legal and technical experts. The GERD, built 15 kilometres from the Ethiopian border with Sudan, has been a source of contention between the three countries since its construction began in 2011. Cairo fears the project will significantly cut its crucial water supplies from the River Nile, while Sudan has concerns over how the reservoir will be managed. Ethiopia says the massive project which it hopes will make it Africas largest power exporter is key to its development efforts. Short link: The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Emily Blunt admits that playing a farmer in a remote part of Ireland and attempting the accent was a stretch of her skills as an actress (no sniggering!). Wild Mountain Thyme sees the actress as Rosemary Muldoon, a headstrong farm owner who has her sights set on Anthony Reilly, played by Jamie Dornan, who works the land next to her. The trouble is that Anthony doesn't seem to want to know. This is certainly not Jamie back in anything like Fifty Shades of Grey form, as Rosemary finds out. Emily is New York-based these days with her actor husband John Krasinski of The Office and their two children. Like the rest of us they are locked down thanks to the global pandemic, waiting for life to get back to normal. It's for that very reason that the London-born star is glad to see Wild Mountain Thyme released, given it's "weird" characters, beautiful setting and light-hearted romance. Co-star Jamie Dornan has dismissed the Irish reaction as "typical" and "good fun." Here, Emily talks swapping Hollywood for Ireland, braving the weather and an Irish accent on the Emerald Isle - and how she couldn't help falling in love with her co-star on and off camera. Expand Close Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt are the stars of Wild Mountain Thyme, filmed in Co Mayo / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jamie Dornan and Emily Blunt are the stars of Wild Mountain Thyme, filmed in Co Mayo Read More SW+: The isolation of the characters in this film is all rather poignant right now, isn't it? EB: Yes, exactly. That theme of feeling rather mad because of our loneliness is close to home. We're all really happy this is being released now because I think people need something uplifting. There is such an otherworldly feeling of escapism about this story. You have the allure of travel and Ireland and the fact you can escape to this strange little fairytale. SW+: What attracted you to the film? EB: I was so enchanted by the script. It was completely bewitching, so unique and poetic. I fell in love with these weird farmers who have been driven a bit mad by loneliness and living in isolation. They are not people who always say the right thing or are quick with a witty response. There is an awkwardness and oddity about them that I really fell in love with. I thought it was so charming and I responded to the humanity of this as a love story right from the start. SW+: How did you go about playing Rosemary? Expand Close Emily Blunt stars in Wild Mountain Thyme. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emily Blunt stars in Wild Mountain Thyme. Read More EB: She was such a mystery to me at first and that's what I always look for. I don't want to know how to crack the case on playing someone immediately. I want to be a bit scared to play them. You're always looking to shape-shift in some way and change it up. I was a bit confused as to how to play her at first, then she just revealed herself to me over time. SW+: What about your character's Irish accent? EB: We were given quite a specific rural Irish accent to learn. Jamie was also having to speak in a different Irish accent from what he normally speaks in so it was a learning curve for all of us. For me, learning an accent is another challenge that I embrace. I find that shape-shifting part of the job is really fun. SW+: What was it like shooting on location in Ireland? EB: I loved it. This film is so sumptuous to look at that it makes me want to go back there. It's this otherworldly, Jurassic, beautiful place and to get to work there and experience the people and how warm and brilliant they all are was incredible. "Who wouldn't want to go to Ireland after seeing this? SW+: I understand the weather wasn't so good, though... EB: No. It was so rainy in the four or five weeks we had to shoot the film. John Patrick Shanley, the director, said, "We will be shooting whether the sun is shining or it is p***ing with rain. We have no time." We were just exposed to the elements but in a wonderful way. SW+: How was having Jamie Dornan as your love interest? EB: Wonderful. I find Jamie completely adorable. I love him. It was just heaven to work with him. He's endlessly funny and silly so we had a blast. In the same way his character has quite a lot of vulnerabilities, Jamie has got his own oddities that are so endearing. I kind of wanted to hug Jamie to protect him. It was really special to work with him. Expand Close Emily with husband John Krasinski / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Emily with husband John Krasinski SW+: What lessons have you learned from this or any of the various characters you have played? EB: I don't know if it is always specific to the character. I just feel fortunate to get that fresh injection of people, crew, environment and story in this line of work. We're so lucky. Subliminally and unconsciously, I think you are shaped by all of those experiences. I think I'm a bit more scared and cautious of things than Rosemary is but I really learned to appreciate her ferocious pursuit of Jamie's character. It just seemed quite courageous. SW+: Your husband kept everyone entertained during quarantine with his hugely popular SGN (Some Good News) broadcasts. What was it like for you during that time? EB: Yes, John wanted to do SGN for a really long time. When the pandemic hit, it just seemed like there was no better moment for it. His previous vision for it was a big glossy show but the makeshift lo-fi version of just him in his office was very humanising. "No one knows this but he was doing everything. He was hanging the prom decorations, making calls and begging people to come on the show. It turned into this wild horse in our house. It was mad but so rewarding." NEW DELHI : A special unit has been created by the government in the countrywide investigation wings of the Income Tax department for focussed probe in cases of undisclosed assets held by Indians abroad and possession of black money in foreign shores, officials said. The Foreign Asset Investigation Units (FAIUs) have been recently created in all the 14 investigation directorates of the tax department located in various parts of the country that are primarily tasked to undertake raids and seizures, and develop intelligence to check tax evasion done by various methods. A total of 69 existing posts in the tax department were "diverted" by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in November last for the creation of this unit after approval from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a senior officer told PTI. The CBDT frames policy for the Income Tax department. "The FAIUs have been created as new wings within the various investigation directorates of the tax department to bring focus on cases of undisclosed assets held abroad by Indians and black money stashed abroad. "India is now getting voluminous data in this context by way of various fresh treaties signed and some of those which have been re-negotiated in the recent past," another officer said. We are now in a global regime where automatic exchange of tax information is the norm. More and more countries and jurisdictions are following the international protocols set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for tax transparency and combating instances of global money laundering, terror financing and tax evasion, he said. The taxman now has huge data coming in from various international and domestic sources to check possible illegal foreign assets holding of an individual and hence, a dedicated wing was required to analyse this information and sift through this mountain of data, the official said. The new units will also probe cases of Indian entities named in global tax document leaks like the Panama Papers. The major treaties or automatic tax information exchange protocols through which Indian tax authorities get information include the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) and the most recent Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) between India and the US. FATCA covers automatic sharing of information on bank accounts as well as financial products like equities, mutual funds and insurance, and is aimed at fighting the menace of black money stashed abroad. Banks, mutual funds, insurance, pension and stock-broking firms will report their Indian client details to the US which will be shared with New Delhi. Similarly, Indian entities will do a reciprocal information sharing about Americans. The FAIUs will be under the authority of the jurisdictional director general of income tax (investigation) rank officer and its work will be directly monitored by the CBDT, the officials said. The Income Tax Return (ITR) forms also have a separate column seeking details of foreign assets of an individual or entity and these get obviously matched with the information obtained through automatic exchange from global counterparts. Any mismatch requires dedicated investigation and the new wing can very well do that job, they added. PTI NES SRY Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Dozens of activists were detained on January 10 in at least three of Kazakhstan's main cities, including the capital, Nur-Sultan, amid local and parliamentary elections. Protesters rallied in the country's largest city, Almaty, calling for a boycott of the vote and denouncing authoritarian ex-President Nursultan Nazarbaev's Nur Otan, the ruling party since 1999. Ulhasnagar : , Jan 10 (IANS) At least three shop staff, including the owner, were injured when a gang of four opened fire in a daring daylight heist at a jewellery shop in Ambernath town in Thane district on Sunday afternoon, police said. The four persons, who came on two motorcycles, looted the prominent jewellery shop, decamping with 250 gms of gold articles worth around Rs 13 lakh. Deputy Commissioner of Police Prashant Mohite said that the incident occurred around 1.45 p.m. when the four entered the shop and engaged the sales staff in small talk and asked to be shown some jewellery for purchase. Suddenly, they whipped out a revolver and grabbed the jewellery, and when the shop owner and his staffers attempted to stop them, they indiscriminately fired seven rounds and assaulted them with choppers. Taking serious note of the robbery, the police have formed several probe teams, enforced road blocks in and around the district and launched a massive manhunt to nab the culprits, Mohite told media persons. The victims have been identified as Laxman Singh, 30, the shop owner who sustained bullet injuries and his shop staffers Vasan Singh, 26 and Bhairav Singh, 25, who suffered severe chopper wounds. The DCP said that the injured were rushed to the Ulhasnagar Central Hospital for treatment where their condition was described as 'stable' this evening. As an American Jew who retired after 30 years of practicing law in order to fight anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism, including spending the past 15 years working with many Jewish and non-Jewish organizations on these issues, I am disgusted at the hypocrisy of Democrat lawmakers and liberal Jewish leaders who are blind to anti-Semites in their midst while using anti-Semitism on the right as a political tool for grandstanding and self-promotion. I have written extensively over the years about rising anti-Semitism in the Democrat Party and on the left more generally. Yet American Jews continue to remain tethered to the party that refuses to denounce Jew-hatred in its midst while embracing lawmakers who are raging anti-Semites, including Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pramila Jayapal, Betty McCollum, and Keith Ellison, to name a few. When Republicans see an anti-Semite in their midst, they ostracize him, as they did Congressman Steve King, whom they immediately stripped of all committee assignments when he was accused of anti-Semitism for remarks he made. When Democrats see one, they do the opposite, elevating them to important committees while also refusing to condemn them, as they have done with Omar and Tlaib for years. In fact, Democrats blocked a House resolution last year seeking to condemn anti-Semitism (in response to statements made by Omar), instead passing a resolution that condemned all forms of hate, including Islamophobia, ignoring the fact that FBI hate crime statistics bear out the sad reality that Jews are the victims of over 60% of all religious-based hate crimes. (The second highest religion was Muslims, representing only 13% of such crimes.) Democrats suddenly find their voices, however, when Jew-hatred comes from the right. That provides too much of an opportunity for Democrats to pretend they care about Jew-hatred and provides cover for them to continue selling uninformed Jews on the faux narrative that they're friends of Israel and the Jewish people. For instance, AOC, who has joined forces with the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (as well as her anti-Semitic comrades in the Squad), took the opportunity to offer "solidarity" with the Jewish community after a Confederate flag was tied to the front door of New York City's Museum of Jewish Heritage. AOC tweeted: We stand with our Jewish neighbors & loved ones, and will always stand to protect them from these sickening acts of hatred + intimidation. White supremacists should pack up their garbage & get out of our city. New York does not and will never welcome you. We protect each other. AOC couldn't let an anti-Semitic incident go to waste unless it comes from her Squad comrade Rashida Tlaib, who recently called for the annihilation of Israel. Radio silence from the likes of AOC. The truth is that AOC is full of "garbage," as she does nothing to stand with Jews and protect them from hate. Rather, she stands with the haters. With seemingly good intentions, Jewish Democrat Senator Jacky Rosen has also decided that it is time to call out anti-Semitism. While remaining silent in the face of the hatred of her Jew-hating colleagues in Congress over the past two years, she has now decided that because the anti-Semitism is on the right, it must be condemned. Claiming that she was "horrified and disgusted by the anti-Semitic rhetoric and symbols" seen during the pro-Trump rally this week, I have to wonder where her outrage was with all of the anti-Semitic signs, symbols, graffiti, and chants during the BLM protests all summer. Calling that out might have cost her her seat, so she remained silent as did all of her Democrat colleagues, Jew and non-Jew, many of whom have no problem recognizing anti-Semitism where it doesn't even exist, like in the Trump White House, where historic measures were taken to protect Jews and Israel. Rosen did get one point right when she stated, "These manifestations of anti-Semitism pose a direct threat not only to America's Jewish community, but to all Americans who value our democracy." That wasn't particularly insightful, and like in the case of Kamala Harris, who plagiarized an MLK Jr. quote, is just a rewording of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sack's famous insight that what begins with the Jews never ends with the Jews. It's a useless observation by Rosen if she doesn't call out all forms of anti-Semitism and begin with her colleagues in Congress. To be clear, anti-Semitism must be called out wherever it exists left, right, Islamist, Black Lives Matter, academia, and the halls of Congress. It's difficult to take anyone seriously when he recognizes Jew-hatred only from his political enemies. That simply lacks sincerity and provides cynicism in the belief that people like AOC, Rosen, and others don't care less about rising Jew-hatred, prioritizing instead their political careers. This is not just a problem within the Democrat Party. This is a problem within many mainstream Jewish organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, which is led by Obama administration alumnus Jonathan Greenblatt, who seems singularly obsessed with social justice issues and anti-Semitism from the right while completely ignoring all other forms of Jew-hatred. Democrats must also stop continually making Holocaust comparisons. We've spent four years listening to Trump being compared to Hitler and his supporters being labeled Nazis. This is unacceptable. Thankfully, there is nothing that has occurred in this country that can compare to the systematic murder of over ten million, with the goal of annihilating the entirety of the world's Jewish people. Any individual, including the Jews at the Jewish Democratic Council (that issued an appalling ad during the campaign comparing Trump's America to Hitler's Nazi Germany), must discontinue this dangerous trivialization of the horrors of the Holocaust. The hypocrisy of Democrats who feigned outrage over incoming Republican representative Mary Miller's ignorant statement about Hitler, including numerous calls for her resignation from congressional Democrats, became even more palpable on Friday. That is when Joe Biden disgracefully received a free pass for comparing Senators Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz to Joseph Goebbels. The president-elect should never invoke a comparison of senators to Nazis, let alone a comparison of senators who are staunch advocates of Israel and the Jewish people, to the mastermind of the extermination of six million Jews. But there was radio silence from his party, including all of the Democrats who called for Miller to resign and who have ignored anti-Semitism on the part of their colleagues on their side of the aisle for years. In response to the outrage over Miller's comment, she apologized. Where is the outrage over Biden's, where are the calls for him to resign, and where is his apology? We are entering into ever more dangerous territory, as anti-Semitism flourishes not just around the globe, but also here at home and in the halls of Congress. If Jewish policy-makers remain silent in the face of this frightening trend, who will speak out on the Jewish people's behalf? To quote another wise Jew, Rabbi Hillel, "If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I?" The answer to that question seems to be a hypocrite. Image: Dimitri Rodriguez via Flickr, CC BY 2.0. Pong Dam : , Jan 10 (IANS) Nestled in the sylvan surroundings of the Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh, the Pong Dam wetlands in the foothills of the Himalayas are normally agog with flapping of feathered guests each winter. Its silvery green waters, verdant forests, shrubbery islands, grassy swamps and aquatic life make the reservoir a paradise for migratory birds. But this winter, for the first time in recent decades, birds in the 307-square km Pong wetlands are hit by avian influenza H5N1. And the worst affected species is one of world's highest-altitude fliers, the bar-headed goose, an endangered species that regularly descend in India. The Pong wetlands, one of the largest man-made wetlands in northern India, have emerged as the preferred wintering ground of the bar-headed goose. At the annual waterfowl estimation coordinated by the state wildlife wing in 2015, a staggering 71,800 bar-headed geese, probably half their numbers globally, were recorded in the Pong wetlands, an all-time high till date. A total of 49,496 bar-headed geese were recorded in January 2020. Around 23,000 and 28,160 geese were recorded in 2009 and 2008, respectively. The gregarious goose feeds at night in the grasslands on riverbanks and breeds in high-altitude lakes in Central Asia, including Tibet and Ladakh. With the death toll of migratory waterbirds in the Pong wetlands rising to 4,020, and almost 90 per cent of them being notable visitors, the bar-headed goose, the state wildlife authorities blamed the avian influenza (H5N1) for the disaster. Principal Chief Conservator Forest, Wildlife, Archana Sharma, told IANS that 318 dead birds were found in the Pong catchment on Saturday and with them the total number of mortality of birds rose to 4,020. She said the ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) based in Bhopal has confirmed that avian influenza virus (H5N1) was responsible for their mortality. The first death was reported on December 28 last year. However, Pong heaved a sigh of relief as fatality cases are falling now. "Most of the carcasses that were collected in the past two-three days were of those who died quite a long time back and they were retrieved from dense forest and muddy terrain," she said. "The decayed carcasses indicate that the mortality has declined," Sharma said. But wildlife experts are concerned over a large number of species that have started migrating from Pong to nearby wetlands, lakes and water bodies owing to stress and trauma by seeing influenza-hit birds dying and behaving unnaturally. Some birds -- including the bar-headed geese - were seen acting strangely before their deaths, Chief Conservator Wildlife (Pong wetlands) Upasna Patyal, told IANS. "When you're seeing that birds are not able to take the flight despite healthy wings, it's really disturbing. At some distance, you find their carcasses," she said. Besides the bar-headed goose, the other species that died owing to the influenza were the shoveler, the river tern, the black-headed gull and the common teal. The dead included a lesser white-fronted goose that was visiting the Pong wetlands alone for the past three years. Crossing national and international boundaries, millions of migratory birds of several species descend on various water bodies and wetlands in the region. They start returning by the end of February or the beginning of March. At the last waterfowl estimation conducted in Pong on December 15, nearly 57,000 waterbirds were recorded that comprised 27,000 bar-headed geese. "Our current estimation indicates the presence of a small population of migratory birds in Pong of all prominent species as most of them have moved to nearby water bodies possibly due to psychological stress," a wildlife official, who didn't wish to be identified, told IANS. He said it is still doubtful that the birds infected with H5N1 are able or willing to embark on long-distance migration. "This needs further surveillance, at least months, as there are chances of the presence of the virus in nature. This disaster may also cause stopping of arrival of the bar-headed goose for some years. For this, we need drastic habitat restoration too." Listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the global population of the bar-headed geese, known for two distinctive black bars across their neck, is believed to be around 130,000, wildlife experts say. Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) Deputy Director S. Balachandran, who was earlier tracking migratory routes of the geese and duck species through satellite and leg-rings in Pong, told IANS over the phone that Pong is the only wintering ground in the globe to hold such a large congregation of bar-headed geese. "Most of the water bodies and lakes across the country have been getting bar-headed geese every winter. Their number is between 3,000 and 4,000 in each water body. But Pong is the only place which is getting the largest influx of bar-headed geese, largely from Tibet and Ladakh," he said. Even their breeding grounds spread over Tibetan plateau do not support such a large number of the geese at one point in time, he added. Besides the bar-headed goose, other prominent species that regularly descend on Pong, some 250 km from Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla and 190 km from Chandigarh, are the coot, common pochard, red-crested pochard, great cormorant, gadwall, northern pintail, river tern and the spotbill duck. Other species recorded are the common shelduck, the greater white fronted goose, the black bellied tern, the Sarus crane, the lesser white-fronted goose, the osprey, the buff bellied pipit and water rail. These species are not common visitors in other wetlands in India. In Pong, influx of the bar-headed geese can be spotted in marshy areas along the reservoir like Nagrota Suriyan, Nandpur Batoli, Chatta, Jambal and the Rancer island, say wildlife officials. The Pong wetlands are also home to many native birds like the red jungle fowl, large Indian parakeet, Indian cuckoo, bank mynah, wood shrike, yellow-eyed babbler, black ibis, paradise flycatcher, crested lark and the crested bunting. A total of 425 species of birds, both migratory and local, 18 of snake, 90 of butterfly, 24 of mammals and 27 of fish have been recorded so far in Pong. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in) New Delhi, January 5: With Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approving two vaccine candidates in India, the Kazakhstan Ambassador to India Yerlan Alimbayev said that Kazakhstan will discuss the matter with India and is ready to procure the vaccines. "Kazakhstan is producing three vaccines, which are in 2nd and 3rd phase, there's been no official dialogue with India, but we know India has two vaccines, which is good. We are ready to talk for ordering India's vaccine after the approval of both countries," Alimbayev told ANI. COVID-19 Vaccine in India: Is the Coronavirus Vaccine Mandatory for All? Is It Effective? All FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccine Answered. The development comes at a time when Adar Poonawala, CEO, Serum Institute of India announced on Twitter that his company will clarify exports of Covishield to all the countries. "I would like to clarify two matters as there is confusion in the public domain, exports of vaccines are permitted to all countries and a joint public statement clearing up any recent miscommunication with regards to Bharat Biotech will be made," Poonawala said in his tweet. There have been several queries regarding Indian vaccines being exported to other countries. Reports are there that several countries have expressed their interest to procure India's vaccine. The developments come days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing National Metrology Conclave through video conferring and said India is on the threshold of starting the world's largest vaccination programme. "World's biggest COVID-19 vaccination programme set to begin in India. For this, the country is proud of the contributions of its scientists and technicians," PM Modi said. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) A municipal councilor in Negros Oriental was shot dead Sunday morning, local police say. Sta. Catalina councilor Rude Anthony Melodia was washing his car when an unidentified individual riding a motorcycle shot him around 7 a.m. on Sunday, according to the police. The 29 year-old was rushed to the Bayawan District Hospital but died later. Empty shells believed to be from a caliber .45 pistol were retrieved from the crime scene. Investigation is now ongoing. Melodia was elected as councilor in 2019. He also served as a Sangguniang Kabataan official of Brgy. Poblacion in his municipality. CNN Philippines Dumaguete City-based correspondent Roy August Bustillo contributed to this report. 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. Sorry! This content is not available in your region by Vladimir Rozanskij Two lawmakers from Putin's party question Kazakhstans right to its northern territories, sparking an irate response from the Kazakh foreign minister, slamming Russia for the famine of the 1920s. Former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev is awarded the Orthodox Order of Gratitude. Moscow (AsiaNews) The border controversy between Kazakhstan and Russia that started in December is front-page news again. Following the New Year break, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (pictured) wrote an article published in Yegemen Qazaqstan (Sovereign Kazakhstan), the main state-owned newspaper, in which he publicly comments for the first time statements made by United Russia lawmakers Vyacheslav Nikonov and Yevgeny Fedorov, about who actually has a right to Kazakhstans northern territories. Although minor political figures, the two members of Russias lower house of parliament, are seen in Kazakhstan as expressing Moscows official position, sparking outrage in the country, to the point that some are calling for an international criminal probe against the two. For now the reaction is limited to diplomatic exchanges, but the two especially Fedorov have refused to retract their statements, pushing Kazakh Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tleuberdy to issue a very public and irate reply. Citing his higher education and knowledge of the history of our homeland, he used a very Russian expression to refer to what the Russian lawmakers said: it is a load of bullshit ( ). For a high-ranking diplomat, this is a decidedly undiplomatic. In his article, Tokayev cited the 1921-22 famine, instigated by the revolutionary power of the new Soviet Russia immediately after the civil war, to punish the Asian (and Ukrainian) peoples who had hosted the White counter-revolutionary armies. If it had not been for the famine caused by the Russians, our nation would be much bigger than it is today, writes the president. It is time for historians to clarify the responsibilities of those who starved people to death. Tokayev also insists on the need to de-Russify Kazakhstan, support the national language over Russian (which was mandatory under the Soviets) and review the countrys official historiography, perhaps to tell the centuries-old history of Kazakhstan, and all its territories, through some films or television series on Netflix and HBO, since few people read history books or manuals anymore. Tokayev's statements are, however, quite tame, and published only in the Kazakh edition of the newspaper, not in the Russian version. Of course, the president is speaking to his own people, in order to boost their sense of national pride rather than fuel a diplomatic war with Russia. However, in Kazakhstan, print media and TV have gone after Putin and his policies, and the reference to the famine of the 1920s is bound to irk Russian leaders since it is a very sensitive topic in Russia. In Ukraine, the Holodomor, the great famine of the early Soviet era caused by Stalinist policies against the peasantry, is also a major bone of contention. Tokayev has somehow unsealed one of the Pandora's Boxes of Soviet times. Despite the storm, which is bound to increase, the Russian Orthodox Metropolitan of Astana (Nur-Sultan) Aleksander (Mogilev) on Wednesday awarded former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev the Orthodox Order of Gratitude (Algys in Kazakh ) for the spiritual rebirth of Kazakhstan. Kazakhstans eternal president, who still controls the country as chairman of the Council of State, has always tried to present himself as an advocate of interfaith dialogue, and used this occasion to wish a Merry Christmas to Kazakhstans Orthodox Christians, saying that thanks to our unity we will overcome every test that afflicts us in the current difficult period. As if 2020 hadnt provided us with enough drama, 2021 burst onto our television screens on 6 January with a riotous mob rampaging through the US Capitol in Washington, DC, and disrupting the US Congresss confirmation of Joe Bidens election to the presidency, which finally occurred early the following morning. Egged on by current President Donald J. Trump , the US faces its worst constitutional crisis at least since the time of Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal, if not the 1861-1865 Civil War. It is worth realizing that what happened in the US reflects a deliberately indirect procedure for electing the president, and, while it may appear archaic today, this was indeed the intention of the countrys founders who designed the system. While Americans, and the world, routinely argue that the US is the worlds first democracy", it would be more accurate to say that the architects of its constitution conceived it as an oligarchic republic. Recall that the US started out with limited franchise, not one person, one vote", and that, until 1913, members of the Senate were indirectly elected by state legislatures. Likewise, according to the US Constitution, each state legislature decides its own procedure for selecting its members of the Electoral College, which elects the president. Initially, these were not decided by popular elections in most states. It was not until 1880, rather late in the history of the republic, that electors were chosen by popular election in every state. There is also a convoluted procedure following an election. Each state certifies" its electors, and then on a date in January, before inauguration day, the US Congress ceremonially accepts each states slate of electors, thus confirming the winner of the presidential election that was held the previous November. It was on this particular day that the Trump-inspired mob staged its insurrection, which, had it succeeded, would have amounted to a coup detat. Compare this election procedure for the US president with the simplicity of the Westminster parliamentary system. On election night (or, in India, on counting day), when it becomes clear who has won the election, the transfer of power is set in motion immediately, and occurs within days, except in the case of a hung parliament, in which case it may take some time to determine who can command a majority and stake a claim to become prime minister. In the case of a decisive defeat of an incumbent government, in the UK, for example, the prime minister and his staff literally vacate 10 Downing Street, the official residence, and turn over its keys to the incoming prime minister the next morning. The drama that we witnessed in Washington, DC, this January could simply never occur under the Westminster system. The shenanigans in the US capital evoked more than a dose of Schadenfreude in other countries whose apparent democratic failings are routinely criticized by American officials and by political commentators in the US. But, the truth is that Trumps failure to overturn an election result that went against him via repeated court challenges, and through, at a minimum, his moral support for insurrectionists, is a testament to the strength of the US system, despite its well-known flaws. While Trump may yet have a few tricks up his sleeve before his successor Joe Biden takes office on 20 January, and while it remains possible at the time of filing this column that he may even be forcibly ejected from office via one or the other constitutional mechanism, such as impeachment or the 25th amendment, what is beyond doubt is that the system worked, despite the severest test it has been put through in modern historya sitting president who refuses to accept defeat and attempts to cling to power, whether by fair means or foul. The smugness in China and Russia at American electoral foibles may be risible, given that neither country is a democracy in any sense. There has been a fair bit of smugness in India, too, as people watched events unfold in the US, and India is indeed a democracy, albeit with its own well- known failings. Let us recall, though, that the first (and thankfully last) time an elected prime minister was unwilling to give up power in the face of an adverse court decision, the result was the Emergency (1975-77), which was upheld by a supine judicial system and enforced by venal and sycophantic politicians and bureaucrats. Do we know what would have happened if Indira Gandhi had extended the Emergency, rather than calling an election in 1977? Or if she had declined to give up power once defeated? We are fortunate that the limits of the Indian system were not further tested by either of these hardly fanciful possibilities. Ultimately, the strength of any constitutional republicwhether the United States or Indiarests upon the quality of the institutions that are embedded within it and an adherence to the rule of law, not just in letter, but in spirit. In a strictly legal sense, constitutional scholars may continue to debate whether Indira Gandhis resort to emergency powers was legitimate or not. But, it was the acquiescence of a committed judiciary that rendered the question moot. In the US, by contrast, even judges that Trump had appointed refused to go along with his attempt to overturn the election result, as he himself frustratingly acknowledged; nor did his loyal lieutenant, Vice President Mike Pence, bend to his will. Therein lie the real lessons for other democracies. Vivek Dehejia is a Mint columnist Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. 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 View Results For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 20:02:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Delegates from China and Myanmar sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to conduct feasibility study of a railway linking Mandalay with Kyaukphyu in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, Jan. 10, 2021. China and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Sunday to conduct feasibility study of a railway linking Mandalay, the country's second largest city in Myanmar's central region, with Kyaukphyu, the major town in Myanmar's Rakhine state, according to a release from the Chinese embassy in Myanmar. (Chinese Embassy in Myanmar/Handout via Xinhua) YANGON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Sunday to conduct feasibility study of a railway linking Mandalay, the country's second largest city in Myanmar's central region, with Kyaukphyu, the major town in Myanmar's Rakhine state, according to a release from the Chinese embassy in Myanmar. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said that the railway will contribute to Myanmar's economic development and the well-being of people as well as to strengthen the national reconciliation and peace process in Myanmar. China-Myanmar railway cooperation, which includes the Mandalay-Kyaukphyu section, is an important project for the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, Myanmar Transport and Communication Minister U Thant Zin Maung told the ceremony. He expressed appreciation to China for its long-term support for peace development and railway projects in Myanmar and he also believed that the cooperation between the two countries will benefit the two peoples. Enditem Austrian-born Arnold Schwarzenegger compares Capitol MAGA riot to 1938 attacks by Nazis in his country and Germany on the Jews Night of violence was step towards the Holocaust and former California governor says he grew up in country whose democracy was 'stolen' Tells of his father - who joined the Nazis - beating him when he came home drunk because of 'guilt at what he saw and did' Calls riot 'America's day of broken glass' and slams Trump and his elected GOP enablers for 'lies and treachery' Says democracy prevailed but warns they must be held accountable And says country has to unite behind Joe Biden and 'defense of democracy' I believe, as shaken as we are about the events of recent days, we will come out stronger because we now understand what can be lost. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued an emotional speech Sunday comparing the MAGA riot and Donald Trump's attempted 'coup' to the Nazi takeover of his native Austria. The former California governor, 73, called the murderous riot in the Capitol 'America's Day of Broken Glass,' comparing to Kirstallnacht, the night of mass attacks on Jews in Austria and Germany which presaged the Holocaust. ADVERTISEMENT And he condemned Trump as 'the worst president' saying that his elected enablers must be 'held accountable' as he issued a call for unity behind President-elect Joe Biden. Although the former actor has made no secret of his childhood with an abusive father who joined the Nazi party either just before or just after the German takeover of Austria in 1938, he has rarely spoken so emotionally about its impact. Shattered glass: The former California governor said the MAGA mob was a coup attempt by Trump which 'shattered the ideas we took for granted' but which had no succeeded Comparison: The former actor said American democracy, like a sword, was improved by being tempered in 'wars, injustices and insurrections' and could emerge stronger from the trials of recent days He told how his father and the other men of his childhood were shattered mentally by the guilt of 'what they saw and did.' Gustuv Schwarzenegger was wounded in combat on the Eastern Front in 1942 having served in a Panzer group as a military policeman in Poland, France, Belgium, Ukraine, Lithuania and finally modern-day Russia. 'Now, I've never shared this so publicly because it is a painful memory but my father would come drunk once or twice a week and he would scream and hit us, and scare my mother,' Schwarzenegger said. 'I didn't hold him totally responsible because our neighbor was doing the same thing to his family, and so was the next neighbor over. I heard it with my own ears and saw it with my own eyes. 'They were in physical pain from the shrapnel in their bodies and in emotional pain from what they saw or did. 'It all started with lies, and lies, and lies, and intolerance. So being from Europe I've seen first hand how things can spin out of control.' Comparing 1930s Austria to modern America he said: 'President Trump sought to overturn the results of an election and of a fair election. He sought a coup by misleading people with lies. ADVERTISEMENT 'My father and our neighbors were misled also with lies. I know where such lies lead.' Nazi past: Gustav Schwarzenegger was a policeman in Austria who joined the Nazis and was wounded on the eastern front. His son described him drunkenly beating his children, like the neighboring fathers, because of the guilt 'of what they saw and did.' His mother Aurelia had two children - Meinhard, and Arnold - with Gustav; her first husband had died in action Nazi past: Gustav Schwarzenegger was a policeman in Austria who joined the Nazis and was wounded on the eastern front. His son described him drunkenly beating his children, like the neighboring fathers, because of the guilt 'of what they saw and did.' His mother Aurelia had two children - Meinhard, and Arnold - with Gustav; her first husband had died in action Eleven year old Arnold Schwarzenegger poses for a photo in art class in 1958 in Thal, Austria Infamy: Kristallnacht, on November 9, saw Jewish business' windows shattered, giving it its name - but that was only the start of far worse Nazi violence. An orgy of destruction left at least 91 dead, 30,000 Jewish men arrested and Hitler's intent graphically demonstrated to the world A night of shame: In the violence of Kristallnacht, mobs of SA paramilitaries and Hitler Youth burned almost 300 synagogues, and desecrated cemeteries KRISTALLNACHT: THE PRELUDE TO THE HOLOCAUST Although the Nazis began persecuting Jews as soon as they gained power, Hitler's true capacity for unadulterated violence was demonstrated to the world on November 9, 1938. The pretext was the assassination of a German diplomat in Paris by a young Polish Jew. The SA, his private paramilitary force, started by smashing Jewish shops' and synagogues' windows - hence the name - then moved on to mob violence, killing at least 91, beating untold numbers and running free as police stood by or helped. The Nazis were not arrested: the Jews were, with 30,000 sent to concentration camps; 267 synagogues were destroyed, thousands of businesses looted and seized, and the community 'fined' a sum equivalent to around $7 billion in current values. German, Austrian and Sudetenland Jews' persecution shocked the world and the stage was set for the Holocaust. Schwarzenegger said that while Trump's 'attempted coup' failed, those who 'enabled his lies and treachery' must be held to account. Although he named no names, 147 Republican lawmakers - 139 House members and eight senators, led by Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley - voted to overturn the election results, which the former California governor called 'a fair election.' 'They're complicit with those who carried the flag of self-righteous insurrection into the Capitol,' he said. And he compared American's democracy to the sword he used in the Conan the Barbarian movies, brandishing it as he said: 'The more you temper a sword, the stronger it becomes. ADVERTISEMENT 'Our democracy has been tempered by wars, injustices and insurrections. 'I believe, as shaken as we are about the events of recent days, we will come out stronger because we now understand what can be lost.' He ended the more than seven-minute address from his home in Los Angeles, delivered in front of the United States and California flags, by appealing for uniting behind Biden. 'I ask you to join me in saying to President-elect Biden: "President-elect Biden, we wish you great success as our president. If you succeed our nation succeed. We support you with all our hearts as you seek to bring us together,"' he said. 'And to those who think they can overturn the United States Constitution, know this: You will never win. 'President-elect Biden, we stand with you today, tomorrow and forever in defense of our democracy from those who would threaten it.' Schwarzenegger has made clear his views on Trump from the moment the president sought elected office. The former California governor wrote on Monday in The Economist that Trump's attempt to overthrow the election was 'stupid, crazy and evil,' and compared Wednesday's vote to confirm the results to his movie Judgment Day. 'For those in my party considering standing up against the voters on January 6th, know this: our grandchildren will know your names only as the villains who fought against the great American experiment and the will of the voters. You will live in infamy,' he wrote. After serving as California governor, he has campaigned on climate change and against gerrymandering, and last autumn offered to pay to re-open polling places being closed, to ensure people could vote. He has previously said that he and Trump were friends but he declined campaign cash when he ran for governor in 2003 because it came from casinos, and told Trump in 2016 that he could not endorse him because of his denial of climate change. Schwarzenegger has not said who he voted for in 2020, but has said that in 2016 he wrote in Ohio governor John Kasich. He also told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt - himself a Trump loyalist - that he would happily serve in a Biden administration if he was asked. Schwarzenegger has spoken previously of his childhood with a distant and abusive father, and of his father's wartime activity. His father had been a soldier in the Austrian army from 1930 to 1937, then a police officer, and rejoined the military as the equivalent of a military policeman in November 1939. Schwarzenegger grew up knowing that his father had been wounded in action on the Eastern Front - he was awarded the Iron Cross for bravery in combat - but in 1990 it emerged that he had been an active member of the Nazi party. At the time the actor commissioned the Simon Wiesenthal Center to investigate what his father had done and made the findings public. His father had joined the Nazis, sometime either shortly before or shortly after the Nazi takeover of Austria in the Anschluss, and joined the paramilitary SA in early 1939. The older Schwarzenegger held the equivalent rank to master sergeant in a military police unit attached to a tank group and was wounded in August 1942, and eventually discharged in 1944 having also suffered from malaria. ADVERTISEMENT The Wiesenthal investigation did not find evidence which linked him to atrocities during his military service, or as a police officer. He died of a stroke aged 65 in 1972. Click here to resize this module OLYMPIA, Wash. When Washington lawmakers finished their legislative session last spring, COVID-19 response dominated their work. Nearly a year later, the economic and social impacts of the virus once again will be center stage as the Legislature convenes for the first time in person in nearly a year. Lawmakers are meeting amid concerns about potential efforts by armed groups to occupy the Capitol, which is currently closed to the public due to the pandemic. A right-wing militia group had initially encouraged its members to occupy the Capitol when the Legislature meets to kick off its 105-day legislative session Monday, and that intention was echoed by several of those who broke down a gate outside the governors mansion Wednesday and stormed the porch and front yard. That breach came hours after the siege of the nations Capitol building. While an organizer of the planned occupation canceled the event in a Facebook post Wednesday night, he acknowledged Thursday he did expect some individuals to try to enter the Capitol despite the cancellation. The Washington State Patrol, which oversees security of the Capitol campus, has said there will be a strong law enforcement presence. And on Friday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced he activated 750 members of the National Guard to help protect the Capitol campus. Democratic Sen. Manka Dhingra said while she was concerned about the opening day of session on Monday, she said she had faith in law enforcement officials who have been working with the Legislature to address security concerns. I think we have to be cautious but I also think it is important that the state see their elected leaders do the job that they were elected to do in a safe way, she said during an online preview of the legislative session hosted by The Associated Press on Thursday. Lawmakers are meeting in person Monday largely to adopt rules that will allow them to meet virtually during the rest of the session. After that, in the Senate, regular floor votes will be conducted in a hybrid format, with a mix of senators present in the chamber and others participating remotely. The House has decided to do the rest of its work remotely. All committee hearings, in both chambers, will be held remotely, with public participation. As before the pandemic, hearings and floor votes will continue to be broadcast or live streamed by TVW, the states government affairs channel. Lawmakers agenda includes dealing with pressing issues related to the pandemic, such as support for struggling businesses and renters, and police reform. Here is a look at just a few of the things that lawmakers are expected to address during this unusual session: COVID-19 RESPONSE The last bill approved by the Legislature before they adjourned their 60-day session on March 12 was a measure drawing $200 million from the states emergency rainy day fund for coronavirus response. The state has received and spent about $2 billion in federal money allocated to the state during the pandemic, including $135 million in grants, loans and other assistance to help businesses and workers announced in November by Inslee. Inslee has urged the Legislature to move quickly this month to pass legislation to approve an additional $100 million in grants for businesses affected by the states coronavirus restrictions and $100 million in rental assistance. Democratic House Speaker Laurie Jinkins said she expects the House to vote in the next few weeks on spending ranging from vaccine distribution, contact tracing and for testing, to food assistance, rental assistance and grants for small businesses affected by the coronavirus restrictions. STATE BUDGET The most recent state revenue forecast in November showed that while the state has made some gains since the first round of business closures at the start of the pandemic last year, revenue projections through mid-2023 are about $3.3 billion below what they were projected to be before the pandemic hit. In his budget proposal last month, Inslee put forth a new capital gains tax and a tax on health insurers as part of his two-year, $57.6 billion budget plan. Republicans insist new revenue is not needed. Republican Sen. Shelly Short said that lawmakers have a duty to set priorities and that last thing we should be doing is raising taxes on our family owned businesses and our job creators in the state of Washington. Dhingra said that the pandemic has exposed several inequities ranging from education to health care. GOVERNORS EMERGENCY POWERS Republicans, frustrated by Inslees refusal to call the Legislature into a special session during the pandemic, have introduced several bills that seek to curb his emergency powers, including a constitutional amendment that would make it easier for lawmakers to call themselves back into a special session. Democrats hold strong majorities in both chambers, and Jinkins, the House speaker has said she was comfortable with the governors powers, but Republican House leader J.T. Wilcox disagreed, saying while the governor needs to have the ability to respond to emergencies, he shouldnt have no limit. POLICE REFORM Galvanized by the Black Lives Matter movement, lawmakers and activists have set an ambitious agenda for police reform, saying they hope to make it easier to decertify officers for misconduct, to rein in controversial police tactics, and to create an independent statewide agency to investigate police killings. Among the measures set for hearings this week is one to preclude police unions from using collective bargaining to negotiate disciplinary processes for serious misconduct and use-of-force incidents; to end officers ability to appeal discipline to private arbitrators; and to require that officers be fired for certain kinds of misconduct. CLIMATE CHANGE Inslee is pushing for several climate related proposals, including fully reinstating a plan to cap carbon pollution in the state. The Democratic majority in the House has said that climate is one of the areas they will be prioritizing this session beyond COVID-19 recovery. Inslee is also seeking a measure that would require fuel producers and importers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with gasoline and other transportation fuels. -- The Associated Press Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have turned their backs against mainstream media. But an expert said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are "better off with mainstream media." They also have no plans of using social media for their Archewell Foundation. The Daily Mirror editor Alison Phillips told BBC reporter Andrew Marr, "Trump has been banned from Twitter. Interestingly, he and Harry and Meghan today have said they are coming off Twitter." She explained that there are two types of people, the Trumps, and the Sussexes, who have "both rallied against mainstream media" and are now saying that social media isn't an excellent place for them. "Maybe they were better off with the mainstream media anyway, though there is that sense they cannot control it in the same way." Marr agreed that while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are a global brand, they ignore massive platforms. Another BBC reporter, Alex Forsyth, said that these influential people ignore mainstream media because they believe they aren't doing them any favors and have also seen social media as an "unforgiving" place. In a report by The Sunday Times, Archie Harrison's parents will not be working on social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook as they believe users of these platforms are sending them "hate." Hiding From the Poison But after they decide to quit social media, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are accused of hiding from fans. After removing themselves from the royal circle to have a more "peaceful" life in the US with their son, an insider told The Sunday Times that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not going to use social media for Archewell and are "very unlikely" to return to platforms "in a personal capacity." But according to a language expert, the move raises the question as to whether the former royals are either "hiding from the poison or trying to drain it." Language expert Judi James told the Express UK, "How interesting that social media lost two of its mega-giants this week in the shape of Donald Trump and the royal power couple working under the Archewell brand." She added how the couple's work towards talking about online bullying seems to clash with their decision to quit social media altogether. Judi said, "Harry and Meghan have closed this straightforward link to the outside world, and although they have spoken and campaigned about the toxic effects of trolling, they have still to let us know whether their current decision is an understandable act of retreat to achieve peace or an attack." However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remains active working on their Netflix and Spotify deals. READ MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Receive Stern Warning Before Outrageous New Claim See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. MEDFORD, Ore-- Yesterday afternoon, The Jackson County Sheriff's Office released a statement on their Facebook, saying that since the beginning of the pandemic, the sheriff's office has not had a single confirmed case of Covid-19 within thier jails. Multiple prisons and jails throughout Oregon have continued to struggle keeping Covid-19 cases in check, especially in the last few months as cases and deaths have spiked. At Two Rivers Correctional Facility, 25 adults in custody have died since the beginning of the pandemic, and over at Oregon State Penitentiary, 26 AIC's have died. According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, since the beginning of initial reports of Covid-19 last spring, the Sheriffs Office Administration has worked closely with local, state, and regional authorities to adopt best practices within the facility. They say that practices have changed regularly to meet the needs of the community, and include enhanced cleaning, screening, and quarantine protocols. Although no positive cases of coronavirus have been confirmed inside of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office jails, with their inmates, the sheriff's office is currently dealing with a Covid-19 outbreak. According to the Oregon Health Authority, 23 positive cases of the virus have been confirmed. The first case was reported back on December 15, and the last reported case was on December 27. The Jackson County Health Department and Oregon Health Authority are continuing to track these cases. 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. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, Jan. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Nightingale Exclusive Sales Representative for the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, Trans Seas USA is proud to announce that Nightingale has won the City of New York contract for seating for all city agencies for the next 5 years. Unlike many manufacturers, Nightingale oversees the careful production of all of its chairs. We construct cutting-edge, durable, comfortable products for any work environment, built for the needs of the modern professional. All product components are crafted in North America, and the firm works with top-level designers and engineers throughout the development process to produce the best chairs that both feels and looks luxurious. Nightingale has long been a successful supplier of high-performance quality seating and New York recognizes this. Trans Seas USA was awarded theNEW YORK UNIVERSITY (NYU) ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATESand has successfully supplied and delivered over 1,350 WXO Chairs and Stools for their classrooms, lecture rooms, workshops, staff offices and student areas. Trans Seas USA has become a global leader in building their clients visions by combining access to the highest caliber of experts in both the architectural and design communities, as well as manufacturing and logistics support. In addition to the above, Trans Seas USA has gained and maintained access to reliable sources of quality materials and continue to go above and beyond to support each of their clients at every stage of the building process, from design, delivery and supply, to after-market support. For nearly 50 years, the rich legacy at Trans Seas USA continues to apply this same tradition till this very day, offering procurement management services applied and proven on each of their prestigious projects. Some of those successful prestigious projects include: Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Qatar; King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia; Doha Oasis Hotel (7-Star Hotel) in Qatar; The Atlantis Hotel and New Royal Atlantis Hotel & Residences at Palm Jumeriah Dubai, UAE; Sheikh Khalifa Energy Complex of ADNOC Group of Companies in Abu Dhabi, UAE; ADMA-OPCO & ADGAS New HQ in Abu Dhabi, UAE; Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Hospital in Kuwait; SIDRA Research & Medical Center in Doha, Qatar; National Museum of Qatar; and are presently working on the New Fairmont Hotel (Katara) at Lusail in Doha, Qatar. Contact: Nader Ayoub info@transseas.com Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1393917/Nightingale_Furniture_Middle_East.mp4 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1393915/WXO_Mesh.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1340980/Trans_Seas_USA_Logo.jpg Trump impeachment live updates: incitement of insurrection, charges, Senate, today. After relying on social media, particularly Twitter, throughout both election campaigns and during his time in office, Donald Trump now finds himself banned from many of those platforms. In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election both Twitter and Facebook began adding tags to the Presidents tweets, warning that they were factually incorrect or disputed. Usually the warnings related to false claims about election fraud that the President has repeated where possible ever since. More recently Trumps use of social media became increasingly worrying as he appeared to incite the violent scenes in Washington on Wednesday when a mob of his supporters, fresh from a Stop the Steal rally, stormed Congress and left five people dead. The Presidents language both before and after the pro-Trump crowd occupied the Capitol was blamed for the violence, and Twitter hit him with a 12-hour ban on Thursday. After failing to heed warnings about his fraudulent claims, Donald Trumps Twitter account was permanently suspended on Friday, with a plethora of online platforms quickly following suit. Social media companies suspend Trump Twitter has been the Presidents favoured means of communicating with his followers throughout his time in office and the decision taken on Friday was a hugely significant one. After ignoring the previous restrictions placed on his account, Trumps Twitter account was finally banned from the site on Friday after he was found to have violated their public interest framework for inciting violence. A company blog post read: "In the context of horrific events this week, we made it clear on Wednesday that additional violations of the Twitter Rules would potentially result in this very course of action. Aside from Twitter, Trump has also been an extensive user of Facebook during his time in office. However after failing to fully condemn the violence carried out in his name in a video posted on Wednesday, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg felt that he needed to be stopped. Both Facebook and sister company Instagram removed the video and have hit Trump with a minimum two-week suspension from the site, meaning that he will be unable to return until after the transition of power to President-elect Joe Biden has been completed. In a post published on Thursday, Zuckerberg said: "We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great. Trump has also had his accounts disabled on both streaming platform Twitch and messaging app Snapchat in recent days. Although neither were primary sources of information for Trumps followers he did have a considerable presence on both. Snapchat was one of the first social media companies to regulate the Presidents posts back in June when they stopped promoting his account in the Discover page, which features content from other prominent figures. Web platforms find Trump-related posts in violation of rules on inciting violence While the Presidents use of social media is usually characterised by his own posts on personal channels, Trumps online influence extends far beyond that. Trump supporters use other platforms to discuss and further his agenda, which in recent days has meant condoning and encouraging political violence on a mass scale. One such platform is Reddit where the subreddit group r/DOnaldTrump, one of the companys largest communities of Trump supporters, has been banned. In a statement to Axios on Friday, a spokesperson confirmed that it had breached the companies terms of use: "Reddit's site-wide policies prohibit content that promotes hate, or encourages, glorifies, incites, or calls for violence against groups of people or individuals. YouTube are also looking to reduce instances of election misinformation across the site, but has been less decisive when it comes to punishment so far. The video publishing site removed the video in which Trump failed to condemn the violence, but is yet to ban his account entirely. Alex Joseph, a YouTube spokesperson, said of the sites policy: "Due to the extraordinary events that transpired yesterday, and given that the election results have been certified, any channel posting new videos with these false claims in violation of our policies will now receive a strike, a penalty which temporarily restricts uploading or live-streaming. Permanent bans will be issued to repeat offenders. Alternative social media site removed from app stores In response to the clamp-down on mainstream social media sites, some right-wing Trump supporters have switched to wholly unmediated platforms like Parler, which do not enforce any kind of fact-checking. The self-styled unbiased and free speech social network Parler has experienced a spike in users since other platforms began cracking down. Trump does not currently have an official Parler account, but Texas Senator and Trump apologist Ted Cruz has 4.9 million followers on the platform. Parlers chief executive John Matze said recently: "We won't cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech!" However that unwillingness to moderate the content in any way has seen the platform fall foul of two web giants in recent days and the Parler smartphone app has been removed from the two largest app stores. Both Apple and Google have pulled Parler from their online offering, making it harder for prospective users to find the platform. Google was the first to do so, removing the app for failing to have moderation policies and enforcement that removes egregious content like posts that incite violence. On Saturday, Apple followed suit and announced the Parler app would not be available to iPhone and iPad users. Wilmington, Del. President-elect Joe Biden says that President Donald Trump isnt fit for the job, but he repeatedly refused to endorse growing Democratic calls to impeach him a second time. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to members of her chamber that lawmakers could move as early as next week to impeach Trump for inciting a violent mob that overran the U.S. Capitol if the president didnt immediately resign. Pelosi and Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer also have called on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to force Trump from office a process for stripping the president of his post and installing the vice president to take over. Addressing reporters in his home state of Delaware after an event Friday introducing some of his Cabinet choices, Biden noted that a key reason he ran for president was because hed thought for a long, long time that President Trump wasnt fit for the job. Ive been saying for now, well, over a year, hes not fit to serve, Biden said. Hes one of the most incompetent presidents in the history of the United States of America. But he refused to back efforts to remove Trump from the White House and insisted that impeachment was up to Congress. Instead, Biden said he was focused on the start of his own administration on Jan. 20, and he said his top three priorities are beating back the coronavirus, distributing vaccines fairly and equitably, and reviving the struggling economy. His comments laid bare the political balance Biden has worked to strike in the months since winning the presidential election. He has continued to sharply criticize Trump and nearly every facet of his administration but also worked to keep the publics attention focused on what the new administration will do rather than indulging recriminations against the last one. Biden nonetheless conceded that Trump exceeded my worst notions about him. Hes been an embarrassment and likened the damage done to our reputation around the world to tin horn dictatorships. The president-elect also suggested that a key hurdle to removing Trump was that he has less than two weeks remaining in his term. If we were six months out, we should be doing everything to get him out of office. Impeaching him again, trying to evoke the 25th Amendment, whatever it took, Biden said. But I am focused now on us taking control as president and vice president on the 20th and to get our agenda moving as quickly as we can. Trump would be the only president to be impeached twice. The House impeached him in late 2019, but the Republican-led Senate acquitted him. Removal from office could also prevent Trump from running for president in 2024, or ever holding the presidency again. Most Democrats, and many Republicans, put the blame squarely on Trump after hundreds of rioters 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 Bidens win. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer. Biden called what happened a god-awful debacle and said it had the active encouragement of the president of the United States. The president-elects comments came hours after Trump tweeted that he planned to skip Bidens inauguration, becoming the first president in more than 150 years and just the fourth in U.S. history to do so. Biden said hed be honored to have Pence at the swearing-in, but didnt feel the same way about Trump. Thats one of the few things he and I have ever agreed on, Biden said. Its a good thing, him not showing up. Also Friday, Biden called on the Senate which will be under narrow Democratic control thanks to a pair of runoff election victories in Georgia to confirm his Cabinet choices promptly and fairly. Given what our countrys been through the last few days, Biden said, they should be confirmed as close to Jan 20 as possible. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa Sunday expressed confidence of soon getting a final clearance from the central BJP leadership for the much-awaited cabinet rejig in the state after he met senior party leaders including its chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister State party in-charge Arun Singh was also present in an hour-long meeting held at Shah's residence in Delhi. "On cabinet expansion, there was a detailed discussion. You will get good news soon," Yediyurappa told reporters after the meeting. He said the final names will be cleared as early as possible because there was "positive, fruitful and satisfactory discussion". "I am happy with the discussion. ...we will wait for their instructions," he said, adding the central leadership has assured its support. When asked if this was the last meeting on cabinet expansion with the senior party leaders, the CM said, "A 101 percent this is the last meeting. They are going to clear the names as soon as possible." The cabinet expansion in the state has been on the cards for over a year now, but it could not take place, giving some anxious moments to ministerial aspirants and also leading to dissatisfaction. Further, the CM said he suggested some names and also expressed confidence that the central BJP leadership will respond to that in a positive way. Asked if it would be a cabinet expansion or a re-shuffle, the CM said "you will get to know when they inform". Apart from the cabinet rejig, the CM said there were discussions also on the upcoming bypolls in the state for two assembly and one parliamentary seats. "They asked me to send the names of the candidates at the earliest for clearance," he said, adding the leadership also told him to ensure the party's victory on all three seats. The senior party leaders also expressed happiness over recent gram Panchayat results, he added. The CM said he will return to Bengaluru tonight itself. Among those in the ministerial race in the state are MLAs Umesh Katti, Munirathna, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, M P Renukacharya, Aravind Limbavali and S R Vishwanath. Three MLCs -- C P Yogeshwar, MTB Nagaraj and R Shankar -- are too aspiring for a ministerial berth. Another MLC, A H Vishwanath, too was in the race but his hopes dashed when the High Court on November 30 barred him from becoming a minister until at least May this year. The state can have a total of 34 ministers and it has 27 now. By-polls are scheduled for Maski and Basavakalyan assembly segments, and Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency. While Maski fell vacant due to the resignation of sitting Congress MLA Pratap Gouda Patil in 2019, the by-polls to Basavakalyan and Belagavi seats have been necessitated by the deaths of their representatives B Narayan Rao and Suresh Angadi, respectively, due to coronavirus. (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.) Alabama Republicans condemn the mob that stormed the Capitol on Wednesday but mostly do not blame President Trump, who fired up his supporters with false statements about his election defeat, or Congressman Mo Brooks, who told the crowd it was their day to start kicking ass. Alabama Democrats do blame Trump for the riot that led to deaths and injuries and interrupted Americas time-honored process for peaceful transitions of power. When you incite a crowd like that, that you already know they are riled up because you continue to feed them lies about an election that you lost, something is inherently wrong with that man that called himself the president of these United States of America, Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said. Something is inherently wrong with that. If nobody wants to give him any blame for what happened (Wednesday), theres something wrong with whoever thinks that also, that he didnt have anything to do with that. One top Republican official, Secretary of State John Merrill, did fault Trump and others for pushing a far-fetched idea that Vice President Pence and Congress could reverse Joe Bidens election win on Wednesday, a result certified by all 50 states. I think a number of people who have been a part of this narrative over the last two months have given false hope to people who have either not paid attention to what the process is or did not study it in civics or history and needed something to hang their hat on to think that President Trump still had a chance to be elected to another term in spite of the election results, Merrill said. And that narrative that was promoted by people from all over the nation in all kinds of different forms is not productive. Trump was the loudest voice repeating that narrative. But Merrill did not blame Trump for Wednesdays violence, saying the perpetrators were solely responsible. Those people went to the Capitol on their own volition, Merrill said. They made the choices to breach the wall. They made the choices to break in the windows, to break though the doors, to go in the offices, to go in the chambers. They did that on their own. And those people need to be held responsible for their actions. Merrill said Trump has not used his bully pulpit for the good of the country since the election. The president chooses to use the bully pulpit the way that he or she thinks it should be used, Merrill said. But we hope and we trust that the person that holds that position will use that bully pulpit to promote a narrative and a message that is one that strengthens our country. And I think theres been several examples that have been introduced, specifically over the last two months, where the president has elected not to do that. Rep. Mike Ball, R-Madison, who is serving his fifth term in the Alabama House, said Trump and Brooks share some blame but have plenty of company. This is where our political process has been headed for some time, Ball said. You get zealots on either side of the political spectrum that throw down the red meat to their base and get em riled up. And of course when anybody that throws down red meat and gets people riled up is responsible for the actions of, certainly bears some culpability for their words, for their action. The thing is, its not all the blame there. As a matter of fact, the blame for the sorry state of our political world, theres a lot of blame to go around. Including a media system that fosters this. Politics has just become a disgusting thing. And finding blame and somebody to point the finger at. Thats about all politics is now. Its gotten to where theres not a lot of problem solving thats going on in politics. And its just a disgusting thing to watch. Its been disgusting for some time. Other Republicans who spoke with AL.com or sent statements did not blame Trump or Brooks. They condemned the violence. Some said it was too soon to know whether those who stormed the Capitol were predominantly Trump supporters. Some did not respond to questions. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia, said he did not see any reason to assign blame now. At the end of the day theres been too many pointing fingers of blame for where we are, McCutcheon said. And Im not going to blame President Trump for what happened up in Washington. Im not going to blame Congressman Brooks for what happened in Washington. Im not going to blame the Democrats for the Portland riots. If you start looking back at all of the things weve had to deal with over this past year, theres enough blame that you can spread around to a lot of people. At the end of the day was it wrong? Yes. I think what happened up there was wrong. I think the large majority of people that were up there making protests about the voting elections and how they turned out, they had a right to do that in this country and voice their opinions on that. It was just a small, small percentage of people who turned violent and actually caused the destruction and the death. And it was a sad, sad day for our country and I hate that it happened. McCutcheon said he wanted to wait and learn more about what happened before drawing conclusions. I want to wait and see what the investigation turns out, the speaker said. And I feel confident that there will be an investigation on what happened up there. There will be better facts that will come out. And well know more about the decisions that we need to make. AL.com asked Gov. Kay Ivey if Trump was to blame for the violence because of the false statements he used to rile up supporters. Ivey responded with a statement that did not answer that question. Like all Americans, I am deeply saddened and troubled by the events that occurred on Wednesday in the seat of our republic, Ivey said. I extend heartfelt prayers to those who were killed and injured in the violence. All Americans need to press pause on divisive rhetoric, take a step back and do some deep soul-searching on how we got to this point of pain, ugliness and loss of life. Ivey said she opposed any efforts to remove Trump from office in the final days of his term, either through impeachment or use of the 25th Amendment to declare him unfit. AL.com asked Ivey if Brooks should be blamed for what happened. Brooks said Wednesday morning that Republican colleagues who did not help him challenge the election results were afraid to fight for their country. He told the crowd, Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass. Ivey said, Everyone should be held accountable for the words they use. Ive long believed that as elected officials, we should be held to a higher level of accountability. If the people of the 5th District believe their views are not being properly represented, then they need to express their disappointment directly to Congressman Brooks and, if necessary, hold him accountable at the ballot box. Moreover, it should be noted, he does not speak for all Republicans, much less all Alabamians. Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, said the lack of accountability by the Republican Party for the statements of Trump, Brooks, and others is indefensible. The hypocrisy of the GOP is beyond astounding, Daniels said in a statement. It is criminal. Republicans like Congressman Mo Brooks goaded the mob to start taking names and kicking ass in the morning, only to try to distance themselves from the un-American attacks later that day. The very people who added gasoline to an explosive situation and lit the match, then hide under their desks when the flames erupted. Talk about cowardly. Talk about un-American. Today, the party of law and order, the party that supposedly respects the heritage and time-honored traditions of this nation, incited violent attacks on law enforcement and encouraged the desecration of our seat of government. Congressman Brooks and any who joined him should resign now. If not, they should be removed from all committees or leadership positions. Trump, in his speech to the crowd Wednesday morning, went far beyond his unsupported claims that election irregularities gave Biden wins in key swing states. Trump claimed he won a landslide that was stolen, that Pence had the authority to send the results back to the states for a redo, and that states wanted that to happen. If Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election, Trump told the crowd. All he has to do, this is from the number one or certainly one of the top constitutional lawyers in our country. He has the absolute right to do it. Were supposed to protect our country, support our country, support our constitution, and protect our constitution. States want to revote. The States got defrauded. They were given false information. They voted on it. Now they want to recertify. They want it back. 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. Pence made it clear the presidents statements were false. He wrote a letter to Congress explaining the history of counting the Electoral College votes and the legal basis. He wrote that he did not have the authority to reject the Electoral College votes and send them back to the states, something no vice president has ever tried to do. Pence also wrote that it was appropriate for members of Congress to challenge results from some states as part of the process of counting the electoral votes, which happened on Wednesday, and which had happened after previous elections. Those challenges were debated and rejected by votes of the House and Senate. Alabama Secretary of State Merrill said he believes there were election irregularities in some other states, but said it serves no purpose to repeatedly make those claims without evidence. That whole process of introducing the narrative that the election was stolen, that things have happened that were not right, I really get tired of hearing that when people dont produce any evidence to back it up, Merrill said. Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, who is serving her sixth term in the Legislature, said the images from Washington on Wednesday were disturbing and unprecedented in a country known for peacefully changing presidents after elections. The United States has always been the model for everybody, what they all aspire to, Coleman-Madison said. But what I saw yesterday, the disrespect, the storming of the Capitol, and just breaking windows and taking over. And then when I saw our elected officials huddled down and behind desks and barricading in, it was like we were in a third world or something, I cant explain it. And I couldnt help but think, what is the world thinking about us. Im hoping that this is not a signal that this is something that is going to be carried on at every State House in all 50 states. Things tend to have a domino effect. Coleman-Madison said she was encouraged when Congress returned and resumed its duties Wednesday night after the Capitol was secured. I was very proud of Congress when they came in and the statements that were made on both sides, Republicans and Democrats, she said. The senator said Trump should be held accountable for his message to the crowd. He emboldened them, Coleman-Madison said. He gave them permission to go out and do that. And even in his speech, he encouraged them, saying, Were going to march to the Capitol, and Im going to be there with you. Of course, he was sitting back watching all of this unfold. Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, said he didnt hear Trumps speech Wednesday morning but does not think the president would have said anything that makes him responsible for what happened. I dont know what he said or how he said it or anything else, Albritton said. I cant say whether he should have been more careful. But I just cant believe that President Trump would have said, Come on, lets go attack the Capitol. I dont think he said that. I dont think he alluded to that. Trump told the crowd to be peaceful before they marched to the Capitol and later urged them to go home after the violence erupted. We have come to demand that Congress do the right thing and only count the electors who have been lawfully slated, lawfully slated, Trump said. I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. Albritton said he didnt know whether it was fair to blame the riot predominantly on Trump supporters. I dont know who those people were, Albritton said. I dont know who they are purported to be. And Im sure Trump had supporters there. He said some did not look like Trump supporters. I think there was more people there causing trouble than just Trump folks, he said. Albritton said Democrats share blame for the unrest in Washington because they have tried to remove Trump from office since his term began with claims that he worked with Russia to win the 2016 election and with the impeachment over claims that he tried to use Ukraine officials to boost his chances for reelection by investigating Biden. I think theres plenty of blame to go around, Albritton said. Theres a lot of hate out there. I wish we could stop and take a breath and figure out what were doing to our country. All of us. But this is a mess. Sen. Tom Butler, R-Madison, who is in his eighth term as a legislator, called Wednesday a dark day for the nation. But Im not in position to assign blame to the president to whats gone on for the last three or four years, to comments by our Congressmen, Butler said. Everybodys got their own feelings. I just personally think its a very terrible situation. Should not have happened. And weve got rule of law that subscribes how we disagree with things in this country. As for Brooks telling the crowd it was their day to start kicking ass, Butler said, That would not have been my rhetoric. Mo has to answer for his own statements that he makes. Brooks said he would make no apology for his speech and stood by his comments. The Congressman condemned the violence on Wednesday and called for those who carried it out to be prosecuted. Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, said it was too soon to say who was responsible for what happened on Wednesday other than those who stormed the Capitol. I dont know who, what, where, Chambliss said. I dont know any of those things. Obviously the news reports are coming out now and there will be investigations. Well find out all of that. We need to wait and see. It doesnt matter who it is. Its very, very disturbing. So a very sad day for our country in my opinion. We have to rely on the rule of law and a process for any type of legal action to take care of any grievances we have. Thats the way our country is set up and its founded. As for whether Trump incited the crowd, Chambliss said, We are all responsible for our own actions, including President Trump. But those that were there for whatever reasons, they were excited and moved into the Capitol, they are the ones that need to be responsible for their own individual actions. Alabama Senate Majority Leader Greg Reed, R-Jasper, was not available for an interview but sent a statement: The events that unfolded at the United States Capitol do not represent who we are as a nation. The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but there is never an excuse for violence and destruction. Alabama Public Service Commission Chairman Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, a former chair of the Alabama Republican Party, also sent a statement, saying, We as a country need to focus on praying for the new leaders who will be sworn in on January 20. America is an exceptional nation for so many reasons. I pray that our countrys leaders may gain wisdom and stand up for our founding principles which value life, ensure freedom and allow every citizen to pursue the American dream. Alabama Republican Party Chair Terry Lathan and Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth did not respond to questions about whether Trump shared blame for what happened Wednesday. Alabama Democratic Party Chair Chris England called out Trump and Brooks in a statement about the mob storming the Capitol. This mob was encouraged by Pres. Donald Trump, Rep. Mo Brooks, and others at a rally before they breached the doors of the Capitol, England said. 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. Pres.-elect Joe Biden and Vice Pres.-elect Kamala Harris will take office on January 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. This story was edited at 7:09 a.m. to correct the attribution of a quote by Mike Ball. Edited at 8:39 a.m. to say that Anthony Daniels represents Huntsville, not Birmingham, in the Legislature. Edited at 1:38 p.m. to correct the spelling of breach. The man widely photographed wearing buffalo horns and fur while storming shirtless through the Capitol last week has been arrested. Jacob Anthony Chansley (aka Jake Angeli) of Arizona has been charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority. Chansley, also known as the QAnon Shaman, as also been charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, DC prosecutors have said. At least 14 more people are facing charges in the aftermath of the chaos at the US Capitol. Chansley was photographed in the US Capitol carrying a six-foot spear and wearing a horned helmet as a pro-Trump mob breached the building. Before his arrest, Chansley called police and confessed he was photographed standing at Vice President Mike Pence's chair on the Senate dais, bare-chested, face painted and carrying the spear, according to court documents. He was taken into custody on Saturday, the attorney's office said in a press release. He told authorities that he travelled to the capital with a group from Arizona, "at the request of the President that all 'patriots' come to DC," court documents say. In an interview with NBC News before his arrest, Chansley gloated about how the mob infiltrated the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to flee. The fact that we had a bunch of our traitors in office hunker down, put on their gas masks and retreat into their underground bunker, I consider that a win, he said. His arrest follows that of the man who was pictured casually sitting with his feet up on Nancy Pelosis desk during the storming of the US Capitol. Richard Barnett turned himself in to FBI agents at a sheriff's office in Bentonville, Arkansas, said FBI Little Rock spokesman Connor Hagan. Barnett was detained in jail in the Washington County Detention Center in nearby Fayetteville, Arkansas, without bond pending an initial court appearance, Mr Hagan said. Ken Kohl, the top deputy federal prosecutor in Washington, said Barnett was charged for entering Ms Pelosi's office, where he "left a note and removed some of the speaker's mail". This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Authorities have said signals from the boxes containing the cockpit voice and flight data recorders were detected between Lancang and Laki islands in the Thousand Island chain just north of Jakartas coast. Officials said they have marked a location where the sounds were being emitted from the black boxes, which detached from the tail of the aircraft when it plummeted into the sea. CLEVELAND, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown accused Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Ted Cruz of Texas of abetting insurrection, calling for their resignation and if they do not step down their expulsion from the U.S. Senate. Both @HawleyMO and @SenTedCruz have betrayed their oaths of office and abetted a violent insurrection on our democracy. I am calling for their immediate resignations. If they do not resign, the Senate must expel them. Sherrod Brown (@SenSherrodBrown) January 9, 2021 A day earlier, The Lincoln Project accused Hawley of sedition. The Lincoln Project is a Republican political action committee that actively opposed President Trumps bid for the White House. What we know for sure is that @HawleyMO would rather rule in a dictatorship than serve in a democracy. His #Sedition will not be forgotten or forgiven. pic.twitter.com/NXqj7e7f7c The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) January 8, 2021 The rare call for the political cardinal sin of sedition stems to their opposition of this weeks election-vote certification and subsequent storming of the Capitol by pro-Trump forces. Five people died. Hawley was seen giving a fist bump to protesters outside the Capitol. Hawley, 41, is the youngest member of the Senate. He served as attorney general in Missouri before being elected in 2018. Cruz, who has served in the Senate since being elected in 2012, ran for president in 2016. He defeated Trump in several primaries and was openly critical of him. He later became an ally. The Houston Chronicle also called on Cruz to resign for his challenge to the results of the 2020 presidential election. I am on cleveland.coms life and culture team and cover food, beer, wine and sports-related topics. If you want to see my stories, heres a directory on cleveland.com. Bill Wills of WTAM-1100 and I talk food and drink usually at 8:20 a.m. Thursday morning. And tune in at 8:05 a.m. Fridays for Beer with Bona and Much, Much More with Munch Bishop on 1350-AM The Gambler. Get a jumpstart on the weekend and sign up for Cleveland.coms weekly In the CLE email newsletter, your essential guide to the top things to in Greater Cleveland. It will arrive in your inbox on Friday mornings - an exclusive to-do list, focusing on the best of the weekend fun. Restaurants, music, movies, performing arts, family fun and more. Just click here to subscribe. All cleveland.com newsletters are free. Samsung is all set to announce the Galaxy S21 series later this month and like any launch, a lot of information has already leaked. The Galaxy S21 Series will sport a new design and new features that will be made official at the event. However, if you want to know what to expect from the upcoming smartphone before its release, we decided to compile all of the information available via leaks and rumours. 1. S Pen Support WinFuture Its more or less certain that the Galaxy S21 Ultra will have support for Samsungs S Pen Stylus albeit you will need to purchase the accessory separately. Covers and the S Pen itself have already leaked online which shows how storing the S Pen along with the Galaxy S21 using a cover works. Its very similar to Samsungs 2020 Tablets and will work exclusively on the S21 Ultra for now. The S Pen cannot be stored within the smartphone itself as that convenience would be reserved for the Galaxy Note series. 2. Display WinFuture The Galaxy S21 Series is expected to make a radical change this time around when it comes to the display resolution. According to leaks, the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus are expected to use 1080p AMOLED displays. Usually, Samsung uses a WQHD+ display for all of its models however that does not seem to be the case this year. The WQHD+ display is expected to be reserved for the Galaxy S21 Ultra for now. All models are expected to sport a 120Hz refresh rate panel similar to the Galaxy S20 Series. 3. No Charger In The Box Twitter_Ben Geskin It has been long rumoured that Samsung will be removing the charger from the box of the Galaxy S21 Series. The company initially made fun of Apple for removing the charger from the box however it seems like the South Korean company is following iPhone 12s strategy. Thankfully, Samsung smartphones support PD fast charging which means you can use any third-party charger for your needs. 4. Cameras Twitter_Ben Geskin The Galaxy S21 and S21 Ultra are expected to come with multiple cameras however the main attraction is going to be the 108-megapixel sensor. In addition, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor is also touted to be one of the cameras. The S21 Ultra is also said to come with a 40-megapixel sensor. 5. Different Build Quality MensXP_Akshay Bhalla Samsung is also making a radical change with the type of material the company will be using for the Galaxy S21 and S21 Plus. Both models are expected to use a polycarbonate or glastic body instead of a full metal design. Weve already seen Samsung make this transition with the Galaxy S20 FE. The more premium design will only be used for the Galaxy S21 Plus according to rumours. 6. Hardware Samsung The Galaxy S21 Plus is expected to run Samsungs own Exynos 2100 processor which could be controversial for some customers. However, rumours suggest the new processor is Samsungs answer to Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and Apples A14 Bionic chipset. We will have to see how much of a difference the new chipset will make and whether it can be a rival to the aforementioned SoCs. Other hardware specifications include dual-SIM support, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, and USB Type-C support. Samsung is also expected to end support for the microSD with the Galaxy S21 series as suggested by rumours which means customers will not be able to expand storage. 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. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Eleven international airline crew members have tested positive for COVID-19 while in transit in Victoria, making the workforce one of the highest transmission risks, the states health authorities say. Victoria recorded no new cases in the community on Sunday, but out of the six new positive cases in hotel quarantine, one was an airline crew member. The states COVID-19 response commander, Jeroen Weimar, said a total of 11 airline crew members had tested positive out of 1600 tested. Victoria introduced the mandatory testing of airline crew and quarantine in government-managed hotels on December 23. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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 View Results MOSCOW, Jan. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund) announces the registration of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus by the National Agency of Pharmaceutical Products of People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. The vaccine was registered under the emergency use authorization procedure. Sputnik V has been registered under the same procedure earlier in Argentina, Bolivia and Serbia. Supplies of the vaccine to Algeria will be facilitated by international partners of RDIF in India, China, South Korea and other countries. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said: "RDIF welcomes the first registration of Sputnik V vaccine in Africa. The supplies of the vaccine to Algeria will help protect the population and support the full recovery of economic activity". Sputnik V was registered thanks to a number of key advantages: Efficacy of Sputnik V is over 90%, with full protection against severe cases of COVID-19. The Sputnik V vaccine is based on a proven and well-studied platform of human adenoviral vectors, which cause the common cold and have been around for thousands of years. Sputnik V uses two different vectors for the two shots in a course of vaccination, providing immunity with a longer duration than vaccines using the same delivery mechanism for both shots. The safety, efficacy and lack of negative long-term effects of adenoviral vaccines have been proven by more than 250 clinical studies over two decades. Over 1.5mn people have already been vaccinated with Sputnik V. The developers of the Sputnik V vaccine are working collaboratively with AstraZeneca on a joint clinical trial to improve the efficacy of AstraZeneca vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine has been approved in Russia , Belarus , Serbia, Argentina , Bolivia , the process to approve the vaccine in the EU has been initiated. There are no strong allergies caused by Sputnik V. The storage temperature of Sputnik V at +2+8 C means it can be stored in a conventional refrigerator without any need to invest in additional cold-chain infrastructure. The price of Sputnik V is less than $10 per shot, making it affordable around the world. Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is Russia's sovereign wealth fund established in 2011 to make equity co-investments, primarily in Russia, alongside reputable international financial and strategic investors. RDIF acts as a catalyst for direct investment in the Russian economy. RDIF's management company is based in Moscow. Currently, RDIF has experience of the successful joint implementation of more than 80 projects with foreign partners totaling more than RUB2 tn and covering 95% of the regions of the Russian Federation. RDIF portfolio companies employ more than 800,000 people and generate revenues which equate to more than 6% of Russia's GDP. RDIF has established joint strategic partnerships with leading international co-investors from more than 18 countries that total more than $40 bn. Further information can be found at www.rdif.ru Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1140939/Russian_Direct_Investment_Fund_Logo.jpg SOURCE The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) On Christmas Day, they began to worry when Key went silent. Her location showed her near her mothers house, where they knew she always spent the holiday. Then her location showed her at the Chicago police station on 111th Street, according to one of her mentors, Bryant Crawl, whom she called Grandz. Maybe she was arrested, he thought, so he went to the station. Amanda Burke covers Pittsfield City Hall for The Berkshire Eagle. An Ithaca, New York native, she previously worked at The Herald News of Fall River and the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise. Find her on Twitter at @amandaburkec. Describing it as one of the darkest days in American history, President-elect Joe Biden denounced Wednesdays spectacular assault on the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. as a coup attempt fomented by Donald Trump. I wish we could say we couldnt see it coming, but that isnt true. We could see it coming, the 78-year-old Delawarean said. The last 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. He unleashed an all-out assault on the institutions of our democracy from the outset, and yesterday was but a culmination of that attack. This is not dissent, its disorder. Its chaos, he added, calling the events an unprecedented assault on the very fabric of U.S. democracy. Yet, almost at the same time as the future president was denouncing Trumps coup attempt, he was appointing Victoria Nuland the driving force behind the 2014 insurrection that overthrew the Ukrainian government of Viktor Yanukovych as his new Under Secretary for Political Affairs. Victoria Nuland was the driving force in the US-orchestrated coup in Ukraine, was caught discussing who would be installed as head of state and is the wife of Iraq war ideologue Robert Kagan. No matter who's in office, Democrat or Republican, the neocons manage to stay in power. https://t.co/NzTGbrvWtK Dan Cohen (@dancohen3000) January 5, 2021 The United States and NATO had been making overtures to Ukraine for some time before the coup, hoping that the country would become the latest post-Soviet state to fall into their fold as they continued to expand eastwards. Yanukovych, however, was in favor of steering Ukraine in a more Russia-friendly direction. The decision spurred demonstrations across the country from pro-E.U. forces. The Obama administration immediately sensed an opportunity, sending Nuland across the world to lead and support the movement, the senior diplomat rallying protestors, and was even photographed handing out cookies in the streets. Victoria Nuland, right, offers cookies to pro-EU protesters in Independence Square in Kiev, Dec. 11, 2013. Andrew Kravchenko | AP While in the West, the revolt was presented as being led by tech-savvy, forward-thinking students. In reality, most of the muscle was supplied by neo-Nazi militias who helped force through Yanukovychs downfall and continue to hold an oversized role in Ukrainian politics and society. In December, the United States and Ukraine were the only two nations to vote against a United Nations measure (passed 130-2), combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. This was done as they felt the resolution could be used to target the Ukrainian government and the U.S. continued funding of it. Leaked phone calls show that Nuland and American Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt had long conversations about who should make up the post-coup government. The events of early 2014 spooked Russia so badly that it flew troops into Crimea to annex the territory. The affair led to increasing tensions between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, and almost led to a hot war between the two nuclear-armed countries. In the end, President Obama refused to escalate tensions to that point, angering many in Washington. Among them, seemingly, was Nuland, who promises to again be a Russia Hawk. As Politico wrote this week, she has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trumps foreign policy particularly his appeasement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. In reality, however, Trump was extremely bellicose with Moscow, sanctioning the country, bombing a Russian base in Syria, and letting a number of anti-nuclear treaties expire, much to the Kremlins consternation. When the far-right storms gov't buildings where DC wants a coup, Dems call them "pro-democracy protesters," even if they hang confederate flags. Biden cheered them in Ukraine & honored some at an NED event called "From Protest to Politics: Honoring Ukraines New Democrats" pic.twitter.com/o7tAnXYvMa Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) January 6, 2021 Bidens regime change agenda While vice-president, Bidens administration also oversaw the 2009 overthrow of the democratically-elected president of Honduras, Manuel Zelaya, aiding in his ouster and replacement with a brutal military dictatorship that continues to rule the country to this day. In her memoir, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton boasted that she helped render the question of Zelaya moot. She did so by blocking action from regional bodies like the Organization of American States. Wednesdays events also resemble a number of other U.S.-planned coup detats, including that of Venezuela in 2002. With help from the American embassy in Caracas, right-wing and far-right forces marched on the Miraflores presidential palace, joining up with sympathetic military units to storm the building and capture President Hugo Chavez. In the melee, dozens of people were killed and Chavez was overthrown, replaced by a well-known businessman with no political experience. The White House immediately welcomed what it euphemistically called a change in the government. (Two days later, the coup was reversed by a huge popular uprising). In 2018 MintPress reported that many American far-right and white nationalist groups were receiving training from precisely the same Ukrainian neo-Nazis that the U.S. government had tutored. Those far-right groups were out in force at the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, VA in 2017, where they killed a counter-protester. Thus, it is eminently possible that many of those storming the Capitol Building on Wednesday were taught insurrectionary tactics from individuals trained to do so on behalf of the U.S. empire abroad, a classic case of blowback , and an event that allows Americans to experience a tiny taste of what it has wrought on the world for several decades. Feature photo | Victoria Nuland, center, watches cadets of the Ukrainian police academy receiving training from American policemen in Kiev, Ukraine, May 16, 2015. Sergei Chuzavkov | AP Alan MacLeod is a Staff Writer for MintPress News. After completing his PhD in 2017 he published two books: Bad News From Venezuela: Twenty Years of Fake News and Misreporting and Propaganda in the Information Age: Still Manufacturing Consent. He has also contributed to Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting, The Guardian, Salon, The Grayzone, Jacobin Magazine, Common Dreams the American Herald Tribune and The Canary. Hrithik Roshan, the popular Bollywood actor who is celebrating his 47th birthday today, revealed the title teaser of his next outing, Fighter. The actor took to his official social media pages to reveal the teaser, along with a touching note. Hrithik Roshan is joining hands with Deepika Padukone and director Siddharth Anand for Fighter, which is touted to be an action thriller. "It is an honour for me as an actor to introduce & be a part of Mamta & Sid Anand's FIRST PRODUCTION #Fighter for MARFLIX! This one is special as it deepens my association with a director and friend whose journey I have witnessed from being an AD on my sets to directing me in Bang Bang & War. And now as he turns producer for FIGHTER, I can't seem to contain my excitement. This one is pure adrenaline for the heart and mind. So here goes! BOOM. Thank you Sid, for believing in me & making me your co-passenger yet again. Here's to your journey towards the sky ????.", wrote Hrithik Roshan in his post. Presenting a glimpse of the MARFLIX vision as #Fighter! Looking forward to my first flight alongside the exceptional @deepikapadukone. All buckled up for this #SiddharthAnand joyride. pic.twitter.com/gaqv53xbO9 Hrithik Roshan (@iHrithik) January 10, 2021 Deepika Padukone seems to be on a film signing spree with another big film added to her kitty. The actress took to her social media sharing the asset and her caption read as, "Dreams really do come true...." While talking about the project, Siddharth Anand shared, "This is definitely one of the most exciting moments of my life to bring together two of my favourite stars, Hrithik and Deepika, for the first time to the Indian and global audience. I am thrilled to begin the journey of MARFLIX, a production house dedicated to action film making in India. I start this journey of Marflix along with my life partner Mamta Anand. Starting MARFLIX with Hrithik is special as he is someone who has seen me even working as an AD, then as director on two films and now I am not just his director but I'm also starting my production house with him." He further added, "Our vision for MARFLIX is to create THE action film production house of India. If you think of action films in India, you should think MARFLIX. That's our endeavour and we will work hard to get there. Still early days, but the journey has begun." From the highly promising title teaser, it is evident that Fighter depicts the concept of patriotism. Reportedly, the Hrithik Roshan-Deepika Padukone starrer is a stylish action thriller that is narrated in the backdrop of fighter planes. Hrithik Roshan is said to be playing the role of a fighter pilot in the movie, while Deepika Padukone's character is yet to be revealed. The movie, which is bankrolled by the banner Marflix, is slated to be released on September 30, 2022. Also Read: Happy Birthday Hrithik Roshan: When The Superstar Left Us In Awe With His Transformation In Films Hrithik Roshan's New Year 2021 Bash: Superstar Dances To Ek Pal Ka Jeena Song & It's A Treat For All Fans! Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session 140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt World oil prices falling Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 Watertown, NY (13601) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 63F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session 140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt World oil prices falling Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 12:56:14|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close The Joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team conducts a search operation at the plane crash site of the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 in the waters of Lancang Island, Jan. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) Indonesian naval ship KRI Rigela equipped with a remote-operated vehicle, which arrived at the search location at 3 a.m. local time on Sunday, detected a signal possibly from the crashed Sriwijaya Air plane. JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said on Sunday that a naval ship deployed to search for the Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed into the waters off Jakarta has caught a signal at the crash site. Tjahjanto said naval ship KRI Rigela equipped with a remote-operated vehicle, which arrived at the search location at 3 a.m. local time on Sunday, detected the signal possibly from the aircraft. "Based on the results of monitoring, and according to the coordinates given from the last contact, it is strongly suspected that there was a signal from the plane," he said at the Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) at North Jakarta's Tanjung Priok seaport. The Joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team conducts a search operation at the plane crash site of the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 in the waters of Lancang Island, Jan. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) He added that a team of divers would be deployed to search for the ill-fated plane in the area. The Boeing 737-500 aircraft, flying from the capital Jakarta to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province on Saturday afternoon, crashed into the Java Sea off the Seribu District in north of Jakarta. It was carrying 50 passengers, including seven children and three babies, and 12 crew members. A high school teacher in Largo, Florida was arrested on Wednesday after she sprayed disinfectant on four students for not wearing their masks properly. Teacher Sprayed Disinfectant to Students A 51-year-old high school teacher in Largo, Florida woke up behind bars on Thursday after she was arrested on Wednesday for spraying disinfectants on her four students for not wearing properly their masks. Authorities identified the teacher as Christina Reszetar. According to Breitbart, the police report stated the teacher told her four students to wear their masks properly but they refused to do it. After it, she sprayed her students with aerosol disinfectant into the path of their faces and bodies. Read also: Mexican Girl Abused by Parents Dies in ICU After Begging Doctors Not to Heal Her On the same day, the teacher was escorted from school and booked into the Pinellas County Jail. Reszetar appeared before a judge on Thursday and is now facing four counts of child abuse. She told the judge she teaches Learning Disabled Math at Largo High School and has been a teacher for 21 years. In a recently published article in WFLA News Channel, the said incident was caught on camera but the teacher told the judge the video will show those allegations are not true. Meanwhile, one of her neighbors said "I don't think it was the right thing to do. Teachers have to be under a lot of pressure right now with the virus," She also added she knew what students and their families feel but she also said that the arrest was excessive. A Pinellas County School District spokeswoman told the news outlet WFLA that Reszetar is still employed. However, the district said they could not give or release any official statement as of this time because it is still an open investigation with the Largo Police Department. Read also: [VIDEO] Native American Man Who Came to Pray in Sacred Grounds Tasered by Park Ranger Judge Released the Teacher From the Jail Meanwhile, the judge said on Thursday, "I think I can fairly characterize this as a severely misguided attempt at discipline." Since the teacher has no any prior criminal records, the judge decided to release the teacher from the jail without bond. Though the states asked for a higher bond but this request was denied. The judge asked the teacher if she will hire a lawyer to represent her but Reszetar said she will not be able to afford even one lawyer because of the size of her salary. A news outlet tried to reach out to the Pinellas County School District for a copy of the surveillance camera but they have not received any response. They also reached out to the Pinellas County Teachers Association for their opinion about the incident but they said that they are not in the position to give comments because she is not a member of their association. It was also clarified that the proceedings of the case will go on if the state decides to move forward with the charges against her. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. One of the main investment strategies that I have used on my way to financial freedom is dividend investing. In this strategy, I buy companies that have a history of paying dividends, but more importantly dividend increases. In order for a company to pay a steady, sustainable growing dividend, they need to have a strong business model and, as a result, they typically become a large company (or a large market cap company). In other words, strong and established dividend stocks are typically blue chip stocks. For my Canadian dividend portfolio, I essentially own the largest blue-chip stocks in Canada that pay a dividend. In addition to their history of dividend growth, I like companies that have a strong competitive advantage and have a moat or monopoly-like presence in their sector. I also like to diversify my positions across sectors, as described in my post on how to build a dividend portfolio. While I do like dividend stocks in my portfolio, I tend to avoid owning companies just for their high yield. I tend to own companies in the 2-5% dividend yield range, but thats not to say that I avoid high yielders completely, Im just a little more cautious around those. Rather than building a portfolio solely on dividend yield, it helps to diversify the portfolio across sectors and geography. So what are my favourite Canadian dividend stocks sorted by sector? See below for my listing of stocks, and you may notice that some are very similar to a recent post on Best Canadian Dividend Stocks. Canadas Top 38 Dividend Growth Stocks (Ten Years or More Dividend Increases and including all the best blue chip companies) Click below to find all the new additions to our previous list of top Canadian stocks now updated for 2021! The following have been handpicked for their ability to face the economic lockdown and thrive going forward. Get The List on Dividend Stocks Rock Also, note that the positions below have a Canadian bias, its recommended to diversify by picking up US and international positions. Remember that Canada represents only 3-4% of the global stock market, and highly concentrated in a few sectors. Personally, I typically use an index ETF (like iShares XAW) or an all in one ETF, to diversify my portfolio with international exposure. One more thing, not all of the positions below perfectly fit the criteria that I listed previously. So best to use this list as a starting point for your research. Picking one stock per sector (sorted by size), here are my favourite Canadian blue-chip dividend stocks: Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) Sector : Financials : Financials Notes : Financial stocks have faced some challenges since 2008, but Canadian banks are as resilient as ever due again to no outside competition. TD Bank is #2 in size next to Royal Bank which is also a favorite of mine (could have put either one here). : Financial stocks have faced some challenges since 2008, but Canadian banks are as resilient as ever due again to no outside competition. TD Bank is #2 in size next to Royal Bank which is also a favorite of mine (could have put either one here). Market Cap : $130B : $130B Dividend Streak of increases : 9 years : 9 years Current Yield: 4.88% Canadian National Railway (CNR) Sector : Industrials : Industrials Notes : This company is up there amongst my favourite dividend stocks due to its large moat. It would be onerous for another company to build railways and compete directly with CNR. Although the yield is a little lower than the other picks on this list, they have a long history of increases (24 years) and more to come! : This company is up there amongst my favourite dividend stocks due to its large moat. It would be onerous for another company to build railways and compete directly with CNR. Although the yield is a little lower than the other picks on this list, they have a long history of increases (24 years) and more to come! Market Cap : $99B : $99B Dividend Streak of increases : 23 years : 23 years Current Yield: 1.64% Enbridge (ENB) Sector : Energy : Energy Notes : Energy stocks have certainly faced some challenges over the past several years. However, companies that own pipelines charge a fee for use, and often negotiate longer-term contracts. So its almost like owning a toll road and get paid regardless of the economy. If you would like more exposure in this sector, another consideration is Transcanada. : Energy stocks have certainly faced some challenges over the past several years. However, companies that own pipelines charge a fee for use, and often negotiate longer-term contracts. So its almost like owning a toll road and get paid regardless of the economy. If you would like more exposure in this sector, another consideration is Transcanada. Market Cap : $82B : $82B Dividend Streak of increases : 23 years : 23 years Current Yield: 8.2% Alimentation Couche-Tard (ATD.B) Sector : Consumer : Consumer Notes : Couche-Tard is a multi-national convenience store owner-operator with 15k stores spread over Canada, US, Mexico, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia. Although margins can be slim with these types of stores, they take advantage of supply chain scale and volume sales. Their strategy is growth through acquisition. : Couche-Tard is a multi-national convenience store owner-operator with 15k stores spread over Canada, US, Mexico, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia. Although margins can be slim with these types of stores, they take advantage of supply chain scale and volume sales. Their strategy is growth through acquisition. Market Cap : $48B : $48B Dividend Streak of increases : 10 years : 10 years Current Yield: 0.81% Telus (T) Sector : Communications : Communications Notes : For telecom/communications in Canada, there are a few choices to consider namely BCE, Telus and Rogers. My preference is with the larger companies BCE and Telus, but if choosing between the two, I like Telus due to their expansion into the health sector. Also, dont forget that telecom companies in Canada currently have a monopoly resulting in a large barrier of entry for new companies. : For telecom/communications in Canada, there are a few choices to consider namely BCE, Telus and Rogers. My preference is with the larger companies BCE and Telus, but if choosing between the two, I like Telus due to their expansion into the health sector. Also, dont forget that telecom companies in Canada currently have a monopoly resulting in a large barrier of entry for new companies. Market Cap : $32B : $32B Dividend Streak of increases : 15 years : 15 years Current Yield: 4.88% Fortis (FTS) Sector : Utilities : Utilities Notes : This is not only one of my favourite utility stocks, this could be my favourite dividend stock in Canada! With dividend increases every year over the last 46 years, their steady eddy business model is easy to support and hold over the long term. : This is not only one of my favourite utility stocks, this could be my favourite dividend stock in Canada! With dividend increases every year over the last 46 years, their steady eddy business model is easy to support and hold over the long term. Market Cap : $24B : $24B Dividend Streak of increases : 46 years : 46 years Current Yield: 3.84% Canadian Apartment Properties REIT (CAR.UN) Sector : Real Estate : Real Estate Notes : Canada doesnt have a large REIT presence, but of the few quality listings available, CAR is among my favourites (and also the largest in Canada). As their company name suggests, they own apartments across Canada, but surprisingly also units in the Netherlands and Ireland. : Canada doesnt have a large REIT presence, but of the few quality listings available, CAR is among my favourites (and also the largest in Canada). As their company name suggests, they own apartments across Canada, but surprisingly also units in the Netherlands and Ireland. Market Cap : $8.55B : $8.55B Dividend Streak of increases : 8 years : 8 years Current Yield: 2.76% Enghouse Systems Limited (ENGH) Sector : Technology : Technology Notes : Although ENGH isnt quite a blue-chip stock, they are one of the few technology companies in Canada that pay a steady and growing dividend. Although not a sexy company like Shopify (currently the largest company in Canada), their business focuses on enterprise-level software solutions in the areas of remote work, visual computing, and communications. : Although ENGH isnt quite a blue-chip stock, they are one of the few technology companies in Canada that pay a steady and growing dividend. Although not a sexy company like Shopify (currently the largest company in Canada), their business focuses on enterprise-level software solutions in the areas of remote work, visual computing, and communications. Market Cap : $3.41B : $3.41B Dividend Streak of increases : 13 years : 13 years Current Yield: 0.88% Disclaimer: This post of for informational purposes only. In addition, I have positions in each of the companies listed in this post. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. 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. 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. An elected Bay Area Republican official is facing calls to resign after posting on Facebook supporting the pro-Trump riot at the Capitol building that left five dead and the nation shaken. Santa Clara County Republican Party Central Committee Member Phil Reynolds wrote a series of incendiary posts Wednesday about the violent mob of Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol building in an attempt to overturn the presidential election. "The war has begun! Citizens take arms! FREEDOM SHALL PREVAIL!!! WE MUST DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION TO THE DEATH!" Reynolds wrote. "Drum roll please: Civil war or No civil war?" he also posted Wednesday. The central committee is the governing body of the Santa Clara County Republican Party, and Reynolds is an elected representative for District 4. His social media comments are being condemned by Silicon Valley Democrats, some of whom are now demanding his resignation. "Will you denounce the violence one of your members incited, @svgop?" tweeted Democratic Assemblymember Evan Low. "This is an elected #Republican official here in Santa Clara County calling for civil war. Resign now. Enough!" Low's call was echoed by Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg and California Assemblymember Marc Berman. "I fervently denounce this sentiment & am dismayed to see it expressed by an elected official in our County, our district," Ellenberg wrote on Twitter. "I call on the @svgop to hold to account this incitement of violence & demand his resignation." While Reynolds has deleted the post calling on citizens to "take arms," his Facebook feed is filled with other violent rhetoric and both election and COVID misinformation. In one post, he says "Trump won California! Please prove me wrong with a full vote count audit!" (Biden won California with over 5 million more votes than Trump.) Two recent reposts read: Thanks for the $600 Nancy. Its just enough for 80 million angry patriots to buy a decent hand gun and All pedophiles need 3 shots! 2 in the chest and 1 in the head." Reynolds also posted photos of himself at a January "stop the steal" rally in Los Gatos, an event for Trump supporters who believe the election was "stolen" from Trump. There is no credible evidence of widespread voter fraud in the presidential election; election officials have affirmed the legitimacy of Joe Biden's win, and Trump's legal team has lost challenge after challenge attempting to overturn the results. Reynolds told San Jose Spotlight he does not regret his comments. "My blood boils when I hear anything anti-American. Im not a violent person and I dont ever want to incite violence Im not taking it back," he said. "I spoke my piece at the time." He told KGO he does not intend on resigning from his position. "I spoke from the heart," he said. "I was emotional and I'm not retracting comments, it did not incite violence." The Santa Clara County Republican Party has not commented on Reynolds' posts, but it did issue a blanket condemnation of "mob rule" Saturday. "We were clear that what we saw at the Capitol was abhorrent," the group wrote on Twitter. "We categorically repudiate political violence &, by extension, any who call for political violence and mob rule. We are a republic of laws, elections, and constitutional processes. We work things out w/speech & voting." A Vietnam Airlines aircraft is seen on an apron at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen. Vietnam will limit inbound flights from now until the Lunar New Year holiday as new variants of the novel coronavirus spread faster in many countries. Only necessary flights with approval from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Transport can enter the country, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Saturday. After the holiday, which falls February 10-16, the transport ministry will study the possibility of resuming international flights, but limitations will still continue, the PM said. Vietnam stopped commercial flights carrying experts and workers last month and allowed only repatriation flights as the Covid-19 situation got intense globally with a new variant spreading from the U.K. On January 5, the government suspended flights from countries and territories with the new variants, starting with the U.K. and South Africa. All entrants have to go through a 14-day mandatory quarantine except for cases determined differently by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since Vietnam suspended inbound international flights late March, the government has organized over 260 repatriation flights to bring Vietnamese citizens back from 59 countries and territories, according to the foreign ministry. Vietnam announced to resume commercial flight routes with six countries and territories - China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Laos and Cambodia - in September last year but does not allow inbound flights, apart from special flights to bring experts in. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Since the world heard the news of Ravi Zacharias indiscretions and that of Carl Lentzs, it has been easy for us to throw stones, hasnt it? Give it some thought. How often has it come up around the holiday table or in phone conversations or text chats? It has for me. Until I spoke to a young minister who cared deeply for Zacharias yet wasnt shaken by the news I bore. He said he came to understand a simple truth long ago. We are all Ravi Zacharias. We are all Carl Lentz. Today its them. Tomorrow it will be him or me or you. He told me that part of him thinks it makes us feel better to gab about the newest Christian leader who has fouled up big time. As if to say, at least they are not after me. I was shaken by the realization. Is that what we are feeling inside?Im glad its not me. But, what if it were? What if it were your name splashed across websites and Christian gossip columns? Youd have a different opinion on the matter. What if the media or the church elders knew about your secret abortion, your homosexual thoughts, your med school cheat sheet or your roll in the hay with the choir director. The truth is, friends, our attention on scandals such as these in the Christian church does nothing for us. In fact, its only making a case for our own guilt. We all know that there is therefore now no condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus. But we dont believe it enough especially now that weve seen news break about a late Christian apologist and a mega-church leader falling into sin. But, we are all on trial here, cant you see that? I dont care how many sexual trysts he had or how many jewelry store owners he slept with, all these news articles and gossip do is magnify OUR sin. And when sin is magnified or outed in the lives of our fellow saints, Christian leaders no less, it has ONE effect. It encourages me to hide my sin all the more. Is that the culture of Christianity that we hope to perpetuate? Dont confess sins one to another. Nah, thats for the birds. Instead, just dont get caught. For the record, the more we continue to spread the news of scandals like this, the more we deter people from actually wanting to follow Christ. Why? Well, if the Christian life is all about being scrutinized, why would I ever want to be a part of something like that? Especially if Im unchurched and have a crapload of things that Im struggling with like Justin Bieber did. If I come to church without getting those things fixed, it sounds a lot like theyd do to me what they do to the new kid in the cafeteria on his first day of school roast me. When we brandish each others mistakes in the public eye, we are no better than the Pharisees. Thats what they did. Going about all the city pulling out the law and performing a stick-measuring contest with other believers. Pastor Ravi Zacharias, why didnt you fulfill the law? Pastor Carl Lentz, you fell way short, how shameful! If this is truly what the Christian walk is about, that sucks because no one can fulfill the law. No, not one. Everyone has fallen short, am I right? So, why are we expecting everyone to be good enough? Why are we expecting everyone to be awesome and holy and special and perfect ALL THE TIME? Of course youre thinking were supposed to hold preachers and teachers to higher standards, right? But, I ask, a simple question and I need a simple answer. What if we were them? We are ALL ministers but we love discussing these leaders mess-ups. But what would we do if our momentary indiscretions or our present-day slip-ups were put on front-street for all to see and hear? Are we not all humans, susceptible to the EXACT same temptations as Zacharias and Lentz? We should not magnify the sin. We should magnify the God who is still working on us and still saving us. Just as he is still working on their case and their behalf, he is still working on my case and on my behalf. Saints, the folly of someone else should not be our joy. All that were doing is putting more and more guilt on ourselves. And, I cant carry that weight. Our little mistakes and our little sinsthe ones that we do behind closed doors, Im not willing or ready to have them spoken about in public. Take a hard, long look at your own issues. What if the Christian stick-measuring committee were to find them and put them out into the world? Would you want your fellow Christians to relish your failure? I would not. Heres my advice, Christians. The law disqualifies you, your mother, your father, your brother and your sister. Embrace the fact that you are going to sin and you are going to make mistakes. Embrace the fact that your neighbor, your pastor and your parent will sin and make mistakes. Think before you attempt to spread gossip about someone elses failing. Show mercy. Extend grace. The same grace you want from your Father in heaven. I mean, if you only give them the amount of grace you gave Donald Trump, that would be a start. Sorry! This content is not available in your region New Delhi, Jan 10 : Union Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey has recovered from Covid-19 after contracting the virus last month. He was being treated at AIIMS trauma centre. In a tweet in Hindi on Sunday, Choubey thanked his well-wishers, saying "thanks to all from the depths of my heart for wishing prompt recovery and boosting my morale from various areas of the country when I was recuperating from the disease. I am completely free from infection. Thanks to Dr Randeep Guleria Ji and AIIMS family for medical and counseling." Pankaj Mishra, media advisor to the minister, informed that Choubey's corona test was done again on Saturday in which the result has come negative. Choubey was declared Covid positive last month after he underwent a test when he felt initial symptoms of coronavirus infection on December 28. Later, the minister urged everyone who came in contact with him to get tested for the disease. Symptoms of Covid-19 surfaced after the minister returned from a three-day Bihar tour in the fourth week of December. The report came positive and he was later admitted to AIIMS Trauma Center on December 30. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-11 00:49:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese foreign ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Sunday strongly condemned and firmly opposed the blatant violation of international law and the basic norms of international relations and interference in Hong Kong's affairs and China's internal affairs by some politicians of U.S. and other Western countries. The remarks came in response to a so-called joint statement issued by the politicians from U. S. and other Western countries, commenting on the arrest by the Hong Kong police of a number of anti-China elements in accordance with the law. The spokesperson for the office said that the 53 arrested persons were blatantly plotting to paralyze the HKSAR government and were suspected of crimes of subversion of state power stipulated in Article 22 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR. These people are by no means the so-called "democratic activists" as whitewashed and beautified by the politicians, but criminals suspected of subverting state power and seriously endangering national security, the spokesperson said, adding that no one has the right or freedom to endanger national security or to be above the law. The Hong Kong police took actions in accordance with the law to protect the majority of law-abiding people to better exercise their rights and freedoms and to effectively protect national security, social stability and social peace in Hong Kong. The spokesperson said that it is a typical double standard for these politicians who choose not to mention their own national security legislation, but repeatedly and viciously attack the national security law in Hong Kong. This shows that the national security law in Hong Kong has mended the loopholes in tackling the collusion between external forces and anti-China elements, who undermined Hong Kong's stable development. Gone are the days when internal and external anti-China and anti-Hong Kong forces tried to do whatever they wanted in Hong Kong and endangered national security, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson stressed that China is a country under the rule of law and Hong Kong is a society under the rule of law. The office firmly supports the HKSAR government in its administration according to law and the police in strictly enforcing the law to promote the steady and far-reaching development of "one country, two systems" under the protection of the national security law in Hong Kong. The office urged these politicians to recognize history and reality, abide by international law and the basic norms of international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs. Enditem The last step in the long journey to adopt a child through the foster care system is the courtroom finalization. Though mostly a formality, its traditionally provided an important opportunity for loved ones to gather and pose for pictures as a judge blesses the creation of a new forever family with a smack of the gavel. But, like so many other things in the Covid-19 era, this tradition has gone virtual. We finalized our adoption over the phone, said Celeste Scott, who last May adopted her three youngest children who were 4, 5 and 6 when they first came to live with her in the spring of 2019. We didnt even do a Zoom. It was kind of anticlimactic. Still, Scott, of The Dalles, Ore., knows she is fortunate to have finalized the adoptions at all. If she lived elsewhere in the country, she could very well still be waiting. The pandemic has created new challenges in the foster care system and exacerbated old ones creating delays in placements and adoptions and forcing some older youth to exit the system amid a public health and economic crisis. The response, moreover, hasnt been uniform across the country, or nearly fast enough, say child welfare advocates. The child welfare system is extremely complex and can vary widely by state, and even by county, said Celeste Bodner, executive director and founder of FosterClub, an advocacy organization for foster youth. Each of these systems is navigating the pandemic on its own, meaning the experience of a child in one county can be completely different from the one right next to it. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Gov. Tate Reeves said Friday that the coronavirus vaccine rollout is not going fast enough in Mississippi. He said officials are working behind the scenes to eliminate roadblocks so more people can get vaccinated quickly. The Republican governor said the state is planning to double the number of sites where people can be vaccinated in the coming days and double the appointment capacity of those sites, as well as the number of days they are open. If you want a vaccine, you should have quick, simple access, Reeves said. Government logistics should not stand in your way. Mississippi set up 18 drive-through sites for vaccinations, which opened for healthcare workers on Monday and individuals 75 and over on Wednesday. Around 7,600 coronavirus vaccinations were administered at drive-thru vaccination sites in the state this week, said State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. However, residents said the process has not been as smooth as they would like. Online appointments were filling up quickly; calls to the hotline to make appointments were backed up; some said they were not able to make appointments after waiting or they had to make appointments in counties far from where they live. Tina Herrington, 76, of Jackson, told The Associated Press there were no appointments available in or near Mississippi's capital city when she went to sign up a few days ago. The only appointment she could get was more than 80 miles away in Greenwood. Herrington said she cant drive an hour and 40 minutes at her age, adding her caretaker will need to give her a ride to the appointment. I cant make it that far on my own, she said. I dont know what else to do. I dont understand why I couldnt get one around here in Jackson sooner. It was going to be weeks and weeks before I could even get it anywhere near Jackson. Reeves said the goal is to increase the number of appointments available at drive-thru sites in a week from 8,000 to 30,000. More than 170 private clinics and community health centers have also signed up to vaccinate patients. Dobbs said the names of those facilities will be posted on the Department of Health's website. To help ramp up its efforts, Mississippi will receive close to $200 million from the federal government as part of a recently passed pandemic relief package for coronavirus testing and vaccinations. The state is to receive $171.3 million for testing and $26.8 million for vaccinations, Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said. The relief package was approved by Congress last month. In a statement Friday, Hyde-Smith said the cash influx will help control this virus. We all recognize ongoing stress caused by the coronavirus pandemic on our hospitals, health workers, and importantly the lives of all Mississippians," Hyde-Smith said. The state Health Department reported Friday that Mississippi had 2,175 new confirmed cases of the highly contagious virus as of Thursday evening. The department also reported 40 deaths Friday, with 26 of them happening between Dec. 16 and Thursday. The state has reported nearly 233,665 cases of the virus and 5,101 deaths from it since the start of the pandemic. People eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine can make an appointment at COVIDvaccine.umc.edu or by calling the COVID call center at 1-877-978-6453. Casualty Airlifted to Nobles Hospital After Marine Drive RTC There was major turnout of the Island's emergency services after a road traffic incident at Marine Drive near Keristal this afternoon. HM Coastguard has told Energy FM News that their assistance was requested by the Manx authorities just after 4pm. A rescue helicopter from Caernarfon in Wales arrived just before 5pm. Douglas RNLI was also launched to attend the scene. The press office at the UK's Martime and Coastguard Agency told Energy FM News, that a casualty was being airlifted to Nobles Hospital. There has been no release of information from Manx emergency services at this point in time. (20:30hrs) Washington: US President Donald Trump spoke to Saudi Arabias King Salman and called for a united Gulf Cooperation Council to fight terrorism and promote stability in the region, amid deepening diplomatic crisis in Qatar. Both the leaders discussed ways to prevent terror financing and eliminate extremism by any country in region, the White House said on Tuesday. During the phone call, Trump underscored that a united Gulf Cooperation Council is critical to defeating terrorism and promoting regional stability, the White House said. The White House statement came a day after Saudi Arabia and three other Arab countries - Egypt, Bahrain and the UAE, cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar. In a tweet, early morning Trump apparently supported the actions of four Arab countries to cut off diplomatic relationship with Qatar. The US continues to be in close communication with all the parties to resolve the issues and restore cooperation which is so important to regional security there, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters. I think there is note that his message of toughness on terror finance and extremism is being heeded by countries in the region. But the US still wants to see this issue de-escalated and resolved immediately, keeping with the principles that the president laid out in terms of defeating terror financing and extremism, he said. ALSO READ: Gulf row: Qatar's foreign minister calls for calm as diplomatic crisis spirals Spicer said Trump had a very, very constructive conversation with the Emir of Qatar during his visit in Riyadh. At that time, he was very heartened by the Emirs commitment to formally join the terrorist financing targeting centre and showing their commitment to this issue, he said. At a separate briefing, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said the US recognises that Qatar has made some great efforts to try to stop financing of terror groups, including prosecuting suspected financiers, freezing assets, and introducing stringent controls on its banking system there. However, let me make this clear: They have made progress, but they still have work to do. More work needs to be done, she said. I think our relationship with Qatar is one thats strong. Its one that we continue to cooperate with Qatar and other countries in the region in the fight against terrorism. Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson talked about this today, she added. He said every country in the region has their own obligations and they need to live up to terminate their support for terrorism and extremism however it manifests itself anywhere in the world,she said. Nauert praised Qatar for its role in fight against terrorism. The US and its coalition, were grateful to the Qataris for their longstanding support of our presence there in that nation. They have helped to provide us with an enduring commitment to regional security. The Department of Defense has talked about this, she said. We have no plans to change our posture in Qatar and we would encourage all of our partners to try to work together to reduce tensions. Thats something that the Secretary spoke to as well, Nauert said in response to a question. ALSO READ: Oil prices surge around 1 percent amid Saudi Arabia, major crude exporters in Middle East severing ties with Qatar For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. One of the recent mutations of the COVID-19 is the South Africa variant virus, which is expected by scientists. One concern is the changes in the virus that might bypass measures to isolate it. South Africa Variant Virus and What to Know About This Strain According to Dr. Richard Lessells, an infectious disease expert studying this latest strain of Sars-COV-2 stating viruses are expected to mutate and adapt to survive. The South African strain is not mutating rapidly as it moves from host to host more efficiently. The 501Y.V2 detected in other countries besides where it originated from six countries like U.K., France, Switzerland, Japan, Austria, and Zambia have cases already told the World Health Organization. In contrast, the UK variant is more prevalent in 40 nations, reported ABC News. One of the problems with the spread of the new strains of b.1.1.7 covid/ 501Y.V2 (501.V2) is that it escapes monitoring in most countries. It necessitates a comprehensive system that is non-existent. It allows the new strain more chances to infect more hosts. One hope is genome sequencing, which gives clues to it. Genome of the South African Strain They called the 501Y.V2 detected during investigations in viral mutations in South African labs. Technician unearthed the mutated strain in 200 samples taken from 50 labs. Lessell's said that it had several adaptations or mutations that changed how well it attacked host cells. At least 20 mutations in the genome were detected during detections. Changes were seen at the hook part and the spike proteins of the virus. It has yet to be verified how well the South Africa Variant Virus allows takeover of the host cell by piercing its cell membrane. Also read: South African COVID Variant May Have Evolved New Spike Protein to Bypass Immune System One of the advantages of the 501Y variant is improving the virus's chances to multiply by infecting more viruses. More evidence points to the UK, and South African strains have better ways to spread and surface but need larger studies. It might not cause several symptoms, but one fear is that a virus that infects hosts faster and spreads faster. This means more people infected and more cases, which can stress health resources more. These changes need to be studied and addressed to lessen fears about the strain. Daniel Bridges, a Zambia-based public health researcher at the nonprofit PATH, said that the 501Y variant could be dangerous. Studies are still needed to determine it. Bridges said a slight increase in spreading the virus versus a similar number of deaths compared to average virulence and same case number. This means more death by comparison. How well will vaccines hold up against improve viral mutations More vaccines are introduced into the market but can it foster immunity to 501Y.V2, Lessell's answers that the antibodies might not work. Vaccines that cannot stop the strain will be no more than a placebo. Having more vaccines might work, but no guarantee it will be sufficient. If only one works, it will be good enough that it will be better with less efficacy. What's next for 501Y.V2? Claims of efficacy by Pfizer and the University of Texas Medical Branch testing said it might be useful it should be. There need to be more extensive studies to verify it. The South Africa variant virus still has to be studied, comparing how it reacts to natural antibodies or vaccines. Related article: PfizerBioNTech Vaccine Claims It Can Work Against the New Coronavirus Variants @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. POS8 Limited, the owner of on-premises food and drink order-and-pay application Fetch, has merged with Norse Starlit Limited, which owns the Irish food-ordering app Bamboo. POS8 Limited, the owner of on-premises food and drink order-and-pay application Fetch, has merged with Norse Starlit Limited, which owns the Irish food-ordering app Bamboo. Last year, Bamboo was saved by a group of its original investors after liquidators were appointed in early May. The app, launched in 2018, has around 150 restaurants in Galway, Dublin and Cork using its food-ordering product, enabling customers to order ahead for a contactless pickup. The company behind the Bamboo app fell into difficulty in April when many partners closed due to the pandemic and a "financial event" fell through. During the restructuring period, a group of the original investors, led by Andrew Connolly - the managing director of Morgan McKinley's Toronto Office - acquired the app. The company behind Fetch, which launched in 2020, didn't disclose the value of the transaction. It said the acquisition "accelerates our global expansion goals and enhances our service offerings to venue partners and customers". According to a statement, the merger of the two applications will bring new features and functionality for venues and customers. It will be able to offer on-premises ordering and dining services through the merger. Jason Jefferys, who is the co-founder and chief executive of Fetch, said the deal would help to enhance its offering to its customer base. "When looking at competitors in Ireland, only one stood out for its level of customer care, and that was Bamboo," he said. "Since this is the most important thing for us here at Fetch, merging with them was easy, and I'm pleased to announce that we're keeping the entire team together. "Now for the fun part, introducing Bamboo's clients - and the rest of Ireland's restaurants, pubs and bars - to technology and features that only last year were considered science fiction." Bamboo's Connolly said the merger came at an essential time for the Irish hospitality industry. "The Bamboo team is very excited to join forces with Fetch and we look forward to rolling out some exciting technology to our loyal customers in the coming months," he said. "Our eagerness to make a deal with Fetch was founded in the belief that we need to support the Irish Hospitality sector even more after a difficult 2020 and in our opinion, we have found the right partner as their experienced team and unique technology will really please customers." Fetch includes Carson Booth as its chief operating officer, who was previously the global vice -president of property technology at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. It also counts Benvolio Panzarella, who was previously a general manager for JUST EAT. Close A robotic astrobiologist started a voyage to a distant planet in July 2020. NASA's Perseverance rover, scheduled to arrive on the Red Planet by February 2021, is already en route to Mars. The project is being undertaken for seven years and will allow unparalleled exploration of Mars, which could have housed life billions of years ago. What's Perseverance going to do on Mars? Perseverance aims to search for answers to ancient existence on Mars. These hints may help scientists understand the planet's past, speculated to have once been a humid, habitable environment. Martian samples would also be gathered by the rover, stowing them away for a possible Earth trip. Here's how the robot, the equivalent of one Martian year, would go on its long journey to Mars. 1. Perseverance Will Land in the Jezero Crater The Jezero Crater, a 500-meter deep crater situated in a basin just north of the Martian equator, is Perseverance's landing site. Formerly host to a lake estimated to have dried out 3.5 to 3.8 billion years ago, Jezero Crater making it an excellent destination for searching for prehistoric, microscopic life that may once have lived on Mars. 2. Seven Minutes of Terror Experts called the Perseverance rover's arrival and landing on Mars the "seven minutes of terror." That's how long it takes for the rover to get to the surface from the Martian atmosphere's top. It also takes the team an extra 14 minutes to obtain a signal from the Mars rover, given that there is a gap since Mars is millions of miles distant. 3. Perseverance Looking for Ancient Microbial Existence While on Mars, the rover would search for evidence of habitability on the Martian surface and past microbial existence, capturing rock and soil samples and putting them aside for that planet's first-ever sample return mission. Using a convenient drill mounted to the robot's arm can gather at least 20 samples from Mars. The rock samples would be deposited in tubes on the Martian surface in a well-identified position and leave there to be returned to Earth. 4. Perseverance Doesn't Go Through It All Alone Perseverance is not venturing on its own to Mars. The Ingenuity helicopter would hit the rover for a flight, enabling NASA to evaluate its capacity to operate a helicopter for the first time on a world other than Earth. Ingenuity will fly solo in a sequence of test flights after it detaches itself from the rover. 5. Perseverance Has a Top-of-the-Line Toolset A highly trained team of detectives is onboard the rover: equipment such as SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Areas with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals) and WATSON, Operations Large Angle Topographic Sensor and e-Engineering platform. In Martian soil, they'll search for tiny hints. 6. Perseverance Lays Groundwork For Human Discovery The project would also evaluate requirements for future human colonization of Mars by examining the Martian atmosphere's system of producing oxygen, characterizing environmental conditions such as Martian water and dust, and searching for resources. On February 18, 2021, Perseverance will arrive on Mars. It will follow the rover Curiosity, which came on Mars in August 2012 and roam the Red Planet today. ALSO READ: SpaceX Nailed Rocket Landing After Sending Massive Radio Satellite to Sirius XM Check out more news and information on Space on Science Times. Lexie Brown wouldnt describe herself as shy, but she was, once upon a time, a private person. She was, somewhat, a traditionalist as well. And yet shes found herself the centre of a reality television dating show, the leading woman of New Zealands second season of The Bachelorette. In her first interview as the bachelorette, Lexie tells Stuff she applied for the programme as a bit of a joke upon returning to New Zealand in the shadow of the global pandemic after five years living abroad. Once it became a serious possibility, I really thought about it as it presented itself as an opportunity to have loads of fun, go on new adventures and have a small chance of actually meeting someone, says Lexie. Lexie had been living in Canada at the start of 2020, but the uncertainty of Covid-19 pulled her back to Aotearoa. During her five years away, Lexie worked in marketing in England, nannied in France, taught English in Japan, and snowboarded in Canada. I love travelling, I love adventure, I loved living overseas. But I was always going to come home, I really want to raise a Kiwi family and live a Kiwi life. Coming home was always on the cards, but I guess it was a little earlier because of the pandemic, says Lexie. Filming for The Bachelorette finished before 2020 came to an end. Since then, Lexie has been travelling New Zealand. She spoke to Stuff shortly after arriving at her family home at Ohope in the Bay of Plenty. For much of her time back in New Zealand, Lexie had been living in Wellington where her mum and two brothers are based. She is from Ngati Raukawa, Horowhenua. For Lexie, whanau and fun play major parts of her life. And she hopes the same goes for any future love match. The key thing that draws me to people is a sense of adventure, someone whos Kiwi and can have a laugh. I also really value my family, says Lexie. When it comes to home visits, which happen later in the Bachelorette season, she said the remaining men were met with not just the brothers and parents. My family is the opposite of nuclear, which I love. What I consider close family is wide reaching in other peoples eyes. So, home visits on the show are very different. Lexie Brown returned to New Zealand in 2020 under the cloud of the global pandemic. Photo: Supplied. Although Lexie had experience working in brand and marketing jobs, she says she had never gone through anything like this. Her Instagram account had about 600 followers before the show went to air. It's expected that will balloon as viewers get to know her. In the months before the show went to air, Lexie had gone through her Instagram and posted snapshots of her life. She had, before that clean-up of her account, not posted anything for five years. But she says she had never tried to cultivate an online brand for herself, preferring to meet people in real life. Unusually, for someone about to try and find love on television, Lexie had never tried Tinder, or any other form of online dating before now. Some people live online and define a lot of worth in their online presence, but I try to live in real life. Going from only meeting people in real life, to dating on a reality show and turning her private life into public television was going from one extreme to the other, she admits. There is no date yet as to when this season of The Bachelorette would air, but TVNZ says it would be soon. Lexie's season follows up Dr Lesina Nakhid-Schusters attempt to find love as the first Kiwi bachelorette in 2019. That series flipped the script, introducing Lily McManus as a second bachelorette halfway through filming. While McManus left the show with a partner, Richie Boyens, Nakhid-Schuster failed to find love during filming. Glenn McConnell/Stuff Is attaching adjectives to my name Bengals culture asks Nadda India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Kolkata, Jan 10: Lashing out at the TMC over its outsider-insider debate, BJP chief J P Nadda on Saturday questioned whether attaching adjectives to his name and attacking his convoy is a part of West Bengal's culture. In a recent video, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was seen purportedly mocking Nadda's surname. Stones were hurled at the BJP chief's convoy during his visit to Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district on December 10 last year. There have been discussions by the TMC on people coming from outside West Bengal but what about the acts committed by the party and its supremo that go against the traditions, heritage and culture of the state, Nadda said, while addressing people at the end of a roadshow here. Pointing at the crowd from his truck adorned with flowers, "Look at them. They are not BJP leaders but people of West Bengal. Mamata Ji, there have been talks by you and your party about people coming from outside. I want to ask you if attaching adjectives to my name is a part of the state's culture?" he said. "I want to ask you if hurling objects at my convoy in Diamond Harbour is a part of West Bengal's culture. I want to ask the TMC if extortion activities by syndicates in coal, cattle and sand smuggling and taking 'cut-money' goes in sync with the state's culture. The answer is no. The TMC has lost the right to talk about West Bengal's culture," Nadda said to thundering applause. Great opportunity for Bengal to do image makeover: Governor Dhankhar on assembly polls Claiming that only the BJP can carry forward the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and other icons of West Bengal, Nadda said the BJP follows the ideals of Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee who believed that a single country cannot have two flags. Describing his kilometre-long roadshow as "historic", Nadda said people of the state have given a "quit notice" to the Mamata Banerjee government. Nadda accused the state government of depriving the people of the state of the benefits of central schemes like PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and Ayushman Bharat. He alleged that the TMC government is scared to face the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audit report on relief in the aftermath of super cyclone Amphan. Nadda alleged there is misgovernance in West Bengal, the government machinery has been politicised, politics criminalised with the murder of opponents and crimes against women have become rampant. Thousands of BJP workers had hit the Grand Trunk Road on a stretch from Clock Tower to Curzon Gate in the heart of Barddhaman town as Nadda, holding a replica of a plough, showered petals and waved at them from his vehicle. BJP leaders from West Bengal such as state chief Dilip Ghosh, Asansol MP and Union minister Babul Supriyo, Barddhaman-Durgapur MP S S Ahluwalia and Rahul Sinha accompanied Nadda on the truck. Nadda later offered puja at the Sarbamangala temple in the town. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 8:27 [IST] NEW YORKU.S. federal prosecutors have filed motions saying that Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez took bribes from drug traffickers and had the countrys armed forces protect a cocaine laboratory and shipments to the United States. The documents quote Hernandez as saying he wanted to shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos by flooding the United States with cocaine. The motions filed Friday with the U.S. Southern District of New York do not specifically name the president, referring to him as CC-4, or co-conspirator No. 4, but clearly identify him by naming his brother and his own post as president. The president, who has not been charged, has repeatedly denied any connection to traffickers despite the 2019 conviction of one of his brothers, Juan Antonio Hernandez. During that trial, the president was accused of accepting more than $1 million from Mexican drug trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzmanan accusation repeated in the new motions. He has said that traffickers are falsely accusing him to seek vengeance for clamping down on them. Honduras Ambassador to the United States Luis Fernando Suazo on Saturday rejected the new filings, calling the prosecutors contentions baseless and reiterating the presidents position that they are based solely on statements from self-confessed drug traffickers. Theyre the ones who have reason to get revenge, theyre the ones who have reason to reduce their sentences, those are the sources, the ambassador said. Why dont we see other types of witnesses, other types of evidence? The motions seek pretrial approval to admit evidence in the case of Geovanny Fuentes Ramirez, who was arrested in Miami in March 2020. And they expand upon allegations filed shorty after the arrest accusing Hernandez of taking bribes in exchange for protection from law enforcement. Fuentes Ramirez is accused of conspiring to smuggle cocaine into the United States and the motions filed Friday accuse him of producing hundreds of kilograms a month of cocaine and of having several people killed to protect his illicit business. By late 2013, the defendant partnered directly with CC-4 and high-ranking officials in the Honduran military. At this time, CC-4 was pursuing election as the President of Honduras as a member of the Partido Nacional de Honduras (the National Party), the motion said. It added that a witness would testify that that they and other drug-traffickers were paying massive bribes to CC-4 in exchange for protection from law enforcement and extradition to the United States; and that the president-to-be accepted approximately $1 million in drug trafficking proceeds that was provided to his brother by the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Joaquin Guzman Loera. Prosecutors say he had agreed to work through the presidents now-convicted brother. The motions also implicate senior military, police, political, and business figures in laundering money and bribery. Hernandez, who had been president of congress before being elected president in 2013, was reelected in 2017 to a term that ends in January 2022. He has cooperated with the Trump administration and its efforts to stem illegal immigration from his nation and others in Central America. By Claudia Torrens For the past week, San Antonio hospitals have endured an ever-increasing number of coronavirus patients with no end in sight. The 1,399 hospitalized coronavirus patients reported Saturday one more than Friday 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. Staggering numbers of new cases and hospitalizations have been reported daily, with fears about the surge contributing to a high demand for limited vaccine doses sent to San Antonio. City Manager Erik Walsh said Saturday the city received 187,000 calls and an overwhelming amount of website visits when 9,000 appointments became available at 9 a.m. We understand some may be frustrated that there are not more doses available, but we are sending the message to state leaders that we are equipped to deliver every dose that we receive, Walsh said. We will keep the community advised as we receive more information from the state. On ExpressNews.com: Theres just not enough vaccine: Delays and confusion plague vaccine rollout 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. It is important to remember that we must continue to mask up, maintain social distance and wash our hands frequently while our community is in the mass vaccination process, said Mayor Ron Nirenberg in a statement Saturday. We cant relax yet, he continued. We will get out of the pandemic faster by maintaining discipline. Last week alone, 11,092 San Antonians tested positive for the virus, making up 8.5 percent of total cases. The citys seven-day average remained at 1,550 Saturday. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases Of the 1,399 coronavirus patients who were in San Antonio hospitals Saturday, 183 were admitted within the past 24 hours. Health officials said 381 were in intensive care seven fewer than Friday and 213 needed ventilators to breathe also a slight decrease from Friday. The person whose death was reported Saturday was an Anglo woman in her 90s who was resident of Blue Skies of Texas west campus. Testing City testing sites are back to normal business hours. The city has three asymptomatic testing sites: the AT&T Center, 1 AT&T Center Parkway, at Lot 2; the Cuellar Community Center at 5626 San Fernando St.; and Ramirez Community Center at 1011 Gillette Blvd. The AT&T Center location is open for asymptomatic testing 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed weekends. Both the Cuellar and Ramirez community centers are open for asymptomatic testing 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and closed Sundays. Cuellar and Ramirez also tests people who show symptoms of the disease, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Sunday. No appointment is needed to get tested at any of three sites, and the testing is free. Symptomatic testing also is done at Freeman Coliseum, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Sunday, but an appointment is required. Call 833-213-0643 to reserve a spot. The city has additional sites listed on its website at COVID19.SanAntonio.gov. Construction of the National Innovation Centre (NIC) officially kicked off in Hanoi on January along with the opening of an international exhibition displaying the years leading innovations. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the Vietnam International Innovation Expo (Photo: VNA) Addressing the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed that innovation has become the key to the success and plays an important role in socio-economic development strategies devised by most nations and territories. The Party and State are aware of the decisive role of innovation in renewing growth model, thereby creating a firm foundation for maintaining high and sustainable growth and generating quality jobs, the PM said. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visits a booth at the exhibition (Photo: VNA) With the rapid development of the fourth Industrial Revolution, the country must swiftly adapt and take firm steps to implement a plan. He highlighted the countrys achievements in 2020, saying that Vietnam has received official recognition as a dynamic economy in Asia, with an annual GDP growth rate of 6.3 percent over the past decade. Last year, Vietnam was ranked one of the 16 most successful emerging economies to successfully achieve the dual goal of epidemic prevention and economic recovery. This can be seen through positive growth of 2.9 percent, making Vietnam among a group of nations to record the highest growth rate in the world. The PM attributed the success to the countrys efforts in applying technological advances to production and business activities, serving to create added value to the national economy. As part of the strategy to turn the country into a developed and high income nation by 2045, PM Phuc said Vietnam must rely on knowledge, science, and technology, especially innovation, all of which can be considered important factors for growth. Most notably, it is the use of new technology coupled with suitable human resources that will be the decisive factor for long-term growth, the key to achieving development breakthroughs, and helping the country to get out of the middle-income trap, said PM Phuc. He expressed his great appreciation for the Ministry of Planning and Investments initiative to organise the innovation exhibition as a way of promoting the central role of enterprises in the innovation ecosystem and expressing Vietnamese desires to be a regional innovation destination. The Prime Minister maintained that the commencement of the National Innovation Centre project will create an ideal condition for the local innovation ecosystem to develop and reach out across the globe. He also expressed his hope that the centre will be soon come into operation in order to become a pioneering model that can be promoted nationwide. Meanwhile, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said that the NIC aims to host domestic and foreign technology firms and provide the optimal infrastructure system for the research and development of technological and startup ideas. Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung addresses the opening of the exhibition (Photo: VNA) He added that the centre will support the connection and promote investment, speeding up the commercialisation of technological products. He underlined that the NIC will help facilitate the formation of innovative centres in localities and regions, making important contributions to the restructuring of the economy and the transformation of the countrys growth model, improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the Vietnamese economy. Approved by the Prime Minister in 2019, the National Innovation Centre (NIC), worth 740 billion VND (32 million USD), locates in Hoa Lac hi-tech park on the outskirts of Hanoi. The centre, covering an area of 35 hectares, is set up under the Prime Ministers Decision No.1269/QD-TTg to support and develop the nations start-ups and innovation ecosystems, contributing to the growth models based on science and technology. It is expected to house domestic and international innovative businesses, laboratories, offices of large corporations, as well as working place of leading experts and scientists. The Vietnam International Innovation Expo opens on January 9 (Photo: VietnamPlus) The Vietnam International Innovation Expo, the first of its kind in the country, has attracted the participation of 113 local businesses, 22 foreign invested firms, and 21 institutions to showcase new products and technology models across 156 booths./.VNA Falling out of bed wrecked August de los Reyess spine and left him paralyzed from the chest down. It also made him a better product designer, he said. Mr. de los Reyes, who was working at Microsoft Corp. at the time of the accident seven years ago, became an apostle of inclusive design, an approach that involves finding people whose disabilities exclude them from an activity and then making things work for them. Those new designs can benefit the masses, not just the excluded few. An example is the remote control, initially designed for people unable to get off the sofa to change the TV channel and now used by almost everyone. If you solve for one," Mr. de los Reyes said, it will benefit many." Mr. de los Reyes, who was 50 years old, died Dec. 21 of Covid-19 at a hospital in Seattle. At Microsoft, he oversaw design projects for Xbox games and helped make inclusive design part of the company culture. That work, including collaboration with disabled gamers, contributed to the Xbox Adaptive Controller, introduced in 2018. The device features large programmable buttons and inputs for connecting peripherals, such as foot pedals or joysticks. He collaborated with deaf and autistic gamers to create safer and more compassionate communities," said Kat Holmes, who worked with him at Microsoft and wrote the 2018 book Mismatch: How Inclusion Shapes Design." Mr. de los Reyes also worked on designs for keyboards, icons and apps. Over the past 25 years he had design jobs at Philips NV, Eastman Kodak Co., Pinterest Inc. and Alphabet Inc.s Google. Since mid-2019, he was chief design officer at Varo Money Inc., which operates the online Varo Bank, where he set design standards and helped the bank create apps. Holly Chan recalled a design course taught by Mr. de los Reyes and Ms. Holmes at the University of Washington in Seattle five years ago. Augusts lessons have acted as a sort of moral compass or litmus test in my approach to design wherever and whatever projects Ive worked on," said Ms. Chan, now a user-experience designer at Blue Origin, an aerospace company. August Valentin de los Reyes, the oldest of three children, was born Aug. 17, 1970, in Manila. The family moved to the U.S. when he was a child, and he grew up mainly in Shreveport, La., where his father, Valentin de los Reyes, was an anesthesiologist. As a schoolboy, Mr. de los Reyes recalled in a podcast, he was pretty precocious at math" and really strong in the fine arts." That suggested to him a possible career in architecture. But at Bennington College, he said, I saw how miserable the architecture students were. And so I kind of shifted to other design practices." He studied new media design and literature at Bennington and graduated in 1995. His interests included record-album and magazine covers, where, he said, so much had to be conveyed on one page." After graduating, he obtained an internship at the Atlantic in Boston and thought he might make a career in magazines. Assigned to look into internet publishing, he learned the HTML web language, leading him into design work for technology companies. An early design job at Philips took him to the Netherlands, and he wrote a design guide for mobile devices. (Its a terrible book," he said later. Dont look it up.") After three years in Europe, he felt homesick and accepted a job at Microsoft. He later earned a masters degree in design studies at Harvard University. In 2013, Microsoft gave him what he called a dream job involving oversight of design for the Xbox. Meanwhile, he read an article about how to sleep better and really geeked out on bedding." He bought a down comforter that was so large it created a misperception of how big my bed was," he said in the podcast. So I was falling back into the bed. I thought I was going to relax and actually fell and hit my back on the rail of the bed." Because of a misdiagnosis and miscommunication in a hospital emergency room, he said, a small fracture ended up paralyzing him. As part of a $20 million legal settlement with the hospital, he provided advice on improving patient safety. Mr. de los Reyes learned to use a motorized wheelchair before returning to Microsoft several months later. The accident, he told Fast Company magazine, fired him with a mission of designing to include the largest number of people. I wanted to be a kind of Johnny Appleseed in spreading this approach to design and accessibility," he said. He opposed designing for the so-called average consumer, which doesnt even exist." He is survived by his husband, Rein Ewerth, along with his mother, a sister, a brother and a cat named Salad. Innovations that help the disabled are like love letters from designers, Mr. de Los Reyes said at a symposium in December 2019: As you look around in your everyday livesyou realize that youre surrounded by love stories." This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Overnight reports from Jacksonville police: Police are investigating a report that a man was assaulted about 12:40 a.m. Sunday in an alley in the 200 block of East State Street. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... By now, everybody has had plenty of time to think about the fact that U.S. Capitol building was, fairly easily, taken over by a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters on Wednesday. Members of Congress, meeting to accept the Electoral College results confirming Trumps loss in the November election, had to duck and cover, and scramble to safety. Guns were drawn by security officers; one of the insurrectionists was shot and killed and a Capitol Police officer died later from injuries. Smirking invaders posed in Rep. Nancy Pelosis office, and where the speaker and the vice president normally sit to preside over the House and Senate. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Somehow, only 13 arrests among the crowd of white protesters were made during the takeover, turning this incident into a political billboard for the concept of white privilege. How should we react to this assault on the seat of American democracy and, considering that the mobs wish was to overthrow a presidential election, democracy itself? One option is the kumbaya response, a call for unity and community, reaching out to all sides despite the harsh divisions in American society. President-elect Joe Biden has done a bit of this. And this godawful display today, lets bring it home to every Republican and Democrat and Independent in the nation, that we must step up, Biden said as the Capitol occupation was ongoing. This is the United States of America. Theres never, ever, ever, ever, ever been a thing weve tried to do that, when weve done it together, weve not been able to do it. Republican U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, in a beautiful speech as the Senate met to shoot down objections to the Arizona election results hours after the Capital had been cleared of invaders, also made comments in this category. I want to beg you dont let the screamers who monetize hate have the final word, Sasse said. Dont let nihilists become your drug dealers. There are some who want to burn it all down. We met some of them today. But they arent going to win. Dont let them be your prophets. Instead, organize, persuade, but, most importantly, love your neighbor. Visit the widower down the street whos lonely, and didnt want to tell anybody that his wife died and he doesnt have a lot of friends. Shovel somebodys driveway. You cant hate somebody who just shoveled your driveway. The heart of life is about community and neighborhood . But the cant we all get along line, alone, is nowhere near sufficient for this moment. The sitting president of the United States, addressing a huge crowd of supporters early Wednesday, incited a mob to move on the Capitol, where Congress and Vice President Mike Pence were scheduled to formally accept Electoral College vote in Bidens favor. For months, starting well before the election, Trump had been spreading lies and bizarre conspiracy theories contesting the validity of American elections. Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani called for trial by combat at the presidents rally. All of that was fuel for the subsequent sad events that put an end to the hallowed American tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. So, anger, not just pleas for shared purpose and good ol American mores, is the most important response to the Capitol takeover. And the anger needs to be directed at Trump and those in powerful positions whove enabled or indulged his attacks on the election, not just the Trump fans who believed his bogus claims and who invaded the seat of national government. Biden, of course, has gone beyond his I dont see red or blue states, I see the United States of America theme. In no uncertain terms, he has condemned the Capitol attack as insurrection and Trump for his part in it. Sasse, also, was angry. 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 statement. But it was Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois who maybe best expressed the fury mandated by the Trump-incited riot. He told the Senate during debate over the validity of Arizonas electoral votes, This is a special place. This is a sacred place, but this sacred place was desecrated by a mob today on our watch. What brought this on? Did this mob spring spontaneously from America? No, this mob was invited to come to Washington on this day, by this president for one reason: because he knew the Electoral College vote would be counted this day. He wanted this mob to disrupt the constitutional process. This mob was inspired by a president who cannot accept defeat. Durbin also appropriately took shots at Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who in recent days had compared the Stop the Steal crowd to soldiers in famous Revolutionary War battles. There is no evidence whatsoever of this rigged election and fraudulence, Durbin said. The vote were going to have here is a clear choice of whether we are going to feed the beast of ignorance or if we are going to tell the truth to the American people, he added. We saw that beast today roaming the halls. Lets not invite it back. Mitt Romney, the Republican senator from Utah who was the GOPs presidential nominee in 2012, was angry when he was heard yelling at Cruz as senators were hurried out of their chamber as the mob moved in. This is what youve gotten, Romney shouted, according to news reports. Romney also gave the best speech of Wednesday nights debate over electoral votes, during which Cruz proposed creation of a commission to perform a whiz-bang 10-day audit of election results as a salve for those who dont believe in them. Romney said, No congressional-led audit will ever convince those voters, particularly when the president will continue to claim that the election was stolen. The best way we can show respect for the voters who are upset is by telling them the truth. That is the burden, and the duty, of leadership. Our country, of course, now must move on from the Trump years and try, somehow, to create a less divisive political society. Maybe some day well sing Kumbaya. But, right now, being angry righteously angry is entirely appropriate. The year 2020 was one permeated by tensions at all levels international, national, regional, and local. Conflicts seem to be increasing at almost every level in society; and given the increased levels of mental distress caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, we seem more conflicted than ever, even within ourselves. This conflict can be evident even in our physical self. Communication is indeed part of the DNA of every living person. The billions of cells in our body and neurons in our brain are parts of intricate communication networks. One aspect of disease is when communication channels are blocked, for example, by inflammation. In an intellectual level, one is unlikely to be an effective communicator without self-awareness. Yet, another dimension of communication breakdown is the media, especially social media, which too often negates the public good with false information as people lock themselves inside their own bubble with little genuine exposure to a diversity of opinion. During these troubled times, and as we look forward to a more settled 2021, it is important to re-double our efforts to achieve genuine and more effective communication and dialogue at various levels. Communication and reflection are vital for genuine growth and gaining wisdom. Discovering our own identity and notion of self, however, does not mean we work everything out on our own. Indeed, our "social" self is formed through interaction and dialogue with others. The most neglected aspect of communication is listening. As Stephen Covey has observed: "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." Indeed, as Prof Leo Buscaglia has argued: "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Listening is a great way to learn; and with learning over a lifetime may come wisdom. As Mark Twain wrote: "Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you would have rather talked." Genuine dialogue requires humility. As Romain Rolland wrote in "Above the Battle": "Discussion is impossible with someone who claims not to seek the truth, but already to possess it." It is important to acknowledge that we all have our blind spots and limitations. It is unlikely that anyone knows all of the facts or has all of the truth on their side. Reality tends to be complex and with many shades of grey. Wherever possible, we should be willing to listen, to see the other person's view and looking for a compromise that results in a win-win for both parties. Effective communication also takes courage. It takes courage to be present for the other party, to put aside your own arguments for a second, and be genuinely open and willing to see things from their point of view. It is also important to realize that, while the process of communication is vital and valuable for its own sake, this does not mean that there will always be an answer. As writer Edward De Bono observed: "In 80% of Socrates' dialogues there was no constructive outcome. He saw his role as simply pointing out what was wrong'." Through genuine dialogue we may come to see and transform our enemy into an opponent and eventually a colleague and then a friend and ally. Through dialogue we seek to understand the other person's position and to be understood. This does not mean we have to agree with the other person. It does not mean we shy away from persuasively arguing our point of view. No one should be afraid of the truth. It does mean that we accept the dignity of everyone; that we realize that the world is a small and inter-connected place. The super-power of we weak and puny humans is in our ability to communicate and cooperate with one another. Communication reduces stress in both our external and internal worlds. Communication is indeed the world's only hope of peace. Communication with others is also one of the most important sources of learning. When people do not communicate and share views they remain ignorant of one another. This does not mean that communication is without conflict. Teamwork, for example, is most effective when the parties trust each other enough to engage in genuine creative conflict. When people challenge our ideas, it is most likely to lead to the best solution and avoid the dangers of "group-think." Internally, both intra-personal and inter-personal dialogue can help us find peace and tranquility. Finally, improving our communication and dialogue demands hard work. Yet, it is important to realize as did Belgian artist, Erik Pevernagie, that: "A world without dialogue is a universe of darkness. If people don't get together and share views and exchange ideas, they remain unaware, ignorant, and unconscious. As they live in a space that they don't understand, everything becomes meaningless, incoherent, and forcefully scary. If fear rules our lives, we lose the core of our being, since 'fear' is disrupting the schedule of our existence, and blocks the waves of the good vibrations." Eugene Clark is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/eugeneclark.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at opinion@china.org.cn. 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 View Results AUSTIN Just days after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, resulting in the deaths of a police officer and four others, the Republican Party of Texas held its own rally near the Texas Capitol to condemn violence. Dont do anything stupid, Republican Party of Texas chairman Allen West warned the crowd, just as the rally was starting Saturday. If youre here to cause any chaos, any disruption, any kind of disturbance, leave now. While the hundreds of people clad in bright red Make America Great Again hats, with many waving blue Trump flags, gathered near the Texas Capitol to talk about the Legislatures upcoming session beginning Tuesday, the events of Wednesday were on the minds of many speakers who spoke against violence. Those that want to get their word out with violence and destroying property and shooting and killing and burning are not righteous people, state Sen. Bob Hall, R-Edgewood, told the crowd. That is not us. Beaumont Republican Chris Breaux, a member of the state partys executive committee, declared that those who stormed the U.S. Capitol were knuckleheads. But while party officials decried the violence, there was no hesitation in continuing to declare that the presidential and U.S. Senate races in Georgia were lost by election fraud, though no credible cases have been proved by the presidents campaign or Republicans around the nation. Many have pointed to Republicans fueling the anger of extremists as one of the reasons the crowd in Washington stormed the Capitol. Did you know that we lost two Senate seats in Georgia probably because of fraud, Breaux asked the crowd. Did you know Donald Trump probably had a blowout and we lost the presidency because of fraud? Breaux got loud responses of yes from the crowd to both questions and told them to channel their anger toward lobbying state lawmakers. A heavy police presence of state troopers and National Guard soldiers surrounded the Texas Capitol grounds for the rally, designed to put pressure on the Legislature to act on Republican priorities. The rally also included frequent jabs at Gov. Greg Abbott, accused of not doing anything to protest the alleged fraud. Former state Sen. Don Huffines, a Dallas-area Republican, fired up the crowd by saying King Greg isnt doing enough to fight election fraud in Texas. Has he done anything to secure our elections? No, said Huffines, who lost his re-election in 2018 to current state Sen. Nathan Johnson. Abbott has signed legislation to increase penalties for voter fraud, and it was his appointed secretary of state who began efforts to purge thousands of Texans from the state voter rolls before the 2020 elections under a false assumption they were not legal citizens. Later during Saturdays rally, speakers blasted the governor for instituting mask restrictions and for a general executive overreach in his attempts to control the spread of the coronavirus. Few in the crowd of hundreds wore masks or followed social distancing guidelines. The attacks on Abbott are no surprise given the tone of West and the Republican Party of Texas since the summer, when the chairman joined a lawsuit against Abbotts decision to extend early voting as a response to COVID-19. In October, West led a Free Texas demonstration outside the Governors Mansion, blasting Abbotts coronavirus restrictions. Other priorities listed by party leaders included banning all abortions, allowing full open carry of guns, expanding school choice to include private school vouchers and protecting monuments such as a Confederate monument a few hundred feet away on the state Capitol grounds. West said the purpose of the rally was to make sure the Legislature knows the Republican Party of Texas isnt going to stay quiet. We are here today to embolden and encourage our representatives, especially for the great state of Texas, West said. When I first came to India, I asked one of the most erudite politicians in the Indian government a question I had been scared to pose to anyone else but that seemed fundamental to understanding the region: Why does India have so many people? Geographically, its a third smaller than the United States but its population is nearly five times larger. The politician, who had had a long successful career in the United States as a business executive and seemed happy to explain just about anything to a new correspondent, stood up from his desk and walked over to a large wall map. He tapped ... Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A man named David Portnoy is delivering results and providing solutions to the business community. While politicians have been fighting, bickering, grandstanding, doing basically nothing, and showing their faces only around election time, as weve all seen for almost a year now, Portnoy has been hard at work trying to save small businesses across the country. Portnoy is no stranger to Staten Island. Many may recognize him through his pizza reviews. Portnoy, a vocal critic of government bureaucracy, appalled by the inactions or lack of care on the part and by local, state, and federal politicians, has taken matters into his own hands by creating the #BarstoolFund. Portnoy, in just a few weeks, has raised $20 million and counting, promising to do whatever is necessary to save small businesses across the country. As a businessman myself, I am truly amazed by Portnoys determination, drive and compassion. There are many business people who are forever grateful for his incredible actions. He has even encouraged people who cannot afford to donate to participate in the #BarstoolSportsbook and donate 50% of winnings. What makes me respect this man is that in just two weeks, he has done more than what all of my local politicians put together have done in the past year. I was brought up to believe that where theres a will, theres a way, but I see a total lack of action of any kind, which I find even more appalling. Small business owners in my community have been left in the dark. The large corporations, through lobbyists, get their voices heard. Small businesses rely on their local elected officials to be their voice. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, because there has been a total lack of leadership, compassion, or concern from our local, state, and federal politicians both Republican and Democrat. I implore the people who have been elected to office to take a look at David Portnoy, Barstool Sports, and learn about what should be done to help small businesses and your fellow neighbor. My words to David Portnoy: As a fellow businessman, I hold you in very high regard, and you will be remembered for all of the good you have done to help the business community. You are the hero, the role model and savior to the business community. You have made a lasting impact on so many lives. Continue your great work. (Joseph Pidoriano is a New Dorp resident.) WASHINGTON: With only days left in his presidency, Donald Trump - silenced by Twitter and shunned by a growing number of Republican officials - faces a renewed drive by Democrats to remove him from office after he incited his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol. Democratic members of the House of Representatives will introduce formal articles of impeachment on Monday, Representative Ted Lieu said on Twitter. The California Democrat, who helped draft the charges, said the articles had drawn 180 co-sponsors as of Saturday afternoon. A spokeswoman for Lieu said no Republicans have yet signed on. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the top congressional Democrat, has threatened to impeach Trump for a historic second time unless he resigned "immediately," a move the pugnacious president is unlikely to consider. Pelosi has also asked members to draft legislation aimed at invoking the U.S. Constitution's 25th Amendment, which allows the removal of a president unable to fulfill the duties of the office. Trump "has done something so serious -- that there should be prosecution against him," Pelosi told CBS' "60 Minutes" according to an early excerpt of the interview. The intensifying effort to oust Trump from the White House has drawn scattered support from Republicans, whose party has been splintered by the president's actions. Democrats have pressed Vice President Mike Pence to consider the 25th Amendment, but a Pence adviser has said he opposes the idea. The odds that Trump will actually be removed before Jan. 20, when President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in, remain long. Any impeachment in the House would trigger a trial in the Republican-controlled Senate, which is scheduled to be in recess until Jan. 19 and has already acquitted Trump once before. Trump has said he will not be at Biden's inauguration, but Pence will attend, a senior administration official said on Saturday. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent a memo to his fellow Republican senators suggesting a trial would not begin until Trump was out of office, a source familiar with the document said. A conviction in the Senate requires a two-thirds vote. Democrats will take control of the Senate later this month, after Georgia certifies two runoff elections won by Democratic challengers. Twitter permanently cut off Trump's personal account and access to his nearly 90 million followers late on Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence, three days after Trump exhorted thousands of supporters to march on the Capitol as Congress met to certify Biden's Nov. 3 election victory. The resulting assault, viewed with shock around the world, left a police officer and four others dead in its wake, as rioters breached the Capitol and forced lawmakers into hiding for their own safety. In his first public comments, Pope Francis said he was "astonished" and that anyone engaged in attacks on democracy must be condemned. A Florida man who was photographed smiling and waving as he carried Pelosi's lectern from the House chambers amid the chaos was arrested by federal law enforcement late Friday. Authorities also arrested a man seen in widely shared photographs wearing a horned fur hat and carrying a spear inside the Capitol. Dozens of others face federal and state charges. 'I WANT HIM OUT' Twitter's decision stifled one of Trump's most potent tools. His frequent posts helped propel his 2016 presidential campaign, since which he has used the site to fire up his base and attack his political opponents from both parties. Trump later used the official @POTUS government account to lash out at Twitter, saying the 75 million "great patriots" who voted for him would not be silenced, and that he was considering building his own social media platform. Twitter quickly deleted those posts and soon after suspended the Trump campaign account as well. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted Thursday and Friday found 57%of Americans want Trump to be removed immediately from office following the violence. A small but growing number of Republicans have joined calls for Trump to step down, and several high-ranking administration officials resigned in protest. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said Friday that Trump should resign immediately and suggested she would consider leaving the party altogether if Republicans cannot separate themselves from him. "I want him out. He has caused enough damage," she told the Anchorage Daily News. Senator Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania told Fox News on Saturday that Trump had "committed impeachable offenses" but declined to commit to voting in favor of Trump's removal. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, a frequent Trump critic, told CBS News he would "definitely consider" impeachment because the president "disregarded his oath of office." Trump allies, including Senator Lindsey Graham and House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy, however, urged Democrats to shelve any impeachment effort in the name of unity. "Impeaching President Donald Trump with 12 days remaining in his presidency would only serve to further divide the country," said White House spokesman Judd Deere. Democratic lawmakers have also called for some of their Republican colleagues to resign or be expelled over their roles supporting Trump's unfounded claims of a rigged election. Sherrod Brown, Democratic senator from Ohio, wrote on Twitter on Saturday that Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, who called for Electoral College votes of states that voted for Biden to be rejected, had "betrayed their oaths of office and abetted a violent insurrection on our democracy." "If they do not resign, the Senate must expel them," said Brown, the first senator to call for the pair to be expelled. Representative Don Beyer, a Democrat from Virginia, also called on McCarthy to resign for backing efforts to block Biden's election. A copy of draft articles of impeachment circulating among members of Congress charged Trump with "inciting violence against the government of the United States" in a bid to overturn his loss to Biden. The House impeached Trump in December 2019 for pressuring the Ukrainian president to investigate Biden, but the Senate acquitted him in February 2020. Only two other presidents have been impeached, and none has been impeached twice. Trump spent months falsely claiming the election was stolen from him due to widespread fraud. Dozens of courts across the country have thrown out lawsuits challenging the results, and election officials from both parties have said there is no evidence to support his allegations. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. KARNAL: Haryana Police on Sunday (January 10) cracked down on farmers protesting against central farm laws at a toll plaza near Karnal ahead of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's visit to home constituency. Police used water cannons and lobbed tear gas shells at farmers who attempted to march towards Kaimla. The venue at Karnal, where Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar was to hold a 'panchayat' was reportedly vandalised by farmers who broke through the police cordon. Farmers stormed the barricades set up at Kaimla to oppose the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' event by the Chief Minister, which was aimed at highlighting the benefits of the three central farm laws. According to reports, the police fired tear gas shells and used water cannons to disperse the protesting farmers in the village. Karnal: Protesting farmers gather in Kaimla village where Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar will hold Kisan Mahapanchayat shortly. Police use teargas to disperse protestors. pic.twitter.com/SxV5ivKKs9 ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2021 According to reports, protesting farmers also stormed and damaged the helipad in the village where the Chief Minister's chopper was to make a landing. Farmers were seen crossing the barricades despite the police using force to disperse them. Meanwhile, the situation remains tense in the area. Heavy security has been deployed at Kaimla village in Karnal district where CM Khattar is scheduled to address the event. A strong police contingent comprising four Superintendents of Police (SPs) and more than a dozen Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been deployed at different entry points to prevent the farmers' entry. Farmers associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) have accused the Chief Minister Khattar for attempting to divide farmers by holding such meetings. The Karnal Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav said strict action would be taken against the protesters if they tried to disrupt the Chief Minister's programme. Several leaders of the BJP and its alliance partner, the JJP, have been facing protests for the last many weeks. Even recently Khattar's cavalcade was obstructed by protesting farmers in Ambala. Farmers, who have been demanding that the government in the Centre withdraws the three farm bills, had earlier announced to oppose the 'kisan mahapanchayat'. Farmers were carrying black flags and shouting slogans against the BJP-led government as they attempted to march towards Kaimla village, said a report. Police have put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent protesting farmers from reaching the programme venue. Live TV When the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine began arriving in Houston, Sara Speer Selber felt like she could finally exhale. At least a little. For so long she had worried about her 92-year-old father. Some of his friends had fallen ill from the coronavirus. At least one had died. Her days since, though, have been spent working the phone or scouring the internet to find someplace anyplace that had a vaccine available for her father, retired optometrist Dr. Marvin Speer. The state had promised that it would be available for people over 65 or those with serious underlying health problems. He checked both boxes. Yet he has not been vaccinated. Its like The Hunger Games, said Susan Meyer Sellinger, a 65-year-old Austin woman who also clung to any tip or rumor about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Her circle of friends traded vaccine news like gossip. Sellinger heard about a walk-in emergency center in the next county that had the vaccine. She quickly made an appointment and drove 20 miles to get her first dose, terrified the whole way that they would run out. More Information Vaccines administered by hospital system Memorial Hermann: 26,000 Harris Health: 9,100 CHI St. Luke's: 15,000 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic: 2,900 Houston Methodist: 27,000 Texas Children's: 11,000 See More Collapse Yet Lee Loya, a 39-year-old lobbyist and former Texas House staffer, posted a picture of himself on Instagram getting vaccinated in late December making him one of Texas early recipients of the second phase of the vaccine rollout. Loya said he had been hospitalized with COVID last summer and still has lingering effects. His doctor reached out to him because he had asthma and told him to come in as soon as possible, he said. For people to get upset, its just not fair, especially if you have a severe underlying condition and especially if your doctor says, I need you to come and get it, Loya said. Anyone in their right mind would say, Of course. Still, the contrast shows just how sharp and seemingly random the divide has emerged between those who are able to get the vaccine easily and those who cannot. In the fourth week of Texas vaccine rollout, a dermatology practice in Bellaire got 300 doses while Hope Clinic, which serves Houstons poor and immigrant communities, got 100, according to the states most current list. County registration hotlines have crashed under the volume of applicants while some doctors reported fielding calls from friends asking how to move to the front of the line. In the month since the vaccines got federal approval, getting them into arms of the most vulnerable has been anything but smooth. Distribution has lagged. Demand has far outstripped supply. Critics call it yet another chapter in the failed government response to a virus that arrived nearly a year ago. READ THE SERIES: EXPOSED There does seem to be no discernible distinction between those who are getting the vaccine and those who arent, said Elena Marks, CEO of Houstons Episcopal Health Foundation, an organization that works to improve health care access for poor. Such unevenness is happening not just among the public but also within the medical community. At some small and midsize private practices, access to the vaccine remains elusive for front-line health care workers who regularly treat COVID patients, doctors say. Yet employees of large medical practices and big-name facilities are vaccinating staff that is not in direct contact with patients and in some cases working from home. On HoustonChronicle.com: Front-line workers at some Houston hospitals in poor areas left out of the first round of vaccines Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A rocky rollout On Dec. 11, the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency approval for a vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. A week later a second vaccine, this one by Moderna, gained the same emergency approval. Both vaccines require two separate shots and are considered 95 percent effective against the deadly virus. The first doses of the Pfizer vaccine began arriving in Texas on Dec. 14, with University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center being the first to get a shipment in Houston. As of Friday, 1.48 million doses have been delivered across Texas, according to state data. About 589,000 Texans have received at least one dose so far, although the states data on the number of vaccines administered lags behind the true tally, officials said. In Texas, eligibility is now divided into two phases. The first, or 1A, is ongoing and prioritizes health care workers who have contact with COVID patients and to residents and staff at long-term care facilities. The second phase, 1B, was announced Dec. 28 and has much broader criteria. It is available to those over 65 or anyone over 16 with at least one serious health issue that puts them at higher risk, including diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart conditions, sickle cell disease, pregnancy or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In some states the second phase of the vaccines prioritizes police officers, educators and grocery workers. Texas does not. Stephen Linder, who directs the Institute for Health Policy at the UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, said opening the vaccine floodgates so quickly to anyone with a chronic condition may have been a misstep, since essential workers are much easier to identify and many of them are from communities of color. It also would have given counties time to stand up their long-term vaccine infrastructure, he said. Houston Chronicle investigation: Essential workers, missed messages: COVID is raging through Houstons Hispanic communities It would have been easier and much more effective if it had been occupationally based, because then you rely on the employers to do the distributions. Linder said. Employers are much better organized. They all have HR departments. They can contact people and say come in and get this. The current rollout is happening against the backdrop of a staggering toll in Texas. As of Friday, there have been more than 1.9 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nearly 30,000 deaths in the state. The stakes for getting the vaccine right could not be higher, health experts say. But there is growing concern that the states parameters are too broad, and officials shipped out the vaccine without specific guidelines to make sure it was delivered where needed most. Its not like we are giving away movie tickets, said Marks at Episcopal Health Foundation. State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, zeroed in on the lack of planning. Weve not had a national strategy from the very beginning of this pandemic. We still dont have one. And we certainly have not had a statewide strategy, she said. Why would we expect this to be any different? Howard isnt the only state legislator complaining. In a letter signed by 38 House Democrats, lawmakers from around the state blasted public health authorities for the confused and seemingly haphazard distribution of the vaccine. Many are unclear about who can get vaccinated and do not understand how to participate in the process, the Jan. 6 letter said. Furthermore, it is not always clear that the policies that are in place are the ones being implemented: in some cases blind luck or personal connections are supplanting the priorities your offices have established. The pandemic has helped crystallize a long-standing problem in Houston: the lack of quality, affordable health care in Black and Latino communities. Harris County has one of the highest uninsured rates in Texas, which is the worst state in the country in terms of health coverage. One in 4 Black residents and 45 percent of Latino residents lack health insurance numbers expected to climb because of disproportionately high job losses during the pandemic, said Ezemenari Obasi, associate dean of research in the University of Houstons College of Education and professor of psychological, health and learning science. On HoustonChronicle.com: Future physicians learn about disparities in health care An estimated 25 percent to 30 percent of Black and Latino residents in Harris County are unable to see a doctor because of cost. That has potentially tragic implications as Black Americans are estimated to be about 40 percent more likely to die from COVID than whites, he said. Coming: Vaccination hubs In October, the Texas Department of State Health Services published an early COVID vaccination plan, but spokesman Chris Van Deusen said theyve since had to adapt as officials faced the reality of demand dwarfing supply. As with any plan, youve always got to monitor and adjust and make tweaks as you go along and learn about whats happening, he said. It was always going to be challenging just based on the number of people who are going to want to be vaccinated and that it is going to be a limited supply. Van Deusen urged patience and said changes are coming soon. Vaccination hubs will allow more than 100,000 people to be vaccinated next week in a streamlined and centralized process. He said he saw no evidence of any widespread line-jumping or people outside the specified criteria getting the vaccine, calling such reports a few anecdotal cases. Still, in Houston the rules and hierarchies are often being created by the health care providers who receive the vaccines, leading to more confusion. Houston Methodist, for instance, is prioritizing its 1B allocations for patients who are 75 and older. But Harris Health System, which runs the citys safety-net hospitals, is scheduling vaccines for those 65 and older as well as people over age 18 with a chronic health condition. At CHI St. Lukes, vaccines for the second phase are not yet being scheduled and patients are being told not to call. Meanwhile at Memorial Hermann Health System, officials said specific, qualified patients are now being identified for the 1B phase and will be vaccinated in waves. The definition of a health care worker also has caused some controversy and appears to be open to interpretation. For instance, at Houstons Menninger Clinic, a renowned psychiatric facility, many of its less obviously at-risk workers are being vaccinated, including those working from home. Most have found they needed to return to the campus to work periodically to perform certain important job functions, Armando Colombo, CEO of Menninger Clinic, said in a statement. And this week hospital volunteers will be eligible for vaccinations at Texas Childrens Hospital, according to an email to the auxiliary board obtained by the Chronicle. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Conflicting information Valerie Featherstone, 69, who has underlying health problems, assumed she would have no trouble getting the vaccine. She met both criteria announced by the state. But she was unable to book an appointment at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. An email from the clinic read: At this time, we are offering the COVID vaccine for 75 and older patients. A spokeswoman for Kelsey-Seybold said patients are, in fact, eligible at age 65 but the clinic has chosen to notify older patients first. Its not clear what you have to do, said Paula Sweeney, a Houston grandmother who thought she would be eligible for the vaccine through Houston Methodist. Not only is she in her 70s with a heart condition and high blood pressure, two of her doctors practice at Houston Methodist. But last Monday, when she called one of the doctors offices to arrange for a vaccine, she was told they had none to give. While the doctor had privileges at Houston Methodist, he was not part of its specific network of physicians given doses of vaccine, she said she was told. Then a friend forwarded her a link to make an online vaccine appointment at Methodist. But she was thwarted again after she clicked on it and read: If you did not receive this link from your health care provider or Houston Methodist through a text or email message we sent you directly, you will not be able to schedule an appointment. Methodist spokeswoman Stefanie Asin said the hospital system canceled more than 1,000 appointments and implemented security measures to prevent sharing. Unfortunately, the appointment links did get forwarded to people who did not meet the criteria as vulnerable members of our community, she said. His shot after all Jeremy Dilbeck, a 46-year-old software entrepreneur from Houston, was one of the 1,000. He has multiple health problems and falls under the 1B criteria of the state. He, too, was sent the link to Houston Methodists vaccine portal by a friend in late December. He quickly signed up, thinking to himself it might be too good to be true. Four days later, he found out his appointment was canceled. He was shocked and upset but still determined to get the vaccine. One of Dilbecks friends, a 75-year-old who also had a canceled appointment, decided to go to Houston Methodist and take his chances. Once he was able to get a COVID-19 immunization, he called Dilbeck and urged him to try. Dilbeck arrived at the Houston Methodist facility around 4 p.m. on Wednesday and was told to wait around in case there were extra doses. Three and a half hours later, the wait paid off and he rolled his up his sleeve. After being monitored for allergic reactions, he was sent home happy and vaccinated. I just got lucky, he said. Julie Garcia, Jeremy Blackman and Matt Dempsey contributed to this report. jenny.deam@chron.com twitter.com/jenny_deam gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu jay.root@chron.com twitter.com/byjayroot Egypt's newly-elected parliament the House of Representatives will hold an opening procedural session on Tuesday to elect a speaker and two deputies. Some MPs expect that parliament's procedural session will be followed by a limited cabinet reshuffle. Mostafa Bakry, a Mostaqbal Watan party MP and a journalist, said in a TV interview on Saturday evening that he received information saying that there will be a cabinet reshuffle to the government of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, and that this could take place in the next few days or weeks after the end of parliament's opening procedural session. "I don't have information on which cabinet ministers will stay or leave, but I got reliable information that an imminent cabinet reshuffle is expected in the coming period," said Bakry, also stating that he is not sure whether it will be a limited cabinet reshuffle or a complete overhaul of the government of Prime Minister Madbouly. Egypts Speaker of Parliament Ali Abdel-Aal said last month that the government is not obliged to submit a resignation following the end of the parliamentary elections. "We do not have any articles in the constitution that stipulate that the government should submit a resignation at the end of parliamentary elections or before a new parliament is elected," said Abdel-Aal, adding that "the constitution [Article 146] states that it is the president of the republic who has the full authority to appoint a new government at any time." However, Abdel-Aal said that once a new parliament is elected, the government might choose to deliver a policy statement before the House of Representatives to shed light on its policies in the coming stage. Abdel-Aal also indicated that President El-Sisi might choose to change the government or introduce a limited cabinet reshuffle after the election of a new parliament. Article 146 of the constitution states that the President of the Republic shall entrust a prime minister with forming the government and delivering a policy statement before the House of Representatives. If the president's appointed government fails to win the confidence of the majority of MPs within 30 days at the most, the President shall appoint a prime minister who is nominated by the majority party or the coalition that holds the majority in the House of Representatives. Article 147 also states that the President of the Republic can relieve the existing government from carrying out its duties, but only after winning the approval of the majority of MPs. The government of Prime Minister Madbouly came to office in June 2018. Madbouly said at the time that the main job of his government is to complete implementing 2016's IMF-inspired economic reform programme. There were two limited cabinet reshuffles over the last two years. The first was in March 2019, when Kamel El-Wazir was appointed as Minister of Transport. The second was in December 2019, when ten new cabinet ministers were named by El-Sisi and Madbouli and approved by parliament. Short link: Washington: Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former Republican governor of California and Hollywood action star, has issued a heartfelt and stinging criticism of outgoing US President Donald Trump, while comparing last week's Capitol riots to Kristallnacht, the night the Nazis attacked the Jewish population in Germany in 1938. In a video message posted on social media on Sunday, Austrian-born Schwarzenegger says the rampage was carried out by the "Nazi equivalent of the Proud Boys" and he's seen "first hand how things can spin out of control". "Wednesday was the Day of Broken Glass right here in the United States. The broken glass was in the windows of the United States Capitol. But the mob did not just shatter the windows of the Capitol. It has shattered the ideals we took for granted. They did not just break down the doors of the building that housed American democracy. They trampled the very principles on which our country was founded." He says that, for the first time, he is sharing the painful memories" of growing up among broken men who participated in the rampage, telling of how his father drank and "he would scream and hit us and scare my mother", as would the neighbours because they were in pain for what "they saw or did". Future Group that is currently in a tussle with Amazon due to its deal with Reliance expects swift regulatory approval of its $3.4 billion deal. Future Group head Kishore Biyani said that he has no intention of changing ties with Amazon despite the souring relationship. He, however, said that he was disappointed. "I am disappointed. What do they want? They want so many employees to suffer, business to go down?" he said. Meanwhile, Amazon has intensified efforts to block the deal. The companies are at loggerheads over Future's deal with Reliance that, Amazon alleges, has violated its pre-existing contracts with the US giant. "The court has already given their view that every institution can take a view on the sale. So there is no reason why things should be delayed," said Biyani in an interview to Reuters. A New Delhi court in December dismissed Future's request to restrain Amazon's repeated attempts to get authorities to stall the deal. But the judge left the fate of the transaction with the regulators. "We have restored businesses to a certain extent, but there are challenges," said Biyani. The company has stated that its failure to close the deal could lead to Future Group's liquidation and job losses of nearly 30,000 employees. The deal is critical for the survival of the group, whose more than 1,700 outlets were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The outcome of the dispute is believed to not only seal the fate of Future but also shape India's retail landscape. It would also decide who will have an upper hand in the groceries market expected to be worth around $740 billion a year by 2024. Amazon also took Future to a Singapore arbitrator, which passed an interim order in October saying the Reliance deal should be halted. Future said that order is not binding. Also read: Amazon didn't care to help, wants Future Group to languish: Kishore Biyani Also read: Future-Reliance deal: Delhi HC refuses to restrict Amazon from approaching regulators Thank you for reading! This content is only available for Daily Journal subscribers. Select one of the following to read this story and others on djournal.com: One Week - $1.99 One Month - $7.50 One Year - $80.50 Your subscription supports: Investigative reporting In-depth analysis on local news and sports Profiles and features on your neighbors and communities The best tips on places to eat and things to do in Northeast Mississippi The Cabinet expansion in the state has been on the cards for over a year now, but it has been delayed for various reasons, which has given rise to discontent among some ministerial aspirants New Delhi/Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa Sunday said he will meet Home Minister Amit Shah during the day to discuss state politics and finalise candidates for the upcoming by-polls as he arrived in the national capital on a day-long visit. The much-awaited cabinet rejig in the state may also come up for discussion during his meeting with the central BJP leadership, he said. "I am going to discuss the political situation in Karnataka," the chief minister told reporters after landing in Delhi. "Recently, we won the gram panchayat elections in a very big way. Within a month, we are going to face two parliamentary and an assembly by-polls. We have to finalise the candidates. We will discuss all these issues with Amit Shah and other important leaders," he added. The BJP leader said while his appointment with the home minister is confirmed, he will also try to meet JP Nadda, the party's national president. Asked about the steps taken to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state, the chief minister said, "In Karnataka, the COVID-19 situation is under control. We are taking all precautions." Earlier before leaving the Bangalore Airport, he hinted that the cabinet expansion may also come up for discussion during his meeting with the party high command. "I don't know. I will discuss all the issues," he told reporters at the airport when asked if a cabinet rejig is likely this week. The cabinet expansion in the state has been on the cards for over a year now, but it could not take place, giving some anxious moments to ministerial aspirants and also leading to dissatisfaction. Among those in the ministerial race are MLAs Umesh Katti, Munirathna, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, M P Renukacharya, Aravind Limbavali and S R Vishwanath. Three MLCs CP Yogeshwar, MTB Nagaraj and R Shankar are also aspiring for a ministerial berth. Another MLC, AH Vishwanath, too was in the race but his hopes dashed when the Karnataka High Court on 30 November barred him from becoming a minister until at least May this year. The state can have a total of 34 ministers and it has 27 now. By-polls are scheduled for Maski and Basavakalyan assembly segments, and Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency. While Maski fell vacant due to the resignation of sitting Congress MLA Pratap Gouda Patil in 2019, the by-polls to Basavakalyan and Belagavi seats have been necessitated by the deaths of their representatives B Narayan Rao and Suresh Angadi, respectively, due to coronavirus . "I will discuss all other issues with the party high command and wish to return in the night," the chief minister said before he departed. She's been proudly sporting her huge diamond engagement ring from her fiance Patrick Whitesell ever since they got engaged last year. But Pia Miller removed the giant jewel as she lapped up the sun at Bondi Beach over the weekend. She did however show off her incredible figure in a beige bikini, which also accentuated her cleavage and beautiful complexion. Bathing beauty! Pia Miller stunned as she hit the beach in a beige bikini over the weekend The Chilean beauty accessorised with a matching bucket hat and a leather and crochet designer bag by Loewe. Pia arrived at the beach in a cute low-cut beige dress by Chosen. The former Home and Away star is clearly missing her fiance Patrick, who is currently in Los Angeles for work. The couple were separated for most of last year thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. Taking care: The actress appeared to take off her whopping engagement ring from fiance Patrick Whitesell for her day at the beach Pia and Patrick got engaged just before Christmas, with Patrick presenting her with a huge diamond ring, which is said to be priced at between US$800,000 (AU$1.10million) to US$1.4million (AU$1.9million). The stone is said to be a 10-carat to 12-carat solitaire oval diamond, which is set in a platinum band. Pia returned home to Australia alone last month, weeks after spending time with Patrick in Malibu. On Saturday, Pia uploaded a romantic photo of herself and Patrick, 55, cosying up beneath the Eiffel Tower, writing, 'Miss you,' next to the image. Pia announced her engagement on November 28, showing off her huge diamond ring on Instagram, alongside the simple caption: 'PW'. Facts Matter (Jan. 8): At Least One BLM Activist Among Those Who Breached US Capitol At least one BLM activist was among the people who breached the U.S. Capitol on June 6. Although he says that he was just there to look around. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Democratic lawmakers are pushing for both impeachment and/or the invocation of the 25th Amendment. They are blaming President Donald Trump for the mayhem that took place at the Capitol. In New York, the states Supreme Court ruled in favor of a small gym, saying that despite the lockdown, they can open at full capacity. Facts Matter is an Epoch Times show available on YouTube. Follow Roman on Instagram: @epoch.times.roman Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal : , Jan 10 (IANS) Hundreds of protesting farmers indulged in vandalism and violence at a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' event near here on Sunday, just ahead of the arrival of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, forcing authorities to cancel the event. As the farmers barged into the event venue, they broke through the barricades put up in front of the stage for security, smashed flower pots, tables and chairs put up on stage and nearby area. They also tore the banners and pulled out stringed flowers used to decorate the stage at the venue. As the damaged furniture lay strewn, police preferred to remain a mute spectator. Before ransacking the meeting venue, the sloganeering farmers carrying black flags thronged a temporary helipad in nearby Kaimla village, where Khattar was scheduled to land, and damaged it. The agitating farmers broke through six checkpoints set up by police to reach the helipad. Earlier, tension prevailed in Khattar's home district as police fired tear-gas shells, used water cannons and baton-charged the farmers headed towards the meeting venue to oppose the holding of the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat', through which the BJP-led government aimed to highlight the "benefits" of the three central farm laws. The farmers broke through the barricades despite use of force by police to disperse them. A strong police contingent led by four Superintendents of Police and more than a dozen Deputy Superintendents of Police were deployed at different entry points to the venue to prevent the farmers from barging in. At the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' venue, over 2,000 farmers were present apart from a large number of officials and Cabinet Ministers when the protesters swarmed the site and vandalised it. The Ministers were later escorted by police to safety as chaos prevailed. The protesters left after vandalising the venue, with police preferring not to intervene. The farmers associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) have accused the Chief Minister of attempting to divide the farmers by holding such meetings. "What was the need to hold a 'mahapanchayat' when thousands of farmers have been sitting on the Delhi borders for the past 46 days to demand repeal of the three farm laws?" a protesting farmer asked. Leaders of the BJP and alliance partner JJP have been facing protests for the last many weeks in Haryana. Recently, Khattar's cavalcade was confronted by protesting farmers in Ambala. Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said that it was "shameful" that the Khattar government was stopping the farmers from attending the 'mahapanchayat'. "When you are holding a 'mahapanchayat', what is the point of stopping the farmers from going there? You are not concerned with the farmers," Surjewala said in a tweet. Favouring the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' event, BJP spokesperson Raman Malik told the media that "if the farmers have a right to protest, does the government not have a right to try to convince them?" He alleged that the protesters were instigated by Bharatiya Kisan Union President Gurnam Singh Charuni. T he UK has again recorded more than 1,000 coronavirus deaths overnight bringing the countrys official death toll past 80,000. Another 59,937 Covid-19 cases were also reported in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic past three million to 3,017,409. A total of 80,868 deaths within 28 days of a positive test are now recorded on the Governments dashboard meaning another grim milestone has been reached. 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 96,000 fatalities involving the virus in the country. Chris Whitty launches Covid lockdown adverts warn people will die if rules are broken The three million figure was passed just three weeks after cases hit the two million mark on December 19. The one million lab-confirmed case mark was previously reached on October 31, although the Government did not start mass testing until last May, meaning many earlier cases will have been missed and the true number of total cases since the start of the outbreak will be higher. Todays daily death toll of 1,035 marks the second highest Saturday figure since the pandemic began. It is trumped only by April 18, when 1,105 lost their lives. However, it is almost 200 lower than Fridays total of 1,325 fatalities, which was the highest single-day total yet. The sobering update comes as doctors warn that pressure on the NHS could get worse in the coming weeks. Scientists advising the Government have estimated that the UK is currently seeing more than 100,000 new infections per day and possibly higher than 150,000 which would put the number of daily cases at their highest ever level. They believe the current lockdown may lead to a plateau of Covid infections across the UK rather than the dramatic cut seen following the March and April lockdown. The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital in England stood at a record 29,346 as of 8am on Friday up by 30 per cent from a week ago while admissions also hit a new high, according to NHS England figures. Covid-19 hotspots in England: "Major incident" declared in London The deputy chair of the British Medical Associations consultants committee, Dr Simon Walsh, warned on Saturday that things are likely to get worse before they get better for the health service. The London-based emergency care doctor said the epidemiology from the previous wave indicates the situation is likely to worsen over the next two to three weeks. He told BBC Breakfast: Im afraid all of us who are working on the front line believe, and this is based on the evidence Im afraid, that it is going to get worse before it gets better. Meanwhile, Justin Varney, director of public health at Birmingham City Council, said hospitals had still not seen the full extent of patients who caught coronavirus over Christmas. The former GP told BBC Radio 4s Today: We still havent seen the impact in the NHS of the rapid rise that we saw around December 28-29 after the Christmas bubble and after we started to see the new variant arriving in the region. It is going to get a lot, lot worse unless we really get this under control but some of that is already baked into the system and it is going to play out over the next week or two. His warnings came as a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) branded the current lockdown too lax. 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 Susan Michie, professor of health psychology at University College London, said there is still a lot of household contact and that the wide definition of critical workers means 30-50 per cent of (school) classes (are) full-up. Prof Michie, who is also part of Independent Sage, told Today: It is definitely too lax, because if you think about it and compare ourselves with March, what do we have now? We have the winter season and the virus survives longer in the cold, plus people spend more time indoors and we know aerosol transmission, which happens indoors, is a very big source of transmission for this virus. And secondly we have this new variant which is 50-70 per cent more infectious. You put those two things together, alongside the NHS being in crisis, we should have a stricter rather than less strict lockdown than we had back in March. Professor Robert West, a participant in the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) and also part of Independent Sage, echoed her words, saying the current lockdown rules are still allowing a lot of activity which is spreading the virus. Asked if he thinks they should change, he told BBC News: Yes, I do. Not just me. I think probably most of the people I talk to, epidemiologists, and medical scientists and virologists. With the current lockdown and vaccine rollout, deaths from coronavirus are expected to start dropping in February, while hospital admissions should fall after that. Coronavirus cases are expected to drop in the spring due to vaccination plus the fact people spend more time outdoors, making it harder for the virus to spread. More than half of all major hospital trusts in England currently have more Covid-19 patients than at the peak of the first wave. This is the popular kebab shop which allowed mice to scurry over the food and wasn't kept adequately clean. The Turkish Kebab and Pizza House in west Belfast was brought before a court last week on four food hygiene charges following a visit by council inspectors. According to court documents the offences occurred in March 2019 at the takeaway beside the site of the Casement Park stadium on the Andersonstown Road. Its owner, Fateh Khodadodi, pleaded guilty to allowing the rodents to come into contact with food on the premises and of failing to protect food from being contaminated by mice. He also admitted operating a food business that was not "adequately clean" and was not constructed to permit good food hygiene practices. The case was mentioned for the first time before Belfast Departmental Magistrates' Court last week where Khodadodi entered guilty pleas to all four charges. Following his admissions, District Judge George Conner adjourned the case until January 12 when he will be sentenced. According to the Scores On The Doors website the business is rated as being three out of five with "fair" food hygiene and safety. It has an average of 3.7 out of five on Google reviews by customers - however some have taken the business up on its apparent lack of cleanliness. One person wrote last year: "This place is filthy, in need of a real deep clean and no hygiene ratings on show. I would not recommend to any one unless they clean up! frozen half cooked chips and onion rings." A response from the owner on the website said: "I think You don't like Turkish people? "The shop has rating and never use frozen chip." While its food is highly praised by many reviewers some have also complained about the amount of grease on their kebabs. In one response the owner said: "The kitchen has grease. Is not hospital". Sunday Life was unable to contact Khodadodi for comment. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 17:10:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Aug. 25, 2020 shows screens displaying U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo giving a speech to the Republican National Convention (RNC) from Jerusalem. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) During his last days in the U.S. State Department, Pompeo is scrambling to rewrite the history of China-U.S. relations with lies while claiming that he is leaving office with "the world safer" than when he assumed office. by Xinhua writer Lu Jiafei BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ten days before he finally leaves office, Mike Pompeo, also known as "the worst U.S. secretary of state," has made it clear that, instead of facilitating an orderly transition with the next U.S. administration, he is seeking to maliciously inflict a long-lasting scar on China-U.S. ties. Pompeo's latest move to lift restrictions on official contacts with China's Taiwan region has once again proved that he, despite being America's top diplomat, is only interested in stoking unwarranted confrontations, and has no interest in world peace. During his tenure as secretary of state, a crucial position he has convincingly proved himself unqualified for, Pompeo has relentlessly demonized China and sought to sabotage the world's most important bilateral relationship as hard as he can. For him and other China-hawks in Washington, whose mindsets have been fossilized by obsolete Cold War thinking and ideological bigotry, the latest disparaging move on Taiwan constitutes probably their last chance to dig a hole to undermine future China-U.S. ties. Pompeo is also widely known for his barefaced lies. In his justification for the latest provocative action, the "secretary of lies" claimed that Washington has "unilaterally" created so-called "self-imposed restrictions" in order to promote ties with China. 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. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) In fact, in the three China-U.S. joint communiques, the most fundamental political documents that have ensured stability and progress in bilateral ties over the past more than four decades, Washington has not only recognized that "there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China," but also promised that "the people of the United States will maintain cultural, commercial, and other unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan." Pompeo may covet damaged U.S.-China ties as his political legacy, but history will only remember him as a failed self-dealing opportunist who repeatedly and unscrupulously resorts to "lying diplomacy" at the price of global peace. While Pompeo tries to cross Beijing's red line on national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he should not expect that China will sit back and do nothing. Those political clowns will be punished for what they have done to harm China's core interests. Pompeo and his fellow instigators in Washington have in recent days borne witness to the destruction caused by their incendiary and off-limits remarks and policies at home. Their extremely dangerous moves would cause even greater damage on the world stage. During his last days in the U.S. State Department, Pompeo is scrambling to rewrite the history of China-U.S. relations with lies while claiming that he is leaving office with "the world safer" than when he assumed office. Yes, indeed. With his coming departure, the world community will finally be rid of a major source of threats to global peace and stability. Advertisement A retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who was arrested after he broke into the Senate chamber during the Capitol riot, was turned in by his ex-wife. The former wife of retired Lt. Col Larry Rendall Brock Jr., 53, called the FBI's National Threat Operations Center on Friday to report that she'd recognized her ex, who was pictured carrying plastic handcuffs and wearing full military gear, from the footage. 'When I saw this was happening I was afraid he would be there,' she told the authorities. 'I think you already know he was there.' 'It is such a good picture of him and I recognize his patch, added Brock's ex, who was married to him for 18 years. Brock was arrested and slapped with federal charges, as was an Nashville bartender, 30, who attended Capitol riot with his mom and was also pictured carrying zip-ties and wearing full paramilitary gear. Both men are charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. News of the pair's arrests came on Sunday as Ryan McCarthy, Army Secretary, said that at least 25 domestic terrorist cases have been opened up following Wednesday's assault on the Capitol. Eric Munchel, a Nashville bartender, 30, has been named as the man pictured in the Senate press gallery with a bundle of flex-cuffs, heavy duty restraints used by law enforcement in mass arrests on Wednesday. He attended the riot with his mom. He told The Times of London: 'We wanted to show that were willing to rise up, band together and fight if necessary. Same as our forefathers, who established this country in 1776. It was a kind of flexing of muscles.' Retired Lieutenant Colonel Larry Rendall Brock Jr., 53, (at the riots) was among the violent mob of Donald Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol Wednesday in a riot that left five including one police officer dead Eric Munchel has been named as the man pictured with a bundle of flex-cuffs Footage from the lobby of a DC hotel shows a man identified online as Munchel speaking about the rally together with an unidentified woman. That same woman is seen earlier in the day with the rioter in paramilitary gear, pictured In a detailed breakdown of his clothing The Sparrow Project say his 'expensive camouflage and tactical larp-flare' helped identify Munchel Eric Munchel, 30, is pictured in his mugshot having been arrested in Nashville on Sunday His mom, Lisa Eisenhart, 57, said: 'The left has everything: the media, organizations, the government. We have to organize if were going to fight back and be heard.' The nurse, who wore a bullet proof vest like her son, added: 'This country was founded on revolution. If theyre going to take every legitimate means from us, and we cant even express ourselves on the internet, we wont even be able to speak freely, what is America for? 'I'd rather die as a 57-year-old woman than live under oppression. Id rather die and would rather fight.' The pair are said to have driven from Nashville, Tennessee for the protest. Brock, 53, has already admitted he invaded the Senate floor and roamed Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office dressed in combat gear and carrying zip-tie cuffs. But he told The New Yorker he thought he was welcome to enter the U.S. Capitol and claimed he 'found' the zip ties on the floor and merely picked them up so he could hand them in to a police officer. The FBI is said to be investigating whether any of Trump's supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol were conspiring to hurt lawmakers or take them hostage. 'We're not looking at this as a grand conspiracy, but we are interested in learning what people would do with things like zip ties,' a law enforcement official told The Washington Post. Brock, a father-of-three who now lives in Dallas, was pictured on the Senate floor Wednesday after the group had broken through barricades, pushed back law enforcement and sent lawmakers fleeing for safety. Brock Jr., 53, (left, and pictured with his current wife Katya, right) was turned in by his ex-wife who called the FBI Images show him wearing a combat helmet, body armor and a vinyl tag with the Punisher skull on - a symbol adopted by white supremacists and believers of conspiracy theory QAnon. He carried zip-tie handcuffs and appeared to be speaking with fellow rioters, several of which were dressed in MAGA caps. Brock, who was in the Air Force for more than two decades and now works for an aviation company, was also seen in footage, shot by ITV News, appearing to exit Nancy Pelosi's office - which was vandalized and looted in the chaos. McCarthy, the Army Secretary, on Sunday provided a detailed breakdown of events on Wednesday. He said the Pentagon offered help, but was rebuffed by Capitol Police and by DC police. 'DOD made several more attempts to offer National Guard resources to DC Metropolitan Police and USCP and repeatedly were told no additional resources needed,' according to a memo. The FBI is said to be investigating whether any of Trump 's supporters who attacked the U.S. Capitol were conspiring to hurt lawmakers or take them hostage A Facebook account said to belong to Munchel has since been deleted but it listed him as working at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille in Florida The bar said in a statement: 'Its been brought to our attention that a former employee of ours from 2+ years ago was involved in the recent events at the Capitol Building. We have no affiliation with this employee and their actions were their own' Munchel and his mom are said to have driven from Nashville, Tennessee for the protest He said that the Capitol Police and DC Police had seriously underestimated the crowd that Trump's 'Stop the Steal' rally on Wednesday would draw, and expected the attendance to be in the 'low thousands'. McCarthy said that at least 25 domestic terrorism cases had been opened. 'Long guns, molotov cocktails, explosive devices and zipties were recovered which suggests a greater disaster was narrowly averted,' the memo, obtained by CNN, stated. One Trump supporter, who allegedly told his friends that he wanted to shoot and run over House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been arrested on federal charges stemming from the riot at the Capitol last week as authorities arrest an Alabama man with possessing 11 Molotov cocktails near the building. According to CNN, Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr traveled to Washington, DC, last Tuesday with hundreds of rounds of ammunition and an assault rifle. Authorities also said Meredith had texted his friends that he wanted to shoot or run over Pelosi. Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr (pictured) allegedly texted friends that he wanted to shoot or run over Nancy Pelosi In one text, Meredith allegedly wrote that he was thinking of 'putting a bullet in [Pelosi's] noggin on Live TV'. Meredith is one of 13 people who have been charged with federal crimes. Others include Alabama man, Lonnie Coffman, whose vehicle contained 11 Molotov devices and Richard Barnett, of Arkansas, who was photographed sitting at a desk in Pelosi's office, according to a statement from the Justice Department. A Florida man identified as the person seen in a photo shared widely on social media carrying the speaker of the House's lectern was also arrested Friday. Adam Johnson faces charges including theft of government property. Prosecutors say these charges are just the beginning. Authorities said Friday that additional cases remained under seal and dozens of other people were being sought by federal agents. US attorneys in several states, including Kentucky, Ohio and Oregon, said people could face charges in their home states if they traveled to Washington and took part in the riot. Investigators will also consider whether there was any concerted plot targeting Vice President Mike Pence, who enraged Trump and his loyalists by refusing to illegally intervene in Congress to overthrow the election. Richard Barnett (pictured), of Arkansas, who was photographed sitting at a desk in Pelosi's office was also arrested Jacob Anthony Chansley, the heavily-tattooed Trump supporter who sported horns, a fur hat and face paint as he occupied the Senate dais, was also arrested on Saturday 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 As the attack unfolded, Trump took to Twitter to vent fury at Pence, a message that quickly spread among the president's followers at the Capitol. The protesters were riled up by Trump, Giuliani and Donald Trump Jr. during a rally near the White House and told to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Biden's presidential victory. A violent mob stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building. Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets. One female Trump supporter, US Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt, was shot dead by Capitol Police as she tried to climb through a window. Three other Trump supporters died after 'medical emergencies' related to the breach and Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick died Thursday from injuries sustained in the attack after the thug allegedly hit him over the head with a fire extinguisher. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: 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. Vote View Results Ten babies were killed in a maternity unit in Maharashtra in India early on Saturday when fire ravaged a hospital. Hospital staff members saved seven of the newborn infants at the Bhandara district hospital. However, they were forced back before they could get to the 10 other infants. 10 Babies Killed Doctors stated the flame broke out at the major hospital in India's wealthiest state at 2 A.M. on Saturday. According to Pramod Khandate, a civil surgeon at the Bandara District General Hospital, 17 babies were in the sick newborn care unit when the fire started. The newborns were between one to three months of age. Three to four of them were seared. The victims included eight girls and two boys. The seven premature infants rescued were all girls. According to Khandate, "The hospital nurse first noticed smoke coming out of the neonatal section and informed the hospital authorities. Fire brigade was also called to the hospital immediately which rescued seven babies who have been shifted to another ward," reported Hindustan Times. The two nurses who were on evening duty, Shubhangi Sathavne and Smita Ambilduke, remarked they heard blast-like sounds in the neonatal ward. "When we rushed inside, smoke filled our noses and eyes. We could not see anything, but heard glass shattering. We raised the alarm and with the help of security guards and fire brigade staff rescued seven of the children." Khandate further stated the origin of the fire is not known yet but their hospital staff extinguished the fire as soon as they could. The smoke suffocated the babies. Also Read: Torn Between a Glass of Wine and a Baby: Woman Drops One, Saves the Other The fire brigade halted the blaze from spreading to other parts of the hospital and other patients were transferred to safety. Leading politicians expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as a "heart-wrenching tragedy." Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thakre ordered an investigation into the fire incident. According to State Health Minister Rajesh Tope, initial evidence suggested the blaze could have been caused by a short circuit. PM Modi wrote on Twitter that India lost precious young lives in the heart-wrenching tragedy in Bhandara, Maharashtra. He said his thoughts are with the the grieving families and hopes for the early recovery of the injured babies. Thackeray's office said in a statement that the Chief Minister has ordered an investigation into the entire incident and spoke to the police superintendent and district collector to investigate the fire, reported NDTV. Authorities ordered an urgent inquiry into the latest incident to raise doubts regarding safety in Indian hospitals. Over 90 fatalities were recorded in a 2011 inferno in a Kolkata hospital. In August, a fire at a Ahmedabad hospital killed eight COVID-19 patients. Another five novel coronavirus patients died in a blaze in a Rajkot clinic in November. The continuous explosion in the ward made rescue operations tumultuous. A fire brigade rushed to the scene in order to alleviate the spread of fire elsewhere in the building. All the babies have not yet been named as they had been confined in special care since birth. Related Article: Feeding Newborns Mother's Poo After Birth Helps Develop Healthy Gut Bacteria? @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga softball program and the local community mourn the loss of Jim Frost, who passed away due to complications from COVID-19 Thursday morning. He was 79.The Chattanooga, Tennessee native and owner of Frost Cutlery in Ooltewah, Tennessee, became heavily involved in the sport of softball and youth sports at the local and national levels in the 1980's due to his daughter, Stephanie Frost."It's unmatched what he's done," said Chattanooga softball head coach Frank Reed."His legacy is unparalleled to a lot of things people have done here for Chattanooga softball."Jim Frost established one of the nation's top softball facilities right here in the Scenic City, achieving his dream of helping the youth in Chattanooga. The stadium started construction in 1997 and has been the forever-home for Chattanooga Mocs softball since its opening, with Jim Frost's name proudly attached.For many years, Chattanooga has been recognized as the "capital" of girls' fast-pitch softball in the Eastern United States. Originally named the "Field of 1,000 Dreams", Jim Frost Stadium was created as a place to showcase talents of thousands of young women who dream of softball glory."Jim will never be forgotten for all he has done for this community through the game of softball. I can't imagine the game without him being involved," added Reed.Jim Frost is also widely known as a leader in the cutlery industry, turning a hobby of collecting knives into Frost Cutlery, a multi-million dollar business which employs over 100 people on location of a 150,000 square foot warehouse.The family will receive friends Thursday, January 14, from 4-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road. Scores of first year students have started arriving on the campus of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) as the University opened for the 2020/21 academic year on Saturday, January 09. This is in pursuance of the governments recent directive to Ghanaian universities to open the campuses for effective academic work to commence, following several months of their closure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. A visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the campus saw the KNUST embossed and other private vehicles busily shuttling the various Halls of Residence to offload students luggage. Per the Universitys arrangements, a team of police and KNUST Security personnel with the support of the Students Cadet Corp had been stationed at vantage points to assist and ensure the safety of the arriving students. Dr. Daniel Norris Bekoe, the University Relations Officer, in an interview with the media in Kumasi, said the authorities had notified all arriving students to strictly observe the COVID-19 safety protocols. He hinted that a mass fumigation exercise had already been done before opening the campus, saying the authorities had put in place the necessary measures for the safety of the students. According to the University Relations Officer, students who had issues with accommodation were to contact the Office of the Dean of Students for assistance. Dr. Bekoe said continuing students were also expected to report on Saturday, January 16. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The storming of the US Capitol by a hate mob, some carrying Confederate flags, at the instigation of the countrys President is unprecedented. All the words that have been used shame, disgrace, carnage, nadir are appropriate. The battle between forces of impunity and those of accountability, brewing over the last decade around the world, is now in Technicolor. For the public servants caught in the chaos, the events must have been terrifying. For those of us who are not citizens but are lucky enough to work here, they were chilling: that this country, so full of creativity and generosity, that has given so much to the world, should have its most sacred of democratic institutions overrun by a hate mob is not just a passing stain. It is a warning to democrats everywhere. The storming of the US Capitol by a hate mob, some carrying Confederate flags, at the instigation of the countrys President is unprecedented Wednesdays events were not a thunderbolt from a clear blue sky. They were years in fermentation, during which the demonisation of opponents, their motives and their beliefs, became a staple of far-Right demagogues Wednesdays events were not a thunderbolt from a clear blue sky. They were years in fermentation, during which the demonisation of opponents, their motives and their beliefs, became a staple of far-Right demagogues. Real Americans were contrasted with others, by implication not real. Independent centres of authority, like the media and judiciary, were called enemies of the people. Racists were excused and anti-racists were called dangerous. The contrast between the policing of Black Lives Matter demonstrations and the mob rule last week could not be more stark. And all along, those who have pointed to a threat to democratic life were told not to be alarmist. The quelling of the riot in Washington does not mean the crisis is over. Even if the run-up to the inauguration is peaceful, the fires of hatred have not been doused. Balkanisation was a term invented to describe the break-up of the Balkans into a fragmented set of tribes united only by geography and loathing of each other. That is the danger in the United States today. The current divisions are not just about time zones or even policy. They are about the much more combustible questions of culture, identity, meaning, world view. They are pickled into antipathy by separate news machines that eradicate debate in favour of vilification. They are laced with extreme danger because guns are so widely owned. Two questions arise. One is about America, and what happens next to this great experiment in democracy. The events of January 6 should be salutary. Despite the support of a majority of House Republicans for President Trumps wholly unfounded claims to have grounds for contesting the election result, and despite the fact that impeachment or other censure of Trump seems remote, there are grounds for hope. Russias President Putin told the Financial Times in 2018 that the liberal idea was obsolete. Today he can hardly believe his luck The presidential election was not actually close. The adherents of a truly lost and false cause are beginning to feel the political consequences, not least in the Georgia results. Trump and his supporters have discredited themselves. A new administration will arrive in office with the ability to pass legislation, and an incentive and instinct on the part of President-elect Biden to reach across party lines. The second question is for other democratic countries, including the UK. We are in a different situation, in all sorts of ways. But we are not immune from challenges to our democratic norms or to the rule of law. And frustration with the failings of representative government is high. The answer must be to strengthen our democracy, not usurp it. One lesson is that if the transgressions of norms deemed small are not called out, then big ones follow. When President Trump defied convention and refused to release his tax returns during the 2016 presidential election, and was not held to account, a clear message went out: playing by the rules is for suckers. There was the same effect in the UK when Dominic Cummings defied the Covid rules. Another is that Left and Right need to compete intensively for different visions of the future, but need to unite in strengthening democratic process. Of course the populists want to scream establishment stitch-up. But that makes it all the more important that fair checks and balances from organisation of electoral districts to campaign finance rules to media ownership rules are upheld. There is special responsibility on government to uphold the independence and impartiality of media, the Civil Service and the judiciary. Yet around the world, we know from the NGO Freedom House as well as from the Varieties of Democracy project at the University of Gothenburg, it is precisely these independent centres of power that are in retreat. A majority of countries in the world have suffered reductions in political freedom in the last 15 years. That is why Professor Larry Diamond of Stanford University has coined the idea of democratic recession, in which all types of country, from democratic to authoritarian, are becoming less liberal. There is also need for action, not just scrutiny, on the antisocial, anti-democratic aspects of social media. Social media companies are publishers. They are also broadcasters. Let them live by the rules, not make it up as they go along. Russias President Putin told the Financial Times in 2018 that the liberal idea was obsolete. Today he can hardly believe his luck. Only alarm and action can prove him wrong, and not just in the disunited states of America. The commemorative trowel, which has spent most of its life in a drawer, will now by on permanent display in the town hall. Pictured on the day it was handed over are Don Wilson and his wife Helen. A Warkworth artefact has returned to the town after an absence of nearly 100 years. The commemorative trowel has been in the Wilson family since Nathaniel Wilson used it to lay the Coronation Stone at the Warkworth Town Hall on June 22, 1911. Last month, his great grandson, Don Wilson, 93, of Auckland, handed it over to hall manager Alex Hayward. Its quite amazing to see it returned, Alex says. The silver trowel, which has a mother-of-pearl handle, is on permanent loan and will be displayed in the hall foyer. Nathaniel Wilson was born in Glasgow in 1836 and died in Warkworth in 1919. He built one of the first kilns for burning limestone on the banks of the Mahurangi River and was the founder of the Wilson cement works, which eventually became Portland Cement. He also built the historic Riverina Homestead. The Prince of Wales will today launch an ambitious 7.3billion recovery plan to right a string of broken promises over the environment. Marking 50 years since he first began campaigning on green issues, Charles will unveil his Terra Carta, a pioneering multi-national agreement between some of the biggest firms in the world to put sustainability at the heart of the global post-pandemic recovery. His project has been inspired by the Magna Carta, which defines fundamental rights and liberties. Now, 805 years on, his ten-year Earth Charter is designed to give fundamental rights and values to Nature. The prince hopes it will put an end to decades of unfulfilled agreements on the environment and give our children and grandchildren the future they deserve. The Prince of Wales will today launch an ambitious 7.3billion recovery plan to right a string of broken promises over the environment He believes harnessing the private sector and big business is the way to do it. Writing in the foreword to the document, he says: To guarantee our future, we have no other choice but to make each day count and it must start today. The prince has spent the past year meeting world leaders from industry, government, philanthropy and technology to convene a coalition of the willing, who have vowed to bring sustainability to the heart of their work. Those that have signed up include Bank of America, AstraZeneca, Schroders, HSBC, Heathrow Airport, Coutts, BP and Sir Jony Ive, the British-born former chief design officer at Apple. The 17-page, 85-point Terra Carta, designed by Sir Jony, sets out an immediate ten-point action plan for businesses which will provide a roadmap to a more sustainable future for the private sector. Those that have signed up include Bank of America, AstraZeneca, Schroders, HSBC, Heathrow Airport, Coutts, BP and Sir Jony Ive (pictured), the British-born former chief design officer at Apple Most eye-catching is the creation of a Natural Capital Investors Alliance, promising an ambitious $10billion (7.3billion) in investment for green initiatives by 2022. All those who are involved in the initiative will have to commit to an allocation of that figure to invest in natural capital reducing emissions, restoring biodiversity and boosting sustainable economic growth. Other aspects include a demand for industry to recognise the importance of local traditions, culture, products and jobs. Charles will launch his Terra Carta today via video link at the One Planet Summit in Paris. He will say: I can only encourage, in particular, those in industry and finance to provide practical leadership to this common project, as only they are able to mobilise the innovation, scale and resources that are required to transform our global economy. A senior royal source said the prince sees the charter as a pivotal moment in his lifes work on green issues which began when he warned against the perils of plastics in a speech in 1970, aged just 21. 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. This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Its common for actors to build strong bonds during the production of a project. With the long hours, team effort of making something together, and somewhat isolation from normal life, it makes sense that actors usually are close to one another. And when it comes to the Amazon Prime Video show The Wilds, viewers may wonder if the actors who play the teen girls are as close in real life as they are on-screen. The actors shot the show for five months in New Zealand, filming challenging scenes in the water, wind, oftentimes acting out difficult and emotional dialogue. Read on to see if the experience made them friends off screen, as well. Helena Howard | Amy Sussman/Getty Images What is The Wilds The Wilds is a dystopian drama that debuted on Amazon Prime Video in December 2020. The show, created by Sarah Streicher, follows several teen girls as they face an uphill battle against dehydration, starvation, and the unknown while stranded on an island together. The show has already been green-lit for a season two by Amazon, and fans cant get enough. Are the castmates friends? In a Flashback Friday video tour on set, the actors talked about their time working together. A few of them talked about how they would get their makeup done and have a blast doing so. We all kind of get our makeup done at the same time, Mia Healey, who plays Shelby Goodkind, said. Its fun cause were all in the truck and were all talking and laughing, and its actually a really nice time to come alive before we have to go on set. Jenna Clause, who plays Martha in the show, discussed how she felt out of [her] league and under pressure joining the show, but having the support of her fellow actors helped her get through it. Spending a lot of time with Reign [Edwards] having someone thats been in this industry, its like, I couldnt really ask for anyone better that knows this, she said in the clip. Edwards added that the cast really bonded for the first time when they filmed the mud scene for the show Edwards said she really was stuck, and all of the actors had to actually lift her out. We were able to show each other all of our acting chops and I was able to admire everybody, which was really cool, she said. Shannon Berry, who plays Dot Campbell, said that the cast had a lot of singing parties in between takes on set. Sophia Ali, the actor behind Fatin Jadmani said that when she takes a step back and reflects on it, she realizes how close the group really is. Usually when were on set, its very like, go go go, you forget how close youve become because youve spent so much time together, she said. And then you really realize, man, I love you guys.' Its evident that this group of talented professionals became close friends while on set. The casts friendship includes laughter and more tender moments together In another cast interview with BuzzFeed, the actors answered questions about their relationships with each other. Edwards remembered filming a scene with Healey that made her crack up laughing. But in addition to the funny moments, they shared vulnerable ones, too. You gave me so much advice while on set, Berry said to Ali. We used to sit on Sophias hotel balcony and just like, talk the whole night away. Ali replied saying she loves giving advice to Berry. The cast also talked about sharing memes and TikToks with each other the universal love language for friendships for millennials and Generation Z alike. RELATED: What to Watch on Amazon Prime Video Right Now The South African government is concerned that South Africas stock of COVID-19 vaccines may be stolen. The Department of Health told City Press that there is a risk of COVID-19 vaccines being stolen and sold on the black market at inflated prices. In an attempt to prevent this, South Africas vaccines will be stored in a secret, centralised location from where they will be distributed to healthcare facilities. There will be a central place where the consignment will be stored and from where we will distribute it to hospital and clinic pharmacies that can store it, Department of Health spokesperson Popo Maja told the publication. Theres a security issue too because countries which have already begun rolling out the vaccines have warned us that there is a huge theft of it, so we may not even disclose where it is being centrally stored. The vaccines are a highly-rated commodity once theyre stolen and reach the black market. Maja said that if this occurs, there is a risk that the prices of these illegally-obtained vaccines will be hiked significantly. Vaccine roll-out Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on 7 January that the government had secured 1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. The initial roll-out fo this vaccine will prioritise 1.25 million healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors. 1 million doses of the vaccine will be delivered to South Africa in January, and another 500,000 will arrive in February. The AstraZeneca vaccine is significantly cheaper than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, although it is based on similar mechanics. While the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA (messenger-RNA) vaccines that deliver encoded instructions for the body to manufacture antibodies against a key protein present in the coronavirus, the AstraZeneca vaccine encodes these instructions and stores them in double-stranded DNA. These DNA instructions are then added to an adenovirus, which is designed to enter cells but cannot replicate inside them. South African strain It is currently unclear whether these COVID-19 vaccines will be as effective against the recently-discovered South African variant of the coronavirus. National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) acting executive director Professor Adrian Puren previously told MyBroadband that the recently-discovered coronavirus mutation may require the COVID-19 vaccine to be re-engineered to be effective. This may be a major problem, considering that this variant is most prevalent within the second wave of COVID-19 cases in South Africa. The 501.V2 variant of COVID-19 that emerged in South Africa has undergone mutations which may affect antibody recognition and subsequently the vaccine, although this currently remains unclear There are two mutations that have resulted in two amino acid changes in the receptor membrane binding protein that is key in antibody recognition, Puren told MyBroadband. These changes, in theory, can affect antibody binding and it is currently under investigation to determine what effect if any these will have. If this region is essential for antibody responses, then the antigen protein may have to be re-engineered to ensure efficacy, he said. Now read: South Africa in advanced talks over Johnson and Johnson vaccine Rajinikanth fan club stage demonstration over actor's political exit India oi-Madhuri Adnal Chennai, Jan 10: Chennai Police has permitted members of Rajinikanth fan club to stage a demonstration at Valluvar Kottam on Sunday to request the actor for taking back his decision not to enter politics. The protest, allegedly organised by a section of Rajini fans, was protesting against the Superstar's political decision - presumably to not launch a party. His fan club has stated that any member of the Rajini Makkal Mandram found participating in the protest will face strict action. Rajini out of the fray: Is this a victory for AIADMK? Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on December 29 announced that he was going to withdraw his decision to launch a political party and that he will not enter the electoral fray. "I regret to inform that I am not going to launch a political party," he said, reported news agency PTI. "I will serve people in whatever ways I can without entering electoral politics," he said. Rajinikanth's statement comes exactly three days after he had a closed meeting with his supporters, asking their opinion on his active political entry. Cyber threats across commercial and government enterprises appear to be so common that seldom do we see major stories on the topic. The past couple of weeks were an exception, as gas stations along the East Coast ran out of fuel supplies, thanks to the paralyzing cyberattack on null WASHINGTON (AP) With COVID-19 surging and vaccinations off to a slow start, President-elect Joe Biden will rapidly release most available vaccine doses to protect more people, his office said Friday, a reversal of Trump administration policies. The president-elect believes we must accelerate distribution of the vaccine while continuing to ensure the Americans who need it most get it as soon as possible," spokesman T.J. Ducklo said in a statement. Biden supports releasing available doses immediately, and believes the government should stop holding back vaccine supply so we can get more shots in Americans arms now. Bidens plan is not about cutting two-dose vaccines in half, a strategy that top government scientists recommend against. Instead, it would accelerate shipment of first doses and use the levers of government power to provide required second doses in a timely manner. The Trump administration has been holding back millions of doses of vaccine to guarantee that people can get a second shot, which provides maximum protection against COVID-19. It's seen as a prudent approach, since both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines require a second shot after the first vaccination. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar raised questions about Biden's plan, telling a hospital forum on Friday that were pushing the system as much as I as secretary believe is ethically and legally appropriate. But a recent scientific analysis in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine estimated that a flexible approach roughly analogous to what Biden is talking about could avert an additional 23% to 29% of COVID-19 cases when compared to the fixed strategy the Trump administration is following. Thats assuming a steady supply of vaccine. After a glow of hope when the first vaccines were approved last month, the nation's inoculation campaign has gotten off to a slow start. Of 21.4 million doses distributed, about 5.9 million have been administered, or just under 28%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Biden has indicated his displeasure with the progress of vaccinations. I think the way its being done now has been very, very sad, he said at his news conference Friday. The Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed has delivered vaccines to the states, he said, but did not get them from those vials into peoples arms, he continued. And so it is a gigantic logistical concern of how we do that. Biden says he intends to speed up vaccinations by having the federal government deliver more vaccines and take a stronger role ensuring that they are being administered. The American Hospital Association estimates that the nation would need to vaccinate 1.8 million people a day, every day, from Jan. 1 to May 31, to reach the goal of having widespread immunity by the summer. That's also called herd immunity and would involve vaccinating at least 75% of the population. Biden has set a goal of administering 100 million shots in the first 100 days of his administration. He's previously said that he and Vice-President elect Kamala Harris have been talking with state and local leaders about meshing the efforts of governments at all levels. Among the specifics: opening up vaccination centers and sending mobile vaccine units to hard-to-reach communities. The Biden transition office said its experts believe that pushing out available vaccine as fast as possible will not create problems for people needing their second dose. Biden will make broader use of a Cold War-era law to direct private industry to supply materials for vaccine production, should that become necessary, his office said. One-shot vaccines are moving through development. Former Food and Drug Administration head Mark McClellan said he agrees with Biden's decision, but the increased supply of vaccines has to be coupled with steps to get shots actually administered. We're holding back more doses than we really need to, McClellan said in an interview. But this needs to be combined with steps to increase the administration of vaccines, or it won't make much difference. McClellan, who served under former Republican President George W. Bush, now leads a health policy center at Duke University. But Azar, President Donald Trump's health secretary, said if vaccine production doesn't increase Biden's approach could lead could lead to fits and starts in vaccination. What weve set up is a system that manages the flow, to maximize the number of first doses, but knowing there will be a second dose available, Azar said, defending the Trump administration's decision. Biden announced his plan after eight Democratic governors wrote the Trump administration on Friday urging it to do as much. The federal government currently has upwards of 50% of currently produced vaccines held back, the governors wrote. While some of these life-saving vaccines are sitting in Pfizer freezers, our nation is losing 2,661 Americans each day, according to the latest seven-day average. The failure to distribute these doses to states who request them is unconscionable and unacceptable. We demand that the federal government begin distributing these reserved doses to states immediately. The letter was signed by Govs. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Gavin Newsom of California, Laura Kelly of Kansas, J.B. Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota, Andrew Cuomo of New York, Jay Inslee of Washington, and Tony Evers of Wisconsin. With the winter wave of the pandemic pushing deaths to record levels, and hospitals overwhelmed in cities large and small, some have called on the government to authorize using just one dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. That would indeed confer a boost of immunity. However, government scientists including Dr. Anthony Fauci have said the vaccines should continue to be used as prescribed under their emergency approval by the FDA. The two-shot regimen provides around 95% protection. More than 365,000 Americans have died as a result of the pandemic, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The seven-day average positivity rate for the nation has continued to rise since Christmas, and stood at 13.6% on Thursday, according to the COVID Tracking Project. That's well above the 10% rate considered a marker of widespread contagion. Biden spokesman Ducklo said the president-elect will share additional details next week. Biden's plan to change the vaccine distribution plan was first reported by CNN. ___ This story has been corrected to show that 21.4 million doses of vaccine have been distributed, not 29.4 million. ___ AP reporter Michelle R. Smith in Providence, R.I., contributed to this report. Williamstown Select Board Pressed on Police Investigation WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. A half-dozen town residents took the floor at Monday's Select Board meeting to continue to keep the pressure on the town to conduct an independent investigation into the Police Department. One resident argued that such a probe would be unsuccessful and counterproductive. Anthony Boskovich told the board that police officers would refuse to participate in an investigation and that an atmosphere of civilian oversight at the department would hamper the town's efforts to find a new police chief. "I can tell you right now that, in my view, your approach is going to come across the 'blue wall,' " Boskovich said. "Police departments do not like outsiders coming in and telling them what to do. You want to have an independent investigation? My experience tells me you will run into something else that's very common in policing: the code of silence. You will ask these officers questions, and they will not know anything. "With respect to the chief of police, you're talking about all of these things you want to do with your chief. Something I would ask all of you to ask yourselves: Given what's happened in this town in the last year, who would want the job? It pays about $120,000 a year, which is what a shift sergeant makes in Springfield." Boskovich also argued that the dozens of people who have addressed the Select Board, the scores who have marched in protest, the hundreds who have signed petitions and the administration of Williams College don't speak for "the entire community." "I'm the only person in six months who has come here and said something different than the narrative you heard," Boskovich said. Just three months earlier, a different resident did address the board to say the Police Department was being "demonized" and "victimized," after the members of the local police union themselves accused the Select Board of a "lack of support and blanket disregard" for law enforcement. It was around that same time that blue-and-black "Enough" signs began popping up on some residents' lawns around town. Boskovich's Monday assertions, made toward the end of a three-hour virtual meeting, drew an immediate response from a member of the town's Racial Justice and Police Reform group. Peggy Kern told the board that she expects the officers to collaborate with the process of investigating allegations of racism and sexual misconduct raised in a recently withdrawn federal lawsuit. "One of the things I hope we're shifting in this country and this town is our relationship to policing," Kern said. "We are the authorities on what keeps us safe. It's been deferring to the institution of policing that has gotten us to a crisis in America. "We are the authorities on what we need. We get to make those decisions for ourselves." Another resident earlier in the meeting refuted the idea that all police officers subscribe to the "code of silence" when it comes to covering up misdeeds. Arlene Kirsch specifically referenced the allegation not denied by the town in its response to a complaint filed with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination that a member of the force kept a photo of Adolph Hitler displayed in his locker at the old police station. "The interim police chief in Adams [Troy Bacon] had said to me and he gave me permission to say that he said this if that guy had hung that photo in his department, that guy would be gone," Kirsch said. "I did not ask him for that statement. I did not even bring up the photo. He just offered that when he found out I was from Williamstown." Kirsch said residents are right to expect an investigation into the allegations in Sgt. Scott McGowan's lawsuit. "We have really appropriate expectations," Kirsch said. "They basically come down to one thing: We want to have the truth come out about the scope of the culture in the Police Department. We want to find out what is the scope of work that a new chief has to deal with. And we can only find that out after an independent investigation. "We need to find out the extent to which behaviors were buried, tolerated, excused, dismissed. We're not on any sort of hunt for personal accusations. But we do need to fix what's wrong." Kirsch was in the majority on Monday. Carrie Waara told the Select Board that transparency is an important step toward achieving equity in the town. "The restorative language that acknowledges harm and hurt that has been done in the community is really important," Waara said. "That's part of listening. "There's a sense that maybe y'all are a little bit in a rush to move on to the new chief and hire and get the process going. Maybe you've forgotten the terrible breach of trust and police scandal that's been plaguing us for months. It can't disappear by rushing into the next steps. "I really want you to see the call for independent investigations is wanting truth. We just want to know what has happened and what is the status in our police department and in our town. And we want to heal the breaches. You really do need to mend our trust in the community." Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access New Delhi, Jan 10 : Bitcoin represents a legitimate alternative to gold for risk averse capital looking for a store of value, according to Christopher Wood of Jefferies. In his note to investors which runs under the title, Greed and Fear, Wood said Bitcoin was up 305 per cent for the whole of 2020. It has since risen by a further 28 per cent so far in 2021 to $36,999. "It has now become clear to GREED & Fear that Bitcoin represents a legitimate alternative to gold for risk averse capital looking for a store of value, amidst accumulating evidence of policies of currency debasement in the G7 world", Wood said in the note. In this respect, the total market capitalisation of Bitcoin at the end of 2020 was $539 billion, compared with estimates of $12 trillion in above ground gold, Wood said. Recently, Bitcoin surpassed Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathway in market capitalization and only ranks behind Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Facebook, Tencent, Tesla, Alibaba and Taiwan Semiconductor in global market capitalization league tables. Wood said the global portfolio for US-dollar-based long-term global investors, such as pension funds, remains dominated, as it has been since inception at the end of 3Q02, by the weightings in physical gold bullion and unhedged gold-mining stocks, which still account for 45 per cent and 20 per cent of the portfolio respectively Still a major change was made in the portfolio last quarter when a 5 per cent allocation was made in Bitcoin on 17 December at a price of $22,779, by reducing the allocation to gold bullion by 5ppts. "The major reason for this allocation is that Bitcoin has now become investible for institutions with custodian arrangements in place for digital assets", Wood said. Wood has said a bearish US dollar calls for a recommendation to overweight Asian and emerging market equities. From a global equity asset allocation perspective, it is a further confirmation of the case to own cyclical stocks over growth stocks long propagated here as reflected in the action this week in bank stocks, courtesy of a steepening US yield curve, and energy stocks, he said. Expectations of US infrastructure stimulus are rising while it looks ever more likely to be the case that the FANG stocks have peaked as a share of S&P500 market cap, Wood said. CHICO, Calif. - Democrats are planning to introduce one article of impeachment against President Trump. Action News Now anchor Alan Marsden spoke on Friday with Democratic campaign strategist Bob Mulholland of Chico for his thoughts on a possible impeachment or the invoking of the 25th Amendment. Alan: Is it good, or could it be bad for the country in the long term, if this happens? Bob: I think Congress should do what it wants to do which is to impeach the President. But it's really just a checkmate on Trump not to do anything crazy. But I think the voters impeached Trump last election day. Alan: I'm already hearing fears of this could foment much worse things happening from his supporters. Bob: I think a lot of his angry people after the riots will be backing off. And on 20th of January Biden will be sworn in, Harris will be sworn in, and I think much of that will go away. Alan: Do you think personally, as an American, do you support proceeding with the impeachment. Bob: I think it's the responsibility of our Congress to step forward when they see someone urging people to riot at the U.S. Capitol. And unfortunately, a Capitol Police officer was murdered using a fire extinguisher. And hopefully, that person is sent to jail forever. Alan: Are you surprised that this happened? Bob: No. Even Rudy Giuliani used the word combat. And Trump urged the people to march down there. Said he would go with them. And unfortunately, they did. And unfortunately, people were murdered. And unfortunately, it was a terrible (sic) seen in pictures all the way around the world. When you ask people with a high school education who spent their honeymoon at a white supremacy camp to go march on the Capitol, you're putting us all at risk. Alan: I think a lot of people would argue that not everyone in that crowd meets the description that you just gave. Bob: Yeah sure. But they were there. And there were hundreds of people breaking glass and pushing police officers down. And fortunately for Congressman LaMalfa he and the others were able to get to a secure room. That wasn't true for the Capitol Police officer. Alan: Again, are you surprised? Bob: No. I've been around this country. I've been in 60 countries, I'm not surprised. I've seen this type of behavior. Whenever a politician says let's go get 'em it usually means go get 'em. Alan: Can the country heal from this? Bob: Yeah, and Biden has to focus on the Covid-19 and getting 300 million Americans vaccinated this year and thus the economy will get better. And then Americans will start focusing on their own lives again and not Congress. Alan: The division is extraordinarily strong right now. Can that be repaired? Bob: Well, yeah, you ought to go to a Philadelphia Eagles game. Yes, it will be repaired. The majority of the American people voted for Biden and Harris. The majority of the American people want the country to move forward. The majority of the American people want Trump to leave. Alan: The bottom line is you sound pretty optimistic about the whole thing? Bob: Yeah, I tend to be pretty optimistic. I know ultimately the American people will feel good about our country and be patriotic. And once we get Trump off TV, at least most of the time, most of us will go back to our regular lives and hopefully we can get the Covid vaccine covered. Mulholland says he and his wife, former Butte County supervisor Jane Dolan, will not be attending the inauguration after President-Elect Biden urged Americans to stay home due to the pandemic. By Kevin Melly The lesson from Wednesday, when Trump protesters broke into the Capitol, is being missed by everyone. Ive been saying this for years: We live in a world without a leader and chaos is filling the void. I dont condone the violence and Rudolph Giuliani and Donald Trump were certainly the immediate sparks to Wednesdays fire and should be resolutely criticized for their words, but dismissing Americans as bitter people who cling to their guns and religion or as deplorables or with 47% of the people who will vote for the president no matter what ... who are dependent upon government, misses the greater lesson that should be learned. Think about it, does anyone truly believe that an unarmed 14-year U.S. military veteran who served four tours of duty in service of her country, woke up yesterday planning on storming the U.S. Capitol building? Everyone should be asking themselves what drove Ashli Babbitt (and so many others) to act in such a manner? We not only have no leaders but we have elected representatives supposedly trusted with doing the publics work who have never worked a private-sector job yet are worth millions while we only found out about the trillions being borrowed and billions spent on our behalf being given away to foreign governments and being wasted because Donald Trump made it public. Social media platforms censor the one person who highlighted this wasteful spending. The typical congressional representative including both senators and House members net worth is roughly five times the median U.S. household net worth. Fully 50% of Congress are millionaires, compared with only 1% of Americans as a whole. This doesnt happen in a vacuum and its the cancerous condition of both parties. Making oneself rich while ostensibly working for the public good at all levels of government is the sad norm these days and leads to the destruction of public trust. Consider what the nations citizenry has had to deal with from our elected leaders just this year. We are constantly dictated to and ordered not to work in order to save lives by governors who constantly change their orders with no scientific basis and who hypocritically act in their own self-interest: going out to dinner, getting haircuts, or as we saw during the summer, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in political rallies without any social distancing. The governor flippantly admits that he didnt even consider our rights when he acted like a king ordering us to do this and not to do that. And if you disagree with Murphy, then you are considered to be endangering lives. The vaccines that will end this pandemic and allow people to return to work could be given to people not on a logical priority basis but rather by the color of their skin. A vaccination program that states its intentional goal is to somehow remedy racism and that inoculates, and thus save certain peoples lives, based on their race, ethnicity or gender is a terrible precedent. The representatives from all parties habitually lie to the public so often that it is barely even questioned anymore. The elected officials now are so removed and so disconnected from the citizenry they supposedly represent that the very notion of our country being a representative Republic is being questioned. The publics understandable frustration manifests itself in ways that can either be peaceful or violent. We can make sure it is peaceful by using the tools the Founders of the Republic entrusted to us. To ensure elections are fair and operated in an organized manner, we should rally the states legislatures to do their solemn duty to fix any problems with the elections. Fully 68% of Republicans dont think the 2020 presidential election was fair. Failure to gain the publics trust will, unfortunately, lead to more frustration metastasizing into scenes like we saw Wednesday. Convincing all 50 state legislatures they need to do this is where everyones energy needs to be directed. This is just the start for our leaders to earn the publics trust.if we only had any. Kevin Melly is the CEO of a local investment company. Hes also a lifelong Independent. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. And third-party statistics confirm Google Maps is one of the first apps so many users install, even on the iPhone, despite Apple actually selling its smartphones with Apple Maps pre-loaded.Third-party numbers from SensorTower , for example, indicate Google Maps was the seventh most popular app in the App Store in Europe last December, despite Apple users being provided with a native alternative.In case youre wondering who was leading the charts, TikTok was the number one app in Europe last December on the iPhone, followed by Zoom, WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube. Microsoft Teams was ranked sixth, just ahead of Google Maps, while Facebook, Netflix, and Telegram rounded up the top 10.As far as Googles own Android platform is concerned, Google Maps obviously didnt make the charts, but this is only because it comes pre-loaded on the operating system. TikTok was the top app here too, just ahead of WhatsApp, Zoom, and Instagram.In the meantime, Google is working on massive improvements for Google Maps, though for the time being, they remain exclusive to Android devices.One of them is the driving mode, which is supposed to turn Google Maps into a central hub for the experience behind the wheel. With the driving mode, which provides one-tap access to phone calls, music apps, and navigation, Google Maps can eventually replace Android Auto for phones, thus providing users with a more straightforward experience in the car.The new driving mode is currently in the preview stage for Android users in the United States, and itll be interesting to see if Google eventually brings it to the iPhone too. If this happens, Apple users would finally be provided with a mobile interface serving as an alternative to the fully-featured CarPlay requiring a compatible head unit. One of our favorite forbidden fruits, the rally-bred Toyota GR Yaris, now has the notoriety of being banned on Australian television. A recent Toyota commercial featuring the car was pulled because it exhibited "unsafe" driving and "breaking the speed limit." The spot will have to be modified before it can air again. According to Australia's Car Expert, the ad violated the Federal Chamber for Automotive Industries' Motor Vehicle Advertising Code. It was brought to the FCAI's attention after the agency received a complaint that "the commercial promotes speeding and may influence people to speed which is very dangerous. So what was in the offending ad? It features a pretty bland setup, in which siblings in separate cars, all Yarises, drive to attend their parents' wedding anniversary. One of them, Jack, is apparently the perpetually forgetful one, and the sisters message him via the car's voice recognition system, naturally a reminder. Of course, Jack has indeed forgotten, and is wrenching on his classic ST185 Toyota Celica rally car instead. Oh, Jack, you scamp! Upon receiving the message, he darts out of the garage into his GR Yaris and speeds off. At this point, the homologation special (barely) breaks traction on the dirt driveway for a bit, throwing up some dust before arriving at his parents' house ahead of his sisters with a smug look on his face. It's this tiny slide that got the ad banned. Toyota issued an official response to the FCAI, saying, "Toyota takes the opinion of the complainant very seriously. However, it is our belief that the advertisement does not contravene the FCAI Code or the applicable laws and regulations that govern community roads and driving standards. Upon further review, the Advertising Standards Bureau found that Toyota was not guilty of showing the car breaking the speed limit, but that the brief wheel spin did constitute unsafe driving. Story continues Australia has traditionally had strict anti-hooning laws. Many drivers have had their cars confiscated for shows of power and speed. Even Lewis Hamilton has been fined. However, in a world where all publicity is good publicity, this ban probably just makes the 268-horsepower GR Yaris seem even cooler. Related Video: Trawlers pack the bustling Western Saharan port of Dakhla, where fish scales glisten from workers' arms as they roll up their nets and buyers shout bids in a sprawling auction warehouse. Nearby, turquoise waters lap wide, nearly empty Atlantic beaches and diners sip tea in sidewalk cafes. Plans by the United States to open a consulate in Western Sahara mark a turning point for the disputed and closely policed territory in North Africa. The US move recognizes Morocco's authority over the land in exchange for Morocco normalizing relations with Israel. Top American and Moroccan officials are in the region this weekend to lay the groundwork for the project. While this shift in US foreign policy frustrates indigenous Sahrawis who have sought Western Sahara's independence for decades, others see new opportunities for trade and tourism that will provide a welcome boost for the region and sun-kissed coastal cities like Dakhla. A portrait of Moroccan King Mohammed VI, waving from behind his sunglasses, hangs from the crenellated archway that greets peole arriving in Dakhla. The king's face is juxtaposed on a map that includes Western Sahara as an integral part of Morocco. Morocco annexed the former Spanish colony in 1975, which unleashed a 16-year war and then 30 years of diplomatic and military stalemate between Morocco and the Polisario Front, an organization seeking Western Sahara's independence that is based in and backed by Algeria. The long-running territorial dispute has limited Western Sahara's links with the outside world. Khatat Yanja, head of Dakhla's regional council, looks forward to the US arrival opening up his city to new markets and persuading more tourists to enjoy its beaches, local wares and breathtaking sunsets. He expressed hope for U.S. investment in tourism, renewable energy, farming and especially fishing. ``We appreciate such a gesture,'' Yania said of the future consulate. ``It will open a new chapter altogether when it comes to investment in this region, via employing people and creating more resources. It will also open more doors for international trade.'' The main fishing port is the lifeline of the local economy, employing 70% of Dakhla's work force. Thousands of boats bring in 500,000 tons of fish per year, for exports worth 2.2 billion dirhams ($249 million) annually, according to port director Bintaleb Elhassan. Beneath flocks of honking seagulls, fishermen haul sardines and mackerel to warehouses where the catch is auctioned off from neatly lined trays. In nearby processing plants, rows of women, including migrants from around Africa, clean and sort the fish. Morocco tightly polices the region. On a recent visit to Dakhla, authorities closely monitored an Associated Press reporter in the way both visitors and residents often are. US Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker visited Dakhla and Western Sahara's biggest city, Laayoune, on Saturday. He and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita are expected to unveil a temporary diplomatic outpost on Sunday. While the consulate isn't expected to open for another six to 12 months, Schenker's trip is a way for the U.S. to cement its commitment to Western Sahara before President Donald Trump leaves office. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, helped broker a normalization deal between Morocco and Israel announced last month, part of a series of historic accords that won Arab countries major favors from Washington in exchange. Trump said the goal of the Western Sahara consulate would be ``to promote economic and trade opportunities in the region,'' which is about the size of Colorado and is believed to have considerable offshore oil deposits and mineral resources. The Polisario Front's representative at the United Nations, Sidi Omar, appealed Saturday for the incoming administration of US President-elect Joe Biden to reverse Trump's decision. ``The US cannot both support the UN's role in resolving Western Sahara conflict and endorse Moroccan sovereignty,'' Omar tweeted. Western Sahara's economy is run by Morocco, which has built most of the territory's infrastructure and encouraged Moroccans to settle there. But the United Nations and most world governments don't recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the land, limiting Morocco's ability to export its resources and complicating trade deals. For many people in Dakhla, at least those who are allowed to speak to visiting journalists, local concerns appear to outweigh geopolitical ones. Residents commute to work, sell clementines, shop for jewelry, enjoy local specialties in sidewalk cafes and frolic with their dogs on tranquil beaches. The U.S. recognition of Western Sahara as Morocco's drew criticism from the UN and America's allies. African observers have said it could destabilize the broader region, already struggling against Islamist insurgencies and migrant trafficking. The action has particularly angered Sahrawis, who want a referendum on the territory's future, and neighboring Algeria, which hosts Sahrawi refugees and backs the Polisario. Schenker also visited Algeria in recent days. The US will be joining a small but growing number of countries with consulates in the territory, the most recent representing Gambia. ``Gambia feels a sense of gratitude for Morocco's support, including Morocco building the new Foreign Ministry building in Gambia. Also, Morocco continues to grant educational grants for Gambian students,'' Consul General Ousmane Badjie told The AP in his office, where a portrait of the Moroccan king also hangs. Sahrawi activists held protests in several Spanish and French cities over the US move, but Washington didn't directly address their concerns when the State Department formally notified Congress on Dec. 24 of its plans to open a consulate. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said only that the United States ``will continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between Morocco and the Polisario within the framework of Morocco's autonomy plan.'' Short link: Kangana Ranaut, who is famous for her statement in Bollywood, is currently in Bhopal. There she held a press dialogue and in the meantime, she talked about atrocities against women. In the conversation, she said, "those who commit violence against women should be punished with severe punishment so that everyone else can get a lesson, we should have laws like Saudi Arabia in our country." #WATCH | In countries like Saudi Arabia, those who commit crimes against women are hanged to death at intersections. We need to set similar examples here: Actor Kangana Ranaut, on asked about the solution to atrocities against women, in Bhopal pic.twitter.com/ayLeWiwbCM ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021 In addition, she also said, "Those who torture women in Saudi Arabia are hanged, we should set a similar example." Kangana is currently busy with shooting her new film. Earlier, she has completed the shooting of the film ' Thalaivi ', she is playing the role of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in this film. While playing the role of Jayalalithaa, she is also going to appear in the film ' Dhakad' and ' Tejas '. Earlier, Kangana and his sister Rangoli have filed a statement in Bandra police station simultaneously. On Friday, after registering her statement with her sister at Bandra police station, she claimed in a video that she was being targeted for expressing her views. Kangana had arrived at the police station in Mumbai at 1 o'clock in the afternoon with the Y-plus category and her look was very good during that. Also Read- Fan congratulates Big B for 45 million followers on Twitter, Amitabh's eyes in tears Happy Birthday Chatur 'Silencer' Ramalingam aka Omi Vaidya Birthday: When Hrithik Roshan's married life faced trouble due to Kareena Kapoor Regan Freeman had spent more than a year organizing a project to tell the story of a Black South Carolina pastor who reached out to Ku Klux Klan members who wanted him dead because of his race. Freeman thought he knew the story well. Then came a tweet that led to two grey storage tubs of some of the most racist newspapers, flyers, posters, photographs and other material Freeman had ever seen. And the struggles the Rev. David Kennedy went through and his patience, love and caring for all men, even those with the most evil in their hearts, came into sharper focus for the young man born three months after The Redneck Shop and World's Only Klan Museum adorned with Confederate flags and with the swastika painted on a back wall, opened in Laurens. Under Freeman's leadership, the Echo Project has raised more than $300,000 to renovate the rundown and in danger of being condemned historic Echo Theater, a segregated movie theater for decades before becoming a store filled with racist t-shirts and other merchandise with a large meeting hall where dozens of hooded Klan members met in the back. An architect and construction firm has been chosen with work beginning soon and Freeman plans to relaunch the project's website to expand its reach. He wants to collect stories of Black people around Laurens whose ancestors struggled through slavery and segregation and maybe take on other projects like putting up historical markers at the site of each of the more than 150 known lynchings of Black victims in the state. And that led Freeman to grey plastic tubs. He saw a posting on Twitter in October where a woman who now owns the land where Redneck Shop owner John Howard lived when he died randomly let the Southern Poverty Law Center's account know she had a ton of his stuff. The woman didn't respond, so Freeman drove up himself and after a unannounced visit, some negotiation and $500, he had decades of stuff marking Howard's racist life. There are negatives of cross burnings. Posters of Adolph Hitler. A "Klan Rally Instructions" manual. A flyer called "A Boat Ticket To Africa" with horribly offensive Black caricatures and stereotypes. A business card a Klan member would leave to intimidate Black families that said this was a social visit and "don't make the next visit a business call." This stuff isn't from 100 years ago. Some of it is maybe from the last decade or two, according to Freeman. Freeman plans to have historians at the University of South Carolina help him look through the items with an eye toward preservation and displaying the ones that best tell a story at exhibits at the theater. "But our plan is to take this theater and to turn it into a place where you kind of really understand what happened in the building, you know, to take the history of the Echo Theater and of this struggle for justice, not only in Lawrence County, but to pair it with this longer story and this larger history across the country," he said. A Klan member named Michael Burden, who was once considering killing Kennedy, sold the theater to the pastor in 1997 after Kennedy helped him out when he and Howard had a falling out. But Burden's deal let Howard keep leasing the theater for The Redneck Shop. Kennedy finally won a 15-year court fight and shut the shop down. The story became the movie "Burden" released earlier this year. Now Freeman is leading the project to turn the old theater into Kennedy's dream of a community center where racial reconciliation and harmony is at the forefront. Freeman grew up in nearby Clinton, and while at the University of South Carolina, felt pulled to talk to Kennedy about his work. Kennedy asked him to lead the project and Freeman gave up a law firm job for his new calling. The project has an architect and construction firm helping out. The first bit of work for the companies? Scraping off a Confederate flag sticker on the marquee for decades and putting up "The Echo Project" and its website. (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) The opposition Grand Alliance in on Sunday declared it would boycott the upcoming budget session of state assembly and lay siege to residences of the Chief Minister and his deputies if proceedings of the House were curtailed in the name of facilitating COVID-19 vaccination. The announcement was made by RJD de facto leader after a meeting with delegates of Congress, CPI(ML), CPI and CPI(M) which together constitute the opposition coalition helmed by his party. "We met the Speaker yesterday. He had suggested that the budget session, normally held in March, be advanced and the proceedings which often last for a month or so, be wrapped up in a few days. "The reason stated by him was possible vaccination drive for COVID-19 in March", Yadav told reporters. The former Deputy CM alleged that proposed shortening of the session was "a ploy by the Nitish Kumar government to avoid facing elected representatives and getting cornered over the issue of high-handedness of the bureaucracy". He pointed out that assembly elections in the state were held last year while the pandemic was at its peak but large public gatherings in the form of rallies were allowed. "Now they are trying to tell us that just 243 members of the House cannot assemble because of the pandemic. They are talking about vaccination. Can they give a tentative date of its commencement? "Do they have even a faint idea as to how many vials of the shot will be made available to ", Yadav asked mockingly. Underscoring that legislative business had suffered in the state over the past one year because of the pandemic, Yadav said if the upcoming session was shortened "we will boycott it and gherao the residences of the Chief Minister and the deputy CMs". The RJD leader also took potshots at Nitish Kumar over his failure to come out "with even a small statement or a tweet" condoling the death of dozens of protesting farmers in the capital. "We have always supported the cause espoused by the protestors and in yet another expression of solidarity, the opposition will be holding a state-wide human chain on January 30", Yadav declared. The younger son of jailed RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, who was stripped of the Deputy CMs post more than three years ago following Nitish Kumars abrupt return to the NDA, scoffed at complaints of the JD(U) about having been "cheated" in the assembly elections an allusion to the LJPs sudden rebellion and the BJPs failure to rein in a renegade Chirag Paswan. "Kumar is reaping what he has sown. What did he do to George Fernandes and Digivijay Singh?", asked Yadav, referring to the former Union ministers who were close associates of Kumar early on, but bitterly parted ways towards the end of their lives. (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 most expensive aircraft carrier ever built - to the tune of $13.2billion - is still suffering from unreliable technology systems more than three years after it was delivered to the US Navy. A new assessment of the USS Gerald R. Ford, carried out by Pentagon testers, indicates that the ship's issues 'remain consistent' with those experienced in previous years of testing. The USS Ford's latest troubles stem from issues with its its aircraft takeoff and landing systems, according to the report. A new report says that the $13.2billion USS Gerald R. Ford (in 2017) still suffers from issues with it's high-tech takeoff and landing systems, three years after being delivered to the Navy An F/A-18F Super Hornet jet flies over the USS Gerald R. Ford as the Navy aircraft carrier tests its EMALS magnetic launching system, which replaces the steam catapult, in 2017 Unlike other aircraft carriers, the USS Ford launches planes off its decks and catches them upon landing via a high-tech Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and an Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). Older carriers use a steam-driven catapult for propulsion and hydraulic-engine arresting gear. In the report, obtained by Bloomberg News, director of testing Robert Behler said that 'Poor or unknown reliability of new technology systems critical for flight operations,' which include EMALS and AAG, could 'adversely affect' the USS Ford's ability to carry out military sorties. The assessment the report was based on included 3,975 launch and landing operations on the aircraft carrier during 11 post-delivery trials at sea, conducted from November 2019 through September 2020. EMALS was expected to be able to carry out 4,166 launches before experiencing operational mission failures. Instead, it managed just 181 cycles between failures, which Behler wrote was 'well below the requirement.' Sailors are seen manning the rails when the USS Ford was commissioned in July 2017. The carrier was expected to be mission ready in 2018, but is still experiencing problems A fighter jet is seen landing on the USS Ford in November 2020. The carrier's take off and landing systems' failure rate was 'well below the requirement' Behler wrote of two EMALS failures in 2020 that resulted in the catapults being out of commission for three days and said that its reliability concerns 'are exacerbated' by a design that prevents some maintenance from taking place during flight operations. The extent of the problems experienced by EMALS wasn't detailed in the recent assessment, but in June 2020, following an instance where EMALS failed while at sea, a Navy spokesperson at the Pentagon told Military.com that, although the issue was still under review, 'The fault appeared in the power handling system, during a manual reset of the system.' The spokesperson also noted that 'This section is independent of the high pulsed power section to launch aircraft and is not a safety of flight risk.' Meanwhile, AAG performance was also shown to have raised 'reliability concerns,' after managing to average only 48 aircraft landing recoveries between operational mission failures. That number, Behler noted, was also 'well below the requirement.' USS Gerald R. Ford -The USS Gerald R. Ford is the first of the US Navy's new class of carriers -It was named after the 38th President of the United States -President Ford served in the US Navy during World War Two and saw combat duty on a light aircraft carrier in the Pacific -Construction on the USS Ford began in 2005 and it was delivered to the US Navy in 2017 -Ford class carriers are expected to replaced Nimitz class carriers -The USS Ford is reported to be the most expensive carrier built at $13.2billion -It is the first of four carriers ordered at a total cost of $57billion -The USS Ford was initially expected to be combat ready in 2018 -The ship is now expected to go on its first deployment in 2022 Advertisement One issue appeared to be due to a capacitor failing during maintenance trouble-shooting while the USS Ford was at port, which required seven days to fix. According to Behler, 'The reliability concerns are magnified' by the fact that the system's current design puts a restriction on 'corrective maintenance on below-deck equipment during flight operations.' The USS Ford's high-tech takeoff and landing systems are said to have cost $3.5billion and a major part of the expense of a $57billion program to produce four aircraft carriers to replace Nimitz class carriers. Ford class aircraft carriers are meant to be the backbone of the Navys efforts to grow its fleet from its current 297 vessels to almost 500 vessels by 2045. The issues which the USS Ford have faced since it was delivered in 2017 are said to result in it being several years away from being combat-ready for extended deployments. The ship was originally intended to be ready in 2018. President Trump, who commissioned the USS Ford in July 2017, had noted the issues plaguing EMALS in 2018. He said that 'steam is very reliable, and the electromagnetic -- I mean, unfortunately, you have to be Albert Einstein to really work it properly.' Trump had also called EMALS the 'crazy electric catapult' and remarked, in 2019, that while speaking with sailors on the USS Ford, he had heard from complaints that the system wasn't reliable, Military.com reported. In November 2020, during a visit to the USS Ford, its Captain J.J. Cummings told reporters that EMALS and AAG required 'drastically' less pre- and post-flight checks and maintenance. 'Im being facetious here, but turn the key on and were ready to go fly it. Post-flight, turn it off, were there,' he said at the time. In addition to experiencing issues with EMALS and AAG, the USS Ford was also reported to have been suffering problems with the installation and certification of elevators that raise munitions from below deck up to the flight deck. When the carrier was initially delivered in May 2017, 11 'advanced weapons elevators' were supposed to have been installed and operational, but as of November 2020, only six of them are actually working. The other give elevators are expected to be ready by April, Cummings said, according to Bloomberg. A Pentagon spokesperson told Bloomberg he's 'not going to comment on a draft unpublished report.' Congressman Mo Brooks has refused to apologize for telling 'American patriots' to 'start taking down names and kicking ass' moments before a MAGA mob stormed the US Capitol in a riot that left five dead. Rep. Brooks of Alabama stood by his fiery words Friday claiming he was talking about a donkey when he spoke about 'kicking ass' to Wednesday's crowd at the president's rally, saying he was making a reference to the Democratic party's mascot. The Republican claimed he was trying to 'inspire patriotic Americans to not give up on our country and to fight back against anti-Christian socialists in the 2022 and 2024 elections.' Brooks warmed up the crowd of Donald Trump supporters at the president's rally Wednesday telling them: 'Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking ass.' Soon after, an angry mob of pro-Trump rioters - among them white supremacists, QAnon fanatics and Proud Boys - violently broke into the Capitol building, fought with law enforcement, looted items including potentially sensitive information and smashed windows to enter the chambers and offices. Some rioters appeared to follow Brooks' call to 'take down names', with the sign above House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office removed and destroyed in the siege. Five people - including a Capitol police officer - died as a result of the riot. Congressman Mo Brooks has refused to apologize for telling 'American patriots' to 'start taking down names and kicking ass' moments before a MAGA mob stormed the US Capitol in a riot that left five dead Brooks, a Republican from Huntsville, refused to acknowledge his part in the violence or apologize for the carnage telling AL.com he will 'make no apology'. 'I make no apology for doing my absolute best to inspire patriotic Americans to not give up on our country and to fight back against anti-Christian socialists in the 2022 and 2024 elections,' he told the outlet. 'I encourage EVERY citizen to watch my entire rally speech and decide for themselves what kind of America they want: One based on freedom and liberty or one based on Godless dictatorial power.' The congressman also made the baffling claim about his use of the word 'ass'. 'For emphasis, an 'ass' is a donkey, the socialist Democrat's mascot and symbol,' Brooks said. 'I call again for kicking that 'ass' all the way back to the communist dictatorships that 'ass' now worships.' Despite reinforcing his encouragement to 'kick ass', Brooks told AL.com his speech did not incite violence, claiming he was encouraging 'fighting' by voting in future elections. 'The radical left's absurd claim that I called for violence is pure bunk,' Brooks said. Soon after, an angry mob of pro-Trump rioters - among them white supremacists, QAnon fanatics and Proud Boys - violently broke into the Capitol building Trump supporters breached the Capitol building Wednesday in a move that shocked the world 'I called for exercise of freedom of protest at the Capitol and for fighting for our cause at the ballot box in the 2022 and 2024.' He said he condemned Wednesday's violence on Capitol Hill ad was calling for the 'aggressive prosecution' of all involved 'regardless of their political persuasion.' 'Peaceful protest is an American's Constitutional right. Violence is not,' he said. He also continued to push unfounded claims of mass voter fraud - even after the Electoral College votes were certified for Biden. 'Patriotic Americans who support liberty and freedom took a beating in recent elections at the hands of anti-Christian socialists,' Brooks said. 'Recall the recent sarcastic 'Amen and A-woman' House floor prayer close (on Jan. 3 by Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver). Some rioters appeared to follow Brooks' call to 'take down names', with the sign above House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office removed and destroyed in the siege Rioters hold up Pelosi's destroyed and looted sign during the siege on the Capitol '70-plus million Americans are despondent because of the 2020 election results, the massive voter fraud and their fear for America's future.' Such claims of voter fraud have been backed up with no evidence. At least 42 lawsuits by Trump, his campaign and Republicans to overturn the election failed to gain ground and Trump's own administration said the election was legal and fair. Brooks has come under fire for his comments during Wednesday's rally, where both he, Trump, Donald Trump Jr. and Rudy Giuliani stoked up the crowd. Alabama Representative Chris England, a Democrat, accused Brooks of 'charging up, manipulating and lying to' the crowd before the attack on the seat of the US government in a series of tweets Friday. 'If Wednesday was the final act of Donald Trump's circus, @RepMoBrooks is one of the ringmasters,' he tweeted. 'For weeks now, he has been lying to the public and whipping people into a frenzy that he and crew were going to 'stop the steal' Wednesday.' Alabama Rep. Chris England accused Brooks of 'charging up, manipulating and lying to' the crowd before the attack in a series of tweets Friday England said Brooks had been pushing 'debunked conspiracy theories' as well as 'Check his Twitter feed for the last month. Speeches and statements pushing debunked conspiracy theories based on absolutely nothing. 'Also, promising that they were going to use their power to overturn the election even after his own Republican colleagues said it wasn't possible,' he tweeted. 'After spinning this false narrative, stoking this fire and encouraging 'Patriots' to show up at the Capitol to fight and 'stop the steal', he then is the first speaker at the rally and says this,' he wrote, posting footage of Brooks' speech. England directly pointed the blame for the five deaths on Brooks including that of the cop who he said died trying to protect Brooks and others from the violence he incited. 'So, @RepMoBrooks, Wednesday was the day the people he charged up, manipulated, and lied to decided to go into the chamber and take names and 'kick ass' just as he said. As a result, 5 people are now dead including a LEO that was trying to protect him from the melee he incited,' England tweeted. England's long Twitter thread closed off calling for Brooks to resign from his position over his party in Wednesday's riot. 'I would suggest that @RepMoBrooks and his minions do the same thing that Trump is going to do at some point between now and January 20th, and just go on home with him,' he tweeted. Rep. Mo Brooks objecting to confirming the Electoral College votes from Nevada during a joint session of the House and Senate to confirm the Electoral College A prominent Alabama preacher - who is a Republican - has also said Brooks 'bears some responsibility' for Wednesday's violence. Travis Collins, pastor at First Baptist Church, told AL.com he was speaking out in the hope he can 'influence [Brooks'] future behavior.' 'I'm not talking about the president and others who incited those things. I'm speaking to Brooks because he is my personal representative. Trump will never hear I thought he was irresponsible,' he told the outlet. 'But Brooks, maybe there will be some chance I can influence his future behavior. 'Maybe somebody on his staff will say, 'Gosh, there's a Baptist preacher who is mad at you.' Maybe I could be a positive influence on his behavior going forward.' Brooks was responsible for leading the last-ditch - and now failed - effort to overturn the election results. When lawmakers returned to certify the Electoral College votes Wednesday night following the chaos, he objected to Nevada's and Arizona's votes. A convicted murderer who dodged deportation to Jamaica with a last-minute appeal has been awarded 93,000 in legal aid, it can be disclosed. Michael Antonio White was taken off a Home Office flight last month after his lawyers submitted new claims shortly before take-off. Now in his 50s, he was sentenced to life in prison in 2003 after shooting his victim six times in a drug deal gone wrong. Since his crime he has received 93,555 to fund his legal team, including the cost of his trial. But data released by the Legal Aid Agency shows he received money right up until last year, when he was engaged in an immigration case fighting deportation. It is not known how the spending was broken down. Another three Jamaican killers who were successfully deported on the flight last month received a further 237,000 in legal aid, mainly for their criminal trials. Convicted killer Michael Antonio White, who was removed off a Home Office flight last month, received 93,555 in legal aid it has been revealed. Pictured: Anti-deportation protesters Fitzroy Daley, 44, was jailed for ten years for manslaughter after stabbing a man to death with a six-inch kitchen knife in a row outside a pub in 2012. He received 35,491 to hire lawyers between 2008 and 2018, figures show. Daley was initially due to be deported to Jamaica in February last year, but it was blocked by last-minute legal challenges. Murderer Paul Bingham, also from Jamaica, received 110,357 in legal funding at the taxpayers expense for his criminal trial between 2002 and 2004. The 49-year-old and his accomplice Ricardo Forbes were sent back to Jamaica last month nearly 18 years after being convicted of a brutal killing. The career criminals shot crack cocaine dealer Harrington Jack at point-blank range. The pair went to his flat in Tottenham, north London, to try to steal his drugs in 2002. They ordered him to turn out his pockets, and shot him in the chest when he refused. Another Jamaican three killers successfully deported received further 237k in legal aid Bingham was ordered to serve life with a minimum term of 18 years and ten months. Forbes, 52, was handed life with a minimum 16-year tariff. The legal aid bill for his trial ran to 91,986. It means in total the four killers legal aid bills ran to more than 331,000. The legal challenge, which saw White and 22 other criminals avoid deportation last month, was backed by Labour MPs and a host of celebrities among them model Naomi Campbell and actresses Thandie Newton and Naomie Harris. All the legal aid sums are paid direct to barristers and solicitors, and not to the offenders. All the figures include VAT and other expenditure such as disbursements for example, fees to expert witnesses. The total particularly the recent sums awarded to gunman White will raise new questions about the operation of the legal aid system. White was taken off flight after his lawyers submitted new claims shortly before take-off. Last month the Mail revealed how of millions of pounds of taxpayers money has been wrongly spent on legal aid, with huge sums of public cash siphoned off by dodgy lawyers and their clients. The Legal Aid Agency, which controls legal aid payments, wasted up to 20million on unjustified handouts last year, according to its own estimates. One law firm was paid an astonishing 793,000 in error, and went into liquidation before the mistake was finally uncovered. Another law firm is being investigated for fraud after concocting spurious legal aid claims totalling nearly 100,000. The activity was uncovered by the LAAs anti-corruption unit, and led to it writing off 6million in bad debts. Tory MP Natalie Elphicke said the shocking waste raised serious questions about how the 1.76billion annual legal aid budget is spent. A Legal Aid Agency spokesman said: These criminals did not receive a penny it went to lawyers who ensured justice was served so they could ultimately be imprisoned for their crimes. 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. Washington Momentum built among Democrats on Saturday for a fresh and fast push to impeach President Donald Trump, even as the House speaker accused his backers who violently invaded the Capitol of choosing their whiteness over democracy. Nancy Pelosis remark came as Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., one of the chief sponsors of draft impeachment articles accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, said at midday that his groups draft had collected 176 co-sponsors. The lawmakers plan to formally introduced the proposal Monday, with a vote possible by Wednesday. Pelosi, addressing her hometown San Francisco constituents during an online video conference, shed no fresh light on Democrats plans. Her party seems intent on pressing ahead against Trump, even though there is virtually no chance the Republican-led Senate will act to remove him before his term ends Jan. 20. Justice will be done. Democracy will prevail. And America will be healed. But it is a decision that we have to make, Pelosi said. A largely white throng of Trump supporters broke through police lines and rampaged through the Capitol on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they put the final, formal touches on Democrat Joe Bidens Electoral College victory over Trump. The crowd surged to the Capitol after being urged by Trump to march there in force during remarks in which he repeated his bogus claim that his election defeat was fraudulent. It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their whiteness over democracy, Pelosi said of Wednesdays attack, during which five people died. She added: This cannot be exaggerated. The complicity, not only the complicity, the instigation of the president of United States, must and will be addressed. No. 4 House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., reiterated his support for moving against what he called an act of sedition that was incited and encouraged by Donald Trump. At a news conference in New York, Jeffries added, He should be impeached, convicted and thrown out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and forever banished to the dustbin of history. The outrage over the attack and Trumps role in it capped a divisive, chaotic presidency like few others in the nations history. With less than two weeks until hes gone, Democrats want him out now and he has few defenders speaking up for him in his own Republican Party. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that Trump simply needs to get out. Trump has been holing up at the White House, abandoned by many aides, top Republicans and Cabinet members. After refusing to concede defeat in the November election, he has now promised a smooth transfer of power when Biden is sworn in. But even so, he says he will not attend the inauguration the first such presidential snub since just after the Civil War. In Congress, where many have watched and reeled as the president spent four years breaking norms and testing the nations guardrails of democracy, Democrats are unwilling to take further chances. The mayhem that erupted Wednesday at the Capitol stunned the world and threatened the traditional peaceful transfer of power. Pelosi said she had spoken to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley to discuss available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes for nuclear war. She said Milley assured her longstanding safeguards are in place. The president has sole authority to order the launch of a nuclear weapon, but a military commander could refuse the order if it were determined to be illegal. Trump has not publicly made such threats, but officials warn of grave danger if the president is left unchecked. Biden, meanwhile, said he is focused on his job as he prepares to take office. Asked about impeachment, he said, Thats a decision for the Congress to make. The Democrats are considering lightning-quick action. A draft of their Articles of Impeachment accuses Trump of abuse of power, saying he willfully made statements that encouraged and foreseeably resulted in imminent lawless action at the Capitol. If Trump were to be impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate, he might also be prevented from running again for the presidency in 2024 or ever holding public office again. He would be the only president twice impeached. A person on the call said Pelosi also discussed other ways Trump might be forced to resign. Trump spokesman Judd Deere said, A politically motivated impeachment against a President with 12 days remaining in his term will only serve to further divide our great country. Twitter said late Friday it was permanently suspending Trump from its platform, citing risk of further incitement of violence. The soonest the Senate could begin an impeachment trial under the current calendar would be Jan. 20, Inauguration Day. One Trump ally, Republican Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, did speak up, saying as the White House did that impeaching the President with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more. " Democratic leaders have called on Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to force Trump from office. Its a process for removing the president and installing the vice president to take over. Pelosi said later that option remains on the table. But action by Pence or the Cabinet now appears unlikely, especially after two top officials, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, suddenly resigned in the aftermath of the violence and would no longer be in the Cabinet to make such a case. The House impeached Trump in 2019, but the Republican-led Senate acquitted him in early 2020. 'Not allowing elected govt to function': Puducherry CM continues protest outside LG Kiran Bedi's office India oi-Madhuri Adnal Puducherry, Jan 10: Puducherry CM V Narayanasamy continued his sit-in protest near Raj Nivas for the third day, demanding the Centre to call back Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi. "She isn't allowing elected govt to function & is interfering in day to day administration", said CM V Narayanasamy. However, leaders and workers of the DMK, an ally of the Congress, were conspicuous by their absence on Saturday too. VCK leader Tol Thirumavalavan and Tamil Nadu CPI Secretary Mutharasan were among those who addressed the participants and criticised the "undemocratic style of functioning of the Lt Governor". Muthursan said that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi believed in democracy and welfare of the people, he should intervene and ensure that Bedi is replaced She was only an officer appointed by the Centre to the post of Lt Governor and has nno right to stall welfare measures of the elected government, he said. He also alleged that the Centre was adopting a fascist and autocratic attitude in trying to end the ongoing agitation by farmers on the borders of Delhi. Puducherry assembly elections 2021: Special drive to finalise electoral roll for local body polls The Chief Minister had alleged that the PM and Bedi "hatched a conspiracy to dismantle the separate (union territory) status of Puducherry and merge it with Tamil Nadu." He had also accused them of being keen on depriving the people of Puducherry of their rights, a charge already rubbished by the Lt Governor. Bedi, a former IPS officer, and Narayanasamy have been at logger heads over various issues ever since she was appointed Lt Governor in May 2016, with the ruling Congress accusing her of going against decisions of the government. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 15:51 [IST] MBABANE For two years now, employees of the Eswatini Electricity Company have not been receiving their bonus pay. These are the employees who are affiliated to the Eswatini (Swaziland) Electricity Supply Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (SESMAWU). According to the EECs 2019/2020 annual report, there are 563 permanent employees who are members of this union. For the past two financial years (2018/2019 and 2019/2020), these employees performance bonuses have not been paid out because the union obtained a court order in February 2020 that interdicted the company from paying out the bonuses that were due to them for the 2018/2019 financial year. The bonuses were to be withheld pending a dispute between the union and EEC that was, and still is, pending before the Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC). This was after SESMAWU argued that the bonuses were being paid using a policy that the union knew nothing about as there had allegedly been no consultation or negotiation prior to its implementation. In that financial year, the money that was to be paid to the EEC employees in bonuses was E17 397 280. But because of SESMAWU having launched a challenge against EEC on the policy that was to be used in paying the bonuses, only those who are not affiliated to the union were paid. An amount of E7 212 470 was, therefore, paid to the non-SESMAWU members as bonuses, leaving a balance of E10 184 810. The balance was then carried over to the 2019/2020 financial year and added onto an amount of E21 830 773, that has been set aside for the bonuses, which has led to an amount of E32 015 583 currently available for the payment of bonuses. It is most likely that even in this financial year, only non-SESMAWU members will be paid. This is because the matter between SESMAWU and EEC has still not been finalised before CMAC and, therefore, the court interdict still stands. Also before CMAC is Cost of Living Adjustment (CoLA) dispute. It is stated in the 2019/2020 annual report that pre-arbitration on this matter was concluded and all parties agreed to make submissions to the Commission. The matter was postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak which resulted to the partial lockdown announced by government, reads the report. With the bonus provision, EEC says this consists of performance-based bonuses, which are determined with reference to the overall company performance with regard to a set of pre-determined key measures. The bonuses are paid annually. reliably measured EEC also states that the bonus provision can be recognised provided the amount can be reliably measured at the reporting date. The company recognises a provision where it is contractually obliged or where there is a past practice that has created a constructive obligation to make bonus payments. Liabilities for bonus plans are expected to be settled within 12 months and are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when they are settled, the annual report states. George Maseko, the Secretary General of SESMAWU, said even though he would love to comment on the issue of the bonuses, the company policies did not allow. He pleaded that the questions be directed to Corporate Communications Manager Khaya Mavuso who would respond after having consulted with him. In that way we will be saving ourselves from being found to have violated the policies, he said. Mavuso, when reached, said EEC was currently engaging with SESMAWU on the matter of the bonus pay. We are in the processes to rebuild relations with the union and we are hopeful that an amicable solution will be found. We are handling all disputes through the internal structure and through external structures where needs be, he said. He said employee benefits and anything relating to their remuneration was considered confidential. As such, EEC is not at liberty to discuss such issues in a public domain, Mavuso stated. He said EEC is governed by the PEU, which monitors and reviews our financial affairs and budgets, like all other Category A public enterprises on a regular basis. Meanwhile, SESMAWU, in its legal battle with EEC, contends that it concluded a collective agreement with the company on performance bonus scheme on April 1, 2013. As per the union, the said bonus agreement was to endure for 24 months unless extended in writing, cancelled by the parties or replaced by a new bonus agreement. The unions further contention is that the collective agreement was duly registered by the Industrial Court and was applied even after its expiry by the parties, particularly in the 2016 and 2017 financial years. During the month of September 2018, EEC is said to have paid out bonuses to all its employees, however, the bonuses were paid in terms of a new bonus policy whose terms were never negotiated with the union or the latter consulted before its implementation. The union said it raised its concerns with management but this did not yield any results hence it approached CMAC. EEC submitted a counter argument that the collective agreement sought to be enforced by SESMAWU had lapsed by effluxion of time, as it was neither extended nor a new one made to replace the expired one. Furthermore, the terms of the said collective agreement were not incorporated into the individual contracts of employment of the members of SESMAWU, EEC argued. In the companys view, the collective agreement was replaced by operation of law by the bonus policy scheme which was developed pursuant to the promulgation of the Public Enterprises Unit circular relating to bonus payments for public enterprises. By being a public enterprise, EEC said it was duty bound by Section 10 of the PEU Act to adhere to directives from the PEU. While EEC had initially thought that SESMAWU wanted to stop the payment of bonuses even to employees and management who were not its members, it was clarified that the union sought an order that would operate for the benefit of its members only. collective agreement Having considered all the facts before it, the Industrial Court pointed out that all SESMAWU sought was for CMAC to determine whether the bonus payments should be made under the elapsed collective agreement or under the new bonus policy. The courts view was that the EEC would not suffer any prejudice of its withheld payment of bonuses to SESMAWU members pending determination of the arbitration process with CMAC. The court said in terms of Section 8(4) of the Industrial Relations Act, it may make an order it deemed reasonable which would promote the purpose and objects of the Industrial Relations Act when deciding any matter, in particular, promoting harmonious industrial relations. It is the Courts view that the balance of convenience favours the grant of an interim interdict restraining the EEC from paying out performance bonuses to members of the SESMAWU only pending the finalisation of the arbitration process with the CMAC, the court said. EEC was therefore interdicted and restrained from paying out performance bonuses to members of SESMAWU pending finalisation of the arbitration process with CMAC. Chinese mystery sci-fi thriller "The Soul" is emerging as another step forward in China's sci-fi filmmaking ambitions. The film, directed by Cheng Wei-hao and starring Chang Chen and Ning Chang, relates the story of a mysterious murder of a business tycoon in the near future and a controversial technology of memory transplants for rebirth. It was made by a cast and crew mostly from Taiwan province, adapted from a 2012 award-winning novella by Chinese mainland sci-fi writer Jiang Bo. Director Cheng and actor Chang were not present at the Chinese premiere, but they interacted with the audience via video link. The director revealed he was attracted by the novella, then his father's passing due to cancer made him feel more deeply about the themes of life and love. "Besides mystery and suspense, love is actually the ultimate theme I want to convey in this movie and I dedicate this film to my parents," he said. Cheng, who has proven good at making horror films such as "The Tag-Along," made "The Soul" a dark story full of twists and turns, and ghostly mystery, touching subjects of life and death, emotions and laws, as well as science and ethics. Chang Chen, who plays a dying prosecutor, gives one of his most powerful and impressive performances. To be like a real patient suffering from malignant tumors, Chang underwent a regime to lose weight of more than 12 kilograms. "The film is really about bonds of humanity. My character is very humane," he explained. Jiang Bo, the author of the original novella, was impressed by the film's final cut at the premiere on Thursday. But actually, the film is quite different from his own story. He said, "My original story is a bit like playing a puzzle game; now, the film is more of a detective story and portrays deeply interpersonal human emotions. I was in tears several times. I feel very proud that my novella has been adapted into a film like this." Photo: CTV News A Surrey resident is being asked to get rid of her furry companion, a nine-month-old Golden Retriever mix named Scout. Rabiya Merani told CTV News Vancouver she was surprised to learn that her dogs size was violating a strata bylaw. I got a letter that said that she was too tall and that she would have to be removed, Merani said. It was really heartbreaking. The letter, given to CTV News Vancouver by Merani reads: Your dog is already taller than the bylaw permits (14 at the shoulder) and as such the strata council voted that you must remove the dog from the premises. While shes tried to fight the bylaw and requested a rule change, the options remain the same: get rid of her dog or move out. Unfortunately, theyre pretty insistent that shes too tall to live here, Merani said. Others in the building were shocked to hear about this happening to Merani. You can have a small dog that's quite disruptive and a large dog that's quiet and doesn't cause any issue, so I think it's discriminatory against people where they can live and where they can't, based on the size of their dog, said Donna Mitchell, whos lived in the building for more than a decade. So far Mitchell said she isnt aware of other people being asked to get rid of their animals, including those that have more than one pet, which is also against another rule. Another pet owner who spoke with CTV News and is currently violating a bylaw by having his two animals stated hes never been asked to surrender the second pet. Both the other owners that are in violation of the bylaws happen to be Caucasian. I'm really the only, kind of, visible minority that's been asked to get rid of my pet, said Merani. The president of the strata council and the strata manager were both contacted by CTV News about the issues, but both refused to answer questions. This leaves Merani to have made a decision to find somewhere where both she and Scout will be welcome, after never getting a conclusive answer as to why she has been singled out. It's really just become a bit of a hostile environment, to the extent that I've decided that I don't really want to live in this building anymore because of the blatant discrimination, she said, adding that shes hoping her story will stop this from occurring to others. I want to make sure that even if I am leaving this place, I want to make sure that I leave it in a better place than when I came, she said. - With files from CTV Vancouver Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. Washington: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was lifting restrictions on contacts between US officials and their Taiwanese counterparts, a move likely to anger China and increase tensions between Beijing and Washington in the waning days of President Donald Trump's presidency. China claims democratic and separately ruled Taiwan as its own territory, and regularly describes Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in its ties with the United States. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Credit:AP While the United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, the Trump administration has ramped up backing for the island country, with arms sales and laws to help Taiwan deal with pressure from China. In a statement, Pompeo said that for several decades the State Department had created complex internal restrictions on interactions with Taiwanese counterparts by American diplomats, service members and other officials. Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Submit Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 14:13:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Sunday expressed his condolences to families of the victims in the Sriwijaya Air plane crash. "I am on behalf of the government and all the Indonesian people to express my deep condolences over this tragedy," Widodo told a virtual press conference. The president has asked the rescue team and the military to complete the search for the missing plane as soon as possible and salvage the victims. Widodo also invited people to pray together that the victims could be found soon. The Boeing 737-500 plane, flying from the capital Jakarta to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province on Saturday afternoon, crashed shortly after takeoff. It was carrying 50 passengers, including seven children and three babies, and 12 crew members. Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said the aircraft crashed into the Java Sea near Laki Island, about 20 km from the international airport in Jakarta. Enditem It isn't great but it isn't all bad either. Pandemic closures are horrible but there is much to explore online. If, for instance, you thought you might never get to visit the Mayfair Antiques Fair in London or the New York Winter Show, you were wrong. In 2021 they are available at the touch of a button on your computer. Masterworks of Modern Japanese porcelain will be displayed by Joan B. Mirviss Ltd. at the Winter Show. This is part of an ongoing shift online. All the data so far available from 2020 strongly suggests that large numbers of people who might never go to an auction viewing are buying online. At Christie's, for instance, preliminary figures suggest that 36% of all buyers last year were new to the auction house. This experience is repeated everywhere else as the pandemic delivers new customers. Another statistic from Christie's showed that 32% of all new online buyers were millennials (23 to 38 years old). A Chinese export reverse painted mirror in a Chippendale frame at the Mayfair Antiques Fair. Anything positive in the midst of this lockdown is to be warmly welcomed and this bit of positivity is likely to have a longterm impact In case you are wondering they are the ones who come after Generation X and before Generation Z. So the pandemic is leading large numbers of buyers straight to auction, spawning a new generation of young collectors and opening up specialist fairs to people everywhere. Anything positive in the midst of this lockdown is to be warmly welcomed and this bit of positivity is likely to have a longterm impact. The Mayfair Antiques Fair usually takes place at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square. This year it is in a new online guise. It opened on Thursday and continues today and tomorrow at www.mayfairfair.com There are 43 stands with a diverse mix of art and antiques dealers, mainly members of the British Antique Dealers Association or LAPADA, The Association of Art and Antique Dealers. There is much to choose from including a monumental first period Emile Galle vase enamelled with exotic flowers, a Chinese export reverse painted mirror plate in a Chippendale period frame, a pair of George III tea caddies made in London by William Frisbee in 1793, fine jewellery, art, antique furniture and collectibles. In New York, the new virtual Winter Show runs from January 22-31 with preview access from January 19. A first period Galle vase at the Mayfair Antiques Fair. It will bring together 60 leading international dealers with fine and decorative arts from ancient times to the present day. Visitors can take in visual presentations and view close-ups. All objects on view are vetted for authenticity, date and condition. There are leading dealers from New York, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Philadelphia, Chicago, Zurich and a variety of other locations. Among them are Ronald Phillips from London, Aronson, Amsterdam, A La Vielle Russie, New York, Apter-Fredericks, London, Elle Shusan, Philadelphia, Hirschl and Adler Galleries, New York and Les Enluminures of Chicago, New York and Paris. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Joe Biden still plans to be sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, exactly two weeks after a pro-Trump mob with rioters wielding Confederate flags stormed the building to attack the very nation Biden was elected to lead. That moment shrouded in symbolism will launch a 59th presidential inauguration set to take place under extraordinary circumstances. The event was already scaled down and subdued by the coronavirus pandemic. And now, the Biden administration has the added weight of showing strength and stability to the rest of the world, which watched in horror as American democracy wavered from the exact place where he is to take the oath of office. While changes could still be made, as of last week Biden's inauguration and swearing in were set to take place on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. "We are confident in our security partners who have spent months planning and preparing for the inauguration, and we are continuing to work with them to ensure the utmost safety and security of the president-elect," a senior Biden inauguration official said last week, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss security matters. "This will mark a new day for the American people focused on healing our nation, bringing our country together and building it back better." Following weeks of historic unrest, the Biden administration is hoping that the inauguration will draw attention toward the importance of national unity and away from President Donald Trump, who said in a tweet Friday that he would not attend the event. He would be the first president to skip his successor's swearing-in ceremony in 152 years. Some involved in the inauguration planning, who have been in close contact with security agencies, noted that the security footprint for the event will be much larger than it was Wednesday at the Capitol, when the mob disrupted the Senate and House of Representatives as lawmakers accepted the election results. The inauguration is deemed a National Special Security Event (NSSE), which brings in a wide range of federal agencies and law enforcement officials that create a wide security perimeter, with road closures and barriers around the Capitol. The Secret Service, the agency responsible for designing and implementing a security operation plan for such events, released a statement Thursday night stressing its readiness for Inauguration Day. "For well over a year, the U.S. Secret Service, along with our NSSE partners, has been working tirelessly to anticipate and prepare for all possible contingencies at every level to ensure a safe and secure Inauguration Day," the statement said. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a letter Sunday urging Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to take "a very different approach than previous inaugurations given the chaos, injury, and death experienced at the United States Capitol during the insurrection." Bowser asked the department to extend the NSSE period and coordinate with other federal agencies to free up the D.C. police to focus on "its local mission." She also called on Wolf to cancel and deny permits for all demonstrations from Monday to Jan. 24. Just three days before Wednesday's pro-Trump demonstration at the Ellipse, the National Park Service adjusted the event permit from 5,000 to 30,000 people, a decision Bowser said "demonstrated the National Park Service's willingness to approve last minute permits and major adjustments." Some Trump supporters have vowed to return to the District of Columbia on Jan. 17, with one online post cited by Alethea Group calling for an "ARMED MARCH ON CAPITOL HILL & ALL STATE CAPITOLS." Others have discussed a "Million Militia March" on Inauguration Day. As of Friday, the Park Service had issued only two permits that together allow for 75 people for demonstrations around the Inauguration, according to Mike Litterst, a spokesman for the Park Service. The Park Service is still processing five permit applications, which include two requests for events expecting 5,000 people. The first of those applications was submitted last January by D.C. Action, a liberal group based in D.C. The second was submitted in December by Black Pact, a nonpartisan political group organizing a march for reparations. Litterst said he was waiting for instructions from the Presidential Inaugural Committee to "make any adjustments to our facility and our property." Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, said in a statement Thursday that the storming of the Capitol was a "sad and solemn day for our country," but plans to swear in Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will move forward as planned. "The outrageous attack on the Capitol, however, will not stop us from affirming to Americans - and the world - that our democracy endures," they said in the statement. Paige Waltz, communications director for the JCCIC, said that the committee is working with "institutional partners to conduct a thorough assessment of the inaugural platform, and the other Capitol spaces and grounds that are traditionally used for inaugural ceremonies." Waltz added that the committee will not make further comments about the specifics of the event until the assessment is complete. The District has also ramped up security measures. On Wednesday, Bowser extended a public emergency order through Jan. 21, which allows her to issue curfews, close businesses, halt transit and dip into emergency funds, among other actions, to preserve public safety through the inauguration. Military officials have erected a seven-foot fence designed to prevent scaling around the periphery of the U.S. Capitol. More than 6,000 National Guardsmen were expected to arrive in the District over the weekend to help support the D.C. police and Capitol Police, U.S. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said Thursday. The focus on fortification and security may further scale down an event already limited in size by the pandemic. The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) requested and received permits for Lafayette Square, portions of the National Mall from Third to 14th streets, land surrounding the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, among others, for the inauguration. The permit requests include plans for a Biden-Harris inaugural celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and an event with stages and tents at the Lincoln Memorial. But even before the pro-Trump attempted insurrection at the Capitol, Biden's inaugural team had announced that the iconic parade would be virtual and canceled all in-person balls. In December, the JCCIC said members of Congress would receive only two tickets each, as opposed to the 130,000 they are typically instructed to distribute among their constituents, citing public health concerns. During the 2017 inauguration, more than 95 percent of hotel rooms were filled across the District, according to a spokesperson for Destination DC, a group that promotes the city to visitors. This year, while comprehensive occupancy data is not available until after the event, there are few signs pointing to a surge in visitors to the District. Thomas Penny, president of Donohoe Hospitality, which oversees more than 15 hotels in the region, said that reservations at his hotels remain light in late January, with the most noticeable uptick in interest since Wednesday coming from security-related agencies seeking hotel rooms. He said one security-related agency called on Thursday to book 200 rooms for the inauguration. Emily Mooney, retail strategy manager for the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, said her team has been working closely with the city government and security agencies to communicate with local businesses about expectations for the inauguration and ensure that their landscaping is up to par for the event, no matter the number of people who travel downtown that day. She said her district would refrain from issuing formal guidance to business owners about boarding up or closing shop unless city leadership suggests otherwise. "We are preparing as we normally would for inauguration even though we expect a much smaller turnout," she said. "We fully expect that downtown D.C. will be safe and secure for the inauguration." John Keaney said Siro is searching for more opportunities Siro, the joint venture between Vodafone and the ESB, is set to pass around 430,000 homes with its fibre broadband technology by the middle of next year. The company, founded in 2015, had promised to pass 450,000 homes by 2018. Speaking about Siro and its targets over the next year, John Keaney, chief executive of Siro, said the company was making progress and had plenty more opportunities it hoped to access over the next period. "By the middle of next year, we will be at about 420,000 to 430,000 homes passed," he said. "There are many more opportunities for the rolling out of fibre. "This is getting toward the end of our phase one programme, so we are looking at plans for what phase two may look like. We are talking to shareholders about what that could be. "Until the whole island is covered in fibre, I still think there is a job to do," he added. With Siro previously pledging to pass this number of homes far sooner than it has to date, Keaney said many of the delays and difficulties associated with such projects don't become apparent until you are on the ground. "You have an ambitious plan, and you have an ambitious business case," he said. "On day one, you can't get both, so you have to accept [that]. "You have to get contractors up and running, trained on how to work on the electrical network safely rolling out fibre. That's still there; safety is absolutely paramount. "Agreeing contracts with the contractors, training their staff to start safely, that was one thing. Working with the councils and understanding their processes. They have processes, and we probably didn't know what they were so we ran into problems, that was ignorance on our side. "You get odd things that turn up as well," he added. "We had an incident when someone was attacked by wasps when he was surveying. There are so many different aspects you are ignorant to at the start." Keaney, who was previously the chairman of industry lobby group Telecommunications Industry Ireland, said those experiences had stood Siro in good stead as it catches up on its targets. The company is "bang in line" with its business plan now, and would end 2020 profitable. "It's a big milestone," he said. "We've got over 80,000 connected customers on the network today. We are making a contribution back toward further investment." Keaney said Siro had plans to push for more opportunities. He hopes to enter more locations but was unable to share where these would be. He also has the ambition to have every operator in Ireland on the Siro network. The company currently has 19 operators on its network, which Keaney described as a "good number". MADISON Police are investigating after a Peoples United Bank branch within the Stop & Shop on Samson Rock Drive was robbed Saturday afternoon. Officers responded to 128 Samson Rock Drive for the robbery at 2:10 p.m., Capt. Joseph Race said in an email. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Two Longford men, Tom O'Brien and Eamon O Ceallaigh, are celebrating incredible chart success this weekend as their song Whatcha gonna do when you leave School, has occupied number one on the Irish iTunes charts since Friday. Tom and Eamon have succeeded in keeping chart trailblazers like Dermot Kennedy, Ed Sheeran, Little Mix and Taylor Swift off the top spot, but more importantly, the duo have to-date raised almost 38,500 for the Irish Cancer Society. They are now hoping that via Tom O Brien's Fight against Cancer gofundme page they can reach their new fundraising target of 50,000. The initial target was to raise 10,000 and get Whatcha gonna do when you leave School to number one, and Eamon O Ceallaigh (pictured) thanked everyone in Longford and beyond for their generosity and massive support of the campaign. "Thanks to everyone for their time, patience and every contribution received, both from the purchase of Whatcha gonna do when you leave School and the donations made via Tom O Brien's Fight against Cancer gofundme page," outlined Eamon. He added, "We never expected such an output of generosity, and will always remember and be grateful for this. The speed of the contributions coming in completely overwhelmed us. Do gach uile dhuine, mile buiochas, go raibh mile maith agaibh aris." Also read: Help get Longford song to number one on iTunes charts In a post on Facebook, Tom O'Brien thanked people 'from the bottom of his heart' for their amazing support, and his brother Benny was similarly taken aback by the support. "So proud of the Big Bro. Over 37,000 raised for The Irish Cancer Society in a matter of hours. What he and Eamon OCeallaigh have achieved in one day is nothing short of incredible. The support out there for Toms cause is very humbling.. Lets blow this out of the water, are yee wide shams!" Eamon described well known postman and entertainer, 58-year-old Tom, who is married to Kathleen and theyve three children Darragh, Niamh and Diarmuid, as a Longford legend. Tom has cancer but a cancer sufferer he is not. Tom is a cancer fighter and that defines the man, stated Eamon. Four decades ago, when Tom and Eamon were in their late teens, Eamon says he wrote a song, with Tom in mind and about six months ago, a suggestion was made that the song Whatcha gonna do when you leave School should be recorded and the past weekend represented the realisation of a dream as the song reached number one Irish iTunes charts and in the process raised precious funds for the Irish Cancer Society. You can continue to support the cause by downloading the song or by making donations to Tom O Brien's Fight against Cancer gofundme page HERE or by clicking on the photo You can also download Tom O'Brien and Eamon O Ceallaigh's song Whatcha gonna do when you leave School on itunes HERE and on Amazon HERE Bengaluru, Jan 10 : About 1,100 farmers in Karnataka signed an agreement to sell their paddy directly to Reliance Retail, arm of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), above the minimum support price (MSP) through an agro-based company at Sindhanur in the state's northern region, an official said on Sunday. "On behalf of 1,100 farmers, who are our company's shareholders, an agreement has been signed on January 6 to sell about 1,000 tonne of their paddy (Sona Masoori rice variety) to Reliance Retail at Rs 1,950 per quintal (100 kg), which is Rs 100 above the MSP of Rs 1,850 per quintal," Swasthya Farmers Producing Company (SFPC) Managing Director V. Mallikarjun told IANS on phone. Sindhanur in Raichur district is 420km from Bengaluru in the southern state. "The agreement has been signed under the recently amended Karnataka Agricultural Marketing Committee (KAPMC) Act, 2020, which allows farmers to directly sell their produce even outside APMC yards to anyone and above MSP," asserted Mallikarjun. With the consent of state Governor Vajubhai Vala, Karnataka on January 1 notified the KAPMC Act, which restricts powers of the APMCs and omits penal provisions to help farmer sell their produce directly even outside the APMC yards (mandis) to anyone who pays more than the MSP, fixed by the state government. "Since the agreement was signed, the farmers have till Saturday delivered about 100 tonne to Reliance Retail, which has taken a warehouse of the state-run Food Corporation of India (FCI) on lease in the town," said Mallikarjun. The balance 900 tonne will be delivered to Reliance Retail warehouse over the next 9-10 days at the rate of 100 tonne per day. "Though the farmers are getting Rs 100 more per quintal than the MSP, they have to bear the cost of sacks (gunny bags), transport and loading/unloading charges of the paddy at the warehouse from their fields where they harvested recently," noted Mallikarjun. The 2-year-old company (SFPC) has been Promoted by the state-run Nabard (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), an apex development finance institution, to help farmers in not only ensuring higher food production, but also get maximum returns on their investment. "We will credit the sale proceeds of the paddy to the farmers' bank accounts directly after Reliance Retail makes the transaction with us. A third party will assess the moisture content in the paddy, which should be 16 per cent for good quality," added Mallikarjun. Companies can procure farm produce across the state under the Direct Purchase Centre License granted by the state Cooperation department. Karnataka has about 160 APMCs across the state on which about 60,000 traders and middlemen depend for livelihood. Set up in January 2019 with Rs 10-lakh authorized capital and Rs 10,000 paid-up capital, SFPC grows a variety of crops, including rice, wheat, jowhar and millets in the agricultural lands of farmers, many of whom are its shareholders. A new report from Mac Otakara claims that Apple will be launching the second-gen AirPods Pro along with the iPhone SE 3 in April 2021. The report is based on information received from Chinese suppliers. As per the sources, the AirPods Pro will come with a redesigned case that will be slightly narrower (54mm vs 60mm), though its thickness will remain the same at 21mm. The report does not provide any details about the upcoming iPhone SE 3. Reports have suggested that Apple could launch a 5.5-inch iPhone SE Plus variant. It is expected to retain the Touch ID-based Home button. Apple had launched the iPhone SE 2 refresh in April last year. It is unlikely that the company will update the device so soon and if does intend to launch an iPhone SE refresh so soon, a bigger Plus model would make a lot more sense. Interestingly, so far all reports have pointed to Apple unveiling the third-gen AirPods with a design language similar to the AirPods Pro towards the end of the first quarter of 2021. However, Mac Otakaras sources did not provide them with any information on the third-gen refresh of the AirPods. A Bloomberg report from October last year had noted that Apple wants to make the next-generation AirPods Pro more compact and eliminate the stem. It is aiming to make the upcoming AirPods Pro refresh look similar to the Galaxy Buds and the Pixel Buds but its struggling to fit all the components inside such a limited amount of space. Apart from the new AirPod Pro, third-gen AirPods, and the iPhone SE Plus, Apple is also expected to launch its 2021 iPad Pro lineup in Q1 or early Q2 this year. [Via Mac Otakara Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Tehran: A South Korean diplomatic delegation has arrived in Iran to negotiate the release of a vessel and its crew seized by Iranian forces amid an escalating financial dispute between the countries, Iranian state-run media reported. The South Korean-flagged tanker seizure by Iran's Revolutionary Guard in the crucial Strait of Hormuz last Monday came as Iranian officials have been pressing South Korea to release some $US7 billion ($9 billion) in assets tied up in South Korean banks due to American sanctions that apply worldwide. It appeared the Islamic Republic was seeking to increase its leverage over Seoul ahead of South Korea's pre-scheduled regional trip, which included a stop in Qatar. This CCTV image provided by South Korea's Taikun Shipping Co shows the moment the South Korean tanker was captured by an armed Iranian Revolutionary Guard speedboat, right, on the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on January 4. Credit:AP Iran maintains the tanker and its 20-member crew were stopped in the mouth of the Persian Gulf because of the vessels "environmental pollution", a claim rejected by the vessel's owner who says the armed troops stormed the tanker and forced it to change course and travel to Iran. The crew, including sailors from Indonesia, Myanmar, South Korea and Vietnam, remain in custody at the port city of Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz. Paul McCartney is remembering a moment he experienced after John Lennon died. "When you go through your grieving," he told me once, "and you just sort of think: 'What if he was here? What might we say?' We might talk about when we met and, being John, he might say: 'Ah, f**k off,' because we were that kind of mates, and I'd say to him, 'No, you f**k off.' It's like when you think of someone who's passed away, you get to see them again." That night, he also talked to me about his late mother, Mary. "She died when I was 14," he says. "She was Irish but she was sort of posh-Liverpool. She grew up in the other capital of Ireland, Liverpool." The place helped inspire Paul to write one of his most controversial compositions, 'Give Ireland Back To The Irish' in 1972. What prompted the song? "The fact that Bloody Sunday had happened," he says. "That fact, that it came over as our lads - the British troops - killing our mates. It would have been different if it was in the Sudan - you would have been able to remove it to your own imagination - but there, particularly as I am of Liverpool-Irish descent, it was our people killing our people to me." Did he ever wonder who this Paul McCartney person is... the Beatle, the guy who wrote 'Yesterday', 'Hey Jude', 'Lady Madonna', 'She's Leaving Home', 'Eleanor Rigby'? "All the time," he replied. "But I suppose a deep-sea diver gets those kind of thoughts: 'Jesus Christ, do I really go down to those depths?' Or a Concorde pilot: 'Do I really fly at twice the speed of sound?' I just go, 'Wow, was I really in The Beatles?' I have a safety valve where I kind of block it off. He is 'Him', the other guy. And then at home I'm like 'Our Paul', who I always was." 'Our Paul' in 2021 is a man who, at 78 years of age, can still write songs that move the listener close to tears, as is clear on his new album, McCartney III. On 'Find My Way' (which could be a low-fi reboot of 'Got To Get You InTo My Life' from The Beatles' 1966 Revolver album) he reaches out to all of us going through the emotional trauma of Covid-19: "You never used to be afraid of days like this and now you're overwhelmed by your anxiety. Let me help you, let me be your guy." Paul as the prophet of the pandemic sounds just about right. Not least when you consider that this album was recorded and produced pretty much on his own in lockdown last March. The nigh-instrumental 'Long Tailed Winter Bird', which opens the album, has a melodic motif that re-emerges at the start of 'Winter Bird/When The Winter Comes', which closes the album. 'Slidin'' has a touch of 'Helter-Skelter' to it, 'Women and Wives' was influenced by a book he read about the old blues-man Lead Belly, while the experimental beauty of 'Deep Deep Feeling', all eight-and-a-half-minutes of it, is the kind of song you imagine Thom Yorke or Bono writing when they too are 78. 'Lavatory Lil' ("You think she's being friendly, but she's looking for a Bentley") is in the tradition of 'Polythene Pam' from his former band's Abbey Road album. McCartney's camp denies that the song is in any way about his ex-wife Heather Mills. As the title suggests, McCartney III is the third in a trilogy of DIY solo albums that began with McCartney in 1970 and McCartney II in 1980 (the only albums to be credited to Paul McCartney, without Wings or his first wife Linda McCartney, who died in 1998). The first album was not well received by the critics ("banal" said Melody Maker) and even less so by his one-time fellow band members. Lennon described it as "rubbish. Engelbert Humperdinck music." George Harrison said, "the only person he's got to tell him if a song is bad is Linda." The acrimony was partly because Ringo had delivered a letter signed by Lennon and Harrison in April 1970 to Paul McCartney's house in St John's Wood in London asking him to reschedule his album to release later in the summer, after The Beatles' Abbey Road album had come out. McCartney refused and told Ringo to "eff-off" and leave. (Incidentally, on the cover of Abbey Road, Paul isn't wearing any shoes. It's an in-joke, meant to symbolise that he is dead - in 1966, he was the subject of a bizarre conspiracy theory. He had been killed, or so the story went, in a car crash and replaced with a double.) During this time, McCartney was going through a nervous breakdown after the break-up of The Beatles. He believed he "was being screwed by his mates" (a reference to Lennon and Harrison bringing New York lawyer Allen Klein to look after The Beatles' financial affairs). It was during that dark period of almost enforced isolation from the band that he had begun writing McCartney at home in London. On 'Every Night', he sings of the depression he felt: "Every night, I just wanna go out, get out of my head. Every day I don't want to get up, get out of my bed.' "I hit the bottle," he would later admit. "I hit the substances." On Paul's next album with wife Linda, Ram (recorded in early 1971 as The Beatles' partnership was being legally dissolved), he had a go at Lennon on 'Too Many People'. He sings: "You took your lucky break and broke it in two." The original line was "Yoko took your lucky break and broke it in two". The song begins with Paul telling someone to "piss off." The person that line was aimed at - Lennon - was later that year to reply in 'How Do You Sleep' from the album Imagine. He informed his former song-writing partner, "the only thing you done was yesterday" (a reference to the famous Beatles' song) Paul said the line was Allen Klein's idea, and then, Lennon followed it with "How do you sleep at night?" "F**k a pig, that's Paul!" Lennon was alleged to have exclaimed when he heard the Talking Heads-esque funk of 'Coming Up' from McCartney II on the car radio one day in New York in early 1980. McCartney's band Wings were on their last legs at the time, and he had recently been busted for drugs in Japan. (Ironically, the album motivated Lennon to emerge out of a heroin-induced funk to enter the studio again to record the Double Fantasy album towards the end of that same year, after more than four years in self-imposed isolation from the music business. It would be his last album.) The critics were less impressed by Paul's album. Danny Baker in the New Musical Express said: "McCartney II isn't worth the plastic it's printed on." McCartney III is. Is it his last album? As 'Our Paul' said recently: "When we did Abbey Road, I was dead. So everything else is a bonus." 'McCartney III' by Paul McCartney is out now on Capitol Records WEST ALTON Birds of a feather flock together, and visitors flocked to the Audubon Center at Riverlands on Saturday for the Raptors of Riverlands Interactive Trail Day to learn about many facets of these amazing predatory birds, including their unique feathers. Raptors have purpose-built feathers for whatever they do, said Bob Ochs with the Missouri Department of Conservations Great Rivers Master Naturalist program. Im a pilot, and the principles of lift that are necessary for a raptor wing also apply to aircraft. Ochs pulled out bald eagle and barred owl feathers so visitors could see and feel the difference between the flight-enabling tools for different raptors. Bald eagles dont have to fly quite as quietly because they are diving in and picking something up out of the water, Ochs said. But they do have to have a wide wing span because they are trying to get out of the water with something heavier than them. The owls wing design, he said, has a leading and trailing edge design that helps muffle noise and allow silent flight. Then theres the peregrine falcon, the fastest animal on earth. It dives up to 200 miles per hour and its feathers need to be very sleek to pick up a lot of speed on the way down, Ochs said. Visitors to Barb Feiners station Saturday learned about talons and grip strength, from the 200 pounds per square inch of the red-tailed hawk to 600 for the great horned owl, and the bald eagles 1,000 pounds per square inch. A strong human will only be able to muster about 80 pounds per square inch, she said. Raptors are pretty magnificent when you see them out in the wild. They are pretty big, really interesting birds, said Feiner, a volunteer from Kirkwood, Missouri. They eat all sorts of different prey, from fish to all of the little critters. Volunteer Dwight Curry from Ferguson, Missouri extolled the wonders of owls. Owls hear and see extremely well, Curry said. Even owls that hunt in the snow, like the barn owl, can hear so well they can hear a small mammal under the snow and go down and get it. Curry has a soft spot for eagles. The bald eagle is a noble, magnificent, beautiful bird, he said. But all raptors are beautiful in many different ways. The smallest falcon, the American kestrel, is the favorite of Corrinne OBrien, an Army Corps of Engineers Ranger. They are small but really mighty, OBrien said. They do this really interesting behavior around the sanctuary called kiting. You will see them fluttering in one place in the air it looks like they are a kite just stuck there in the air. They are actually up there roving with their eyes to see if they can find anything to hunt. OBrien told event visitors about the joint Environmental Stewardship Program at Riverlands that involves American kestrel nest monitoring. We have 11 different nest boxes that are out in the sanctuary that are tethered to Ameren utility poles or dead standing trees, OBrien said. We are trying to monitor their breeding at the sanctuary. They really like this kind of habitat because it is open and they are primarily cavity nesters so they can commandeer existing holes and make their nests there. Michelle Wiegand, education manager at Riverlands, said the publics fascination for raptors never seems to wane. There are many different types of raptors and they are so accessible, Wiegand said. We see them when we are driving down the highway and on some of our light posts. We see them at the rivers, and people are really intrigued by their sheer power. The Mississippi River has so many resources with the food it provides and the different types of habitats we have at Riverlands, Wiegand said. We have water, prairie, woodlands, and these create a lot of different types of opportunities for raptors and less competition because there is such a a large area.. The Audubon Center at Riverlands, opened in 2011, is one of 41 Audubon Centers in the U.S. It is located in Missouri in the 3,700-acre Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary on the banks of the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Missouri River. The centers mission is to connect people to the beauty and significance of the confluence and inspire conservation of the rivers rich diversity in natural resources. Strong earthquake in the night in Argentina. The quake, of magnitude 6, was recorded at 00.54 local time, on the border with Chile. According to data from the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (Ingv) and the US geological monitoring service Usgs, the hypocenter was about 200 km deep, the epicenter not far from the Andean town of San Antonio de los Cobres . At the moment no information is available on any damage to persons or property. (Unioneonline / ss) remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. At the center of Denvers northern boundary lie the historic Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods, a community of working-class Hispanic families these days, originally settled by immigrants from Eastern Europe and elsewhere who came to work in the dangerous and dirty smelters associated with Colorados gold and silver booms. Sitapur (UP): In a case of triple murder in Uttar Pradeshs Sitapur, a trader, his wife and their son were shot dead by unidentified assailants, police said on Wednesday. According to the police, the crime was committed in an apparent robbery attempt. The incident took place on Tuesday night when food grain trader Suneel Jaiswal (45), his wife Kamini Jaiswal (42) and son Ritik (14) in Civil Lines locality of the city by some persons. The incident appeared to be that of loot, Superintendent of Police Mrigendra Singh said. Suneel was attacked at his residence. His wife and son were also shot at when they intervened. All three died on the spot, the SP said. The crime branch is investigating the matter and CCTV footage of the incident could help in nabbing the culprits, he said. ALSO READ | Delhi: 21-year-old stabbed to death for protesting use of drugs in public toilet The trader association of the district has given a call for a strike to protest the incident and arrest of those involved in the killing. ALSO READ | BJP leader hacked to death in Bengaluru, kin suspect political enmity (With inputs from PTI) #WATCH: Trader shot dead in Sitapur, along with his son and wife, last night; assailants fled with cash. (CCTV) pic.twitter.com/Q4pr0DfOyO ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) June 7, 2017 For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A new study provides early evidence that a Covid-19 vaccine might be effective against two new coronavirus strains first identified in South Africa and the UK, despite a concerning mutation. The two strains share a mutation known as N501Y that scientists worry could allow the virus to evade the immune protection generated by a vaccine. In research posted online Thursday, scientists found that antibodies from people who had received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine showed "no reduction in neutralization activity" against a version of the virus that carries the N501Y mutation, which they created in the lab. In order to do this, researchers tested the virus against blood from 20 people who had received two doses of the vaccine as part of a clinical trial. The N501Y mutation is located in the coronavirus' spike protein -- the same structure targeted by vaccines. The virus uses this protein to enter the cells it attacks. This particular mutation appears to help the virus attach to human cells, which may partly explain why these new strains appear to be more transmissible. But it is just one of many mutations in both strains that scientists have worried could make the virus less susceptible to vaccines or treatments. The study -- conducted by researchers at Pfizer and the University of Texas Medical Branch -- does not test the full array of these mutation, nor has it been peer-reviewed. While viruses are expected to mutate -- often in ways that are neutral or even harmful to the virus -- experts say the whole is not merely the sum of the parts: Some mutations are known to interact with one another, occasionally changing the shape or function of structures like the spike protein. "A limitation of this study is that the mutation was tested in isolation," Deborah Dunn-Walters, chair of the British Society for Immunology's taskforce on Covid-19 and immunology, said in a statement. She noted that mutations that may have a compound effect "should be tested together." Because people usually make more than one type of antibody against a virus, experts say it's unlikely such a mutation would render the virus completely resistant to a vaccine. However, experts aren't so sure the new strains will have no impact at all. "We will need to see actual protection from new variants in participants in the clinical trials that are still running to be sure the vaccine is equally effective," Alexander Edwards, associate professor in biomedical technology at University of Reading's school of pharmacy in the UK, said in a statement. Neither Edwards nor Dunn-Walters was involved in the new research. If a virus is more transmissible or less susceptible to a vaccine, experts say that could also raise the bar for the number of people who would have to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. In a statement last month, Pfizer said it had performed similar tests on "multiple mutant strains. To date, we have found consistent coverage of all the strains tested." It will be important to continue "monitoring of the significance of changes for vaccine coverage," the researchers wrote in the new paper. That's because of "the possibility that a future mutation ... might necessitate a vaccine strain change." Both Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccines use genetic technology that would allow the vaccines to be quickly adapted to account for mutations, they noted. In a statement Friday, BioNTech said it and Pfizer "are encouraged by these early, in vitro study findings," but stressed that "further data are needed" to track the how effective the vaccine is at preventing disease caused by new variants. [Heres how you can get the coronavirus vaccine in NYC.] Across New York State, medical providers in recent weeks had the same story: They had been forced to throw out precious vaccine doses because of difficulties finding patients who matched precisely with the states strict vaccination guidelines and the steep penalties they would face had they made a mistake. On Saturday, state health officials responded to the outcry over discarded vaccines by again abruptly loosening guidelines as coronavirus cases continued to rise. Now, medical providers can administer the vaccine to any of their employees who interact with the public if there are extra doses in a vial and no one from the priority population can come in before the doses expire, the new guidelines read. A pharmacys store clerks, cashiers, stock workers and delivery staff could qualify, the guidelines said. California last week took a similar step. This is the second time in two days that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomos administration has loosened the restrictions around who can get vaccinated in New York State. On Friday, the governor announced that medical providers could vaccinate a wider range of essential workers, including teachers, as well as New Yorkers 75 years and older starting as early as Monday. That same day, the governor also expanded the types of medical professionals that can administer vaccines to include licensed practical nurses, pharmacists, dentists and podiatrists. Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community. Submit here mfanukhona@times.co.sz MANZINI Government says the unsealed casket, which carried the body of deceased Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini, did not pose any health hazard to mourners. Sipho Shongwe, the Chief Environmental Health Officer, said relatives did not touch, hug or kiss the corpse. He was reacting to growing concerns, mainly on social media that the casket was not covered to protect mourners and pallbearers from probable infection since the late PM died of COVID-19-related illnesses. Shongwe was asked to share his thoughts and experiences in handling the State funeral and memorial service from a COVID-19 compliance point of view. Sipho Shongwe, the health expert, emphasised that the body was never touched in compliance with health regulations. He said sanitisers were sprayed onto the casket handles. Shongwe mentioned that the casket handle was no different from that of a door, which after coming into contact with it; the hands should be washed with clean water and soap. wrapped Collaborating what he said, a source close to Cabinet explained that the ex-PMs body was wrapped in such a way that policemen who served as pallbearers were comfortable to handle the casket. Back to Shongwe, he said there could be, therefore, no scientific evidence that some mourners contracted the virus during the State funeral and memorial service in honour of the late prime minister. He said the pallbearers wore disposable gloves and masks. The health officer pointed out that they would repeatedly disinfect the casket with a spray There was no anomaly at DUPS Funeral Home where the deceaseds body was viewed by relatives. I must clarify that COVID-19 regulations do not prohibit relatives from viewing the body if they want to, but advises them against touching, hugging or kissing the corpse. In short, you dont touch the corpse, said Shongwe. It must be said that some people who were present during the two events are either dead or have fallen ill, but there could be no conclusive evidence that they contracted the virus at Jesus Calls Worship Centre where the memorial service was held or Enhlanhleni, the venue of the State funeral. Again, the casket was not present at JC where Bishop Stephen Masilela had the opportunity to address the mourners and Mduduzi Mbhamali, a police officer and member of the Police Gospel Messengers had the privilege to join the choir on stage. Bishop Masilela and Mbhamali did not attend the State funeral held at Enhlanhleni where the casket was brought to the marquee which accommodated the mourners. Police Gospel Messengers did not perform there. fallen However, those who have fallen ill are Apostle Robert Kasaro, the Senior Pastor of JC and Bishop Samson Hlatshwayo, the President of the League of African Churches in Eswatini. They attended both events. Again, Shongwe explained that it was not possible to dictate where one got the virus. He said COVID-19 is different from HIV/AIDS, which could perhaps make a person assume that he or she contracted it from the person with whom he had sexual intercourse without a condom. He said frequent human movement meant the virus could infect anyone anywhere and at anytime. You cant be clinically sure that you got it here or there, he said. He said officers were on the ground making sure that World Health Organisation (WHO) and Ministry of Health precautions were adhered to by all people who attended both events. He said chairs were arranged such that there was no way to flout social distancing rules, and sanitisers were placed at strategic points to ensure no one entered the tent without a face mask covering his mouth and nose. Shongwe said they made sure takeaways were plastic-sealed and mourners were ordered to eat elsewhere, not where there were many people gathered. Manqoba Khumalo, the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, who chaired the Government Task Team that was responsible for the preparation of the two events said he was sure that health precautions were followed to the letter. He said the health team that was setup made sure WHO regulations were not flouted. According to the Ministry of Healths guidelines for safe management of dead bodies in the context of COVID-19, the vehicle transporting a dead body should not be used for food transportation. It is said that the vehicles should be disinfected alongside the coffin, body bag and mortuary and this should be done at the mortuary. If the family uses its own vehicle, the ministry advises that it must be washed with soap and water; then disinfected with bleach/jik or sanitiser (70 per cent alcohol). Body viewing The government regulations state that the viewing of the dead body should be done by limited family members. It is suggested that 20 of them could view the body, but should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). It is allowed to perform rituals, but such practice should be done without touching the body in the mortuary or at home. Clothes and other items of the deceased should be washed and disinfected or put in the coffin. Those who have handled the deceaseds clothes should wash hands. They must also put on gloves while handling them. Over the past few days we've seen both conservatives and progressives equivocate about violence amidst both BLM & MAGA protests. The only thing anybody seems to agree on is that ANTIFA is solely responsible for the rise in American political terror despite so many examples of mainstream leaders from "many sides" inciting their followers moments before or even during horrific acts of destruction. Meanwhile, allegations of racial double standards in police response to rioters don't really serve to heal or advocate for greater law enforcement authority to confront violent mobs. Instead, the double standard trope merely serves as a partisan talking point which willfully forgets so many rioters, looters, arsonists and combatants who evaded prosecution in the aftermath of 2020 Black Lives Matter "mostly peaceful" protests. In Kansas City, BLM riots left a photographer and father of 4 dead. Sadly, his killers were described as rioters who have yet to face justice. Thankfully, there's hope. Today, Kansas City begins its celebration of the legacy of MLK. The interfaith event will host people from across the demographic scope and political specturm. Yes, MLK is ritually invoked as the gold standard of social justice protest & activism and his ideological legacy is impossible for most leaders to match. Still, the chaos of recent protests from both left & right wing demonstrators remind us why the memory of Dr. King still resonates. Despite his faults and as American history fades and fails to resonate with the NEXTGEN . . . MLK serves as a beacon of light for a nation quickly sinking into the darkness of extremist violence. MLK's dedication to peaceful, non-violent protest in the fight for public policy change offers the only hope of redemption for Americans manipulated into in the current 'eye for an eye' battle for political power. You decide . . . Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a longtime Republican critic of President Donald Trump, on Sunday blamed him for inciting the riot at the U.S. Capitol and slammed GOP members of Congress for lending credence to Trump's false allegations of election fraud. Speaking to CNN's Jake Tapper, Hogan said, "There's no question in my mind that (Trump) was responsible for inciting this riotous mob." He added that as a lifelong Republican, he has been "embarrassed and ashamed" by members of the GOP who fueled the false allegations of election irregularities that brought thousands to Washington on Wednesday. Hogan specifically mentioned Rep. Andy Harris, the lone GOP member of Congress from Maryland, who voted in favor of two objections to President-elect Joe Biden's victory hours after the attack on the Capitol. Harris spoke on the House floor during the middle of the night debate over certifying the election results, declaring there was ample reason to challenge the outcome of the vote even though claims of fraud have been made without evidence. The governor, who is term-limited and has been exploring whether he may have future options within in the GOP at the national level, said he was "outraged" by Harris' actions. But he stopped short of agreeing with the Maryland Democratic Party, which has called on Harris to resign. Hogan also criticized the security lapses that allowed the riots to last over four hours. He said he mobilized the Maryland National Guard and other police forces once he heard about the attack, but was not able to send them to the U.S. Capitol until the Department of Defense gave permission after 5 p.m. "We were just waiting for our call," he said. The Netflix series "Cobra Kai" is the hottest show on television. The third season of the series, which premiered on Jan. 1, is drawing rave reviews and is one of the streaming services most popular shows. While an incredible success, in an interview that ran on June 13, 2016 in The Gazette before an appearance at Denver Comic Con, series star Ralph Macchio seemed less than enthusiastic about reprising one of his most famous roles. He also discussed why he would eventually embrace his most endearing characters after being initially reluctant. Gazette: Have you been to Denver or Colorado before? Macchio: Yes, I did a few weeks in 1996 in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, the musical, at the Buell Theater. It was great. Except it took me about three performances for me to be able to breathe through it because of the altitude. It was a major adjustment. I went up to Vail for a bit on my day off but haven't been back since so Im excited to get there. Gazette: I noticed you were in Orlando and Phoenix for conventions in May and a Karate Kid screening in April. What do you enjoy about these pop culture events? Macchio: The screenings are fun because its like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, everyone knows the lines to these movies. They yell out lines and dress like the characters and then when I come out for some Q&A, I cannot explain the enthusiasm. The same thing goes for these events (cons), you make people happy in a world where thats not always the case. It affords that opportunity for fans to connect. For me its an opportunity to hear stories about characters Ive played that have effected people in a positive way. Its a win-win for both sides. The fans are so excited. Theres a nostalgia to it because some of these films have molded peoples childhood in some way and that doesnt happen too often. Gazette: It used to be that actors hated being associated with a career defining character. Youve had a great career and there are two particular characters from two distinctly different movies who seem to resonant with everyone. You seem to embrace this. Was it always that way for you? Macchio: I think about 15 years ago I would have been like, I dont want to talk about this again. Youre constantly trying to reinvent yourself on every level, whether as an actor, writer or director. Its part of the process but its not so easy to do and sometimes its not achieved. How I look at it at this point is that Id cut out a number of opportunities if I didn't talk about The Karate Kid. Thats just kind of foolish. And it would send a message to the people who were inspired by that film. Its a slap in the face to the people that took that role to heart. So to me, I take it as a responsibility and a privilege that I got to play a role that did this much for so many people. Outside of all the fun pop culture stuff, the wax on, wax off, the sweep the leg the get him a body bag or the silly stuff that goes along with it, its still a movie where you cheer the protagonist at the end because you feel you relate to that guy. But 15 years ago, yeah, Id of dragged my feet a bit more. And the truth is, yes, it does get wearing after a while but you try to balance it with other things and other work and you try and promote new stuff that you have going. But to turn your back on what got you there is silly. Gazette: The cultural impact of the films youve been in has touched generations of audiences. For example, I was telling to my 16-year old daughter that I was going to interview you and the first words out of her mouth were, Stay gold, Ponyboy. Whats it like being associated with something so deeply embedded in pop culture? Macchio: Its wonderful. That book has been around way before my career ever started, it was written in 1967 and I read it when I was 12 years old and I was just lucky enough to get one of the best parts in it. It was a heck of a cast and I love talking about The Outsiders. Gazette: Im sure youve heard stories like this before but I have to share this with you. Just so you know, my wife and her friends, as freshmen in high school, loved The Outsiders. A film full of a bunch of good-looking guys appealed to teenage girls. Who knew? Anyway, they had this Outsiders Club and in order to get into it, you had to answer questions about the film to prove that you really knew your stuff. Want to see how well youd do? Macchio: I havent watched it in a while and havent read the book in years but lets see how I do. This sounds fun. Gazette: They have eight or ten questions but Ill only give you three. Macchio (laughing): That sounds about right. Gazette: Okay, lets get started. Are you tuff? Macchio: Am I tough? Is Johnny tough? I remember saying Mustangs are tough. That was my line in the movie. I would think he says hes not tough. Am I wrong? Gazette: No, he does say he's tough. Macchio: Shows you what I know. I was overanalyzing it. Give me another one. This is going to be an epic fail. Lets go again. (Editors note: I owe Ralph an apology. Dallas says hes tough, NOT Macchios Johnny Cade. And I had just watched the movie the weekend before I talked to him.) Gazette: The quiz continues. Question two - Have you seen The Outsiders at least twice? Macchio: Yes. From the first screening back in 1983, I dont know how many times Ive seen it. There was a directors cut complete novel version. Ive seen that twice. But Ive seen the original film, in the 33 years since it came out, Ive probably seen it about 8 times. It could be more than that. Gazette: Last Outsiders quiz question. Keep in mind this last question was written by my wife when she was 14, not by me. Do you think Matt has a hot bod? Macchio: Do I think Matt Dillon has a hot bod? In 2016 or in The Outsiders? Gazette: Either one. Macchio (laughing): Since hes a friend of mine Id have to say yes. I mean come on. He was like a young Paul Newman or Marlon Brando. He just had that charisma. He was a matinee idol that could deliver great performances and hes been Oscar nominated at least once. Ive known him a long time and he was Dallas Winston. He just killed it. Gazette: Reboots and revisiting successful films from the past has never been more popular. Has anyone talked to you about doing a reboot of the Karate Kid franchise with you reprising your role as Daniel LaRusso in a mentor role, training a young protege? Macchio: Thats been pitched to me for years from the guy who delivers my mail to the guy at the hardware store to the butcher. It all comes down to the script. Fifteen years ago Id want to shoot myself but now, with Sylvester Stallone playing Rocky in Creed and theyre doing Fuller House and bringing back stuff from that time thats attractive to audiences, but the script really would have to be great. And if it isnt it just taints the legacy of what youve done to begin with. Thats precisely why I didnt want to be involved in the 2010 remake. I just said, Let them make their own movie. Theres too much risk for the reward of doing something, even a cameo, if it doesnt turn out to be great. But if someone ever wrote the script, if Robert Kamen who wrote the original films and created these characters, wanted to back and figure out a way, sure wed all look at it and embrace that. But I dont know. Sometimes things are better left in the past. Why hasn't there been a sequel to E.T.? Because Spielberg just feels that those kids and that story were the faces of that time. We dont have Pat Morita so we cant harken back to that. And no one necessarily wants to see Daniel LaRusso as a man. You dont mind seeing me in other roles but how I looked with the headband and the whole thing is pop culture now. I would say unless the script is great, I would stay away from it, as I have. Gazette: Lets get back to the present. What are you up to now and what projects do you have on the horizon? Macchio: I just finished a play entitled A Room of My Own in New York. It was a sold-out run and were looking to move it uptown and discussing it as a half-hour comedy for cable television. So Im excited about the potential of that. I was just offered something, a recurring role on an HBO series. Ill have more information on that very soon. I have a film called Lost Cat Corona coming out later this year (Ed. note - You can check out the trailer for that here.). And I have a couple of other things in my back pocket that Im hoping will materialize. Gazette: DCC occurs on Fathers Day weekend. Any messages for all the dads out there? Macchio: I realized that after I committed. Im away for Fathers Day! This year Im getting a barbecue although it means more work for me (laughing). Ive always been a hands-on dad. Ironically for me my career slowed down a bit at the point where I had my kids so the good part about that is I got to be around. Its a very fleeting time that your kids are in the house. Im a quasi-empty nester so make sure you take those moments and enjoy them. Another thing about parenthood is that its not seasonal. Youre a parent forever. It only keeps going. Its the greatest reward but also challenges you as well. Its the toughest job in the world but as long as they keep coming back to the nest and know where home is, we can say we did a pretty good job. I have great relationships with both my kids and Im blessed with that. And they are too. Gazette media columnist Terry Terrones is a member of the Television Critics Association. You can follow him on Twitter at @terryterrones. A Boeing 737 passenger jet with more than 60 people onboard has lost contact with air traffic control shortly after taking off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta. Indonesian Transportation Ministry spokesperson Adita Irawati said the Boeing 737-500 took off from Jakarta at about 1:56 p.m. and lost contact with the control tower at 2:40 p.m. A statement released by the airline said the plane was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesia's Borneo island. There were 56 passengers and six crew members onboard. According to tracking website Flight24, the aircraft plunged 10,000 feet in less than 60 seconds as it flew over the Java Sea, about four minutes after taking off from SoekarnoHatta International Airport. The plane, a 27-year-old Boeing 737-500, was in good condition, the airline's chief executive Jefferson Irwin Jauwena told reporters. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said Flight SJ182 was delayed for an hour before it took off at 2:36 p.m. The Boeing 737-500 disappeared from radar after the pilot contacted air traffic control to ascend to an altitude of 29,000 feet (8,839 meters), he said. The airline said in a statement that the plane was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesia's Borneo island. There were 56 passengers and six crew members on board. All those on board were Indonesian, Indonesia's transport safety committee said. Indonesia's Navy had pinpointed the site of the missing aircraft and ships had been sent there, a Navy official said. Authorities did not say whether they believed there were survivors. Sumadi said a dozen vessels, including four warships, were deployed in a search and rescue operation centered between Lancang island and Laki island, part of the Thousand Islands chain just north of Jakarta. Local media reports said fishermen spotted metal objects believed to be parts of a plane on Saturday afternoon in the Thousand Islands. A Boeing 737 MAX operated by Indonesian airline Lion Air crashed off Jakarta in late 2018, killing all 189 passengers and crew. The plane that lost contact on Saturday is a much older model. National search and rescue agency Basarnas said it could give no immediate comment. Surachman, a local government official, told Kompas TV that fishermen found what appeared to be the wreckage of an aircraft in waters north of Jakarta and a search was underway. Other channels showed pictures of suspected wreckage. "We found some cables, a piece of jeans, and pieces of metal on the water," Zulkifli, a security official, told CNNIndonesia.com. Unverified videos and images posted on Twitter claimed to show wreckage being pulled from the Java Sea. Distraught relatives waited at Pontianak, around 740 km (460 miles) from Jakarta. Yaman Zai, a father of three children who were aboard the plane with their mother, said that he was at the airport in Pontianak waiting for them, when he heard the news. "I will never meet her again," he said, holding up a photo of his oldest daughter. Indonesia's KNKT safety agency was expected to launch an immediate investigation. The U.S. National Safety Transportation Board will automatically be part of the probe, since the plane was designed and built in the United States. Sriwijaya Air was founded in 2003 and is Indonesias third-largest airline, with its hub at SoekarnoHatta International Airport. Between November 2018 and November 2019 the airline was managed by Citilink, a subsidiary of the Indoensian national flag-carrier Garduda. After the companies severed ties, Indonesias Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said Sriwijaya would be subject flight inspections to ensure safety standards, AIN Online reported. In a leaked internal letter in September 2019, Sriwijaya Air's quality, safety and security director had recommended that the airline stopped operations until it improved safety standards, according to the Jakarta Post. However, the airline has a solid safety record until now, with no onboard casualties in four incidents recorded on the Aviation Safety Network database. On Sunday's episode of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Australia, co-stars Colin Fassnidge and Pettifleur Berenger bonded over a shared tragedy. My Kitchen Rules judge Colin confessed he was worried about his elderly father, who has dementia, and hoped to visit him in his homeland of Ireland. The 46-year-old told his campmates: 'I was meant to go back this year. I said to my wife I might go back and live there for a while, just for a few months or something. Moving: On Sunday's episode of I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! Australia, co-stars Colin Fassnidge and Pettifleur Berenger bonded over a shared tragedy. Both pictured 'Because I can see him fading a bit. I spoke to him the other day and... he was fine the other day, but I spoke to him the week before, and I was like, "Wow." Click here to resize this module 'He forgot something, and then he forgot my wife's name, and then he said something and I was like...' Colin trailed off, looking concerned. ADVERTISEMENT Real Housewives of Melbourne star, Pettifleur, 56, spoke up and admitted that she understood completely. Concerns: My Kitchen Rules judge Colin confessed he was worried about his elderly father, who has dementia, and hoped to visit him in his homeland of Ireland Tears: Pettifleur, 56, spoke up and admitted that she understood completely. 'My dad passed away from dementia. Very, very sad,' she said 'My dad passed away from dementia. Very, very sad. Very sad disease. You've got to spend as much time as you can,' she said. In a piece to camera, she went on: 'In front of your eyes, you see them fading away, and you see them not even recognising you. It's...it's really hard.' The reality star broke down in tears, covering her face, unable to speak any further. She went on: 'In front of your eyes, you see them fading away, and you see them not even recognising you. It's...it's really hard.' The reality star broke down in tears, covering her face Shaken: Colin was himself teetering on the edge of tears. A moved Pettifleur cried out, 'Aw! You look like you're going to cry,' before racing to embrace him The show then cut back to the camp, where Colin was himself teetering on the edge of tears. A moved Pettifleur cried out, 'Aw! You look like you're going to cry,' before racing to embrace him. The two campmates shared a tender moment of bonding, with Pettifleur sitting on Colin's knee as she comforted the rattled chef. Eventually, Colin insisted he was 'okay' before Pettifleur let him out of their hug. Uzkimyosanoat has announced commencement of urea production at the new, $985-million ammonia and urea production complex Navoiyazot. Navoiyazot is one of Uzbekistans largest chemical plants and produces mineral fertilizers by processing natural gas. Construction of the new, world-class complex began in September 2016 to replace two outdated and energy inefficient facilities - built in the 1960s. The new complex produced its first urea on December 23, 2020. Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, Chairman of Uzkimyosanoat, said: I would like to thank our national and international partners who supported the construction of the new ammonia and urea production complex at JSC Navoiyazot. Commissioning of the new complex was completed within 53 days despite Covid and existing restrictions, testament to the hard work of all involved. This world-class industrial facility is another step towards natural gas monetization via the production of export oriented and high value-added products and the first urea production is a milestone achievement. The new complex has capacity to produce 660,000 tonnes of ammonia and 577,500 tonnes of urea. Some 330,000 tonnes of ammonia will be used to produce new urea and 330,000 tonnes to produce ammonium nitrate. At full production capacity, the complex will expand Uzbekistans domestic chemical production by 9.5 per cent, provide annual revenue of 600 billion Soums and export $58 million worth of additional products. Completion of the plant will meet domestic agriculture demand for urea and provide up to 100-150 kg per ha of additional mineral fertilizers during agrotechnical periods for grain and cotton crops. Production will also be exported to neighbouring countries in Central Asia as well as Turkey, Ukraine, and Georgia. Japanese banks and financial institutions provided $577 million of loan finance for the project, a $320 million loan was provided by the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, with $88.7 million coming from the companys own funds. Additional cooperation was provided by a consortium of Japanese companies, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Corporation. The complexs main equipment was imported from Japan and Europe. It also uses production technologies from leading international companies, such as production of ammonia Haldor Topsoe (Denmark); production of urea Sapiem (Italy); and granulation of urea Uhde (Germany). Tradearabia News Service ST. PETERSBURG, Russia -- On December 29, the Institute of History of the Russian Academy of Sciences held its annual New Year's gathering for researchers and other employees. The institute's director and his deputy duly greeted the crowd with traditional seasonal speeches and well-wishes. But at one point during the proceedings, an unknown man appeared on the dais. He calmly introduced himself as the institute's "curator," or resident agent, from the Federal Security Service (FSB). "We were absolutely petrified," senior researcher Irina Levinkaya said. "No one expected anything like this, and we were all shocked by his openness. He wasn't embarrassed at all to say openly that he was monitoring the institute for the FSB. It turns out, he's been with us since September." Levinskaya added that no one among the shocked employees had any questions for their resident agent. The incident reminded many of the researchers of the Soviet era, when KGB agents were routinely stationed at academic institutions and other workplaces. They frequently made decisions about where researchers could publish, what conferences they could attend, and what foreign contacts they could have. In addition, they developed networks of informers aimed at weeding out dissent. Levinskaya says it remains unclear what her institute's new FSB resident agent will be up to. "It is hard to say what would interest this man there, but it is clearly not the early periods," she told RFE/RL. "And it isn't the Middle Ages, although many of us study that period and we have an amazing Middle Ages archive. I think most likely he is interested in more contemporary history -- for instance, World War II." Under President Vladimir Putin, the Russian government has sought to enshrine a narrative about World War II that glorifies the Soviet role in defeating Nazi Germany while ignoring the crimes and errors of dictator Josef Stalin and his government. In 2014, Russia adopted the so-called Memory Law, which criminalized the "knowing dissemination of false information about the activities of the U.S.S.R. during World War II" (Criminal Code, Article 354.1). Among the hundreds of amendments to the Russian Constitution that were hastily adopted last year was one to Article 67 that states: "the Russian Federation honors the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland and guarantees the defense of historical truth. Diminishing the significance of the people's heroic achievement in defending the Fatherland is forbidden." Rewriting History Levinskaya connects the appearance of an FSB resident agent with an expedition begun in 2019 to the Sandarmokh mass-grave site in the northern region of Karelia. The Kremlin-connected Russian Military-Historical Society began digging in the area in a bid to prove that the bodies did not belong to victims of Stalin's secret police, but rather to Soviet prisoners of war who were supposedly executed by Finnish forces during the region's occupation during World War II. "I see a direct connection," she said. "Those excavations were absolutely unscientific.... They violated every bit of historical logic. After all, Finland has published all its documents and they have been thoroughly examined. This is a real, repulsive attempt to rewrite history." St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly Deputy Boris Vishnevsky on January 4 sent an official query to the head of the city's FSB branch, Aleksandr Rodionov, asking about the extent of the "resident agent" program, on what legal authority the initiative has been undertaken, and what exactly are their functions. "There is nothing for FSB 'curators' to do at civilian academic institutions that have no connection to national security and have no access to secret documents," he told RFE/RL. "There is no legal basis for sending such 'curators' there." "I am amazed not only that he went there so openly and introduced himself but also that the leadership of the institute didn't immediately show him the door," he added. 'They Are Monitoring Our Loyalty' The Institute of History is evidently not the only academic institution that has attracted the attention of the FSB. A former ballet dancer who works for the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet says the FSB has never been far from her workplace and that the presence of the security agency increased noticeably when a new director, Nikolai Tsiskaridze, was appointed in 2014. "They are monitoring our loyalty," the instructor, who asked not to be identified, said. "People who are regarded as disloyal are almost immediately fired. That's why I left -- I could just tell that the situation was getting dangerous." In Soviet times, she recalled, the high-profile defections of dancers such as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalya Makarova, and Rudolf Nureyev had harsh ramifications at her institute and other similar academies. "They held meetings," she said. "Everyone was implicated, tormented, kicked out. There was no avoiding it." "Now, all this has been transferred to the level of personal loyalty to the managers," she concluded. 'Our Country Hasn't Changed' Inna Saksonova, who recently retired from the Russian National Library, told RFE/RL that the security agencies had always maintained a presence near the public reading rooms. "There's a room under the stairs where they sat," she said. "And when I was just starting work there, still a girl, we accidentally opened that door and saw a man there eating a sandwich while monitoring recording machines.... That room is still there. I don't think the recorders are still there, but the point is still the same. We got used to it because apparently there is nothing to be done. Our country hasn't changed." Yevgeny Smirnov, a lawyer with the Komanda 29 legal-defense NGO, agrees, saying, "Everything is still as it was in the Soviet Union -- nothing has changed." "They control everything," he said of the security agencies. "Beginning with military production and ending with ballet. Now this Soviet structure is being reassembled in the worst possible form, with Soviet-style monitoring of everything and everyone." "Now the FSB is not under any control," Smirnov concluded. "It is closed in on itself and accounts to no one. In that sense, the FSB now is more frightening and more powerful than the KGB was." Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting from St. Petersburg by Tatyana Voltskaya of the North Desk of RFE/RL's Russian Service Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 19:06:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said on Sunday that a joint search and rescue team had located the black boxes suspected to belong to the Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed into the Java Sea on Saturday afternoon. The rescuers, he said, were trying to find black boxes after marking their positions. "It is proven that the two signals issued by the black boxes can continue to be monitored. We have marked them," Tjahjanto said, adding that the plane wreckage is located in the depth of 23 meters. The Boeing 737-500, flying from Jakarta to Pontianak in West Kalimantan, on Saturday crashed on the waters between the islands of Laki and Lancang, known as the Thousand Islands chain in the northern part of capital Jakarta. The airliner was carrying 62 people when it disappeared from radar screens four minutes into its journey to Pontianak. In October 2018, all the 189 people aboard were killed after a Boeing 737 Max plane of Indonesia's Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea shortly after taking off from the capital. In Dec. 2014, an AirAsia plane crashed into the sea during its flight from Surabaya in East Java province to Singapore, killing all the 162 people aboard. Enditem Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Arnold Schwarzenegger at the European premiere of "The Last Stand" at Odeon West End in 2013 in London. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday called fellow Republicans "spineless" following the siege of the US Capitol last week. In a seven-minute video posted on Twitter, the actor who served as California's governor compared the insurrection in Washington, DC, to the rise of Nazi Germany, blasting Republicans who enabled Trump's baseless claims about the 2020 election. Schwarzenegger also described facing abuse as a child by his father and compared US democracy to the sword from this 1982 film "Conan the Barbarian." Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. In a seven-minute video shared to Twitter on Sunday, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor who served as a Republican governor of California, condemned members of his party as "spineless" and compared the insurrection at the US Capitol last week to the rise of Nazi Germany. "I grew up in Austria very aware of Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass," Schwarzenegger, 73, said. "It was a night of rampage against the Jews carried out in 1938 by the Nazi equivalent of the Proud Boys." Nearly 100 Jews were killed as scores of Jewish businesses, synagogues, schools, and homes were destroyed by Nazi supporters on Kristallnacht in November 1938. The Proud Boys are a neofascist group whose members have been associated with acts of violence in recent years, including the riot at the Capitol. The group denies it is a white supremacist organization, though the Southern Poverty Law Center classifies it as a hate group and experts have said its ideologies align with white supremacy. "Wednesday was the day of broken glass right here in the United States," said Schwarzenegger, who served as California governor from 2003 to 2011. "The broken glass was in the windows of the United States Capitol, but the mob did not just shatter the windows of the Capitol. They shattered the ideas we took for granted." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. At least five people died in connection to Wednesday's insurrection at the US Capitol. Trump supporters stormed the building while lawmakers were inside, overpowering police officers, after Trump spoke at a rally in which he repeated baseless claims about the 2020 election and urged supporters to protest at the Capitol. Story continues 'I was surrounded by broken men drinking away their guilt' Schwarzenegger, known for films including 'The Terminator" and "Commando," opened up about growing up in postwar Austria, which he described as "the ruins of a country that lost its democracy." "I was surrounded by broken men drinking away their guilt over their participation in the most evil regime in history," he said, opening up about abuse he said he faced at the hands of his father as a child. "My father would come home drunk once or twice a week, and he would scream and hit us and scare my mother," he said. "I didn't hold him totally responsible because our neighbor was doing the same thing to his family." "I heard it with my own ears and saw it with my own eyes," he added. "They were in physical pain from the shrapnel in their bodies and in emotional pain from what they saw or did. It all started with lies, and lies, and lies, and intolerance." Read more: Secret Service experts are speculating in group chats about how Trump might be hauled out of the White House if he won't budge on Inauguration Day Schwarzenegger called Trump a "failed leader" and said the president would be remembered as the worst American president in history. "President Trump sought to overturn the results of an election," he said, referring to Trump's months-long refusal to concede to Joe Biden and his failed attempts to overturn his loss. "And of a fair election. He sought a coup by misleading people with lies. My father and our neighbors were misled also with lies, and I know where such lies lead." He also mentioned President John F. Kennedy's 1956 book "Profiles in Courage," in which Kennedy profiled eight US senators. Schwarzenegger said many of his "spineless" fellow Republicans could never land in such a book because of their continued support for Trump. Several GOP senators - led by Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri - and more than 100 GOP House members participated in an effort to reject the certification of Biden's win over baseless allegations of widespread election fraud, even after Trump supporters mobbed the Capitol in response to such falsehoods. "We need public servants that serve something larger than their own power or their own party," he said. "We need public servants who will serve higher ideals - the ideals in which this country was founded." Toward the end of the nearly clip, Schwarzenegger brought out the sword from his 1983 movie "Conan the Barbarian" to serve as a metaphor for US democracy, saying that like a sword, Democracy only grew stronger as it was tempered. Read the original article on Business Insider 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. KYODO NEWS - Jan 8, 2021 - 18:17 | All, Japan A South Korean court ordered the Japanese government on Friday to pay damages to a group of former "comfort women" over their treatment in Japanese military brothels during World War II, marking the first such court ruling in South Korea. The ruling is certain to further fray bilateral ties already strained over wartime labor compensation and other issues. The Japanese Foreign Ministry immediately summoned the South Korean ambassador and protested the decision as "utterly unacceptable." In awarding the 12 plaintiffs 100 million won ($92,000) each as demanded, the Seoul Central District Court also granted a provisional execution of the compensation order. That makes it possible to seize Japanese government assets immediately. The court brushed aside sovereign immunity -- the concept under international law that the state is immune from the jurisdiction of the court of a foreign country -- saying the Japanese government "violated international norms by committing intentional, systematic and wide-ranging criminal acts against humanity." The Japanese government has taken the position that the lawsuit should be dismissed on those grounds and declined to be involved in the suit. Top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said Friday that Japan will not appeal the ruling as doing so would put the country under South Korea's jurisdiction. South Korea's Foreign Ministry spokesman said in his remarks that the government respects the court's decision and promised that it would do its utmost to restore the plaintiffs' honor and dignity. He also said that the government would like to reiterate that the deal struck by Seoul and Tokyo in 2015 over the issue of comfort women was an official one, adding that "it would closely review how the ruling would affect foreign ties so that constructive and future-oriented cooperation of the two countries could continue." As part of the deal, which was signed to "finally and irreversibly" resolve the long-time dispute, the Japanese government paid 1 billion yen. The funds were distributed to former comfort women and the families of those who died. However, some women refused to accept the money, calling instead for an official apology and compensation from Japan. A South Korean group supporting former comfort women hailed the ruling as "monumental," while a lawyer for the plaintiffs told reporters it was natural to award damages. "Today's ruling...plays a leading role in confirming that humanity comes first in international law," said Lee Na Young, head of the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan. The lawyer, Kim Gang Won, said he intends to consult with officials at the group home where some of the plaintiffs live about whether to proceed to take forcible measures such as the seizure of Japanese government assets. The court also rejected Tokyo's long-standing position that all claims related to its 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, including the issue of comfort women, were settled by a 1965 bilateral agreement under which it provided financial aid to Seoul on the understanding that the issue of compensation was resolved "completely and finally." In the suit, the plaintiffs claimed the manner in which they were compelled to work as comfort women, and treated while they did so, amounted to a "criminal act against humanity," and demanded the court not adopt sovereign immunity for their case. The plaintiffs consist of both living and dead, including 93-year-old Lee Ok Son who lives with other women at the "House of Sharing," a group home on the outskirts of Seoul for Korean women who were forced into wartime brothels. In August 2013, the women filed for court mediation seeking 100 million won each in damages from the Japanese government. But after Japan refused to accept the mediation, the case proceeded to a formal trial. With Japan refusing to accept relevant documents, the court considered papers served through a process known as public notification, and proceeded with the case. A ruling on a similar case is scheduled at the Seoul court on Wednesday. In that suit, 20 plaintiffs including the bereaved families of some former comfort women are seeking a total of 3 billion won from the Japanese government. There has been one precedent in Japan in 1998 in which the Japanese government was ordered to pay damages to a group of former comfort women. In the ruling, a district court in Yamaguchi Prefecture said the government must pay 10 plaintiffs 300,000 yen ($2,900) each, but the case was later dismissed in an appeals court. Japan and South Korea have also been locked in a dispute stemming from 2018 South Korean Supreme Court rulings that ordered Japanese companies to compensate groups of South Koreans for forced labor during Japan's colonial rule. The dispute could also worsen bilateral ties, which are already at a historic low, with court proceedings under way in South Korea to possibly liquidate Japanese firms' assets to compensate the plaintiffs. Related coverage: FOCUS: Japan-S. Korea deadlock to continue despite Biden push to mend ties Japan explains "comfort women" stance in German after statue set up Berlin allows "comfort women" statue to remain for time being Gardai are to compare DNA from human remains located near Midleton in east Cork with those on record for a number of missing persons - including Youghal woman Tina Satchwell. A skull discovered on Tuesday is now thought to be that of a female and is believed to have been present at the scene near the Old Midleton to Youghal rail line for a period of less than 10 years. Nevertheless, sources have cautioned against speculation linking the discovery to missing Youghal woman Tina saying it is likely to be several weeks before formal identification is established. Although investigators were initially hopefully that a jawbone near the scene would allow for a check through dental records, it is now understood the jawbone does not relate to the human remains and is instead that of an animal. On Friday, further body parts were recovered at the scene including what are believed to tibia and fibula bones. Expand Close Tina Satchwell disappeared from Youghal in 2017 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tina Satchwell disappeared from Youghal in 2017 Read More Other items that have been recovered and are thought to relate to the remains are a crucifix on a chain and pieces of clothing believed to have once made up a dress. Sources said the excavation of the site at Roxborough has now yielded multiple bones, with the skull initially discovered on Tuesday evening by workmen converting the railway into a 19.8m greenway. The discovery of further bones and clothing has now led gardai to suspect they are dealing with the remains of a woman and a death which occurred within the last decade. The bones were removed to Cork University. Tests were also conducted to determine if all the bones are from the same individual and DNA samples taken for comparison with the missing person's database. A full list of missing persons from the greater east Cork area over the past 50 years is currently being compiled. Detectives also hope forensic tests will determine whether the recovered remains at Roxborough were buried or may simply have been dumped into undergrowth. The remains were found by the embankment of a railway line, just metres from a river and below a roadway bridge. Gardai said they are now awaiting the results of expert tests which will include carbon dating and DNA sampling. "Gardai are continuing to investigate the discovery of suspected skeletal remains found in Roxborough near Midleton, Co Cork at approximately 4.30pm on Tuesday, January 5," a spokesperson said. "The area remains sealed off as gardai continue to carry out a technical examination. The State Pathologist has attended. The outcome of these examinations will determine the course of the investigation." Among the highest profile missing person cases locally is that of Tina Satchwell, who was 45 when she vanished without trace from her home in nearby Youghal on March 20, 2017. Expand Close Tinas husband Richard / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tinas husband Richard A major Garda search operation - including searches off the east Cork coast and a local woodland - failed to reveal any trace of Ms Satchwell's whereabouts. Efforts to contact Tina's husband Richard for comment yesterday were unsuccessful. Mr Satchwell gave a number of media interviews after his wife disappeared and said he firmly believed that she was still alive and he appealed to her to contact either him or family or friends just to let them know she was alive. In an interview with the Sunday World, Richard (50), said he last saw Tina (45), at their home on the morning of March 20, shortly before he travelled to Aldi in Dungarvan. He said that when he returned Tina was missing, along with two suitcases and 26,000 in cash. She did not take her phone or bank card with her. She also didn't have a passport and Richard said she was afraid to fly. He said he only reported her missing four days later because he thought she may have gone off to clear her head for a few days. "I pray every night that she just turns up. I mean what I say - my arms are open." Dhaka, Jan 10 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday recalled killings, rape and genocide by the Pakistan Army and their auxiliaries in the 1971 Liberation War period and expressed gratitude to "friend in deed" India as she laid out the path ahead for the country in the "spirit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman". "We will build the country as 'Golden Bengal' making it free from militancy and terrorism, as well as free from hunger and poverty and imbued with the spirit of non-communalism, this is our commitment on this great day, as 'Son of the Soil' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman planned for long term and tried best to do within only three and half years," she said in her address on "Homecoming Day". The day marks the safe return of Sheikh Mujib to his newly-independent country via London and New Delhi after 290 days of captivity in a Pakistani jail. Sheikh Hasina noted that her father was subjected to inhuman torture in the Pakistan jail on 1971 where he had been counting moments for the execution of his death sentence that was pronounced in a farcical trial. He was released on January 8, 1972. She also paid gratitude to India and then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for her role in his return. Noting Sheikh Mujib had loved the nation, Sheikh Hasina said: "Bangabandhu has been killed; his unfinished work and dream are with us." "I am working towards that goal, how will this Bangladesh develop till 2100, we have made that plan. I have also done what will happen to Bangladesh in 2041. How the next generation will celebrate the centenary of independence in 2061, we're working on it. "These have to be implemented. The country must move forward." She called upon all her party leaders and activists to rehear the speech of January 10 alongside his historic March 7, 1971 address. Hasina said that Bangabandhu's January 10 speech at the Racecourse Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) has all the guidelines required to run an independent state. "There was no written speech in Bangabandhu's hand. Whatever he said he uttered from his heart," she recalled. The Prime Minister also said the militants and the vested interests who have tried to foil Bangladesh's independence have failed. She noted that after she came to power, she has been started the trial against the war criminals of 1971. "War criminals of 1971 have been punished by International Crime Tribunal (ICT) and the trial is going on for the crimes against humanity." Stressing that Bangladesh has got the status of an independent country, she said: "By maintaining this status, we will take Bangladesh forward and build the developed Bangladesh of the dream of the father of the nation." Regarding the coronavirus vaccine, she said that her government has taken all necessary steps to procure the vaccine and it will come soon, while urging everyone to follow the guidelines to remain safe from this deadly virus. "Hopefully, the vaccine will be available for all. Despite the fact, we have to properly follow the health guidelines as we have been able to control the Covid-19 by maintaining the guidelines." She also suggested the intake of vitamins C and D and other necessary foods to boost the immune system to fight Covid-19. Today's reminder that Kansas City really is an international community as global advocacy reaches around the globe and pops up here in this cowtown . . . Check-it . . . KC Kisaan Rally to support farmers in India KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Kansas City will have a Kisaan Rally Jan. 9, 2021. This is to support the protests in India over the new laws, which give farmers more autonomy to set their own prices and sell their goods directly to private businesses. Those laws were passed in September. The social media application logo from Parler displayed on a smartphone in Arlington, Va., on July 2, 2020. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images) Rep. Nunes Calls for Racketeering Investigation Into Big Tech Companies Following Parler Ban A top Republican in the House of Representatives on Sunday called for a racketeering probe into large technology companies who over the weekend took action against Parler, a social media website. This is clearly a violation of antitrust, civil rights, the RICO statute. There should be a racketeering investigation on all the people that coordinated this attack on not only a company but on all of those like us, like me, like you, Maria, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, told Fox News Sunday Morning Futures host Maria Bartiromo. After Twitter banned President Donald Trump and some other users, Parler saw its traffic explode. Soon, though, Google announced it had removed Parler from its online store, a move followed by Apple. Then, Amazon announced it was suspending Parler from its web hosting services. Parler CEO John Matze told The Epoch Times his company is prepared to take legal action. In the meantime authorities should investigate the possibly-coordinated actions, Nunes argued. The effect of this is that there is no longer a free and open social media company or site for any American to get on any longer, he said, because Amazon, Google, and Apple, have just destroyed Parler. Its preposterous. So I dont know where the hell the Department of Justice is at right now, or the FBI, he added. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) on Capitol Hill in Washington on Oct. 28, 2019. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times Nunes also said the CEOs of the companies should be prosecuted criminally. He also said he has been talking to fellow members of Congress and that theyre exploring their legal options. And he also called on the Supreme Court and federal judges to step in and intervene. Parler CEO John Matze said on Foxs Sunday Morning Futures that he believed Apple, Google, and Amazon colluded to make sure that at the same time we would lose access to not only our apps, but theyre shutting all of our servers off tonight, off the Internet. The Parler website was unavailable on Jan. 11. The Department of Justice declined to comment. Apple and Google didnt respond to requests for comment. An Amazon spokeswoman said Amazon did not coordinate with Apple or Google. She pointed to the letter Amazon Web Services (AWS) sent to Parler, in which it said weve seen a steady increase in this violent content on your website, all of which violates our terms. AWS provides technology and services to customers across the political spectrum, and we continue to respect Parlers right to determine for itself what content it will allow on its site. However, we cannot provide services to a customer that is unable to effectively identify and remove content that encourages or incites violence against others, the letter added. Srinagar, Jan 10 : Jammu and Kashmir Police has charged an army captain of stage-managing the Amshipora (Shopian) encounter to get the reward money of Rs 20 lakh. The charge sheet presented by the local police in the court of chief judicial magistrate in Shopian district accuses Captain Bhupinder Singh, presently in custody of the army, of hatching a conspiracy with two locals to claim the reward money. The two civilians are Tabish Nazir and Bilal Ahmaf Lone. The latter has now turned approved for the police. The charge sheet says Bhupinder Singh fired at three innocent civilians in July last year in Amshipora village even before the forces had laid the cordon there. "He later told the security forces that he had to fire as the militants were trying to escape," the charge sheet says. The charge sheet includes statements of four army personnel who were part of the team along with him during the "encounter". Three civilians belonging to Rajouri district of Jammu division who were working as labourers in Shopian were killed in this "encounter". They were later identified as Imtiyaz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Ibrar. The bodies of the victims were later exhumed and handed over to their families for last rites. The army has also completed the summary of evidence in Amshipora encounter. Sources said besides the criminal proceedings in a civil court, the accused captain is also likely to face a court martial for his role in the operation. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The expectations of Libyans regarding the impact of the recent reconciliation among Arab Gulf countries and the change in the White House on the crisis in Libya received wide media coverage this week EACH AND EVERY DAY, my colleagues and I hear about how New Hampshires high property taxes are an unsustainable burden on hardworking Granite Staters. According to a recent report from US News and WalletHub, New Hampshire has the third-highest property tax rates in the country. For young wor File image The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has initiated an audit of India's management of the coronavirus pandemic. The CAG will undertake field visits in eight states to evaluate the procurement and availability of drugs, equipment and paramedics in public health centres, and efficacy of the first response system in remote areas. Speaking to The Times of India, CAG Girish Chandra Murmu said that the audit will also look into COVID-19 vaccine distribution, appraisal of the Central government health system -- the ESI (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) hospitals and dispensaries -- and the states' health infrastructure. Track this LIVE blog for all the latest updates on coronavirus pandemic "We have started to audit how effectively the pandemic has been handled in various states. The CAG will conduct study and field visits in West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Telangana," Murmu told the newspaper. He further said that the audit will highlight good practices and innovative measures used by the states to tackle the contagion. "The study will be carried out by CAG officials with expertise in health systems," Murmu said, adding that independent experts may be called in if needed. 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 Read: COVID-19 vaccination drive to kick off on January 16, says government India has so far recorded 1.04 crore COVID-19 cases, including 1.50 lakh deaths. The government on January 9 said that it will launch the nationwide COVID-19 inoculation drive on January 16 and priority will be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers. The decision, the government said, was taken at a high-level meeting where Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the COVID-19 situation and vaccination drive preparedness across states and Union Territories. "After the detailed review, it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu, etc., the COVID-19 vaccination will start from 16th January 2021," the government said. More than 370,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. We are a nation that thrives on statistics, but this number is staggering: 370,000. The victims form a giant mosaic of sorrow and heartache; unless they are friends, neighbors or loved ones, they seem nameless, faceless, beyond our ability to mourn. Maybe we are numb to the grief. Maybe we see these people as part of a distant group, like soldiers on a faraway battlefield. And maybe that disconnect, that isolation, makes the tragedies easier to absorb. But make no mistake: No matter how anonymous they may seem, these people were brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, sons and daughters. Each with a story, each with a past. And, tragically, each with a future stolen from them. We may not know them, but we know they were taken too soon, no matter how old they were. We know their loved ones mourned. And we know the void they left will be hard, if not impossible, to fill. One of the victims was Zelene Blancas, a first grade bilingual teacher in El Paso. Blancas was 35 a full life behind and a full life ahead until the novel coronavirus struck her down. She died Dec. 28. Her passing has haunted us in the days since. Blancas received national attention two years ago, when her video of students saying goodbye to each other at the end of a school day went viral. More than 22 million views. They hugged, fist-bumped and high-fived. It was a simple video, but it carried a powerful message. You could see the bond these kids had formed, their faces beaming with love and warmth. You could see the best of humanity in these children. And you could see the influence of their teacher behind every gesture. That was her class every day, it wasnt anything that she did special or anything new, Cristina Sanchez-Chavira, her principal at Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary School, told CNN. The culture in her classroom was very caring, very loving. Blancas taught her kids lessons that went beyond the classroom. She taught them to be kind, to view their classmates as part of a family. Math, geography, science. All important subjects, but not as important as her primary subject: how to be human. She was like my Wonder Woman, Victor Blancas, her brother, said. She was my backbone, and she was like my second mother, even though we were only four years apart. After the mass shooting at a local Walmart in 2019, she launched a campaign to give pink socks to every student and teacher at the school. It was part of a larger effort. Pinksocks Life, according to its website, is a nonprofit that promotes human connection and kindness. It was an ideal marriage. Promoting human connection and kindness is what she did in the classroom. The organization donated 1,337 pink socks to the school. Zelene Blancas contracted the virus in October. Ten years into her teaching career, she showed signs of recovery early on, but her condition worsened, and she was hospitalized two days later. She spent two months in the hospital; she never came off the ventilator. Blancas may have been part of a mosaic, but she was not just another victim. She had a name and a face. And she had people who loved her, just as she loved them. Zelene Blancas. Remember her. Remember her students. One person on the southwest corner of Texas. But if you look at the bigger picture, if you magnify that tragedy 370,000 times, you have an idea of what is happening in our country. All of those victims deserve to be viewed as individuals, whether or not we know their back stories. Once the pandemic ends, Sanchez-Chavira wants to create a kindness corner in the school. Blancas had told the El Paso Times, after the video went viral, that she wanted the kids to learn in a safe environment. If Blancas inspires the children in death, as she did in life, that piece of real estate, that corner, will grow, and the teacher will continue to teach. Rest in peace, Ms. Blancas. Hong Kong: Beijing hit back against recent US restrictions targeting Chinese companies, saying it plans to ban Chinese firms and citizens from complying with foreign laws and sanctions it deems unjustified." Beijings new rules, released Saturday, also allow Chinese companies to sue in Chinese courts those who comply with the foreign laws. The rules come after the US imposed various restrictions against Chinese companies. Those include blocking some Chinese companies like Huawei Technologies Co. from obtaining certain components made by US or foreign suppliers, or accessing US technology. While the rules didnt name any specific foreign laws or sanctions, they amp up pressure against US and other foreign companies with a footprint in China, possibly forcing them to choose between American or Chinese regulations, according to people in the foreign business community. They also come as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office this month, presenting him with the question of whether to overturn Trump administration actions targeted at China. Matthew Margulies, a Beijing-based vice president at the Washington-based US-China Business Council, said the new rules could send a chilling signal to foreign businesses, especially when it comes to deciding which set of laws to comply with. The Chinese government has a lot of tools which could put foreign companies in very difficult situations," he said. A US-headquartered company cant really not comply with US law." The new rules are designed to block any foreign restriction that unjustifiably prohibits" Chinese citizens or companies from engaging in normal economic, trade and related activities with a third state or its citizens," Chinas Ministry of Commerce said. Those facing such foreign restrictions must report to the State Council, Chinas cabinet, within 30 days, it said. Chinese citizens and companies that suffer loss as a result of such foreign rulings can sue in Chinese courts to seek compensation, it added. The latest Chinese order comes at the end of a Trump administration that has imposed various restrictions against Chinese companies, intensifying the two countries battle over domination of the global technology sphere as bilateral relations have soured. Those restrictions include curbing access to US technology for Chinese companies Huawei and Shanghai-based chip maker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. As a result of those Trump administration actions, many American and foreign suppliers have limited the scope of their business dealings with the Chinese companies. The tensions between the two countries have squeezed many multinational companies that operate in the US and China, the worlds two biggest economies. Beijings new order could neutralize the impact of US or other foreign sanctions that apply to Chinese companies by creating a mechanism that allows China to issue prohibitions that can be enforced through the courts, said Nicholas Turner, a Hong Kong-based lawyer at Steptoe & Johnson LLP. It provides China with an additional tool that it can use to combat foreign sanctions on Chinese companies," he said. The rules create a disincentive for companies operating in China to comply with foreign sanctions, Mr. Turner said, arguing that China could use the framework to discourage companies from voluntarily complying with US financial sanctions when doing so isnt legally required. In the face of the US restrictions against Chinese companies, Beijing has warned of countermeasures, though those have mostly stopped short of specifics so far. Since 2019, the Ministry of Commerce has been threatening to blacklist US companies through an unreliable-entity list, though no companies have been named. In December, Chinas Commerce Ministry and its top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, released rules for reviewing foreign investment in sectors including agriculture, energy and information technology, on national-security grounds, that are set to take effect this month. The latest rules announced Saturday are effective immediately. How effective they prove to be hinges on how China implements them, US-China Business Councils Mr. Margulies said. The Ministry of Commerce said it could allow some Chinese citizens and companies to be exempted from the ban. Its very clear that the tools are out there, but it wasnt very specific about when or how it would be used," Mr. Margulies said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. expects its sales to be better in 2021, against 2020, on the back of various factors such as new product launches and expectations of an economic revival, a senior executive has said. The company witnessed a 6 per cent rise in wholesales in the December quarter, reporting a 14 per cent rise in December wholesales at 7,487 units against 6,544 in December 19. We believe demand will carry forward in January as well. We have already introduced three products, which gives us confidence that 2021 will be better in terms of sales, TKM senior vice-president (sales and service) Naveen Soni told PTI. Published: 5 January 2021 Image showing the symbols of the Abrahamic religions. Christianity, Islam and Judaism. By Elperrofeliz345678 via Wikimedia Commons. In contrast to those who view democratic values as essentially secular and universal, and not tied to specific cultural or religious roots, radical right parties typically say these values are anchored by the heritage of European or western civilisation. And they claim that this heritage is being threatened by non-European cultures, particularly Islamic culture. My research into the international political world views of radical right parties reveals their widespread references to the Judeo-Christian roots of European values. The manifesto of the Alternative for Germany declares that the party: "Opposes Islamic practice which is directed against our liberal-democratic constitutional order, our laws, and the Judeo-Christian and humanist foundations of our culture." Comparable claims can be found from Marine Le Pen in France and Nigel Farage in the UK. What do these politicians mean by Judeo-Christian? This terms definition is fuzzy at best, and historical analysis shows that it has long been used and abused for political ends. In contrast to godless ideologies Though the Jewish roots of Christianity are clear, Jews were pariahs in pre-modern Christian Europe. As Europe gradually left behind the identity of Christendom from the 18th century onwards, efforts to make Jews a legitimate part of European society were a political struggle, resisted by religious conservatives and antisemites. In 19th-century Europe, Jews were still commonly grouped with Muslims as non-European Semites or orientals. It was in mid-20th century America, especially after the Holocaust, that the idea of the west as Judeo-Christian gained wide acceptance. When President Dwight Eisenhower referred to the Judeo-Christian roots of our form of government, he chose words that embraced different Christian denominations and Jews within a shared civic identity one which contrasted with antisemitic and godless ideologies of fascism and communism. This relatively benign use of the term as an inclusive, lowest common denominator reference to the faith-based roots of western values has since been applied by many mainstream European politicians. But lately, the term Judeo-Christian has been picked up by the radical right to serve a different political agenda. Their intent is seemingly to frame western values in a way that excludes Muslims, while at the same time distancing themselves from politically toxic associations with antisemitism. Taken up by the radical right Prior to his murder in 2002, Dutch anti-establishment politician Pim Fortuyn was an early European adopter of this usage of the word Judeo-Christian. Exclusionary use of the word has spread as radical right politicians increasingly position themselves not just as defenders of their respective nations, but of European civilisation. Radical right leaders, such as Dutch politician Geert Wilders, claim these are being threatened by mainstream politicians who are promoting our Islamisation through multiculturalism and immigration. Whereas historically the European far-right depicted Jews as a threat, many on todays radical right claim to defend Jews against those they brand Europes real antisemites: Muslims. This remapping of Europes cultural boundaries includes a change of view towards Israel. Until recently, Israel was commonly viewed negatively within radical right parties as an arm of malign Jewish and American power. Today, it is common for radical right parties to embrace Israel as Europes frontline against radical Islam. The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has at times aligned with this trend by framing Israel as the frontier of Judeo-Christian civilisation against Islamist extremism. In 2017 he told European leaders: We are part of the European culture Europe ends in Israel. Political, not inevitable The political scientist Samuel Huntington claimed in 1993 that a clash of civilisations was inevitable between Islam and the west. But his critics argue persuasively that civilisations evolve, and civilisational identities serve political agendas. Defining the west as Judeo-Christian, and in inevitable tension with Islam, is a clear political choice. Many Muslims may face challenges reconciling their faith with pluralistic European society. But the faith of Muslims does not determine their attitude towards liberalism, just as the faith of Jews or Christians does not. If in doubt, watch how the Mayor of London and practising Muslim, Sadiq Khan, celebrated Chanukah with Londons Jews in Trafalgar Square. European countries with growing Muslim minorities are facing challenges with radicalisation. How politicians talk about European values in these places matters. The radical right claim that Europes Judeo-Christian values are incompatible with Islam reinforces the parallel claim of Islamists, who seek to persuade Muslims that the West and Islam are inherently in conflict. An Abrahamic tradition In the Arab world, there are new attempts to counter this ideology and highlight commonality between Western and Islamic traditions. In September 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed historic peace agreements with Israel. These agreements are easily explained by strategic motivations, not least Arab concerns about the threat of Iran. But it was notable that the agreements were branded in religious-cultural terms as the Abraham Accords. This fits a wider agenda of the UAE, which announced plans in 2019 to build an interfaith Abrahamic Family House including monumental church, mosque and synagogue buildings. The country is choosing to emphasise cultural commonality between Judaism, Christianity and Islam, symbolised by Abraham who is revered by all three faiths. It no doubt hopes this will boost their image in the west. But the move also counters the Islamist idea that the west and its culture is toxic to Islam, a claim that undermines the legitimacy of Gulf leaders who depend on US support and seek closer ties with Israel. Framing Jews, Christians and Muslims as part of an Abrahamic family is no less a political choice than framing Judeo-Christian and Islamic civilisations as being in conflict. But Arab attempts to build an Abrahamic narrative may challenge not only the anti-western agenda of Islamist extremists but also European politicians who frame Muslims as inherently anti-western, antisemitic and threatening. It may present an opportunity to Europeans seeking to strengthen inclusive and pluralistic narratives of Western identity, and counter Islamist radicalisation. Dr Toby Greene is a Lecturer in the Department for Political Studies at Bar-Ilan University. This piece was originally published by The Conversation. Note: This article gives the views of the author, and not the position of the Mile End Institute or Queen Mary University of London. LAHORE: UN designated global terrorist Masood Azhar, chief of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), should be arrested by January 18 in connection with a terror financing case, an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has asked the Punjab Police, a court official said on Saturday (January 9). The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) Gujranwala issued an arrest warrant against Azhar in the terror financing case instituted by the CTD in the previous hearing on Thursday. "ATC Gujranwala judge Natasha Naseem Supra during the case hearing on Friday directed the CTD to arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar by January 18 and present him in the court. In case of failure (to arrest him), the court may begin proceedings to declare him a proclaimed offender," a court official told PTI on Saturday. Azhar is facing charges of terror financing and selling jihadi literature. Following the Palwama terror attack in February 2019, Pakistan's Punjab police had launched a crackdown on terrorism financing and arrested six militants of the JeM in Gujranwala, some 130 kms from Lahore. Azhar is facing the trial in this case. Following the immense international pressure after the Pulwama attack, the Pakistan government arrested over 100 members of the banned militant outfits including the JeM chief's son and brother. The government also took control of the JeM, Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) and Falahai Insaniat Foundation (FIF) properties including seminaries and mosques across the country. The JeM had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. Pakistan's Punjab government claimed to have taken over the administrative control of the JeM headquarters comprising Madressatul Sabir and Jama-e-Masjid Subhanallah in Bahawalpur. In May 2019, the United Nations designated Azhar as 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. The UN committee listed Azhar on May 1, 2019 as being associated with al-Qaeda for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing, or perpetrating of acts or activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf of, or in support of", "supplying, selling or transferring arms and related material to", "recruiting for", "otherwise supporting acts or activities of", and "other acts or activities indicating association with" the JeM. Azhar is a fugitive released by India in exchange of passengers of the hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 in 1999. After his release, Azhar formed the JeM and scripted many terror attacks in India. On February 26, 2019, India launched air strikes on JeM's biggest training camp in Pakistan's Balakot. Paris-based global terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is instrumental in pushing Pakistan to take measures against terrorists roaming freely in Pakistan and using its territory to carry out attacks in India and elsewhere. The FATF placed Pakistan on the Grey List in June 2018 and asked Islamabad to implement a plan of action to curb money laundering and terror financing by the end of 2019 but the deadline was extended later on due to COVID-19 pandemic. Reacting to the jail sentence handed out to Mumbai attack mastermind and UN proscribed Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and the issuance of an arrest warrant against JeM chief Azhar, India on Friday scoffed at Pakistan, saying it has become a routine for Islamabad to come up with "farcical actions" prior to key international meetings. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said the timing clearly suggests the intention of conveying a sense of compliance ahead of APG (Asia-Pacific Group) meet and the next FATF plenary meet in February 2021. "It has become routine for Pakistan to come up with such farcical actions prior to important meetings. "UN proscribed entities and designated terrorists act as proxies for Pakistani establishment to fulfil its anti-India agenda. It is for the international community to hold Pakistan to account and ensure that it takes credible action against terror groups, terror infrastructure and individual terrorists," Srivastava added. Live TV Kangana Backs Anti-Conversion Law; Favours Saudi-Style Hanging For Rape Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut on Saturday came out in support of the anti-conversion ordinance brought in by the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh, saying it would help the victims of fraudulent marriages. The actor, often in news because of controversial social media posts, also appeared to favour public executions such as in Saudi Arabia to curb crimes like gang-rape. Governor Anandiben Patel earlier in the day gave assent to an ordinance of MP government which penalizes religious conversions through fraudulent means including those for the sake of marriage. The law provides for as much as 10 years in prison for fraudulent conversions in some cases. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut) "This is a very good law. Many people have faced problems. The law has been made for such people," Ranaut told reporters. "This type of law should be made. It is a very good step the government has finally taken," the actor, here for a film shoot, said to a query. Asked about rising cases of rape in the country, the actor said trials of such cases go on for long and victims get harassed in the process. "They have the burden to prove the charges against the accused...More than half the accused get acquitted," she said. "Many countries like Saudi hang (the accused) in public squares," she said, adding "until we set five-six such examples, until tough action is not taken (such crimes will not stop)...because people get away with such crimes," Ranaut said. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. A majority of Americans say Donald Trump should be removed as president after he incited a mob of his supporters to storm the US Capitol this past week, according to a new poll. The ABC News/Ipsos poll, released on Sunday, found that more than half (56 per cent) of those polled said Mr Trump should be removed from office with almost all Democratic participants saying so (94 per cent). A majority of independents (58 per cent) also backed removing him. Among Republicans polled, only 13 per cent said the president should vacate the White House. The polling comes amid widespread anger at Wednesdays riots, where the presidents supporters scaled walls, smashed windows and ran riot through the US Capitol building as lawmakers were in the process of certifying president-elect Joe Bidens win. Mr Trump told crowds on Wednesday to march on Congress with strength. Some Republican senators have suggested the president should resign as he had committed impeachable acts. More than two-thirds (67 per cent) told pollsters that Mr Trump was to blame by a great deal or good amount for the chaos with almost all Democrats agreeing (98 percent). Among Republicans, 69 per cent disagreed and said Mr Trump was not to blame. Those divisions were also apparent when respondents were asked whether or not they trusted Mr Biden to protect democracy. Democrats said by 94 per cent that they trusted Mr Biden while only 14 per cent of Republicans said the same. Still, the president-elect polled better than Mr Trump on the same question. Only 30 per cent of Republicans said they trusted the president to defend democracy. The poll was carried out on 8 January and 9 January among a random national sample of 570 adults. Mr Trump, in a video released on Thursday, appeared to concede the election to Mr Biden for the first time and said he would not attend his successors inauguration on 20 January. The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) has called on all Ghanaians to rise up and call for justice, accountability, transparency and fairness in all dealings in the body politic and the affairs of the country. It said Ghanaians must speak up on issues, especially in the sale of our natural resources, the mortgaging of our national assets for self-interest, not for national interest, and the absence of a definitive development agenda for the growth of the country. This was contained in a statement issued by the party and signed by its General Secretary, Nana Yaa Akyempim Jantuah, to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the call to Positive Action by Ghanas first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Factories The statement said while under the CPP government, factories such as the Komenda Sugar Factory, State enterprises, among others were built with the view to boosting employment, the factories had been disposed of and dissipated under the guise of divestiture implementation and private sector development. It noted that if the factories built under the CPP had been maintained and not abandoned and disposed of, they would have been a doyen and fortress to employ and take on board our teeming unemployed youth. Even government houses meant for accommodating public and civil servants have been disposed of under the Fourth Republic, leaving labour in want of decent accommodation, it said. Positive Action The statement said the declaration of Positive Action, Self-Government was meant to bring change from the status quo of subjugation ad poverty at the time. It, however, said 71 years after the declaration, Ghanas educational system had been run down into pieces, tattered into shambles through a myriad of experimentation of no value and purpose, a health system that takes away but does not give, with no adequate infrastructure, logistics and personnel, an economy wobbling on its knees, and a social fabric almost in ruins replicating everything foreign and touting it as more acceptable than our own religious and cultural values. The statement told members of the CPP that it was time to stand tall and not accept any obstacle that would prevent them from moving forward and bringing back the partys glory again. Source: Graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video By now, Christmas trees have been put to the curb, shoved up in the attic for another year or fed to wildlife and the trees that sprung up on Ocean Citys beaches are no different. But in their place, a new symbol of hope a springboard to better days in 2021 has popped up at the north end of the beach. As the events unfolded in Washington on Wednesday when rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, a few people took to the beach in Ocean City to visit a large peace sign made out of seashells, not necessarily to find peace among the chaos, but to find peace within themselves. The symbol takes the place where once stood the North Street Christmas tree, adorned with shell decorations and peoples wishes for the holiday and new year. I wanted to do something after the tree came down because the beach was going to be so bare, said Sue McElwee, the person responsible for the North Street tree the past two years. As the sun set on a dark historic day, people dressed for the cold winds strolled down the beach entrance ramp to take a look at the peace sign while McElwee and her 8-year-old son Mason were busy straightening out the shells. Messages on a seashell is part of a peace sign on the North Street beach in Ocean City, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com The Ocean City resident took the tree down Monday and promptly delivered it, ornament free, to Funny Farm Rescue and Sanctuary in Mays Landing. McElwee said they were happy she donated what they called the famous tree for them to use. With the thought of the area, which became a destination point during the holidays, to be soon empty, she searched for an idea that would be appropriate for her home beach to fill that void. Just after sunrise, the day after the tree came down, she and her four children carried four buckets of fresh shells and put together the roughly 15 by 13-foot symbol in the sand. People are really excited. Ive had a lot of people tell me that theyre bummed out that the tree was leaving and theyre excited that theres something else here to come down and visit, said McElwee. Three Sharpies stuck in the sand invite people to write their hopes, dreams, names or whatever on the shells. Messages like Jersey strong, Be kind all the time and God bless a united America are just a few of the thoughts written for the new year. I think people are looking for peace, hoping for peace, McElwee said. Kya Mundorf, 9, of Maryland, writes a message on a seashell that is part of a peace sign on the North Street beach in Ocean City, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Tim Hawk | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com While visiting her parents this week, Kara Shuman brought her four daughters down to visit the peace sign after seeing it on social media. They visited the Christmas tree during the holidays and wanted to start the year off by leaving a message on a shell. Shuman wrote Embrace the magic in the journey while her 14-year-old daughter Kate wrote See the positive in every situation. With everything that is going on crazy right now its just nice to have a peaceful place to go, a peaceful thing to see, said Shuman. Ocean City resident Linda Kenny brought her mother down to see the tree and was disappointed that it was gone already. But seeing the peace sign ended up being a pleasant surprise. I was happy about that because thats what I need right now, peace, she said. Kenny lost her 21-year-old son in November and left a shell in his memory. McElwee said she hopes that the sign lasts because it blends in with the sand and people driving on the beach might not see it. Its cool for the community and people that come to visit,she said. The South Beach Christmas tree on 55th Street is cleaned up. photo courtesy of Melanie Stompone The tree on the 55th Street beach in the southern end of town was another hot spot during the holidays and the first weekend of the new year was no exception as people continued to visit the Christmas tree on a beautiful Jan. 2 day, said Melanie Stampone, of Orland, Pennsylvania. Stampone, the person responsible for the South tree, said that the tree was taken down a day later and was donated to the Cape May County Zoo. Friends and family helped gather up the shells three layers deep, said Stampone, placed them in buckets and brought them down to the waters edge. They all made a wish for good health, happiness and hope for 2021. Well count our blessings and leave our worries out to sea, Stampone said. She said they became emotional as they began to clean off the tree and read some of the messages left on the shells. Messages of health, happiness and in memory of those who have died are just some of the thoughts visitors left over the past five weeks. I planted it to give so much joy to everybody else but I didnt realize how much it would return to me, Stampone said. After all the positive response they received both McElwee and Stampone plan on the trees returning for the holidays later this year. McElwee said her children are already thinking about what to do in the upcoming months a heart for Valentines Day and a shamrock for St. Patricks Day. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Tim Hawk may be reached at thawk@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Tim on Instagram @photog_hawk. Whenever Jennifer Wises father-in-law used to say that lightning in December meant there would be snow in January, she always thought to herself: That sounds crazy. The same thought crossed her mind when a lighting storm struck Kerrville last month, and her husband repeated his fathers theory, warning, Itll snow next month. Sure enough, it did. Sunday marked the second time in less than two weeks when snow fell across parts of central Texas. Although most of San Antonio saw no more than sleet and flurries that quickly melted away, snow stuck in parts of the Hill Country and blanketed communities near Austin with anywhere from 3 to 6 inches, according to the National Weather Service. Here we are, Wise said Sunday afternoon, with a laugh. It was true. Snowflakes danced across Wises property in Kerrville on Sunday, where she lives with her husband and mother. The dusting melted almost immediately after it touched the ground. Less than two weeks earlier on New Years Eve, between 2 and 3 inches of snow had covered their land, transforming their property into a winter wonderland. Wise, who works as a real estate agent and grew up in Kerrville, cant remember a time when the town saw snowfall so close together. Residents are lucky, she said, if they get snow once a year or every couple of years. It was fun, Wise said. We were out there with little kids in the snow. About 65 miles south of Kerrville, San Antonio only saw a wintry mix of flurries, rain and sleet. The last time San Antonio saw significant snowfall was on Dec. 7, 2017, when a cold front dropped about 2 inches across the city. On Sunday, the Alamo City saw, at most, about one-tenth of an inch of sleet accumulate in some places, said Constantine Pashos, a National Weather Service meteorologist. Communities in eastern Hill Country and toward Austin saw the most of the winter weather. Snowfall ranged from 6 inches in Leander to 4 inches in northeast Roundrock to 3 inches in Burnet, Pashos said. Photos posted to social media showed children beaming with snowballs in their hands. Other families snapped pictures of snowmen theyd built and captured videos of the snow falling quietly in their backyards. The Touchstone family was just close enough at their home near New Braunfels to enjoy it. As soon as it began to fall, Eric Touchstone knew because his 3- and 5-year-old sons promptly began yelling, Its snowing! Its snowing! Its snowing! The family went to the store to buy gloves but didnt have any luck. The boys also waited patiently in hopes that it would start snowing heavily enough to go sledding. To their dismay, it was just a light dusting. So, they improvised, Touchstone said: We were using soup spoons to make snowballs and throw them at each other. marina.riker@express-news.net New Delhi, Jan 10 : Budget airline GoAir has sacked a pilot for posting derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter. The spokesperson of the airline also said that it does not associate itself with personal views expressed by any individual or an employee. "GoAir has zero tolerance policy and it is mandatory for all GoAir employees to comply with the company's employment rules, regulations and policies, including social media behaviour," the spokesperson said. "GoAir has terminated the services of the Captain with immediate effect," added the spokesperson. The pilot later deleted the tweet and apologised for the same. He has also locked his Twitter account post the incident. Most days she can be found up to her arms in clay, creating vases, bowls and mugs on her potters wheel for her budding business. On other occasions Shenyue Ding, a contestant on the new series of The Great Pottery Throw Down, slips into designer clothes for her very different work as a model. And Miss Dings talents dont end there. She has a degree in natural sciences from Cambridge and used to work as a consultant in biotechnology before she gave it all up to pursue her new-found hobby. Shenyue Ding, a contestant on the new series of The Great Pottery Throw Down, slips into designer clothes for her very different work as a model The multi-talented Miss Ding, 28, founded Supper Ceramics in 2019, creating pieces for the dinner table in a studio in east London, where she lives with her partner Alex. Her wares include unique pots, centrepieces and dinner platters painted with slip, a liquid clay, before being glazed and fired. On her website she writes: Most of my pieces are thrown on the wheel ... I am strangely attracted to the slow, multi-step process of making pots, which, depending on a number of mysterious factors (like the weather, the kiln gods etc), means that it takes 4-6 weeks for each piece from start to finish. The multi-talented Miss Ding, 28, founded Supper Ceramics in 2019, creating pieces for the dinner table in a studio in east London, where she lives with her partner Alex Miss Ding on a modelling campaign (left) and on the show (right). She used to work as a strategy consultant in the field of biotechnology, but quit after discovering pottery 18 months ago In a world full of mass-produced Ikea uniformity, my main goal is to create unique items that will be treasured in your home. Miss Ding has 143,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares video demonstrations filmed at her potters wheel. Her 6,000 Instagram followers, meanwhile, can see her modelling for labels such as Armani, Vivienne Westwood, Jaeger, Cos, Whistles and the lingerie brands Coco de Mer London and Zimmerli. Her wares include unique pots, centrepieces and dinner platters painted with slip, a liquid clay, before being glazed and fired She used to work as a strategy consultant in the field of biotechnology, but quit after discovering pottery 18 months ago. Miss Ding, who was born in China and brought up in Manchester, is among 12 contestants on the fourth series of the Channel 4 show, which started last night. Actress Siobhan McSweeney is the new host, with judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller returning. Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Submit Withdrawal of the three new agriculture-related laws is the only way to provide relief to agitating farmers, an Uttar Pradesh Congress leader said on Sunday. Sunil Rai, the former state secretary of the Congress accused the Narendra Modi-led government of not being bothered about the country's middle class as it has failed to check rising prices of petrol and diesel. Congress is with the farmers who are peacefully agitating against farm laws, Rai told reporters here. To favour industrialists, the Centre has imposed the new agri laws on farmers without realising their adverse impacts on them, Rai said, adding that the government is seeing the agitation from its jaundiced eyes. Rai claimed that over 7 lakh farmers in Uttar Pradesh have not yet received benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme due to mismanagement by officials of the state government. However, instead of solving the problem, the government has appointed nodal officers to foil the farmers' agitation, he claimed. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused the MAGA mob who laid siege to the US Capitol Building earlier this week of choosing their whiteness over democracy. The California Democrat used an online video meeting Saturday with her hometown San Francisco constituents to criticize the overwhelmingly white mob that attacked Congress on Wednesday as it met to formally finalize Joe Bidens presidential victory over Trump. It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their whiteness over democracy, Pelosi said. Pelosi has set the House on course to potentially vote on a new impeachment of Trump as early as this coming week, a move that has overwhelming support from Democrats. She shed no new light Saturday on whether shes made a final decision on impeachment or any other details. But the House Speaker did add: The complicity, not only the complicity, the instigation of the president of United States, must and will be addressed. Scroll down for video House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has accused the MAGA mob that laid siege to the US Capitol Building earlier this week of choosing their whiteness over democracy' The unprecedented raid came following encouragement from Donald Trump, who, at a rally beforehand, urged the crowd to descend on the Capitol while Congress was certifying the results of the 2020 election During Wednesdays riot, Pelosi saw her office ransacked by Trump-supporting protesters amid the demonstration after hundreds breezed past Capitol police and caused chaos inside the legislatures walls. Numerous protesters posed mockingly for selfies at the lawmakers desk. A mirror was smashed, her desk was rummaged through and her nameplate was also destroyed. One demonstrator also appeared to steal some of her mail. On Saturday, representatives for Pelosi revealed a laptop of hers was stolen as well. Drew Hammill, an aide to Democrat Pelosi, said on Twitter that the laptop belonged to a conference room and was used for presentations. He declined to offer further details. The theft of electronic devices from congressional offices has been a persistent worry since the Capitol invasion. The unprecedented raid came following encouragement from Donald Trump, who, at a rally beforehand, urged the crowd to descend on the Capitol while Congress was certifying the results of the 2020 election. In total, five people died, including one police officer, and more than 50 people were arrested. A number of demonstrators have been arrested around the country by federal authorities in the days since. In total, five people died, including one police officer, and more than 50 people were arrested Pelosi saw her office ransacked by Trump-supporting protesters amid the demonstration One demonstrator also appeared to steal some of her mail, and was later pictured outside the Capitol holding a letter of hers A mirror was smashed, her desk was rummaged through and her nameplate was also destroyed Senator Jeff Merkley, a Democrat, said on Twitter that a laptop was taken from his office during the riot. On Thursday, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Sherwin said that some of the thefts might have potentially jeopardized what he described as national security equities. We just dont know the extent of that damage at this point, he said. In addition to posing inside Pelosis office, demonstrators also posed photographs of themselves using congressional phones and other devices. One reporter with the right-wing outlet Blaze posted a photograph of what purported to be a computer from Pelosis office with emails still on the screen. What else might have been taken during the chaos is not yet known. Some information technology experts worry that intruders may have planted malicious software on computers, although its not clear that devices were the focus of any particular attention. Pelosi is among one of several senior lawmakers leading the charge against Trump, threatening to impeach him for a second time if Vice President Mike Pence fails to use the 25th Amendment to remove the outgoing president from office. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also urged Pence Thursday to declare Trump unfit for office. Pence has reportedly refused to take either Pelosis or Schumers calls and is still yet to speak publicly since Wednesdays events. Despite Pence's silence, the Vice President is keeping the move to invoke the 25th Amendment very much on the table for if or when Trump becomes more unstable in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, a source told CNN. Pelosi is among one of several senior lawmakers leading the charge against Trump, threatening to impeach him for a second time if Vice President Mike Pence fails to use the 25th Amendment Despite Pence's silence, the Vice President is keeping the move to invoke the 25th Amendment very much on the table Riot police push back a crowd of supporters of US President Donald Trump after they stormed the Capitol building The latest twist in this week's events comes as it was revealed Pence sheltered in a bunker with his family during the Capitol riot and Trump didn't check in on his safety. Demonstrators were heard chanting Hang Mike Pence. Having stoked fury among the crowd by falsely telling them Pence had the power to stop the certification of Biden's victory, Trump did not check in on the Vice President during the siege. 'Was he concerned at all that an angry mob that he commanded to march on the Capitol might injure the vice president or his family?' the source said, adding that Pence was forced to take shelter with his wife Karen, daughter Charlotte and his brother Rep. Greg Pence. CNNs source said Pence's team is concerned the president could take action that would risk national security if either the Vice President pursues the 25th Amendment or Democrats push forward with their impeachment plans. Currently, Pence is working to ensure there is a smooth transition to the Biden administration and that the incoming team are best prepared for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, the outlet reported. China on Saturday issued a new order prohibiting firms from complying with foreign laws that ban transactions with Chinese and individuals, effective immediately. The so-called Rules on Counteracting Unjustified Extraterritorial Application of Foreign Legislation and Other Measures apply to circumstances that 'improperly prohibit or restrict' Chinese individuals, companies, and institutions from conducting normal economic, trade, and related activities with parties from the third countries, according to the Ministry of Commerce, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP). This order comes in the backdrop of the US threatening to impose sanctions and other restrictions on any and all Hong Kong and Chinese individuals in wake of the arrests of over 50 politicians and pro-democracy advocates by Hong Kong authorities. "The rules were issued] to defend national interests, avoid or mitigate the adverse impact on Chinese enterprises, and maintain the normal economic and trade order," the Ministry of Commerce said. Under the new rules, Chinese individuals or institutions should report to the ministry within 30 days of their business being affected by foreign compliance laws, after which authorities will assess 'whether the compliance violates law and basic norms of relations' and the possible impact on 'China's national sovereignty, security and development interests'. If such conditions are met, the ministry will issue an injunction against recognition, enforcement and compliance with the foreign laws and measures. The Chinese government will also take countermeasures if required. According to SCMP, this development is the latest in a string of Chinese efforts to offset the impact of US trade actions, including Beijing's unreliable entity list released in 2019, a move also partly aimed at raising the cost of compliance with US export controls. There also have been speculations that the US could also try to restrict US dollar fundraising access for in Hong Kong in the final days of the outgoing President Donald Trump's administration. Analysts said that the new measures would squeeze multinational between duelling compliance regimes, with firms wondering whether they should choose sides. The rules would be difficult to apply in practice because the US remained a key market for most companies, and the policymakers clearly 'know this', opined Nick Marro, global trade lead at the Economist Intelligence Unit in Hong Kong. Furthermore, Henry Gao, an associate professor of law at Singapore Management University, said the rule was "much harsher" than he had anticipated. This comes amid increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing, as the former has imposed a series of sanctions on Hong Kong officials and The US has also blacklisted dozens of other Chinese firms, and the Trump administration is reported to be considering prohibiting Americans from investing in Alibaba and Tencent, China's two most valuable publicly listed companies there, SCMP reported. On Monday, the New York Stock Exchange will delist US-traded shares of China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom to comply with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. (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.) Stockholm, December 6, 2020 (SPS) - Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde, confirmed that the Swedish government never recognized Morocco's claims of sovereignty over Western Sahara, like the United Nations, and continued to work for a just solution to the question of Western Sahara, respecting the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination. In response to a question by MP Sarah Gil on the efforts that the Swedish government intends to take to ensure respect for international law in Western Sahara, the head of Swedish diplomacy said that Stockholm continued to work for a just solution to the issue of Western Sahara, which must respect the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, in accordance with relevant the UN Security Council resolutions. She emphasized the need to appoint a personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General as soon as possible, in order to activate the political process, noting that she had raised this issue with the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres. With regard to the new situation on the ground following the Moroccan aggression in Guerguerat, the Minister indicated that it is necessary to make great efforts to maintain the ceasefire and the self-determination referendum on the long-standing future of Western Sahara, which the United Nations has been mandated to organize. The Swedish government had expressed its deep concern about the recent developments in Guerguerat in Western Sahara since November 13, and stressed the need to organize the referendum as the only means to ensure the free expression of the Sahrawi people, as stipulated by international resolutions, it should be recalled. (SPS) 062/SPS New Delhi, Jan 10 : Activist Tehseen Poonawalla on Sunday said that his 'Team India Against Love Jihad Law' will move the Supreme Court against the "unconstitutional" legislations brought about in several states against interfaith marriages. "The voice of reason and love can never be suppressed for long. In the end, democracy and the spirit of our Constitution shall prevail," Poonawalla maintained. Poonawalla, who is a brother-in-law of businessman Robert Vadra, had planned to organise a meeting of such couples at the Jantar Mantar in central Delhi during the day but was denied permission by Delhi Police. "The amount of cops just to stop interfaith couples from singing songs. They stopped our event by not allowing us mics, but we sang. They put barricades on both sides of the road yet we walked in fearlessly, heads held high with love in our heart. TEAM#IndiaAgainstLoveJihadLaw," he tweeted. Hours earlier, he had tweeted that the team had once again been denied permission to "celebrate love". "Despite assurances of NO PROTEST. The ACP himself is present who is threatening to detain us! Is this democracy?" he asked. By Orooj Hakimi and Storay Karimi KABUL/HERAT (Reuters) - The Afghan government is investigating an air strike by its military in the southern province of Nimroz that local officials say resulted in the deaths of 14 civilians, as local residents brought their bodies to the provincial capital in protest. Government officials confirmed the Saturday night strike, but said on Sunday that initial information showed the deaths were all of Taliban insurgents fighting Afghan security forces. The clashes came just as representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban kicked off the second round of peace talks in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday. "An air strike in Khashrod district has resulted in heavy casualties for the Taliban, and investigations into allegations that civilians have been killed are ongoing," the Afghan Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday. A local government official told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that the Afghan air force targeted a residential house where it suspected Taliban were present. The official said the 14 killed were all from one family. Local residents told Reuters by phone that people from the area where the strike took place had brought the bodies to the centre of Nimroz's capital, Zaranj, to prove that the deceased were not Taliban fighters. Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi also denied those killed were its own combatants, saying they were civilians, all members of one family, and included women and children. Continued violence has hastened international calls for a ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban, whose representatives met on Saturday for a first session in a second round of peace talks, where contentious issues such as a ceasefire and power-sharing are expected to be discussed. Both sides, in separate statements on Saturday, said they discussed the agenda and that the meeting took place in a positive and amicable atmosphere. (Reporting by Orooj Hakimi in Kabul and Storay Karimi in Herat; Writing by Gibran Peshimam; Editing by Alexander Smith) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Any hope that the word unprecedented would disappear from the headlines evaporated last week as the chaos of 2020 continues, new year or not. While the takeover of the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump extremists provided a particularly alarming reality check, the severity of the pandemic and tensions within our citizenry ensure that 2021 will bring still more uncharted territory. But this is where resilience, coupled with the optimism of a new year ahead, comes in. The hopeless dilemmas of last year transform into the must-solve challenges for this year. While there are any number of problems to address, we believe Oregon and Portlands handling of the following issues will shape whether 2021 rebuilds our community and economy or perpetuates the worst of 2020. Step up vaccinations to beat the pandemic: The best news of 2020 was the approval of two vaccines for COVID-19. How quickly and broadly the state is able to vaccinate most of Oregons 4 million-plus residents will determine how soon we can get back to some semblance of regular life. While the national supply will play a large factor in determining the pace, the states flubbed rollout over the past few weeks reveals a lack of urgency and a failure to act strategically. Getting shots to Oregonians must be the states top priority, balancing considerations of who is most at risk and how to most quickly get the vaccine out. Oregonians cannot afford to see the state bumble its way through distribution the way the state handled its unemployment benefits debacle. Lives and livelihoods are at stake. Reopen schools this academic year: Pediatricians, mental health professionals, educators and families all agree: Students desperately need to return to in-person instruction. Its not just the significant educational loss, but also the health, nutritional and social needs that are going unmet with distance learning. States around the country have made in-person school a top priority, providing the resources and direction to keep schools safe and limit spread. Oregon should do the same. Gov. Kate Browns lifting of statewide requirements is a start. But the state, school districts and employee unions must move from a should-we-reopen debate to a how-do-we-reopen blueprint, that isnt contingent on all staff receiving vaccines first. While teachers are identified as the next group to receive vaccines after the current group of health care and long-term care residents, there are too many unknowns on which to pin this urgent need. In addition to Oregons slow rollout and uncertain vaccine supply, its likely that at least some staff members may decline vaccines for personal reasons and children arent yet eligible for vaccines. We cannot lose this school year or the beginning of next due to problems that can be solved for now. Work collectively for smart police reform: The killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police, captured on video, shocked the nation out of its collective denial and into action, with protests and changes across the country, such as cutting police budgets and redirecting resources. It has not been enough but it has also not always been driven by sound policy. We must see more of both in the coming year. That means first acknowledging our need for a well-trained, sufficiently-funded, responsive and representative police force. Portland just ended a year of record homicides and traffic fatalities in recent decades. We need better social services to prevent such violence and traffic-calming infrastructure to make streets safer. But we also need police officers who know their communities and can diffuse tensions to avert violence, such as the retaliatory shootings between gangs that has been driving some of the citys increase. We need police to investigate crimes, from murder to burglaries and the ever-present property crimes. We need traffic enforcement that can provide a real-time check on reckless or negligent drivers who are killing people at record levels. But we also need a police force that doesnt just pledge to respect community values but is contractually, regulatorily and legally bound to follow clear metrics, practices and priorities spelling out those community values. The city of Portland must negotiate a strong contract with its police union that builds in accountability and disciplinary measures that recognize the higher standard to which employees must adhere. The state must provide the legislative clarity and authority that ensures local governments can require the transparency, discipline and accountability that their communities demand. And police agencies, the states police academy and community leaders must focus on revamping recruiting, hiring and training practices to build a police force truly reflective of the community in population and values. State and local governments also must build out alternative services that match the need with the response. Police, social service organizations, community leaders and the public all seem to recognize that calling police to help someone showing signs of a mental health crisis is the wrong solution. But its pretty much the only option governments have given to Oregonians who encounter someone in distress. Meanwhile, Portland Street Response, a program designed to send paramedics and mental health professionals to respond to low-urgency calls about homeless individuals, has yet to be deployed. Until theres a ready network of responders to take up the calls going to police, any talk of defunding is premature and wrong-headed. Resist partisan tribalism and promote a shared Oregon vision: The shocking takeover of the U.S. Capitol by pro-Trump extremists should prompt two reactions from Oregonians. First, a unified condemnation of such a sickening assault on our democratic process. And second, honest reflection on the tensions that are dividing our state. We are not as far from Washington D.C. as we might hope. Oregon has had plenty of its own conflicts. Dominated by Democrats, the Legislature and Gov. Kate Brown have pursued policies that have at times generated fierce opposition from rural Oregonians and Republicans, such as a proposed cap-and-trade program that prompted Republican walkouts two years in a row. And Democrats have not been shy about using their supermajority power to impose their will, regardless of Republican sentiment. While thats one of the privileges of victory, they should also recognize that abuse of such power such as even denying Republicans the power to choose which of their members serve on which legislative committees creates understandable resentment and suspicion. Basic respect for fellow Oregonians and the representatives that they have elected mandates that Democrats work with Republicans to create a fair structure for legislating. Such massive needs, such as how to help wildfire-devastated towns rebuild, will require all voices at the table. At the same time, some Republicans have been adding fuel to the fire with misinformation and unsourced claims, such as Sen. Brian Boquists constituent emails of dubious veracity. More alarming, however, is video during last months special legislative session showing Rep. Mike Nearman, R-Independence, opening the door of the state Capitol to right-wing demonstrators who were protesting the buildings closure as a pandemic precaution. Many were armed and unmasked and appeared to deploy pepper spray against Capitol police. While an investigation is ongoing, the video paints a disturbing picture of someone willing to assist angry Oregonians in attacking law enforcement and intimidating his colleagues for the decisions they made as legislators. Nearman has not responded to an email seeking comment. If Nearman has no reasonable, justifiable explanation, his colleagues should vote to expel him. Our elected leaders cannot condone or keep silent about extremist behavior from either the left or right that uses harassment, threats, property damage or other such tactics to intimidate fellow Oregonians or elected officials into doing their bidding. Whether its in Portland or outside the state Capitol, our leaders should not be normalizing such actions. Rebuild our economy and opportunities with equity as its compass: State and local governments have rightly focused on how to use emergency aid to keep people housed and healthy, recognizing that the most harmful impacts of the pandemic have been felt by low-income families and communities of color. But they must also commit to leading an economic resurgence that specifically supports opportunities for those who have long been stymied by discriminatory practices and attitudes. Among other things, that should include a statewide commitment to rebuilding Albina, the once thriving Black neighborhood in North and Northeast Portland that was bulldozed for the construction of Interstate 5. The proposed expansion of the freeway in that same section an infrastructural need for the state as a whole should be part of a larger project that recognizes the historical destruction that the city and state pushed through. The state must also help businesses resume operations by passing reasonable liability protections and policies that encourage growth. Even with the much-needed federal stimulus dollars, businesses will be the key to powering long-term prosperity for Oregon. Empower voters with open primaries and greater authority in redrawing boundaries: Oregon, long a leader in broadening voter access, notched a record turnout in the 2020 general election. But for all its self-congratulation, Oregon allows its two major parties to ban the 1 million Oregonians who are unaffiliated with any party to vote in their taxpayer-funded primaries. At the same time, legislators this year are tasked with redrawing new boundaries for legislative districts a powerful once-in-a-decade exercise that doesnt belong in the hands of those who have so much riding on how those lines are drawn. While an initiative seeking to hand such power to an independent citizens commission failed to make the ballot, legislators should look to incorporate as many of those principles as they can. Fight the cynicism of 2020 with transparency and unity: Perhaps whats most demoralizing about 2020 is the widespread belief that the institutions of this state and this country are not only rigged but that the only way to change it is with revolutionary-like action. Rebuilding trust and a desire for unity wont come easy. But the events of 2020 show we need our leaders to act with transparency, discipline and a shared sense of purpose more than ever. Let this new year be the fresh start our state needs. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Subscribe to our free weekly Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Chhattisgarh Health Minister T S Singh Deo said the use of COVID-19 vaccine 'Covaxin' must not be allowed in the state as its third-phase trial data has not been published yet. The minister said he is not "confident" about asking people to take this vaccine. Reuters Covaxin, indigenously developed by Bharat Biotech, has got approval for emergency use along with Oxford -AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine. "The third phase trial of Covaxin is under process. The vaccine has been approved for 'emergency use (by the Drug Controller General of India). Its use should be avoided until its complete results are out," Deo told reporters. Asked whether it would be administered to people in Chhattisgarh, Deo said, "In my opinion, it should not be allowed in the state. As of now, I am not confident of asking people to accept this vaccine." The state recently completed a vaccination dry run in its 28 districts. AFP Recently, a 42-year-old volunteer from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh who took a dose of Covaxin in the clinical trial of the Covid vaccine died, and added to the controversy revolving around the approval of Bharat Biotechs Covaxin. According to reports, the man died nearly ten days after he participated in the clinical trial for Covaxin held at a private hospital. A government official suspects poisoning as the reason behind the volunteers death but added that the exact cause of the death will be known after the viscera test. Prayagraj : , Jan 10 (IANS) The Allahabad High Court has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a 'Foolproof Plan' through which it intends to check the corona spread during the annual 'Magh Mela' scheduled to begin on January 14. The court order came after the Uttar Pradesh chief secretary had informed the court that people will be allowed to enter the defined 'Magh Mela' area after they produce a negative Covid-19 report. Reviewing the instructions submitted by the state government, a division bench comprising Justice Siddhartha Varma and Justice Ajit Kumar said they are not convinced that the steps taken by the state will be sufficient to curb the spread of coronavirus. Fixing January 12 as the next date for hearing into the PIL, the High Court directed the state government to come up with a 'foolproof plan' by which it intends to control the spread of the infection. The court said, "They (government) may keep in mind that such congregations during the month of Magh are very large in numbers and if even one infected person sneaks inside the city, he can create havoc." The Magh Mela is an annual festival held in the month of Magh (January/February) in Prayagraj. This Mela attracts a large number of tourists and pilgrims every year looking forward to washing their sins off in the holy river. The Mela is spread over a period of 45 days. The state government has that it will implement safety protocols in the Mela and ensure social distancing. Chaotic and unstable is how Nina describes growing up with a single mother who worked three jobs to keep her five children clothed and fed. The has lifted the "self-imposed restrictions" on contacts between American and Taiwanese diplomats and officials, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced, ending a long-standing policy to "appease" The move on has angered with the Communist nation's official media on Sunday sharply criticising Pompeo and accusing him of "seeking to maliciously inflict a long-lasting scar" on bilateral ties, ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden as the next American president on January 20. regards as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, even by force. But Taiwan's leaders assert that it is a sovereign state. In a statement on Saturday, Pompeo said, for several decades the State Department has created complex internal restrictions to regulate our diplomats, service members, and other officials' interactions with their Taiwanese counterparts. The has maintained close ties with since it split from mainland China in 1949 after the end of a civil war. But until recently Washington has avoided major displays of friendship so as to not antagonise Beijing, which continues to view the self-governing democracy of around 24 million people as an inseparable part of its territory. Referring to Taiwan as a reliable and unofficial partner, Pompeo, a staunch critic of China, added that the US executive branch agencies should consider contact guidelines regarding relations with Taiwan previously issued by the State Department to be null and void. "The United States government took these actions unilaterally, in an attempt to appease the Communist regime in Beijing. No more," he said. "Today I am announcing that I am lifting all of these self-imposed restrictions," the US top diplomat said. The United States government maintains relationships with unofficial partners around the world, and Taiwan is no exception, he said. "Our two democracies share common values of individual freedom, the rule of law, and a respect for human dignity. Today's statement recognises that the US-Taiwan relationship need not, and should not, be shackled by self-imposed restrictions of our permanent bureaucracy," Pompeo said. The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, is set to visit Taiwan this week to "reinforce the US government's strong and ongoing support for Taiwan's space," Pompeo announced last week. The latest move by the US has been welcomed by Taiwan. "I'm grateful to @SecPompeo & StateDept for lifting restrictions unnecessarily limiting our engagements these past years. I'm also thankful for strong bipartisan support in Congress for the #TaiwanFlag of Taiwan Assurance Act, which advocates a review of prior guidelines," Taiwan's Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu tweeted. "The closer partnership between #TaiwanFlag of Taiwan & the #USFlag of United States is firmly based on our shared values, common interests & unshakeable belief in freedom & democracy. We'll continue working in the months & years ahead to ensure Taiwan is & continues to be a force for good in the world," he wrote in another tweet. In August last year, US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar became the highest-ranking US politician to visit Taiwan and hold meetings on the island for decades. Reacting sharply to Pompeo's decision, the state-run Xinhua news agency, in a commentary, noted that he has made it clear that, instead of facilitating an orderly transition with the next US administration, he is seeking to maliciously inflict a long-lasting scar on bilateral ties. "Pompeo's latest move to lift restrictions on official contacts with China's Taiwan region has once again proved that he, despite being America's top diplomat, is only interested in stoking unwarranted confrontations, and has no interest in world peace," it said. "During his tenure as secretary of state, a crucial position he has convincingly proved himself unqualified for, Pompeo has relentlessly demonised China and sought to sabotage the world's most important bilateral relationship as hard as he can," the commentary said, attacking him personally. The China Global Television Network, in a separate commentary, described Washington's move as "a cowardly act of sabotage of the incoming administration." The Trump administration, in its continuing efforts to burn the house down before leaving office, has crossed a dangerous red line with China, days before incoming President Biden takes office, it said. With just 10 days left before the US presidential transition, Pompeo is once again straining the China-US relationship and pushing the Taiwan question deeper down the road of no return, the state-run Global Times said in a commentary. "Such a move is tantamount to committing a crime to structurally damage peace in the Taiwan Straits and jeopardise China-US efforts to keep the bottom line stable. The dire consequences will be beyond anyone's predictions," it said. Tensions between China and the US have worsened in recent months over a range of issues, including trade, human rights, Beijing's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. China has escalated pressure on Taiwan through a series of military drills and aircraft incursions. (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.) Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Economists have suggested that the Narendra Modi government give a legal guarantee on minimum quantity of procurement to farmers and put in place an institution to regulate contract farming to end their agitation against three agricultural laws. In a pre-Budget interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and officials of the PMO, finance ministry and NITI Aayog, economists also stressed on tapping the financial savings, which have risen these times of subdued demand by coming out with long-term papers. Economists said the government should put a quantity clause in the laws to break the impasse with agitating farmers, officials said. The government procures a specified amount every year. Put a clause that the government would procure at least the same amount as was procured last year. If you give quantity guarantee instead of price, it would solve a lot of problems, an official said while talking about the suggestions. Historically, wheat procurement constitutes 25-35 per cent of the total production, while paddy accounts for 30-40 per cent. Currently, there is a huge asymmetry in crop procurement by the government. For instance, the percentage of paddy procurement from Punjab was a staggering 55 per cent for kharif crops till December 11 even though the state ranks third in this crop cultivation. Top producing states such as West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh witnessed nil and 8 per cent procurement during this period, respectively. Economists also suggested that an institution should be set up to regulate contract farming and make a price discovery on the lines of The Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) in Malaysia. Felda was established on July 1, 1956, under the Land Development Ordinance of 1956 for the development of land and relocation with the objective of poverty eradication through the cultivation of oil palm and rubber. There is no clause of this nature in the current contract farming law. The eighth round of talks between protesting farmers and the Centre was inconclusive on Friday, with the two seemingly looking towards the Supreme Court for a way out and deciding to meet again on January 15. The apex court in all probability will hear all the issues concerning the legality of the legislation and the protests next week. Both the protesting farmers and the Central government might look at the various alternatives and options on the two sticking issues of repeal of the laws and legal guarantee for before coming for the next round of negotiations, sources said. In the pre-Budget meeting, economists talked about incorporating tele-visit by doctors in the Ayushman Bharat scheme. They also discussed about free or subsidised distribution of computer tablets to spread digital education. What Does Water Represent in the Bible? In John 4 Jesus had just left Judea and was heading back to Galilee. On his way back, the Bible tells us that Jesus had to go through Samaria. He could have gone around Samaria as many Jews in that day did because they did not want to associate with Samaritans. Jews looked down on Samaritans and considered them half-breeds. However, Jesus purposely chose not to do that. While on this journey with his disciples he gets tired and he stops at a well. A Samaritan woman comes to the well and Jesus asks her for a drink of water. It is here that we see the tension that exists between Jews and Samaritans The Samaritan woman said to him, You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans) (John 4:9). It is in this context of a tired Jesus sitting and having a conversation with a woman at a well that we discover Jesus real intention. He did not come to that well to get water. He came to that well to give water. This is the living water that Jesus mentions. Though Jews may have hated Samaritans, Jesus didnt. He came to bring salvation to everyone and he loved the people of Samaria just as much as he loved everyone else. This is the same type of love Jesus continues to have to this day. Jesus does not just concern himself with the societal elites. Yes, he does love them too, however he puts the same value on the outcast and the ones that may be rejected by mainstream society as the ones who arent. The Samaritans may have been rejected by Jews, but not by Jesus. Photo credit: Getty Images/ukjent The World Economic Forum 's yearly congregation of the rich and powerful of the world at Davos goes online this year with the name of Davos Agenda! The online event will be held between January 25 and 29, around the same time it is generally hosted at the regular venue of Swiss ski resort town. However, WEF will host its physical annual meeting in May in Singapore. The decision comes amidst the Covid 19 pandemic situation, as the World Economic Forum writes in its statement, the pandemic has accelerated systemic changes that were apparent before its inception. The fault lines that emerged in 2020 now appear as critical crossroads in 2021. Several union ministers including Narendra Singh Tomar, Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan along with top business leaders such as Mukesh Ambani and Anand Mahindra will participate in a five-day online Davos Agenda summit later this month. The online summit will also see several heads of state and government deliver special addresses and engage in dialogue with business leaders at the start of a "crucial year to rebuild trust". The WEF's Davos 2020 summit was the last major global event that took place before almost the entire world got locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 'Davos Agenda' will also mark the launch of WEF's 'Great Reset Initiative' and begin the preparation of the special Annual Meeting in the spring, said the Geneva-based entity, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private cooperation. Industry leaders and public figures will discuss how to advance and accelerate public-private collaboration on critical issues such as COVID-19 vaccination, job creation and climate change, among others, according to the WEF. Those who have already registered for the event also include former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan and ex-IMF chief Christine Lagarde. From India, the registered participants from the business community are Mukesh Ambani, Sanjiv Bajaj, Shyam Sunder Bhartia, Hari S Bhartia, Ajay Khanna, Jayadev Galla, Dipali Goenka, Ajit Gulabchand, Shobana Kamineni, Hemant Kanoria, Neeraj Kanwar, Onkar S Kanwar, Vikram Khemka, Grandhi Kiran Kumar, S P Lohia, Anand Mahindra, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Rajan Bharti Mittal, Pawan Munjal, Salil S Parekh, Jai Shroff, Sumant Sinha and Vaishali Sinha. How to follow the event: WEF earlier this week released a guide on how to follow Davos Agenda on our digital channels. In the statement, it wrote, "It is essential for leaders from all walks of life to work together virtually for a more inclusive, cohesive and sustainable future as soon as possible in 2021." The release was later posted on Twitter. Here's how you can join the conversation: Twitter The official meeting hashtag is #DavosAgenda. Follow tweets on this hashtag to keep up with everything going on in the meeting. WEF will be live-tweeting key sessions, posting Fleets, and updating you on sessions. Facebook Follow wef.ch/facebook page for daily updates, livestreamed sessions, and video highlights from the event Linkedin Top stories, highlights and more will be uploaded to the wef.ch/linkedin page. Instagram Key photographs, reels, stories and quizzes from the event will be featured on wef.ch/instagram YouTube Livestreamed sessions and video roundups will be uploaded to the YouTube channel: wef.ch/youtube Podcast Subscribe to The Great Reset for daily coverage. TikTok Follow the account on TikTok: wef.ch/tiktok (With inputs from agencies) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - Libya Sunday offered its full condolences and solidarity to Indonesia following the crash of an airplane with 62 passengers on board after take-off Saturday from Djakarta airport, the Libyan ministry of foreign affairs of the GNA said here After Wednesday's attack on the Capitol, Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee isn't waiting for the inauguration to see President Trump out of office. HOLD THEM RESPONSIBLE: Opinion: Sedition is a white man's luxury Jackson Lee, a Democrat who represents Texas' 18th congressional district, is calling for another impeachment of Trump and released a statement Thursday accompanying the Articles of Impeachment. "Yesterday, we saw domestic enemies incite violence and invade the peoples house with intent to harm. Enough is enough! The President has completely lost whatever moral authority he had and is unfit as Commander in Chief. His actions to incite violence against his own government and against the entire Congress warrants removal from office." Jackson Lee goes on to include 8 reasons of why President Trump needs to be removed from office. She includes, "soliciting and welcoming the assistance of a hostile foreign power to aid him in securing election in 2016 as President of the United States, instituting frivolous lawsuits to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential election and failing to take action to protect and defend Federal officers and personnel, property, buildings, and institutions on January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol that was besieged by supporters of Donald John Trump, resulting in extensive damage to the property of the United States and the deaths of at least four persons." "As the resolution points out and makes clear, a person whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people, and warrants impeachment and removal as President of the United States." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to replace the president. Jackson Lee has threatened to move forward with impeachment if the 25th Amendment is not invoked by administration. She is joined by Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, who agrees that President Trump is currently unfit for office. Dhaka, Jan 10 : The Bangladesh government has cancelled freedom fighter certificates of 52 persons, including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's fugitive killer Risaldar (suspended) Moslehuddin Khan, Minister for Liberation War Affairs AKM Mozammel Huq said on Sunday. A gazette notification was issued on January 5 cancelling their certificates, Huq told IANS, adding that the notification is available on the ministry's website. The Minister also said that within the next December 16, they will finalise the list of members of the 'Razakars', 'Al-Badr', 'Al-Shams', the auxiliary forces of Pakistan Army then. The Liberation War Affairs ministry had issued a notification as per the recommendation of 70th meeting of National Freedom Fighters Council, under the National Freedom Fighters Council Act 2002, more than seven months after the publication of the new list of freedom fighters. As per the notification, Khan, one of the fugitive killers of Bangabandhu, is among the 52 people who were stripped of titles. On June 7 last year, the Bangladesh government issued a notification cancelling the certificates of 1,181 freedom fighters following the recommendation of the 66th meeting of the National Freedom Fighters Council. On June 2, 2020, it formally included 1,256 more people in the list of freedom fighters after scrutinising around 150,000 applications following the decision of the meeting. Moslehuddin Khan, a key conspirator convicted for assassinating Bangladesh's founding father most of his family members, reportedly died in his dwelling at North 24 Parganas of India on January 10 last year. According to the media, he was living there with the family of Parosh Chandra Adhikari for long disguising his identity. He was going under the name 'Samir Kumar Dutta' alias 'Dutta Doctor'. Talking with Mamata Adhikari of the family, media confirmed that he was living with them till his death. Earlier, there were reports in some sections of Indian media that he had been handed over to Bangladesh. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Jonel Nuezca, the police officer who fatally shot his neighbors Sonya and Frank Anthony Gregorio in Tarlac, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges filed against him, according to the Gregorio family's legal counsel. Atty. Alfredo Villamor, one of the lawyers of the Gregorio family, told CNN Philippines in a Viber interview Sunday that Nuezca entered the plea during his arraignment on January 7. No other details were provided. On December 20, the 52-year-old Sonya and her son 25-year-old Frank Anthony were shot dead by Nuezca in Paniqui town during a heated argument. The officer is facing two counts of murder as a result of the incident, which was caught on video that has since gone viral. This has sparked nationwide cries for justice and calls for police reforms. Despite the plea, Villamor said their camp believes they have a strong case against Nuezca. CNN Philippines has reached out to Police Regional Office 3 for more information, but it has yet to respond to the request. READ: Recommendation for dismissal of cop who killed neighbors out 'anytime soon' Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A mostly clear sky. Low 46F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. That the president of the United States would incite a mob of his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol, sending lawmakers gathered to perform their constitutional duty to scramble for their lives, was shocking and horrifying. When that president was Donald J. Trump, however, it was not surprising. It was perfectly on brand for the 45th president. Incitement to violence has been a staple of his rhetoric from the start of his 2016 campaign through that infamous day of January 2021 in which he implored his supporters to head to the Capitol after whipping them in a frenzy with falsehoods about the election and challenging their patriotic resolve: Youll never take back our country with weakness ... You have to show strength. Its also in character that Trump would lie to the crowd by pledging to join them in their rush up Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House to the Capitol first provoking them, then slipping away to the comfort of most secure cocoon on the planet. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany could not be more disingenuous in claiming Thursday that the siege on the Capitol was the opposite of everything this administration stands for. Pugilistic rhetoric and an ominous aura of violence have been hallmarks of Trump rallies from the earliest days of his venture into populist politics. He openly delighted when protesters were roughed up while being escorted out, even suggesting at one point he would like to throw a punch himself and once offering to cover the legal fees if one of his followers were to knock the crap out of a dissenter. Neither Trump nor his apologists should feign surprise that his incendiary words would cause the unstable of his followers to take them to the extreme. His April tweet against a COVID-inspired stay-at-home-order LIBERATE MICHIGAN! came at a precarious time when armed protesters were surrounding the state Capitol in Lansing. That in itself could be interpreted as a call to insurrection. In fact, a militias plot to kidnap and kill Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was in the works when Trump made that tweet. A leader with any sense of humanity or personal responsibility would have recognized the need to modulate his rhetoric knowing that a deranged few emphasize few of his followers were seeking justification for their penchant for violence. But neither introspection nor accountability is keeping with the Trump brand. He continued to sneer at the China virus even after myriad reports of harassment of Asian Americans. A United Nations report in October expressed serious concern over the rising wave of racist and xenophobic attacks, which Trump is seemingly legitimizing. His very fine people on both sides remark after the violence at the August 2017 Unite the Right rally by white nationalists in Charlottesville, Va., was cheered by hate groups. Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke praised Trump on Twitter for honesty & courage. A leader who repeatedly condoned or encouraged attacks on his fellow Americans Oct. 23, 2015 "I'll be a little more violent" Context: Trump responding to interruptions by pro-immigration demonstrators in Miami. Feb. 1, 2016 "Knock the crap out of them. ... Just knock the hell out of them. I promise you, I will pay for the legal fees." Context: Trump urging his rally crowd to attack anyone poised to toss a tomato. Feb. 23, 2016 "I'd like to punch him in the face." Context: Trump speaking of a protester at a Las Vegas rally. Aug. 12, 2017 "You also had some very fine people on both sides." Context: Trump rationalizing the violent rally of white nationalists carrying tiki torches and chanting anti-Semitic slogans in Charlottesville, Va. Oct. 18, 2018 "Any guy who can do a body slam ... he's my guy." Context: Trump celebrating GOP Rep. Greg Gianforte's unprovoked assault on a news reporter. May 28, 2020 "When the looting starts, the shooting starts." Context: Trump responding to the social justice rallies after George Floyd's killing by police. Sept. 29, 2020 "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by." Context: Trump, deflecting the opportunity to condemn the white supremacists during a debate. Jan. 6, 2021 "You will never take back our country with weakness." Context: Trump at a rally before some of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. See More Collapse Trumps May tweets about the social justice rallies after George Floyds killing by Minneapolis police when the looting starts, the shooting starts prompted a warning label from his favored social media site for glorifying violence. In 2019, in a meeting with close aides, he reportedly raised the ideas of shooting immigrants below the waist to slow them down at the U.S.-Mexico border, electrifying the wall or filling a trench with snakes and alligators. Some Americans may actually savor his nationalistic bravado in hectoring North Korea (promising fire and fury like the world has never seen if it threatens U.S., 2017), Afghanistan (claiming it could be wiped off the face of the Earth if he wanted, 2019) or Iran (threatening retaliation 1,000 times greater in magnitude if it attacked U.S.). Conspicuously missing from his foreign targets: Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. But the president who purports to be bullish on America has been no less charitable in his verbal bullying of Americans. The inevitability that it would cause injuries and even death played out in tragic consequence Wednesday. As they marauded through the halls of the Peoples House, the rioters called for the head of Vice President Mike Pence, the erstwhile sycophant who dared to put his loyalty to the Constitution over his fealty to one Donald J. Trump. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, a military veteran, was killed in a clash with the rioters. Reporters and photographers dedicated to documenting the insurrection for the American people were physically attacked. Their equipment was grabbed and smashed by a mob chanting CNN sucks. The words murder the media were scratched on a door inside the Capitol. Trump has repeatedly called journalists enemies of the American people. On Wednesday, the mob pursued them as if they were enemy prey. Journalists who had donned helmets and flak jackets in overseas wars suddenly found them essential at the heart of their homelands democracy. On Friday, Twitter permanently shut down Trumps account, too late to prevent his corrosion of civility but just in time to prevent further madness in his unhinged final days in office. The fuse that had burned so ominously for so long was finally extinguished. Who could have seen these days of rage coming? Anyone who has been paying attention for the past five years. John Diaz is The San Francisco Chronicles editorial page editor. Email: jdiaz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnDiazChron A brave young cancer survivor has been living in her car for the past six weeks because she fears for her health after being put into drug-ravaged homeless hostels where she was attacked. Struggling Ciara Grant got to spend just Christmas Day in the comfort of a house after relatives intervened during the festive season. Ciara (35) had been working for the Central Remedial Clinic but her plans to buy her own apartment fell through when she battled against breast cancer. "I am living in my car due to the system not helping people when they're homeless," said Ciara, who is originally from Donnycarney, north Dublin. Expand Close Ciara Grant is forced to live in her car due to a lack of safe housing / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ciara Grant is forced to live in her car due to a lack of safe housing "I've had a couple of nights with family over Christmas, and it was great and I had a nice time but, unfortunately, I haven't got the option to stay at home." Ciara adds she is recovering from breast cancer and is on "aggressive, torturous medication", which leads to horrendous side effects. She said that she had been evicted from her privately rented accommodation and had to look for emergency help. Expand Close Ciara Grant is being treated for cancer / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ciara Grant is being treated for cancer "I thought my prayers were answered when I spoke to a lovely girl in CPS (Central Placement System), which is a part of Dublin City Council." She adds: "What I didn't know was I was entering drug-ravaged homeless accommodation." "I have pictures of drug paraphernalia and other unhygienic material which littered the accommodation they put me into." Two women died in a homeless centre into which Ciara had been put last July. Ciara stresses that because of her health she cannot afford to be so close to danger. "They still continue to try and put me into these hostels," she remarks. "It's actually safer staying in my car." Describing one such place, she said: "The room is basically in a place where there is all sorts of unsavoury activity and is completely unhygienic, with crack pipes lying around and filthy showers. "They put me, a cancer patient, in the lowest threshold hostel where smoking crack and injecting heroin is just an average day. "I was attacked one night, too, in that place where guards removed me for my own safety." Ciara stresses she would rather sleep in her car than face such dangers. She took pictures of crack pipes and special 'sharp bins', where needles are discarded, in the hostels. There have been some nights when friends have tried to intervene. She added that "I do have good friends and I've had nights on couches and so on" but that she has been begging for a housing allocation. Terrified "That was when I was going through chemo, but apparently my medical letters are not good enough. I'm not sick enough to be shielded away from Covid. "I am terrified I will catch Covid and I don't know I'd survive it, being very high risk, with the underlying conditions I have. "I just need some help, I need the State to just keep me cocooned and safe accommodation until I get back on my feet." Ciara says state agencies offer her "a bed, but in the same sort of places where I was attacked, where drug use is daily because it's a low threshold and it's allowed". She adds: "These girls are not very well and my heart does go out to them." "I've spent six weeks begging for a safe isolated place to stay until I get myself back on my feet." Ciara is even prepared to accept a council paid hotel room, but she has been told they only cater for "families". She also complains that she is on a "degrading" scoring system and by her points she is down the pecking order. "I have been informed... that my score has remained unchanged, therefore it is not possible to provide me with a placement in a shielding facility," she adds. Ciara lists the medication she is on and the gruelling side effects. "Do you know what Tamoxifen does to a 35-year-old woman?" she asks. "Do you know my cancer treatment is ongoing for the next eight years if I survive it." "The lack of duty of care for me from every housing authority in this State has been disgusting and degrading. "My mental health has hit a place that terrifies me and I am stronger than most of them poor souls on our streets." Two years ago, Ciara tried to take steps to alleviate her housing situation. "I asked back then for help with a place when I was going through aggressive chemotherapy and radiation and lost every bit of myself. I was refused five times through appeals," she points out. "Apparently, paying tax and actually working for the HSE and living a moral life is so you pay for those who don't work and never have." She is now fearful of what lies ahead. A kind hearted councillor paid for two night's accommodation in a motel for Ciara on Wednesday and Thursday night, but she was back out on the streets on Friday. There is a chance she may be offered a flat next week, but needs to 480 for a deposit, money she desperately needs to raise. Disease Last year, Ciara spoke to the Sunday World while she was still employed by the Central Remedial Clinic and she even took part in a charity version of Hairspray to raise money to fund research into the disease. Back then, Ciara was battling fatigue, and eventually had to give up the job she "loves" because of her illness. An Independent councillor, Alan Lawes, based in Navan, Co. Meath, is one of the people who have tried to help Ciara after he was outraged at seeing social media pictures of the accommodation she was put into. "I work in Cappagh hospital in Finglas, for the past 37 years and when I saw the photographs Ciara posted of the accommodation she was offered, I was very angry," he said. "I'm working in an environment trying where we are doing our best to keep Covid-19 at bay, and I'm looking at a cancer patient being thrown into accommodation like that, and I'm sickened at that. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. "We are talking about a cancer patient who should be in the most sterile environment that you can think of and I looked at the sharp bins and the filthy trays, and they were the showers Ciara was supposed to use," he said. "It's awful that someone should be put in a place like that." A spokesman for Dublin City Council told the Sunday World: "We are very aware of all aspects of Ms Grants case, she has been offered 5 separate placements, the most recent placement is a single room with shared cooking facilities. "Unfortunately Ms. Grant is unwilling to stay in emergency accommodation and previous placements have broken down for a number of different reasons. "We really want to Ms. Grant to accept this safe, sheltered accommodation and we will continue to work with her to try to get her to accept a place. "Our Outreach teams have also been in touch with Ms. Grant on a number of occasions and will also continue to support her into this placement. "As I am sure you can understand with the large number of single people staying in emergency accommodation, the large majority of accommodation is shared. We would urge, if you are speaking to Ms Grant to encourage her to accept the single room placement." Posted Sunday, January 10, 2021 10:07 am More than three weeks after the first vials of coronavirus vaccine arrived in Washington, the state has struggled to quickly vaccinate the most vulnerable people: long-term care residents and health care workers. Some assisted-living facilities still don't have vaccine appointments. Hospitals have scrambled to transfer vaccine to other hospitals that are short on doses. Many health care workers can't find a site to get vaccinated. And the state Department of Health (DOH) can't answer basic questions, like how many long-term care residents have been vaccinated or how much vaccine has been wasted. The health department on Friday reported that 466,775 doses had been distributed throughout Washington state, and 151,856 of them had been administered. That appears to be slightly faster than the national average, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. Officials have said some of the gap between delivery and administration can be explained by a lag in reporting. Amid the delays, the state has extended the timeline for vaccinating essential workers into April, and the general population after that. Interviews with health care workers, long-term care providers, state officials and others reveal some of the reasons for the slow pace. CVS and Walgreens have fumbled scheduling vaccine clinics, after waiting weeks for state approval. The federal government's unpredictable supply has muddled hospitals' plans. And it simply takes longer to vaccinate nursing home residents than many had hoped. This isn't the state's first logistical stumble during the pandemic. Its coronavirus call center was overwhelmed in February, and technical problems caused dropped calls for weeks. Contact tracing fell short of targets, despite thousands of newly trained staff. Tens of millions of N95 masks sat in a warehouse while health care workers reused their limited supply. Testing and data snafus also persisted for months. The state Department of Health is responsible for routing doses into the hands of health care providers who can administer the shots, and state officials can't explain the bottleneck. The lack of information has left Washingtonians frustrated, especially as the numbers show more doses are ready, but aren't making it into people's arms. Long-term care facilities are still waiting In early December, Liz Lightfoot received an email from Sunrise of Mercer Island, where her 91-year-old mother lives, that the assisted living facility expected to receive its first round of vaccines that month. On Dec. 23, she received another update that the vaccines were "coming fairly soon." Six days later, administrators announced a CVS vaccine clinic would begin on Jan. 9, 2021. On Tuesday, another delay. The clinic dates had been moved "due to vaccine allocation" to Feb. 2 for the first round, and Feb. 23 for the second. "What if she made it all this time and then because of bureaucratic snafus and poor planning and management she got COVID now?" said Lightfoot, who praised Sunrise's transparency in providing updates. "I don't know if I would be able to stand it." A spokesperson for Sunrise deferred all questions about the delays to CVS. A CVS spokesperson did not answer questions about the delays. Deb Murphy, the CEO and president of LeadingAge Washington, which represents nonprofit nursing homes, said CVS has been "extremely challenging" to work with. CVS canceled clinics, claiming insufficient vaccine supplies or without a reason, according to Murphy. "The rollout isn't going quickly enough," she said. Long-term care facilities have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for more than half the state's deaths. A record number of the facilities currently have at least one active case of COVID-19. As part of a Trump administration program, CVS and Walgreens have a contract to vaccinate the bulk of the state's 4,164 long-term care facilities, with smaller numbers being handled by smaller pharmacies. The two big national chains didn't begin vaccinating Washington nursing homes until a full two weeks after the first doses arrived in the state. That delay was driven by the DOH, which waited to accumulate half of the needed shots for nursing homes, according to Michele Roberts, the acting assistant secretary in charge of the vaccine rollout. For another type of long-term care, assisted living, the state waited until Jan. 4 before giving CVS and Walgreens the go-ahead. The state prioritized nursing homes because their residents are typically more vulnerable. "It has been a slower start than ideally we all want to see," said Roberts. "We are working regularly with the federal government, with CVS and Walgreens, to really look at the pace and figure out what we can do to increase it." As of Thursday, CVS data showed it had administered 4,320 vaccine doses in Washington. Walgreens would not release state-level data. Nationally, the pharmacies had administered just 17% of the doses they had received, according to the CDC. One challenge, state officials and pharmacy representatives say, is that vaccine administrators have to visit every room in a nursing home, instead of having people line up for vaccines in a central location. Administering vaccine to elderly patients typically takes at least twice as long as it does for young, healthy patients, said Jenny Arnold, chief executive officer of the Washington State Pharmacy Association. "When you have a buttoned-up shirt on an elderly man, he's going to unbutton it himself, and it takes longer," Arnold said. Timelines can stretch for patients with Alzheimer's, memory problems or flexibility issues. As the delays mounted with CVS and Walgreens, some long-term care facilities dropped out of the federal program and found local pharmacies that could begin vaccinating sooner. At Josephine Caring Community in Stanwood, CEO Terry Robertson was counting on CVS' scheduled vaccine clinics. A deadly outbreak at the facility had infected more than 100 residents, including 19 who died. But when he learned CVS had scheduled the first shot for Jan. 9, he opted to switch to Consonus Pharmacy, a smaller chain. Instead, Josephine residents received the first vaccine Dec. 27. "I thought two weeks could prevent someone from getting the virus and might even save a life," Robertson said. CVS and Walgreens announced last week they are on track to vaccinate residents and staff at nearly all nursing homes nationally by Jan. 25. Assisted living facilities, adult family homes and other sites are the next priority. And after some initial confusion, the state announced last week that the pharmacies could vaccinate people in independent living, if their facility also has other long-term care residents. Transparency lags some states The state has a major hole in its vaccine data. It can't tell to whom its doses were given, whether to a long-term care resident or worker, or to other health care personnel. "We have to find new ways to parse apart our data because it's all coming in as 'doses given,' " Roberts said during a news briefing last week. Washington has been releasing high-level summary statistics about once a week. Some other states already have robust online vaccine "dashboards," and are updating them daily. Michigan's, for instance, shows administration and distribution trends by county and demographics, and it has a downloadable spreadsheet that breaks out the number of doses administered by each site, each day. This week the DOH plans to release its vaccine dashboard. Originally, the state planned to launch the dashboard in late December, but it was delayed due to a lack of "staffing resources," a department spokesperson said. Washington is currently publishing "more data than some states are reporting, but much less than what others are," said Jennifer Tolbert, director of state health reform at the Kaiser Family Foundation. "You want to know who's getting the vaccine, and where they are," Tolbert said. "Policy officials can then try and figure out what is going wrong, and what we can do to fix it." One concern with any vaccine, especially one in short supply, is how much is being wasted. The Pfizer vaccine has strict temperature requirements, and could be unusable if not properly refrigerated. But the DOH does "not systematically capture this information," a department spokesperson said in an email. The state's public health system, which has faced chronic underfunding, is rushing to organize a mass-vaccination machine. King County on Friday directed $7 million from its budget to pay for mobile clinics and two mass vaccination sites. Workers outside hospital systems can't find the vaccine On Dec. 23, Ted Hardman, a 65-year-old home health aide, received an email from his union, SEIU 775, confirming he qualified for vaccination, but saying supply remained limited and the state was still working out logistics. Hardman took matters into his own hands. He used an early version of the health department's PhaseFinder web application to document his eligibility, and began calling hospitals. Hardman called the EvergreenHealth and Swedish health systems. Neither was accepting appointments. "Swedish said: 'It's not available,' click," Hardman said, indicating the phone hung up. Hardman cares for a medically fragile patient, along with his wife and son who are both registered nurses. He worries for his family's safety and about passing the virus to the patient. "It's potentially fatal for him," Hardman said. Health workers and caregivers like Hardman, who are not affiliated with large medical systems, have struggled to find out where they can be vaccinated. The health department listed vaccine sites online and instructed workers to call those nearby, but many don't have enough doses to accommodate them. Rachel Munoz, a dental hygienist from Seattle, said she had to drive to a Tacoma pharmacy and wait in a line among 40-50 health workers in rainy, 40-degree weather. After an hour outside, she received a dose of vaccine in a corner of the store where pencils, glue and sticky notes were sold. "Lovely pharmacy," Munoz said, but the "overwhelming response" made it feel like "disorganized chaos." Hardman's union, SEIU 775, represents some 45,000 home care workers who provide care to seniors and people with disabilities. Adam Glickman, the union's secretary-treasurer, estimated Friday that fewer than 1% have been vaccinated, based on discussions with members. Glickman said it took time for the state to identify vaccine providers who had the capacity, supply and the will to schedule and vaccinate workers who were not their own. "The state has been hesitant to put out a lot of information on where to get vaccines when there weren't vaccines to have gotten," Glickman said. Glickman said the state, the union and these workers' primary insurer are beginning to promote and communicate about vaccine sites. "It's starting to tick up." Hardman hopes to get vaccinated this week at International Community Health Services (ICHS), a Seattle-based network of clinics. "We have been inundated with requests from providers," said Rachel Koh, the chief operation officer of ICHS. Her organization signed up eight of its facilities to administer the vaccine. Koh said ICHS fielded 80 calls in a span of less than 24 hours. The organization was still working through its own employees and plans to begin vaccinating outside providers this week. Unpredictable federal supply Some health organizations have had to scrape to find more vaccines as their employees wait, while others have received too many and scrambled to transfer doses to needy hospitals. By Dec. 23, Pacific County had received more doses of vaccine than the number of people eligible for the first phase of vaccination, according to Brenda Sharkey, chief nursing officer at Ocean Beach Hospital and Medical Clinics. So the clinics transferred 500 doses to the CHI Franciscan health system, whose chief of pharmacy, Eric Wymore, has been at the center of several trades and transfers. Some have kept vaccination clinics from being rescheduled. Meanwhile, the Skagit Regional Health system received a tray of Pfizer vaccine with 975 doses on Dec. 17, and began vaccinating the next day. By Christmas Eve all of the doses at Skagit Valley Hospital were used. Because additional doses could be extracted from each vial, the hospital managed to vaccinate some 1,200 people. Since then, the health system of 3,200 total staffers has not received another shipment through the state's ordering process, except for a tray last week to complete the two-dose regimen for those initially vaccinated. Each week, hospital leaders fill out a survey asking for more supply. Then, they wait to receive a notification if supply will be made available. About 150 employees are scheduled to staff the vaccination clinic. "We've gone a couple weeks ... with no additional doses," said Brian Ivie, president and chief executive officer of the system. That's frustrated staffers who have agreed to work weekends to administer vaccine, and for employees who are left waiting for their vaccination date. "The requests are far greater than what the state is receiving from the feds," said Cassie Sauer, the chief executive officer of the Washington State Hospital Association. "For those who need more it's really challenging" The Skagit system has vaccinated 41% of its staffers and been forced to seek doses from other health systems. The Snohomish Health District was able to provide 300 doses for the system's Cascade Valley Hospital. Swedish was scheduled to send 500 doses for a vaccination clinic beginning this week at Skagit Valley Hospital. Ivie said the hospital is hearing from patients who are eager to receive vaccine. He said having a predictable, steady supply will be critical to managing appointments for the public. "If we don't have that transparency when this process moves to vaccinating the general public, it's going to be quite a guessing game," Ivie said. Reasons for hope Federal supply could open up soon. President-elect Joe Biden announced on Friday his administration would release nearly all vaccine doses, instead of reserving some "booster shots" for a second round. Arnold, from the Washington State Pharmacy Association, expects the state will soon launch a software tool for vaccine providers called PrepMod. It will streamline screening, scheduling appointments and reporting immunization data. "We're just going to have a restrained supply for quite some time," Arnold said. "We're all going to need a lot of patience for a lot longer." Seattle Times reporter Asia Fields contributed to this report. ___ (c)2021 The Seattle Times Visit The Seattle Times at www.seattletimes.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size The town where Wendy Farmer was born no longer exists. It was literally dug up for coal in the 1980s when mining in Victorias Latrobe Valley expanded. As a schoolkid, she took tours of the old power stations, of their towers belching out the planet-warming emissions that stripped the blue from the sky. "We were taught that it was just steam and the power stations make the weather," Farmer says. "But it was Victorias backbone, it powered the whole state. Theres a lot of pride still in those old stations and mines." Then 2014 came and the fire at the Hazelwood coal mine. It burned for 45 days, blanketing the valley in smoke and sending Farmers husband and other workers to the emergency room. Despite assurances by authorities at the time that the air was safe, multiple inquiries have now linked premature deaths in the local community to the haze. The fossil fuel industry was already known to be driving global warming but now longstanding health concerns hit home, too. "And I began to really see [our community] needs a future beyond coal," Farmer says. "Its not good for us." Energy cannot be created or destroyed, just changed from one form to another, says the First Law of Thermodynamics. The switch from powering the world with fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) to renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydrogen is already under way. Renewables are now largely cheaper than these old power sources and that means more mines and legacy power stations will close in coming years. The question is: how fast and what happens to the workers when they do? Almost everywhere industries have collapsed, workers have been left in the lurch, from manufacturing and coal today to the cotton mills of the previous century. But when Germany shuttered its black coal industry in 2018, it did it without sacking a single worker, under a model known as "just transition". So how did the Germans pull it off? How is the power shift going across Australia? And why has "just transition" become a dirty word dividing both Labor and union meeting rooms? A "just transition" is not a given in Australia, where climate change debate has been especially fraught. Credit:Matthew Absalom-Wong Advertisement What is happening to fossil fuel jobs? In 2016, Donald Trump won his unlikely election at least in part by declaring an end to "the war on coal". In office he stripped away environmental regulations on the industry and instead injected it with more federal money. And yet, by the end of his term, US coal-fired energy capacity had fallen faster than in any other presidential term in history. By 2019, coal miner pay cheques were bouncing as mining giants such as Blackjewel and Murray Energy shut mines and filed for bankruptcy en masse. "The trend thats happened here theres no slope," energy economist Robert Godby told the US journal Energy News in April 2019. "Its like the elevator is not just plunging down the elevator shaft; the cable broke and were just going straight down." Loading As the worlds window to stop burning fossil fuels shrinks to a handful of pivotal years, demand for coal is plummeting and not just in the US. Rival clean energy technologies are more reliable than ever and fossil fuel industries are increasingly propped up by huge government subsidies. Many banks are now refusing to finance projects altogether. Big global players such as China, the European Union and likely soon the US under President-elect Joe Biden, all plan to decarbonise their economies by the middle of the century. Speculation is even growing that some of Australias trading partners, such as those in the EU, may consider imposing a carbon tax at their borders. Australias youngest coal-fired power station, Bluewaters in Western Australia, bought by a Japanese company for about $1.2 billion less than a decade ago, has already been written off as worthless by its owners. "No company should be surprised We are going to see a seismic reallocation of capital," Larry Fink, the billionaire boss of the worlds largest investment fund, Blackrock, told a conference in November. Advertisement Australia has grown wealthy from its natural resources and its mining industry is one of the most skilled in the world. It is now the third-biggest exporter of fossil fuels behind oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Russia and the first for coal, meaning many countries with limited domestic supplies rely on our coal. But this cuts both ways, wrote academic Judith Brett in a recent Quarterly Essay leaving Australias relatively undiversified export profile vulnerable to the worlds waning appetite for fossil fuels as well as shifting trade winds such as Chinas new war on Australian coal. And the rise of automation has already gobbled up a slew of extraction and power station jobs across the world, too. In Queensland, where mining giant Adani is opening one of the worlds largest untapped coal reserves, a local perception that the project would create a jobs bonanza is said to have helped tip the federal election for the Coalition in 2018. While Adani said it would create 10,000 jobs, it has since admitted the number is more like 1500 at most, many of them short-term. Loading Fossil fuel jobs in Australia are highly paid, attracting younger workers compared with those overseas where mining has been in decline for longer, and so presenting a particular problem for a transition out of coal and gas. But they still make up a sliver of the nations 12-million-strong workforce. In 2019, for example, there were about 38,000 people working in coal mining. In Australia, most talk of an energy transition centres on thermal coal, which is burned to make electricity. Coal-fired power stations employ about 8000 workers, many of them in trades, with transferable skills. In mines, some employees are office workers but a large number are machine operators with more specific qualifications who would likely need retraining to move into new careers. The phase-out of black coking coal, which is used to make steel, may take longer, according to an analysis by University of Queensland economist John Quiggan for the Australia Institute, but he argues Australia could follow countries such as Canada in shutting down thermal coal by 2030. While a chorus of experts says that a renewables-led rebuild is the best path out of the pandemic recession for the sunniest and windiest continent on Earth, the Morrison government is also investing in new gas projects as a "transition fuel" away from the high-polluting coal until, it says, renewable power storage improves. Old industries give way to new ones all the time but the coal jobs on the line also tend to be in regional areas. When mines and plants close, whole towns can be devastated maintenance and equipment firms will shut, sometimes followed by shops and schools. Real estate prices can collapse, populations age and shrink and local tax bases evaporate. Advertisement Minings increased reliance on fly-in, fly-out worker models may be starting to dilute this effect in some towns but many, such as the Hunter region of NSW, remain vulnerable. "The whole community needs a plan to recreate itself, not just the workers," Farmer says. Workers walk on a heap of coal at a mine in the Mahanadi coal fields, India. Almost 40 per cent of Indias electricity already comes from renewables but talk of a just transition is only starting to break through into the energy debate there, spurred on in part by health concerns over poor working conditions for miners. Credit:Reuters What does 'just transition' mean? Four years ago, ethicist Simon Longstaff and a vanguard of prominent Australian experts handed the Coalition government an eight-point blueprint for transitioning the energy sector "fairly" to renewables. Nothing happened. But in the regions, as mines and power stations continue to close, the understanding that there isnt a plan has begun to crystallise. Loading Now, Longstaff says, people are worried "and they should be". But he says that the idea that coal miners, even generations of workers, are intractably wedded to the fossil fuel industry misses the point of their concerns. "What theyre really saying is, I need a job, I need a way to provide for my family and have meaningful work. Theyre saying, Dont leave me behind." The term "just transition" was coined by North American unions in the 1990s as concerns about abrupt closures grew. The basic premise is that, as a shift from fossil fuels to renewable power is necessary for the common good, just as those industries have provided for the common good before the threat of global warming was understood, those workers and communities most affected should not be penalised. Advertisement When fossil fuel work dries up, research suggests that about a third of all workers go onto similar jobs, a third find work but take a dip in pay or job security and a third retire and never work again. Already about 26,000 Australians work in renewables and many workers have already made the leap across from coal, including in the Latrobe Valley. But switching over is not always straightforward. Often the clean energy jobs are in construction and so shorter-term, or in rooftop solar and energy efficiency retrofits. The sectors rapid expansion has also drawn concern from unions about working conditions and pay is still usually a step down, sometimes even half that of a miners average $130,000 salary. In the case of Port Augusta, long the heartland of coal and steel in South Australia, the closure of old power plants saw the community rally around new solar projects but so far one of the biggest to get off the ground, the Bungala solar farm, hasnt hired as many locals as hoped. Of course, the end of coal does not mean the end of mining. Australias lesser-known minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt are now needed to build green technology. Some coal towns, meanwhile, are reforging their economies around agriculture, tourism and electric car manufacturing as well as clean electricity. In Latrobe, Farmer says some former Hazelwood workers have retrained in nursing and aged care. Wendy Farmer, in front of Hazelwood power plant in 2016, formed community group Voices of the Valley and says there's no reason the Latrobe Valley couldn't become a renewable energy hub. Credit:Josh Robenstone For a transition to really be "just", it must be orderly, Longstaff says. That means consultation and, usually, early retirement packages for older workers as well as a suite of retraining and job-matching support for younger ones. "You have to plan it before you begin, you sit down with the communities affected and say, What do they need?. Thats not to say everyone just gets a big pension either." Loading Opponents to government intervention often speak of letting the market decide but others insist the shift to clean energy is now inevitable. And when there is no dialogue or formal support, the fortunes of workers on the losing side can be left entirely to big corporations squeezing the last drop of profits from a region. Advertisement Rishi Sunak keeps the chumocracy chugging along with the appointment of yet another of his former Goldman Sachs colleagues as if with blithe ignorance of public concerns about the investment banks role in the 2007 global financial crisis which resulted in the loss of so many jobs, homes and savings. Last year, Sunak chose Richard Sharp, his former boss at Goldman Sachs, as a Treasury adviser to help with the Covid-19 rescue package. Sharp has now been made the new BBC chairman allowing Sunak to bring in another Goldman alumnus, Chris Grigg, as a senior adviser. Grigg spent more than 20 years at the bank, rising to be partner, and got out just before the crash with bulging pockets. Rishi Sunak keeps the chumocracy chugging along with the appointment of yet another of his former Goldman Sachs colleagues He got a CBE in the latest honours list for holding down his job at the helm of property giant British Land and will soon be helping Sunak design the new Infrastructure Bank. Curiously, the official Government biogs of the Chancellor and Grigg make no mention of their time at the investment bank that was once likened to a great vampire squid. No wonder Bercow is a Trump expert Donald Trumps incitement of the assault on US democracy that left five dead in Washington has drawn a range of comments from friends and foes this side of the pond. While Nigel Farage called the storming of Capitol Hill wrong, he described the rioting mob merely as protesters. Quite a contrast to his tweets on a peaceful BLM march in London, which Farage branded as terrifying and a paramilitary-style force from a protest group he later likened to the Taliban. Meanwhile, John Bercow called Trump narcissistic, obsessed with himself, utterly disrespectful of anybody who holds an opinion that differs from his own, and inclined ultimately to turn on everybody. The former Commons Speaker is an expert on all those things. Meanwhile, John Bercow called Trump narcissistic, obsessed with himself, utterly disrespectful of anybody who holds an opinion that differs from his own, and inclined ultimately to turn on everybody The 34 Tory MPs who held out to the bitter end against Theresa Mays Brexit deal bigged themselves up as the Spartans, after the ancient warriors who never showed any weakness or fear in combat. So eyebrows were raised when one Spartan hard man showed his bark was worse than his bite and cried like a baby during a recent Zoom call with Tory Eurosceptic grandee Sir Bill Cash when these fearless Brexiteers caved in and supported the 11th-hour trade deal. Tears of relief, Im told. Congratulations to former Education Minister Anne Milton on her two new jobs with companies involved in, er, education. The paid roles are with City and Guilds Group and training specialist Pearson, both of which she encountered while a Minister. The firms have been awarded Government contracts although Milton, who quit the Government in summer 2019 and stepped down as an MP soon after, has given assurances that she had no personal involvement in awarding them. The former Skills and Apprenticeships Ministers gig with Pearson will involve helping staff understand the Governments ambitions and aspirations for apprenticeships. Congrats also to my favourite appointments watchdog Acoba (aka the Advisers for Cashing-In and Brazen Avarice), which, despite telling Milton it was concerned there is a risk you would offer an unfair advantage to both firms, waved through her new jobs regardless. As scenes of carnage unfolded on the television in his private dining room off the Oval Office, President Trump was raging. Surrounded by a handful of loyal consiglieres, he watched as the rioters stormed the US Capitol astonishing images that shocked the world and would signal the brutal denouement of his four-year presidency. Yet it was not the mayhem and violence that caused Trump to roar in fury not the dead bodies, including a Capitol police officer who died from a massive brain bleed after being struck in the head with a fire extinguisher. ADVERTISEMENT Far from it. As a White House source told The Mail on Sunday last night, Trump was apoplectic in embarrassment because the white trash mob on screen made him look bad. He was angry, not at the appalling crimes they were committing, but because he felt embarrassed, said the source. When they first stormed the Capitol he was enjoying it. These were his people. US President Donald Trump was raging in the White House during the siege of the capital building- but not because of the scenes of destruction or the dead bodies. He was upset because his supporters were 'making him look bad' Click here to resize this module But when he saw pictures of the half-naked guy in the fur hat he started complaining they looked cheap and poor. Even at one of the worst moments in American history he was thinking about his image. He didnt grasp the scale of the disaster. With ten days to go until the end of his presidency, The Mail on Sunday can today reveal what the aide described as the final hours of a deranged president in his bunker. Fuelled by hamburgers and endless cans of Coca-Cola, Trump ignored calls from his closest political advisers, including Vice President Mike Pence, who begged him to make a televised address and call off the mob. He was shouting: Why should I? These people are my supporters. In desperation, aides sought out First Lady Melania Trump, one of the few people whose advice the president still heeds. Yet, almost incredibly she was in the East Wing of the White House overseeing a photoshoot for a new coffee table book about presidential artefacts. The heart of US government was under siege, our very democracy on the line, but Mrs Trump was calmly arranging porcelain figurines for the photographer, the source continued, saying even the most loyal remaining Trump staffers were left dumbfounded by her actions. As the mob attacked the Capitol Building Trump was asked to call them off, but his aide says he answered: 'Why should I? These people are my supporters' The President said his supporters, such as the man in the fur hat, looked 'cheap and poor' Indeed, the First Ladys closest adviser, her chief of staff Stephanie Grisham, tendered her resignation later that day. ADVERTISEMENT Melania was even asked to intercede, to force her husband to publicly decry the insurgency, but she refused. She said nothing. She remained silent and carried on arranging a vase for the shoot. She checked out of this presidency and her marriage a long time ago. Since losing the November 3 election a loss he still refuses to accept even though he has now pledged to oversee a peaceful handover to President Joe Biden on January 20 Trump has become increasingly deranged and detached from reality, according to the former adviser. Wednesdays riot at the Capitol took place shortly after Trump gave a speech whipping-up an already inflamed crowd, and marked just how far the president has descended into what the aide called his own personal hell. Hes delusional. The group around him that remain are sycophants who tell him what he wants to hear. He truly believes the election was stolen from him even though there is not a shred of evidence for that. Its like the president is living in a parallel universe. Everyone knows he lost, that there was no voter fraud, yet in his mind the White House has been stolen from him and the rioters this week are loyal patriots defending him against those who are trying to steal the presidency from him. As Wednesdays events unfolded, Trumps inner circle shrank even further. In the end only his chief of staff Mark Meadows, deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, personnel director Johnny McEntee, lawyer Rudy Giuliani and policy adviser Stephen Miller remained in the room. First Lady Melania Trump was asked to intercede and convince her husband to call off the mob, but she continued with her photoshoot arranging porcelain figurines Supermodel Karlie Kloss (pictured), Ivanka Trump's sister-in law, turned on her in-laws calling them anti-American Everyone else who had pleaded with him to publicly denounce what was going on had left. Melania wouldnt do a thing. ADVERTISEMENT In the end we had to beg Ivanka to go in there. Everyone left the room while she spoke to her father. First Daughter Ivanka was the one who finally persuaded Trump to record a brief video, released on his Twitter feed an account which has since been permanently suspended. Trump repeated his accusations of election fraud but told his supporters to remain calm and go home adding: We love you. It was too little, too late, commented the source. By then the damage to America in the eyes of the world had been done. There was a sense of total despair among people who have devoted their lives for the past four years to try to do good under this presidency. In a few hours on Wednesday afternoon, everything we worked for was trashed. It is not just Trump whose reputation lies in tatters this weekend. Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner have become social pariahs. A former friend told Vanity Fair magazine: How do you associate yourself with the worst, most toxic people in history? Ivanka called the mob American patriots in a tweet about Wednesdays insurrection, a post she rapidly removed. Supermodel Karlie Kloss, married to Jareds brother Joshua, turned on her in-laws calling them anti-American. When a Twitter follower asked Kloss to try to reason with her family members she replied simply: Ive tried. Long-time Kushner friend Bob Sommer sent Ivanka a text saying: I am horrified I attended your wedding. Ivankas former friend added: Ivanka and the whole family will be socially ostracised. Before this week people still associated with them because of their power and influence but now everyone has joined the resistance. Removal vans were seen outside Ivankas Washington DC home on Friday. It is thought she is moving her family back to their New York home. So what now for Trump? It is said he is planning to flee to his lavish Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida the day before the inauguration from where he will mastermind a bid for re-election in 2024. Supporters have already pledged more than $200 million to return him to the White House. That is if he doesnt end up in jail first. The aide explained: Even if he pardons himself, that only covers him for federal crimes. As soon as he leaves office the state of New York is coming after him for tax evasion. And he could face prosecution in state court in Washington DC for inciting the mob to violence. His legal woes have only just begun. And Melania? It has been widely reported that she negotiated a post-nuptial agreement agreeing to stay with Trump, but only during his presidency. Many believe she will file for divorce after January 20. With impeachment proceedings against him set to start tomorrow, Trump intends to spend this coming week trying to reclaim his legacy and image. The Mail on Sunday has been told he is making a video this weekend highlighting his administrations accomplishments and he plans to head to Texas next week to give a speech standing in front of a stretch of border wall with Mexico that was built under his watch. At this point hes checked out of reality, the source said. He is now doubting whether he should have said he would accept a peaceful transition of power because that has angered his base who feel betrayed. Hes now worrying about how history will judge him and wants to start rehabilitating his image while he still has the power of the presidency. You have to remember more than 70 million Americans voted for him. He still has a huge fan base. Of all the problems Joe Biden faces, domestic terrorism is up there at number one. People are mad as hell and they have guns. Americas troubles are far from over once Trump leaves office. ADVERTISEMENT In fact, they are just beginning. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. 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. After the pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol building, ensuing violence, ransacking the congressional offices, pounding on doors, and carrying out unlawful activities such as theft of confidential documents and electronic devices, many Republicans in Congress largely remained mute about the responsibility of the malicious compromise of democracy. At least four Republicans on Minnesota's congressional delegation remained silent about Trumps role in inciting the MAGA mob to congregate outside Capitol and halt certification. Several others remained split about whether to certify President-elect Joe Biden's win on the House floor or not. According to sources of news agencies, the GOP leaders, after the session convened in presence of heavy security, refused to lay any blame on US President Donald Trump or their Republican party. Even as lawmakers called for Trumps ouster, many Rep. leaders were in denial about political and criminal-justice consequences of the Trump-inspired mobs insurrection and violent escalation against Congress members inside the Capitol building that they sieged. Republican Reps. Michelle Fischbach and Jim Hagedorn somewhat supported the Minnesota Democrats for Trump's removal, but the Republicans Tom Emmer and Pete Stauber remained silent and did not announce their position in the aftermath of the US government building invasion. Read: Australia, US, UK, Canada Criticize Hong Kong Mass Arrests Read: Trump To Visit US-Mexico Border Wall As 400 Miles Of Construction Completed Watching coverage from offices Within the 24 hours following the rioting, many Congressional Republicans and more than half a dozen White House staffers resigned from their duties, blaming President Trumps behaviour that led to the loss of Georgia senate seats, costing the Republicans the GOP senate. Meanwhile, the chief of staff Mark Meadows, Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, trade adviser Peter Navarro, social media director Dan Scavino, Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner and his daughter Ivanka, all remained silent and supportive when the US Capitol was under siege, only watching the coverage from offices, according to US news agencies sources. Most Republican lawmakers chose silence to maintain their party gripes, but some like Senate Majority Mitch McConnell to South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham came out rebuking president Trump for inciting mob violence. I do think the President bears some responsibility, North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer told a press conference outside the White House. However, Rep, Michelle Fischbach said no comments to the reporters after the rioting. Many Republicans never made public statements or gave official statements or sent out tweets to take accountability or decry Trumps supporters behaviour. [Credit: AP] Read: US Capitol Rioters Lay Siege On Police In Mob Attack Read: US: Capitol Police Outnumbered As Rioters Lay Siege (Image Credit: AP) 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 roadside bomb exploded in Afghanistan's capital Sunday, killing at least three people in a vehicle, the latest attack to take place even as government negotiators are in Qatar to resume peace talks with the Taliban. Tariq Arian, spokesman for the interior minister, said a spokesman for the ministry's public protection forces a security force was one of the three killed in the attack. One other person was wounded he said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in the capital in recent months, including on educational institutions that killed 50 people, most of them students. IS has claimed responsibility for rocket attacks in December targeting the major U.S. base in Afghanistan. There were no casualties. Taliban militants have meanwhile continued their insurgency against government forces while keeping their promise not to attack U.S. and NATO troops. Sunday's attack comes as Afghan negotiators are to resume talks with the Taliban aimed at finding an end to decades of relentless conflict. Frustration and fear have grown over a spike in violence that has combatants on both sides blaming the other. The stop-and-go talks between the Taliban and the government come amid growing doubt over a U.S.-Taliban peace deal brokered by the administration of outgoing President Donald Trump. An accelerated withdrawal of US troops ordered by Trump means just 2,500 American soldiers will still be in Afghanistan when President-elect Joe Biden takes office this month. Biden has advocated for keeping a small intelligence-based presence in Afghanistan, but Taliban leaders have flatly rejected any foreign troops. Short link: HSE chief executive Paul Reid said the health system is under strain (Niall Carson/PA) The HSE has begun accessing the surge capacity agreed with private hospitals as the system comes under increasing pressure, its chief executive has said. Paul Reid said private hospitals have begun providing some non-Covid urgent care to public patients in recent days. An agreement was reached between the HSE and private hospitals last week which gives the HSE access to additional capacity if needed. It would be surge up to 30% of bed utilisation which gives us in essence working with private hospitals over 600 beds to call on, Mr Reid told RTE Radio 1s This Week programme. We are, actually, calling on that right now. Already this week, private hospitals are taking some urgent non-Covid care and supporting us. So we have in essence triggered those processes already. There were 37 vacant intensive care unit (ICU) beds as well as 11 paediatric beds on Sunday. In total there are 286 ICU beds across the country, an increase on 255 at the start of the surge and the HSE is bringing in a further 16 ICU beds between this and next month. Non-urgent care has been paused at public hospitals as the health system struggles to cope with Covid-19 cases but cancer care and cardio care continues. Early this week we will likely be at double what we had in the peak of last year which was 881 in the first phase of this. Paul Reid Mr Reid said that the actions the health service has taken this week were geared towards helping the system cope in the coming days and weeks, but the situation is concerning. It comes as a record 1,452 coronavirus patients were being treated in hospitals across the country on Sunday evening. The figure has more than quadrupled in the past two weeks, as 321 people were in hospital with the virus on December 27. There were 100 additional admissions to hospitals in the past 24 hours. Some 125 people are being treated for the virus in ICUs with 19 admissions in the last 24 hours. Mr Reid predicted the number of people with Covid-19 in hospital in Ireland would reach more than 1,700 in the coming days, more than double the number it reached at its peak last year. He said: Early this week we will likely be at double what we had in the peak of last year which was 881 in the first phase of this. Our concern is the numbers. Our concern is the rising trend. I dont want people to feel powerless because actually what happens today: the actions people take today are what can really help us in the coming days and weeks. There's now 1,421 people in hospital with #COVID19 (+136 today) & 120 in ICU. Our health system is under increasing strain.The best support we can all now give, is to avoid getting sick with Covid.This will help to get us out the other side of this. #StayHome #StaySafe @HSELive Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) January 10, 2021 He said the best support the public can give to health workers is to avoid getting sick with Covid-19. He added: Our health system is under increasing strain. The best support we can all now give, is to avoid getting sick with Covid. This will help to get us out the other side of this. Dr Colm Henry, the chief clinical officer of the HSE, said the figures remained worrying and the fear is that they will continue to rise in the next fortnight. He added the number of healthcare workers unable to work because of Covid-19 is a cause of concern. We are approaching 600 beds lost from our acute hospital system because of infection prevention control measures, because of staff who are sick due to Covid and because of staff who were close contacts, he told RTE Radio 1s Brendan OConnor Show. And out there in nursing homes we have over 800 staff who similarly cant go to work because of Covid. So the impact is not just felt in terms of the numbers, it is on the huge secondary level of transmission, the destruction on healthcare and all the impact it has for patients, for staff. Sunday saw eight further deaths and an additional 6,888 new cases of the virus reported by the Department of Health. Of the new cases, 2,088 were in Dublin, 862 in Cork, 469 in Limerick, 405 in Wexford, 320 in Waterford and the remaining 2,744 cases are spread across all other counties. Some 60% of the cases were in people under 45 years of age. The median age was 38 years old. Hospital staff are bracing themselves for a surge in coronavirus patients as the number of cases escalates. Irelands 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population now stands at 1,291. The reproduction number of the virus is now between 2.4 and 3, the highest level seen throughout the pandemic. Police are hunting for a man who smashed a McDonald's register to the ground after staff at the Sydney fast food restaurant asked him to scan a QR code. Security cameras caught the man going berserk at the counter at the McDonald's on Windsor Rd, Kellyville Ridge, in the city's northwest, just before 8pm on Saturday. The man allegedly lost his temper after a staff member asked him to check in using a QR code as part of the state's coronavirus regulations. The moustachioed man allegedly became agitated after being asked to leave for refusing to wear a face mask and refusing to scan the coronavirus QR code The man snapped without warning and flung the order register and displays off the counter NSW Police said the man, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, was asked to leave after he refused to put on a mask. The man snapped suddenly, pushing an register to the ground as paper displays went flying. He allegedly screamed abuse at staff during the outburst, however police said nobody was injured. Quakers Hill Police Area Command are investigating have asked for the public to help identify the man. Anyone with information can call Castle Hill police station on 02 9680 5399. The man was calm in the seconds before he suddenly went berserk in a face mask tantrum Britain on Sunday raced against the clock to vaccinate as many people as possible while Germany warned of the "hardest" days yet to come with Europe battling to contain soaring coronavirus infections. January 11 marks one year since China confirmed its first death from Covid-19, a 61-year-old man who was a regular at Wuhan city's market, where the pandemic emerged before spreading around the world. Nearly two million deaths later, the pandemic is still thriving, with new variants again prompting governments from Israel to Australia to impose lockdowns, curfews and restrictions -- even with mass inoculation drives underway. UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Sunday that every adult in Britain will be offered a jab by autumn, with officials vaccinating 200,000 people daily in a race to meet a target of 15 million of the most vulnerable by mid-February. The vaccine drive comes as Britain recorded another 1,035 fatalities from the virus, bringing its deaths to nearly 81,000, one of the highest tolls in Europe. Soaring cases are forcing UK medical chiefs to try to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed and the government to reinforce its campaign for people to abide by stay-at-home orders. "Of course we are all tired of restrictions, but we must find the collective strength to get through this critical stage and save as many lives as we can," England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty wrote in the Sunday Times. Germany topped 40,000 fatalities on Sunday, the centre for disease control announced. Chancellor Merkel warned in a weekly video message that the country had yet to feel the full impact of socialising over the Christmas and New Year. The coming weeks will be "the hardest phase of the pandemic" so far, she said, with hospitals stretched to their limits. More than 1.9 million people have been infected so far, with almost 17,000 new cases in Germany since Saturday. Belgium also passed a significant threshold Sunday, topping 20,000 deaths, more than half in retirement care homes, health officials said. -- Vaccine examples -- With vaccines deemed the only way to end to the health crisis, governments across the globe are ramping up inoculations while being forced to reintroduce economically painful shutdowns and restrictions to curb the virus spread. Pope Francis and Britain's Queen Elizabeth became the latest high-profile figures to join the global vaccination campaign as officials try to overcome scepticism over jabs developed in record time. Pope Francis urged people to get the vaccination and said he would be inoculated himself next week when the Vatican begins its campaign, while denouncing opposition to the jab. "There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but today we have to get vaccinated," the pontiff told Canale 5 in an interview broadcast Sunday. Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip received their Covid-19 vaccinations on Saturday, said Buckingham Palace. Countries worldwide are following suit with coronavirus shots approved including those by Pfizer-BioNTech and US firm Moderna and domestically made jabs from Russia and China. India will launch one of the world's most ambitious coronavirus free vaccination drives next Saturday, aiming to reach 300 million people by July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Cuba said it would test its most advanced Covid vaccine candidate in Iran, after Tehran banned the import of already-proven US and British-produced vaccines. - Tighter restrictions - While more vaccine programmes start up, governments are being forced to reintroduce restrictions that helped slow the spread of the virus last year, but badly disrupted their economies. Israel on Sunday began its first work week since new restrictions were imposed to tighten the third national coronavirus lockdown, which was declared last month. Schools that had remained open during the first phase of the lockdown have now been closed following a spike in cases. All non-essential businesses have also been shut and an increased police deployment was enforcing a ban against people from venturing more than 1,000 metres from their homes, unless they are seeking medical care or buying essential goods, among other exceptions. France was to extend its Covid-19 curfews to a further eight departments on Sunday and the Canadian province of Quebec also started an overnight curfew. On Saturday the streets of Brisbane, Australia were also quiet as its more than two million residents were ordered back into lockdown after authorities detected a single infection of the new strain from Britain. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. It was a New Years gift as unwelcome as it was unexpected. In the early hours of January 2, 1941, as the people of Newbridge slept under the thin security blanket of Irish neutrality, a stray Nazi plane droned overhead and unleashed a torrent of bombs to the west of the town. High explosive projectiles plunged earthwards, scouring craters in the ground on the edge of the Curragh racecourse and in the pastures of Ballymany Stud. Separately a slew of incendiary bombs lit up the night sky as they fell to the south of the town on to the fields of the Cox farm at Walshestown, setting a valuable stock of hay and straw on fire. The New Years present from Hitlers air force could have been a lot worse. There was no injury to man or animal in the Newbridge area. Had the bombs fallen a mile to the east just a minutes flying time away the town could have been all but annihilated. The tragedy of the North Strand bombing in Dublin the following April, when German bombs killed 30 people (including the young Browne family from Edenderry), injured scores, and damaged hundreds of houses, showed the devastation which high explosives could bring to urban streetscapes. As it was there was tragedy in a neighbouring county that night. All over Leinster, errant German bombers had dropped their deathly payloads at random over the countryside. One stick of bombs straddled a farmhouse on the slopes of the Blackstairs mountains in Co Carlow. Three female members of the Shannon family were killed instantly. Although the de Valera government had imposed strict wartime censorship, the Leinster Leader datelined January 4, 1941, carried complete details of the Newbridge incident. The papers Curragh correspondent reported that: about 6.45 on Thursday morning an unidentified aeroplane approached from a north-easterly direction and dropped incendiary bombs at Walshestown, Newbridge, and one and a half miles from the Curragh Camp. An eyewitness, Mr Joseph Dunne, was quoted as saying that the falling incendiaries resembled shooting stars. Witnesses said that the plane approached from the Naas direction and some said they heard small explosions followed immediately by flashes. The private fire brigade from the Irish Ropes factory in Newbridge and the towns Air Raid Precautions volunteers responded to the incident. The Army fire brigade from the Curragh was summoned to the Cox farm, and succeeded in confining the conflagration to the haggard, but about 200 tons of hay and straw were destroyed. However, the military at the Camp did not go on alert otherwise, and even if they had there was little they could do so poor was the Armys wartime inventory that that the camp and its thousands of troops were not protected by anti-aircraft guns. The incendiaries of a type which had started terrible fires in the London Blitz scattered all over Walshestown. Others fell adjacent to the home of Mr Patrick Sheridan, but did no material damage. Of potentially more serious consequence were the eight high explosive bombs which dropped in the Ballymany area. Three fell on the Curragh lands between the racecourse and Ballymany Cross, kicking up big craters at least 40 feet wide. Five more fell on the paddocks of the Aga Khans Stud at Ballymany where incendiaries also impacted. Gardai from Newbridge and members of the Local Security Force combed the district during the Thursday looking for any further traces of bomb impact. The damage was confined to the severing of a water pipeline at Ballymany Stud, some damage to sheds, and the gouging of deep craters in its paddocks and the adjacent Curragh plain. But the searchers made a startling discovery. They found that one of the bombs had not detonated and it had embedded itself six feet deep in the Ballymany soil just yards from the house occupied by Mr James Hayde, steward and stud groom to the Aga Khan. As Thursday wore on, the national press sought reports from the site and in the Irish Independent of the Friday morning a column headed Droichead Nua Fire Bombs dropped by an Irish Independent special representative reported that A cordon was thrown around the unexploded bomb, and military experts began digging it out in order to render it ineffective. Nerves of steel The skill and bravery of the Irish Army bomb disposal officers was impressive approaching a bomb laden with 250kg of explosive, and with sophisticated German triggering mechanisms that they would not have encountered before, must have required nerves of steel. They dismantled the bomb without incident, but in the process made a discovery which would have international ramifications in the tense relationships between neutral Ireland and the warring parties the bomb casing carried inscriptions which were in the German language. Although there had been a handful of bombing incidents over Ireland since the war had begun in 1939 including the destruction of a creamery in the village of Campile near New Ross which killed three women workers there had been no objective proof of the source of the bombs. The Government of Eamon de Valera was highly reluctant to make allegations as to whether the bombs were British or German although the likelihood was the latter until forensic proof was found. Now there was literally a cast-iron guarantee of attribution the markings on the unexploded bomb at Ballymany were clearly German. Before the day was out, the head of the Department of External Affairs, Joseph P Walshe (who had taught for three years at Clongowes Wood Jesuit school) had telegrammed the Irish representative in Berlin, William Warnock, telling him that an aircraft had dropped bombs with German markings at the Curragh. He ordered Warnock to make a vigorous protest in regard to the Curragh bombing and point out how such incidents had a detrimental effect on relations between Ireland and Germany. By the following evening, intelligence reports compiled from Irish coast-watchers and observers inland had built up a picture of hostile air activity over the Irish sea, and Walsh interpreted where the Curragh aircraft had fitted into this picture. Furthermore, the evidence from the Curragh bombs that the weapons were of German origin was bolstered by similar markings found from bombs dropped the same day in Co Meath. He telegrammed Warnock in Berlin, reporting that the evidence found at Duleek, Julianstown, and the Curragh, coupled with the fact that these bombings coincided with a German raid on Merseyside makes it only too clear that German planes are responsible. His sensitivity about not upsetting the Germans was put aside as Walshe ordered Warnock to make a strong protest to the Reich government: You must make an energetic protest at once at continued violation of our air-space... And he headed off predictable German counter-propaganda by making it clear that any idea that the German bombs were dropped by British planes is untenable. A German bomber crew on a mission in 1940 German challenge However, the Germans were not taking the accusation without challenge and Herr Hempel later in January Herr Hempel the German Minister in Dublin told Walshe that his government were not convinced that the bombs were theirs. He wanted permission to bring a munitions expert over from Germany to examine the fragments. But Walshe was concerned that this was a German attempt to get a messenger over who would make contact with the IRA. He countered by suggesting to Hempel that some of the German airmen interned in the Curragh Camp coincidently within a mile of the Ballymany bombing might be able to examine the projectile and determine its origin. Hempel argued back that the interned airmen would not have the technical skills necessary to verify the origin of the bomb. Their exchange seemed to be going nowhere until the Jesuit-trained Walshe came up with a proposition that would suit all parties the Germans would admit publicly that it was one of their bombs but it had worked itself loose from the airplane in flight and had not been dropped deliberately. Although the Ballymany bombing was minor in terms of its material impact, it marked a step-change in Irelands relationship with at least one of the belligerent parties. The fog of war would no longer be accepted as an excuse for denying responsibility for any further bombs that would fall on Irish territory. File image: US Vice President Mike Pence speaking at an event in Darien, Wisconsin. (Image: AP Photo/Morry Gash) His boss won't be there but he will be. United States Vice President Mike Pence will attend Joe Bidens presidential inauguration at the Capitol on January 20, CNN has reported. His boss and outgoing President Donald Trump, whose supporters stormed the Capitol in a bid to overturn the election, has already said he would give the ceremony a miss. CNN reported that Pence was still waiting for a formal invitation even though Biden said he was glad that the outgoing vice president would be attending. "He's welcome. I think it's important that as much as we can stick to what have been the historical precedents of how an administration changes should be maintained. And so Mike, the vice president, is welcome to come. We'd be honoured to have him there and to move forward in the transition," CNN quoted Biden as saying. On January 8, hours before his Twitter account was permanently suspended by the social media platform, Trump had tweeted he would not attend the ceremony. "To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th." Biden will become the 46th US president at noon on January 20 regardless of Trump or Pences presence. Pence had defied Trump last week by certifying Bidens election victory. Trump had reportedly pressured his deputy to block the largely ceremonial vote counting event held by the joint session of the US Congress. Commenting on Trumps decision to not attend the inauguration, Biden had earlier said it was "one of the few things he (Trump) and I have ever agreed on". After refusing to acknowledge Bidens election victory for weeks, Trump on January 7 promised an orderly transition after the storming of the Capitol sent shockwaves across the US and the world. 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. New Delhi, Jan 10 : With the date to kickstart a mass inoculation drive against Covid-19 being announced, the country has officially begun the countdown for the rollout of Covid vaccines. However, as the date draws closer, scepticism toward the vaccines' safety among the healthcare workers, who are on the top of the priority list to get vaccinated, has increased. Doctors told IANS that their fellow colleagues are approaching them with doubts regarding the safety aspect of the vaccines approved in India. Suranjit Chatterjee, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said that there is apprehension are among those who should be having apprehensions. He informed that the part making people, including healthcare workers, worried, is the aspect of safety and side effects of the vaccines. "The first question I get asked is whether the vaccines are safe. People including doctors are wary of the fact that the vaccines have come out so early. They are not able to fully rely on the safety the vaccines are supposed to provide," Chatterjee said. Besides, the likeliness of having side-effects is also building more scepticism around acceptance of the vaccines, he added. Neha Gupta, Infectious Diseases Specialist at Medanta Hospital, Gurugram, also said that patients and even people working in healthcare have concerns regarding side-effects of the Covid vaccines. "Concerns such as fever and severe body ache post the vaccination are shared even by people of my fraternity despite working in close quarters with immunisation programmes," she added. The doctors said that the reports of adverse events occurring abroad after vaccination have raised suspicion among the public as well the healthcare fraternity about the vaccines' safety. Besides, the controversy around approval of Bharat Biotech's vaccine has further fuelled the existing apprehension. Sonali Malhotra, ENT specialist at Centre-run Lady Hardinge Medical College, said that many of her colleagues are hesitant before taking the vaccine jab citing the adverse events being reported in countries where vaccination has started. "They are particularly wary of the complications associated with the vaccine, especially the severe ones being reported elsewhere. My family members have also shown unwillingness for the vaccination fearing the side-effects that may follow," she told IANS. However, Malhotra added that she is all in for the vaccination. Chatterjee also said that people are sharing news articles and videos of some random self-proclaimed experts on social media claiming that vaccines are not safe or developed hurriedly. "However, I don't find merit in such claims. They remain a rumour and people, especially healthcare workers should not go by them," he clarified. "Doctors having apprehensions are not good for the public since we ought to lead the way," Chatterjee commented. Neeraj Nischal, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS Delhi, informed that the side effects, also called the adverse events of a vaccine, are very common to occur and indicative of a fact that it is actually working. "Vaccines help develop immunity by imitating an infection forcing the immune system to produce T-lymphocytes and antibodies. The process can cause minor symptoms (adverse events), such as fever, swelling or soreness at the injection site, which are normal and should be expected as the body builds immunity," he said. Speaking on the safety aspect, Nischal agreed that the scepticism around vaccines' safety is bound to arise since the vaccines were developed at an extraordinary pace. "However, the apprehension that corners were cut in the development are unfounded," he clarified. "The technological advances and prior research steadfast the development process. The initial trials have confirmed that the vaccines are safe and well-tolerated," Nischal said. Meanwhile, another query doctors have been frequently receiving is whether the vaccines would worsen the previous illnesses of the receivers. "Many people, even among the healthcare workers, are suffering from comorbid conditions. They are afraid whether their blood pressure, sugar, or any other underlying condition would aggravate post inoculation," Chatterjee said. Sanjay Roy, Head, Department of Community Medicine, AIIMS Delhi and the principal investigator of Bharat Biotech's Covid vaccine which is under phase 3 trial, said that the vaccines are safe and were approved after testing on all kinds of people, including patients with underlying health conditions. "There's always a risk-benefit ratio involved in the development of any drug. Even Paracetamol tablets have side effects. However, the benefit of vaccines outnumber the side effects involved," he said. Roy advised people read more read and research scientific literature to allay their fears about vaccines' safety. "Rather than consuming information from unverified sources like social media and Whatsapp forwards, people should look for the same through reliable sources like medical journals, websites of government and ICMR, medical experts, and then take an informed decision," he added. Nischal commented that "people should remember that the disease is deadly but the vaccine is not". South Korean victims of wartime sexual enslavement won their first legal victory Friday against the Japanese government in a landmark ruling. The Seoul Central District Court ordered Tokyo to make financial reparations of 100 million won (US$91,300) each to 12 "comfort women" who were dragged away from their homes and forced to work in front-line military brothels for Japanese soldiers during World War II. "Evidence, relevant materials and testimonies show that the victims suffered from extreme, unimaginable mental and physical pain due to the illegal acts by the accused. But no compensation has been made for their suffering" the court said in a verdict. In the country's first ruling of its kind, the court rejected Japan's claim that the case should be dropped based on sovereign immunity, a legal doctrine that allows a state to be immune from a civil suit in foreign courts. It sided with the victims that the rule should not apply to "systematic crimes against humanity" and war crimes. Following the court ruling, Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Takeo Akiba summoned Nam Gwan-pyo, South Korea's top envoy in Tokyo, to lodge a protest over the court decision. He told the ambassador that the court decision is "utterly unacceptable" and expressed regret that the Seoul court denied the concept of sovereign immunity, according to Kyodo News. In a press conference, Katsunobu Kato, the top government spokesman, said Japan will not appeal the ruling. Tokyo maintains the issues of comfort women were permanently resolved through a bilateral agreement in 2015 with the then South Korean government. But the victims have called the agreement inadequate, saying it lacks a sincere apology from Tokyo and left out their voices in the negotiation process. The court viewed that state-level agreements, including the 1965 postwar treaty between Seoul and Tokyo, did not override the victims' rights to seek reparations from Japan for their hardship. The victims filed a petition for dispute settlement in August 2013, in which they claimed that they were either cheated or coerced into sexual slavery, and demanded they be compensated with 100 million won each for their suffering. However, the case could be referred to a court only in January 2016, as Tokyo had not officially responded to the South Korean court's correspondence. The court held its first hearing on the case in April last year. Only five of the 12 plaintiffs are still alive. In South Korea, there are 16 surviving victims registered with the government. According to historians, there were around 200,000 victims, mostly from Korea. Kim Kang-won, the lawyer for the plaintiffs, welcomed the verdict, saying he felt "very emotional." And he will review how to make Tokyo actually pay damages to the victims as ruled, which is expected to be an uphill battle, if history is any guide. While the ruling is lauded for finally bringing some justice -- if belatedly -- to the victims, it is also feared to further aggravate bilateral relations between Seoul and Tokyo, which are badly frayed over thorny issues, such as wartime forced labor and Tokyo's export curbs. According to Amnesty International, survivors from various countries, including Taiwan and the Philippines, have filed around 10 lawsuits against Tokyo over the past three decades, but none of them won their cases. Another ruling in a similar case is expected to come out next week. (Yonhap) OTTAWA A month into the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians were ready to pull out all the stops. Car manufacturers were looking into making ventilators, while thousands of citizens volunteered to help the health system. OTTAWA A month into the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians were ready to pull out all the stops. Car manufacturers were looking into making ventilators, while thousands of citizens volunteered to help the health system. In Ottawa, federal bureaucrats were spotting problems months before they became political crises, and tried to craft ways for governments to prevent suffering, according to internal documents obtained by the Free Press. The proposals included repurposing unused buildings into isolation wards, getting idle public servants to do contact tracing, and paying out-of-work students to help the elderly. Yet few of these proposals were ever put in place. "It is mystifying to look at this list of very, very good ideas," said Dr. David Fisman, a leading epidemiologist at the University of Toronto. "It's quite foresighted; they're looking ahead and saying 'Well these are going to be issues' and they were right; these were issues. But why didn't this get off the ground?" he said. "It's sort of upsetting." Health Canada's strategic policy branch examines trends in healthcare, and tries to create solutions for governments and non-profit groups to save money and lives. Here are some of the ideas that team proposed in the first five weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, ending in mid-April. ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux has estimated Ottawa spent at least $828 million between March and June 2020 on 241,294 federal employees who at various times sat at home unable to work. Bureaucrats suggested Ottawa redeploy staff for contact tracing, but the only publicly known federal help has come through Statistics Canada staff, who were diverted to helping provinces with calls in May. Paid to sit at home Closed offices left thousands of public servants sitting at home unable to do their normal jobs. Bureaucrats suggested Ottawa redeploy staff for contact tracing, as had been done in Ireland. Yet the only publicly known federal help has come through Statistics Canada staff, who were diverted to helping provinces with calls in May. The Parliamentary Budget Officer estimates Ottawa spent at least $828 million between March and June 2020 on 241,294 federal employees who at various times sat at home unable to work while provinces struggled with contact-tracing capacity. "Health Canada leveraged federal public-service resources with access to secure systems/equipment and security screening requirements," wrote Health Canada spokesman Martin Begin, who did not specify if any agency other than Statistics Canada provided staff to provinces. Volunteer database In April, Health Canada issued an online callout for volunteers, and had 53,769 Canadians step up in just three weeks, including 1,153 Manitobans. An April 17 slideshow notes that "about 4,000 registrants have self-identified as having pertinent experience" to helping with people in long-term care. Health Canada says that by September, 24,717 volunteers with a medical background were referred out to provinces, largely for paid work, occasionally facilitated through the Canadian Red Cross. Yet the department said its hastily created database makes it impossible to tell how many volunteers provinces actually used for paid and unpaid work. "The campaign inventory continues to be active and is being used in the current phase of our pandemic response," wrote Begin. "Provincial stakeholders have indicated that the campaign inventory is an important resource." Leaning on students In late March, bureaucrats assembled a contact list of all university heads, and a formal letter asking for help recruiting students with some medical knowledge to help with testing, as well as possibly using campus lab space for COVID-19 tests. A faculty group said roughly 6,000 medical students had enough training to safely help in settings outside of hospitals, to alleviate pressure on health systems. Some universities offered equipment to be used in testing. Health Canada did not say if any of those offers were taken up. The bureaucrats also suggested leveraging the Canada Summer Jobs program to have young people help in personal care homes, anticipating burnout from spring outbreaks. The long-standing program provides 80,000 summer jobs bankrolled by the federal government, including in Winnipeg care homes like Donwood Manor. Instead of leveraging that program, the Trudeau government attempted a general volunteer scheme for non-profit needs through WE Charity, which became a political scandal. Tapping unused buildings The bureaucrats also suggested surplus federal buildings could be used to isolate residents of personal care homes with COVID-19 outbreaks. The federal government owns land across the country sitting idle or in the process of being divested, such as the decommissioned drug lab at 510 Lagimodiere Blvd. It's unclear if anyone sought to evacuate residents during the large-scale outbreaks in Winnipeg's Parkview and Maples care homes this fall. Protecting homecare The bureaucrats also warned that exhausted personal care homes would likely start turning to people who work in homecare, particularly if care homes started boosting pay. It appears Ottawa's support for provinces tried to account for this reality by allowing homecare workers to access pay top-ups for providing an essential service. The provincial dynamic The Trudeau government has offered money and guidance to provinces, leaving it largely up to them to decide how to structure healthcare and restrictions. Fisman says Ottawa's approach hasn't been perfect, but he argues provinces are largely to blame for leaving funding allocations untapped, and fumbling vaccine distribution. "The provincial nature of health is such that the feds can lead the horse to water, but the horse has to decide it's thirsty," he said. Health Canada refused an interview with the senior official who oversees the department's policy shop, making it impossible to know which ideas were logistically impossible, and which ones fell victim to red tape and inter-governmental squabbling. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Khartoum, Jan 10 : Sudanese officials met an African Union (AU) experts team during which the two sides held a discussion over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) built on the Nile river, the country's Irrigation and Water Resources Ministry said. "Sudan's negotiating team over the GERD, headed by Sudan's Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Yasir Abbas, held a bilateral meeting on Saturday afternoon with the AU team of experts," Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying in a statement. "The meeting came in response to Sudan's call for giving the AU experts a greater role to facilitate the talks among Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia to contribute to preparation of a second document for the proposed memorandum of agreement that was received by the three countries in the previous six-party meeting," it noted. It said the meeting thoroughly discussed the importance of setting up a clear reference framework for the role of the AU experts, adding that Sudan has stressed the necessity that thebloc plays a more effective leadership role than its role in the previous rounds of talks. Ethiopia, which started building the GERD in 2011, expects to produce more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity from the project. But Egypt and Sudan, downstream Nile Basin countries that rely on the river for fresh water, are concerned that the dam might affect their water resources. Over the past few years, tripartite talks on the rules of filling and operating the GERD have been fruitless, including those hosted by Washington and recently by the AU. Body parts, twisted wreckage and clothing were plucked from waters off the Indonesian capital Sunday after a passenger jet with 62 people aboard crashed shortly after take-off a day earlier. Authorities have yet to say why the Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 went into a steep dive about four minutes after it left Soekarno-Hatta international airport on Saturday afternoon. But, on Sunday, they said that they had pinpointed the location of its black boxes -- cockpit voice and flight data recorders -- that could be key to explaining why the plane slammed into the Java Sea off the sprawling city's coast. The search and rescue agency said it had collected body bags filled with human remains, as well as debris from the wreckage, in waters about 23 metres (75 feet) deep. Passengers Ihsan Adhlan Hakim and his new bride Putri were headed to Pontianak, the city on Indonesia's section of Borneo island which had been flight SJ182's destination, about 90 minutes away. "He called me to say that the flight was delayed due to bad weather," Hakim's brother Arwin said from Pontianak, where a wedding celebration had been planned for the newlyweds. "That was the last time I had contact with him." - Steep dive - Beben Sofian, 59, and her husband Dan Razanah, 58 were also on the doomed flight. "They took a selfie and sent it to their kids before taking off," the couple's nephew, Hendra, told AFP. DNA from relatives will be compared with discovered remains for identification. All 62 passengers and crew aboard the half-full flight were Indonesian. The count included 10 children. Distraught relatives waited nervously for news at Pontianak airport. "I have four family members on the flight -- my wife and three children," said a sobbing Yaman Zai. "(My wife) sent me a picture of the baby... How could my heart not be torn into pieces?" Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the airliner reached an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) before dropping suddenly to 250 feet. It then lost contact with air traffic control. The transport minister said Saturday that the jet appeared to deviate from its intended course just before it disappeared from radar. "The aircraft's final moments are... very concerning as the speed that (it) was flying at that altitude was much lower than expected," said Stephen Wright, professor of aircraft systems at Finland's Tampere University. "The last seconds saw the aircraft rapidly descend from 10,000 feet to the sea in a matter of 20 seconds, which implies a catastrophic event or something deliberate." But he added that the crash can "only be fully explained once the black boxes and wreckage can be properly analysed". Sriwijaya Air, which operates flights to destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, has said little so far about the 26-year-old plane, which was previously flown by US-based Continental Airlines and United Airlines. The Indonesian carrier has not recorded a fatal crash since it started operations in 2003, but this accident is the latest in a string of disasters for the country's aviation sector. The Southeast Asia nation's aviation sector has long been marred by safety concerns, and its airlines were once banned from entering US and European airspace. - Safety concerns - In October 2018, 189 people were killed when a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX jet crashed near Jakarta. That accident -- and another in Ethiopia -- saw Boeing hit with $2.5 billion in fines over claims it defrauded regulators overseeing the 737 MAX model, which was grounded worldwide following the accidents. The 737 that went down Saturday was not a MAX variant. "Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families," Boeing said in a statement. In 2014, an AirAsia plane headed from Surabaya to Singapore crashed with the loss of 162 lives. A final report said major factors included a chronically faulty component in a rudder control system, poor maintenance, and the pilots' inadequate response. A year later more than 140 people, including scores on the ground, were killed when a military plane crashed shortly after take-off in Medan on Sumatra island. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Phuket Towns evolving music scene Ive lived in Phuket now for 10 years and seen many changes, but none as dramatic and sudden as those caused by COVID-19. Patong, Kamala, Kata and Karon once had thriving music scenes based on covering Western songs, but all that is postponed. EntertainmentPhuket-Music-Scene By Andy Tong Dee Sunday 10 January 2021, 11:00AM Andy and his cigar box guitar. Phukets musical centre has now shifted to Phuket Town, which is has been proving popular with a new generation of Thai tourists lured there by government subsidies. It also has a number of established Thai music bars around the Seahorse traffic circle catering to local Thais. Phuket Town too has always had a faithful community of foreign expats keen to hear or play live music. Most of us are still here. Over the next few months, I will tell you more about developments in Phukets music scene, about the places and personalities involved. Happily, this islands musical life has been recovering after the initial lockdown, but it is different from that which we saw before. Take Phuket Town for example: Before the Sunday night Lard Yai Walking Street project started on Thalang Rd a few years ago, there were already long-established live music venues nearby, such as the Rockin Angels Blues Bar, Timber Hut and Music Matters Jazz Club. Im pleased to say they have all survived so far. However, we now see a number of newer music venues springing up all around the walking street area. The Column in Takuapa Rd to the south is a Thai bar, playing punchy Thai ballads nightly. Next door is the intimate Bebop Bar, perfect if you want to enjoy some cool jazz after a romantic dinner. A few doors away, Michaels Bar (now renamed Michelangelos Lounge Bar) is under the new and dynamic management of my good friend Don Mangiameli. At my suggestion, he has just started a 5pm to midnight Sunday jam. It is already proving hugely popular with local jazz musicians. Dont miss tiny guesthouse 43 halfway along Thalang Rd. There you will find local DJs playing Electronic Dance Music on Sundays. There you can hear the ever-creative Jason Wilder of local radio fame remixing 70s rock classics with modern syncopated drum beats. Bands from the Pastel Bar and solo artists sometimes perform there too. Take a walk up Thalang Rds Soi Romanee to the 346 Guesthouse on a Sunday night and you will probably hear Thai bands like The Aod Blues Band, Mary Jane or The Vanguard playing Thai and Western songs. They rehearse or perform in the Pastel Bar not far away on Phuket Rd. You may also sometimes hear them in Ngor Kaa Key on Thalang Rd, opposite the Eleven/Twenty Cafe. The Vanguard is one of the new upcoming Thai Indie bands and is of particular interest. It has a brass section and plays jazzy or funky Thai and Western songs. However, the Western songs it covers are not to be found in what I call the Patong Songbook of standards such as Hotel California, Country Roads and Wonderwall. From all this it will be seen that Phukets music scene is actually becoming more creatively vibrant, being now less dominated by professional musicians. Amateurs can choose to play what they want, and are now quickly filling the musical void that COVID created. This process is driven by the financial squeeze on businesses which dont have the money to pay bands. To sum up, Phuket Town is now fast becoming a more creative and diverse place musically, which can only be a good thing. Ill tell you more about it over the weeks to come and my own efforts to encourage it. For now, maybe Ill see you soon in one of Phuket Towns new or long-established live music venues. You might even find me there knocking out a song or two. But remember if you do, like many of us now, Im only doing it for fun. So please buy me a beverage! Andy Tong Dee A sign shows traffic where to turn to enter a CCP virus testing centre in Oldham, England, on Aug. 20, 2020. (Lindsey Parnaby/AFP via Getty Images) UK to Roll Out CCP Virus Tests for Asymptomatic People Rapid regular CCP virus testing for people without symptoms will be made available across England starting this week, the UK government said on Sunday. Local authorities are encouraged to prioritise people who cannot work from home during the lockdown in their community testing drive, the Department of Health and Social Care said in a statement. Were expanding asymptomatic COVID testing to every local authority & asking testing to be targeted on workers who cannot work from home during this national lockdown I encourage employers & workers to take this offer up to stop the spread of this virushttps://t.co/KoUCEb46EP Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) January 10, 2021 Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the whole of England under the third national lockdown since the COVID-19 pandemic began last spring. Under the new restrictions, people are told to stay at home, but those who cannot work from home are allowed to travel to work. Health Secretary Matt Hancock said that targeted asymptomatic testing and subsequent isolation is highly effective in breaking chains of transmission. The government said that roughly one in three people who have contracted the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes the COVID-19 disease, do not display any symptoms. We need to use everything at our disposal to find these individuals without symptoms and support them and their contacts to isolate in order to break the chains of transmission, said Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for the National Health Services Test and Trace. The community testing will use lateral flow devices, which can produce a result in less than 30 minutes without the need for laboratory testing. Hancock said that lateral flow tests, which have been used to identify over 14,800 COVID-19 cases, have been hugely successful in finding positive cases quickly. He encouraged employers to work with local authorities to scale up testing among their workers, as every positive case found is helping to stop the spread. UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng encouraged more employers to take up the testing offer, saying that the expansion of asymptomatic testing for those unable to work from home will enable the UK to keep its economy on the move while giving individuals in key sectors complete confidence that their workplace is safe. The UK governments mass testing programme has been criticised by some medical experts. Weekly medical journal the BMJ said in a November 2020 editorial that the programme was an unevaluated, under-designed, and costly mess. The editorial said that the mass testing programme shouldnt continue or be used as a basis of whether people should self-isolate until it has been externally and independently scrutinised. Lily Zhou and Simon Veazey contributed to this report. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. A 22-year-old Indian Navy sailor has died due to a bullet injury, a Navy spokesperson said on Sunday. The sailor, identified as Ramesh Choudhary, posted on board warship INS Betwa at Mumbai, was on Sunday morning found dead due to a bullet injury, the spokesperson said in a release. The sailor's service issue rifle was found next to him, the release said, but did not specify if it was suicide. INS Betwa is a Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate currently in service with the Indian Navy. The ship is named after the Betwa River. The unmarried sailor, who had just returned to the ship post leave, hails from Jodhpur and is survived by his parents and a younger sister. The matter is under investigation by the police with the assistance of naval authorities, release added. . A mother's trick for cleaning ovens without a drop of harsh chemicals has won widespread praise on social media. She used Aldi's $3 Tandil 'Ultra Power Soak N Clean' dishwashing liquid on the grease-stained door and found it worked just as well as branded cleaners laced with toxic ingredients that can cause headaches and irritate skin. The mum said mixing a 'squirt' of detergent with warm water and scrubbing surfaces with a soft sponge left them sparkling clean and looking 'brand new' in just a few minutes. Scroll down for video An Australian mother tried a $3 Aldi dishwashing detergent on her greasy oven, with impressive results (pictured) The mum said she mixed a 'squirt' of detergent with warm water and scrubbed the oven, leaving it looking 'brand new' in just a few minutes She also used the liquid on her oven racks, soaking them in the solution before wiping the build-up off in one go. 'Best of all? No harmful chemicals and so cheap as I use it for my dishes anyway. No more buying oven cleaner in this house!' the mum wrote. Photos of the transformation, which have racked up 950 likes since they were shared in the popular Facebook group Markdown Addicts Australia, have drawn dozens of delighted responses. 'This is my favourite dish washing detergent ever, I use it on windows, outdoor furniture, car, everything,' one woman replied. 'Wow thanks for this top tip, going to do this myself,' a second added, while a third wrote: 'Awesome, can't wait to try.' Others mixed the dishwashing liquid with natural oils to leave their ovens smelling fresh. A squirt of Tandil 'Ultra Power Soak N Clean' dishwashing liquid (left) left the mother's oven sparkling clean (right) 'I did this the other day cause I hate the smell of oven cleaner. Put some tea tree oil in it too and came up great,' said one woman. In November, a mother tested five of Australia's most popular cleaners on her grimy oven to determine which offers best value for money. Her trial revealed a wet sponge lifts tough stains from glass just as effectively as leading cleaning products that cost up to $29.95. A photo posted in an Australian Facebook group shows four chemical cleaners - Aldi's $3.49 Scrubtion, Aldi's $1.25 Di-San Spray, $8 Finish Rinse Aid and Koh's $29.95 Universal Solution - lined up on a greasy oven door. An Australian mother was surprised to discover that all of these cleaners - (left to right) Aldi's $1.25 Di-San Spray, $8 Finish Rinse Aid, Aldi's $3.49 Scrubtion and Koh's $29.95 Universal Solution - produced the same results as plain water scrubbed with a Koh 'Diamond' sponge Mums' secret weapon? Koh's Diamond sponge, sold in packs of four for $9.95 In the caption of the photo, the mum said she tested each product on a different patch of glass - which she hadn't cleaned in a year - before scrubbing another part with a Koh 'Diamond' sponge, dampened with water. To her surprise, every cleaner produced almost identical results when scrubbed with the sponge - even water and good old fashioned elbow grease. 'Moral of the story, get Koh Diamond sponge. I think it's the secret ingredient to get the same results. So there ya go,' the mother wrote in the caption. Her photo, which has been liked hundreds of times since it was uploaded on Wednesday, has drawn dozens of delighted responses from householders who say they will buy a $9.95 four-pack of the sponges and bin their usual cleaning sprays. Koh Diamond sponges are sold at Bunnings and online on the brand's website. 'Good old friction, just goes to show we don't need all these chemicals as much as we think,' one woman said. 'Yep I say this to everyone - it's all in the sponge,' another added. Another advised scrubbing the door when the oven is still warm to make cleaning easier. Others cited a test conducted by consumer advocacy group CHOICE, which found plain hot water removed the same or more stains from floors as leading cleaning brands. But some said the sponges, which are designed to remove rust, mould and baked fats on oven walls, leave scratches on the glass. 'I used the sponge once and it scratched mine so haven't used it again,' one woman said. Another called it a 'glorified sanding block' and said 'you may as well buy fine grit sandpaper from Bunnings because it's the same thing'. A product overview on Koh's website describes the sponge as a 'relatively low abrasive', but warns against using it on 'high gloss surfaces' - like glass. The brand recommends testing the sponge on a small patch before starting to clean to avoid lifting paint or scratching surfaces. A Chinese soldier was apprehended at the Pangong lake on the Indian side of the LAC on Friday. China said he lost his way due to 'darkness and complicated geography' Beijing: China on Saturday called for the immediate return of one of its soldiers who "went astray in the China-India border areas and was apprehended by the Indian Army. A Chinese soldier was apprehended by the Indian Army at the southern bank of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh on Friday after he transgressed across the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Indian officials said on Saturday. The capture of the soldier comes amid a massive deployment of troops by the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in eastern Ladakh in view of the tense border standoff that erupted following a clash between the two sides in the Pangong lake area in early May. In Beijing, the Chinese military confirmed that one of its soldiers "went astray" along the China-India border areas. "Due to darkness and complicated geography, a soldier of the Chinese People's Liberation Army frontier defence force went astray in the China-India border early Friday morning," China military online, an official website of the PLA said. The PLA frontier defence force notified the Indian side of the information the first time, hoping the Indian side could assist in search and rescue of the lost Chinese soldier, it said. Nearly two hours later, the response from the Indian side came, confirming that the missing soldier had been found and would be returned to the Chinese side after receiving instructions from the superior authority, it said. The Indian side should strictly adhere to relevant agreements reached by the two countries and waste no time to return the lost soldier to the Chinese side, so as to add positive factors for de-escalating the border tensions between the two countries and jointly maintaining peace and tranquillity in the China-India border areas, it said. China and India are working on the situation of a Chinese soldier who lost his way in the China-India border area, state-run the Global Times quoted official sources as saying. "The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area. Troops from either side are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops," the Indian Army said in a statement in New Delhi. "The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," it said. On October 19 last year, Indian troops had captured a Chinese soldier after he "strayed" across the LAC in the Demchok sector of Ladakh. Corporal Wang Ya Long of the PLA was handed back to China at Chushul-Moldo border point in eastern Ladakh following laid down protocols. Glenn Greenwald has claimed 'far more violence' has been planned on Facebook than on Parler after Google and Apple removed the latter from their app stores and Amazon booted it off its web hosting service. The journalist tweeted Sunday to accuse the tech giants of 'feigning offense to destroy' the app after Donald Trump was on Friday kicked off of most mainstream social media platforms. Greenwald, part of a team that won a Pulitzer for reports about government surveillance programs based on leaks by Edward Snowden, tweeted: 'For years, I heard it's invalid to object to political censorship by FB & Twitter because, if you don't like it, you can just create a competing social media platform. 'Parler tried. And in 24 hours, Google, Apple & Amazon united to destroy it. That's what monopoly power means.' Parler's CEO John Matze told Fox News Sunday that the decision was 'devastating'. He said: 'They all work together to make sure at the same time we would lose access to not only our apps, but they're actually shutting all of our servers off tonight, off the internet.' 'They made an attempt to not only kill the app, but to actually destroy the entire company.' The app will 'likely' go down for up to a week Sunday evening, Matze said. Glenn Greenwald has claimed 'far more violence' has been planned on Facebook The journalist tweeted Sunday to accuse the tech giants of 'feigning offense to destroy' the app after Donald Trump was on Friday kicked off of most mainstream social media platforms Sharing a 2019 link to a New York Times article headlined 'How YouTube Radicalized Brazil' Greenwald added: 'Far more violence has been planned on Facebook than on Parler, including at the Capitol & many other violent protests as well. 'Google-owned YouTube has long algorithmically promoted right-wing extremism. Now they're feigning offense to destroy Parler.' The far right-friendly Parler had been the leading candidate for Trump to continue to reach his followers, at least until Google, Apple and Amazon made the moves. The far right-friendly Parler had been the leading candidate for Trump to continue to reach his followers, at least until Google, Apple and Amazon made the moves Who is Parler's CEO John Matze? Parler's CEO John Matze told Fox News Sunday that the decision by the tech giants against his company was 'devastating' Matze, who describes himself as libertarian, founded Parler in 2018 as a 'free-speech driven' alternative to mainstream platforms but began courting right-leaning users as prominent supporters of Trump moved there. It is bankrolled by hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer's daughter Rebekah, the Wall Street Journal reported in November. Rebekah has described herself as a co-founder of the site with Matze. Both studied computer science program at the University of Denver. After graduating in 2014 Matze teamed up with fellow alumni Jared Thomson, now chief technical officer, to create Parler. Matze married Russian Alina Mukhutdinova after the pair reportedly met in Las Vegas. Alina's Instagram profile shows the couple have at least one child. Those who have joined include commentator Candace Owens, Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who handcuffed herself to the door of Twitter's New York office in November 2018 to protest a ban on her by the site. Advertisement Matze had earlier said that could knock it offline for a week, though that might prove optimistic. And even if it finds a friendlier web-hosting service, without a smartphone app, it's hard to imagine Parler gaining mainstream success. The two-year-old magnet for the far right claims more than 12 million users, though mobile app analytics firm Sensor Tower puts the number at 10 million worldwide, with 8 million in the U.S. That's a fraction of the 89 million followers Trump had on Twitter. Still, Parler might be attractive to Trump since it's where his sons Eric and Don Jr. are already active. Parler hit headwinds, though, on Friday as Google yanked its smartphone app from its app store for allowing postings that seek 'to incite ongoing violence in the U.S.' Apple followed suit on Saturday evening after giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to 'plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities.' Public safety issues will need to be resolved before it is restored, Apple said. A message seeking comment from Parler was sent Sunday on whether the company plans to change its policies and enforcement around these issues. Amazon struck another blow Saturday, informing Parler it would need to look for a new web-hosting service effective midnight Sunday. It reminded Parler in a letter, first reported by Buzzfeed, that it had informed it in the past few weeks of 98 examples of posts 'that clearly encourage and incite violence' and said the platform 'poses a very real risk to public safety.' Parler CEO John Matze decried the punishments as 'a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the marketplace. We were too successful too fast,' he said in a Saturday night post, saying it was possible Parler would be unavailable for up to a week 'as we rebuild from scratch.' 'Every vendor, from text message services, to e-mail providers, to our lawyers all ditched us too on the same day,' Matze said Sunday on Fox New Channels 'Sunday Morning Futures.' He said while the company is trying to get back online as quickly as possible, its 'having a lot of trouble, because every vendor we talk to says they wont work with us, because, if Apple doesnt approve and Google doesnt approve, they wont.' Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple - whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones - severely limits Parlers reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. Losing Amazon Web Services will mean Parler needs to scramble to find another web host, in addition to the re-engineering. Trump may also launch his own platform. But that won't happen overnight, and free speech experts anticipate growing pressure on all social media platforms to curb incendiary speech as Americans take stock of Wednesdays violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol by a Trump-incited mob. Twitter ended Trumps nearly 12-year run on Friday. In shuttering his account, it cited a tweet to his 89 million followers that he planned to skip President-elect Joe Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration, saying it gave rioters license to converge on Washington once again. Though stripped of his Twitter account for inciting rebellion, President Donald Trump does have alternative options of much smaller reach Twitter ended Trumps nearly 12-year run on Friday. In shuttering his account, it cited a tweet to his 89 million followers that he planned to skip President-elect Joe Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration, saying it gave rioters license to converge on Washington once again Parler is bankrolled by prominent conservative donor Rebekah Mercer Parler, which styles itself as a 'free speech-driven' space, is bankrolled by hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer's daughter Rebekah, the Wall Street Journal reported in November. Rebekah has described her as a co-founder of the site with CEO John Matze. 'John and I started Parler to provide a neutral platform for free speech, as our founders intended, and also to create a social media environment that would protect data privacy,' she wrote in a post on the site this fall. 'The ever increasing tyranny and hubris of our tech overlords demands that someone lead the fight against data mining, and for the protection of free speech online,' she added. Hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer is pictured with his daughter Rebekah in 2017 Matze replied to the post: 'Bekah is a great friend, an American patriot, and most importantly committed to the Parler vision of neutrality and data privacy. We are grateful for her support since 2018, and her early faith in the founders has enabled us to reach these heights. #transparency.' After WSJ reported Rebekah's links to Parler she issued a statement saying that her multi-millionaire father Robert was not an investor in the site - while sources close to the clan claimed that the investment was a family affair. Rebekah referred to herself as a co-founder of Parler in a post on the site in November Advertisement Facebook and Instagram have suspended Trump at least until Inauguration Day. Twitch and Snapchat also disabled Trumps accounts, while Shopify took down online stores affiliated with the president and Reddit removed a Trump subgroup. Twitter also banned Trump loyalists including former national security advisor Michael Flynn in a sweeping purge of accounts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory and the Capitol insurrection. Some had hundreds of thousands of followers. In a statement Friday, Trump said: 'We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future.' Gab is another potential landing spot for Trump. But it, too, has had troubles with internet hosting. Google and Apple both booted it from their app stores in 2017 and it was left internet-homeless for a time the following year due to anti-Semitic posts attributed to the man accused of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Microsoft also terminated a web-hosting contract. Online speech experts expect social media companies led by Facebook, Twitter and Google's YouTube to more vigorously police hate speech and incitement in the wake of the Capitol rebellion, as Western democracies led by Nazism-haunted Germany already do. David Kaye, a University of California-Irvine law professor and former U.N. special rapporteur on free speech believes the Parlers of the world will also face pressure from the public and law enforcement as will little-known sites where further pre-inauguration disruption is now apparently being organized. They include MeWe, Wimkin, TheDonald.win and Stormfront, according to a report released Saturday by The Alethea Group, which tracks disinformation. Kaye rejects arguments by U.S. conservatives including the presidents former U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, that the Trump ban savaged the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from restricting free expression. 'Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country,' Haley tweeted. 'Its not like the platforms rules are draconian. People dont get caught in violations unless they do something clearly against the rules,' said Kaye. And not just individual citizens have free speech rights. 'The companies have their freedom of speech, too.' While initially arguing their need to be neutral on speech, Twitter and Facebook gradually yielded to public pressure drawing the line especially when the so-called Plandemic video emerged early in the coronavirus pandemic urging people not to wear masks, noted civic media professor Ethan Zuckerman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Zuckerman expects the Trump de-platforming may spur important online shifts. First, there may be an accelerated splintering of the social media world along ideological lines. 'Trump will pull a lot of audience wherever he goes,' he said. That could mean more platforms with smaller, more ideologically isolated audiences. Egypts immigration ministry urges fishermen to avoid other nations territorial waters January 10,2021 | Source: Egypt Today Egypts Immigration Ministry urges fishermen to immediately stop accessing economic waters of other countries, after many Egyptian fishing boats have been seized in Tunisia over illegal fishing. The ministry said the states authorities are working to avoid fishermen from accessing other nations territorial waters, out of respect to its international and legal commitments and its keenness to protect Egyptian fishermen. The ministry said relatives of 61 fishermen from Kafr El-Sheikh in northern Egypt have asked the ministry for help as the fishermen have been held in Tunisian Sfax port for three weeks. It added that the ministry immediately acted to ensure the safety of the detained fishermen. The fishermen were illegally fishing in the Tunisian economic zone when they were seized, the ministry said, noting that they are all fine. The authorities in Tunisia are verifying the fishermens identities to make sure they are all Egyptian nationals, in preparation for other procedures, the ministry added. 2020 All rights reserved to Egypttoday Theme(s): Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods. SEATTLE Seattles internal police watchdog is investigating tweets by the head of the citys police officers union that suggested Black Lives Matter and other liberal activists share blame for last weeks violence at the U.S. Capitol. The Seattle Times reports that the Office of Police Accountability has opened an internal investigation into the tweets by Mike Solan, president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild. Solans tweets include one on Friday saying the far right and far left are responsible for that sad day, the Times said. Solan didnt immediately respond to requests for comment from the Times. The investigation comes after two city police officers were placed on administrative leave by interim Police Chief Adrian Diaz while authorities look into what role, if any, the officers played in Washington, D.C., when a violent mob of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the nations Capitol. Both Mayor Jenny Durkan and the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police condemned Solans social media comments on Saturday. Durkans chief of staff, Stephanie Formas, said in an emailed statement that Solan should retract his statements and apologize or resign. -- The Associated Press Titular de la PCM: Hemos adoptado tres acuerdos fundamentales. El gobernador de La Libertad va a comunicarse con los representantes de los agricultores y las partes que se estan manifestando para generar condiciones favorables para un dialogo entre todos los actores. pic.twitter.com/7IMK5gUVdr Swara Bhasker, Arya Babbar, Rabbi Shergill And Others Participate In 'Artists For Farmers' Concert At Tikri Border Actor Swara Bhasker and a host of artistes on Saturday participated in a concert at Tikri Border here to express solidarity with the farmers protesting against the Centre's farm laws. Besides Bhasker, artistes like Rabbi Shergill, Harbhajan Mann, Arya Babbar, Jaazy Bains, Noor Chahal and Gurpreet Saini turned up for the Artist for Farmers concert, organised at Sanyukt Kisaan Morcha main stage. Addressing the protesting farmers at the venue, Bhasker said, "I have come here as an artiste and as a citizen of this country, representing those people who grew up in cities but have never been to villages." View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@navjivanindia) Bhasker said the fight against the government's three farm laws has to be fought by every citizen of the country. "I want to thank you all on the behalf of the whole country for fighting our battles through this protest. I feel ashamed today as we have become a society and a country where instead of taking care of our elderly people, we have compelled them to sit on streets in such a cold weather. "We have become so shameless and arrogant that we don't feel any pain about these people. If country is our mother, then kisan is the father because they provide us with food," she added. Taking a swipe at the people, who have questioned the motive behind the protest, Bhasker said such people are making "false allegations" against the protestors. "They are abusing you everyday and instigating people against you. I want to apologise to you all on behalf of all these people," she added Undeterred by the winter chill, thousands of farmers have stayed put at various border points of Delhi since November 26 as part of their protest against the Centre's farm laws. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. After purchasing 25 lottery tickets in December, this Turner, Maine couple won $1 million dollars making 2020 a year they certainly will not forget, for the right reasons. (Photo: Getty Creative) A Maine couple is starting the new year $1 million richer. On Dec. 29, Stephanie Lemieux and her fiance Glenn Theriault of Turner bought 25 lottery tickets for $25 each from their local grocery store. After dividing the stack of tickets in half, the couple began trying their luck. Theres gotta be a big one in here, he recalled telling himself, the Sun Journal reports. Turns out, the 11th ticket was the charm. Stephanie Lemieux celebrated the win on Facebook. (Photo: Facebook) I couldnt believe what I was seeing and it took a second for it to sink in. I did a big karate chop on the arm of the recliner and yelled I cant believe it and jumped up, Theriault said. Lemieux admitted that she initially didnt believe him as she watched his celebratory dance, but once she saw the ticket for herself, they cheered to the good news and called family members. This stroke of luck was seemingly the cherry on top of a good 2020 for the pair, a year that started off with heartache following the passing of their 13-year-old chocolate lab, Baxter, in the spring. He was like our child and meant the world to us, especially since we were told I could never have children, Lemieux explained to the Sun Journal. Letting go was one of the hardest things we ever had to do but it was time and Baxter seemed to know it. That moment turned out to be the couples lowest. While last year was. unprecedentedly tough for many Americans amid the global pandemic, especially economically, Lemieux and Theriaults small business thrived. They also found out that they were expecting their first child after losing hope that it would ever happen. So naturally, they tried their luck with the lottery buying tickets every week. We save up our winners and cash them in all at once and then buy a bunch more, Theriault admitted. I figured we might get lucky one of these days and hit a big one. Howd that work out? After doing some research, they confirmed that one of the four $1 million tickets had been sold in their state, so they made an appointment with the state lottery office, but in the meantime they decided to safeguard it by taking a photo of it and locking it in a safety deposit box at their bank. The pair then returned to the grocery store where they bought the ticket and gifted $1,000 to all of the managers that had assisted them. They were in shock and couldnt believe it, Lemieux said. The cashier began to cry and couldnt speak. It was such a great feeling. After taxes, the couples winnings amount to about $710,000 and they plan to use it to invest in their business and retirement as well as some treats for themselves, which may include snowmobiles and ATVs. Read more from Yahoo Life: Want lifestyle and wellness news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Lifes newsletter. A ghastly crime is waking San Francisco up to a new reality. The honeymoon for District Attorney Chesa Boudin and his progressive views on law enforcement is over. His goals for a rebalanced legal system are on hold. The starting point is a legal no doubter. A career criminal on parole at the wheel of a stolen car allegedly ran a red light and killed two pedestrians at a downtown intersection. He ran off and eventually was caught by police, who found a handgun in the vehicle and traces of alcohol and meth in his system. His rap sheet dates back years, but the sum of the nightmare charges and past offenses match nearly every public grievance about rampant drug use, auto break-ins and burglaries, pedestrian safety, and the image of an ineffectual, spinning-door court system. The suspect didnt deserve to be on the loose. Boudin enters the picture next to receive the blame. Just weeks before, after yet another arrest, the suspect was let go by the district attorneys office. The parole system was better equipped to handle the situation, Boudin suggested, than his office running the individual through the courts. That assumption meant that the deadly mayhem wasnt his fault, he argued. Thats not an acceptable answer. Shunning his obvious responsibility to protect the public wont work in this case, especially given the glaring circumstances and outcome. Arguments about restorative justice wont cut it. Neither will finger pointing at parole authorities as Boudin has done. It brings up a further issue thats been brewing since he took office last year after a narrow runoff win over a more moderate rival. With his background as a public defender, Boudin came to office along with a crop of other reform-minded district attorneys in California. Diana Becton took office in Contra Costa County, Santa Claras Jeff Rosen is touting progressive stances, and perhaps biggest of all, former San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon won office in Los Angeles with plans to redirect money from prosecutions to social service programs. Alameda County District Attorney Nancy OMalley has heeded the trend and moderated a hardline image. The new blood has yielded startling results and policy reversals. Boudin is taking on police shootings by charging a pair of officers. Hes not convinced that Tenderloin drug sweeps will end the neighborhoods open air fentanyl and heroin market. Hes reviving the use of grand jury indictments to speed up aging court cases. Against that local background are more sweeping issues that span the state. Boudins a leader in the drive to end cash bail. He wants a ban on police contributions in district attorney election races. Lesser penalties, especially on nonviolent crimes, should end an era of mass incarceration, hes argued. These are all causes worth pursuing as voters weigh new directions for the courts, law enforcement and prison system. One serious crime on a San Francisco street corner wont end the progress that these dysfunctional operations need. But its bringing on sharp questioning about Boudins judgment and willingness to accept responsibility. Mayor London Breed is taking aim.The criminal justice system in our city has failed, the mayor said in a video interview with the Chinese language newspaper World Journal. She ridiculed the finger pointing and a criminal justice system in San Francisco that has failed to acknowledge that a repetitive offender of crime in our city has been able to be released without being held accountable. Already two city supervisors, Catherine Stefani and Ahsha Safai, are calling attention to the hit-and-run case. Stefani fired off an all-hands letter to criminal justice figures including Boudin, asking what happens when an individual on parole is arrested for new offenses? She added, I would like to better understand what policies or recent policy changes have governed these decisions. Stefani, a moderate and former prosecutor, was all but naming Boudin. Alongside is Safai, calling for a hearing on the double fatal car case that underscored a glaring error in our system that could have prevented this tragedy. Boudins loyalists on the Board of Supervisors remain stone silent. Call it political grandstanding or another round of the blame game. But the city needs to delve into what went so wrong. Only then can the city resume the direction that many want: a legal system that protects people and guides offenders in a better way. Progressive justice deserves a chance to work, but it requires a level of competence and accountability that was missing in this case. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. MUMBAI : The Reserve Bank of India ( RBI ) on Friday said it will resume normal liquidity operations in view of the evolving liquidity and financial conditions, intending to drain out excess liquidity and bring overnight lending rates closer to the reverse repo levels. On a review of evolving liquidity and financial conditions, it has been decided to restore normal liquidity management operations in a phased manner," the central bank said. As a first step, the central bank will conduct a 14-day variable rate reverse repo auction of 2 trillion on 15 January. Banks will get to park surplus funds with the RBI while earning the reverse repo rate of 3.35% and this will disincentivize lending at rates below 3.35% in the money market. The announcement is tactically facilitating two objectives, signalling a careful and calibrated departure from the ultra-loose policy and pushing short-term rate to the upper tier of the corridor," said Soumyajit Niyogi, associate director at India Ratings and Research. RBI has allowed system liquidity to be in surplus since the announcement of the nationwide lockdown in March. The daily liquidity surplus has been 6 trillion- 7 trillion over the last few months. This has led to a drop in short-term rates to below the reverse repo rate of 3.35%. At the latest auction, the 90-day T-bill was sold at 3.038%, much below the reverse repo rate, or the rate at which banks borrow from RBI. The short-term borrowing cost for both corporates and banks have fallen to below 3.35%. According to Care Ratings, the banking system has a liquidity surplus for the last 19 months. This can primarily be attributed to the inflow of bank deposits surpassing the outflow of bank credit. Incremental bank deposits have grown by 6.7% since March 2020 against a bank credit growth of 1.7%. Additionally, the various liquidity infusion measures being taken by RBI, including the open market operations (OMO) purchases, the long term repo operations, and the targeted long term repo operations have been adding to liquidity surplus in the economy. So far this fiscal, RBI has undertaken OMO purchases of government securities worth 3.57 trillion and OMO purchase of state development loans worth 300 billion. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. As the outlook for oil is uncertain for 2021, following a turbulent 2020, companies look toward new technologies and innovation to drive the industry forward. From Houston to Scotland, we are seeing more and more firms come up with innovative solutions for the digital transformation of oil; with some unexpected companies getting involved in the $3.3 trillion global energy industry. As thousands lost their jobs across the oil industry in 2020, it became clear that energy companies had to embrace change, to modernize oil strategies continuing into the new decade. While several have suffered the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Houston has been gradually branding itself as a tech hub. The long-established oil industry, not often open to dramatic change, is slowly coming around to the idea of digitalization, the introduction of new technologies, and essentially anything that will bring it out of the 2020 rut into the future. In a 2020 Ernst & Young Oil and Gas Digital Transformation and the Workforce Survey, around 92 percent of companies polled highlighted the need to adapt their practices in line with modern expectations. Much of this change involves digitalization of the industry, with 51 percent of companies planning to invest moderately in digital technologies and 29 percent to invest a great deal. According to the poll, two of the principal drivers of this investment were the pandemic and low oil prices. Related: The Worlds Most Controversial Pipeline Project Enters Its Final Phase In Houston, several start-ups have jumped at the chance to provide innovative solutions for oil majors who before would not have given them the time of day. Tachyus, a Silicon Valley startup that transferred many staff to Houston last year, is a tech company that aims to optimize energy production. Another firm, GoExpedi, aims to procure industrial energy equipment, using a digital inventory system to track and manage all equipment. Digital services and blockchain networks have also been cropping up across the U.S. in support of the modernization of the energy sector. The City of Houston has been supporting these startups through incubator and accelerator programs and roundtables to encourage greater innovation across the oil industry. And this effort seems to have paid off as Houston tech startups raised $466 million in funding between January and July 2020 according to a HTX Funding Review. Similarly, in Scotland, RAB-Microfluidics a company that created pioneering oil analysis technology, has acquired 1.24 million ($1.68 million) in funding that expects the company to double its staff and further develop the new technology. Its Lab-on-a-chip technology will allow energy companies to monitor the condition of oil used in heavy machinery on-site instead of needing to transfer it to a laboratory for analysis. The Aberdeen-based company, which was developed out of the Physical Science college at the University of Aberdeen, created a 22x15mm glass chip that can provide a 30x20cm portable laboratory for use on-site. The technology is not only limited to use in oil but will also serve the gas, aerospace, transport and manufacturing industries. RAB-Microfluidics CEO, Rotimi Alabi, explained how the company is revolutionizing oil testing and analysis services by delivering oil analysis more than one thousand times faster and around ten times cheaper than the current approach that is based on sending oil samples to laboratories.. While several oil companies have had to slash costs to tackle the decrease in demand and drop in oil prices over the last year, many are open to innovative money-saving solutions and new technologies that will support oil production, storage, monitoring, and analysis in the future. As the energy sector continues to face uncertainties going into 2021, it seems that tech companies with a focus on oil could be the perfect opportunity for investment as majors look to modernize. Digitalization and the use of innovative technologies is saving the oil industry vital funds needed to keep afloat under the current volatile conditions. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: For many months, our country has closed its borders to international travellers, allowing only a few thousand Australian citizens, residents and their immediate families to return each week. This tough measure has been necessary to protect our country as far as possible from the worst of the global pandemic and, generally speaking, it's been effective. But every step is necessary to curb the pandemic. The coronavirus mutates, and it will continue to do so. Vigilance is essential. Credit:Luis Ascui Now Australia has again tightened it borders in the face of an emergent threat, namely an especially virulent UK "mutant" strain of COVID-19, which has already slipped beyond hotel quarantine. These latest cuts in international entry numbers will undoubtedly cause frustration and a level of grief for thousands of Australians and their families who are still trying to return home. Many have spent months overseas, battling passenger caps, high airfares and flight cancellations in order to exercise their legal right to come back. ADVERTISEMENT At least 28 members of the Boko Haram were killed Saturday in Gujba, Yobe State, in an encounter with soldiers, the Nigerian military said on Sunday. One soldier was also killed in the encounter, military spokesman Bernard Onyeuko said in a statement Sunday evening. Read the statement by Mr Onyeuko, a brigadier general, below. Troops of the newly launched Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO a subsidiary Operation of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East continue to obliterate elements of Boko Haram/Islamic States West Africa Province criminals with uncommon ferocity. Latest encounter with the marauding Boko Haram criminals occurred on 9 January 2021 at Gujba LGA of Yobe State where the Gallant troops identified and encycled a Boko Haram criminals Ambush site. The troops from HQ Sector 2 who were led by the Commander Sector 2 and later reinforced by troops from 27 TF Bde Buni Gari and Special Forces Training School Buni Yadi tactically out-manouevered the criminals and engaged them with superior fire power resulting in high casualty on the terrorists. In the aftermath of the decisive encounter, 28 Boko Haram Terrorists were neutralized while few others are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds. In the same vein, one Boko Haram Gun Truck was destroyed with its occupants while another Gun Truck was captured from the fleeing criminals. Other equipment captured from the criminals include; 2 Anti Aircraft Guns, 13 AK 47 Rifles, 4 extra magazines and a Vulcanizing Machine. Regrettably, one gallant soldier paid the supreme price while one other soldier was wounded during the encounter. Wounded soldier have been evacuated to a military medical facility and is responding positively to treatment. The renewed onslaught against the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic States West Africa Province criminals by the dogged troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO is indicative of the end of all criminal elements within the North East. The troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO are highly commended for their dedication and determination in flushing out remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts. They are also encouraged not to relent but build on the successes recorded. The entire populace of the North East region are hereby assured of the Nigerian Armys renewed vigour and determination to crush the remnants of Boko Haram/Islamic States West Africa Province criminals from their enclaves in this zone. The Rosca de Reyes is a traditional cake eaten during the Mexican holiday of El Dia de los Reyes Magos. The celebration marks the day when the three wise men made their way to the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and in Mexico it is celebrated with the Rosca de Reyes bread which has Christ child figures inside to mark it as a blessing for the person that gets the piece with one of them. Although in the United States is not officially considered a holiday, many Laredoans celebrate at home, in their workplaces and with their extended family. One local bakery notes it is their biggest day of the year. This is the busiest day of the year hands down, said Alfred Rodman II, assistant manager at the Quickie Bakery. It is busier than any other day. I am not sure, but it is something that I have noticed since I started working here in 2015, and I am not going to downplay the other holidays like Christmas to Mothers Day to Fathers Day or even Thanksgiving, which are pretty busy. But for some reason the Dia De Los Reyes is always our busiest day. Rodman II said two days before the Jan. 6 holiday, the bakery begins preparing all the items to make around 700 roscas between the days leading up to the holiday and the actual day as customers continue to shop at the last minute. Due to how bust the bakery is, Rodman II said bakers tend to stay longer hours on Jan. 6 to ensure all the bread needed is made to satisfy demand. The bakers are here from 3 in the morning until leaving around 8 p.m., Rodman II said. Normally, they are here at 3 a.m. and leave around 12 or 1 p.m., but today they are for the long haul. Everybody knows that leading up to the day that this is it and it is the day that we have the most support from the staff, because they know that we have to get through ourselves with this very busy day. The prices of the roscas vary as the traditional ones without much filling cost $19 and the larger traditional ones cost $27. The prices for the roscas containing a variety of different fillings called the special roscas cost $23 for the smaller ones and $33 for the larger roscas. The high number of sales for the bakery shows how the pandemic has not severely affected the Jan. 6 holiday, but it is a common trend that the bakery has seen throughout the pandemic. They believe they have not been affected as much as other companies. People around the city said they were celebrating the occasion by buying roscas from nearby bakeries in efforts to ensure they have one at home even if it is just with their nuclear families. I bought ours yesterday from a local bakery, because we wanted to make sure that we helped out local business owners during this occasion rather than going to a large grocery chain and getting them from there, Martha Sullivan said. Another shopper said they bought it from a local bakery like Quickie Bakery because they taste better as well. Not only do you help local business owners, but they are also more tasty than their counterparts, Eugenia Saldivar said. I think that just having one and eating at home even during this time helps us lose a bit of the fear and makes us feel more normal in a time when normalcy has bene lost because of this virus. Rodman II thanks the people continuing to celebrate and buying bread from bakeries like theirs as it helps them remain financially steady amid the pandemic. I know that during 2020 and the pandemic that many businesses got in trouble, but thank God and all of our customers who supported our staff and everyone who is part of this Quickie Bakery that is a local business that has been around for over 50 years. We have seen our sales maintain steady throughout the year, Rodman II said. We never saw a decline thank God as we were blessed with that, and today is no different. Rodman II said sales of roscas remained steady compared to 2020. He believes this is a testament to his business remaining strong. He said another reason why sales remain good is they are an essential business and they have maintained steady precautions in light of the COVID-19 virus. These precautions include allowing only two customers into the store at a time and offering curbside options. They also require customers to wear a mask and practice social distance, and they have hand sanitizer readily available at the entrance. We really hope to continue boosting our sales on a daily basis and of course when the holidays are coming around as whenever a holiday comes around we do very well, Rodman II said. Our goal is to hopefully continue expanding to a northern location. We are looking at opportunities to see when we could move forward with that as we know many people know our bakery, and our bakery has been here at the same location for over 50 years. We hope to continue to broaden our base even though many people know who we are, especially our older population in our community, and it gets passed down to our kids. While it is being considered, Rodman II said there is nothing setting in stone for expanding to a northern location this year. Its an ambition but no confirmation on that, Rodman II said. The assistant manager, however, said he thanks the community for its continued support and hopes this will continue as they could have not done it for the past 50 years and throughout the pandemic without them. I just want to thank the community for their continued support and for supporting our local business, Rodman II said. More than anything, we are blessed and really thankful for anybody that continues to walk into our bakery, and we just continue to ask for that support. And I hope that we continue to provide the best service and the best bread that we can as we get into 2021. jorge.vela@lmtonline.com Sister Rosemary Smith, a Sister of Charity of St. Elizabeth at Convent Station, is the first woman to serve as a canonical adviser to the Archbishop of Newark. In effect, shes the cardinals consigliere. In that role, Smith advises Cardinal Joseph Tobin about what has to be followed in canon law on a variety of matters facing the archdiocese. Canon law, the equivalent of civil law for the church, was last revised in 1983 and guides the worldwide church on all aspects of governance. They range from laws pertaining to respecting rights of church members to more mundane matters like property. One area Smith deals with regularly is the rental or sale of church property. When a request comes to the cardinal, Smith makes sure that all processes are in place. Factors include the length and monetary amounts of a lease and the total price of a sale. She would advise which local boards, like the College of Consultors or the Presbyteral Council, need to review any proposal and would sit in on those meetings when the matter is discussed and voted on. There are also Vatican requirements that have to be met. Other areas involve personnel matters, parishes and responding to requests for documents and information from the Vatican. In the many positions she has held throughout the country, she has reviewed and published scholarly articles about the canon that governs when a layperson administers a parish and the canon that allows or prohibits secular, political involvement by clergy and religious. Recall when the Jesuit Robert Drinan was forced by Pope John Paul II to resign as a Massachusetts congressman. He did not run for re-election and left Congress in 1981. There is a good reason for (the ban) and exceptions to it, said Smith, who has published 15 scholarly articles on canon law topics. She noted that when a cleric or religious identifies with a political party, they are less able to represent all of the people. The diocesan bishop has a tribunal of canon lawyers who routinely handle marriage annulments and other canon law decisions for the bishop and he can delegate other matters to them. Smith received her doctorate in canon law from Catholic University in 1983 and went to the Little Rock, Arkansas, Diocese, which covers the entire state, to direct their tribunal and serve as vicar for religious until 1987. A third of her 60 years of religious life have been working with healthcare systems in Georgia, Virginia, Texas and New Jersey. She is an expert on Catholic sponsorship and mission and has advised scores of institutions. In 2018, Tobin personally recruited Smith knowing she was one of the most respected canon lawyers, and a woman, in the country. Before returning to the States, Tobin served as an archbishop for the Vaticans office on religious life and stood up for the women religious in the U.S. when the Vatican was investigating them in 2010. He is a rock star among the nuns. For his outspokenness, Pope Benedict banished Tobin to become the archbishop of Indianapolis. Tobin is a good leader and a good listener, said Smith, whose office is in the cardinals suite. I think hes doing a good job and the morale of priests is better. Tobins chancellor is also a woman religious but the late Archbishop Peter Gerety had the most women in administrative and pastoral positions. Smith has also held several leadership positions in her community, which had 1,200 sisters when she entered in 1960, the largest in the state. Today, there are 200 and the average age is in the high 70s. She has been Assistant General Superior twice and was a province councilor. She started out as many of her community did by teaching school, including three years at the now closed St. Aloysius High in Jersey City. She holds a Masters in English literature from Montclair State and wanted another one in math until she decided on canon law. Its a field dominated by men, and she was one of only a handful of women in the program at Catholic University. Most of her classmates had never been in a class with a woman before and for them it took getting used to, she said, adding, some more easily than others. Smiths dissertation was on laypeople in the liturgical life of the church. Asked to name a significant need in the church today she said, unpacking the clericalism in the church. Its critical to the future. Clericalism puts clergy on a pedestal, above the rest of the church members, with special privileges. She has noted that religious life has changed from one where sisters staffed institutions with a steady stream of workers to one where the members do good work wherever we can. When Smith entered religious life, there were hundreds of her sisters living and ministering in Hudson County, especially Jersey City, but there are perhaps a dozen today. She lives in an intentional community with four other Charities in two apartments on Emory Street in Jersey City. Its also a house of hospitality for Charities visiting from outside the state. They share common meals, prayer services and household tasks. Their chosen life mirrors the early Christian community of faith to be a leaven for all. And Smiths devotion to the law is to interpret it in the best pastoral light. The Rev. Alexander Santora is the pastor of Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph, 400 Willow Ave., Hoboken, NJ 07030. Email: padrealex@yahoo.com; Twitter: @padrehoboken. Standard Chartered has signed a global deal that will allow staff to work away from central offices in one of the biggest steps towards permanent flexible working at a major financial firm. The agreement with serviced office network IWG allows the London-based bank's 95,000 employees access to 3,500 offices around the world for a trial period of 12 months. This will give them the option to work in more convenient locations closer to home while benefiting from office facilities. It follows comments from HSBC's chief finance officer Ewen Stevenson in October that its 230,000 staff could adopt 'hybrid working' practices including 'two or three days in the office, two or three days at home' in future. New direction: A leaked memo revealed in November that Standard Chartered was considering providing 'near home' work locations for staff A leaked memo revealed in November that Standard Chartered was considering providing 'near home' work locations for staff that could gradually increase numbers working flexibly by 2023. Chief financial officer Andy Halford also recently said he believed that soon 'the word 'office' will become a bit of a thing of the past'. In a statement sent to The Mail on Sunday last night announcing details of the new plan, Halford said: 'There are many positive opportunities for productivity, employee experience, and inclusivity from flexi-working. 'However, our enforced absence from the office has highlighted the benefits that we and our clients get from face-to-face interactions, the value of physical workspaces and the important role of the workplace for our wellbeing. 'We hope this partnership will provide suitable alternatives to working from home and from the office, enabling our employees to work closer to clients, colleagues and their teams, as well as reducing commute time, travel costs and our individual and collective carbon footprint.' Mark Dixon, founder and chief executive of IWG, said firms have been taking 'a gradual step towards hybrid working' but Standard Chartered were moving to a more 'radically employee centric approach'. He added: 'One of the biggest pain points identified by workers globally is the commute and Standard Chartered by acknowledging the importance of helping employees achieve a better work-life balance as well as significantly reducing their carbon footprint is demonstrating a modern, forward-thinking outlook, that shows they are in touch with their people's needs.' London's financial institutions were among the first to get staff to work from home when the crisis hit. In a recent survey, the proportion of investment banks preparing to allow staff to work remotely for at least some of the time after the pandemic rose to 75 per cent in September. That compared with 42 per cent in June, according to a survey of 250 financial services organisations in London by Worldpay owner FIS. Lloyds Banking Group, which owns Halifax and the Bank of Scotland, has had around 50,000 of 68,000 working from home. It is understood to have given some branch staff the option of working from home permanently. City advisory firm Deloitte, which employs 19,000 people in the UK, said last year it was not going to renew property leases at four of its 50 offices and said the rest would be constantly reviewed. This meant that 500 staff would have the opportunity to work remotely full-time. Financial firms are also driven by a desire to recruit talented staff attracted by increased flexibility. It is also likely some companies will seize the opportunity to drive cost savings and could mean some offices close or are sub-let. German giant Deutsche Bank and US investment bank JPMorgan Chase have both said they are considering permanent increases in flexibility. An all-women cockpit crew of Air India has taken off the inaugural flight between Bengaluru and San Francisco. "Way to go girls! Professional, qualified & confident, the all-women cockpit crew takes off from San Francisco to Bengaluru on @airindiain s flight to fly over the North Pole. Our Nari Shakti achieves a historic first," Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted. Way to go girls! Professional, qualified & confident, the all women cockpit crew takes off from San Francisco to Bengaluru on @airindiain's flight to fly over North Pole. Our Nari Shakti achieves a historic first. pic.twitter.com/X46cs73dQu Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) January 10, 2021 "Imagine this: All Women Cockpit Crew. Longest flight into India. Crossing the North Pole. Its here & happening! Records were broken. History in the making by AI176 from San Francisco to Bengaluru. AI 176 is cruising at 30000 feet," Air India tweeted. #FlyAI : Imagine this : -All Women Cockpit Crew. -Longest flight into India. -Crossing the North Pole Its here & happening! Records broken. History in the making by AI176 from @flySFO to @BLRAirport. AI 176 is cruising at 30000 feet pic.twitter.com/kZ66hqiatq Air India (@airindiain) January 10, 2021 The Air India flight will fly over the North Pole, taking the Atlantic route to reach Bengaluru. The inaugural flight AI176 departed from San Francisco in the USA at 8.30 pm (local time) on Saturday and it will land at the Kempegowda International Airport at 3.45 am (local time) on Monday. Earlier, on Saturday, the minister had said in a tweet that Air India's woman power flies high around the world and it was a historic inaugural flight between the two cities. "Air India's woman power flies high around the world. All women cockpit crew consisting of Captain Zoya Agarwal, Capt Papagari Thanmai, Capt Akanksha Sonawane, and Capt Shivani Manhas will operate the historic inaugural flight between Bengaluru and San Francisco," he said. Air Indias woman power flies high around the world. All women cockpit crew consisting of Capt Zoya Aggarwal, Capt Papagari Thanmai, Capt Akansha Sonaware & Capt Shivani Manhas will operate the historic inaugural flight between Bengaluru & San Francisco.@airindiain @MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/HKT6IYo2Dw Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) January 9, 2021 The aerial distance between San Francisco and Bengaluru is one of the longest in the world. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. President Donald Trump walks to the Oval Office while arriving back at the White House in Washington on Dec. 31, 2020. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) ACLU Warns of Unchecked Power After Facebook, Twitter Suspend Trump The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on Friday warned that the suspension of President Donald Trumps social media accounts wielded unchecked power by large tech companies. Kate Ruane, a senior legislative counsel at the ACLU, said in a statement that Twitters decision to suspend Trump from social media sets a precedent for tech companies to silence voices. The group first took issue with Trumps usage of social media outlets to question the results of the Nov. 3 election and his allegations of voter fraud. We understand the desire to permanently suspend him now, but it should concern everyone when companies like Facebook and Twitter wield the unchecked power to remove people from platforms that have become indispensable for the speech of billions especially when political realities make those decisions easier, the ACLU statement read. Ruane said that transparency is needed from Big Tech companies, noting that activists who dont have alternative ways to communicate will suffer. President Trump can turn his press team or Fox News to communicate with the public, but others who have been censored by social media companieswill not have that luxury. It is our hope that these companies will apply their rules transparently to everyone, according to the statement. President Donald Trump speaks at the Stop The Steal Rally in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) Twitter, which suspended Trumps account on Friday indefinitely suspended the presidents access. Instagram, Twitch, Facebook, and others have done the same. Other concerns have been expressed about civil liberties after Apple and Google moved to remove social media app Parlera social media website used primarily by conservativesfrom their respective app downloading stores, saying it has not implemented adequate moderation policies. Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to peoples safety. We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues, said Apple in a statement on Saturday. Amazon told Parler that it was suspending its Amazon Web Services (AWS) because it wasnt acting quickly enough against violent content. Weve seen a steady increase in this violent content on your website, all of which violates our terms of service, the letter stated. But Parler CEO John Matze said in a statement that big tech companies are working to squash a competitor. There is the possibility Parler will be unavailable on internet for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch, he said in a post on Parler. This was a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the market place You can expect the war on competition and free speech to continue, but dont count us out. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Albuquerque police are asking the publics help in finding a young boy who left home after an argument with his parents late Friday night. Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque police spokesman, said 11-year-old Tristan Platero left his home near Wyoming and Spain around midnight and hasnt been seen since. Tristan was upset with his parents due to an argument over rules and discipline and they believe he ran away, Gallegos said Saturday night. We need help locating this child. Detectives are concerned about him, especially with the weather tonight. Platero is described as four feet nine inches, 80 pounds, with brown eyes and hair. Gallegos said anyone who has seen Platero or has any information about the boys whereabouts should call the Albuquerque Police Department or Plateros parents at 505-800-4188 or 505-357-5624. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Sunday, January 10, 2021 From Insider: Kerry O'Donoghue has one big plan for 2021: a destination wedding. O'Donoghue, who lives in California and founded a bridal-wellness company, was supposed to get married in Dublin, Ireland, in August. When the pandemic hit, she, like millions of other engaged people, had to push her wedding back. But she thinks her big day will finally happen, with 100 guests in attendance, just nine months from now, thanks to the promising news that a vaccine will be available worldwide as early as spring much sooner than expected. ... "I would encourage our guests to get a vaccine just to protect themselves and so that everyone feels more comfortable around each other," she said. But it is a complicated gamble. Though Pfizer's two-shot vaccine is being rolled out in the US, Europe, and Canada, and Moderna's in the US, with more on the way, it will take until at least May for the general population to start getting their first doses. Immunity doesn't kick in until two weeks after the second dose, administered a month later. What's more, experts including Dr. Anthony Fauci warn that we can't go back to normal traveling at will, and hugging strangers until every country in the world has eliminated the virus by vaccinating at least 70% of their population. Then there are the logistical nightmares involved in shipping vaccines, quashing anti-vaxxer myths, and making sure everyone in the world gets their two doses. Read more here. https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/family_law/2021/01/when-will-normal-weddings-resume.html Bishop Glenda Curry was installed Saturday, Jan. 10, as head of the Episcopal Diocese in Alabama, the first woman out of the 12 bishops to hold that office. She succeeds retiring Episcopal Bishop John McKee Kee Sloan. The ceremony of investiture was held at Cathedral Church of the Advent, with limited attendance, social distancing and required face masks. Participants gave the sign of peace by bumping elbows. I want to thank anyone who had any part in helping us gather here today and also helping us celebrate in this odd and crazy way that were trying to do it, Curry said. Curry removed her mask briefly for a few comments. Someday we will get to have church without these, Curry said, holding up her face mask. But I am grateful that we get to have church. Curry was elected in 2020 and consecrated as a bishop in June. She held the title of bishop coadjutor, assisting Sloan until he left office. Curry now succeeds him as head of the diocese, which covers north and central Alabama and includes about 30,000 Episcopalians in 88 parishes. Curry, 67, had been rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood since 2004, and is a former president of Troy University in Montgomery. Curry was a nurse and former administrator at the University of Alabama at Birminghams nursing school before she became dean of nursing at Troy State, then president of the Montgomery campus from 1992-99. She was Alabamas first female president of a four-year public university. She has bachelors and masters degrees in nursing and a doctorate in child development, but went to the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn., for a master of divinity degree so she could become a priest. She was ordained in 2002. The Episcopal Church approved the ordination of women in 1976. Curry is married to Dr. William Curry, a professor of medicine at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, and they are the parents of two adult children. Retiring Bishop Kee Sloan was ordained as a suffragan, or assistant, bishop in 2008 for the diocese. Sloan then won an election in 2011 to take over as head of the diocese when former Bishop Henry N. Parsley retired. Conservative social media platform Parler could be shutdown from midnight Sunday after Amazon said it was shutting down its servers. Jeff Bezos' Amazon said it had suspended Parler from its Amazon Web Services (AWS) unit, for violating its terms of services by failing to effectively deal with a steady increase in violent content on the social networking service. Parler's CEO John Matze announced the news, revealing it could leave the app unavailable for a week as the company attempts to rebuild from scratch. Earlier Saturday night, Apple said it is also suspending the app over accusations it is being used to incite violence. The Apple suspension comes after the tech giant gave Parler 24 hours to address the 'threats to people's safety' or be removed from its app store. The move comes one day after Google also removed Parler from its app store, also citing posts inciting violence, and demanded 'robust' content moderation from the app favored by many Trump supporters. Parler had been flooded by conservatives and right wingers fleeing Facebook and Twitter in recent days in the wake of suspension of prominent conservative figures, including Trump himself, and the warnings from Apple. Maetze branded the shutoffs and suspensions 'a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the market place'. The CEO also revealed late Saturday that Parler had removed a post from right-wing attorney Lin Wood, a staunch Trump supporter, that called for Vice President Mike Pence to be executed by 'firing squads'. Scroll down for video Parler's CEO John Matze also revealed that Amazon was cutting off the app's servers, leaving it unavailable for a week as the company attempts to rebuild from scratch, pictured Amazon, owned by Jeff Bezos, pictured, moved against Parler on Saturday night Apple said in a letter to the social media site, which has been flooded by conservatives and right wingers fleeing Facebook and Twitter, that: 'Parler has not upheld its commitment to moderate and remove harmful or dangerous content encouraging violence and illegal activity, and is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines 'Yes, some of his parleys that violated our rules were taken down,' Matze told Mediaite, specifying that the post, or parley, about the 'firing squads' was among those removed. The parley, uploaded Thursday, read: 'They let them in. Get the firing squads ready. Pence goes FIRST.' In a statement to CNN, Wood denied making any threats against Pence, claiming, 'I don't believe in violence, I do believe in the rule of law.' 'I have reliable evidence that Pence has a engaged in acts of treason. My comments were rhetorical hyperbole. Any journalist should understand that concept. If my information is accurate, law enforcement will address what punishment, if any, should be administered to Pence as they do with all criminals,' Wood said. News of Wood's controversial post came just hours after Apple announced it would be suspending Parler from its app store indefinitely, having earlier issued the company 24 hours to address the 'threats to people's safety'. In a letter to the social media site explaining its suspension on Saturday, Apple said: 'Parler has not upheld its commitment to moderate and remove harmful or dangerous content encouraging violence and illegal activity, and is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines.' Apple explained: 'We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity. Parler, a 2-year-old, more freewheeling alternative to Twitter that has become increasingly popular among the president's most ardent supporters 'Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people's safety,' it added. 'We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues'. Matze, in a post on Parler responding to the Apple suspension, said, 'They claim it is due to violence on the platform. The community disagrees as we hit number 1 on their store today'. 'More details about our next plans coming soon as we have many options,' Matze said. He was forced to post again shortly afterward as Amazon announced the shut off of its servers. 'Amazon will be shutting off all of out servers in an attempt to completely remove free speech off the internet,' he wrote. 'There is the possibility Parler will be unavailable on the Internet for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch. We prepared for events like this by never relying on Amazon's proprietary infrastructure and building bare metal products. We will try our best to move to a new provider right now as we have many competing for our business, however Amazon, Google and Apple purposefully did this as a coordinated effort knowing our options would be limited and knowing this would inflict the most damage right as President Trump was banned from the tech companies. We were too successful too fast, he added. You can expect the war on competition and free speech to continue but dont count us out. Parler, a two-year-old, more freewheeling alternative to Twitter that has become increasingly popular among the president's most ardent supporters, would still be available in mobile browsers. Chief Policy Officer Amy Peikoff claimed on Friday night it is being targeted as a conservative platform that refuses to fact check its users. Parler's Chief Policy Officer Amy Peikoff, pictured, claimed on Tucker Carlson it is being targeted as a conservative platform that refuses to fact check its users Parler is bankrolled by prominent conservative donor Rebekah Mercer Parler, which styles itself as a 'free speech-driven' space, is bankrolled by hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer's daughter Rebekah, the Wall Street Journal reported in November. Rebekah has described her as a co-founder of the site with CEO John Matze. 'John and I started Parler to provide a neutral platform for free speech, as our founders intended, and also to create a social media environment that would protect data privacy,' she wrote in a post on the site this fall. 'The ever increasing tyranny and hubris of our tech overlords demands that someone lead the fight against data mining, and for the protection of free speech online,' she added. Hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer is pictured with his daughter Rebekah in 2017 Matze replied to the post: 'Bekah is a great friend, an American patriot, and most importantly committed to the Parler vision of neutrality and data privacy. We are grateful for her support since 2018, and her early faith in the founders has enabled us to reach these heights. #transparency.' After WSJ reported Rebekah's links to Parler she issued a statement saying that her multi-millionaire father Robert was not an investor in the site - while sources close to the clan claimed that the investment was a family affair. Rebekah referred to herself as a co-founder of Parler in a post on the site in November Advertisement Right-leaning social media users in the United States 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. In suspending the service, Google, whose software powers Android phones, cited its policy against apps that promote violence and gave recent examples from Parler, including a Friday post that began 'How do we take back our country? About 20 or so coordinated hits', and another promoting a 'Million Militia March' on Washington. Yet Peikoff claimed on Tucker Carlson's show on Friday night that the app should not have 'responsibility for every piece of incitement that is posted there'. She said that the app is 'competing with other platforms who have decided that they want to surveil' as she blasted the fact-checking policies taken by larger platforms since Russian interference was revealed in the 2016 election. 'The nature of an open platform, a free and open town square, is that we do not take action on people until we are aware of a situation that's particularly suspicious,' she told the Fox News host. Peikoff alleged that they were only being targeted by Google and Apple due to the politics of the majority of people on the site. 'I think because we do have the reputation as being the conservative platform - although we are nonpartisan - that is what everybody sees us as,' she said. 'This has been a very unusual week. And to be singled out, we think, is quite unfair. 'On the one hand, people don't like to live in the world of Orwell's '1984,' and on the other hand, a lot of people seem to want to pressure social media to do more to moderate, as they call it, content on their platforms, but that would require 24-hour surveillance,' Peikoff continued. 'And we don't think that that is consistent with the principles of America.' She claimed that Parler wants to 'provide a place where people can come and speak freely, that they are not going to be fact-checked, not going to be told what to think, what to read, et cetera'. 'Also, we do not data pillage. We do not data mine them. We do not turn them into commodities and try to monetize them,' Peikoff added. 'We would just like to provide that service, and of course, like everyone else, we were horrified by a lot of the incitement that was going on this week, and we are doing everything that we can within our principles to deal appropriately with that content. We work with law enforcement, as well, but that content has been everywhere this week.' Peikoff admitted that if the Google and Apple bans do take effect, it will have a very serious effect on the app's growth. She also revealed for the first time that Amazon had also made threats ahead of the announcement the servers were being shut off on Saturday. 'Amazon is also raising some problems, and I'm not sure how serious that is, because I've yet to speak to them. I will later today. You know, they provide the server for us,' she said. 'And if they were to remove their services, then we would be down. As it is, we are having some difficulties now with the uptick in traffic, that if they took their service away, we'd be gone.' Despite the suspensions, the platform would still be available on desktops Who is Parler's CEO John Matze? Parler's CEO John Matze told Fox News Sunday that the decision by the tech giants against his company was 'devastating' Matze, who describes himself as libertarian, founded Parler in 2018 as a 'free-speech driven' alternative to mainstream platforms but began courting right-leaning users as prominent supporters of Trump moved there. It is bankrolled by hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer's daughter Rebekah, the Wall Street Journal reported in November. Rebekah has described herself as a co-founder of the site with Matze. Both studied computer science program at the University of Denver. After graduating in 2014 Matze teamed up with fellow alumni Jared Thomson, now chief technical officer, to create Parler. Matze married Russian Alina Mukhutdinova after the pair reportedly met in Las Vegas. Alina's Instagram profile shows the couple have at least one child. Those who have joined include commentator Candace Owens, Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who handcuffed herself to the door of Twitter's New York office in November 2018 to protest a ban on her by the site. Advertisement Parler Chief Executive John Matze also claimed in a post on Friday that Apple was applying standards to Parler that it did not apply to itself. In a statement, Google said that 'for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content. In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the apps listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues.' In a letter from Apple's App Store review team to Parler, Apple cited participants of the mob storming the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday. 'Content that threatens the well-being of others or is intended to incite violence or other lawless acts has never been acceptable on the App Store,' Apple said in the letter. Apple gave Parler 24 hours to 'remove all objectionable content from your app ... as well as any content referring to harm to people or attacks on government facilities now or at any future date.' The company also demanded that Parler submit a written plan 'to moderate and filter this content' from the app. It has since followed through with its threat and suspended Parler. Matze, who describes himself as libertarian, founded Parler in 2018 as a 'free-speech driven' alternative to mainstream platforms but began courting right-leaning users as prominent supporters of Trump moved there. Those who have joined include commentator Candace Owens, Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who handcuffed herself to the door of Twitter's New York office in November 2018 to protest a ban on her by the site. In November, conservative activist Rebekah Mercer confirmed that she and her family, which includes her father and hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer, have provided funding to Parler. 'Apparently they believe Parler is responsible for ALL user generated content on Parler,' Matze said. 'Therefor (sic) by the same logic, Apple must be responsible for ALL actions taken by their phones. Every car bomb, every illegal cell phone conversation, every illegal crime committed on an iPhone, Apple must also be responsible for,' he wrote. 'Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler.' The Twitter account of Donald Trump on Friday night afer it was permanently suspended Trump, pictured, could migrate to Parler, Gab or some other alternative site Now that Trump has been knocked off one of his favorite pulpits, he may resort to other online channels such as Parler. Many of Trump's supporters have already used the forum to spread falsehoods and hateful comments. While Trump could migrate to Parler, Gab or some other alternative site, doing so will greatly limit his influence, said Shannon McGregor, an assistant professor of journalism and media at the University of North Carolina. Trump has always craved legitimacy and standing in the mainstream media despite his complaints about normal reporting he has long referred to as 'fake news.' He won't get that on other platforms, she added. Trump and his campaign received a permanent suspension from Twitter on Friday night just after loyalists, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell. He briefly managed to tweet from the President of the United States official account before these tweets were also deleted. In the tweets, which he later released in a statement to the White House press pool, he claimed that he was in talks to set up his own platform and promised his followers 'We will not be SILENCED'. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 09:45:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) said on Saturday it held a virtual meeting on Wednesday to discuss the security situation in Libya and ways to support the work of the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC). The Security Working Group (SWG) for Libya, represented by UNSMIL, "renewed its call on all parties to accelerate the implementation of the ceasefire, particularly the opening of the Coastal Road between Abu Grein and Sirte, as well as the immediate repatriation of all foreign fighters and mercenaries," UNSMIL said in a statement. UNSMIL reiterated its call on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and human rights law, including the protection of civilians, especially by allowing and facilitating a safe and rapid delivery of humanitarian aid and services to all communities affected by COVID-19. Libya's eastern-based army and UN-backed government fought for more than a year in and around the capital Tripoli before the conflicts ended last June. On Oct. 23, 2020, Libyan delegations to the 5+5 JMC talks in Geneva signed a UN-sponsored permanent ceasefire agreement. In early November last year, the JMC agreed on the terms for the ceasefire implementation in the country, including the return of forces back to their camps and the withdrawal of foreign forces from conflict lines. Enditem ITS hard to believe that its been a year since Limericks new brand, Limerick, Atlantic Edge, European Embrace, was launched last January. As part of the brand roll-out, some well-known Limerick personalities were featured in marketing material. Yours truly was proud to be featured and photographed in the Sailors Home by Sean Curtin from True Media as part of the initial campaign. Im thrilled now that banners have been installed on poles outside Colbert Station on Parnell Street featuring some imagery to support the new Limerick brand. Im delighted to feature on the imagery as I grew up not far from where the banners are installed. I am a proud Limerick woman and always try my best to fly the flag for Limerick at any opportunity. Christmas Over Christmas I had a wonderful time watching Jack and the Beanstalk, the pantomime by the University Concert Hall Limerick. I love going to the annual pantomime every year with the grandkids, we always enjoy it. However, of course, this was not possible this festive season due to Covid-19. Instead, this year, the pantomime is available to watch online until January 10 and tickets can be purchased at www.uch.ie or for more information check out the University Concert Hall Facebook page. I would definitely recommend watching it - it's such a fantastic production as always! 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. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. I would like to respond to those who have expressed their unhappiness regarding the slow progress of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and outrage that potential problems were not addressed ahead of time. Which vaccine should they have prepared for? The one that has to be stored in dry ice, or the ones that dont? The one that has to be administered twice to be fully effective, or the one for which you only need one injection? The one that has four doses in a vial, or the one that has one dose per vial? The process of developing a vaccine is as complicated and unpredictable as this virus has been, and it is a miracle that we even have effective vaccines at this point. But if you want to play the blame game, start with the totally inept federal bureaucracy whose strategy was to turn all logistic planning over to the states, and the president who declared war on the virus ... and then surrendered. Joel Wiener, San Carlos Compassionate governor Regarding In praise of a governor (Letters, Jan. 1): I wholeheartedly agree with the author. Gov. Gavin Newsom is a great governor not perfect, but great! He has a history of being compassionate, honest and farsighted. Harping on the dinner at the French Laundry is about as interesting and productive as the focus on Hillary Clintons emails. The way Newsom has handled the pandemic crisis is admirable. Our huge California population has made this task far more difficult than that in most other states. And he has handled it with caution, attention to science, grace and dedication. The concept of a recall election for Newsom is ridiculous. Evidently, some people dont recognize a great governor when they see one! Instead of recalling our governor, I vote to praise him! Barbara Lea, Los Gatos Reform the GOP Regarding GOP leaders mount drive for stronger voting controls (Front Page, Jan. 3): As if we needed any more proof, the Republican Party is once again showing its disdain for democracy by planning more ways to prevent people from voting. It seems that the primary ways that Republicans win elections are gerrymandering and voter suppression. This is understandable when you consider that the partys platform basically begins and ends with lowering taxes on corporations and the wealthy. In order for our democracy to survive, there needs to be a drastic change in the focus and conduct of the Republican Party. Peter Hanauer, Berkeley The bitter divide Sadly, as Americans have suffered so much in the last year, one would hope the new year would be a time of healing. Hundreds of thousands are dead, millions are suffering economic hardship, and the nation is exhausted by the bitter divides created over the last four years. As the newly elected president is promising to be president to all Americans, hoping to bring the country together and enjoy bipartisan solutions to the many challenges facing the citizenry, Republicans scoff. They have squandered a perfect opportunity to put the country first and dedicate themselves to healing the great wounds present and provide support to the new administration. Instead, they continue the bitter, fruitless efforts to overturn the election, to invalidate the legitimate votes of over 80 million Americans. To foster their own political agendas, they sacrifice the good of the nation for which they care nothing. Never forget those who chose division over unity. Christine DeLapp, Aptos Better late than never Lost amid the turmoil around the President Trump riot at the nations Capitol was a quiet but in some ways just as shocking development. Soon to be ex-Vice President Mike Pence appears to have grown a spine. Pence, who has sat stoically some would say stupidly by for more than 1,400 days while soon to be ex-President Trump has time and again battered the worlds oldest (and unexpectedly fragile) democracy, finally dredged up the courage to do the right thing. The presidency belongs to the American people, and to them alone, Pence wrote to Congress as many of his fellow Republican colleagues shamefully lined up in a futile effort to block Joe Bidens election. Make no mistake, history will view Pence as nothing more than a Trump enabler and sycophant. But on a cold, gray Washington day, he did manage to remember his oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. When Catty Asaveria-Snaggs sits on the lip of the mud volcano, she experiences the history and mystery of this age-old landform. I see this grey pool of gold, an invaluable blend of our core beauty coming to the surface. There is this mysterious aspect of it in knowing that the volcano was here millions of years before us, and it will remain when we are gone. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An unidentified assailant shot a 51-year-old man while he was in a home with a woman Friday afternoon. The shooting happened about 12:30 p.m. on Judson Avenue near Lotus Drive in the citys Lee-Miles neighborhood, Cleveland police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia said. Its unclear whose home it is. The man and woman were inside when another man walked in, shot the man in his side and ran out, Ciaccia said. Police say the woman may know the shooter. Police have not released any more information on the incident as the investigation is ongoing. Read more crime stories on cleveland.com: Long-standing Hudson tavern cited for violating coronavirus health orders, Ohio Investigative Unit says Three people injured after more than 50 shots fired into Cleveland home, police say FBI searches former Cleveland schools employees house after accusations that she participated in U.S. Capitol riot 19-year-old man killed in Bath Township crash, two others injured, police say Man shot and killed by East Cleveland police officer was taking girlfriend to work in borrowed car, family says Mauricio Pochettino picked up his first win as Paris Saint-Germain manager after easing to a 3-0 victory over Brest at the Parc des Princes. Moise Kean fired the French champions into the lead in the 16th minute before second half strikes from Mauro Icardi and Pablo Sarabia made the points safe. The former Tottenham Hotspur manager will have been pleased by his side's improvement following a disappointing 1-1 draw at St Etienne on Wednesday even if the home side still appeared to be a little lacklustre. Mauricio Pochettino saw his Paris Saint-Germain side cruise to a 3-0 victory over Brest Moise Kean opened the scoring in the 16th minute for PSG with a close range header The French champions laboured at times on Saturday but rarely looked troubled as Pochettino marked his first home game with all three points. Marquinhos's header bounced off the post and into the path of Italy forward Kean, who tapped in for his ninth goal in 13 league games. It took a quick save from Gautier Larsonneur to deny Marquinhos shortly afterwards as PSG kept the pressure on, although the home side were far from convincing and left it late to wrap it up. Icardi doubled the tally nine minutes from time with a cool finish from Kylian Mbappe's pass, before Sarabia added the third two minutes later with a crossed shot. Kean was later congratulated on his display by Pochettino after being substituted Mauro Icardi replaced Kean and went on to score the second goal with nine minutes left The 48-year-old had been out of work for 14 months prior to taking over at PSG following his sacking from Spurs and he will be desperate to at least land the league title that PSG have won in seven of the last eight seasons. PSG remain in second spot but are now just one point off the summit after league leaders Lyon could only draw 2-2 at Rennes having scored twice to rescue a point in the final 11 minutes. Former Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier put the hosts ahead after 20 minutes with a deft strike from just inside the area. Benjamin Bourigeaud made it 2-0 on 56 minutes from close range but Memphis Depay's superb volley gave the visitors some hope in the 79th minute. Pablo Sarabia (right) celebrates after scoring PSG's third to keep them in the title hunt PSG are now just one point off the top of the table following their victory over Brest Jason Denayer equalised as he latched onto Depay's cross with eight minutes remaining. Lille are third behind second-placed PSG on goal difference after Burak Yilmaz's goal earned them a 1-0 victory at bottom club Nimes. Pochettino could land some silverware in his next match in charge when PSG take on Marseille in the French Super Cup. It will be a battle of the former Tottenham bosses in the encounter on Wednesday, with Andre Villas Boas in the opposing dugout. Pakistan blackout news: Several Pakistani cities plunged into darkness on Saturday due to a fault in the power distribution system. The power blackout was reported across cities like Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Multan, Lahore and others shortly before midnight. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad, the lines of National Transmission Dispatch Company tripped. Pakistani Power Minister Omar Ayub Khan told PTI that the power distribution system frequency dropped from fifty to zero suddenly. As Pakistani authorities try to ascertain the exact cause behind this blackout and bring the situation back to normal, Twitter users decided to have some fun. Here are some memes on Pakistan power blackout Pakistanis on blackout #blackout happens Other countries VS Pakistan (Panicked reaction) (make memes) pic.twitter.com/iGUMALheKC Crazy 4 BTS (@Crazy4BTS1) January 9, 2021 My mobile phone did not betray me When my phone doesn't turn off throughout the whole night:#blackoutpic.twitter.com/nDB4ZRsUjQ Zain_ul_abideen (@One_Spoiled_Kid) January 10, 2021 Feeling lucky since I slept at 8pm "Poora Pakistan #blackout pe memes banatey hue" Mein jo Raat 8 bajey hi sou gya tha: pic.twitter.com/HK0K2Xty6N jmj (@hein_sachi) January 10, 2021 Imran khan on Pakistanis posting 50 million memes in only 30 minutes Record break by Pakistan,posting 50Million Memes in just 30Min during electricity breakdown #blackout Meanwhile #ImranKhan - pic.twitter.com/BlPpMAIYvh Alan Walker (@Mind_of_24) January 10, 2021 Anup Soni warns goats in Pakistan, hmm This meme is for all bakri in Pakistan after #blackoutpic.twitter.com/eCXjWbAc4c Himanshu (@_Himanshu_S) January 10, 2021 Pot of gold for memers Pura Pakistan #blackout Se pareshan tha. Le memers jnko meme material mil gya: pic.twitter.com/QyQ00X3urm Jahangeer Qureshi (@iamkaptaan) January 10, 2021 Night mood in Naya Pakistan Finally imran khan introduces night mood in Naya pakistan #Blackoutpic.twitter.com/IgzJ55B4o3 Karachi Memes (@KarachiMemes) January 10, 2021 Pakistan's electricity minister when he sees Pakistan blackout memes #blackout in whole Pakistan-__- Pakistanis start making memes about it. Wazir-e-Bijli : pic.twitter.com/o7qZGX7us7 hani ali (@notsohani) January 9, 2021 Pakistan and memes If the war is fought with memes, Pakistan is winning hands down.#Blackout Mehreen. (@Meherr_) January 9, 2021 Le Indians right now While some users were trending memes and poking fun at the power crisis in Pakistan, others also shared images of patients in Pakistani hospitals. Meanwhile, please pray for all those who are currently on ventilators. I hope every hospital in Pakistan has adequate power supply during this time.#blackout#electricitypic.twitter.com/waFAlFwdBa Bunny (@MemesByZayn) January 9, 2021 So 2021 just started with a blackout.Making memes don't forget to pray for patients. @ImranKhanPTI introduces "Night Mood" in Naya pakistan.#BlackOutPakistan#blackoutpic.twitter.com/iWzhj5urNY (@DiaRajput33) January 10, 2021 Also read: PM Modi 'earned' prime ministership, unlike Manmohan Singh: Pranab Mukherjee in book Also read: India to chair three critical UNSC committees; terrorism, sanctions primary focus Todays massive fire at a grain storage building in Cork Harbour is the third fire at the facility in recent months. The Irish Examiner has learned that firefighters were called to two smaller fires at the R&H Hall building at the Port of Corks deepwater port facilities in Ringaskiddy in the last four months. It is understood that one of those fires was linked to a mechanical problem with a conveyor belt system inside the building, which caused enough friction to generate enough heat to spark a fire. Damage during those two fires was minimal but todays fire was one of the largest in the Ringaskiddy industrial zone, home to several global pharmaceutical plants, since the Hickson pharmaceutical plant explosion and fire in 1993. Gardai and the Health and Safety Authority have launched separate investigations into the cause of todays blaze but initial indications suggest it is not malicious. The alarm was raised just before 8.45am when locals reported a massive plume of smoke rising from the deepwater port compound. It could be seen from up to 20km away. Two units of the Cork County Fire Service, one from Carrigaline and one from Crosshaven, were tasked to the scene. Chris Gledhill, the station office of Carrigaline Fire Station and the on-scene commander, said: When our pagers went off, and I went outside to make my way to the station, I could see the plume of smoke from my house in Carrigaline and I knew it was going to be a big one. The R&H Hall storage complex was well ablaze when the three units arrived at the scene. The Port of Cork advised people to close windows and doors and remain indoors, and it later suspended all shipping operations in Ringaskiddy as a precaution. The alarm was raised just before 8.45am when locals reported a massive plume of smoke rising from the deepwater port compound. It could be seen from up to 20km away. Picture: Cork County Fire Service, Carrigaline Station/ Picture: Maeve O'Malley Mr Gledhill said the blaze was so severe, they couldnt commit firefighters to the building, and instead tackled the fire defensively. He requested the deployment of an aerial platform from Midleton, to help fight the fire from a height before they managed to bring the blaze under control at around 11am. However, the fire continued to burn within the grain storage building, and it spread to adjoining animal feed storage areas. Mr Gledhill called in a unit of the fire service from Cobh, as well as an incident command unit from Bandon. There were more than 30 firefighters on-site at the height of the fire-fighting operation. Three units from the National Ambulance Service were also on standby at the scene. HSE officials were also site to monitor potential smoke pollution but wind conditions carried the smoke away from residential areas. It was 2pm before the main fire fighting operation was over but crews remained on site for several hours to monitor the area. Residents living nearby have now called for improved emergency communications and planning after the incident. In a statement issued this evening, R&H Hall said that they have been liaising with emergency services and the Port of Cork in relation to the blaze. "We would like to thank the emergency services and the Port of Cork team for their quick response and ongoing management of the incident. "We would also like to apologise to local residents, neighbouring businesses and our customers for any inconvenience caused by the incident." Two units of the Cork County Fire Service, one from Carrigaline and one from Crosshaven, were tasked to the scene. Picture: Cork County Fire Service, Carrigaline Station Braham Brennan, chairman of the Ringaskiddy and District Residents Association, criticised the lack of information from the various authorities at the outset of the incident. He said locals had to rely on personal contacts, rather than on any formal communication channels or system, to find out what was going on. And while the Port of Cork posted messages on its social media channels, he said elderly people living in the area dont use such platforms and were not aware of what was happening. We have been looking for a safety plan for the area for years, and we still dont have it. If the wind had been blowing down the village, we would have been in serious trouble, he said. In a statement later, the residents association said while people are relieved that no-one was hurt, the community remains concerned about potential toxins in the air, and about communications to the public at the peak of the emergency earlier this morning. Lack of communication played a significant role in the early stages of this event, where residents had to make calls to Port of Cork operations with their concerns for their own safety, it said. Ringaskiddy Residents Association immediately advised residents to remain indoors and keep doors and windows closed until it was determined what was burning and if it was safe to remain in the area - eventually Port of Cork advised the same. The Port of Cork advised people to close windows and doors and remain indoors, and it later suspended all shipping operations in Ringaskiddy as a precaution. Picture: Larry Cummins The association said it was reported by some media outlets that a major emergency plan had been activated and the area was being evacuated, but this was not communicated to the residents association or village residents. The association is not in receipt of any emergency plan for the area despite a previous request for one from Cork County Council and having a number of pharmaceutical plants, including SEVESO sites, in the area, it said. The only emergency plan that the residents are aware of is to stay in, close your doors and windows, and hide under your bed. The residents of Cork Lower Harbour, including Ringaskiddy, have for many years fought the plans of locating an incinerator in the area, and it is for this very reason that it should not be located here due to the proximity to the village, and the Irish Naval Base, and with such a potential for a similar or worse event to occur. It is now time for Cork County Council and all industry stakeholders to produce an emergency plan for the area that is transparent and available to ALL residents in order to be prepared should future accidents/incidents occur. The last major fire in the area was in August 1993 when the Hicksons chemical plant was rocked by an explosion which triggered a large fire. Picture: Larry Cummins The last major fire in the area was in August 1993 when the Hicksons chemical plant was rocked by an explosion which triggered a large fire. Two staff members suffered minor injuries but there were no serious injuries in the incident, which caused significant damage to the plant, and resulted in its closure for some time. The company later said that the explosion resulted from a build-up of pressure when the solvent, isopropanol, was left in a process vessel for six days during the plant's annual shutdown. The firm claimed that it was unaware there was a danger of such an explosion happening and there was no literature in the chemical industry indicating such a risk. The company said the solvent was normally stored in the vessel in which it is purified for re-use. But the vessel was insulated and the heat created by the residue of other chemicals at the bottom of the container could not escape. The firm said at the time that the incident led them to believe that it was safe to store under such conditions for just two days. It was only after the incident that we discovered the danger. Our procedures were not sophisticated enough to detect this phenomena.' https://www.aish.com/jw/id/Real-Life-Fauda-Spy-Passes-Away.html Renowned Israeli spy Isaac Shoshan infiltrated Arab communities for years. Fans of the blockbuster Israeli TV series Fauda have followed the adventures of Israeli spies who pretend to be Arab, infiltrating terror cells, gathering intelligence and stopping attacks. These fictional tales are incredibly nerve-wracking, yet they cant compare to the real-life exploits of Israeli spies who successfully do manage to infiltrate Arab terror cells and society, at enormous risk to their lives. Isaac Shoshan, one of the first and greatest Israeli spies to ever penetrate Arab cells and gather intelligence for Israel, has recently died at the age of 96. Shoshan spent years disguised as Abdul Karim, a bloodthirsty would-be terrorist who wanted to kill Jews, and the story of his real-world exploits seems even more incredible than Fauda and other shows. Isaac Shoshan was born into an impoverished Jewish family in Aleppo, Syria, in 1924. At the time, Aleppo was home to a thriving Jewish community 10,000 strong. Though Jews lived in the city for over 2,000 years, anti-Semitism was never far away. With the return of Jews to the Land of Israel, anti-Jewish hatred rose, both in Aleppo and in the wider Arab world. (When the State of Israel was declared in 1948, rioters in Aleppo urged on by the government burned sores of Jewish shops, synagogues, Jewish schools and private homes.) Isaac Shoshan, left, at 13. Aleppo, Syria, 1937 Shoshans family scraped by in poverty; Isaacs father worked as a janitor in a school. Isaac attended Aleppo's Alliance Israelite school and joined Zionist youth groups. One day, a new teacher named Monsieur Pedro arrived in his school. M. Pedro had lived in Israel and described the new Jewish communities that were developing there to his students. We understood that what we read about in the Bible really existed, Isaac later recalled. It wasnt in heaven. Isaac and his friends decided that they too would join the exodus of Jews from around the world travelling to the Land of Israel and working to build a Jewish state. In 1942, Isaac and a friend packed their meagre possessions and made their way to a suburb of Damascus, where they joined over two dozen other Syrian Jews who were staying in a local synagogue, waiting for smugglers to take them over the border. It was a diverse group: men and women, young and old, all were yearning to leave the dangers Jews felt in Syria and find freedom and opportunity in the Jewish homeland. Finally, one night a smuggler told them to disguise themselves in Islamic garb and to hide anything that might identify them as Jews. He would lead them over a path into Israel. At one point during the night, an old rabbi dropped one of the precious Hebrew books that he was trying to bring with him. Though the smuggler was irate, the rabbi insisted on retrieving his book, one of the few possessions he owned. Isaac crawled around the ground in the dark until he located the book and the group could proceed. Finally, after hours of walking, the group of Syrian Jews arrived at a kibbutz. They were amazed to hear fellow Jews speaking Hebrew, and offered them tea, bread and jam. Years later, Isaac remembers being shocked to meet Jews working to build a Jewish state. Isaac settled in a kibbutz, working on the collective farm. One day, some men arrived at the kibbutz looking for Arabic speakers. They were from the Palmach, the elite strike force of the Haganah, which was the underground army that Jews in the land of Israel formed in the years of British control of the land, and which later formed the foundation for the Israel Defense Force. Isaac volunteered to be part of the Palmach, and soon was one of a small group of Arabic-speaking Jews who formed a top secret elite unit, dedicated to collecting intelligence, sabotage and other actions in Arabic-speaking communities. The group became known as the Arab Platoon. Made up of Jews whod grown up in Arab-speaking environments, its members learned about Arab customs. Historian Matti Friedman notes: The recruits were from the Islamic world, but at home they had known little of the majority religion beyond the dangers it posed to people like them. Now they learned laws, scripture, superstitions, and figures of speech. (Quoted in Spies of No Country: Secret Lives at the Birth of Israel by Matti Friedman: 2019.) If any of these Jews true identities were discovered, they'd face certain death. The Jews living in present-day Israel were ruled by Britain before 1948, and were barred from raising their own army. The Palmach was an underground organization. As Matti Friedman notes: They (the fighters of the Palmachs Arab Platoon) had no country in early 1948, Israel was a wish, not a fact. If they disappeared, theyd be gone. No one might find them. No one might even look. The future was blank. And still they set out into those treacherous times, alone. If their true identities were discovered, they'd face certain death. Isaac was soon ready to work as a spy. His first missions were within the land of Israel. In one operation, he disguised himself as an Arab Muslim and attended services in the Al Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, where he heard a sermon calling for local Arabs to rise up and wage a war against Jews. In Spring 1948, Isaac was given his most dangerous order yet. Arabs were streaming out of Haifa, heading north into Lebanon ahead of an anticipated declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel. Isaac was to pretend to be one of them. Adopting the name Abdul Karim, he caught a bus from Haifa going to Lebanon, alongside another Arabic speaking Jewish spy, Havakuk Cohen. The two men had only one gun for defense. Once they crossed into Lebanon, a group of Arab military officers stopped the bus. Seeing two able-bodied young men, the Arab officers demanded to know why they werent fighting Jews. We leave our homes, our wives, our kids, to help you fight the Jew, and you are running away? they asked. Isaac reacted quickly. He showed the soldiers his gun. Were not escaping, he told them in Arabic, If this gun had a mouth, it would tell you how many Jews it killed. Isaacs local dialect and accent in Arabic was perfect. The officers never suspected they were speaking with a Syrian-born Jew, not a locally raised Arab man, and let Isaac and Havakuk go. Isaac Shoshan (foreground) and Havakuk Cohen in Lebanon, around 1949 In Lebanon, Isaac and Havakuk observed the Arab Legions military convoys. Another Jewish spy brought them a wireless radio transmitter hidden inside an ordinary radio, and Isaac set up a makeshift intelligence center inside the small apartment hed rented in Beirut. He began describing the military technology that Jewish fighters would soon be facing and he heard a wondrous piece of news. Israel had declared itself a Jewish state. It was the first time hed heard of the existence of his new country. He also learned that six Arab states had immediately declared war on Israel, and the new nation was desperately fighting for its very life. Soon, Isaac and Havakuk were told that a car bomb was being assembled in a garage in Beirut and were tasked to stop it. The men asked a garage worker if they could come in to use the restroom. In the few minutes they were able to be inside the garage, they set a bomb, which destroyed the building, as well as some surrounding structures. Five people died in the bombing, and although hed been acting to save Jewish lives in the course of Israels War of Independence, Isaac was profoundly shaken by the loss of life. Later on, still in disguise, Isaac met a man whod lost both of his sons in the explosion. He often spoke about the experience and began to advocate for Israel to use less deadly means of spying and sabotage. Although we were sent to gather intelligence, Isaac Shoshan later recalled, we also saw ourselves as soldiers, and we looked for opportunities to act. He and Havakuk set up a small snack kiosk in Lebanons capital Beirut, which they used as a cover for their spying activities. Isaac also drove a taxi part-time. In 1948, Isaac and Havakuk were sent a coded message from Israel: a ship had docked in Beirut's harbor and Israeli sources indicated it might be there in order to be fitted with a cannon and used to attack the port of the northern Israeli city of Haifa. Isaac and Havakuk had to find the boats location. This wasnt any ordinary ship. Called the Aviso Grille, it had formerly been Adolf Hitlers personal property. He and other senior Nazis enjoyed sailing in it, and Hitler planned to use it to travel to London in the event that he managed to defeat the British military. After the war, a wealthy Lebanese Christian bought the ship and sailed it to Beirut. Isaac managed to locate its whereabouts, and one dark night, he and Havakuk welcomed another Syrian-born Israeli Jew, Eliyahu Rika, who was dropped off along the Lebanese coast and swam to shore carrying two mines. With Isaacs help, Rika swam to the ship and placed the mines on its hull. The resulting explosion days later rendered the boat inoperable. The Aviso Grille, 1935 (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons) In 1950 Isaac Shoshan, along with Havakuk Cohen, was relieved by yet more undercover Israeli Arabic-speakers. Isaac returned to Israel and helped other Jews infiltrate terror cells disguised as Arabs. Isaac helped create the cover for Eli Cohen, one of Israels most famous spies, who infiltrated the upper echelons of Syrian society in the 1960s and who was discovered, tortured and executed in Syria in 1965. Generations of warriors learned their trade at his feet, explained Ehud Barak, former Israeli Prime Minister and a former elite spy. Me too, he added, upon learning of Isaac Shoshans death. Isaac continued to go on missions well into old age. He found that the persona of a helpless old man was a useful one for a spy. He also worked with Arab spies who cooperated with Israel. He turned out to be blessed with a talent for this job too, explained Rafi Sutton, a fellow intelligence officer with whom Isaac Shoshan wrote Men of Secrets, Men of Mystery (1990). Agents are a problematic lot, and you have to know when they are lying to you or telling the truth, and how not to allow them to extort you and take control of the relationship between you, without damaging their readiness to work with you, Rafi Sutton explained. Isaac was able to cut through the lies and recruit high quality spies, and support their work. Most of the world will never know how many missions Isaac Shoshan went on, nor how many lives his decades of heroism saved. After his death at the age of 96 was announced on December 28, 2020, former Prime Minister Ehud Barak recalled that Isaac had risked his life again and again for the Jewish state. Isaac Shoshan leaves behind a legacy of helping build and defend our homeland against seemingly insurmountable odds. Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, threatened to expand his nuclear arsenal and develop more advanced nuclear weapons systems. He also said that the fate of relations with the United States depends on whether it abandons its aggressive strategy. Kim Jong Un Threatens US Government With More Advance Nuclear Weapons During a crucial ruling party meeting this week, Kim Jong Un stated remarks put pressure on President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration, who was dubbed Kim a "thug" and criticized President Donald Trump for his summits. He stated, "In order to eliminate the nuclear threats from the U.S.," he started. "The government has made all possible efforts either through dialogue or in resort to the international law, " he emphasizes." Still, all ended in a vain effort," an essay written from North Korea state news says. Friday morning, a statement added about prospects for peace and in using an abbreviation for the country's official name. He said, "The only option left was to counter nuke with nuke." he continued. Kim directed officials to develop multi-warhead rockets, nuclear missiles launched underwater, spy satellites, and nuclear submarines. READ: US Recorded Five Deadliest Days with More than 4,000 COVID-19 Deaths in Less than Two Weeks Friday's 5,000-word article documents the past of NK's grievances with the U.S., including South Korea. Both of these nations marked their allies and the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. But it draws more particular attention to the Trump administration, which, after a series of high-profile summits in 2017 and 2018 between the two leaders, boosted international hopes for a breakthrough with the Hermit Kingdom. The development has stalled over disputes over North Korea's foreign sanctions. President Donald Trump's subsequent threats to cancel U.S. military exercises with South Korea, dubbed "war games" by both Kim and Trump, have only further provoked North Korean hostility after a pared-down version of the drills continued by the U.S. military late last year and this spring. Kim didn't cite any particular U.S. provocative acts. North Korea has previously called an invasion rehearsal for routine U.S. military exercises with South Korea, but the allies have consistently denied that. ALSO READ: Washington DC Airports Tighten Security Following Suggestions to Ban Rioters From Flying Sophisticated weapons systems, which he said were under development, were identified by the North Korean leader. They include multi-warhead missiles, nuclear missiles fired underwater, long-range solid-fuel missiles, and surveillance. He also said North Korea must also advance precision attacks on targets in the 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles) range, an apparent reference to the U.S. mainland, and improve technology to create smaller nuclear warheads more conveniently placed on long-range missiles. North Korea's capability of developing such new systems is still uncertain. It's one of the most cloistered countries globally, and assessments of its nuclear and missile programs' exact status differ widely. In 2018, North Korea was reported to have up to 60 nuclear weapons, the South Korean government said. Kim faces what appears to be the most challenging moment of his nine-year rule due to blows to his already-fragile economy, pandemic-related border closures that have dramatically diminished the North's foreign trade, the spate of natural disasters last summer, and U.S.-led sanctions, the congress, the party's top decision-making body, is being held. @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apples app store on Saturday banned Parler, the social messaging program popular with rightwing conservatives, and Amazon Web Services said it would kick Parler off its servers at the end of Sunday night. Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to peoples safety, Apple said in a statement reported by the Associated Press and other outlets. Apple said it was removing the app until they resolve these issues. Parler CEO John Matze complained on his site of being scapegoated. Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler. He said he wont cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech. Apples move followed the same one by Google, which on Friday banned Parler for allowing postings that seek to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. Apple had initially given Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities. READ MORE: What The Inquirer's Washington correspondent saw inside the House chamber as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol closed in Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones severely limits Parlers reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. There are also other ways to download Android apps. But Parlers future as a whole is in question because of the decision made by Amazon Web Services, which hosts the apps servers. BuzzFeed News first reported Amazons decision, posting an email sent from Amazon Web Services to Parlers chief policy officer Amy Peikoff. Recently, weve seen a steady increase in this violent content on your website, all of which violates our terms, the email said. Its clear that Parler does not have an effective process to comply with the AWS terms of service. The email also declared that Parler poses a very real risk to public safety. Amazons ban is scheduled to go into effect at 2:59 a.m. Eastern Time Monday morning, which is just before midnight Pacific Time. After BuzzFeeds story was first published, Parlers CEO John Matze wrote on the app that it will be unavailable on the internet for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch. All of these moves come after Twitter permanently suspended President Trumps personal account on Friday night, and deleted a series of tweets Trump and his staff attempted to post to other accounts. Twitch and Snapchat have also disabled Trumps accounts. Facebook and Instagram (which is owned by Facebook) have banned Trump from posting at least until President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration on Jan. 20. READ MORE: Does Twitters ban violate Trumps free speech rights? Likely not, but it raises questions about social media platforms, Philly experts say SOME unscrupulous Government officials and police officers are allegedly demanding as much as US$50 in bribes to process exemption letters for businesspeople and travellers during the Covid-19 lockdown and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) has launched investigations. Lockdown regulations allow traders providing essential services to operate from 8am up to 3pm during the 30-day national lockdown announced by Government last week. The traders and their staff must have exemption letters. However, some officials and police officers are allegedly demanding bribes of up to US$50 to facilitate the issuance of letters to unauthorised people intending to move around during the lockdown. The same officials have also been accused of delaying issuing the letters, apparently to induce applicants to pay them bribes. Those who can afford like illegal money changers are now a common sight in Gwerus city centre after corruptly getting the exemption letters. The illegal money changers are seen every day at places like Kudzanayi Bus Terminus where they dont even exercise social distancing in light of the Covid-19 which is infecting and killing scores of people every day. Last year, the office of the Gweru Development Co-ordinator was ordered to stop issuing travelling exemption letters to ordinary people and businesses during the Covid-19-induced lockdown by Government because of bribery allegations. This time, it is the police and Government departments that are issuing the exemption letters. The exemption letters allow businesses and travellers easy passage at security checkpoints during the Covid-19-induced national lockdown. A female miner told Chronicle yesterday that she was asked to part with US$50 if she wanted an exemption letter for her and her employees. She said she has trucks which are hired by artisanal miners to ferry gold ore. I was asked in one of the Government offices to pay a bribe of US$50 for them to expedite issuance of my exemption letter. Business is low, its raining and there isnt much mining taking place. I wanted my drivers to have letters but they demanded a bribe, said the Shurugwi-based miner. In an interview yesterday, Zacc spokesperson Commissioner John Makamure said full-scale investigations were in full swing to weed out corrupt elements among Government officials responsible for issuance of exemption letters. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has received several complaints of Government officials and police officers demanding bribes in order to issue exemption letters to registered businesses and travellers. The Commission would like to sternly warn perpetrators of the vice that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them. We are investigating the reports and would like to appeal to the public to immediately report the officials involved, he said. Comm Makamure said registered small-scale businesses were being affected more by such malpractices. Statutory Instrument 10 of 2021 is very clear on the exemption. There are no fees to be paid to obtain an exemption letter, he said. Comm Makamure said they had observed with great concern that some ministries and departments were taking long to process applications even in circumstances where applicants met the legal requirements. He said such delays might have an effect of promoting corruption. Chronicle As the angry mob of President Trumps supporters pushed and pounded on the doors of the House of Representatives Chamber, intent on stopping the certification of the election, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Dublin, tore off his suit coat and girded for the chambers to be invaded. With Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Swalwell was one of the last members of Congress to leave the House floor, sticking around to make sure everyone was out and yelling directions to panicked people in the gallery above as sergeants at arms piled furniture against the doors. In retrospect, he said, he wished theyd stayed to stand up to the protesters and for democracy. There was a mob outside, and the chamber was about to be overrun, he said. I understand why we had to leave, but I regret having left. Swalwell is stunned by the seeming ease with which the angry rioters stormed into the Capitol and rampaged through its hallways after a rally near the White House where Trump made remarks that incited the crowd. I thought it was one of the safest places, one of the most heavily fortified places in the world, Swalwell said. Thats one of the most unsettling things about the day. It is such a sacred, symbolic and fortified space. I am still in disbelief. California lawmakers were scattered throughout the Capitol building during the insurrection, ordered to hunker down in safe places and urged to grab gas masks and remove the lapel pins that identify them as members of Congress. It was a very sad day, said Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, a veteran of the Vietnam War. It was, he added, an embarrassing day for the United States of America. Back in his Tri-Valley district Saturday, fresh from a jog, Swalwell said the chaotic scene in the decorous halls of the Capitol was more infuriating than frightening. I was angry, he said. And still am. Amanda Andrade-Rhoades / Special to The Chronicle 2019 Swalwell said he knew the attack on the Capitol was serious as he sat with his friend Gallego, reviewing remarks the Arizona congressman was preparing to present in the debate over his states certification of the election. He knew from Twitter that an angry mob was trying to break into the Capitol and that things were concerning enough that Speaker Nancy Pelosi had been ushered out of the room. Then Swalwell got a text from Gallegos wife asking him not to leave without her husband. An order to don gas masks stored under their seats came quickly. Swalwell said he pulled out his mask and looked at it, confused. I couldnt tell it from a newspaper, he said. For Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran, it was second nature. He helped Swalwell, then realized others could use help, too. He started barking out instructions, advising people not to breathe too quickly or too deeply. When they were directed to leave, Swalwell found Gallego hanging back, standing on a chair and yelling directions to people in the gallery. Swalwell helped Gallego after realizing what he was doing. I thought Id have to fight my way out, Gallego told the Washington Post. After seeing Gallego and others take charge, Swalwell said, he has a new respect for military veterans in Congress. They bring a lot of experience and insight into Congress, he said, but in a situation like that, they brought a lot of help to their colleagues. Swalwell and Gallego were escorted off the floor, with just the sergeants at arms remaining to hold back the mob. Move, move, move, their escorts shouted as they headed along an evacuation route, Swalwell recounted. You could heard the yelling, the breaking of glass, the gunshot that killed rioter Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran and Trump supporter from San Diego, he said. Swalwell said he did not see the shooting. For five hours, the House members and some staff and journalists remained hunkered in a safe room that some feared would be discovered by the invaders, Swalwell said. Getting updates from their phones, they heard that there were buses outside, possibly to evacuate the lawmakers. We feared that we might have to leave the area, which I did not want to do, he said. The people I was talking to did not want to leave. We thought it was important that we did not look like we got run out. They stayed, reconvened after the Capitol was cleared of rioters and completed the certification of the election. The streets were empty and quiet as Swalwell drove himself home at about 4 a.m., he said. It was an unceremonious ending to a sad day in our countrys history ... one that can never happen again, he said. With threats of another attack on the Capitol on Jan. 17 and fears of Inauguration Day disturbances on Jan. 20, Swalwell said its critical to ensure that President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in without more disruption. The most important thing we can do is show the nation and the world that we can deliver a peaceful transition of power, that we can be sure the public can bear witness to in a safe way and that we cant be intimidated, he said. Swalwell considers Trumps impeachment necessary. Hes a danger to our life and to our ideals, he said. Hes going be gone in 250 hours, but as weve seen, in minutes, he can incite an attack on the Capitol. San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Tal Kopan contributed to this report. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan LAWYERS representing a businessman who was caught transporting a significant quantity of cannabis have disputed claims he was the owner the drugs. That was the evidence of Sergeant Martin McCarthy of the divisional drugs unit during a sentencing hearing at Limerick Circuit Court. Greg Glynn, 35, who has an address at Log Na gCapall, South Circular Road, Limerick has pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for the purpose of sale or supply on May 18, 2017. Sgt McCarthy said cannabis worth almost 20,000 was located in a car which was stopped near Banogue at around 5.45pm. He said the defendant did not own the car and that 3,000 in cash was found hidden behind a skirting board during a follow-up search of his home. We believe it is the proceeds of drugs dealing, he told John OSullivan, BL, prosecuting. Mark Nicholas, SC, said his client, who runs a stone masonry business, took responsibility for the cannabis when arrested and admitted he had been asked to drop off a package by his weed guy after he bought some cannabis for his own personal use. He was asked by the owner to do a favour and to bring a bag for another fellow, he told the court adding that his client was travelling to a bog near Athlacca for work when he was stopped. Mr Nicholas said his client was disputing Sgt McCarthys assertion that he had used another persons car in an attempt to evade gardai. He didnt want to get his car dirty, he said adding that while gardai are entitled to have their beliefs and suspicions they cannot be allowed to replace evidence. Judge Tom ODonnell will finalise the matter in March. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. To the Editor: Re I Saw an Execution (Sunday Review, Jan. 3), Elizabeth Bruenigs excellent, disturbing eyewitness account of the recent federal execution of Alfred Bourgeois: I have always been and continue to be against the death penalty. My uncle, though, was a district attorney in Los Angeles and was for the death penalty until he saw what it did to the people giving the injection. He said that it destroyed something in them, and that it should never be done. There is no good, absolutely nothing redeemable, in capital punishment. Sandra Fish Stinson Beach, Calif. The writer is a co-founder of the Humane Prison Hospice Project. To the Editor: I can confirm Elizabeth Bruenigs sentiment that nothing is gained, nothing is restored, through the death penalty. In 1973, having recently returned home after tours in Vietnam, I was with a beloved niece in a vehicle driven by my best friend when an intoxicated young man in a pickup truck sped across the center line and crashed into our car. My niece died in my arms, and my friend barely survived. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. ADVERTISEMENT The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, has accused workers protesting the non-payment of the 30,000 minimum wage of causing hardship on other residents by their actions. He stated this Sunday at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day church service at COCIN headquarters in Jos, the state capital. For about a month, the local government workers who have not benefited from the new minimum wage have taken to the streets. After the holidays, the workers resumed the protest on Monday at the state secretariat in Jos but were violently dispersed by a combined team of security operatives, PREMIUM TIMES gathered. The operatives fired teargas and brutalised some of the protesters in the process. Despite the repressive actions of the government, the workers continued their agitations, blocking roads and besieging the state secretariat. However, during his speech on Sunday, Mr Lalong addressed issues regarding the workers demonstrations, accusing the protesters of mischief. Let me use this opportunity to also touch on the issue of the implementation of the new 30 thousand minimum wage which has become a matter of protests among Local Government employees. They have for over one month engaged in various actions including blocking of roads, and locking up the State Secretariat despite the fact that negotiations are going on. Because they have misinformed many and embarked on a campaign of calumny and blackmail against the Government and my person, I need to make some clarifications for everyone who cares to know that I will be the last person to truncate the implementation of the new minimum wage at the local government level when I had agreed to pay state employees, he said. He said that since he has approved that local government autonomy be implemented in the state, all funds belonging to that tier of government go straight to them. It is, therefore, the duty of the local governments to negotiate the new minimum wage with their employees based on their capacity to pay. This is the same thing that happened at the federal and state levels. He said despite his intervention to ensure that the matter was quickly resolved through a Technical Committee, the workers embarked on protests and caused hardship to other citizens. They have also called me unprintable names forgetting that I have a soft spot for workers, he said. He then advised the workers to embrace dialogue and allow the Technical Committee to come up with their findings. I am always conscious of the Biblical injunction that says a worker deserves his wages. The records are there for everyone to verify my commitment towards this. So it is incorrect to say that I am holding local government salaries. It is not true. My advice to them is to embrace dialogue and sit with their employers or at least allow the Technical Committee to come up with their findings rather than politicize the matter, he said. Seven of the top-10 most valued Indian firms together added 1,37,396.66 crore in market valuation last week, with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) emerging as the biggest gainer. Besides TCS, other winners on the top-10 chart were HDFC Bank, Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Infosys, HDFC, ICICI Bank and Bharti Airtel. In contrast, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Kotak Mahindra Bank and Bajaj Finance registered decline in their market capitalisation (m-cap). The valuation of TCS rose by 72,102.07 crore to 11,70,875.36 crore, while industry peer Infosys added 21,894.28 crore to reach 5,58,772.73 crore m-cap. HDFC gained 15,076.62 crore to take its valuation to 4,77,663.03 crore, Bharti Airtel jumped by 13,720.73 crore to 2,94,736.49 crore, ICICI Bank added 10,054.48 crore to 3,74,253.88 crore, HDFC Bank's m-cap moved up by 3,855.36 crore to 7,88,613.86 crore and HUL's valuation grew by 693.12 crore to 5,61,626.18 crore. On the other hand, the valuation of RIL declined by 34,296.37 crore to 12,25,445.59 crore and that of Bajaj Finance dipped by 12,024.63 crore to 3,06,156.55 crore. Kotak Mahindra Bank's valuation went lower by 4,661.65 crore to 3,90,253.33 crore. During the last week, the BSE benchmark index gained 913.53 points or 1.90 per cent. In the ranking of top-10 firms, RIL was leading the chart followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, HUL, Infosys, HDFC, Kotak Mahindra Bank, ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance and Bharti Airtel. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Local women in need have one less problem to worry about, at least temporarily, thanks to the effort of two University of Scranton students. Gianna M. Brown of Scranton and Amanda Taylor of Old Forge didnt know each other until last semester, when their graduate studies in clinical mental health counseling at U of S threw them together. After working on another project for Dr. Tiffany M. Bordonadas Professional Issues for Counselors course, they decided to team up for another an advocacy project that would raise awareness for an under-represented population, Taylor said. The two decided to help the homeless population, but their effort wasnt the typical clothing or food drive. They looked instead at providing feminine care products, a largely unnoticed need. With my undergraduate (studies), I did a capstone project for my minor, and I (focused on) feminine care products within the prison environment, said Brown, who earned a bachelors degree in criminology and sociology with a minor in womens and gender studies from Wilkes University. And that kind of opened my eyes to how low resources are with this and how its not a topic thats not usually talked about. And talking about the homeless community is important. A lot of people dont realize that homeless and underprivileged womens needs include tampons, panty liners and menstrual pads, said Jenny Blanchard, development coordinator for the Catherine McAuley Center, the beneficiary of Brown and Taylors project. For the women the center serves, those products are luxuries, Blanchard said. They may seem like very basic necessities, but theyre expensive, she said. And most of our clientele has very limited income, and those items are not covered by food stamps. The Catherine McAuley Center runs emergency homeless shelters for women and children, a food pantry, furniture bank and other programs, such as low-income housing for single women and a transitional housing program for women leaving prison. Based in South Scranton, the center also has an emergency shelter in Plymouth that serves women in Luzerne County. At Christmas, the center runs an adopt-a-family program and interviews families to find out what they need. Generally, the mothers will give the wish list for their children and then say, Oh, I dont need anything. Dont worry about me, Blanchard said. One mother wrote feminine products, which is hardly a Christmas present. It shows how needed they are, and I think doing these donation drives is also a way for students ... to learn about issues like this and homelessness and what are some of the day-to-day struggles that households have. Through their research, Brown and Taylor learned about how homeless women who dont have the means to buy feminine care products often turn to the garbage to find paper to use instead, or go to a public restroom and improvise with toilet paper or paper towels. And if those options dont work, Taylor said, theyll use some of their own clothing as makeshift pads. That was really disheartening, she said. And for homeless women who have children, Taylor said, the problem can be worse, as the women face the choice between buying feminine products for themselves or feeding their children. It all can have an even greater impact. We learned in our undergraduate and our graduate studies a lot about the mind-body connection and how those two things really feed off of each other to make up a persons overall level of health and wellness, said Taylor, who has a bachelors degree in psychology with a minor in sociology from Temple University. People might feel scared to talk about menstruation issues or just dont really care to learn about them, Brown said, and so the need for these products doesnt get attention. For women, menstrual care is a struggle everyone knows and understands, Taylor said, but some people, and particularly men, were surprised to learn about the need for help among homeless women. Its really interesting but also not maybe that surprising that the male response was much different than the female response, Taylor said. I guess that can be more attributable to if youre a male, this is not something you deal with every month. ... Guys that I spoke with or people that I was just explaining this project to that were men were like, Wow I guess I never really thought about that. Advocating is a huge part of counselors professional identities, Brown said, and their class aimed to teach them how to advocate for clients. Brown and Taylor modeled their effort to collect money and products on the Michigan-based program Helping Women Period. Working on the project over Zoom since they couldnt meet in person because of the pandemic, they set up a GoFundMe page that people shared 90 times and which brought in $165. People really did care, and we had family friends and people I hadnt talked to for years from high school and middle school sharing this on Facebook, Brown said. Additional donations from friends and family brought the total raised to $210, and the U of Ss Jane Kopas Womens Center donated 1,000 products to the project, which Taylor said really helped up the amount we already had. I was so grateful that people could even give during the pandemic, Brown said. We know its a really hard time right now for a lot of people. Every penny helped. It really did. It was really an honor and an inspiration to see ... so many people support us, Taylor said. We didnt know, with everything thats going on with COVID, are people going to be able to donate (or) do people in the community have the resources. Brown and Taylor finally met in person when they dropped off the donations at the McAuley Center, where the gratitude they encountered helped them realize the true extent of what they accomplished. Knowing the center could use the products, and just how big of a difference they would make in womens lives, felt really great, Taylor said. (Blanchard) was so overjoyed because not many people to begin with really think about bringing these sorts of products to homeless shelters or to womens shelters, she said. And on top of that, (with) COVID-19, donations are just sort of scarce. Blanchard described local universities as a major source of help and support for the McAuley Center. Our families need the same things that every family needs when theyre creating a household and creating a home, Blanchard said, adding that items the center needs vary from month to month. The best thing to do is really to contact us and ask what is one of our most-needed items at the moment. The students hope to become licensed professional counselors after earning their graduate degrees, and both said this class project will help them down the road. It was very informative, said Brown, who hopes to counsel adult inmates or residents of juvenile centers. It really taught me the skills needed to learn how to advocate for a specific group and why you should advocate for people, especially people who cant advocate for themselves. One of the most important things that counselors can do is advocate on behalf of clients and members of our community, Taylor said. I just think its my responsibility as a future counselor to address issues like this and advocate on behalf of the community Ill serve. In the meantime, theyre looking into holding more fundraisers like this yearly or even each semester. This was a fun project. This was something that gave us a lot of joy among the chaos and climate were facing right now, Taylor said. It really made a difference, and we could see (the) importance to the Catherine McAuley Center. More than anything, I think it really helped people in the community stop and think about why the matter is so important. Its been heartwarming to know they made a difference, Brown said. Even though it might not seem like this glorious and big difference ... everything counts, she said. Every little thing counts. There's a security issue too because countries which have already begun rolling out the vaccines have warned us that there is a huge theft of it, so we may not even disclose where it is being centrally stored, Department of Health spokesperson Popo Maja said. (Photo:AFP) Johannesburg: The South African government will store the 1.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine that it will receive from India in the next few weeks at a secret place because of the risk of theft for sale at black market prices, according to a media report. The vaccines are a highly-rated commodity once they're stolen and reach the black market, Department of Health spokesperson Popo Maja told the weekly City Press on Sunday, adding that if this occurs, there is a risk that the prices of these illegally-obtained vaccines will be hiked significantly. There will be a central place where the consignment will be stored and from where we will distribute it to hospital and clinic pharmacies that can store it, Maja said. There's a security issue too because countries which have already begun rolling out the vaccines have warned us that there is a huge theft of it, so we may not even disclose where it is being centrally stored, Maja said. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said during an address to the South African parliament last week, that the government had secured 1.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from India as South Africa battles exponentially rising infections and deaths daily amid a second wave of the coronavirus and a new variant of the virus. Overnight on Sunday, there were over 21,600 new infections and 399 more deaths. A million doses are expected from India before the end of this month and a further 500,000 in February, with healthcare workers in both government and private facilities being prioritised for vaccination. Mkhize also allayed concerns that the vaccine to be supplied by India had not yet been approved by South African regulators. He said teams from the department of health as well as the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) were fine-tuning and aligning all the regulations and processes to ensure that there were no unnecessary delays or impediments to roll out the vaccine. We are all happy that the Serum Institute of India and the AstraZeneca vaccine have already been approved by various regulators and is being rolled out in other countries, he said. Addressing concerns that corruption might make the process costly, as had been the case in the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to health workers for months during the COVID-19 lockdown, Mkhize gave an assurance that there would be no corruption as the deal was being done directly between the government and the manufacturer, unlike the middlemen used in the PPE acquisitions who had exploited the situation. Acting president of AIMM joins TMC India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Kolkata, Jan 10: Sk Abdul Kalam, the acting West Bengal unit president of AIMIM, joined the Trinamool Congress on Saturday along with several other members of the Asaduddin Owaisi-led party, months ahead of the assembly elections. Joining the TMC at its headquarters in Kolkata, Kalam said there has been an atmosphere of peace and tranquility in West Bengal for several years and he switched sides to keep the "poisonous air" at bay. "We have seen that West Bengal used to be an oasis of peace. But of late, the air has become poisonous and this has to be set right. That is why I decided to join the Trinamool Congress," he told reporters. BJP launches farmers outreach campaign in Bengal; Nadda highlights Modi's pro-farmers face The AIMIM leader and his followers joined the TMC in presence of senior party leader and state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya. Kalam said AIMIM should have tried to foray into West Bengal in the past and seeking a political entry at this point of time will not be proper. "It will lead to unnecessary cutting into votes, which is not desired at all," he added. "I have travelled to districts such as Bankura, Murshidabad, Coochbehar and Malda and spoke to the people there. They all said this poisonous air has to be kept at bay. There is a need to join the Trinamool Congress," Kalam said. In November, AIMIM's key leader in the state Anwar Pasha along with some of his colleagues joined the Trinamool Congress, claiming that the Hyderabad-based party was only acting as a polariser of votes to help the BJP. Owaisi visited the state last Sunday and met prominent Muslim leader Abbas Siddiqui, holding discussions on the political scenario and the assembly polls, which his party announced that it will fight, undeterred by the defections. A deciding factor in nearly 100-110 seats in the state, Muslims have acted as a bulwark of the TMC against its rivals till the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Prominent Muslim leaders in the state, nonetheless, have claimed that equations are likely to change with the entry of the All India Majlis-e- Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Elections to the 294-member West Bengal assembly are likely to be held in April-May. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 8:34 [IST] Denton, TX (76205) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 87F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 66F. S winds shifting to NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Chennai, Jan 10 : Fans of actor Rajinikanth on Sunday held a peaceful demonstration here on Sunday, demanding their screen idol take a plunge into the Tamil Nadu politics. The actor's fans held banners reading "Va Thalaivaa Va (Come Leader Come)", and "Ippo Illaina, Eppovum Illai (If Not Now, Never)" as they urged Rajinikanth to get into the state politics as he had announced earlier. The demonstration was held despite the request made by the Rajini Makkal Mandram not to go ahead with it. On December 29, 2020, Rajinikanth announced his decision not to get into Tamil Nadu politics, citing Covid-19 pandemic as it would risk his health condition. His volte-face came a few days after he, earlier in December, sounded his poll bugle against the ruling AIADMK as well as against the major opposition party DMK. "The time has come to change the fate of Tamil Nadu. Political and government change in the state is important. It will surely change. The political change is important and is compulsion of time. If not now, it is not possible ever. Everything has to be changed. We will change everything," he had said. The actor had said he would float his political party in January 2021 and an announcement in that regard will be made on December 31, 2020. However, a bout of illness forced him to change his plans. On December 31, 2017, Rajinikanth had announced his decision to float a political party to practice 'spiritual politics' and contest all 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu in 2021. WASHINGTON After pro-Trump rioters overran police and attacked the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers into lockdown, acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf called the violence from Trumps supporters tragic and sickening. On Thursday, amid a spate of resignations in Washington and talk of invoking the 25th Amendment to remove President Donald Trump from office, Wolf urged the president to condemn the assault on the Capitol. Wolf, the point person for some of Trumps most controversial crackdowns on immigration and domestic disturbances, asked the president and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday. Less than 90 minutes later, the White House announced it had withdrawn Wolfs nomination to lead the Homeland Security Department, throwing the governments third-largest department, charged with protecting against domestic threats, into even more turmoil at a moment of unprecedented national insecurity. Wolf has repeatedly railed against what he said were dangerous, violent left-wing protesters threatening federal buildings, such as a federal courthouse in Portland, Oregon, that had been vandalized during demonstrations. He faced criticism for sending tactical agents onto the streets of American cities who used tear gas against protesters and detained them in unmarked vehicles, and for downplaying the threat of right-wing, white-nationalist, and anti-government domestic extremism that intelligence officials in recent years have identified as a top concern. Wolf had said Thursday he would remain until President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration in less than two weeks to ensure an orderly transition at the Homeland Security Department. These violent actions are unconscionable, and I implore the President and all elected officials to strongly condemn the violence that took place yesterday, Wolf said. DHS takes the safety and security of all Americans very seriously its 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. The office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the White House sent Congress the paperwork to formally withdraw Wolfs nomination on Wednesday, though the timing is unclear. Yet the White House said Thursday that Wolf remained at the helm of the department. The withdrawal occurred yesterday and was not related at all to Wednesdays events or the acting secretarys comments this morning, Judd Deere, White House spokesman, told the Los Angeles Times. Acting Secretary Wolf remains the acting secretary and continues to perform the duties of his office. Wolf was unlikely ever to be confirmed, as the Senate is now in recess after certifying Bidens electoral victory, and all of Trumps nominations expire Jan. 20, when Biden is sworn into office. But the move is notable, given the urgent questions about the governments delayed response to the breach of the Capitol and the Homeland Security Departments fundamental role. The White House had just reaffirmed Wolfs nomination last Sunday. The Homeland Security Department did not respond to requests for comment. Michael Chertoff, who served as the second-ever Homeland Security secretary, said the attack on the Capitol was domestic terrorism. The withdrawal of Wolfs nomination the following day, he said, was performative. I would say that given the degree of failure and security the last six months, this is like a parking ticket, Chertoff told the Times. The Homeland Security Department, which is also charged with cybersecurity, is additionally grappling with what intelligence officials believe to be the most extensive hack to ever hit the U.S. government, including 250 federal agencies such as the Treasury, Commerce and Justice departments, as well as outside businesses. The intelligence community said it suspects the ongoing computer breach, an intelligence gathering operation, to have originated in Russia. Still, the whiplash at Homeland Security is consistent with Trumps approach to the department, even toward his most loyal appointees. Wolf, Trumps last in a line of Homeland Security heads, has led an increasingly politicized department wracked by record vacancies and Trumps single-minded focus on restricting immigration. In November, a federal judge ruled that Trumps appointment of Wolf to the top post at the Homeland Security Department was unlawful. In August, the Government Accountability Office ruled that both Wolf and acting Deputy Ken Cuccinelli were illegally appointed. That followed another federal district judges ruling in March saying that Cuccinellis appointment also violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act. With Wolf still abroad on Thursday, Cuccinelli tweeted photos of himself touring the Capitol. But Cuccinelli, who has used his official government social media account for personal and political swipes, later equated the Portland protests with the attack on the seat of government. Its wrong in Portland by people on the left & its wrong in Washington DC by people on the right, he tweeted, adding, It would help if we had universal condemnation of violence from both the left & right, & including of course the MSM which has suddenly discovered violence as a form of protest is illegal & wrong. I only wish it didnt take a tragedy for that to occur. Cuccinelli also said Homeland Security personnel are helping install security fencing around the Capitol at the request of the Capitol Police, with funding from the Army. At a news conference Thursday, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said the military was erecting a 7-foot fence on the perimeter of the Capitol grounds. On Wednesday, a Homeland Security spokesperson who declined to provide a name, or a reason for requesting anonymity, said Capitol Police had requested Federal Protective Service and Secret Service assistance, and that the department had set up a virtual situation room to coordinate as we do for many large events in D.C. Neither Homeland Security Department headquarters or Customs and Border Protection would answer questions as to when the situation room had been set up or the departments broader involvement in ongoing efforts to secure the Capitol. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Stephanie Malin directed the Times on Wednesday to the Federal Protective Service as the lead on coordination with Capitol Police but said the Homeland Security agency among the largest federal law enforcement agencies in the world had a request earlier in the week from the Federal Protective Service for support if needed. A Homeland Security official who requested anonymity to protect against professional retaliation said Border Patrol and CBP special response teams and tactical units were put on standby Tuesday afternoon and called into downtown Washington on Wednesday as part of the federal law enforcement response. The official said Homeland Security leadership should resign. We did a better job protecting some statues than we did protecting the U.S. Capitol Building, which is the ultimate symbol of freedom, the official said. She's joined a string of reality stars in Dubai as the UK settles into its third national lockdown. And while most Brits remain behind closed doors in the fight against COVID-19, carefree Georgia Steel showcased her tan in new snaps shared to Instagram on Sunday. The former Love Island star, 22, posed up a storm in a skimpy orange bikini while showing off her toned body. Tanned: Georgia Steel looked stunning as she showcased her sunkissed tan in new snaps shared to Instagram on Sunday Accessorising with a set of rings alongside a gold bracelet, Georgia kept her long tresses down while sporting a minimal amount of make-up. Click here to resize this module She simply captioned the post: Good morning, while tagging the Five Jumeriah Village Hotel - the reality star's lavish home during her current stay in Dubai. ADVERTISEMENT On Friday Georgia also treated fans to a racy underwear snap, as she posed in pretty blue lingerie. Pose: The Love Island star, 22, posed up a storm in a skimpy orange bikini, while showing off her toned body The star pouted while leaning against the door-frame of her hotel as she wore the bra and matching mesh thong. Prior to this, she highlighted her figure as she relaxed on a yacht for a sultry photo, protecting her hair with a Fendi headscarf. She was also 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. Underwear snap: On Friday, Georgia also treated fans to a racy underwear snap, as she posed in pretty blue lingerie Celebrities holidaying in the Middle East could be forced to isolate for 10 days on their return after Scotland adds Dubai to its travel quarantine list - with fears England will follow suit. Pictured: Love Island star Georgia Steel on holiday in Dubai The TV personality removed her denim shorts and used them as a seat she was seen holding onto a straw hat. She wrote: This is a very candid photo my friend took of me on the beach today. Capturing a natural moment just goes to show Im the happiest Ive been for a long time, mentally I feel like the past year and half has been so testing for my little head. Enjoying the sun: Georgia was also 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 My friends and family are my world and Im so lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing souls. This energy is infectious and Im lovin it. Georgia has been busy documenting her business getaway in Dubai, while the rest of the UK remains in lockdown for the third time. She shared a series of snaps taken in Manchester Airport before setting off amid the citys Tier 3 status and guidelines - instructing against non-essential travel. Trip abroad: Joanna and her pals have been documenting their travels in Dubai, while the rest of the UK remains in lockdown for the third time Georgia has joined fellow Love Islanders Joanna Chimonides, Hayley Hughes and Francesca Allen in the United Arab Emirates, amid growing fury over reality stars bending rules. ADVERTISEMENT The city has been an ideal choice for many as visitors arent currently required to quarantine upon their return to the UK. Many stars have insisted their trips are for work purposes, as the government asks UK residents living in high-risk areas to avoid unnecessary travel. She's the tattooed bombshell from Bachelor In Paradise who has curves in all the right places. And on Sunday, Jessica Brody sizzled as she showed off her extensive tattoos and enviable curves. Uploading a photo to her Instagram, the 31-year-old flaunted her trim figure in a patterned bikini with thong-style bottoms. Scorching hot: The Bachelor's Jessica Brody, 31, (pictured) set pulses racing on Sunday when she shared a very cheeky swimwear selfie... and newly single Josh Packham from Love Island Australia liked what he saw The reality star playfully captioned the photo with the word 'Views' alongside a landscape emoji. The racy post was quickly flooded with comments from her followers, with one from recently single former Love Island Australia winner, Josh Packham. Appearing to have taken a liking to what he saw, Josh, 26, commented on the post with a drooling emoji. That'll get the likes! The racy post was quickly flooded with comments from her followers, who included recently single former Love Island Australia winner, Josh Packham Impressed: Appearing to have taken a liking to what he saw, Josh, 26, commented the post with a drooling emoji Jessica swiftly replied to Josh's reaction with a series of loved-up emojis. 'You guys are dating?' one follower asked, to which Jessica played coy and responded saying: 'mmmm do less '. Jessica and Josh sparked romance rumours after they were seen partying in Sydney's eastern suburbs last month. New couple alert? The pair sparked romance rumours after they met at a Sydney party in Double Bay last month. Pictured: Josh (left) with Bec Cvilikas and Jessica (right) Friendly: Since meeting, Josh and Jessica have been leaving a series of flirty comments on each other's Instagram posts Since meeting, Josh and Jessica have been leaving a series of flirty comments on each other's Instagram posts. Josh and his girlfriend of one year, Anna McEvoy, announced their sad split in November. Daily Mail has reached out to Jessica and Josh for comment. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 73F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Rain likely. Low 49F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Mr. Webster, a retired New York police officer who once was part of the security detail at City Hall, was charged on Feb. 23 with assaulting a police officer with a metal flagpole during the riot. A federal prosecutor said there were videos of Mr. Webster, 54, attacking the Washington officer, first with a metal flagpole, and then with his bare hands. Among the six counts that Mr. Webster faces is forcible assault of an officer of the United States with a dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Mr. Webster, who is married with three children, owns a landscaping business in Florida, N.Y., about 65 miles from New York City. Here are some of the other people who have been arrested and charged for their involvement in the Capitol riot, according to the authorities: William Pepe, 31, a Metropolitan Transportation Authority employee from Beacon, N.Y. He was suspended without pay from his job as a Metro-North Railroad laborer at its Brewster rail yard. Robert Sanford, a retired firefighter from Chester, Pa. He was identified as the man who was seen in a video throwing a fire extinguisher that struck a police officer during the riot. Christine Priola of Willoughby, Ohio, an occupational therapist with the Cleveland public schools. Ms. Priola resigned the day after the riot, according to a copy of her resignation letter that was obtained by Clevelands Fox 8 News. In it, Ms. Priola espoused a number of conspiracy theories. Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr. of Colorado. He was charged with threatening Ms. Pelosi after he traveled to Washington for the pro-Trump rally on Jan. 6 and sent a text message to friends saying he would put a bullet in her noggin on Live TV. Bradley Rukstales, a former chief executive of an Illinois-based marketing company. He was federally charged and fired by his company, Cogensia. Jacob Fracker and Thomas Robertson, off-duty police officers from Rocky Mount, Va. They were photographed in the Capitol making an obscene gesture in front of a statue of John Stark, a military leader in the Revolutionary War, prosecutors said. Timothy Louis Hale-Cusanelli, an Army reservist who works as a contractor with a secret security clearance at the Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey. According to a complaint, he was identified by a confidential informant who recorded a conversation in which Mr. Hale-Cusanelli admitted participating in the siege and encouraging other members of the mob to advance. Couy Griffin, a county commissioner in New Mexico and the founder of the group Cowboys for Trump. During the siege, Mr. Griffin broadcast images on Facebook showing he was at the Capitol and gave interviews to reporters defending his actions. Jenny Cudd, a former candidate for mayor of Midland, Texas. She was charged after the F.B.I. said that she streamed a live video of herself inside the Capitol in which she said she had been watching Mr. Trump speak before she went there. Mark Leffingwell, 51, of Seattle. He entered the Senate side of the Capitol and, when he was stopped by law enforcement, struck an officer in the helmet and chest. Jenna Ryan, who described herself in her Twitter bio as a Dallas REAL ESTATE BROKER Who Flew a Private Jet to DC to March for Trump. A federal affidavit included photos of Ms. Ryan inside and outside the Capitol, flashing the peace sign as she stood next to a window that had been broken by rioters. Emily Hernandez, of Sullivan, Mo. She was photographed with part of the wooden name plate torn from the entrance to Ms. Pelosis office. The F.B.I. said that at least three tipsters, including someone who was described as a high school friend, identified her to the authorities. Dr. Simone Gold, 55, of Beverly Hills, Calif. She was one of several doctors who appeared in a video last year spreading misleading claims about the coronavirus, including that hydroxychloroquine was an effective treatment. Mr. Trump shared a version of the video, which Facebook, YouTube and Twitter took down after it had been viewed millions of times. 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. POTTSVILLE The chairman of the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee sent letters to three Republican elected officials asking to retract their accusations of election fraud involving the Nov. 3 General Election. Committee Chairman Hugh Reiley sent two letters dated Jan. 9. One joint letter was sent to U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, Dallas, and state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp. The second letter was addressed to state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Twp. Both letters were also forwarded to the Republican-Herald, a Times-Shamrock newspaper, by SCDC Secretary Todd Zimmerman. In the letter to Meuser and Argall, Reiley said: In light of the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, and threats of more violence in the coming days, we are asking you to rescind your previous claims about fraud during the presidential election of November 3, 2020, which ignores over 60 court rulings that there was no fraud. Additionally, we are asking you to issue a public statement that confirms the lawfulness of the election results. As a reminder, Senator Argall voted for Act 77, which is in stark contradiction to his claims about unlawful mail-in ballots during the 2020 election and his hearing in Gettysburg with Rudy Giuliani. This is a very dangerous situation that requires you to act without any further delay. If any violence occurs in Schuylkill County, you, as the relentless proponents of election fraud claims, will be fully responsible. If anyone in Schuylkill County gets hurt, you will have blood on your hands. When reached by phone Saturday, Argall had not seen the letter at that point. After it was read to him, Argall referred to a statement he made in his Jan. 8 E-Newsletter. He said in a piece entitled The Riot at the National Capitol in Washington, DC: The words of Abraham Lincoln in 1861, just as our awful civil war was about to erupt, are just as important in January 2021: We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature. Abraham Lincoln was correct. I support the constitutional right to peaceful protest, but what we saw Wednesday afternoon at the national capitol was just plain wrong. Theres a big difference between peaceful protest and breaking and entering, destruction and chaos. I hope we never, ever, see this again. Meuser was contacted and also said he had not seen the letter. After it was read to him, Meuser said: My comments have been very consistent on this subject, Meuser said. Whether Republican or Democrat, all Americans agree that the breach and storming of the Capitol was terrible and sad. It was totally unacceptable. I was on the House floor and I saw the perpetrators up close. The ones I saw were there to create mayhem. There was no protest. Their goal was to damage and create violence and chaos. Ive been to well over a dozen Trump rallies and never have I seen people like this nor those types of actions take place. Meuser issued his own challenge to the county Democratic leadership to not continue to fan the flame in the current situation. At this point in time its frankly pathetic and political, Meuser said. It is my consistent contention that the governors office and the secretary of state usurped the authorities of the Pennsylvania Legislature and changed election law that they had no right to change. The U.S. Constitution is clear. The time, place and matter belongs to the state legislature for elections. But the secretary of state changed the election laws and rules five or six different times. That is indisputable. That is not conjecture. Its not opinion. Its an absolute fact. In the letter to Knowles, Reiley asked him to issue a public statement that confirms the lawfulness of the election results now, for the sake of the safety of the residents of Schuylkill County and our communities living peacefully together. When contacted, Knowles issued the following statement: What took place in Washington, D.C., recently is outrageous and totally unacceptable. There is no place in our society for anyone to storm our nations Capitol. This behavior is not covered under the First Amendment, in the same way that destroying property, setting fires, destroying and damaging historic statues, and attacking members of law enforcement are not covered under the First Amendment. I believe the election process in Pennsylvania was flawed on Constitutional grounds. Both the Wolf Administration and the state Supreme Court overstepped their boundaries by unlawfully legislating. The House State Government Committee has started the process of conducting an audit and scheduling House hearings on the entire election process. I urge everyone to take a step back, take a deep breath, respect the Constitution, and realize how fortunate we are to live in this great country. The infection of Covid-19 has wreaked havoc all over the world. The concern has increased after the new Covid-19 was found in Britain. In India, a new train of Covid-19 found in Britain has been detected. In the meantime, there was a news from the Tata Memorial Centre which has raised the concern even more. The infection of Covid-19 with E484K mutation has been found in three patients of Mumbai Metropolitan Region at the Tata Memorial Centre in Junha Kharghar. Researchers are looking at the virus by linking it to south Africa's Covid strain. The most surprising thing is that the three antibodies made in the body of patients recovering from Covid-19 have been neutralized over this new coronavirus. As per the information received, coronavirus mutation has changed its form based on changes in genetic material or genetic sequence of viruses. Due to which the antibody against the old virus does not work in lieu of the infection of Covid-19. It has been revealed in an English newspaper quoting Dr. Nikhil Patkar of Tata Memorial Centre that three varieties of mutations were found in Covid-19 in South Africa. The mutation is one of the three. The centre's team had a gene sequence of 700 samples. After their sequence, this mutation has been found in three. Britain's new Covid-19 is believed to be responsible for the second wave of the Covid-19 infection in Europe, according to information found. The virus found in South Africa is more terrifying than the new strain of Corona in the UK. Dr. Giridhar Babu, an epidemiologist from Bengaluru, said that there is no need to panic more as the infections with E484K mutation are among the public since September 2020. If it spreads very fast, the situation may be much worse. Also Read- Brazil's COVID-19 death toll crosses 202,000 mark Argentina reports 11,057 new corona cases UK raises USD 1 billion to support corona vaccination The application form says the new secretary-general of the Department of Health must have a "particular blend of resilience and flexibility needed" to manage the challenges and complexities of the health service. Resilience is certainly a word those who have dealt with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform secretary-general Robert Watt would use about him. Flexibility less so. His appointment, albeit on an interim basis for now, as the top civil servant in the Department of Health, has caused some ripples in political as well as civil services circles. After a decade closely guarding the public purse strings, Watt will now lead the department that is the biggest drain on the public purse. In Fine Gael, senior figures still blame him for some of their electoral woes due to his conservative approach to budget spending ahead of the general elections in 2016 and 2020. "I don't know why he is being put in there after he lost us two general elections," a minister said. Others in Fine Gael regularly joke, with some seriousness, that Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe worked for Robert Watt rather than the other way around. However, Watt was hand-picked by Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly for the role, and the man's appointment is among a number of significant changes in the Department of Health last week. Watt still has to go through a formal interview process for the job but is odds-on to take up the position permanently and, if he does, will pocket the generous 292,000 salary that comes with it. For now, he remains on his 211,000 secretary-general salary. The pay hike for the position has caused some surprise in Government, especially at a time when there is increasing public pressure to pay student nurses for their work during the pandemic. One Department of Finance source called the salary for the new role "bonkers", while a minister noted that Watt "wouldn't give nurses a bean" but now he's in line for almost 300,000 a year. The high-profile secretary-general hasn't officially got the job that was advertised on Friday, but all indications are he will land the gig. Watt is being brought into Health as a disruptor. Someone to shake up a notoriously difficult department and speed up the delivery of policies and projects. Most health ministers would see making it out the other side of the portfolio without a major controversy hanging around their neck a successful term in the brief. The complexity and costs of delivering a health service seem never-ending and even the smallest policy change can become bogged down in bureaucracy. Sources familiar with Watt's appointment say he is being brought in to "move things faster, knock things out of the way and put some order on the department". "Over time he is going to ensure there is more spending discipline and there will be no more bulls**t on the budget," the source said, in reference to the department's annual demand for a budget surplus. Watt is expected to work well with HSE chief executive Paul Reid, who know each other since they worked together in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Back in the department, staff will be looking on in interest this October when Watt and Donnelly show up for budget negotiations. It depends on who you ask about how Donnelly and Watt will get on. "It will be a complete sh** show," one minister said. Another senior government figure said: "Stephen is not a normal politician and Robert is not a normal civil servant so I think they'll get on fine." Real reforms of the Department of Health are being long-fingered for the time being and the immediate challenge facing Watt is the resurgent Covid pandemic. Since Tuesday, the new secretary-general has been in his office on the sixth floor of Miesian Plaza in Baggot Street, Dublin. Just across the corridor is chief medical officer Tony Holohan. All eyes in the department are on how this relationship will develop at the height of the worst public health crisis to ever hit the country. Holohan's stature in the department has grown significantly in the last year due to his chairing of the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet). The CMO has clashed with politicians and senior departmental officials alike during the battle against the coronavirus. He has been unapologetic in his determination to stop the spread of the virus through strict regulations which have ground the economy, and society in general, to a halt. Watt, on the other hand, is on record pushing for a faster reopening of society. In email exchanges published by the Sunday Independent, Watt complained in May about the slow progress in reopening the country. "The fiscal costs are mounting weekly and the long-term damage to the economy will be significant if we continue with this approach to the social restrictions," he wrote to fellow senior officials. Watt said the roadmap for reopening the country was "too slow" and should be "accelerated" as the rate of infection and transmission was so low at the time. But this bullish approach to kick-starting the economy is very likely to put him at odds with Holohan and the power dynamic in the department is certainly set to change. After all, Holohan will have to answer to Watt, who is being brought in specifically to be a close ally of Donnelly. There are huge decisions to be taken in the coming weeks and months and parachuting in a secretary-general with more liberal views on restrictions and a reputation for taking no prisoners is a clear signal to the sacred cows in the Department of Health. Officials in the department say the popcorn is already being ordered for the showdowns between the two big beasts of the civil service. "I'd say there is a lot of nervousness in the Department of Health. There will be officials looking over their shoulders walking down corridors afraid they will be shot dead," a senior civil service source said. Watt's appointment is not the only notable change Donnelly made last week. Three new senior medics and scientists were added to Nphet in an attempt to breathe some life into the powerful body tasked with drafting health regulations. The new members of Nphet are the president of the Royal College of Physicians Ireland, Prof Mary Horgan, the chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, Prof Karina Butler, and director-general of Science Foundation Ireland, Prof Mark Ferguson. Donnelly decided against removing any of the current crop of Nphet members for now but plans are afoot to slim down the membership. The minister and his influential policy adviser Susan Mitchell eventually want fewer civil servants and more medics and scientists on the body. There is also hope that the new appointees can further some of their objectives such as deploying the less accurate but useful antigen tests in certain settings to detect the virus. Holohan has been reluctant to embrace these tests. The appointments were welcomed across Government, with senior ministers relishing the inclusion of "strong personalities" on Nphet. Horgan's appointment was especially welcomed after she publicly criticised the chair of Nphet's expert advisory group, Dr Cillian de Gascun, for contradicting the Taoiseach's claim that the English-identified strain of the virus was in part responsible for the surge in new Covid cases after Christmas. A government source said Butler will also not be afraid to take on Holohan and will be a key voice at the Nphet table when discussing the vaccination programme. Donnelly also appointed corporate public relations specialist Elizabeth Headon as head of communications over at the National Vaccination Plan taskforce. The move followed opposition backlash over the lack of clear communications around the plan. The minister also changed his press adviser last week, with Colette Sexton quietly exiting the role after Christmas and being replaced by former Newstalk political correspondent Paraic Gallagher. For one week that is a lot of change for any department, not least the Department of Health in the midst of a global pandemic. Time will tell what impact they have and the best yardstick for measuring their success will be the containment of the third wave of Covid and a successful roll-out of the vaccine. Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will be going to the Philippines for a two-day official visit next week, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. The DFA on Sunday said the visit, which will be on January 15 to 16, is upon the invitation of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who also went to China in October 2020. "Together with their virtual meeting in July last year, the State Councilor's visit attests to the sustained high-level engagement of the two countries," the department said in a press release. "It also symbolizes the determination and steady progress of both sides toward gradually re-opening their societies and economies." The DFA added that Locsin and Wang are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on ways to accelerate cooperation between the Philippines and China, "particularly in the areas of trade and investments, infrastructure development and addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. The import company R&H Hall, whose grain store went on fire in Cork this morning sending thick plumes of smoke into the air, has apologised to people in the Ringaskiddy area This evening, the company issued a statement saying it has been liaising with emergency services and the Port of Cork in the wake of the fire, which was tackled by more than 30 firefighters. The statement continued: "We would like to thank the emergency services and the Port of Cork team for their quick response and ongoing management of the incident. We would also like to apologise to local residents, neighbouring businesses and our customers for any inconvenience caused by the incident." The companys website states that it has been the leading supplier to the Irish feed industry since 1839. Meanwhile, Cork County Council has said that fire crews will remain at the site of the blaze throughout the night. "Crews arrived on site at 9am with tenders from Carrigaline, Cobh and Crosshaven together with an aerial appliance from Midleton and a Command Vehicle from Bandon," the Council said in a statement. "There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. "The Port of Cork suspended all shipping operations in Ringaskiddy, however shipping is expected to resume in the morning." At least two large animal feed warehouses were extensively damaged in the fire which broke out at R&H Hall's large storage facility at the port's deepwater berth in Ringaskiddy. Firefighters are continuing to hose down the buildings. Fire officers are investigating whether a rubber conveyor belt used to transport grain between buildings may have been the source of the fire. It is understood that the black clouds of smoke seen earlier this morning was from the rubber conveyor belt. Two teams of three firefighters using breathing apparatus entered the main warehouse after the fire spread to two further animal feed bins. "Fire Service Crews are maintaining a presence on site to expose and extinguish any hot spots that may exist within the storage facility," the Council added. "As Fire Crews manage this incident and remove panels from the structures to access hot spots, any flare up may produce fresh smoke. "Cork County Council would like to reassure members of the public that this is a standard approach to managing an incident such as this, which involves natural, organic animal feed. "Any smoke arising from the site is as a result of this organic animal feed material." In a statement, the Ringaskiddy Residents Association said they were relieved there were no injuries as a result of the fire at the R&H Hall store. But they say there is concern about what potential toxins remain in the air as the site continues to smoulder. Every week our Holiday Hero Neil Simpson takes an in-depth look at a brilliant holiday topic, doing all the legwork so you dont have to. This week: Audio tours to try during lockdown. Staying at home doesnt mean completely missing out on Britains best-loved sightseeing spots. Audio tours can conjure up cities, castles and country villages and bring them to life wherever you are. Download a tour to a mobile phone or computer and expert guides (and some famous names) will bring history alive. Brought to life: BBC newsreader Huw Edwards can be your lockdown guide to Cardiff Castle Sir Ian McKellen is the host of a Theatreland Tour of London that includes 60 stories ranging from lavish events at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, to his own debut as a jobbing actor at the Arts Theatre. He also mentions easy-to-miss extras that you can track down at a later date, such as the mousetrap on Agatha Christies memorial a reference to her West End play, which has become the worlds longest-running show and the twisting Bridge of Aspiration that connects the Royal Ballet School to the Royal Opera House. Listen for free at voicemap.me. If you fancy learning about life in an ancient fortress, then BBC newsreader Huw Edwards can be your lockdown guide to Cardiff Castle. His commentary describes long-lost Roman ruins, grounds designed in the 18th Century by Capability Brown and a series of keeps, clock towers and wartime tunnels. Download the free tour by searching Cardiff Castle in any app store. Across the Severn Estuary in Bristol, the official Quayside Adventure audio tour digs into the citys pirate past and describes historic pubs and places said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevensons Treasure Island and Daniel Defoes Robinson Crusoe. Find the free tour, plus the Brunel Mile and City Docks tour, by searching audio tours at visitbristol.co.uk. For something a little different, tune in to the new generation of audio tours from Vidi Guides. Instead of a single guide describing each sight, theres a professional, podcast-style conversation between local experts and enthusiasts. These include a Shakespeare-lover and an actor joining forces to bring Stratford-upon-Avon alive as they chat about everything from the Bards birthplace and his burial spot, the mysteries of his life and the conspiracy theories surrounding his work. The Bridge of Aspiration, which connects the Royal Ballet School to the Royal Opera House, features on a Theatreland Tour of London by Sir Ian McKellen In Cambridge, recent graduates team up with local historians in a series of four entertaining chats including an inventions tour that takes in the universitys biggest discoveries and the unexpected tales that lie behind many of them. London, Edinburgh and Oxford also have clever, conversational tours describing the key sights. Prices start at 5 at vidiguides.com. Manchester is also hoping to woo more tourists when the pandemic ends. Its official audio tour, which costs 5.10, starts with stories of the grand, Gothic Town Hall which has doubled as the Houses of Parliament in a number of TV dramas. Youll also hear about the Midland Hotel, where Charles Rolls met Henry Royce, as well as stories of canals, Roman forts and the cobbles of Coronation Street at the Granada Studios. Search MP3 Manchester at visitbritainshop.com. Another treasure trove of fun can be found at pocketplaces.co.uk. Music, sound effects and local accents add to the sense of place in a collection of bite-sized recordings that transport you to Bath, Belfast, York, the Cotswolds and more. Pelosi Says House to Move Forward With Impeachment Attempt If Pence Doesnt Respond House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Sunday evening said that the House will move forward with a resolution Monday that calls on Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment against the president, just two weeks before his term ends. In a letter to colleagues, Pelosi said House Democrats will try to pass a resolution that calls on Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to declare President Donald Trump incapable of carrying out his presidential duties. The Democrats have given Pence 24 hours to act. If the vice president refuses to comply with the Democrats demands, the House will consider articles of impeachment over the U.S. Capitol breach. Members of the media, some lawmakers, former officials, and other critics have pinned the blame on Trump for allegedly inciting the riots. This comes on the same day Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), the No. 3 House Democrat, announced that a privileged resolution will be introduced that will charge Trump with inciting sedition. Jeffries said that introducing a privileged resolution will allow the House to move expeditiously to consider the impeachment article before Jan. 20. House Democrats, after introducing the article, will then vote it out and send it over to the Senate without having to go through the traditional Judiciary Committee markup. However, Democrats chances of securing a conviction in the Senate before Jan. 20 appears to be slim. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Friday sent a letter to Republican senators about how the Senate could legally dispose of any articles of impeachment proposed by House Democrats against President Donald Trump before Jan. 20. The Senate is currently in recess and is holding pro forma sessions every three days until January 19. Pursuant to the unanimously approved order setting up the recess and these pro forma sessions, the Senate may conduct no business until January 19, McConnell wrote in a statement. The majority leader noted that without unanimous consent, the Senate may not conduct any business of any kind during pro forma sessions, including beginning to act on received articles of impeachment from the House. Should the House impeach Trump for a second timewhich requires a simple majority votethe Senate will receive a notice that the House impeached the president while the Senate is in recess. According to McConnell, all 100 senators would have to agree to conduct any business of any kind. Assuming such unanimous consent is not given, the following would take place under the Senate Impeachment Rules when the Senate resumes regular session on January 19, McConnell wrote, adding that unless both the House and Senate move quickly, the Senate trial would not start until after President Trumps term has expired. Pelosi (D-Calif.) told her Democratic colleagues to prepare to return to Washington D.C. on Jan. 8, when she discussed options via phone for censuring Trump for the alleged conduct. When we take our oath of office, we promise to the American people our seriousness in protecting our democracy. For that reason, it is absolutely essential that those who perpetrated the assault on our democracy be held accountable. There must be a recognition that this desecration was instigated by the President, Pelosi said in the letter. Should an impeachment procedure be initiated, Democrats will likely focus on Trumps speech to protesters on Jan. 6, where he said that the election was stolen and made note of allegations of voter fraud, irregularities, and unconstitutional balloting laws. The president said protesters were going to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard at the Capitol, while saying, We will never give up. We will never concede. He did not tell the protesters to enter the Capitol or use violence. After a group of rioters and a minority of protesters breached the Capitol building, Trump in a Twitter video deleted by the platform urged them to be peaceful and to go home, and later denounced the breach. Critics have claimed that his allegations of voter fraud and irregularities was an incitement to violence. The Epoch Times has reached out to the White House for comment. Janita Kan contributed to this report. Correction: This article was updated to remove language conflating the 25th Amendment with impeachment. The Epoch Times regrets the error. The ED cases were originally being heard by a metropolitan sessions judge court in Nampally, where the ED had filed a charge sheet in January 2016. Recently, following directions of the High Court, the case has been shifted to the special court for CBI and ED cases. (Photo:DC) Hyderabad: The designated special court for Enforcement Directorate cases in Hyderabad on Saturday issued summons to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to appear before it on January 11 in connection with his disproportionate assets case. The special court has issued summons in the case wherein Hetero and Aurobindo Pharma have been accused of investing crores of rupees in Jagathi Publications, the media house floated by Jagan. The investments were allegedly in lieu of 150 acres land allotted to them in the Pharma Special Economic Zone at Jadcherla in Mahabubnagar district by Jagans late father Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy, who was then Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh between 2004 and 2009. While CBI filed 11 chargesheets, ED filed six chargesheets against Jagan, who is also chief of the YSR Congress party. All the cases are related to investments made by certain persons and companies in Jagathi Publications. Allegations are that Hetero Group of Companies, popularly known as Hetero Drugs, invested Rs. 4.5 crore in Jagathi Publications by buying shares of Rs. 10 at a premium of Rs. 350 per share. It also invested Rs. 13.25 crore in Janani Infrastructure by buying its shares at a premium of Rs. 102. Aurobindo Pharma invested Rs 10 crore in Jagathi Publications and Janani Infrastructure. The ED cases were originally being heard by a metropolitan sessions judge court in Nampally, where the ED had filed a charge sheet in January 2016. Recently, following directions of the High Court, the case has been shifted to the special court for CBI and ED cases. While probing the case under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Enforcement Directorate attached assets worth Rs. 51 crore belonging to these pharma companies. These companies then moved the appellate tribunal to get their attached properties released. But the tribunal asked them to make cash deposits that have an equal worth of their respective attachments. Apart from Jagan, the ED special court has also issued summons to YSR party general secretary V, Vijay Sai Reddy, B. P. Acharya, retired IAS officer, Hetero Group of Companies director M. Srinivasa Reddy, Aurobindo Pharma managing director K. Nityananda Reddy and Trident Life Sciences former managing director P. Sharat Chandra Reddy. New Delhi: The much-awaited cabinet expansion would take place soon, hinted Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa after meeting the ruling BJP`s national leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday. "There was a detailed discussion on cabinet expansion. You will get good news soon," Yediyurappa told reporters after an hour-long meeting with Shah, party`s national president JP Nadda and party`s Karnataka unit in-charge Arun Singh at the Home Minister`s residence in the national capital. Declining to respond to a query on leadership change as speculated due to discontent in a section of the party over his style of functioning, a defiant Yediyurappa said he was happy with the discussions, as they were positive, fruitful and satisfactory. "We will wait for instructions on cabinet expansion from the party leadership, which has assured its support to our government," asserted Yediyurappa. Met our Party National President Shri @JPNadda ji & Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji today & discussed various issues pertaining to party and upcoming local bodies elections in Karnataka. National Gen secretary & state in-charge Shri @ArunSinghbjp ji was present.@BJP4India pic.twitter.com/QTVYRxuAMw B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) January 10, 2021 Speculation is rife again in the southern state that the cabinet would be expanded after January 14 when the "inauspicious" month ends, with the advent of Makar Sankranti festival and Uttarayan, which marks the entry of the sun into the northern hemisphere from Dakshinayan or southern hemisphere. Contrary to expectations, the third cabinet expansion to fill 7 vacancies in the 34-member ministry has been delayed over the months for some or other reason, including rumours over bid to replace Yediyurappa as he was 78 years. Singh, however, recently claimed that Yediyurappa would continue in the post and ruled out a change in the leadership till the next state legislative assembly elections in 2023. Party sources told IANS that the cabinet expansion could take place after Shah`s visit to the state next week to participate in the party and official events. "Shah is due to visit Karnataka after Sankranti to meet party`s state leaders in the city and unveil training centres of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Bhadravati and Hospet in the state`s central region and visit the world heritage site at Hami in Ballari district," said the source. The cabinet was expanded for the second time on February 6, 2020, when 10 legislators, who defected from Congress and JD-S were inducted after they won in the December 5, 2019 by-elections, caused by their resignations in July 2019, which led to the fall of the 14-month JD-S-Congress coalition government on July 23, 2019, and return of the BJP government on July 26, 2019. The first cabinet expansion, in which 17 ministers were inducted, took place on August 20, 2019. Yediyurappa was sworn-in as BJP chief minister for the third time on July 26, 2019. The Chief Minister also discussed with Shah on the ensuing 3 by-elections in the southern state, including one for the Lok Sabha from Belagavi and 2 assembly seats from Basavakalyan in Bidar district and Maski in Raichur district in the northern region. "The leadership has asked the party`s core committee to send a list of candidates for contesting in the by-polls, due to be held soon to fill their vacancies," added Yediyurappa. In a very strong message conveyed by Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pakistan has been asked to apologize for the 1971 war genocide. This apology demand comes at a time when the country commemorates the historic 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's Independence. In a very strong message conveyed by Bangladeshs State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam to the Pakistani envoy to Dhaka, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Pakistan has been asked to apologize for the 1971 war genocide in the country. The year 1971 saw Pakistani troops committing heinous atrocities in the then East Pakistan which subsequently led to the Bangladesh Liberation War 1971. This apology demand comes at a time when the country commemorates the historic 50th anniversary of Bangladeshs Independence. Bangladesh won its Liberation War against Pakistan with the help of India in 1971. After facing defeat in the 1971 war, the then Army Chief of Pakistan General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, along with his 93,000 troops, surrendered to allied forces, which also comprised Indian Army personnel. It is notable to add that such apology demands are not for the first time. Earlier Bangladeshi PM Shiekh Hasina in December had sternly reminded Islamabad that atrocities committed by the Pakistani army against her country can neither be forgotten nor forgiven. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had rejected Pakistans several attempts to woo her nations, reminding them about the 1971 Genocide. Carved out of Pakistan, Bangladesh shared its troubled history of coups with the same country it was created from. But unlike Pakistan, Bangladesh believes in democracy. Pakistans military was accused of killing three million people during the 1970s but the Pakistani side never apologised to Bangladesh for their military excesses and deadly killings. Also Read: India to chair crucial UNSC sanction committees on Taliban and Libya Also Read: Xis crackdown on Jack Mas empire: Beijing censors media coverage of Alibaba probe The bloody nine-month Bangladesh Liberation War was carried on from March 25 to Dec 16. As per Defence sources, the Bangladesh Army delegation would be taking part this year in Indias Republic Day parade on January 26. WASHINGTON - The chief of the embattled U.S. Capitol Police department stepped down from his post Friday, days earlier than he said he would following a deadly breach of the Capitol complex by a mob supporting President Donald Trump. Chief Steven Sund on Thursday, hours after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., publicly called on him to step down, said his resignation would be effective Jan. 16. But Assistant Chief Yogananda Pittman took control of the agency Friday, according to the agency's website. A Capitol Police officer since 2001, she was one of the first Black female supervisors to become a captain. She led her unit in providing security for the 2013 presidential inauguration, the website says, and in 2018 was promoted to deputy chief. The Capitol Police did not request significant help from other law enforcement agencies before the siege, which unfolded as lawmakers attempted to certify the victory of President-elect Joe Biden. In an interview with The Washington Post on Sunday, Sund said he sought such help but was rebuffed by his bosses in Congress. The department did not have enough of its own officers and fortifications - or a backup plan in place - to keep the rioters out of the building. A Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, died Thursday after engaging the mob. A person who breached the building, Ashli Babbitt, was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer during the confrontation; three others died of medical emergencies, officials have said. The agency took another hit Saturday, with the death of off-duty officer Howie Liebengood, the son and namesake of a former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, lobbyist and Hill staffer. Two law enforcement officials told The Post that Liebengood, 51, died by suicide, days after being on the scene of Wednesday's violence. On Sunday, scores of officers lined up outside the Capitol and saluted as a hearse carrying Sicknick's remains passed. Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Sicknick and Liebengood. Statements released Sunday by the Capitol Police and its union did not specify a cause of death for Liebengood, who had been with the department since April 2005 and was assigned to the Senate Division. A former co-worker said he was often assigned to the Delaware entrance of the Russell Senate Office Building - his favorite posting. "We are reeling from the death of Officer Liebengood," Gus Papathanasiou, head of the Capitol Police union, said in a statement, adding: "Officer Liebengood was an example of the selfless service that is the hallmark of USCP." The statement from the Capitol Police says: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues." An outpouring of people mourned Liebengood on social media, including Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., who posted on Twitter that she was "deeply saddened" over the death of her constituent. "Officer Liebengood served with USCP for 15 years, continuing a family tradition of protecting the U.S. Senate," she wrote. "My heart breaks for his family, his loved ones, & our community." Barry Pollack, a lawyer who said he is representing the Liebengood family, said in a statement that "Mr. Liebengood's family members wish to grieve privately as they mourn the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Howard Liebengood." "He will be sorely missed," the statement added. Liebengood is survived by his wife and siblings. Friends described Liebengood as humble and reserved, and said he shared a love of racecar driving with his father, as well as a pull toward the halls of the Capitol. He spent several years as a professional racecar driver until 2005, when he left the profession to become a Capitol Police officer. Charlie Ostlund, 70, taught Liebengood at James Madison High School in Vienna, Va., in the 1980s, and was his wrestling coach. He remembered Liebengood as a team player who often surprised opponents with his strength and physical talent. Ostlund said the younger Liebengood looked up to his father, Howard S. Liebengood Sr., who served as the Senate sergeant at arms from 1981 to 1983. The sergeant at arms is the chief law enforcement officer of the Senate, charged with ensuring security in the Capitol and Senate buildings, as well as protecting members of the Senate. In a 2003 interview with a motor sport website, the younger Liebengood said his parents were his biggest inspiration. "[My father] has accomplished so much in his professional career in government and the political arena," he said at the time. "If I could accomplish an [eighth] of what he has accomplished, I would be very proud . . . he is my hero!" Liebengood told his that interviewer he was involved in the National Campaign to Stop Violence, an effort to aimed at middle-school students. "He was a great student and great kid," Ostlund said. "This is just so, so sad." Liebengood Sr. left his post as sergeant at arms to become a lobbyist, eventually starting his own firm with another former Hill staffer. In 2001, he returned to Capitol Hill as chief of staff to his longtime friend Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., and later to then-Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. He died of a heart attack on Jan. 13, 2005, two weeks shy of his planned retirement. Frist spoke about Liebengood Sr. on the Senate floor after his death, according to a 2005 Senate transcript: "Howard Liebengood loved the Senate," he said. "He loved the purpose of this institution; he loved its tradition; and, above all, he loved its people. The Senate was his extended family." A classmate and wrestling teammate of the younger Liebengood, Stu Wilkinson, said his friend's relationship with Washington's political elite dates back to their childhood - though he did not brag about it. He recalled a school trip to the White House in the 1980s, when Secret Service officers took Liebengood aside to have him speak with then-Senate Majority Leader Howard Henry Baker, R-Tenn. "Here comes Senator Baker shaking Howie's hand," Wilkinson said. "[Liebengood] was so humble. . . . None of us had any clue how they knew each other." Wilkinson said that when he saw news reports of the Capitol riots on Wednesday, his mind went straight to Liebengood. He scanned the television footage, hoping his friend was all right. "He was an outstanding guy," Wilkinson said. "A quiet, silent leader." Bill Beck, 80, was a close friend of Liebengood Sr. who watched his son grow up. At the Capitol, he said Sunday, both men strove to engage lawmakers and staffers regardless of political party. On the day of the Capitol attack, Beck said he emailed the younger Liebengood to see how he was doing. He did not hear the news of his death until Sunday. "I knew him his whole life. He was a good human being," Beck said. "After everything, this is just . . . it's tragic." - - - The Washington Post's Carol D. Leonnig and Julie Tate contributed to this report. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) is planning on implementing a decision to issue polymer EGP 10 banknotes in June, the deputy governor of the CBE told Masrawy. This coincides with the inauguration of the new printing house in the New Administrative Capital in June, Khaled Farouk added to the local private newspaper. Polymer banknotes are known for being more durable and harder to fake. The decision to issue polymer banknotes was first announced in 2018. Farouk told Masrawy that the CBE had finished all studies required to issue the countrys first polymer banknotes in cooperation with local and international companies in picking the designs. Farouk affirmed the keenness to issue these kind of banknotes as they last longer and are harder to destroy or distort. He added that they are made of eco-friendly materials and are resistant to moisture, water and microbes. The new printing house in the New Capital, east of Cairo, is the biggest across the country and is capable of printing all categories of paper and polymer money, Farouk said, noting that it has four production lines. Distorting or writing on paper banknotes is illegal in Egypt, as per a draft law approved by the parliament in May last year. However, no penalty has been officially approved for such act. In July 2020, Tamer El-Dakkak, the legal advisor to the CBE, urged citizens not to write on banknotes as this costs the state huge sums of money. Short link: Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. (Newser) President Trump has lost the support of another Republican senator in his struggle to remain in office after the mob attack on the Capitol last week. "I do think the president committed impeachable offenses," Sen. Pat Toomey said, the Hill reports. In an interview on Fox News, the Pennsylvania senator did not say whether he would vote to convict Trump if the House approves impeachment and the Senate holds a trial. "I don't know what they are going to send over, and one of the things that I'm concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicize something," Toomey said. "Certainly he could resign, and that would be a very good outcome," he said Sunday on CNN, per the Patriot-News, "I think at this point with just a few days left it's the best path forward." story continues below Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski also has said Trump should resign. Toomey said he's not sure there's time to remove the president, per CNN, though his behavior "does disqualify him from serving." Trump isn't the only one who deserves blame, said Toomey, who doesn't plan to run for reelection in 2022. He called out the people "who perpetrated the big lie that Donald Trump won in a landslide and it's all been stolen from him." Toomey pointed to "a compounding of dishonesty" by people who supported the narrative that the verification of President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory in Congress "could result in a different outcome and therefore it was reasonable to try to pressure lawmakers." That process was Wednesday, the day of the attack, and Biden's victory was not overturned. "That was never going to happen," Toomey said. "That was never possible." (Read more President Trump stories.) Virgin Atlantic and Norwegian Air Shuttle are scrambling to shore up their finances as airlines struggle to make it through to the summer. Majority owned by founder Sir Richard Branson, Virgin is finalising a deal to raise up to 70million by selling and leasing back two Boeing 787 Dreamliners after completing a 1.2billion rescue plan in September. It faces a huge blow from the collapse of trans-Atlantic travel, which makes up 70 per cent of its network. Struggle: Virgin is finalising a deal to raise up to 70million by selling and leasing back two Boeing 787 Dreamliners Two industry insiders said Virgin will have to raise more money. One well-placed source said it will need a further 1billion to survive. Norwegian which is under bankruptcy protection in Norway, Ireland and Spain is holding rescue talks this month to raise hundreds of millions of pounds. Last night, Virgin said: 'We continue to explore financing opportunities.' That followed an easyJet announcement late Friday that it had secured a 1.4billion state-backed loan to help survive the pandemic. CLINTON, Ind. (WTHI) - Law officials say a man is under arrest after taking them on a short chase in Clinton. On Thursday, deputies say they got a call about a woman who was assaulted. She was at Union Hospital in Clinton. Law officials say the victim said a woman assaulted her while she was with her husband in Universal, Indiana. Police say after listening to her story they noted several inconsistencies. They talked to her husband Troy Lowe to gain clarity. Officers say Lowe became argumentative and got in his car. An officer says he identified a weapon similar to the one used in the assault in his car. Officers say they asked Lowe to step out of the car but he refused. After a short chase and a 9-1-1 call, they found him asleep at a home. He is now being held at the Vermillion County Jail. The Miracles of Faith: The Martyrdom of Saint Christina Reaching Within: What traditional art offers the heart Im sometimes left wondering about this thing we call faith, a thing the philosopher Soren Kierkegaard celebrated as a paradox in which we, as individuals, have an absolute relationship with the Absolute, that is, God. There is power in faith, in the doubtless belief in something without the need for physical evidence. Those who do have faith might cite spiritual evidence: a power within themselves that confirms the legitimacy of their belief, and sometimes this power cannot only save us from our own limitations but also produce miracles. Many of the spiritual exemplars weve come to know and love dont possess this type of doubtless faith. Actually, many doubt and question their faith but do so in a way that allows their faith to eventually grow and strengthen, and doubt becomes part of their paths. One of those few who seem to have doubtless faith, however, was St. Christina. Saint Christina Christina lived in the third century. Her father, Urbain, a magistrate, worshiped idols that represented the tenets of a hedonistic spirituality. Urbain wanted his daughter to become a priestess of this hedonism, so he locked her in a room and ordered her to worship the idols. Christina, however, was able to look out her window, and the grand, organized universe she saw daily caused her to understand that there must be a Creator beyond the manmade idols locked in her room with her. She fasted and began to pray that she could come to know God, and she began to experience a deep love inside her. She continued to fast and pray, and an angel came to her and taught her about Christian faith but told her that she would suffer for it. Undeterred, Christina immediately destroyed the idols. When her father visited her and noticed the missing idols, he began to question her. She refused to speak to him. He instead told his servants to speak to her to find out what was going on, and to them she revealed her new faith. Urbain was upset upon hearing about his daughters faith and decided to make sure she would suffer for it. He had her servants executed and beat her before throwing her into prison. Urbain tried to beat and torture Christinas faith out of her, but nothing he did worked. Every time Urbain hurt her, angels appeared, saved her, and healed her wounds. Finally, Urbain decided to execute her but died the night before he could carry out his plan. A new governor, even more evil than her father, began to torture Christina, but she never lost faith and survived nearly everything thrown at her. Her faith and resolve inspired others interest in God. The new governor recognized that she would never relinquish her faith and finally executed her. The Martyrdom of Saint Christina, 1895, by Vincente Palmaroli. Oil on canvas, 71.4 inches by 118.5 inches. Prado Museum, Spain. (Public Domain) The Martyrdom of Saint Christina In 1895, over 1500 years later, Spanish painter Vincente Palmaroli created The Martyrdom of Saint Christina. He depicted one of Urbains attempts to kill his daughter: Urbain ordered Christina to be thrown into a lake with a heavy stone tied to her. However, angels appeared, untied her, and kept her afloat. Palmaroli depicted our focal point, St. Christina, just right of center. She wears a plain, white gown representing her purity. A rope fastens her to the rock on which she sits. She puts her hands together, closes her eyes, and slightly bows her head in prayer as the wind blows through her amber hair. An angel is seen immediately to the right of St. Christina. This angel looks at her, and with the touch of its fingers, effortlessly keeps afloat the heavy rock to which she is tied. A group of ethereal angels follow behind the first, and they all sing and play music to celebrate her faith. To the left of St. Christina, another angel is floating above her and holds high in the air a palm frond, which traditionally represents the martyrs strength of spirit to resist temptations of the flesh. Here, the palm frond is also a celebration of the power of St. Christinas faith, an unwavering power that enabled her to not only endure immense suffering but also access a world of angels and miracles. The Miracles of Faith Palmaroli showed us a grand scene of angels assisting and celebrating St. Christina. Without the angels, she would sink to the bottom of the lake and drown. The angels make the impossible happen: They make what is heavy light so that the load cannot pull her down. Indeed, the angels save Christina from her own limitations. She lacks the physical strength to carry the heavy rock to which shes attached; she needs the assistance of the angels, or she would die. We sometimes take on heavy loads that prove to be too much for us. These loads may not only consist of work, relationships, finances, and so on, but also might include inappropriate things that infiltrate our lives and compete with our spiritual lives. These may prove too difficult and overwhelming for us to handle by ourselves, and we find we need help. The angels, however, assist Christina only because of her strong faith. Despite her father who, believing differently than she does, tries to force her into a set of beliefs that she finds false, she remains steadfast and unmoved in her belief. Without faith, she would have lived a completely different life. Faith seems to not only have deepened the love she experienced but also opened up an ethereal world beyond the physical one, a world of angels and miracles. But what is the nature of St. Christinas faith? Did she ask for help from the angels? Would asking for help to avoid her hardships constitute a doubtless faith? Or does her faith consist of an unshakeable belief and constant praise of God despite the hardships? Herein lies the significance of these questions: Questions allow us to explore and see exactly where we stand in these matters. Asking questions presumes that we mere humans dont have all of the answers; this is an undeniable truth. So, what is faith? How faithful are we, really? Not everyone can be as immediately and doubtlessly faithful as St. Christina, but is faith something that can be practiced and strengthened? How might we examine, practice, and strengthen this thing we call faith? Can we have an unshakeable faith in God, so pure and so doubtless that we can be assisted in carrying our heavy loads, and once again, allow miracles to return to our world? Art has an incredible ability to point to what cant be seen so that we may ask What does this mean for me and for everyone who sees it? How has it influenced the past and how might it influence the future? What does it suggest about the human experience? These are some of the questions I explore in my series Reaching Within: What Traditional Art Offers the Heart. Eric Bess is a practicing representational artist and is a doctoral candidate at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts (IDSVA). The City of Laredo continues to see a massive spike in new COVID-19 cases. In Saturdays update, city officials confirmed 466 new positives, Laredos fourth-highest single-day total. It follows the second-most cases at 556 on Friday and the third most at 479 on Thursday. The 1,501 combined cases reported the past three days is higher than all but four weekly totals throughout the pandemic. The record for a week, measured Saturday through Friday, is 1,763 for the week ending Aug. 14, and the record for any seven-day total is 1,893 cases from Dec. 3-9. January is averaging 246.7 cases through its first nine days. That rate puts it on pace for 7,646.7 cases which would break the record of 6,923 set in December. According to Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) data from Jan. 8, Laredos hospitalization rate continues to climb as it increased to 44.5% from Thursdays 43.6%. Although the citys hospitalization rate continues to increase, the number of people hospitalized due to the virus fell by eight to 220. However, 64 people remain in the ICU. Additionally from DSHS data from Jan. 8, only 18 hospital beds are available in the Laredo hospital region, zero of which are in ICU units. On Friday, Laredo Mayor Pete Saenz described the areas hospitalization rate beyond dire. Nonetheless, the city continues to work on methods to lessen the burden on the local medical community and is anticipating the opening of an antibody center at the Haynes recreation center on Monday. The new center will offer antibody treatments designed for those with showing mild coronavirus symptoms. Through the treatments, city officials hope to treat patients before they require a trip to the hospital. The city also is considering the possibility of additional tented areas at local hospitals. According to Mayor Saenz, the tented areas are expected to serve as additional locations for the infusion treatment. However, its possible they could also be used to evaluate citizens and to deal with the overflow of patients recently seen at local emergency rooms. Discussions are still ongoing, and their location when operational is not yet known. Officials also confirmed an additional death on Saturday. A female in her mid-90s died on Jan. 1, marking the 527th death due to the virus in the area. As of noon Saturday, 207,651 people have been tested for the virus. There are currently 1,134 active cases of COVID-19 and 27,526 have recovered from a previous infection. By Bahk Eun-ji Police have launched an investigation after a three-year-old girl was found outside her house without sufficient clothing Friday, during the ongoing recent cold snap in Seoul. Gangbuk Police Station said Sunday that they have detained the girl's mother on charges of child abandonment and neglect. gettyimagesbank Indonesia plane crash Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182, which departed at 2.36 pm local time from Soekarno Hatta International Airport (7.36 am GMT). Indonesia Plane Crash Kills 62 Passengers The routine domestic flight to Pontianak on Borneo's island, covering 452 miles, is expected to take 95 minutes. Indonesian navy divers will resume their search off the north coast of Java shortly before 6 am for a Boeing 737. An Indonesia plane crashed into the sea shortly after taking off on Saturday afternoon from Jakarta. The FlightRadar24 flight-tracking website announced that the aircraft set off southwest and initially climbed naturally, turning northeast to its destination. Jessica Washington of Al Jazeera, a Jakarta reporter, said that the 62 people on board included seven children and three babies. The authorities believed they had uncovered aircraft debris on this horrible Indonesia plane crash. READ: US Recorded Five Deadliest Days with More than 4,000 COVID-19 Deaths in Less than Two Weeks After sonar equipment detected a signal from the plane, officials were hopeful they were honing in on the wreckage of Sriwijaya Air Flight 182. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi told reporters that authorities had launched massive search efforts after identifying "the possible location of the crash site." In this Indonesia plane crash, Bambang Suryo Aji, deputy head of operations and preparedness of the National Search and Rescue Agency, said rescuers retrieved airplane debris and clothes and handed over the items for further review to the National Transportation Safety Committee to decide if they were from the missing airplane. Aji said a radio beacon had identified no signal from the aircraft. He said his organization was investigating why there was no signal sent by the aircraft's emergency locator transmitter or ELT that could confirm if it had crashed. Anglers in the Thousand Islands district, a chain of islands north of the coast of Jakarta, reported hearing an explosion at around 2.30 pm on Saturday (6.30 pm AEDT). ALSO READ: Washington DC Airports Tighten Security Following Suggestions to Ban Rioters From Flying Two crisis centers, one at the airport and one at the port, were set up by the authorities. Families gathered to wait for loved ones to hear the news from this Indonesia plane crash. People started circulating the flight manifesto on social media with images and videos of passengers identified as passengers. With more than 260 million people, Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago country, has been plagued by such transportation accidents on land, sea, and air due to overcrowding on ferries, aging infrastructure, and poorly implemented safety standards. In the past, Sriwijaya Air had only had a few minor accidents, although a farmer was killed in 2008 when a landing plane left the runway due to a hydraulic problem. It is not the first time that an Indonesian plane crash has happened around its neighboring countries. In 2007, the United States barred Indonesian carriers from operating in the country, but reversed the decision in 2016, citing improvements to international aviation standards enforcement. @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. expects normal sales to return for its retail vertical by the end of January, almost a year after the business was severely hit by pandemic-related disruptions, its founder and Group CEO said. Speaking to PTI, Biyani said - which operates popular retailing formats like Big Bazaar, FBB, Central and Nilgiris - has seen sales touching almost 60 per cent of the pre-COVID levels and that business has normalised "to a great extent". Moreover, stocks in the stores are almost up to 80 per cent of what they were before the pandemic, he added. Future Group, which had entered into a Rs 24,713-crore deal with billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries to sell its retail business, has also received large orders from Jio Mart that is helping the retail major chart a strong comeback. "All our stores are now operational and our sales have now touched 50 to 60 per cent (of pre-COVID) levels. Stocks are also now moving to stores. I think we are nearly 70 to 80 per cent from the low, where we were (during the pandemic)," Biyani said. and the promoters together have a debt of over Rs 20,000 crore. On the inventory position and stocks, Biyani said: "We are far better than where we were when we started (after lockdown). We have normalised business to a great extent". However, it could be a while before the days of packed retail stores return. "We are not getting much crowd because of social distancing and other reasons. It cannot be 100 per cent till everyone is vaccinated, but I think we are getting the rhythm back," he said. Last month, CEO of Big Bazaar, Future group hypermarket, Sadashiv Nayak had said the number of visitors in stores is increasing and during the festive season all sections, including the apparels and garments, recorded good sales. While shoppers may be staying away from the stores, Future Group has embraced the digital route to reach out to customers. Various retail brands under the Future Group have turned to shopping apps, WhatsApp and even phones to receive orders and deliver them to customers. The concept of 'pick up at stores' has also gained traction. Like previous years, Future Group is also gearing up for its annual sale event "Sabse Sasta Din" on January 26. Biyani expects a significant jump in footfalls during the event. "We are talking to vendors and banks and creating lots of merchandise for January 26. I think from January 26 onwards, we will be quite normal or more (than) normal," he said. Future Group firms have started getting large orders from Reliance Industries. "Besides supplies to Jio Mart, we are also working out internally with lots of supply with them," he added. Last month, Biyani had told employees that the company was getting large orders from Reliance for its FMCG arm Future Consumer as well as supply chain and logistics company Future Enterprises. "We have received a large order from Reliance as well in Future Consumer and in Future Enterprises," Biyani had said in an email addressed to employees ahead of the new year. The group, which has recently opened up a new Big Bazaar hypermarket at Lucknow, will continue to add more such outlets in the coming months with a focus on tier II and III cities. It is also conceptualising two new brands that will offer products across multiple categories within the fashion and FMCG segments, Biyani had informed. While the pact with Reliance still awaits regulatory clearances, Future is entangled in a legal battle by e-commerce major Amazon over the deal. Amazon has dragged Future to arbitration at Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) after the indebted Future firm signed the deal with Reliance in August last year. In 2019, Amazon had agreed to purchase 49 per cent of one of Future's unlisted firms -- Future Coupons Ltd -- with the right to buy into flagship Future Retail Ltd after a period of three to ten years. Future Coupons holds 7.3 per cent equity in BSE-listed Future Retail Ltd (that operates Big Bazaar) through convertible warrants. When asked about the timeline for the closure of the deal with RIL, Biyani said, "I do not see (it taking) much time. Once we get Sebi approval, then we have to go NCLT for creditors, lenders and shareholders' approval". "After Sebi approval, it would take 45 to 60 days," 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.) Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The day before she was supposed to meet a date, one of her roommates got a positive coronavirus test result. When she and her four other roommates went to get tested, their results were negative. She told her date what had happened, and he said he wanted her to come over anyway. But when she arrived, he raised some doubts about having sex. Ms. Nguyen told him that whatever he wanted to do was fine, and she would leave if he wanted her to. I think a part of him was like, Im going to trust this. Maybe its because he really wanted to have sex, she said. But did he feel pressured because I was there? Ms. Nguyen said that the calculations that daters are engaging in go beyond physical exposure. Youre choosing to be physically vulnerable, physically risking Covid, but youre also being emotionally and mentally vulnerable, by trusting this person and believing what theyre saying, she said. Ms. Saah said that having to ask questions about another persons comfort level has forced many of us to consider what consent means. If you have to ask whether a hug is OK, or whether you can take off your mask, you learn to honor your own boundaries and other peoples, she said. Were getting so much practice that we werent getting. Ms. Nguyen realized that during the pandemic, she has found hesitation and caution to be appealing traits in a date. Ive been asked, Have you been to a bunch of parties? Do you feel like you have a fever? When was the last time you made out with someone? How many people have you been hanging out with? she said. You want to date someone who has asked these questions and has gone ahead and gotten a test for you. Its so related to what you want in a person. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Pastor Paul Song was banned indefinitely from working in London jails after exposing the influence of Muslim gangs at HMP Brixton in The Mail on Sunday A Christian prison chaplain who revealed his Bible meetings were hijacked by Islamic extremists is taking legal action after being punished for whistleblowing. Pastor Paul Song was banned indefinitely from working in London jails after exposing the influence of Muslim gangs at HMP Brixton in The Mail on Sunday. Lawyers will seek a judicial review of the decision at the High Court hearing on Tuesday. They will claim it, among other things, breached his right to freedom of expression under the European Convention on Human Rights. Pastor Song, 51, said last night: After 20 years of service supporting vulnerable inmates at HMP Brixton, I have been severely punished for exposing the truth. What has happened to me has set a dangerous precedent for anyone else who dares to tell the public about the growing domination of Islamic extremism in our prisons. I am determined to fight for justice. Mr Song told The Mail on Sunday in a 2018 interview that he was left in a state of near-constant fear after Muslim gangs came to dominate the South London jail. He described one chilling incident when a small group stormed his gathering in the chapel and began loudly praising the jihadis who hacked soldier Lee Rigby to death in the street. The interlopers insisted that hacking to death the 25-year-old soldier in 2013 was justified as it avenged the killing of Muslims by British Armed Forces. Mr Song described how a hardline element grew increasingly powerful, telling vulnerable inmates to convert to Islam. When an imam took over as HMP Brixtons head chaplain, he banned the pastor from the jail because, the imam said, some of the material on the pastors evangelical courses was too radical, he called an inmate a terrorist and behaved threateningly towards him, which Mr Song strongly denied. The chaplain was later cleared and reinstated. But after his Mail on Sunday interview he was banned again for failure to adhere to the expected requirements of a chaplaincy volunteer. The Christian Legal Centre, which has supported Mr Song, said: He has essentially been punished for exposing Islamic radicalisation in the prison to the media. Karnataka lockdown: Minister bats for extension for few more days; BS Yediyurappa to take final call Karnataka Cabinet rejig soon: Yediyurappa India oi-Deepika S Bengaluru, Jan 10: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday expressed confidence of soon getting a final clearance from the central BJP leadership for the much-awaited cabinet rejig in the state. "On cabinet expansion, there was a detailed discussion. You will get good news soon," Yediyurappa told reporters after the meeting. He said the final names will be cleared as early as possible because there was "positive, fruitful and satisfactory discussion". "I am happy with the discussion. ...we will wait for their instructions," he said, adding the central leadership has assured its support. When asked if this was the last meeting on cabinet expansion with the senior party leaders, the CM said, "A 101 percent this is the last meeting. They are going to clear the names as soon as possible." Karnataka: Regular class for first, second year college students after Jan 14 The cabinet expansion in the state has been on the cards for over a year now, but it could not take place, giving some anxious moments to ministerial aspirants and also leading to dissatisfaction. Among those in the ministerial race are MLAs Umesh Katti, Munirathna, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, M P Renukacharya, Aravind Limbavali and S R Vishwanath. Three MLCs - C P Yogeshwar, MTB Nagaraj and R Shankar - are too aspiring for a ministerial berth. Another MLC, A H Vishwanath, too was in the race but his hopes dashed when the Karnataka High Court on November 30 barred him from becoming a minister until at least May this year. The state can have a total of 34 ministers and it has 27 now. By-polls are scheduled for Maski and Basavakalyan assembly segments, and Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency. While Maski fell vacant due to the resignation of sitting Congress MLA Pratap Gouda Patil in 2019, the by-polls to Basavakalyan and Belagavi seats have been necessitated by the deaths of their representatives B Narayan Rao and Suresh Angadi, respectively, due to coronavirus. California is in desperate need of medical workers as its volunteer health corps dwindled from the swamp of coronavirus patients in facilities. The California volunteer health corps, created by Governor Gavin Newsom at the start of the pandemic initially has some 95,000 people to volunteer. Newsom said the program "has been incredibly effective" but the numbers said otherwise as the volunteer health corps only has 14 people working in the field amid the life-threatening pandemic, reported The Associated Press. Sources told CBS-affiliated KTVN that very few volunteers met California's qualifications for the volunteer program and much fewer had high-level experience with serious virus cases. Other volunteers also decided to devote their time to other jobs before the latest surge in coronavirus cases. California currently has a record one-day total of 695 coronavirus deaths. As of January 9, the state has recorded more than 2.6 million confirmed cases of the virus with a total of more than 29,000 deaths. Volunteer programs in other states also faced similar difficulties. Volunteer Health Corps Falls Through Despite Laudable Goal For California Nurses Association's government relations director Stephanie Roberson, the California health corps did have a "laudable" goal, but it ultimately "hasn't worked out" as Newsom said it did. Newsom formed the volunteer health corps in preparation of the crisis that coronavirus brought California and other states. Related Story: Fauci Warns 'Things Will Get Worse' as U.S. Hits a New Record for COVID-19 Deaths But California became one of nation's states where the coronavirus situation spiraled out of control. Infections, hospitalizations and intensive care needs due to the virus were constantly maxed out as the rest of the nation also saw a surge in numbers, overwhelming the usual pool of travelling nurses. Officials reported there was a need for 3,000 temporary medical workers, but only about 1,000 was met as of Thursday, said The Associated Press. As a result, hospitals sacrifice the care for critically ill patients by changing their nurse-to-patient ratios. Newsom's vision for the volunteer health corps was to get retired or inactive medical workers to fill in the gaps in health facilities. Even though they are considered as volunteers, they would still be paid what the state calls "competitive wages." Sean Clarke, executive vice dean at New York University's Rory Meyers College of Nursing noted that when a volunteer corps is established, it is made under the assumption that people can easily be slotted in. However, Clarke said, "Figuring out how to do that still hasn't been fleshed out, I guess." "It could just be that nurses know that this just might not be the safest place to work," Roberson added. Oregon Sends Healthcare Workers to California As California battles with the massive surge in COVID-19 cases, Oregon sent in some of its medical workers to help the state in easing the burden, reported Fox 12 Oregon. Ryan Hutchinson, a healthcare worker from the city of Medford was one of these health care workers. He came into Apple Valley, California to assist in medical services for a week. Read also: Fact Check: Did a Bill Allowing Kids To Get Vaccinated Without Parental Consent Pass Into Law? He shared that Saint Mary's medical center, where he's working is beyond capacity for patients. In addition to that, the hospital also has to worry about cases among its own staff. He also said that the events unfolding in California should serve as a warning to every state about the seriousness of the pandemic. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has today reported a breach to one of its data systems in what Governor Adrian Orr called a "malicious attack". Source: 1 NEWS An urgent investigation has been launched after a third party file sharing service used by the bank to share and store some sensitive information was illegally accessed, the Reserve Bank said today in a statement. Governor Adrian Orr said the breach has since been contained, and the matter is being treated with the highest priority. We are working closely with domestic and international cyber security experts and other relevant authorities as part of our investigation and response to this malicious attack. The nature and extent of information that has been potentially accessed is still being determined, but it may include some commercially and personally sensitive information, Orr said. The system has been secured and taken offline until we have completed our initial investigations. It will take time to understand the full implications of this breach, and we are working with system users whose information may have been accessed." PARADISE, Calif. - Lynn Leav lost her bar, the Optimo, during the Camp Fire on November 8, 2018. Two years later she is starting over, with a new business. Leav's daughter Muy Ling said, "I'm so ecstatic with all of the community support we have gotten. Paradise is a sweet town, and to see the support and the people showing up to make a business happen is beautiful." Lynn used to operate a Chinese restaurant at the Optimo. That burned during the Camp Fire. But she had already put up a new building for Lynn's Coffee and Crepes in the Optimo parking lot, but it had not opened for business yet. Employee Christina Burton explained that Lynn, "wanted to get back into cooking and feeding the community, and being a part of this wonderful community, and that's why she felt like she needed to open up the coffee shop." "For us to start a new business in a pandemic has been very scary but we will try and see how it goes," Burton said. "We have served hundreds of crepes and coffee and we couldn't be more grateful for all of the support people are giving to this business. We were not expecting it to be this busy," she added. Customers told Action News Now that they are happy the restaurant is finally open. It's heartwarming and feels really good." Burton described the location on the upper end of Paradise on the Skyway as a sentimental location. She told the story about what happened during the day of the Camp Fire. Burton said law enforcement officers smashed the windows open and people took shelter inside for hours. "There were people stuck in this parking lot for 12 hours, and I know people who were inside this building that we are standing in right now for 15 hours before they could get out," she explained. "This place means a lot for a lot of people, especially us," she said. "I want to thank everyone for being here for us." "The love that Lynn and her daughter and me and everyone is putting into this business - the love is what is making it overflow with gratitude, Burton said. Lynn's Coffee and Crepes is planning to have a grand opening in February. They are located at 9205 Skyway at the corner of Skyway and Clark Road in Paradise. Flash Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Victoria on Saturday that China's diplomacy has always adhered to the principle that all countries, large or small, are equal and that China-Seychelles relations are a model in this regard. Wang made the remarks during his talks with his Seychelles counterpart Sylvestre Radegonde. Wang said China has always advocated multilateralism, opposed power politics, promoted democratization in international relations, and supported the United Nations to play its due role in international affairs. Wang said that big countries should take the lead in abiding by the basic norms of international relations, not interfering in other countries' internal affairs, helping small and medium-sized developing countries, and assuming their international responsibilities in dealing with climate change and promoting sustainable development. As the largest developing country, China is willing to fulfill its international obligations. China's development is a growing force for peace, justice, and other developing countries, he said. Wang said that China supports Seychelles, as an equal member of the international community, to play a more active role in international affairs and is willing to work with the country to safeguard world peace, stability, and prosperity. On his part, Radegonde spoke highly of China's adherence to the principle of equality between large and small countries. He appreciated China's efforts to safeguard the interests of small and medium-sized countries and developing countries. He also appreciated that China always stands together with developing countries in international affairs. The official teaser of Mammootty's highly anticipated upcoming mystery thriller The Priest is getting ready for a grand theatrical release. The movie, which features Mammootty in the titular role, had recently garnered attention with the newly released posters that feature the megastar in a different get-up. Now, the latest reports suggest that The Priest teaser is on the way. Recently, the team announced that the final mix of the Mammootty starrer is in progress, through the official social media pages of the project. So, it has been confirmed that the highly anticipated official teaser of the Jofin T Chacko directorial will be out in a couple of days, mostly by the end of this week. From the recently released new look of Mammootty from the movie, it is evident that The Priest has some real surprises in store for the Malayalam cinema audiences. In the new posters, the megastar is seen in a full sleeves shirt, which is teamed up with a pair of eyeglasses, a hat, and a thick beard. Coming to The Priest, the movie which is said to be an out-and-out thriller, marks Mammootty's first-ever onscreen collaboration with Manju Warrier. The lady superstar is not appearing as the female lead opposite the megastar but is playing a pivotal role in the project. The Priest will also features Nikhila Vimal, Saniya Iyappan, Baby Monica, Jagadeesh, Ramesh Pisharody, Madhupal, Dinesh Panicker, Sivadas Kannur, Naseer Sankranthi, Tony Luke, Karikku fame Ameya Mathew, and so on in the supporting roles. The Mammootty starrer is jointly written by Deepu Pradeep and Shyam Menon. Akhil George is the director of photography. The editing is handled by Shameer Mohammed. Rahul Raj has composed the music. The Priest is jointly produced by Anto Joseph, filmmaker B Unnikrishnan, and VN Babu, under the banners Anto Joseph Film Company and RD Illuminations. Also Read: Mammootty's One: The Shooting To Resume By The End Of January 2021 Mammootty's CBI 5: Jagathy Sreekumar To Make A Comeback As Vikram? The US has lifted the "self-imposed restrictions" on contacts between American and Taiwanese diplomats and officials, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced, ending a long-standing policy to "appease" China. The move on Taiwan is likely to anger China and increase tensions between Washington and Beijing as the Trump administration enters its final days ahead of the inauguration of Joe Biden as president on January 20. China regards Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, even by force. But Taiwan's leaders assert that it is a sovereign state. In a statement on Saturday, Pompeo said, for several decades the State Department has created complex internal restrictions to regulate our diplomats, service members, and other officials interactions with their Taiwanese counterparts. The US has maintained close ties with Taiwan since it split from mainland China in 1949 after the end of a civil war.But until recently Washington has avoided major displays of friendship so as to not antagonise Beijing, which continues to view the self-governing democracy of around 24 million people as an inseparable part of its territory. Referring to Taiwan as a reliable and unofficial partner, Pompeo, a staunch critic of China, added that the US executive branch agencies should consider contact guidelines regarding relations with Taiwan previously issued by the State Department to be null and void. "The United States government took these actions unilaterally, in an attempt to appease the Communist regime in Beijing. No more," he said. Today I am announcing that I am lifting all of these self-imposed restrictions, the US top diplomat said. The United States government maintains relationships with unofficial partners around the world, and Taiwan is no exception, he said. Our two democracies share common values of individual freedom, the rule of law, and a respect for human dignity. Todays statement recognises that the US-Taiwan relationship need not, and should not, be shackled by self-imposed restrictions of our permanent bureaucracy, Pompeo said. The US Ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, is set to visit Taiwan this week to reinforce the US government's strong and ongoing support for Taiwan's international space, Pompeo announced last week. The latest move by the US has been welcomed by Taiwan. . I'm grateful to @SecPompeo & @StateDept for lifting restrictions unnecessarily limiting our engagements these past years. I'm also thankful for strong bipartisan support in Congress for the #Taiwan Assurance Act, which advocates a review of prior guidelines. The closer ... 1/2 https://t.co/2UrT5d7Wws Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) (@MOFA_Taiwan) January 10, 2021 partnership between #Taiwan & the #US is firmly based on our shared values, common interests & unshakeable belief in freedom & democracy. We'll continue working in the months & years ahead to ensure Taiwan is & continues to be a force for good in the world. JW 2/2 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) (@MOFA_Taiwan) January 10, 2021 In August last year, US Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar became the highest-ranking US politician to visit Taiwan and hold meetings on the island for decades. Reacting to Azar's visit, China had urged the US to respect what it calls its one China principle. The Chinese foreign ministry said it firmly opposes any form of official exchanges between the US and Taiwan.The US also sells arms to Taiwan, though it does not have a formal defence treaty with it, as it does with Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. Tensions between China and the US over a range of issues, including trade, human rights, Hong Kong and Taiwan, have worsened in recent months. Beijing has escalated pressure on Taiwan through a series of military drills and aircraft incursions. (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) Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 10:46:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, have received COVID-19 vaccinations, Buckingham Palace has said. The vaccinations were administered on Saturday by a household doctor at Windsor Castle where the royal couple have been spending the lockdown, British media reported Saturday, citing a royal source. The source added the Queen decided to let it be known she had the vaccination to prevent further speculation. The Queen, 94, and Prince Philip, 99, are among around 1.5 million people in Britain to have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine so far. People aged over 80 in Britain are among the high-priority groups who are being given the vaccine first. It has not been disclosed which of the vaccines the royal couple have received. On Friday, a third coronavirus vaccine was approved for use in the country, as Britain recorded the highest number of coronavirus deaths, as well as the highest daily increase of cases, on a single day since the pandemic began in the country. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country reached 3,017,409 by Saturday. 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 File / Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media GREENWICH Four crew members who were kidnapped in late November from a product-tanker vessel owned by Greenwich-based Diamond S Shipping off the coast of the west African nation of Togo have been released, the company announced. All four crew members are safe and will undergo further medical examinations today, the company said in the announcement. Diamond S would like to thank all those involved in securing their release. Due to the sensitive nature of the incident, Diamond S will provide no further updates on this matter. The heartbreaking final messages of passengers on the doomed Indonesian plane which crashed into the sea with 62 people on board have been revealed, as rescuers have located two black boxes. Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 took off from Soekarno-Hatta international airport for a 90-minute flight over the Java Sea between Jakarta and Pofntianak in West Kalimantan. But at 2.40pm - just four minutes after takeoff - the Boeing B737-500 plunged nearly 10,000ft in less than 60 seconds, with witnesses claiming they heard two explosions. Soerjanto Tjahjanto, head of Indonesia's transport safety agency, said authorities have found the two black boxes in the sea and divers are now trying to retrieve them, along with body parts and plane wreckage. It comes as the tragic final messages and posts have been revealed as they shared photos on the plane before the crash. Ratih Windania posted a selfie with her three children laughing as the family boarded the plane. She said: 'Bye bye family. We're heading home for now.' Ratih Windania posted a selfie with her three children laughing as they boarded a plane in Indonesia on Saturday The family's final message was sent just before they boarded the plane from the Indonesian capital after a three-week holiday They were originally planning to take a different flight but they changed at the last minute Rescuers have discovered body parts and pieces of clothing during a desperate search for Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 Indonesian rescue members check a body bag as a huge team continues their search to find wreckage and passengers The message was sent just before they boarded the plane from the Indonesian capital. 'Pray for us,' her brother Irfansyah Riyanto posted on Instagram with a picture of the family. He said his family were originally planning to take a different flight but they changed at the last minute. Like dozens of other desperate relatives, Irfansyah rushed to Jakarta's Soekarno Hatta airport late on Saturday. On Sunday, he was still hoping for good news about his sister and four other family members on the flight, including his parents. Officials are seen inspecting one of the engines recovered from the crash of Sriwijaya Air flight SJ18 Rescuers are seen bringing up one of the engines. At 2.40pm - just four minutes after takeoff - the Boeing B737-500 plunged nearly 10,000ft in less than 60 seconds Navy divers are seen retrieving wreckage from the aircraft. Police asked families to provide information to help identify any bodies retrieved such as dental records and DNA samples Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Sunday said authorities launched a widespread search for the Boeing 737-500 after narrowing down 'the possible location of the crash site' The Boeing B737-500 plunged nearly 3,300 metres in less than 60 seconds to an altitude of just 75 metres. Pictured: debris discovered in the ocean Navy divers pull out a part of an airplane out of the water during the search operation for the Sriwijaya Air passenger jet 'We feel powerless, we can only wait and hope to have any information soon,' Irfansyah told reporters. Irfansyah said his relatives had originally been due to take an earlier flight operated by Sriwijaya's unit NAM Air and he was unclear why that was changed. His sister and her two children had been at the end of a three-week holiday and were taking the 740 km (460 mile) trip home to Pontianak on the island of West Kalimantan. 'I was the one who drove them to the airport, helped with the check-ins and the luggage ... I feel like I still can't believe this and it happened too fast,' Irfansyah said. Irfansyah said his relatives (pictured at the airport) had originally been due to take an earlier flight operated by Sriwijaya's unit NAM Air and he was unclear why that was changed A medical officer sprays disinfectant onto the washed up debris as rescuers desperately search for survivors The National Search and Rescue Agency of Indonesia (BASARNAS) conduct a search and rescue operation Police asked families to provide information to help identify any bodies retrieved such as dental records and DNA samples. At the police hospital, the brother of co-pilot Diego Mamahit said he had been asked for a blood sample. 'I believe my younger brother survived, these are just for the police procedure,' Chris Mamahit said. 'Diego is a good man, we still believe Diego survived.' On his LinkedIn profile, Mahamit had written 'I really love to fly.' A plane flies over Indonesian search and rescue teams scattered in several points as they look for debris Underwater divers have found parts of the wreckage in the sea and have pulled up clothes and body parts Police asked families to provide information to help identify any bodies retrieved such as dental records and DNA samples He and pilot Afwan, who goes by only one name, had nearly two decades of commercial flying experience between them. Afwan had previously been an air force pilot. 'We the family still hope for good news,' a family member of Afwan, a devout Muslim, told Detik.com. President Joko Widodo offered sympathy on Sunday. 'We are making our best efforts to find and rescue the victims and we all pray that they can be found,' he said. Panca Widiya Nursanti, a middle-school teacher in Pontianak, had been returning after a vacation in her home town of Tegal in Central Java. In Pontianak, her husband Rafiq Yusuf Al Idrus recounted the last contact he had with her. 'I was joking by saying that when she arrived in Pontianak we would eat satay together,' he said. 'She contacted me via Whatsapp at 2.05 p.m with laughter. She was already boarding the plane and she said the weather conditions were not good. I said pray a lot, please.' These pieces were found by the SAR team between Lancang Island and Laki Island, National Search and Rescue Agency Bagus Puruhito said Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi on Sunday said authorities launched a widespread search for the Boeing 737-500 after narrowing down 'the possible location of the crash site'. 'These pieces were found by the SAR team between Lancang Island and Laki Island,' National Search and Rescue Agency Bagus Puruhito said. Personnel on the Rigel navy ship detected a signal from the fallen plane, in line with the coordinates from the last contact made by the pilots. 'We have immediately deployed our divers from navy's elite unit to determine the finding to evacuate the victims,' Indonesian military chief Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said. Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of a local life boat, told local television that human remains were found, saying: 'We found body parts, life jackets, avtur (aviation turbine fuel) and debris of the plane.' A fisherman, named Solihin, told the BBC that he had been at sea when he witnessed the plane crash into the water near to his ship. 'The plane fell like lightning into the sea and exploded in the water. It was pretty close to us, the shards of a kind of plywood almost hit my ship. 'We thought it was a bomb or a tsunami since after that we saw the big splash from the water. 'It was raining heavily and the weather was so bad... We were very shocked and directly saw the plane debris and the fuel around our boat.' Locals on a nearby island said they heard two explosions before discovering metal pieces, cables and fragments of a pair of jeans floating in the sea. Fifty-six passengers - including seven kids and three babies, two pilots and four cabin crew were on board the 26-year-old plane. Indonesian search and rescue officers inspect a bag with wreckage believed to be of the missing plane at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Indonesia The plane - believed to be a Boeing B737-500 - is understood to have fallen 10,000 feet in less than 60 seconds just four minutes after it took off The missing plane is an older model than the Boeing 737 MAX jet involved in two earlier fatal crashes - including the Indonesian Lion Air crash in 2018 which killed 189. Mr Sumadi said the doomed flight was delayed for an hour before it took off at 2.36pm. But the aircraft disappeared from radar four minutes later, after the pilot contacted air traffic control to ascend to an altitude 8,839 meters. A dozen vessels - including four warships - were deployed in a search and rescue operation centered between Lancang island and Laki island, part of the Thousand Islands chain just north of Jakarta. 'Sriwijaya Air flight #SJ182 lost more than [3,000 metres] of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta,' the tracking agency said on its official Twitter account. The US will remove decades-old, self-imposed restrictions on how its diplomats and other officials interact with Taiwan , a move that may inflame tensions with Beijing just a little over a week before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in. For several decades the State Department has created complex internal restrictions to regulate our diplomats, service members, and other officials interactions with their Taiwanese counterparts," Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement Saturday in Washington. No more." The announcement was the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to reshape the US relationship with Taiwan. , Donald Trump accepted a telephone call from Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen weeks before taking office in January 2017, has said his support for the One China" policy was contingent on getting better trade deals, announced arms sales, and sent senior officials to Taipei. While the implications of the announcement are not yet clear, it seems the intent is to nudge unofficial US-Taiwan relations toward something more akin to official ties," said Maggie Lewis, a law professor at Seton Hall Law School who has written extensively on Taiwan and China. China opposes meetings between US and Taiwanese officials and has made no secret of its displeasure at improving ties between Washington and Taipei. The Chinese foreign ministry didnt respond to a request for comment on the latest announcement. Taiwans Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu said in a tweet that he was grateful to Pompeo for lifting restrictions unnecessarily limiting our engagements." The closer partnership between Taiwan and the US is firmly based on our shared values, common interests and unshakeable belief in freedom and democracy," the minister said. Future Contacts Going forward, executive branch agencies should consider all contact guidelines" concerning relations with Taiwan previously issued by the State Department to be null and void, Pompeo said. The US ambassador to the United Nations Kelly Craft is expected to visit Taiwan this week. That will be the first such visit since Taiwan was excluded from the UN in 1971, and she will meet with senior Taiwanese counterparts. Chinas foreign ministry had earlier called Crafts visit a breach of the One China principle" and accused Pompeo of staging a final show of madness" to sabotage China-US relations." The announcement by Pompeo is one of a number the administration has launched or strengthened in the final days of its term, including an initiative to punish companies with close ties to the Chinese military. Bedrock Policy Best case, the Biden Administration sees this as a blank slate and starts an internal process to develop what the ideal US-Taiwan engagement structure and process looks like, consistent with the unofficial relationship, shared democratic values, and the benefits the bilateral relationship brings," said Drew Thompson, formerly a US Department of Defense official responsible for Taiwan policy. Beijings One China" principle states that Taiwan and China are part of the same China. While the US recognizes that the government of the Peoples Republic of China is the only legitimate government of China, it only acknowledges that the PRC claims Taiwan is a part of China. Taiwans government views the island as a de-facto independent, sovereign nation. Hong Kong Statement In another action against China, Pompeo on Saturday issued a joint statement with the foreign ministers of the UK, Canada and Australia in expressing serious concern" about the arrest of 55 activists and politicians in Hong Kong last week. Hong Kongs National Security Law is a breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and undermines the one country, two systems" framework, according to the statement. The legislation has curtailed the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong. It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views," the governments said. Hong Kongs government later rejected that criticism. China has repeatedly said no other nations have the right to interfere in its internal affairs, including in Hong Kong. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Dr. Sarah Lambert, a Yale Medicine pediatric urologist, is the inaugural recipient of the Norm Roth Leadership Award established by Greenwich Hospitals physicians in appreciation of the retired executives years of service. The award includes a $5,000 grant to promote the growth of physicians who exhibit strong leadership potential, said Dr. Felice Zwas, chief of staff, who announced the award at a recent medical staff meeting. I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of this award. Norm Roth embodies the drive, intelligence and personal engagement of a true leader, said Lambert, who is with Yale New Haven Childrens Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center in Greenwich. A Darien resident, she plans to use the grant to continue her education in quality improvement research and leadership. Since joining Greenwich Hospital in 2017, Lambert has established a pediatric urology robotic surgery program, along with pediatric multidisciplinary clinics and quality improvement teams to enhance pediatric care. I believe all children should have access to high quality care within their communities, she said. By delivering care in a personalized and familiar manner, children and their families are more at ease during what can be a challenging experience. Roth retired in October after a 41-year career at Yale New Haven Health, including five years as Greenwich Hospitals president and chief executive officer. Roth called the award the greatest recognition of his career, adding that it will help to keep the organization strong and vital by identifying emerging leaders who will be extremely helpful in guiding the hospital and the health system into the future of healthcare delivery. Greenwich Hospital, a 206-bed regional medical center, is a member of Yale New Haven Health. It is a major academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Local students earn honors at Southern CT The following local students earned membership on the Fall 2020 Deans List at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven. The honored students are Zachary Caruso of Cos Cob; Lucas Perez of Cos Cob; Nevan Burke of Greenwich; Julia Conti of Greenwich; Kim Fontanilla of Greenwich; Michelle Morocho of Greenwich; Miranda Anderson of Old Greenwich; and Matthew Banks of Old Greenwich. Local store sells two winning lottery tickets Grocery Express in Old Greenwich has sold two lottery tickets with big payouts in recent weeks, according to the Connecticut Lottery. On Jan. 4, Jose Lopez of Ossining, N.Y., was $500,000 richer after purchasing a winning Deluxe lottery ticket in Greenwich. On Dec. 29, Joseph Sherian of Riverside purchased a Diamonds ticket from Grocery Express and won $25,000. Local students earn Deans List honors Peyton Larkin of Cos Cob has been named to the 2020 fall semester Deans List at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio. To earn recognition, students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or better. Denise Madinabeitia of Greenwich has earned a spot on the Deans List for Summer 2020 at Goodwin University in East Hartford. A student must earn a minimum 3.5 GPA, the equivalent of an A- average, for inclusion. Joseph Patrick McCurdy of Riverside was named to the Deans Honor Roll for Fall 2020 at the University of Mississippi, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.50 to 3.74. Amalia Mary Hoa Samuel of Riverside, a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering, was named to the Deans List for the fall 2020 semester at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y. A minimum 3.25 grade-point average must be achieved for inclusion. Whitby School announces scholarship for middle school students The Whitby School is accepting applications for the Trustees Merit Scholarship, which will provide a full-tuition scholarship to a distinguished and accomplished new student entering Grade 5 or Grade 6 in fall of 2021. Two additional scholarship candidates will receive awards as well. The continued funding of the merit scholarship program demonstrates the Whitby Trustees belief in the importance of the middle school years, Head of School Jack Creeden said. Whitby middle school students are not in a high school waiting room. They are school leaders now, and they are actively engaged in a variety of student-led initiatives. They are developing skills and self-confidence that prepares them for a successful transition to the secondary school of their choice. Applicants for the scholarships must differentiate themselves as academically strong students, exceptional leaders, and have a track record of involvement in extra-curricular activities. The scholarship selection process includes submitting an essay and an interview with the Scholarship Selection Committee. Whitby uses the Montessori and International Baccalaureate education models that prepare each child, uniquely, for success in his/her lifelong learning journey. Interested families may apply at www.whitbyschool.org/scholarship2021 or contact the Admissions Office at 203-302-3900 for more information. The deadline is Jan. 15, and winners will be notified in late February. WASHINGTON The FBI and the New York City Police Department passed information to U.S. Capitol Police about the possibility of violence during the protests Wednesday against the counting of the Electoral College vote, and the FBI even visited more than a dozen extremists already under investigation to urge them not to travel to Washington, senior law enforcement officials said. The previously unreported details undercut the assertion by a top FBI official that officials had no indication that violence was a possibility, and they add to questions about what intelligence authorities had reviewed before the Capitol riot, which led to the death of an officer and four other people, including a rioter who was shot and killed by police. "Social media is just part of a full intelligence picture, and while there was First Amendment-protected activity on social media to include some people making threats, to this point, investigators have not found that there was an organized plot to access the Capitol," a senior FBI official said. It was immediately obvious after the Capitol was seized by a violent mob Wednesday that Capitol Police, whose job is to defend the facility and the lawmakers who work there, had completely misjudged the security threat. The chief of the force was quickly forced out of his job, as were other key legislative security officials. As evidence mounts that some extremists had told the world what they had in mind through social media, questions are emerging about whether the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies took the postings seriously enough and why, if they did, they didn't step in until well after the building was under attack. Asked Friday whether the slow police response Wednesday was the result of an intelligence failure, the official who leads the FBI's Washington field office, Steven D'Antuono, said no. "There was no indication that there was anything [planned] other than First Amendment-protected activity," he said. Related: "We will come in numbers that no standing army or police agency can match, wrote a popular Parler user who frequently posts about QAnon. D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said something similar Thursday, telling reporters, "There was no intelligence that suggested there would be a breach of the U.S. Capitol." Ken Rapuano, the assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense, told reporters that the Justice Department and other law enforcement officials told the Defense Department repeatedly that they had no indications that there would be "significant violent protests." But there were ample indications of potential violence. Image: Trump supporters gather in Washington (Shannon Stapleton / Reuters) NBC News has reported that a digital flyer made public on Instagram and Facebook last month referred to what would happen as "Operation Occupy the Capitol." On the fringe message board 8kun, which is popular with QAnon followers, users talked for weeks about a siege of the Capitol. "You can go to Washington on Jan 6 and help storm the Capitol," an 8kun user said Tuesday, a day before the siege. "As many Patriots as can be. We will storm the government buildings, kill cops, kill security guards, kill federal employees and agents, and demand a recount." Daniel J. Jones, president of Advance Democracy Inc., a global research organization that studies disinformation and extremism, told NBC News in a story published the day before the riot: "In regard to the protests planned for Jan. 6, the violent rhetoric we're seeing online is at a new level. There are endorsements of violence across all of the platforms." Related: The Capitol Police, the 2,000-person force whose job is to secure the complex, failed to deploy enough officers and did not put them in riot gear. How could the FBI and other agencies have missed all that? It turns out they didn't, officials said. "Prior to this event, the FBI obtained credible and actionable information about individuals who were planning on traveling to the protests who expressed a desire to engage in violence," the senior FBI official said. "The FBI was able to discourage those individuals from traveling to D.C." The official added that "the FBI and our federal, state and local partners collected and shared available intelligence in preparation for the various planned events." "The FBI was prepared to adapt as needed to fluid events on the ground, including having rapid response teams in reserve," the official said. "Throughout most of the day the crowd was peaceful and nonconfrontational. "However, when it became clear that some individuals were surging onto the Capitol grounds and entering the buildings, the U.S. Capitol Police requested assistance. Within 50 minutes of that request, three FBI tactical teams were on scene to gain control of the area and offer protection to congressional members and staff. Over the course of the evening, the FBI presence ultimately grew to over 150 agents and other personnel." The official wasn't in a position to explain why D'Antuono, the head of the Washington field office, said there had been no indications of violence. The FBI official said that by dissuading some extremists from traveling to Washington, the bureau may have prevented an even more violent situation. New York police, who have the most robust intelligence collection and analytical arm of any local police agency in the country, sent law enforcement agencies across the country including Capitol Police an intelligence packet describing threats and violent rhetoric on social media in the weeks and days leading up to the rally, multiple senior law enforcement officials said. The officials said Capitol Police were given a specific and separate intelligence report describing extremist rhetoric and threats of violence that appeared on social media in connection with the rally. Law enforcement officials familiar with the intelligence assessments said President Donald Trump's exhortation of the crowd to march on the Capitol probably prompted a much larger contingent of people to head there than might otherwise have gone. Image: Riot at the Capitol (Roberto Schmidt / AFP - Getty Images) Capitol Police and the FBI's Washington field office didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. It wasn't just police agencies that issued warnings. A private intelligence report issued in December, obtained by NBC News, said the "'million-MAGA march' in Washington DC on 6 January is the next major flashpoint ... the mass event (which will be held in the National Mall and outside the Capitol) is likely to spark street violence, some of which may be lethal, between Antifa and Trump supporters or far-right groups." Many questions remain about why the FBI, Homeland Security and other agencies didn't do more to make sure the Capitol was protected. Officials have said Capitol Police reassured everyone that they could handle the situation, and key lawmakers said they heard the same assurances from the force. The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington is responsible for crowd control in the city, and the mayor told Justice Department officials that she didn't want or need their help. While city police helped retake the Capitol, they were unable to stop the crowd from getting there in the first place. Related: Confusion and finger-pointing continue between local and federal law enforcement agencies after Wednesday's siege of the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob. The FBI is also under scrutiny. Its top investigative priority is terrorism, foreign and domestic. Had this been an al Qaeda plot to storm the Capitol, some experts said, it is likely that the FBI would have arrested the participants before they left their home airports on the way to Washington. One difference, however, is that there is no domestic terrorism statute, which gives the FBI fewer avenues to legally monitor suspects, including their postings on the dark web, said NBC News contributor Frank Figliuzzi, a former assistant director of the FBI. Outside a criminal investigation of a specific person or group, Figliuzzi said Saturday, "the FBI is not permitted to look and monitor the very same things that you and I can look at on Twitter and Parler." Joyce Vance, a former U.S. attorney for northern Alabama, said the FBI has tools to monitor potential violence by domestic extremists. She suggested that the issue was one of emphasis and will. "The challenge for FBI and DOJ is to assign a permanent priority to domestic white supremacist terror groups and treat them as seriously as they treat foreign terrorism," she said. A woman was taken to the hospital Saturday after she was shot in the back in the Pines Village neighborhood, according to the New Orleans Police Department. At around 8:40 p.m., police said the shooting happened in the 4500 block of Lynhuber Drive, near Ransom Street. The woman was driven to the hospital with the injury just before 8 p.m. Police did not immediately provide any other information on the shootings. With online classes and exams becoming the new normal, there has been a significant rise in cyberbullying and harassment. Image For Representation/Reuters The more recent incidents, at least nine girl students from the premier Mumbai institute fell prey to online sexual harassment. These students have taken to social media to post screenshots of inappropriate texts allegedly sent by their online exams proctors or invigilators. This is what online exams have come to in the prestigious NMIMS. Absolutely disgusting behaviour by so called proctors who students cannot even see on screen. Proctors have gone to the extent of asking for social media handles and messaging students on WhatsApp. pic.twitter.com/42DGqNtHqy AverageIndianStudent (@AverageIndianS1) January 7, 2021 According to TO, the proctors are hired by a third party. In some of these cases, the proctors allegedly went to the extent of stalking students on social media and sent them texts. Also Read: Students In Philippines Are Battling Poverty, Scaling Roofs & Mountains To Take Online Classes A student has alleged that their Aadhaar number was used to apply for loan while another student found that a screenshot of her screen with her face was taken without her permission and stored on the proctors system, reports The News Minute. Speaking to TOI, a student said, "No girl should be put through this. We have been told that action has been taken and the proctors have been debarred." Case 1: it all started when this case was circulating through various college groups. A proctor is an online invigilator for exams. You CANT see this unknown person but they can see you and your room. They can also ask for 360 view of your room. A Proctor can turn #STALKER. pic.twitter.com/83ctN7YWTA 4 lakh to NMIMS, unsafe in my room (@bangswiftpv) January 7, 2021 This is really pathetic! The harassment is not limited only to the physical world now. These so called proctors should be punished for their offence and a strict action must be taken against them. https://t.co/nZhE6xLu9j Gaurav Prabhu (@Gauravprabhu15) January 8, 2021 The institute's official said that they received mails regarding proctors invading students privacy. We request you to share details of the incident with us, via Direct Message. We will look into this and take legal action. NMIMS Global Access SCE (@NMIMS_SCE) January 8, 2021 But it is against University rules to click pictures of exam screens and share them in the public domain, so we urge you to take them down. We assure you that we will work towards resolving this at the earliest. NMIMS Global Access SCE (@NMIMS_SCE) January 8, 2021 The institute issued a statement about the allegations on Friday evening. "NMIMS condemns the proctors' behaviour and this is absolutely unacceptable from our end. NMIMS has zero-tolerance for any activities by anyone, that is in violation of NMIMS's code of conduct and values," a statement shared on the institute's social media account said. Also Read: India Is Conducting Its First-ever Nationwide Online Cow Exam For Free: Here's How To Enroll "NMIMS has raised these concerns with our technology partner, METTL Management. They have assured that they are taking the strictest action, including approaching the police against the proctors indulging in such behaviour and violating the code of conduct. They have also assured us that they will be taking all the necessary steps and following thorough due diligence processes while engaging proctors. We assure students that the METTL is not permitted to capture students' personal information," it added. Also Read: From Email To Video Streaming: How Our Online Actions Impact Our Environment Trilateral talks of Russian President Vladimir Putin, his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will be held on Monday, January 11, in Moscow at the initiative of the Russian head of state, TASS reports. The sides plan to review the implementation of the November 9, 2000 statement of the three leaders on Nagorno-Karabakh and discuss steps to resolve the regional issues, the Kremlin press service reported on Sunday. "At the initiative of the president of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, on January 11, 2021, in Moscow, trilateral talks will be held of the President of the Russian Federation, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. It is planned to review the implementation of the November 9, 2000 statement of leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia on Nagorno-Karabakh and discuss further steps on resolving the issues present in the region," the statement said. According to the press service, a particular attention will be paid to the issues of aid to residents of districts affected by the military action as well as of unblocking and developing trade and economic and transport connections. Additionally, separate conversations of Vladimir Putin with Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan are planned. When Michael Korb first met Jennifer Hammerschlag, he had no idea that she would eventually overturn all his ideas about women. For one thing, they met at her engagement party which he, well, wasnt even invited to. She was a little put out because someone had gate-crashed her party, says Korb, 64, who had been taken to the party last-minute by friends, after they asked to drop in on their way to driving him back to the army barracks he was living in at the time. "As crazy as it sounds, we were basically just friends but became better and better friends." Credit:Illustration: Dionne Gain It was 1978, and Korb, then 23, had recently graduated with a dental degree and was engaged in mandatory military service in Cape Town, in South Africa. He also had a long-time girlfriend in Johannesburg where he was born. Hammerschlags fiance who Korb had known in school was also living in Johannesburg. Indonesian investigators said the crashed Boeing Co. jet carrying 62 people operated by Sriwijaya Air broke apart upon impact with water, which could rule out a mid-air breakup. National Transportation Safety Committee Chairman Soerjanto Tjahjono shared his conclusion by text message, without elaborating. A search-and-rescue team has located the crash site where the plane went down just minutes after takeoff on Saturday, with authorities saying they expect to retrieve the aircrafts black boxes as soon as Sunday evening. Debris suspected to be from Flight SJ182 has been found along with emergency signals transmitted by two devices, with the search team already locating both flight recorders, according to officials. We believe that it is the location of the crash," military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said in a televised briefing. Items found 23 meters (75 feet) underwater include life vests and parts of the aircraft that bear its registration number, he said. Confirmation that the plane had crashed came about 20 hours after it went missing following its departure from capital Jakarta, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for maximum effort to search for and rescue the victims. While the cause hasnt been determined, the accident has once again pushed the countrys aviation industry into crisis mode. Indonesia has had a spate of plane crashes in the past decade, including the Lion Air Flight 610 disaster that killed 189 people in 2018, the first of the two 737 Max crashes that led to a global grounding. In December 2014, an AirAsia Group Bhd. plane plunged into the Java Sea with 162 people on board. The plane that Sriwijaya Air was flying is a 737-500 model thats much older than the 737 Max aircraft. Weather has been a contributing factor in several of the past crashes. On Saturday, heavy rain in Jakarta delayed the takeoff for the 90-minute SJ182 flight to Pontianak on the island of Borneo. It finally took off at 2:36 p.m. local time, reaching 1,700 feet a minute later, when it was cleared by Jakarta air traffic controllers to ascend to 29,000 feet, according to Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi. Four minutes after takeoff, controllers noticed the aircraft was not on its assigned track. It radioed the crew, and within seconds, the aircraft disappeared from radar, he said. Weather Factor Flightradar24s tracking data showed the plane leveling off at an altitude of about 10,000 to 11,000 feet 3 minutes after taking off, before a rapid descent to the water in just 14 seconds. That meant it was dropping at more than 40,000 feet per minute, a rate far above routine operations. Preliminary readings from flight data transmitted by the aircraft via the Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast system appeared to show possible disorientation" by the pilots, said aviation analyst Gerry Soejatman. While we have to wait for the final report of the investigation to know the true cause of the incident, but the preliminary data appears pointing to possible disorientation in the cockpit, to which the bad weather is a factor here," he said. Without access yet to the planes black-box flight recorders, its impossible to say what may have triggered the sudden dive, said Jeffrey Guzzetti, the former head of accident investigations at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. He said flight-crew confusion, instrumentation problems, catastrophic mechanical failures or even an intentional act were among the possible scenarios. Indonesia deployed divers, warships, vessels with sonar and airplanes on Sunday. Of the 62 people, 50 were passengers, including seven children and three infants, and there were two pilots, four cabin crew and six off-duty crew, local media reported. There were no foreign nationals on board. Boeing is closely monitoring the situation," spokeswoman Zoe Leong said in a statement. We are working to gather more information." Sriwijaya Air said it will work with relevant authorities in evacuation and investigation efforts. The 737-500 model first flew in 1989 and, according to tracking website Planespotters.net, this particular plane first flew in May 1994. This is not even the model before the Max, it has been in service for 30 years so its unlikely to be a design fault," said Richard Aboulafia, an aviation analyst at Teal Group Corp. Thousands of these planes have been built and production ended over 20 years ago, so something would have been discovered by now." The crash comes as the aviation industry is reeling from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which brought air travel to its knees. Covid-19 tore through in a tumultuous, unprecedented way -- leaving carriers in a deep hole, along with a constellation of aerospace manufacturers, airports and leasing firms. The International Air Transport Association said last week that global passenger demand dropped significantly during November, down 70% versus the same period of 2019 when measured in revenue passenger kilometers. Safety Concerns While we dont know anything else about the cause of this crash, the biggest thing concerning me is serious concerns about Indonesian air safety standards that were identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and others years ago," Aboulafia said. I am not completely certain that the proper procedures have been put in place." The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has appointed a senior investigator to assist in the probe, but is awaiting more information before determining whether it will send a team, it said in an emailed statement. Under a United Nations treaty, the NTSB along with technical experts from Boeing and possibly the manufacturers of other components would participate in the probe because the jet was built in the U.S. Indonesias transportation safety committee has started its probe, including by retrieving air traffic communication and radar information as well as by interviewing officials who were on duty, according to investigator Nurcahyo Utomo. The committee is working with the government to let foreign investigators enter the country despite the current travel ban, he said. Patchy Record Indonesia, which had one of the fastest-growing airline industries in the world prior to Covid, has a patchy safety record when it comes to air accidents. Its poor aviation history saw carriers from the nation banned from the European Union in 2007 and it was only in June 2018 that the full ban was lifted. In 1997, Garuda Indonesia Flight 152 crashed approaching an airport in Medan in North Sumatra, killing 234. The AirAsia Flight 8501 that crashed in late 2014 was en route to Singapore from Surabaya. On Oct. 29, 2018, the Boeing 737 Max flown by Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 passengers and crew. That was Indonesias second-deadliest aircraft accident. The coronavirus pandemic has complicated aviation insomuch as pilots arent getting enough opportunities to fly because airlines have grounded planes and scaled back operations due to a slump in demand. On Sept. 15, an Indonesian flight carrying 307 passengers and 11 crew to the northern city of Medan momentarily veered off the runway after landing, sparking an investigation by the transport safety regulator. It found the pilot had flown less than three hours in the previous 90 days. The first officer hadnt flown at all since Feb. 1. This concern about lack of flying hours among pilots might have materialized here," Soejatman said. The Indonesian airlines domestic market is rebounding from the Covid hiatus and this might have put significant strain on the crew. Compound that with all the personal conditions that these people might have from the reduced pay and everything, this is a challenging time for the industry." Saturdays accident also follows a tumultuous period for Boeing, which only in November had its 737 Max cleared to fly again by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, ending the longest grounding of a jetliner in U.S. history. Brazils Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA was the first airline to resume regular flights using the jet, beginning Dec. 9 on domestic routes from Sao Paulo. American Airlines Group Inc. has since also reintroduced the Max on Miami-New York flights. Settlement Earlier this month, Boeing reached a $2.5 billion agreement with the Justice Department to settle a criminal charge that it defrauded the U.S. government by concealing information about the 737 Max, capping a two-year investigation that devastated the companys reputation for engineering prowess. Sriwijaya Air was established in November 2003. Its fleet is comprised of the Boeing 737 family of jets and ATR 72-600 turboprops. While the company primarily serves domestic routes, it flies internationally to Penang, Malaysia and Dili, Timor Leste. Flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia briefly took over the operation of Sriwijaya and its unit NAM Air in 2018 to expedite Sriwijayas debt restructuring, including clearance of dues to Garudas unit. The Boeing jet in question had been operated by Sriwijaya Air since 2012, according to fleet data on Planespotters.net, and was previously used by Continental Air Lines and United Airlines Holdings Inc. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. NEW HAVEN When it comes to schools reopening, local officials are saying data will make the decision for them. For the third time since New Haven closed its schools in March 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut, a date has been floated for reopening the buildings to a general population of students. In a letter on New Years Eve, Superintendent of Schools Iline Tracey said her administration had set Jan. 19 as a target date to reopen schools. The planned reopening would apply only to students attending pre-kindergarten through fifth grade as well as students in some special programs. It is estimated about two-thirds of the districts roughly 20,000 students a figure inclusive of students in grades six through twelve would seek to return to school in person based on survey information received by the district in the fall, and district officials plan on splitting the students who do return into two alternating groups attending school in buildings only half the time. The first time district officials planned to reopen schools under a hybrid model which would allow students up to third grade to attend school four days a week and students in fourth and fifth grade to attend two days a week the Board of Education voted 4-3 to keep schools closed for the first marking period. Board of Education President Yesenia Rivera said she does not intend to put a vote to reopen schools on the agenda for the boards next meeting on Monday. I do support Dr. Traceys reopening plans, she said. This date is not set in stone. Dr. Tracey and the health director are working closely together. Should it be necessary they will delay the reopening as they did in November. The city health department in late October 2020 intervened to keep schools closed ahead of a planned Nov. 9 reopening, following an uptick in community transmission of the coronavirus. Even if a board member did look to amend the agenda to put the issue to a vote, it appears unlikely the board would reject the administrations plan to reopen on Jan. 19. Board member Ed Joyner was crucial to the summers vote to keep schools closed for a marking period, breaking with his usual allies on the board who supported reopening. He described it at the time as a choice between trying to educate our kids or trying to preserve them. Joyner said his priorities around reopening would be guided by the science. I trust Dr. Tracey, (Health Director) Maritza Bond, and other health and medical officials, he said. I also trust the people that inspect our buildings and maintain them to keep the spaces that our children and adults inhabit safe. Board member Darnell Goldson, who also voted against reopening the schools at the start of the academic year, also expressed tentative support for students returning based on the information the school leaders provide to the board. It all depends on the information provided. Safety first, he said. Board member Tamiko Jackson-McArthur, who voted against reopening schools in the summer, said she does not have specific objections to reopening if administrators are able to make a strong case for doing so at the boards Monday meeting. Its too big of a discussion for us to not talk about it, she said. At least two recent studies have suggested that in areas where community spread and COVID-19 hospitalizations are relatively low, schools are not believed to contribute much to further spread of the virus. Although New Havens rate of transmission is below the threshold for community transmission in one of those studies, it is also significantly higher than it was over the summer when the school board first voted to keep schools closed. At that time, it was an estimated 13.9 daily cases per 100,000 residents; now, the rate is about 36.1 daily cases per 100,000 residents. Mayor Justin Elicker, who also serves on the citys school board, said Tracey should be allowed to make the decision as to whether schools reopen. The board could potentially weigh in and override the superintendents decision, but my understanding and Dr. Traceys understanding is its ultimately her decision, he said. If there were a vote I dont anticipate it being on the agenda I would vote to support schools reopening on Jan. 19. Elicker said that although no science is absolute, he has had his own concerns assuaged by a number of studies concluding that schools are not sites of significant virus transmission. Our team has done research and are preparing a summary of the compilation of all the research thats been done recently regarding school openings, he said. It strongly indicates that transmission is not occurring at any significant rate in schools where there are younger children. Thats not to say there arent cases in schools, but those cases are brought from outside the school and not transmitted inside the schools. Mehul Dalal, the citys community services administrator, said city officials advised school leadership of their belief that there is a greater public health benefit to young students returning to school than being kept home. Based on our review of the data and what weve seen, there is a significant argument to be made for the pre-k through five group (that) it is safe to send them back to school, assuming all strict mitigation measures are in place, he said. Public health includes not just COVID, but the very real harm that is done through missed opportunities for learning, especially for the lower age groups. He said city officials also did not see any data to argue that returning to school under strict precautionary protocols provides any extra danger for adult staff in buildings. We didnt see any evidence of accelerated transmission or case spread in those scenarios, he said. Board member Matt Wilcox said he trusts city officials to provide information to the board so it can make informed decisions around schools reopening. I am certain that if local conditions are such that it is not safe, the health director and the superintendent will adjust the dates and/or the plans, he said. Parent Jill Kelly, an instructor at Yale University whose research focuses on environmental statistics, said there is no scientific consensus around whether schools are sites of transmission. (A)lmost all research to date is going to have to be re-done to account for the presence of the new variants from the (United Kingdom) and South Africa. Both are reported to be far more contagious and possibly more dangerous in children, she said. Gov. Ned Lamont Thursday confirmed two cases of a strain first observed in the U.K. were observed in New Haven County. I was generally in favor of opening for the youngest kids and kids with the greatest needs. I believed that it would be safe to spread out, say K-3 students, through all of the available buildings and rooms, including the high schools. But, I no longer support this. My change of opinion is based on the high levels of the virus in Connecticut and New Haven, but even more on the assumed presence of the new mutated COVID strains, Kelly said. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com An employee counts Vietnamese banknotes at a bank in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy. The fiscal deficit last year was 4 percent of GDP as against the governments expectation of 5.59 percent amid falling revenues due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Revenues fell 2 percent short of the target to VND1,500 trillion ($64.9 billion), while the expenditure was VND1,780 trillion, Minister of Finance Dinh Tien Dung said at a meeting on Friday. Nguyen Duc Kien, head of the prime ministers advisory team, noted that the deficit of most countries would rise in 2020 due to the pandemic, and Vietnam, although falling short of this target, was "a bright spot" in the global context. The Ministry of Finance last year issued government bonds and did not borrow from multilateral organizations such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. In 2016-20 the average government overspending was 3.6 percent of GDP, well below the target of 3.9 percent. According to a statement published by the Brazilian Navy on January 6, 2021, the Brazilian Navy has signed a contract with the Brazilian company Estaleiro Bibi Eireli for the acquisition of one hospital ship. According to a statement published by the Brazilian Navy on January 6, 2021, the Brazilian Navy has signed a contract with the Brazilian company Estaleiro Bibi Eireli for the acquisition of one hospital ship. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link NAsH Oswaldo Cruz (U-18) hospital ship of the Brazilian Navy. (Picture source Brazilian Navy) A hospital ship is a ship designated for primary function as a floating medical treatment facility or hospital. Most are operated by the military forces of various countries, as they are intended to be used in or near war zones, to conduct humanitarian operations or to provide medical support during natural disasters. Currently, the Brazilian Navy has five river hospital ships, officially called Infirmary Assistance Ship (Navio de Assistencia Hospitalar, in Portuguese), which are designed specifically to provide medical assistance on rivers having shallow waters. The vessels have two sickbays with a total of six berths, an operating theater, up to three dental offices, a laboratory, two clinics, and X-ray facilities. The hospital ship in service with the Brazilian Navy has a length of 47.18 m, a beam of 8.45 m, a depth of 2.90 m, and full load displacement of 500 tons. The crew of the ship includes 4 officers, 6 doctors and a dentist, 15 technical health personnel, and 21 enlisted men. The new hospital ship for the Brazilian Navy will be manufactured by the Brazilian company Estaleiro Bibi Eireli and the delivery is scheduled for August 2022. Estaleiro Bibi Eireli is a company based in Brazil, with the main headquarter in Manaus. It operates in the Ship Building and Repairing industry. It was established on May 07, 2002. The new ship will provide medical support to local people and Civic-Social Actions in riverside and indigenous communities in the country. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 21:31:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Scientists in Uganda are investigating the cause of death of hundreds of fish washed up on the shores of Lake Victoria. Joyce Nyeko, acting director of fisheries at the ministry of agriculture told Xinhua by telephone on Sunday that preliminary investigations have ruled out fish poisoning by fishermen. Nyeko said there is a likelihood that the death is caused by recent flooding, water hyacinth weeds, some of which sank and during the rotting process, oxygen in the water was used up. She also noted that with the recent strong winds, there has been lake overturn with bottom water that has low-level oxygen spring up and mixing with the upper layers and therefore reducing oxygen levels and thus killing fish. Nyeko said the ministry is investigating whether similar deaths have occurred on the shores of other lakes and rivers in the country. Local media reported that dead fish washed up on the shores of Lake Victoria in Entebbe, 40 km south of the capital Kampala. The official advised people living near the lake to pick the dead fish and bury it to reduce the smell. Enditem A former gangster has claimed his father carried out a 1998 triple murder in Essex as experts claim the wrong men may be in jail - as one could be released within weeks. Drug dealers Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe were shot dead in Rettendon, Essex, in 1995. Three years later, Michael Steele, now 76, and Jack Whomes, 57, were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. But former Essex gangster Steve 'Nipper' Ellis, 55, has claimed the two men are innocent, and that his father, Sid, carried out the murders after threatening his family. Steve 'Nipper' Ellis claims his father Sid called to say he had carried shot Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe dead in Rettendon, Essex, in 1995 According to The Sun, Ellis served time behind bars with Tate, but later fell out with the gang after a comment was made about Tucker's mistress. He claimed the trio 'threatened to cut off my sister's finger'. He claims his father Sid, who died four years ago, shot all three men in a Range Rover down a small farm track, and rang him the next day to confess. Giving a Q&A session online, Ellis said: 'Pat got shot, then he put one in Craig's head, then he put in Tony's head. They'd frozen, the sound in that Range Rover must have been frigging deafening. 'Craig and Tony didn't even know what happened. They were dead, one shot in the head.' He added: 'I'm telling the story now because my dad's dead. He died four years ago and my dad wouldn't care about me telling people, he wouldn't care less we've got no problems. Drug dealers Anthony Tucker (left) and Patrick Tate (right) were shot dead in a Range Rover in 1995. Two men were convicted of their murder, but two others have claimed they are innocent Ellis claims his father laughed after telling him he had murder Craig Rolfe (pictured), along with Patrick Tate and Anthony Tucker 'He phoned me up on that morning, he said "they're dead, Pat, Tony and Craig, got them." 'I said "what've you done dad?" He was telling me, he was laughing. I just started crying I thought he was going to get nicked. It wasn't until that night I heard the radio.' Whomes, who has a parole hearing later this month, and Steele were convicted in 1998, but always denied the allegations. Now a former Met Police detective believes both men are innocent. Former Scotland Yard detective turned private investigator Dave McKelvey believe's they're innocent. He told The Sunday Express his company, TM-Eye, has spent most of the last year looking into the murders. Jack Whomes arrives at the Appeal Court on February 22, 2006 in London. Whomes was jailed for life in 1998, but is set to attend a parole hearing later this month He said: 'For years I believed Steele and Whomes were guilty. Ten months ago the TM-Eye Murder and Serious Crime Review Team began a review. What we have discovered is damning and deeply worrying.' East End criminal Billy Jasper is said to have named the assassin and those who plotted the murder while under arrest for an unrelated matter in January 1996 - a month after the murders. Mr McKelvey said Jasper's evidence was 'compelling,' and has written to Essex Police to discuss its findings. A spokesman from Essex Police said: 'This case sits with the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) and while it remains with them we are unable to provide further comment so as not to prejudice any potential legal proceedings. Steele, 76, (left) was convicted alongside Jack Whomes (right) for the same triple murder. Pictured in 2006 'We of course always fully cooperate with the CCRC. But any new evidence should be routed through the CCRC for their consideration. 'There was an exhaustive police investigation, and following the trial and convictions, the evidence has been further examined by the Criminal Cases Review Commission and the Court of Appeal. 'We have fully cooperated with the CCRC and continue to do so.At this stage any new evidence must be submitted to the CCRC and we would therefore take our direction from them about any investigative action required. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. The State spent just 200,000 on its highly secretive Witness Protection Programme (WPP) in 2019, despite being allocated a budget of 1.2m - according to data released to the Sunday Independent. In 2018 653,000 was spent on the programme, compared with 800,000 in 2017, while in 2016 more money was spent on the programme than in any other year since 2006, when 1.32m was used. The WPP is for those whose lives are left in danger after giving evidence in court against dangerous criminals. The WPP was set up in 1997 to combat attempts by criminals "to prevent the normal functioning of the criminal justice system", including threats of violence and intimidation of witnesses. It was introduced after the murder of Sunday Independent journalist Veronica Guerin, but the programme has never proven particularly popular, for a variety of reasons. It has also been openly criticised by judges and a former justice minister. Charles Bowden and Russell Warren both testified as protected witnesses against John Gilligan over the murder of Ms Guerin, which ultimately Gilligan was acquitted of. Both witnesses were later relocated overseas under assumed identities. In another case in 2011, a Crumlin man who gave evidence against four former criminal associates became a State witness and entered the programme along with members of his family. A contract was put on the life of Joseph O'Brien after he gave evidence in the murder trial of John 'Champagne' Carroll. Mr O'Brien, his girlfriend and his family - except for one of his sisters, who declined to participate - left Ireland following the conclusion of the trial. The State accepted the witness played a role in Carroll's murder. Along with his family, O'Brien was set up in another country and all were supplied with new identities, retrained and given jobs. Following the failed murder trial against John Gilligan, Judge Brian McCracken warned that the programme was badly thought-out and "one of the most worrying features is that there never seems to have actually been a programme". Former Justice Minister Dermot Ahern also expressed concerns about the WPP. "Unfortunately, people who are targeted for witness protection, whatever it is in the Irish psyche, they don't want to leave their home, they don't want to take up their life and go to the UK or Australia and start up a new life," he said. This view was backed up in 2009 by then director of public prosecutions, James Hamilton, who said he felt the scheme was "of limited use". The WPP is operated by An Garda Siochana and is overseen by the Crime and Security Section at Garda Headquarters, supported by the Special Detective Unit and other local garda resources. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. By Lee Min-hyung Woori Financial Group will provide unwavering financial support for its digital business this year by increasing its budget, the company said in a statement Sunday. The financial holding firm said it would provide an "exceptional" level of benefits for group-wide digital transformation throughout 2021. Chairman Son Tae-seung shared the plan during a recent online meeting with a group of 50 ranking executives of its key affiliates. "To become a digital No. 1 banking group, every executive should change their mindset and unwaveringly support digital innovation," he said. With the rise of digital banking last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, major banks are on track to close sales offices and increase their investments in the digital banking sector. Declaring a group-wide vision of "digital first, change everything" last year, Son has also been at the forefront of encouraging staff to develop a digital mindset and embrace the banking paradigm shift in an agile manner. Son also promised a massive allocation for the digital budget on par with that of big tech companies. "We are going to evaluate non-financial outcomes of our digital innovation through surveys of customers, staff and external organizations," Son said during the two-hour-long meeting. Through tears, Raymond Lie watched images of a mob provoked by the president himself breaching the U.S. Capitol, his eyes still red when his 130 eighth-grade students came back from lunch and asked the question theyve been asking over the past year: Is this normal? The 13-year-olds wanted to know how worried they should be. The San Francisco middle school teacher gave the same answer hes given over and over in the past nine months, amid a deadly pandemic, protests over racial justice, wildfires darkening the sky and the presidents increasingly wild lies about the election. A mob in the Capitol building? No. Its not normal, he said. The country is living through unprecedented times, leaving young and old, left and right, experts and average folks grasping for solid ground, their emotions flipping from fear to hope on a daily if not hourly basis. The past few weeks have brought frightening news in the pandemic. A rocky vaccine rollout. Variants of the coronavirus that seem more transmissible, more difficult to detect with testing and possibly hardier in the face of the vaccine. In California, case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths have reached shocking new highs and its not clear the medical system can handle the expected holiday surge in the coming weeks. Amid the health crisis, the political conflict highlighted not only the countrys divide, but the challenge of bridging it when millions of people believe unfounded conspiracy theories about a stolen presidential election. Even after the siege by supporters of President Trump, some on the right blamed a left-wing ideology antifa despite no evidence. Like Lie and his students, many Bay Area residents are questioning whether the country has hit a new low to climb out of or whether life will get worse. This is like constant PTSD, said UCSF child psychologist Lydia Santiago. Youre in survival mode; youre doing whatever you need to do. Youre not thinking about tomorrow because you dont know whats coming. For families grappling with remote school and business owners struggling with the pandemics economic fallout, just making it through each day is tough. Its just a feeling of helplessness and powerlessness, said Melissa Swanson, a restaurant owner and mother of three. Its just absolute insanity. Schools have been closed for 10 months, with no end in sight. The pandemic is getting worse, not better, and strict new shelter-in-place orders are expected to be extended for many more weeks. Meanwhile, the outgoing presidents most faithful supporters misleadingly challenged the election, before white supremacists, conspiracy theorists and others stormed the Capitol after the president pointed the way. Swanson feels completely desperate as a parent. How can we explain this to the kids and make it better for them? she asked. You want to raise your kids with some patriotism, but its difficult right now. Political scientist Brendan Nyhan never thought hed see the day when he would have to set aside the study of American democracy to try to save it, asking elected officials to either impeach the president or invoke the 25th Amendment to remove him. That day came Wednesday. Within hours of the assault on the Capitol, Nyhan and John Carey, both of Dartmouth University, drafted an open letter, signed by more than 1,000 political scientists, saying the president incited a violent mob and was unwilling or unable to fulfill his oath. Were past the point where anyone can stay on the sidelines, he said. What happened Wednesday, we cant just move on from. While many Bay Area residents are taking solace in the arrival of a new president on Jan. 20, Nyhan is worried. The political train wreck that was 2020, which has now bled into 2021, will either be nothing more than a close call for American democracy or a harbinger of worse yet to come. He leans toward the latter. In the immediate future, he fears Trump could create more chaos and incite violence before Inauguration Day. But even a peaceful transition to Joe Bidens presidency wouldnt allay his worries. The temptation is to think, because Trump is no longer president, the events of the last four years will go away, he said. I think thats foolish. A few people pulled back from the brink, Nyhan said, referring to some Republicans who, hours after hiding from the Trump-supporting mob, acknowledged President-elect Biden won the election. However, this wont be over in 2024, he said. Its not impossible to imagine a Congress controlled by Republicans rejecting the results of an election. More than 70 million people voted for Trump, and lest Bay Area residents think this is an issue only for red states, at least some locals were at the Capitol on Wednesday, including a former Oakland police officer. In San Francisco, Republican Party chair John Dennis doubled down on Trump despite the presidents behavior. He said hes scared about the next four years. Not unlike his liberal peers four years ago, Dennis fears the worst a Democrat-controlled Congress and presidency fueled by a liberal base wanting payback. He said he believes conservatives and Trump supporters could lose their jobs, have their bank accounts closed, their guns taken, elections rigged although similar fears and conspiracy theories were raised during the Obama presidency and never came to pass. Biden has said he will try to unite and heal the country. Were going to see some people get canceled, he said. Who has any trust in whats going to happen in 2022 and 2024? In normal times, life can be hard enough dealing with stress perhaps because of ones health, relationships, money, politics or social unrest, said UCSFs Santiago. Now the angst is coming from multiple fronts, including stress about unusual topics, like whether the commander in chief has incited insurrection, the psychologist said. Usually, you dont have to worry about the president, she said. Or toilet paper running out. Santiago fears the long-term consequences of this moment, the sheltering in place, the unreported domestic or child abuse, and, more broadly, Trumps exposure of the troubling underbelly of racism and white nationalism in American society. Its like the Wizard of Oz, she said. Hes pulled the curtain back. In the long term, that brings Santiago, a person of color, hope. This will be an opportunity for a reckoning, she said. To see the parts of America some dont want to see and finally deal with it. But there will be costs to get there and Santiago fears the state of the union is going to be grim for a while. People for the sake of power are willing to confuse people or use them, but it comes at a price. Theyve got blood on their hands, she said. Well see if they hold all these people accountable. As that possibility started to play out, Lie was back in front of his class Thursday showing his students a video of Hillary Clinton after the 2016 election so they could understand what a concession speech is. The students watched as Clinton admitted defeat and then turned her words toward Trump. Shes telling everyone to give him a chance, Lie said. And they were kind of shocked by that. Thats what normally happens, he told his students. And they need to know what normal looks like, Lie said after class. It gives them, he said, a North Star in some way. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker Mind-Bending Subtleties of Ocean Mist on an Oregon Coast Night Published 01/10/21 at 1:46 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Oregon Coast) One thing that becomes immensely fun if you get deep into photography is shooting the beaches at night. Yet weather on the Oregon coast big surprise doesnt always cooperate with that. The startling truth about that is - so what? One of the more lovely design elements of the region is the mists and fog that envelope the area. The same can be true of night photography here. The other miraculous and even jaw-dropping aspect of night shooting on the coast is that no two nights look the same. This is especially true of when theres mist or fog around. The camera always sees things we humans don't, especially after dark. And the results can be astounding. Newport (at top). At the Nye Beach Turnaround late one winters night, a fog is trying to roll in but not quite succeeding. It hints at a takeover. Whatever its doing, everything becomes quite purple. Some mix of light sources are blending into the color of Prince. The light mist surrounding the area is lit up even to the human eye, as this atmospheric stuff is rather reflective. Yes, the beach is a bit brighter than usual. Out in the ocean, fishing boats glide and their lights become exaggerated. Theyre now bigger and yet less defined. Right at the tideline, blobs of sea foam bundle together after getting tossed around awhile. Sea foam means lots of phytoplankton, and it could mean the right kind of phytoplankton: the stuff that glows, that creates glowing sand. However, theres too many lights and too much of it scattered around to let you see the little glowing critters. You have to walk a ways north or south into utter darkness to spot them. Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours Gleneden Beach. Theres a touch of mist in the air, but most of the mist is simply created by the long exposure it takes to capture a dark scene like this something like four to eight minutes of keeping the camera open. Gleneden Beach is a very dark spot at night, and all that wispy stuff you see is waves, whose constant motion for awhile is compressed into one blur. The most remarkable part of this photograph is that weird, straight-edged symmetry. This is not manmade: its simply that the tideline at Gleneden is at this unique, slightly steep angle, causing the waves to dissipate and stop at exactly the same line all the time. Its absolutely unlike any night shot Oregon Coast Beach Connection has ever done. Hotels in Depoe Bay - Where to eat - Depoe Bay Maps and Virtual Tours Cannon Beach. Blobs of low-hanging clouds linger like massive ghosts in the air, with famed Haystack Rock far in the distance. All of it is lit in deep yellows by the street lights, which means theyre sodium. Sodium lamps glow orange or yellow. Then atmospheric conditions can deepen or soften the effect. Here, they turn the north Oregon coast favorite into an alien place, as if its a depiction of what one of our solar system neighbors would look like. Such as Titan and its methane atmosphere. Its awe-inspiring and chilling at the same time. Hotels in Cannon Beach - Where to eat - Cannon Beach Maps and Virtual Tours Lincoln City. Its late one night and a beach access in Lincoln City not far from the Inn at Spanish Head. A slight mist rises up from the ocean itself, which really only becomes visible if you view it as some light source streams into it. In this case, its the resort hotel itself and its surf lighting, making the flying slurry of moisture a giant, irregular blob. Meanwhile, its all low-lying, leaving the stars to beam in their glory overhead. Closer to the lens are orange sands again the result of sodium lamps. Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours Manzanita. Its summer in this lazy hotspot of the north Oregon coast, and not a soul is around. Its well after midnight, and theres a touch of cloud cover but mostly a fog lingering against the shore. It leaves a purple, indistinct haze, while the beaches get a touch of orange from the tiny amounts of light way back inside Manzanita. Theres very little light here, so the shot takes a several minutes. The feeling is utterly surreal and ethereal, and you somewhat lose sense of direction. You also dont really know for sure where the surf is out there, so you have to keep your wits about you while photographing scenes like this. Hotels in Manzanita, Wheeler - Where to eat - Manzanita, Wheeler Maps and Virtual Tours Rockaway Beach. Just down the road from Manzanita and Tillamook Countys northern edges, Rockaway Beach is completely socked in at this moment. This time, the lighting is pinkish, and all the light sources along the beach get scattered and combined so densely this photograph doesnt take much more than a minute or two. When fog hits on the Oregon coast, it has the strange effect of either becoming incredibly dark or much brighter than usual. Hotels in Rockaway Beach - Where to eat - Rockaway Beach Maps and Virtual Tours MORE PHOTOS BELOW Below: Nye Beach More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted Olivia Pinkney of Hampshire Police says her force's lack of diversity 'is not ok' The Chief constable of the force where five officers have been sacked for 'abhorrent' racist language says the police's lack of diversity 'is not ok'. Olivia Pinkney of Hampshire Police said she is very aware her senior leadership team team 'look the way they do' and admitted she is concerned by the overall whiteness of the force. The highest ranking officer from a minority background in the county is a chief inspector. She said: '[It] is a concern. If we look at the Chief Officer group of this constabulary, we are half female and have all sorts of other diverse characteristics - but we are all white. 'I'm really aware of that and so I'm doing what I can to mitigate in the short term and I have a very detailed plan, which also national policing has as well, to try and shift that balance. 'It's not ok that we look like we do across UK policing and I know my colleagues and I are all determined to shift that.' Six members of a serious organised crime team were caught using 'the whole array' of offensive language in a series of covert recordings after a complaint was made about their behaviour. Pictured: Retired Detective Inspector Tim Ireson, who would have been dismissed had he not already left Hampshire Constabulary The officers within the SOCU unit at Northern Police Investigation Centre in Basingstoke were accused of either making 'abhorrent' comments, or not challenging others when those remarks were made. Bugging devices placed in the unit's offices between March and April 2018 recorded them calling women 'w****s' and 's***s', comparing black officers to dogs and saying Albanians should be killed with 'nerve agent', a disciplinary hearing was previously told. Prosecutor Jason Beer QC said that although the recording only lasted 24 days the investigation uncovered 'enough racism and sexism to last a lifetime'. Last week, a disciplinary panel ruled their behaviour was so serious they must all, with the exception of the most junior officer, be dismissed from the force. Panel Chair John Bassett said the unit's conduct was 'shameful' and the 'antithesis' of what the public expects. Chief Constable Pinkney cited the example of Commander Alison Heydari who left Hampshire Constabulary last year after two decades to join the Metropolitan Police and is currently the most senior black female police officer in the UK. 'We have a fine chief inspector [Ricky Dhanda],' she said. 'We have had, in the past, (black) chief superintendents and we have had superintendents. Six officers at Hampshire Constabulary's Serious Organised Crime Unit were previously found guilty of gross misconduct after they were recorded using 'racist, sexist and homophobic' language. Pictured: Hampshire Constabulary Police Investigation Centre in Basingstoke 'In fact, the serving black commander in the Met was a fantastic superintendent here and moved on promotion to the Met with our support encouragement and blessing, that's [Commander] Alison Heydari.' She also admitted that while the recent investigation had rooted out all the racist officers in the SOCU unit, the constabulary had to remain 'proactive'. Six officers were accused of gross misconduct, Detective Inspector Timothy Ireson, Detective Sergeant Oliver Lage, Detective Sergeant Gregory Willcox, trainee Detective Constable Andrew Ferguson, PC James Oldfield, and PC Craig Bannerman. The most junior officer, Ferguson, who broke down in tears while giving evidence, was handed a final written warning. Mr Bassett said: 'Of those appearing before us he was the last to join and did so only three months before the probe. 'By the time he joined the culture in the unit was well established... when he was exposed [to it] the panel accepts he was conflicted by what he witnessed. 'The panel considers the likelihood of him repeating his conduct remote but he should be under no illusion, were he to breach the standards in any way he would be dismissed.' Shortly after joining the unit, Ferguson told his father about the appalling language, but his father simply said 'this is the way it used to be'. Mr Bassett described his father's comments as 'poor to put it mildly'. DI Ireson, who along with DS Willcox was found guilty of failing to supervise and set boundaries for the team, had previously claimed 'swearing was in the fabric' of the force. Five officers from Hampshire Constabulary's Serious Organised Crime Unit office, who were previously all found guilty of gross misconduct, were dismissed from the police force. Pictured: Hampshire Constabulary HQ Counsel for DI Ireson, Luke Ponte, said: 'His intention was to permit a more relaxed atmosphere which he felt would sustain a cohesive and productive team. 'He accepts too much allowance was given...' The hearing was told officers likened the unit's only black officer, DC Solomon Koranteng, to a mixed breed dog, sang the Bob Marley song Buffalo Soldier at him and said he had been flown 'from Africa in a crate' and taken to London Zoo. The squad also placed a map of Africa above the area in the office where DC Koranteng and another officer of African heritage sat and nicknamed it 'African Corner'. On the recording, women were referred to as 'sl**s', 'sugar t***' and 'sweet t***', while an officer's partner was described as 'an absolute wh**e'. Officers also sent 'explicit' fake pornographic images of Prince Harry and Kate Middleton having sex to the work's WhatsApp group. Three members of the team were heard joking that 'Albanian migrants' should be shot on entry to the UK or killed with a nerve agent and called women 'sluts and whores'. Speaking after the sanctions were announced today, Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney said: 'During the hearing, the Panel heard a catalogue of sexist, racist, homophobic and ableist language and commentary that has rightly shocked us all and understandably left people with many questions about how this has been allowed to happen. 'I have always said that policing is built upon the values of professionalism, compassion, courage and integrity and the public have a right to expect the highest standards from the officers and staff who are entrusted to keep them safe. 'These officers have failed to deliver on the promise they made to uphold fundamental human rights and accord equal respect to all people, the oath they declared when they took the office of constable. 'Policing has never before been under so much appropriate scrutiny to ensure an inclusive environment for all our officers and staff to flourish and bring their best. 'There is no place in my force, or in policing more widely, for those who do not live up to this standard. These behaviours fell far short of those expected by me.' Joanna Bunch, an intelligence analyst who worked on jobs with the team, said: 'The SOCU Office North just seemed to be stuck in a time from 25 years ago.' DI Ireson has retired and PC Bannerman has resigned since the covert recordings were made at the force's serious organised crime unit. The panel was made up of Mr Bassett, a male police superintendent and a female lawyer. All of the officers, with the exception of Ferguson, were also placed on the police barred list. The four-year sentence he received for such behavior is certainly well-deserved, but in addition, the requirement that he must register as a sex offender for life upon his release from prison will ensure that he will never again be able to take advantage of young, innocent students again. An elderly Dallas County man missing since Christmas Day was found dead in a Dallas County house. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency last week issued a Missing and Endangered alert for 84-year-old Thomas Houston. They said Houston was living with a condition that may impair his judgment. He was last seen Dec. 25 at his home and neighbor later reported him missing. ALEA cancelled the alert on Friday. Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson on Saturday said Houston was found dead at a home and that no foul play is suspected. No additional information was immediately available. OTSEGO COUNTY, MI -- Seven teenagers were hospitalized following a rollover crash early Sunday morning in north-central Michigan. Troopers with the Michigan State Police Gaylord Post were dispatched around 3 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, for a single-vehicle crash in Otsego Countys Bagley Township. An initial crash investigation has indicated a 2004 Chevy Silverado driven by a 17-year-old Afton girl was headed south on Old M-27 near North Otsego Lake Drive when the vehicle left the road. The vehicle then hit an embankment and went airborne, according to a Michigan State Police news release. The vehicle came to a stop when it hit a second embankment and rolled over. Seven people -- ranging from 17 to 19 years old -- were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. Two of the vehicles occupants suffered serious injuries and were transported to Ascension St. Marys Hospital in Saginaw for treatment. The other five occupants were treated locally for minor injuries, police said. Speed is believed to have played a factor in the crash which remains under investigation. The Otsego County Sheriffs Office, Otsego County Fire Department and EMS assisted troopers at the scene. Read more: Traffic stop leads to mans arrest for reports on gunfire in Macomb County Bomb threat unfounded at Port Huron-area restaurant, police say Man dies after head-on collision in St. Clair County Police investigate possible murder-suicide in Ottawa County Man taken to hospital after being shot at by two men in Grand Rapids One dies after vehicle strikes tree in Ottawa County A day before chief ministers' interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several states on Sunday said they have made all necessary preparations for the first phase of nationwide roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine from January 16. This includes identification of vaccination sites and registration of healthcare and other frontline workers. PM Modi will speak to chief ministers of all states through video conferencing to discuss the Covid-19 situation and the vaccination roll-out. This will be Modi's first interaction with chief ministers following the recent approval of two coronavirus vaccines for restricted emergency use by India's drug regulator. The transportation of Covishield vaccine from the Serum Institute of India's facility in Maharashtra's Pune is likely to start from the evening of January 11 or on January 12, news agency PTI quoted sources involved in planning the logistics. The vaccine-laden trucks will move out from Manjari location of the SII with elaborate police security. The Central government on Saturday said India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16, with priority to be given to nearly three crore health care and frontline workers. "With all likelihood, there are possibilities that the transportation of the Covishield vaccine will start from Monday. Tentatively, there are plans to start the movement of the vaccine on Monday, but if that does not happen by some reasons, it will definitely start from Tuesday morning," said the sources involved in the planning for security and logistics for transportation of the vaccine. Covishield is co-developed by the University of Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca in collaboration with the SII. The Maharashtra government has already decided to provide police security to the trucks carrying the vaccine up to airports and to borders of the state. "A cold chain logistics service provider - Kool-Ex Cold Chain Ltd is the lead vendor for the movement of the vaccine from the SII factory to 48 primary government locations (depots) in the first leg," company's co-founder Rahul Agarwal had said. He said about 300 GPS-fitted trucks will be used and while 500 trucks will be roped in if needed. On Saturday, Pune police commissioner Amitabh Gupta held a meeting with representatives of the Kool-ex to streamline the convoy system for the trucks carrying the vaccine. "We had a meeting with them. We told them that since trucks would start their journey from Pune, a security cover would be given for the initial period of 10 to 15 days," he had said. A SII source had said that certain processes are being finalised about transportation of the vaccine. States Prepping Up West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her government is making arrangements to provide free COVID vaccines to all the people of the state. In an open letter to the frontline workers, Banerjee said the COVID warriors, including police, home guards, civil defence volunteers, correctional home and disaster management employees, will be administered the vaccine on a priority basis. "I am happy to inform that our government is making arrangements for reaching the vaccine to all people of the state free of any charge," the chief minister said. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said the city government has finalised 89 sites to roll out the COVID-19 vaccination drive. "The Centre has finalised around 5,000 sites across the country. As per the directions of the central government, we have finalized 89 hospitals as vaccination sites. The first phase of vaccination will start from January 16," he said. Jain said 40 government hospitals and 49 private ones will have a vaccination site each. "The first batch of vaccines will arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday. In the first phase, health care workers will be vaccinated. Thereafter, frontline workers and those aged above 50 will be given the doses," Jain told reporters. Teachers will be included as frontline workers, he said. Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma said around 4.5 lakh health workers will be vaccinated in the state in the first phase. Sharma said data of 4,36,146 government and private sector health workers had been uploaded on COVIN (COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network) software by 1 PM on Saturday. He said the first phase of vaccination will be conducted at 282 session sites from January 16 onwards. Of them, two sites including Jaipur and Ajmer will be interactive. Rajasthan is all prepared for the vaccination programme 3,689 medical institutions in the government sector and 2,969 medical institutions in the private sector have been identified for the vaccination programme in the first phase and 5,626 vaccination parties have been trained, he said. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that nearly 11 lakh people engaged in COVID-19 duties, including health care and frontline personnel, will be vaccinated for coronavirus on priority in the state. About 16,000 personnel have been trained for administering the shots. He said the state had created a database of 1.2 crore people under four priority groups who will be administered the vaccine as per the Centre's guidelines. Rupani said six regional depots as well as other infrastructure, including cold chains, for the storage and supply of vaccine doses have been established. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his government will attempt to cover each and every person in the state. "The vaccination drive will start from January 16 and we aim to cover each and every person under it. It will also be ensured that all guidelines of the Union government are followed during vaccination," Adityanath said while inaugurating a Mukhyamantri Arogya Mela at Sankisa in Farrukhabad. The Goa government has identified eight hospitals for the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination in the coastal state where around 18,000 health care workers will receive the doses, an official said. As many as 100 vaccinations would be done at each of these eight facilities in a day, which amounts to 800 inoculations per day, state immunisation officer Dr Rajendra Borkar told PTI. "The state government has identified five government- run hospitals and three private facilities where vaccine would be administered to health care workers," he said. Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said he would be the first person in the state to be administered the vaccine during phase-I planned for health workers, if the central government allowed public representatives also to be covered. "The first batch to take the Covaxin will be the healthcare workers, but if the Government of India allows us to take, I will be the first to get it as a health Minister," Sudhakar told reporters during the inspection of the state vaccine store in his state. Around 3.6 lakh health workers will be inoculated in the first phase in Andhra Pradesh, a senior health official said. The state machinery has successfully completed three dry runs of the vaccination programme so far and everything required for the actual drive has been put in place for a smooth run, Health Commissioner Katamaneni Bhaskar said. In all, 1,940 sites will be used for the vaccination programme, of which 1,659 have cold chain points within premises. For the rest of the sites, the vaccine will be brought from the nearest cold chain point, Bhaskar said in a release. He said 100 health workers would be vaccinated at each session site per day. Each site would be managed by a digital assistant, an ANM, an Anganwadi worker and one Asha worker. The Health Ministry held a video conference with officials from states and Union Territories on Sunday to discuss feedback on the Co-WIN software. The Centre has said that Co-WIN, an online platform for monitoring COVID-19 vaccine delivery, shall form the foundation for the anti-coronavirus inoculation drive. The meeting was chaired by Ram Sewak Sharma, the chairman of Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management to combat COVID-19 and member of National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration of COVID-19. Underscoring the importance of capturing the vaccination data in real time, Sharma said, "This is non-negotiable." He also highlighted that caution needs to be exercised to ensure there was "no proxy", while reiterating that the beneficiaries of the vaccination drive need to be uniquely and undeniably identified. About the use of the Aadhaar platform, Sharma advised the states to urge the beneficiaries to seed their current mobile number with Aadhaar for registration and consequent communication through SMS. After vaccinating healthcare and frontline workers, priority will be given to those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, together numbering around 27 crore, a government statement said. . (With inputs from PTI) New Delhi, Jan 10 : Prominent office bearers of the BJP have launched a frontal assault against the big tech companies and social media platforms calling for their regulation after US President Donald Trump was deboarded from Twitter and Facebook. BJP Yuva Morcha President and Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya said in a tweet, "If a platform is free, know that you are the product that they're selling Time has come for all concerned citizens of the world to revisit the free service business model of internet apps." Surya said self regulation of social media has failed. "Self regulation of SM has failed. Pvt firms can't be platform, judge, jury & executioner - all in 1. IT Act envisages a method where irregularities on SM is reported to independent authorities & they objectively decide & direct firms to take action on content," he added. "IT Act defines Big Tech firms as 'intermediaries'. Sec 79 bars platforms from altering content & are exempt from liabilities But IT Intermediaries Guidelines Rules permit them to alter content. I've requested govt to address this anomaly," he said in a series of tweets. Surya attacked censorship of content by big data and said it poses a danger to democracies. "Capitol Hill violence is highly condemnable. There can be no justification for breaking rule of law/incitement for violence But censorship of content by opaque algorithms of big data firms & danger it poses to democracy is a question all democracies must address," he said. #FoE was strengthened by SC in #ShreyaSinghal, a case of judiciary reinforcing our faith in Constitution Citizens decide what their opinions are & are free to express themselves. FB & Twitter serve as platforms of expression & shouldn't curtail people's will #RegulateBigTech," Surya said. "Dissent is fundamental to democracy & govt welcomes it. But only constitutional authorities can decide on its resonability Lately, we've witnessed a sea change in actions of #BigTech Cos which have themselves assumed this role Time for us to #RegulateBigTech (sic)," said Surya while making a case to regulate big tech in India. "Recently, the actions of social media giants have paved the way for introspection and consequential amendments in India's tech laws. Actions of Intermediaries must be condemned and any law that provides such wide powers must be reviewed," he added. BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya said in a tweet, "Deplatforming Donald Trump, a sitting US president, sets a dangerous precedent. It has less to do with his views and more to do with intolerance for a differing point. Ironically, those who claim to champion free speech are celebrating. Big tech firms are now the new oligarchs." Environmental group GENA Ecologistas en Accion has denounced paragliders that were filmed flying on Christmas Eve over the Maro-Cerro Gordo cliffs, a protected beauty area on the eastern Costa del Sol. The group claims that such activity is "clearly prohibited" within Maro-Cerro Gordo protection plan, under the section 'public use and tourist activities'. The environmentalists blame a lack of permanent surveillance for the problem. The environmentalists also said that illegal fishing and hunting as well as an increase in leisure boats and jet skis entering the protected area, which contains a native species of coral, have all been happening because people "know there is no surveillance so won't get caught". All such activities are banned under the protection plan. Senator Pat Toomey from Pennsylvania. Courtesy of PBS.org Democrats' momentum for a fresh drive to quickly impeach outgoing President Donald Trump gained support Saturday, and a top Republican said the president's role in the deadly riot at the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters was worthy of rebuke. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said he believed Trump had committed ''impeachable offenses.'' But he stopped short of saying whether he would vote to remove the president from office at the conclusion of a Senate trial if the House sent over articles of impeachment. ''I don't know what they are going to send over and one of the things that I'm concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicize something,'' Toomey said Saturday on Fox News Channel, speaking of the Democratic-controlled House. ''I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, but I don't know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything,'' Toomey said. The new Democratic effort to stamp Trump's presidential record for the second time and days before his term ends with the indelible mark of impeachment gained momentum Saturday. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I, a leader of the House effort to draft impeachment articles or charges accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, said his group had grown to include 185 co-sponsors. New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (C) speaks at press conference to demand the impeachment of President Trump, in New York, New York, USA, 09 January 2021. EPA-Yonhap Lawmakers plan to formally introduce the proposal on Monday in the House, where articles of impeachment must originate. A vote could be possible by Wednesday exactly one week before Democrat Joe Biden becomes president at noon on Jan. 20. The articles, if passed by the House, could then be transmitted to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Trump. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office and succeeded by the vice president. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, shared no details about her party's plans as she addressed her hometown San Francisco constituents during an online video conference on Saturday. ''Justice will be done. Democracy will prevail. And America will be healed,'' she said. ''But it is a decision that we have to make.'' A violent and largely white mob of Trump supporters overpowered police, broke through security lines and rampaged through the Capitol on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were putting the final, formal touches on Biden's victory over Trump in the Electoral College. The crowd surged to the domed symbol of American democracy following a rally near the White House, where Trump repeated his bogus claims that the election was stolen from him and urged his supporters to march in force toward the Capitol. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks to reporters a day after supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump occupied the Capitol, during a news conference in Washington, U.S., January 7, 2021. REUTERS-Yonhap Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the siege. ''It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their whiteness over democracy,'' Pelosi said of the attack. She added: ''This cannot be exaggerated. The complicity, not only the complicity, the instigation of the president of United States, must and will be addressed.'' No. 4 House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York reiterated support for moving against what he deemed ''an act of sedition that was incited and encouraged by Donald Trump.'' Speaking of Trump, Jeffries said Saturday: ''He should be impeached, convicted and thrown out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and forever banished to the dustbin of history.'' Outrage over the attack and Trump's role in egging it on capped a divisive, chaotic presidency like few others in the nation's history. There are less than two weeks until Trump is out of office but Democrats have made clear they don't want to wait that long. U.S. President Donald Trump is seen on a screen speaking to supporters during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, in Washington, U.S, January 6, 2021. Picture taken January 6, 2021. REUTERS-Yonhap Angola, IN (46703) Today Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 73F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low 48F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Woman infected with SARS-CoV-2 after returning from Japan A Vietnamese woman who recently returned from Japan has tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, raising the total number of Covid-19 patients in the country to 1,514, the Ministry of Health reported on Sunday evening. Illustrative photo. According to the ministry's report, the 24-year-old woman landed at Tho Xuan Airport in Thanh Hoa Province on January 8. She was sent to a local quarantine area upon arrival and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on January 9. The patient is now being treated at the Thanh Hoa Lung Hospital. With this new infection case, the number of imported Covid-19 patients in Vietnam has increased to 820. As of 6 pm on January 10, a total of 1,361 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, 17,634 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. Search and rescue teams conduct operations at sea near Lancang Island on January 10, 2021, where a Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 is suspected to have crashed shortly after the jet took off from Jakarta airport on January 9. AFP-Yonhap A Sriwijaya Air plane crashed into the sea on Saturday minutes after taking off from Indonesia's capital Jakarta on a domestic flight with 62 people on board, and their fate was not known. The Boeing 737-500, en route to Pontianak in West Kalimantan, disappeared from radar screens after taking off just after 2.30 p.m. (0730 GMT) - 30 minutes after the scheduled time because of heavy rain. Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya told a news conference that 62 people had been aboard Flight SJ 182, including 12 crew. The detik.com website quoted him as saying the plane crashed near Laki Island, some 20 km (12 miles) from the airport. Rescue agency Basarnas said in a statement it would send a team to the Thousand Islands area to help in the search for victims "after the crash of Sriwijaya Air SJ 182". All those on board were Indonesian, Indonesia's transport safety committee said. This radar image shows the flight path of Indonesian Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 before it dropped off radar, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. The Sriwijaya Air passenger jet carrying 62 people lost contact with air traffic controllers after taking off from Indonesia's capital on Saturday on a domestic flight, officials said. AP-Yonhap Indonesia's Navy had pinpointed the site of the missing aircraft and ships had been sent there, a Navy official said. Authorities did not say whether they believed there were survivors. Indonesian airline Sriwijaya Air's chief executive, Jefferson Irwin Jauwena, told a news conference that the plane had been in good condition before the flight. The nearly 27-year-old Boeing 737-500 was much older than Boeing's problem-plagued 737 MAX model, one of which crashed off Jakarta in late 2018, killing all 189 people aboard the Lion Air flight. Older 737 models are widely flown and do not have the system implicated in the MAX safety crisis. A Boeing spokeswoman said, "We are aware of media reports from Jakarta, and are closely monitoring the situation. We are working to gather more information". Reliable tracking service Flightradar24 said the Boeing jet took off at 2:36 p.m. local time (0736 GMT) and climbed to reach 10,900 feet within four minutes. It then began a steep descent and stopped transmitting data 21 seconds later. A transport ministry spokeswoman said air traffic control at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport had asked the pilot why the plane was heading northwest instead of on its expected flight path just seconds before it disappeared. There were no immediate clues on what may have caused the sudden descent and safety experts stress most air accidents are caused by a cocktail of factors that can take months to establish. Relatives of passengers arrive at a crisis center set up following a report that a Sriwijaya Air passenger jet has lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after takeoff, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Indonesia, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. AP-Yonhap DISTRAUGHT RELATIVES Indonesian television channels showed pictures of suspected wreckage. "We found some cables, a piece of jeans, and pieces of metal on the water," Zulkifli, a security official, told CNNIndonesia.com. Distraught relatives waited at Pontianak, around 740 km (460 miles) from Jakarta. Yaman Zai, a father of three children who were aboard the plane with their mother, said that he was at the airport in Pontianak waiting for them, when he heard the news. "I will never meet her again," he said, holding up a photo of his oldest daughter. Indonesia's KNKT safety agency was expected to launch an immediate investigation. The U.S. National Safety Transportation Board will automatically be part of the probe, since the plane was designed and built in the United States. Founded in 2003, Jakarta-based Sriwijaya Air group flies largely within Indonesia. The airline has a solid safety record until now, with no onboard casualties in four incidents recorded on the Aviation Safety Network database. The Boeing 737-524 plane, registration PK-CLC, of Sriwijaya Air, at Ahmad Yani International Airport in Semarang, Indonesia, 06 October 2012 (issued 09 January 2021). EPA-Yonhap A spokesman for Afghanistan's public-protection forces has been killed along with two other people after their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in the capital, Kabul. A spokesman for the country's interior minister said another passenger had been injured in the blast, which struck during morning rush hour on January 10. No one initially claimed responsibility for the seemingly targeted attack. But President Ashraf Ghani "vehemently condemned the terrorist attack" and blamed it on the Taliban, with whom Afghan officials recently restarted peace talks in Qatar. "The spike in violence by the Taliban is against [the] spirit of commitment for peace and indicates the group still pursues their hawkish attitude to take innocent lives and damage public facilities," the presidential office said via Twitter, quoting Ghani. Zia Wadan was a former journalist who became a spokesman for the Interior Ministry's public-protection forces, one of war-torn Afghanistan's battered security organizations. The Taliban has continued its violent insurgency against the central government despite the hope of a lasting peace through the Qatar process, while the extremist Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in the capital in recent months. Five journalists, a Kabul deputy governor, and a prominent election activist have been killed in the Kabul area since November. Afghan authorities on January 9 announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the deadly ambush in December on the car of election activist Yusuf Rasheed, but they did not identify the suspects or any affiliations. After a nearly monthlong break in negotiations, representatives of the government and the Taliban met in Qatar this week for preliminary talks aimed at starting a second round of stalled peace talks on January 9. Ghani has said his goal is to transition power to an "elected successor" and that he seeks a "positive peace" with the Taliban. Under a U.S.-Taliban deal agreed in February, all foreign forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan by May 2021 in exchange for security guarantees from the militant group. With reporting by AP and AFP Seven people, including two firefighters, have been injured in a gas cylinder explosion after a fire at a shop in Maharashtra's Thane city, a civic official said on Sunday. The fire broke out around 11 pm on Saturday at the auto spare parts shop in Wagle Estate area and spread to two houses located nearby, Thane civic body's regional disaster management cell (RDMC) chief Santosh Kadam said. Two fire engines, as many rescue vehicles and a team of the RDMC rushed to the spot. While the fire personnel were trying to douse the flames, a gas cylinder exploded in the premises, injuring seven people, including two firemen, a driver of a quick response vehicle and four local residents, the official said. The injured persons were rushed to a nearby hospital where they are undergoing treatment, he said. The shop was completely gutted in the fire and the two houses also suffered damages, the official said. The fire was extinguished by around 2.30 am on Sunday, he said, adding that the cause of blaze was still not known. (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.) 96 Victorians Quarantined at Home After Arriving From Locked-Down Brisbane Around 100 people arrived in Victoria on Saturday from Brisbane after the Queensland government suddenly imposed a three-day lockdown announced Friday to contain the risk of spreading a highly-infectious UK variant of COVID-19. It comes as the Victorian government told those in locked-down Greater Brisbane to stay where they are on Friday, while those who had returned from Queenslands affected areas since Jan. 2 must get tested and self-isolate. Similar messages were circulated by other state and territory authorities as many attempted to rush out of the Brisbane area. Border restrictions for Victoria were put in place starting midnight Friday. Travellers who arrived on Saturday have been sent home to self-isolate. DHHS authorised officers worked with 96 travellers today to facilitate home isolation in line with QLD Healths decision, the spokeswoman for Victorias Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said. Weve taken their details and theyre in home quarantine until Monday night, she said, adding that they will have to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. She said that hotel quarantine has been used as a last resort for the last two weeks as the number of people caught up in virus red zones has increased. There were 6 cases notified to the department in the past 24 hours. This includes 0 locally acquired and 6 in hotel quarantine. There are currently 45 active cases. 23,412 test results were received thanks, #EveryTestHelpshttps://t.co/lIUrl0ZEco#COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/VXfCUZIt7T VicGovDHHS (@VicGovDHHS) January 9, 2021 Data from the DHHS dashboard as of midday Jan. 10 says 23,412 COVID-19 test results have been received in the last 24 hours, with no locally acquired cases. The six positive infections were registered in the states hotel quarantine system. Around 50 percent of the people at virus testing sites have been returning travellers from Queensland, the spokesperson said, according to the Australian Associated Press. Police officers patrol border checkpoint in Mallacoota, Australia on Dec. 29, 2020. (Diego Fedele/Getty Images) On Friday, the Queensland government enacted the sudden lockdown in response to one case of the UK strain of the CCP virus. National Cabinet, after an emergency meeting, declared the areas of Brisbane City, Moreton Bay, Redland, Ipswich, and Logan hotspots, leading all state and territories to place restrictions on anyone coming from Greater Brisbane. Western Australia has taken the extra step to place reimposed a hard border with Queensland, adding to restrictions on people from Victoria and New South Wales. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has supported Palaszczuks lockdown decision, saying it was a wise call to have a brief three-day lockdown. A big thanks in advance to everyone in greater Brisbane for their patience in coming days, he wrote on Twitter on Friday. This will buy much needed time. (@FahadShabbir) Geneva, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jan, 2021 ) :Nearly half of Switzerland's restaurants and hotels risk bankruptcy within months failing financial support to weather devastating Covid-19 measures, the sector's employer group warned Sunday. The Swiss government is expected this week to extend the closure of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities across the country until the end of February to control stubbornly high Coronavirus case and death numbers. But industry federation GastroSuisse warned in a statement that if done without providing significant financial support, around half of businesses in the restauration and hospitality sector could go belly-up by the end of March. The group polled around 4,000 restaurant and hotel owners, and determined that 98 percent of them already are in urgent need of financial support. "The very existence of many of them is threatened," GastroSuisse president Casimir Platzer said in the statement. While restaurants and other businesses quickly received financial support when Switzerland went into partial lockdown during the initial wave of infections, GastroSuisse has complained that support during subsequent sporadic closures has lagged. Before the crisis, more than 80 percent of Swiss restaurants and hotels were in a good or very good position of liquidity, the study showed. But that situation quickly deteriorated. In October, as a second wave of infections picked up steam, the organisation cautioned that 100,000 jobs were at risk. And during the final two months of 2020, nearly 60 percent of restaurant and hotel establishments were forced to conduct layoffs for a second time, it said. Without government intervention, a third wave of layoffs is looming, Platzer warned. The latest closures were to be lifted on January 22, but the government said last week it wanted to extend the deadline for a further five weeks. GastroSuisse said the final announcement, due Wednesday, needed to be accompanied by "immediate and uncomplicated" financial support to the sector to avoid "disaster". USAM, a union that represents small and medium-sized businesses in Switzerland, called Sunday for the government not to prolong or tighten measures, warning it was an "existential question" for many of its members. Switzerland, a country of 8.6 million people, is currently registering around 4,000 Covid-19 cases a day and had by Friday seen nearly 476,000 cases and 7,545 deaths since the start of the pandemic. A large area of the D-Day hards on Stokes Bay in Gosport, Hampshire, has been uncovered following storms The concrete D-Day loading platforms were built in 1942 for use by Landing Craft Tank ahead of the invasion Known to locals as 'chocolate blocks', the flexible concrete matting is rarely uncovered by storms and tides A large swathe of the D-Day hards have been uncovered after stormy weather and scouring tides revealed the infrastructure that is usually buried beneath the sand at the Hampshire Beach. The concrete D-day loading platforms, built in 1942 for use by Landing Craft Tank ahead of the invasion on the beaches of Normandy, appeared in clear view on Saturday afternoon at low tide at Stokes Bay in Gosport. ADVERTISEMENT Known to locals as the 'chocolate blocks' the flexible concrete matting, built in four stretches along Stokes Bay, is sometimes stripped of its sand covering at low tide depending on the weather, however such an open stretch is rarely seen. The four purpose built hards, measuring 200 feet wide by 73 feet each, were built on top of the beaches to ensure sturdy slipway access for tanks and other support vehicles as they loaded up onto Landing Craft in preparation for the embarkation to the Normandy beaches as part of the Allied invasion force of Operation Overlord on June 6, 1944. Known to locals as the 'chocolate blocks' the flexible concrete matting, built in four stretches along Stokes Bay in Gosport, Hampshire, is rarely stripped of its sand covering The concrete D-day loading platforms were built in 1942 for use by Landing Craft Tank ahead of the invasion on the beaches of Normandy Click here to resize this module Local Alexandra Geary tweeted on Saturday: 'Lovely to see the chocolate blocks at low tide on our walk today. They were to reinforce the beach at Stokes Bay to take the weight of the tanks departing on D-Day. #DDay #gosport #dailywalk.' She added: 'Don't think I have seen so many exposed in some time.' Another Twitter user responded: 'You're right I think, born and bred in Gosport, and I don't remember it ever being so (my father would, he saw the troops off in 1944 as an eleven year old).' The hards were built under the orders of Lord Louis Mountbatten and were designed to stop crafts and vehicles from shifting or sinking into the sandy beach as they prepared for Winston Churchill's Operation Overlord. Each of the four hards in Stokes Bay were capable of berthing four Landing Craft Tank vessels - 194ft (53m), 300-ton - side by side, which each carried military supplies, tanks and DUKW amphibious vehicles. ADVERTISEMENT Around 61 other hards were built on beaches across the UK before the Normandy landings, with locations including the nearby port town of Lymington on the Solent in Hampshire, four in Southampton, 12 in Wales and eight in Scotland. The four purpose built hards, measuring 200 feet wide by 73 feet each, were built on top of the beaches to ensure sturdy slipway access for tanks and other vehicles to load onto the Landing Craft A person is seen strolling along Stokes Bay where the 'chocolate blocks' which tanks once relied on to mount the landing crafts for Normandy have been uncovered On D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in world history, over 160,000 troops landed in Normandy with some 195,700 Allied naval and merchant navy personnel in over 5,000 ships involved. The landings took place along a 50-mile stretch of the Normandy coast divided into five sectors: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. The assault was chaotic with boats arriving at the wrong point and others getting into difficulties in the water. It is thought as many as 4,400 were killed in the allied invasion, which Winston Churchill described as 'undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place'. Following the war the hards at Stoke Bay were taken on by Gosport Borough Council, who turned two of the hards' approach roads into car parks - however at low tide and periods of rough weather the history beneath the Bay can still be seen. US soldiers in full battle-dress boarding a Landing Craft Vehicle-Personnel, ready for the Invasion on 6th June 1944 View of American troops as they board a Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel in, Weymouth, England, early June, 1944 Troops and equipment en route, in preparation for Allied D-Day invasion of Normandy The French ministry of gender equality, in the meantime, has taken pains to distance itself from Zurmelys threat. A spokeswoman for the current minister, Elisabeth Moreno, said that she firmly condemned this isolated act, and added that Zurmely was in the process of being moved to a different job, at his request. For Harmange, who is just 26, the entire experience has been akin to whiplash. Its launching my career, which I thought was a quasi-inaccessible dream, she said during a video interview in December from her home in Lille, in northern France. Yet with the attention has come harassment on social media, with daily insults now arriving in several languages. There are moments when I tell myself that I didnt sign up for this, she said. I Hate Men started in 2019 as a blog post about feminist burnout. Harmange had graduated a year earlier with a degree in communications and was freelancing as a copywriter. Her personal essays, on subjects ranging from self-care to environmentalism, accrued a small but steady following, helping her make ends meet via Tipeee, a French alternative to the crowdfunding service Patreon. Monstrographs editors, Martin Page and Coline Pierre, saw the post and asked her if she would turn it into a book. For Harmange, who volunteers with an association supporting rape victims, misandry had come to feel like the best concept to express her frustration with structural gender violence. It was an insult you would get as a feminist, she said. Whatever you say, as soon as you criticize men, youre accused of being a misandrist. Thats when I realized: Actually, thats exactly it. 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 new aristocracy are no longer titled elder sons who can trace their ancestry to the Norman Conquest or Williamite Wars. Instead, it is business magnates - many of them newly minted internet millionaires - who are now taking over the castles and great country houses built for the blue-blooded Anglo-Irish. The great families of previous centuries may have come to own vast tracts of lands by force of arms and violence, but the new internet elite simply use their vast wealth to enter a world of pedigree and privilege and join the country's most exclusive club, the landed gentry. Noel and Valerie Moran are the latest power couple, adding stately Knockdrin Castle outside Mullingar, Co Westmeath - and a stone's throw from their more modest home in Navan - to their property portfolio. Even at an estimated 10m, the castle won't put much of a dent in the 327m pile they pocketed last year from the sale of Prepaid Financial Services, the company they founded in an industrial estate in Trim in 2011. Knockdrin is hardly a bargain, but with a sprawling Gothic revival castle, 1,000 acres of parkland and woods and a discount of over 3.5m on the original valuation, you could say the multi-millionaire Morans have gained a cut-price entry to the country house class. Built for Sir Richard Levinge, around the 1830s, Knockdrin was bought in the 1960s by Baron Hans von Prondzynski, a captain in the German army during the Second World War. The castle has been sold by their son Ferdinand von Prondzynski, former president of Dublin City University who has relocated to Aberdeen with his wife Heather. The great Irish houses that survived the War of Independence a century ago have had a chequered history: abandoned, had their roofs removed because of rates, sold to religious orders, turned into hotels or simply demolished. Yet a surprising number survived. Expand Close Castletown Cox 12.6m / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Castletown Cox 12.6m Tulira Castle, outside Ardrahan, Co Galway, and famed for its association with Lady Gregory, WB Yeats, John Betjeman and a host of literary nobles, has been given a new lease of life as the country residence of CarTrawler founder Niall Turley (52) who paid 5.8m for the pile and 265 acre estate some years ago. Built around 1882 by Edward Martyn, it was later owned by his cousin Mary, wife of Fitzroy Hemphill, a baron, barrister and horse racing enthusiast. Turley is believed to have netted 40m after selling internet car rental booking system CarTrawler, which he owned with his brother. He continues to run his numerous business interests from his home in Rathgar, Dublin. Despite the influx of American adventurers to Ireland after the property collapse of 2010, some of the most important stately homes have been rescued by well-heeled business families who may have grown up outside the castle walls. Expand Close Glengariff Castle 2.75m / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Glengariff Castle 2.75m In 2014 when Lord Altamont, Jeremy Browne, the 11th Marquess of Sligo, died, his grand title went to a distant relative, an estate agent in Australia. His mansion, Westport House, which has overlooked the picturesque Mayo town for centuries, went to his five daughters. Unfortunately part of the 455-acre estate ended up in Nama. In January, 2017 the Brownes put their ancestral home on the market for more than 10m. Built in the 1780s Westport House, the first stately home in Ireland to be opened to the paying public, has links to the slave trade in Jamaica where the 2nd Marquess was governor of the colony between 1834 and 1836. Westport House's new owners - Owen, Cathal and Harry Hughes, all in their 60s - are proprietors of the nearby Westport Hotel and own the workwear firm Portwest, which had a turnover in 2018 of 148m and profits of 18m. Those are the sort of figures needed to upgrade and run a trophy stately home in the 21st century. Castletown Cox, a Palladian mansion near Piltown, Co Kilkenny, was sold for 12.6m in November 2019. Expand Close Westport House 10m / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Westport House 10m Now it has been revealed that the new owner is Texan billionaire Kelcy Warren (54). He bought Castletown Cox, described by architectural historian Mark Bence-Jones as "one of the most beautiful houses in Ireland", after its previous incumbent, banker and Conservative peer George Magan, became embroiled in a long-running legal battle with a family trust and was eventually evicted from the property and declared bankrupt in 2020. Built by the Archbishop of Cashel, it had a succession of aristocratic owners and comes with its own church. More recently it was owned by the colourful 'Baron' Brian de Breffny, who is credited with saving the Palladian mansion, built between 1767 and 1771, from ruination. Warren, a man known for "controversial pipelines and vigorous deal making", is a civil engineer and son of a welder with an estimated 2.5bn fortune, which makes him well-placed to afford the price tag and considerable upkeep of the 513-acre estate. Before his death Garech Browne, famed for his hospitality and high living, was forced to put his Guinness estate in the Wicklow Mountains up for sale for 28m. The new owners, English-based couple - Carolyn Dolgenos (60) and her husband, the grand-sounding Count Luca Padulli di Vighignolo (65) - bought the iconic estate in July 2019 through Luggala Estate Limited. Dolgenos was a well-known New York psychotherapist, while and 'The Count' has business interests that include large country estates in England and lucrative ground rents to more than 100,000 properties throughout the UK. Despite their wealth, the new owners intend to make their investment pay. They have received planning permission for the refurbishment of three houses - The Gate Lodge, Mickeys Kitchen and Cloghogue House - on a private estate road leading down to Lough Dan. The previous Guinness owners left this road open to the public and it was popular with hill-walkers, but it has been closed for some time because of the filming of the television series Vikings and Covid-19 restrictions. There was some surprise in property circles when Glengarriff Castle, a shell undergoing restoration overlooking the beautiful Co Cork harbour, was snapped up for 2.75m within weeks of going up for sale late last year. In more recent times it has been used as a hotel, had its roof removed to avoid punitive taxes and became a 'property play' during the Celtic Tiger era. The sale is being attributed by some to the pandemic and the desire of the ultra-wealthy to have remote, stand-alone properties to which they can retreat. But before that the new owners, who are said to have links to west Cork, will have to expend quite a bit of cash to complete the restoration. One man who will have a wide choice of property if he wishes to retreat to Ireland is American cable billionaire, John Malone (79). He has said that he spent more than 300m picking up bargains after the property crash. Among the trophy homes he acquired were Tony O'Reilly's former home in Kildare, Castlemartin, and the sprawling Humewood Castle outside Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, once the home of the engaging socialite Renata Coleman. This vast and severe granite pile in the Wicklow hills has been described as "one of the most remarkable Victorian country houses", and only a billionaire could afford its upkeep. Another is US businessman John Picerne (58), a property mogul involved in military and student accommodation in the US. He and his wife Heather bought the little-known but beautiful Capard House in the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Co Laois in 2014 for a handsome 4.7m. The house had been in the Piggot family, whose ancestor aided King William of Orange at the Battle of the Boyne, for generations. For the new generation of millionaires on the lookout for their own country pile there are still Irish estates to be had, among the most opulent Abbey Leix, Co Laois. Once the home of the aristocratic de Vesci family, Abbey Leix was bought by Welsh banker and Irish citizen Sir David Davies (80) from Viscount Tom de Vesci and restored to its former grandeur. Sir David is now downsizing to his Wicklow Georgian villa Killoughter House. Anyone with 20m to spare or the 68,272-a-month repayments required to service a mortgage could end up joining the new aristocracy colonising the Irish countryside. BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov -- who was serving a 10-year prison sentence for kidnapping just a few months ago -- has vowed to fight corruption and allow more transparency into government operations after winning a presidential election. The vote came just three months after a popular uprising over a disputed parliamentary vote sent the country into political chaos. Speaking to reporters in Bishkek late on January 10, Japarov said that the fight against deeply rooted corruption in Kyrgyzstan will be among his priorities as president. He vowed to bring "openness" and "transparency" to the way government does business in the future. "During the past 30 years, corruption has taken root in every sphere of our lives. But from now on we won't allow it to continue that way," Japarov said. "We won't repeat the mistakes of previous governments." He also called on fellow presidential candidates to set their "personal interests" aside and work together "for the sake of the country's future." With nearly all ballots counted, the Central Election Commission (BShK) said Japarov received slightly more than 79 percent of the vote. There were 17 candidates in the presidential race. Japarov's closest rival and fellow nationalist candidate, Adakhan Madumarov, received 6.7 percent of the vote. Madumarov described the early election results as "far from reality" and vowed to "seek justice through legal means." The results of a simultaneous referendum showed that voters in the Central Asian state of some 6.5 million strongly preferred presidential rule, which would grant Japarov sweeping powers. According to the official results, more than 80 percent of voters backed a return to presidential rule, while only 10.8 percent supported the current parliamentary system. Nearly 5 percent voted for the third option, "against all." Election officials said the turnout was less than 40 percent but this wasn't expected to impact the outcome, as there is no legally imposed threshold for the presidential vote, while 30 percent is the minimum threshold for the referendum to be considered valid. Extreme cold was blamed for low turnout and glitches that caused lines to form at some of more than 2,300 polling stations, but there were no reports of major violations. The lower turnout was also thought to be a result of a change that prevented people from voting where they currently reside if they are still registered in their birthplace. The Central Election Commission had reported around 60 complaints from polling stations, most of them allegations about the use of administrative resources or accusations of vote-buying. The campaign staff of presidential candidate Klara Soorunkulova claimed that they had received reports of "vote-buying" in Osh, but they didn't say which candidate's supporters were involved. "We got information that some people were buying votes in the southern district of Osh, with some individuals inside a car paying cash [in return for votes]," staff member Gulgaaky Mamasalieva said. "Also, local residents complained that certain people were putting pressure on them, telling them who they should vote for. But when we arrived at the polling station, they ran away," Mamasalieva told RFE/RL. Meanwhile, the Kloop.kg news agency conducted its own monitoring of the voting process, deploying more than 1,500 observers in polling stations across the country. Elvira Sultanmurat, Kloop.kg news agency's editor in Osh, said that "most of the irregularities" reported by Kloop.kg observers were "linked to technical problems, like an automatic ballot box not functioning, or being broken." "In some places it took 10 minutes or more to fix them, or to use a normal box. Election officials blame it on the cold weather, [they said] the room temperature was lower than it should be. It shows that election process was not prepared properly," Sultanmurat told RFE/RL on January 10. Sultanmurat added that some election officials barred Kloop.kg observers from using their phones to take photos or videos in the polling stations. "They demanded special permission for that," Sultanmurat said. Many voters in Bishkek told the AFP news agency that they were supporting Japarov. "He has promised to raise salaries, pensions," Vera Pavlova, 69, told AFP, adding that she knew little about the other candidates. "I haven't seen their posters anywhere. Only Japarov's." The vote comes after the results of the disputed October 4 parliamentary elections were annulled after opposition supporters took to the streets to condemn large-scale vote-buying campaigns benefiting parties close to then-President Sooranbai Jeenbekov. By nightfall on October 5, the protests had turned violent as clashes with police left one protester dead. A day later, the government had been chased from power, with Jeenbekov, seemingly in hiding. He resigned soon afterward. Meanwhile, Japarov, 52, was among several prominent politicians freed from prison by protesters during the unrest. He had been serving a 10-year prison sentence for hostage-taking during a protest against a mining operation in northeast Kyrgyzstan in October 2013. He has steadfastly denied the charge. The tumult marked the third time since 2005 that a president and his government had been ousted by protests. In the ensuing power vacuum, Japarov became prime minister and was then voted in by lawmakers as acting president. In a series of maneuvers that have raised questions over their legality, he used the old parliament to rush through motions for the referendum on a presidential system. A second referendum will need to be conducted, tentatively in March, to vote on a new draft constitution. On January 10, Japarov said that if the switch to a presidential system won voter support, the Constitutional Council would resume work on January 11 to prepare a new draft constitution. Critics, including Human Rights Watch and legal experts, say Kyrgyzstan's caretaker parliament did not have the legitimacy to initiate far-reaching constitutional amendments because its term had expired. It's still not clear when new parliamentary elections will be held. Meanwhile, in order to skirt a law prohibiting him from running in the presidential vote, Japarov quit both posts in November. Still, his critics say that his campaign has benefited from the resources of the state, with his allies occupying key government posts. Japarov and his supporters have pushed for the referendum, saying the country needs the change to strengthen the role of the president by handing the post extensive legislative and executive powers similar to those in other Central Asian countries. Those powers, critics point out, are often abused in the region and they fear the same will happen in Kyrgyzstan if the referendum is successful and Japarov wins the vote. "To maximize his power, he will strive to establish a modern authoritarian police state," Bakyt Beshimov, a professor at Northeastern University in Boston, commented on Twitter. Election officials said that more than 300 international observers had been accredited to monitor the election process. With reporting by AFP and TASS Irish e-cigarette retailer and brand Hale has not allowed the Covid-19 pandemic to blow its growth plans up in smoke. The company, headed by Stuart Fagan, has announced its merger with fellow e-cigarette retailer VIP. Ergo has learned the newly merged company will have more than 75 standalone stores and two online stores. The company's products will be stocked in over 2,000 convenience and forecourt retail outlets. Headcount at the combined company will be just over 200, with plans to increase the number further this year. Hale group revenues are expected to be around 20m this year. Fagan said Hale intends to initially co-brand the VIP stores before eventually moving to the Hale Brand and then completing a system integration. All VIP stores will carry the full range of e-liquids and Hale will have the VIP favourites giving the consumer "the best of what both companies offer". Fagan said Hale hopes for more acquisitions in Ireland and internationally. "This merger combines two of the fastest-growing Vape retailers and positions Hale Vaping for long-term leadership in the Irish market," he said. "Bringing together Hale Vaping and VIP creates a wealth of growth opportunities, as well as important cost and selling synergies to maximise our position within the Irish market. He added that he hoped the vaping brand could help more people in Ireland quit tobacco. Of course, vaping is not without its controversy, with some Irish groups calling for an advertising ban on the product. Limerick whiskey company shows its bottle with launch Despite predictions that the whiskey boom is a bubble waiting to burst, thirst for the spirit continues to grow. Ergo hears that more than 500 bottles of two new whiskies launched by Thomond Gate Whiskey in Limerick sold out in 24 hours. The whiskies, launched in December, were inspired by past Limerick heroes and are part of its 'Departed Spirits of Limerick' series. The company has just received funding from Limerick Local Enterprise Office to establish a bonded warehouse and bottling line in Limerick. Founder Nicholas Ryan, who returned to Ireland from the UK, is a past participant of Back for Business, a programme which helps returning emigrants start and develop businesses here. The programme called for applications on backforbusiness.com. The deadline for entry is January 25. Covid-19 scuppered many physical events in Ireland last year, with some making the move online. That trend may be set to continue, as the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) is seeking an event-management services company to help it host events, including its 2021 market-engagement event with it stating the event could move online. According to tender documents, ISIF said 2,000 guests typically get invited to the event, with 600 attending. ISIF anticipates the event will be held in either the first or second quarter of this year. TULSA, Okla. (AP) Kevin Obanor recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds to carry Oral Roberts to a 74-57 win over North Dakota on Saturday night. Obanor also had seven turnovers. Max Abmas had 16 points for Oral Roberts (6-6, 3-1 Summit League). DeShang Weaver added 15 points. RJ Glasper had 14 points. After Oral Roberts outscored North Dakota 44-27 in the first half, both teams scored 30 in the second as the home team clinched the victory. The Golden Eagles 30 second-half points marked a season low for the team. Caleb Nero had 17 points for the Fighting Hawks (3-10, 2-2). Filip Rebraca added 11 points and seven rebounds. Bentiu Panoam had 11 points. The Golden Eagles leveled the season series against the Fighting Hawks with the win. North Dakota defeated Oral Roberts 72-71 last Friday. ___ For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25 ___ This was generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from STATS LLC, https://www.stats.com Japan is considering extending a state of emergency from the Tokyo metropolitan area to other regions as novel coronavirus cases increase but that could raise the risk of a double-dip recession for the world's third-largest economy. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga conceded that the measures that took effect in the capital region on Friday might also be needed in other parts of the country as infections spread. The government has resisted calls from some experts for wider curbs beyond those imposed in Tokyo because of the economic pain they would cause. Analysts and officials have warned that the limited, one-month state of emergency targeting Tokyo and neighboring prefectures could lead to a contraction in economic growth for the current quarter. "There's no doubt it will affect January-March growth," Finance Minister Taro Aso told reporters, when asked about the economic impact. Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures plan to ask the government to impose a state of emergency. "We'll work closely with the regions and respond as needed," Suga told reporters earlier when asked about the requests from the prefectures. Many policymakers say the hit to growth this time will not be as severe as last year's state of emergency, which hurt retailers nationwide and forced many manufacturers to suspend production. Robust overseas demand and the boost to growth from massive government stimulus will offset some of the pain, analysts say. But prospects of a broader and longer state of emergency cloud the outlook for the economy, which is still emerging from a record slump in April-June last year. The debate on Irish reunification should not be based on language of threat or danger according to Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald. She said that the massive opportunity must be grasped by the Irish government as it poses the chance to build an Irish national health service. Speaking on This Week on RTE Radio One, Ms McDonald said that the Irish government needs to get to work on creating a shared island unit. Grasping the opportunity I think, its important. This debate around reunification shouldnt be posited on the language of threat or danger this is a massive opportunity. Speaking to unionists, nationalists, republicans, to ordinary people if you like on the ground, the thing that is raised most often with me is the future of the health service. I think the opportunity to build an Irish national health service island-wide is absolutely within our grasp and all the more necessary when we surveyed the Covid scene of the here and now, she added. She said that it is not only Sinn Fein members who are looking for a Citizens Assembly on Irish unity. I think the government needs to get to work, theres people in Sinn Fein, beyond Sinn Fein, arguing correctly for a citizens assembly or a forum, I dont mind what its called, but it needs to move beyond the very valuable dialogues of the shared island unit into real concrete planning, she said. When asked about a Sinn Fein member voicing her concerns when a separate, more senior member went to her house and confronted her over recently sent tweets, Ms McDonald said that she does not lead a party of sheep. I do not lead a party of sheep. I lead a party of highly motivated articulate individuals. People are entitled to have their view and their analysis of the past, she added. The Japanese were keen to broadcast that prime minister Shinzo Abe was the first foreign leader to meet Donald Trump after he got to the White House. India was happy to publicise that Narendra Modi was the first to be invited for a working dinner at the White House. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu basked in their countries being chosen by the US president for his first official visit in office. There was a steady roll call of heads of state welcoming Trump, among them Vladimir Putin, who allegedly helped him win the 2016 election; Kim Jong-un, who outmanoeuvred him diplomatically; Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while he was crushing dissent at home; Theresa May and Boris Johnson, who were desperate for an American trade agreement after Brexit. But in the space of one day, the Trump connection, politically and commercially, has become toxic. Some countries have undoubtedly benefited from Trump's presidency. His administration has played a key role in Israel establishing formal diplomatic relations with the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. The US embassy was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, in a propaganda boost for Netanyahu. Prince Mohammed bin Salman was protected by the Trump administration over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and both Saudi Arabia and the UAE over their conduct in the Yemen war. But the chances of Trump carrying out an attack on Iran during his last days in office, as the Saudis and the Israelis reportedly lobbied him to do, has now all but disappeared in the aftermath of the violence in Washington, and the subsequent dissipation of the departing president's authority. There have been no major concessions for Japan and India in terms of the stand-off on trade with the US. And a UK trade deal did not materialise either. The rush has started for foreign states to get alongside Biden's people, and this should accelerate now Trump has had to accept a normal transition of power. 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. Remember the Trump-hating Lincoln Project? That was the big-dollar NeverTrump group that included among its luminaries George Conway, the unhinged Trump-hating husband of the unfortunate Kellyanne Conway. They included many Dubya Bush administration operatives who'd been left out of the Trump administration and wanted revenge. Their loathing of Trump only got greater after that, and they threw their support to Joe Biden, raising $78 million and creating extremely nasty presidential campaign ads to take down Trump. They worked closely with Democrats and took their money, promising to help peel away Republicans to help Joe Biden. When that didn't happen and Trump increased his share of the Republican vote, leftists, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, questioned giving money to the group as a ripoff. They're now back to their old tricks in the post-election, with a new game to please Democrats: creating blacklists. They've announced they've compiled a databasee of all Republicans who worked for President Donald Trump with the aim of ensuring they never land jobs in the private sector. This will not end well. https://t.co/2AqroKqhDE Brit Hume (@brithume) January 9, 2021 Whoa. @Forbes chief content officer warns against hiring @kayleighmcenany or other prominent Trump flacks: Hire any of Trumps fellow fabulists above, and Forbes will assume that everything your company or firm talks about is a lie. https://t.co/KeXF2gVXVV Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) January 9, 2021 Isn't the victory of Joe Biden enough for them? Not in the least. They're like a monster that just needs to keep feeding and growing, in order to keep the money and contracts rolling in. More about that in a minute. Two things leap out from this vile, creepy project. On Twitter -- see the thread here -- one person after another could compare it to the kinds of things Nazis did. Here is a sample: "How very fascist of you." -- "Good idea! Make a list, and make them wear special badges, so you know who are unpure Its becoming blindingly apparent that the reason that the left was so hell-bent on accusing [their] detractors of racism and fascism, is so that they could implement it without any [impediment]." -- "The Chicoms were your inspiration." -- "Oh lookit. A Black List and everything. Guess we really didnt learn anything from Stalin and McCarthy." -- "The true Fascists are showing their face now. Only true Fascists draw-up a #blacklist of their political opposition and pursue them. Duly noted in history. #Fascism" -- "And those asterisks will be shaped like yellow stars." -- "Will the officials involved all get matching arm tattoos and their own special place to live? Asking for a friend." If this isn't the sort of thing Nazis, or their collaborators looking to make friends did, what is? If this isn't the act of a vengeful Marxist dictatorship, what is? How is this not like 'The Lives of Others'? How does this not resemble Venezuela's Hugo Chavez regime's "Tascon List"? And as many observers noted, there are some remarkable similarities to what goes on in Red China. Many of those observers cited the era of Chairman Mao, but they could have at least as relevantly cited China's infamous current "social credit system," a comparable blacklist to ensure dissidents don't get jobs, or even train seats, given Twitter's curious subservience to China. The other thing that stands out is that this thing has popped up before. Just a few months ago, a strange anonymous group called the "Trump Accountability Project" announced that they, too, were forming a blacklist of all Trump supporters who worked in his administration, same as the Lincoln Project. The Daily Caller found links in that group to Media Matters founder, David Brock, whose stock in trade is the smear. The public reaction to this vile blacklisting project was so bad the group shut itself down. Now, it seems, the Lincoln Project is picking up the torch, converting itself to a repugnant fascist-style group, harassing Trump officials even after they are long out of power. Perhaps George Conway wants to keep Kellyanne in the kitchen. Are the two groups related? Apparently they are, in that they share donors. There certainly is a common thread in the same donors giving to Lincoln and giving to Brock. According to BloombergQuint, writing last year: A super political action committee founded by Republican opponents of President Donald Trump and another group supporting former Vice President Joe Biden each raised more than more than $10 million in the second quarter, in some cases by relying on the same deep-pocketed donors, according to their latest filings with the Federal Election Commission. The Lincoln Project, founded by a group of Republican operatives including George Conway, the husband of Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway, brought in $16.8 million. AB PAC, the super-PAC arm of American Bridge 20th Century Foundation, which was co-founded by David Brock, a one-time conservative journalist, topped $10 million. Both are running ads attacking Trump, including in battleground states. Stephen Mandel, the founder of hedge fund Lone Pine Capital, gave $1.5 million to AB PAC and $1 million to the Lincoln Foundation. Bain Capital Inc. co-Chairman Joshua Bekenstein and his wife Anita Bekenstein each gave $375,000 to AB PAC, while Bekenstein donated $100,000 to the Lincoln Project. It signals there is a deep state of billionaire political donors and they have some fascist inclinations. Focusing on the job prospects of these low-level Trump officials and starting a blacklisting project suggests some extremely malevolent conversations going on somewhere. The Trump Accountability Project shut down its operations based on public revulsion. Not so the Lincoln Project, though. It doesn't bother them a bit that their tactics mirror fascists and the public is pointing it out. They don't mind at all being called McCarthyites, communists, Chavistas or Nazis. This rather tells you some very repugnant dynamics are going on. These are mean, vindictive, people. Another creepy group that came and went, the Transition Integrity Project, had a leader who called for the execution of a former Trump administration national security project offical. Lincoln Project and the Transition Integrity Project are known to share some leadership. The Lincoln Project was stung mightily by AOC's allegations that they were a worthless waste of money for Democrats. Instead of considering that, they now seek to make themselves useful in rat-like weakling ways, by playing the Democrats' snitch. That takes heat off the Democrats for their nefarious vengence plans and pins all of the vile blacklists on "Republicans." The dirty details just go on and on. Whatever is going on here, the bankrollers of this and partisan smear artists propelling it are covered in slime and liking it. Anyone near them should beware. Image credit: Pixabay public domain German Health Minister Jens Spahn is reportedly looking to run for chancellery in the next parliamentary elections in September 2021 to replace the current officeholder Angela Merkel. According to local media reports, Spahn is reaching out to his colleagues in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in order to garner support for the potential move. Spahn had replaced Merkel as the most popular politician in Germany late last year, mostly because of his COVID-19 handling in the country. Read: German Chancellor Merkel Thanks German People For Virus Sacrifices CDU Party election The CDU is scheduled to hold an election this month to decide the next party chairperson, a position that had fallen vacant since current Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer resigned in February 2020. Kramp-Karrenbauer had taken over from Merkel as CDU chief in 2018 and was looking to replace Europe's most popular leader at the moment in the next parliamentary elections. Usually, the person who leads the CDU and its smaller coalition partners in the election is elected the Chancellor of the State upon winning the polls. This means that Kramp-Karrenbauer has sidelined herself from the race and has left the doors wide open for Saphn and other candidates looking to replace Merkel. Spahn had contested the 2018 CDU chairperson election, where he secured the third spot but managed to garner praise for his race from party colleagues and the media. Read: Putin, Merkel Discuss Possible Joint Vaccine Production In Combating The Pandemic Read: Merkel To Germans: Keep Up Anti-virus Discipline In 2021 The crucial election for the CDU chief is scheduled to take place in January, which has already been postponed twice over COVID-19 concerns. However, party officials have said that the election will take place this month, even if it takes an online meeting to reach a consensus. Local media reports suggest that other candidates that are looking to fill Merkel's shoes as CDU chief are North Rhine-Westphalia state premier Armin Laschet, corporate lawyer Friedrich Merz, and foreign affairs expert Norbert Rottgen. Read: Merkel Replaced By Spahn As Germany's Most Popular Leader, New Survey Finds Indonesian Red Cross officers spray disinfectant on four bags containing body parts recovered from sea after the crash of Sriwijaya Air flight 182, at the Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Jan. 10, 2021. Indonesian search teams pinpointed signals Sunday from the black boxes of a passenger jet that crashed soon after takeoff from Jakarta a day earlier, and they recovered body parts and debris believed to be from the plane, officials said. Sriwijaya Air flight 182, a Boeing 737-500 with 62 people on board, vanished from radar about four minutes after departing from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Saturday, and is believed to have plummeted into Java Sea waters near the Indonesian capital. The aircrafts flight-data recorder and cockpit-voice recorder known as black boxes were located after searchers detected pings from them, said Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Indonesias military chief. We can monitor two signals from the black boxes and we have been able to mark the coordinates, he said. We hope that they can be retrieved soon. Data from the recorders can help crash investigators determine what caused the 26-year-old plane to go down during a flight to Indonesian Borneo. Data from the Swedish tracking service Flightradar24 showed the plane suddenly lose speed and altitude about four minutes after take-off. The Aviation Safety Network, a website, said the Indonesian airliner had climbed to Flight Level 110 an altitude of 11,000 feet (3,350 meters) before entering into a rapid descent. The crash of the plane from Sriwijaya Air, an Indonesian budget carrier, was the fourth major air crash in the archipelago-nation in the past six years, including another one involving a Boeing 737 in late 2018. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo on Sunday urged authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly as he conveyed a message to the families of the passengers and crew aboard the doomed flight. I, on behalf of the government and the people of Indonesia, would like to express condolences for the tragedy, he said. My prayers and sympathies are with the families and relatives of the passengers and crew members. Flight SJ-182 was carrying 50 passengers and 12 crew all Indonesian nationals when it crashed Saturday afternoon while en route to Pontianak on Borneo Island. Sriwijaya Air said the flight had been delayed for 30 minutes because of poor weather. The mother of Angga Fernando Afrion, one of the passengers, said she had urged him not to make the trip to Pontianak, where he worked on a coal barge. Angga had been in Jakarta to be with his wife, who gave birth to their first child last week. I told him not to go back yet to Kalimantan. I was worried [about the baby], Anggas mother, Afrida, told BenarNews. Anggas cousin, Ibnu, said he still held out hope that Angga was still alive. We hope there will be a miracle, and he survived, Ibnu said. Indonesian Navy divers haul up wreckage from Sriwijaya Air flight 182 during a search and rescue operation at sea near Lancang Island, Jan. 10, 2021, after the Boeing 737-500 crashed shortly after taking off from Jakarta's main airport on Jan. 9. [AFP] During the day on Sunday, divers and search teams collected three bags of aircraft parts and five bags of body parts from the sea, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). At least 81 boats, 12 helicopters and nearly 2,600 personnel were involved in the search, said Sarman, the operations director for Basarnas. We will continue search operations into the night, but it will be limited to ships equipped with underwater equipment such as multi-beam echo sounders and remotely operated vehicles, Sarman told reporters. Asked if anyone could have survived the crash, Rasman replied: We pray for the best. Late Saturday, officials said the plane had likely plunged into the sea between Laki and Lancang island in the Thousand Islands chain off Jakartas coastline. Police have started taking DNA samples and collecting ante-mortem data from relatives of the victims for identification purposes, said Brig. Gen. Rusdi Hartono, the national police spokesman. So far, the team has taken 21 DNA samples and received seven body bags, Rusdi said, adding that more than 300 personnel would be involved in efforts to identify the victims. Nurcahyo Utomo, an investigator at the National Transport Safety Committee, said his team had obtained raw radar data and a recording of the pilots last communication with air-traffic controllers. The team has also conducted interviews with air-traffic officers who were in charge yesterday at the time of the accident, he told reporters, but did not give details. A lightning and atmospheric researcher at the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that a cumulonimbus cloud was in the area at around the time the plane lost radio contact with the tower. Any plane that encounters it will experience strong turbulence, Deni Septiadi, with the BMKG, said in a statement. There was moderate to heavy rainfall with lightning at the time, according to data from the agency. Members of a search and rescue team inspect a bag containing parts believed to be tires from crashed Sriwijaya Air flight 182, at the Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Jan. 10, 2021. [Ronna Nirmala/BenarNews] Dubious record for aviation safety Saturdays crash was the second major accident involving an Indonesian airline in just over two years. In October 2018, a Boeing 737 MAX belonging to Indonesias largest budget carrier, Lion Air, crashed into the Java Sea, killing all 189 people on board. The aircrafts faulty new anti-stall system was blamed for the crash, as well as that of another 737 Max in Ethiopia that killed 157 people in March 2019. In June 2015, 139 people were killed, including 17 on the ground, when an Indonesian Air Force transport plane crashed near the Medan-Saewondo Air Base. Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelagic nation, experienced a boom in low-cost carriers after the aviation industry was deregulated in the early 2000s. In 2018, the European Union lifted a ban on Indonesian airlines, which was imposed in 2007 after a string of deadly air accidents. Several Indonesian airlines, including flag carrier Garuda, were taken off the EUs banned list back in 2009 after steps were taken to improve safety. In 2017, the International Civil Aviation Organization ranked Indonesias aviation safety as above the global average, with a compliance rate of 81.15 per cent. Although the Sriwijaya plane was 26 years old, its age may not have been factor in the crash, according to an aviation observer, Arista Atmadjati, of Arista Indonesia Aviation Center (AIAC). The important thing is that the maintenance is not compromised. These planes are still widely used in Latin America, the United States, parts of Europe, Russia, up to today, Arista told BenarNews. In his view, the number of air accidents in recent years did not mean that Indonesias aviation safety had necessarily deteriorated. The accident two years ago was mainly Boeings fault because of its software problem, similar to what happened to the Ethiopian Air [flight]. Boeing was negligent, Arista said, referring to the Lion Air accident that occurred months before the crash of the 737 Max plane in Ethiopia. He noted that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had put Indonesias aviation safety in Category 1, which means that its airlines are allowed to fly to the United States. All Indonesian airlines are now allowed to fly to Europe and the U.S., and that status has not been revoked by the FAA, Arista said. The most important thing is that the government must be strict in terms of maintenance audits, technician license checks and random checks on the ground. Sulthan Azzam contributed to this report from Padang, Indonesia. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. WASHINGTON Three days after a mob attack on the U.S. Capitol carried out in President Donald Trumps name, Republican leaders have yet to outline plans to hold anyone accountable or to alter a platform and priorities lashed to the outgoing Republican president. Trump and some congressional Republicans, meanwhile, stepped up their efforts Saturday to head off Democratic efforts to impeach Trump over what they call his incitement of violence. Behind closed doors, Trump and his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner have encouraged allies to fight against a potential impeachment by issuing statements on social media or elsewhere that discourage or condemn the move, people familiar with the calls said. It was not clear whether those efforts were having much success. Republican allies of the president were mainly muted Saturday, as pressure continued to mount among Democrats to try to force Trump from office before his term expires Jan. 20. READ MORE: Democrats plan fast Trump impeachment, Pelosi says rioters chose their whiteness over democracy Meanwhile, a small group of Republicans who had voted to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory released a letter Saturday calling on Biden to try to head off impeachment. "In the spirit of healing and fidelity to our Constitution, I am asking that @JoeBiden formally request that Speaker Pelosi discontinue her efforts to impeach President Trump a second time," tweeted Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., sharing a copy of the letter signed by seven lawmakers. A Biden spokesman on Saturday referred to the president-elect's comments the day before, when he said he would leave impeachment decisions to Congress. Senate Republicans have not moved to investigate the assault on their workplace, which forced Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to flee with the help of his security team while Vice President Pence was whisked to a secure location. Democrats are pushing to rapidly impeach the president a second time in less than two years hoping to force Trump from office even a few days early. Removing Trump by impeachment or by invoking the 25th Amendment governing unfitness for office remains a high hurdle, however, with less than two weeks remaining in his presidency. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has not made a formal determination to move forward with a second impeachment. READ MORE: Sen. Pat Toomey says Trump committed impeachable offenses McConnell, R-Ky., is circulating a memo to Republican senators that outlines how a potential Senate trial would work in proceedings that would all but certainly occur after Trump leaves the White House. Relatively few Republicans have publicly disavowed Trump, who was received enthusiastically during a phone-in appearance at a members-only gathering during the Republican National Committee meeting the morning after the mob attack. Former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, for example, criticized the president's actions since the election during a speech at the RNC. But she also embraced much of his presidency and praised his work in office, including his record on judicial appointments and the economy. And its a real shame, because I am one who believes our country made some truly extraordinary gains in the last four years, she said. President Trump and Republicans deserve great credit for that. We should not shy away from our accomplishments. She tweeted Saturday that the shameful display of the riots was a gift to Americas enemies and should never be allowed to recur, with no mention of the presidents role in inciting the attack. She separately tweeted opposition to the actions of Twitter and other social media companies, who have banned Trump from their platforms for allegedly fomenting the threat of violence. READ MORE: Trump pressured Georgias lead elections investigator to find the fraud in December phone call, new evidence shows A seven-point strategy memo from the Republican Study Committee released Friday made no mention of the attack and recommitted to themes Trump has championed, including the investigation of alleged voter fraud. "As we move forward, we have an opportunity now more than ever to show the freedom-loving American people we represent that we are here fighting for them!" Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., wrote. "People are right to be frustrated with the way that states conducted the 2020 election. The rules were changed in the 11th hour in a way that sowed mistrust in our democratic process and many feel as if their votes weren't counted. That can't happen again," Banks wrote. Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., said Saturday that he believes Trump has "committed impeachable offenses," adding during an interview on Fox News that he is not sure what, if anything, his colleagues will do in coming days. "I don't know what's going to land on the Senate floor, if anything," he said, referring to articles of impeachment expected to be voted on in the House next week. He did not directly call for Trump's removal and tempered his view about Trump's role. "I don't know what they are going to send over, and one of the things that I'm concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicize something," Toomey said. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, remains the lone Senate Republican to call for Trump's resignation over what she told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday were his failures before and after the Capitol assault. The attack during certification of Biden's victory left five people dead, including a Capitol Police officer. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., has said he would consider impeachment. While key lawmakers, Democrat and Republican, have called for a bipartisan and bicameral review of Wednesday's events, there has been no decision yet on what form the investigation will take. Several congressional committees have announced they intend to investigate, and a special joint panel could be created to handle the probe. READ MORE: For Trump, the end is coming swiftly and with stinging rebukes So far the response from lawmakers regarding the security implications of Wednesdays breach has been mostly free of political finger-pointing. But Republicans appear prepared to resist any attempt to expand a congressional probe beyond the scope of a security review and do not favor including the actions of Trump and other leaders who may have had a role in inciting the riot. In a signal of how the investigation could become partisan, a freshman House Republican, Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana, sent a letter to Pelosi on Friday, noting that the top House security official, the sergeant at arms, "works under the direction of the Speaker." "Please advise what processes were directed by you to provide enhanced security in light of the known and anticipated major public demonstration on January 6th," she wrote. Spartz made no mention of the Senate sergeant of arms, who works under the Republican majority leader. House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., on Friday called the assault "un-American," and said he had told Trump on Wednesday that "he had a great responsibility to intervene to quell the mob and start the healing process for our country." McCarthy said nothing about Trump's culpability in falsely claiming victory and urging supporters to help him overturn the election, or in encouraging thousands to march on the Capitol. He was among the majority of House Republicans who voted to overturn the election after the siege. "Over the coming weeks we will work with law enforcement to bring anyone responsible for the violence to justice. Lawlessness and extremism have no place in our way of life," McCarthy said in Friday's statement, urging that "partisans of all stripes" come together around a peaceful transfer of power. "Impeaching the President with just 12 days left in his term will only divide our country more," McCarthy said. READ MORE: Here's how the impeachment process works In McConnell's impeachment memo, obtained by The Washington Post, the majority leader's office noted that the Senate will not reconvene for substantive business until Jan. 19, which means the earliest possible date that an impeachment trial could begin would be the day before Biden is inaugurated. Although the Senate will hold two pro forma sessions next week, on Jan. 12 and Jan. 15, it is barred from conducting any kind of business during those days including "beginning to act on received articles of impeachment from the House" without agreement from all 100 senators. With a cadre of Trump-allied senators in the Republican conference, that unanimous consent is highly unlikely. Trump has not spoken to Pence since before the assault, when he urged Pence to try to block congressional certification of Biden's victory, according to two people familiar with the relationship, who like others interviewed spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the president's actions on the record. Trump remains angry at Pence for refusing to do as Trump wished. Pence plans to attend Biden's inauguration on Jan. 20, a person familiar with his plans said Saturday. Trump has said he will not attend, breaking a long-standing tradition. Trump remained out of sight Saturday, and unnaturally silent. Twitter had permanently revoked his account on Friday evening, removing his accustomed direct broadcast system to nearly 90 million followers. Trump spent much of the day Saturday railing about Twitter taking his account, according to two officials. The president has not said anything about the five people who died in the attack, including a Capitol Police officer, nor has he moved to lower the flags of the U.S. government in their honor. He does not plan to make that order and has complained to advisers that he is being treated unfairly, two people familiar with his comments said. Some White House officials are concerned about the president's liability from a broader investigation into the event. Trump knew for days there would be a march and wanted to participate himself, only to be thwarted for his own security, officials said. A number of lawyers who participated in Trump's last impeachment defense, including Jay Sekulow, Pat Philbin and Pat Cipollone, would be unlikely to participate this time in defending the president, one adviser said. Possibilities include Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, or defense attorney Alan Dershowitz, the adviser said. Party officials remain torn over what to do about Trump in the final days with many ready to cut ties but wary because the partys grass-roots activists and supporters are still largely with him. "If you can replicate his draw amongst rural, working-class voters without the insanity, you have a permanent governing majority," said Josh Holmes, a top adviser to McConnell. The Washington Posts Seung Min Kim, Paul Kane and Amy B Wang contributed to this report. Boko Haram suicide bomber kills 15 in Cameroon Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A small girl, used by the terrorist group Boko Haram, blew herself up in the middle of a crowded park in northern Cameroon, killing at least 15 people, according to reports. The suicide bomber blew herself up in a public park in the town of Mozogo in the Mayo-Tsanaga area of Cameroon on Friday. Five children between the ages of three to 14 were among the victims, according to UNICEF. Before the explosion, Boko Haram men entered the town and shot sporadically throughout the area, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern said. Many villagers ran to the park to hide, not knowing that Boko Haram had a girl wearing a suicide vest inside the park. I continue to be deeply concerned about the increasing number of attacks against civilians in the Far North, North-West and South-West regions of Cameroon, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said in a statement. The rise in violence has exacerbated a national humanitarian crisis and there are now an estimated 3.2 million children in need across the country. It is unclear if the young girl voluntarily blew herself up or was forced by Boko Haram. Based in Nigeria near the Cameroonian border, Boko Haram terrorists regularly attack civilians and military posts in northern Cameroon, Fore noted. ICC added, Despite all four of these nations working together as a coalition, they have been unable to quell the rise of Boko Haram, warning that the group that had its peak in 2015, but lost much of it in 2016 and 2017, has been re-growing. Throughout the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions in Cameroon, some farming communities are supportive of rebel groups that began fighting for independence in 2017 because they feel underrepresented by the French-speaking central government. Over the last few years, fighting has spread across the Anglophone regions with thousands being killed and some churches seized. Last April, authorities in Cameroon admitted that soldiers were involved in the killing of three women and 10 children in a mid-February attack in the Northwest province in which 21 people were killed and several homes were pillaged. After initially claiming that allegations of soldiers being complicit in the massacre in Ngarbuh village on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 were false, the Cameroonian government announced that three soldiers were on trial for their role in the killing of innocent civilians and burning of homes in the majority Christian Anglophone region. The government released the findings of a joint commission of inquiry investigation launched following reports that soldiers teamed up with Fulani militants in a night-time attack that was said to have claimed the lives of at least 13 children and one pregnant woman. Last year, Cameroon was added to Open Doors USAs annual World Watch List of 50 countries where Christians were most persecuted. Cameroon is also on the list of 2020s worst human rights abusers, according to human rights group U.N. Watch. Cameroon tortured journalist Samuel Abuwe to death, massacred schoolchildren, and threatened political opponents, the list noted. The fire began in the furnace room and ripped through the Old Forge building that housed the DiSimoni Zebra Room and four apartments, leaving almost two dozen people homeless and injuring five firefighters. A crowd gathered to watch crews extinguish the flames at 110-112 N. Main St. on Nov. 27, 1949. The fast-moving fire rose to the first floor, where the newly renovated Zebra Room and one apartment was located, and then to the second floor, which contained another three apartments, before shooting out through the roof. The people who lived in the building were related in one way or another, according to a Nov. 28, 1949, Scranton Times story. Julia DiSimoni, the mother of Zebra Room owner Michael DiSimoni, had to be carried from her burning apartment to a nearby family members home, the newspaper reported. She shared her apartment with her two brothers, Joseph and Frank Pettinato, and daughter, identified only as Mrs. Samuel Graziano, and the daughters two children. Mr. and Mrs. Frank DiSimoni and their two children lived in another apartment in the building, according to the article. Ralph Pettinato, whose relationship to Julia DiSimoni and her two brothers was not made clear, shared an apartment with his daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Terruso, and the couples two young children. Frank DiSimoni, his wife and their two children occupied the third apartment on the second floor; Joseph DiSimoni, his wife and their two children lived on the first floor, next to the restaurant. As the flames spread, neighbors helped the residents take furniture and other belongings out of the building, according to the newspaper. Soon, though, the smoke and heat forced the residents to flee the apartments. Although firefighters from almost a dozen departments responded, including Lawrence, Jermyn, Sibley and White Eagle companies of Old Forge, Scranton Hose 1, Taylor Hose Co. 1 and 2, Germania and Excelsior from Duryea and companies from nearby Avoca and Moosic, the building could not be saved. Crews were able to shield the Bellcastro Recreation Building next door from the worst of the damage, however. Five firefighters reported injuries while working on the fire, according to The Scranton Times. Edward Schlesser of Scranton suffered an eye injury and was treated at State Hospital. George Seaman of the Lawrence Co. was overcome by smoke but quickly revived, the newspaper reported. Frank Smallecombe and John Monelli, both of Lawrence Co, injured their hands; John Rook, chief of Jermyn Co., injured his foot. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined. Officials at the scene estimated the fire caused about $75,000 worth of damage, equal to about $800,000 today. Erin L. Nissley is an assistant metro editor at The Times-Tribune and the editor of The Valley Advantage. Shes lived in the region for 15 years. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Scott Mitchell has spoken about his wife Dame Barbara Windsor's funeral, which took place on Friday. The EastEnders legend was laid to rest at Golders Green crematorium following her death from Alzheimer's disease in December, aged 83. Scott paid an emotional tribute to the EastEnders and Carry On star, saying: 'Rest in peace my darling Bar, my love forever Scott.' Heartbroken: Scott Mitchell (pictured) has spoken about his wife Dame Barbara Windsor's funeral, which took place on Friday He later told the Sunday People: 'It was heartbreaking but intimate, a lovely send-off.' Barbara's friends and family attended the private service in London, with a mourners restricted to 30 people amid ongoing coronavirus restrictions. Stars including David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ross Kemp and Christopher Biggins had joined Scott and other mourners at the service in North London on Friday. Flowers spelling out Babs, The Dame and Saucy adorned her coffin, while a topless photo from her Carry On days was included in the order of service, accompanied by her quote: "That picture will follow me to the end". Love: The EastEnders legend was laid to rest at Golders Green crematorium on Friday after losing her battle with Alzheimer's in December, aged 83 (pictured with Scott in 2019) Mr Mitchell, who was married to Dame Barbara for 20 years, wrote below it: "Yep!!! Rest in peace my darling Bar, my love forever Scott xx." Her EastEnders co-star Ross, who played her on-screen son Grant Mitchell, paid a tearful tribute to Barbara as he delivered a moving eulogy at her funeral. Honouring the actress with heartfelt words, he said: 'The public loved her, she loved them back.' A source told The Mirror: 'Ross' speech was so incredibly moving and uplifting in equal measure....it was very much from the heart and he got teary at times. Friends: Stars including David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ross Kemp (pictured) and Christopher Biggins had joined Scott and other mourners at the service in North London on Friday 'He told a wonderful story about how producers on EastEnders wanted Grant to slap Peggy in a big fight scene but he told producers he couldn't do it. 'Instead he pretended to do but Babs took her art so seriously she performed this huge acrobatic act and flew back over the table onto the floor.' The insider went on to say how Ross explained that Barbara was so convincing and loved by the public that he had received thousands of letters a day from disgruntled soap fans condemning him for being a 'terrible bloke'. Meanwhile, in his eulogy, shared in The Sun with permission by Barbara's husband Scott Mitchell, Ross said: 'The public loved her, she loved them back and they loved her even more for it.' Tribute: Her Eastenders co-star Ross, who played her on-screen son Grant Mitchell paid an emotional and tearful tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor as he delivered a moving eulogy at her funeral He also remarked that the Peggy Mitchell star has 'time for anyone', no matter who they were. He said: 'If you walked down the road with Bar, you knew a five minute walk would take you at least ten to fifteen minutes. She had time for everyone and anyone, no matter who or what they were.' Ross went on: 'She was also a diplomat, who could walk with queens and princes, gangsters and politicians but she never lost the common touch, she was just as happy having a quick chat with a plumber, a baker or a candlestick maker.' Famed for her infectious laugh and baring all in the Carry On films, the Shoreditch-born actress known as 'Babs' boasted a 66-year career in showbiz, first appearing on stage aged 13 before retiring four years ago aged 79. Sadly missed: The EastEnders legend died last month following a battle with Alzheimer's disease and has raised more than 150,000 on her condolences page As dementia took its toll, 4ft 10ins Dame Barbara was forced to stop playing fearsome landlady Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders. Mr Mitchell said on December 11 that his 'best friend and soul mate' passed away peacefully in a London care home at 8.35pm the night before. He had moved into her home a few days earlier to be by her side when she died. Mr Mitchell has shared the order of service for her funeral because Covid restrictions have limited the number of mourners who can attend. He said: 'As Covid has denied so many of Barbara's family, friends and fans a chance to say farewell properly, I wanted to share the order of service to let people be a small part of it. 'My heart goes out to every family who have experienced the same restrictions at their loved ones funerals.' He added: 'I would again like to thank my family, friends, the media and the public for their incredible support and well wishes since Barbara's passing. 'Barbara's condolences page for Alzheimer's Research UK has passed the 150,000 mark. Beyond anything we may have dreamed of.' The service, which was also attended by Loose Women's Jane Moore and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, featured tributes from Kemp, Biggins and Dame Barbara's former co-star Anna Karen. Floral tributes: Flowers spelling out Babs, The Dame and Saucy adorned her coffin, while a topless photo from her Carry On days was included in the order of service, accompanied by her quote: "That picture will follow me to the end" Attendees: Jane Moore (pictured) and David Walliams were among the stars to attend the funeral of legendary actress Barbara Windsor The order of service featured a collection of photos of Dame Barbara throughout her career and personal life, including on the set of EastEnders, with the Queen and on her Carry On films, as well as with her husband. Dame Barbara's recording of Sparrows Can't Sing from her 1963 film of the same name was played as the recessional music. The order of service finished with the famous topless photo of Dame Barbara from the film Carry On Camping, accompanied by her quote: 'That picture will follow me to the end'. Mitchell wrote below it: 'Yep!!! Rest in peace my darling Bar, my love forever Scott xx.' The couple have been widely praised for their work raising awareness for Alzheimer's disease after the actress went public with her diagnosis in 2018. President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Democrats Cannot Impeach Trump, and You Cant Impeach Him After Leaving Office: Dershowitz Harvard Law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz said Democrats have virtually no chance of successfully impeaching and removing President Donald Trump before Inauguration Day on Jan. 20. The case cannot come to trial in the Senate. Because the Senate has rules, and the rules would not allow the case to come to trial until, according to the majority leader, until 1 p.m. on January 20th, an hour after President Trump leaves office, Dershowitz said in a Fox Business interview on Sunday. Dershowitz, who defended Trump during the Senate impeachment trial about a year ago, suggested that the Constitution does not allow for impeaching a former president. And the Constitution specifically says, The President shall be removed from office upon impeachment. It doesnt say the former president. Congress has no power to impeach or try a private citizen, whether it be a private citizen named Donald Trump or named Barack Obama or anyone else, he said. It comes as House Democrats have proposed articles of impeachment after Trump made a speech to protesters near the Capitol. Some critics have claimed Trump incited the crowd into violence before a group stormed the Capitol building. Trump told the crowd beforehand that their protest shows the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country and let us walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. The president did not tell the protesters to breach the Capitol or commit acts of violence and later condemned them. At one point, Trump told the protesters to peacefully and patriotically make your voices be heard. Another Trump defender during the House impeachment inquiry, law professor Jonathan Turley, explained that impeaching Trump over his speech would set a dangerous precedent. When I testified in the impeachment hearings of Trump and Bill Clinton, I noted that an article of impeachment does not have to be based on any clear crime but that Congress has looked to the criminal code to weigh impeachment offenses, he said in an opinion piece. For this controversy now, any such comparison would dispel claims of criminal incitement. Despite broad and justified condemnation of his words, Trump never actually called for violence or riots. But he urged his supporters to march on the Capitol to raise their opposition to the certification of electoral votes and to back the recent challenges made by a few members of Congress. Meanwhile, Democrats and some Republicans have floated the idea of Trumps cabinet invoking the 25th Amendment, which concerns succession of the vice president if the president dies, resigns, or is removed from office. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, a member of his cabinet, dismissed calls to invoke the 25th Amendment. As a Nation we need to heal. I have not talked to anyone about invoking the 25th Amendment, and I am focused on finishing what I started in uplifting the forgotten women and men of America. Its time to move toward peace. We are not each others enemies! he wrote. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 23:57:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Ugandans will cast their votes on Thursday to elect a new president who will lead the east African country for the next five years. Eleven candidates are vying for the presidency in what observers say is a hotly contested election. Opinion polls suggest the three front runners as incumbent president Yoweri Museveni, pop star turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine and Patrick Amuriat. The following are profiles of the three front runners presented in alphabetical order starting with their last name. Patrick Oboi Amuriat Amuriat is a seasoned engineer and politician who served continuously as a legislator for 15 years starting in 2001, according to Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), an opposition party he leads. Amuriat is the presidential flag bearer of FDC, the largest opposition party in the country. FDC under the leadership of Kizza Besigye was a major challenger to President Museveni in the last three presidential elections. Amuriat hopes to ride on the same force to cause a change in the country. Yoweri Museveni Museveni has been in power for the last 34 years after he won a five-year guerrilla war in 1986. In 1995, Uganda promulgated its constitution and a year later the country started holding periodic elections every five years. Museveni has since been contesting in the presidential elections, winning each one of them. The 76-year-old leader was born to cattle keeper Amos Kaguta in the western Ugandan district of Ntungamo. Museveni had university education at the Dar es Salaam University in neighboring Tanzania. At university, he started getting involved in politics and this would determine his path in later years. Museveni in 1979 helped to oust military strongman Idi Amin who had been in power for nine years after toppling Milton Obote who led the country to independence from British colonial rule in 1962. In 1980, Museveni ran for the presidency but he lost to Obote and later waged a guerilla war saying the elections were not free and fair. The country's parliament in 2005 scrapped the presidential term limits, a move the opposition saw as a favor to Museveni whose two five-year consecutive terms were coming to an end. In 2017, parliament, which is dominated by the ruling National Resistance Movement, voted to remove the age limit for running for the presidency, a move criticized by the opposition as a leeway for Museveni to run for the presidency. According to a previous law, persons over the age of 75 were not allowed to run for the presidency. Museveni at that time was 73 years old. Museveni has been involved in various peace efforts in Africa. In 2007, he authorized the deployment of Ugandan troops to a peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Uganda has previously sent peacekeeping troops to Liberia. He was involved in the Burundi peace process, South Sudan peace process and various peace initiatives on the continent. He has also been involved in fast-tracking the East African Community integration which brings together six countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Kyagulanyi goes by the stage name Bobi Wine. He is a musician, actor, politician and businessman. The 38-year-old, who is currently a legislator, is seen as Museveni's main challenger. He is riding on a youth movement to cause change in the country which he says has been run down. Uganda has one of the world's fastest-growing populations with the current figure 46 million expected to increase to 74 million in 20 years and more than double to around 104 million by 2060, according to World Bank figures. Some 75 percent of the population is below the age of 30, with the country having one of the highest youth unemployment rates at 13.3 percent. Kyagulanyi, who heads the opposition National Unity Platform party, argues that it is time for the young people to champion the change they want. "In the new Uganda, the youth will be a priority for investment especially in education, health care and skills," he said at a recent rally. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 20:54:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China marks its first national police day on January 10, 2021. It is a festival specially designated for the police in full recognition of their heroic struggle in the interests of the Party and the people, according to the Ministry of Public Security. In an age of peace, the police force is a team which is believed to have sacrificed the most while making the greatest contribution. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, more than 14,000 police officers have laid down their lives, according to figures released by the ministry. What do the Chinese people think of the role police officers play in their lives? And what impressed them the most about the police force? Xinhua spoke with citizens across the country to find out. Minister urges quick building of project on natural forest protection The forestry sector should take swift action to build a project on zoning off and protecting natural forests in the time to come, said Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong. Cuong made his request at the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VAF)s conference held in Hanoi on January 6 to review its performance last year and launch key tasks for 2021. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong speaks at the conference (Photo: VNA) The minister pointed out three big challenges facing the sector in 2020, which were COVID-19-caused disruption to commodity supply chains; forest fires and climate change-inflicted storms and floods; and fierce global trade competition. There have been several policies issued regarding the zoning off and protection activities, he said, adding that they have shortcomings, thus remaining ineffective in giving proper encouragement to people involved. He asked the VAF to soon complete a project initiated by the Prime Minister on planting 1 billion trees in the 2021 2025 period, review the 10-year operation of the fund for forest protection and development, and complete a pilot project on forest leasing for herbal farming. According to VAF Deputy Director Pham Van Dien, in 2021, the sector will step up the protection, development, and effective and sustainable use of existing forests to meet requirements for natural disaster mitigation, ecosystem conservation, and climate change adaptation. It will also promote the productivity, quality and value of each kind of forests, particularly production forests, thus creating jobs, increasing incomes, alleviating poverty, and improving livelihoods for people involved. The work will be carried out in association with the building of new-style rural areas and the protection of security, defence and social order. National forest coverage will be kept at 42 percent, while the area of damaged forests will be cut by at least 20 percent against last year. Goals are set to plant 230,000 ha of concentrated forests, zone off for recovering 150,000 ha, plant 200 million trees, and earn 14 billion USD from forestry product exports. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 13:51:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) on Sunday confirmed 21 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the nationwide tally to 1,429. "A total of 22,993 tests for COVID-19 were conducted across the country in the last 24 hours, and 21 of them tested positive," Amarjargal Ambaselmaa, head of the surveillance department of the NCCD, said at a daily press conference. Twenty of the latest confirmed cases were locally transmitted, and the remaining patient was a serviceman of the Mongolian Armed Forces who had recently returned home from Afghanistan, said Ambaselmaa. More than two-thirds of the COVID-19 infections in Mongolia were locally transmitted. The country confirmed its first locally transmitted case in November. The Asian country with a population of 3.3 million has so far registered two COVID-19-related deaths and 896 recoveries. Enditem Advertisement The White House finally lowered its flags to half staff on Sunday after three days of criticism over Donald Trump refusing to make the symbolic move to honor the Capitol Police officer who died from injuries sustained during Wednesday's Capitol riot. The move came after the death of Howard Liebengood, 51, a second Capitol Hill officer, who took his own life on Saturday, three days after the MAGA mob stormed Congress. Late Sunday afternoon, the White House caved into the pressure to lower the flag and order the same be done at military posts and other federal buildings and public grounds. In a proclamation on Sunday evening, Trump released a statement claiming he was not lowering the flags for just Officers Sicknick and Liebengood, but for 'all law enforcement'. 'As a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across this great Nation I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff,' Trump said in his statement. It said nothing about the involvement of his own supporters in the murder and riot or whether Trump had reached out to the officer's family, who spoke to Joe Biden earlier Sunday. The White House finally lowered its flags to half staff on Sunday after Donald Trump faced three days of criticism for not doing so immediately after a Capitol Police officer died Thursday from injuries sustained during the Capitol riot on Wednesday At last: The flag over the executive mansion was lowered after pressure on Trump mounted with ally Chris Christie calling the failure to honor the murdered officer 'disgusting,' and after the death by suicide of a second Capitol Hill officer on Saturday Honored: The coffin of Brian Sicknick was driven past the Capitol where he served Sunday ahead of his funeral Mourning the fallen: Capitol Hill officers who served with Brian Sicknick were in tears as his coffin passed Memorials started popping up near the Capitol to honor Sicknick's life, which he gave defending the Capitol from a mob attempting to disrupt Congress from certifying the election for Joe Biden 'RIP Hero': Signs, flags and flowers were erected in honor of Sicknick In Trump's statement, he wrote that the flag lowering was to honor all Capitol Police, including Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all law enforcement. Liebengood died this weekend by suicide House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered on Friday that the flags at the Capitol be lowered to half staff to honor Sicknick Brian Sicknick died Thursday after reportedly being hit on the head with a fire extinguisher during MAGA riots The flags will remain at half staff until sunset on Wednesday, January 13, which marks exactly one week since the Capitol was breached by the pro-Trump mob. Sicknick, 42, died Thursday from brain injuries he sustained while defending the Capitol building from thousands of pro-Trump rioters who breached the property on Wednesday. The military veteran who served on the Capitol Police force for 12 years was struck in the head with a fire extinguisher by a protester, according to two law enforcement officials. He died the next day, making him the fifth casualty of the unprecedented siege. So far, there are no reports of Trump reaching out to Sicknick's family, but Mike Pence has called them to offer his condolences, as aide to the vice president told The New York Times. Joe Biden's office announced late Sunday that he had spoken earlier in the day to the fallen officer's brother. And Nancy Pelosi issued a statement calling Officer Liebengood 'a patriot who dedicated his life to defending the Capitol and protecting all who serve, work in and visit this temple of our Democracy. His passing is a great tragedy that compounds the horror of this past week.' His father, Howard Sr. had been Senate sergeant at arms from 1981 to 1983. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, once an ally of Trump, bashed the president for not lowering the flags. Sicknick was originally from New Jersey and his extended family still live there. 'I mean, it is a national disgrace that the flag at the White House is not at half-staff for that Capitol Hill police officer, who gave his life in protecting one of our institutions of democracy,' Christie said during a panel discussion on ABC's 'This Week' Sunday morning. On Friday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered the U.S. Capitol fags be lowered to half staff to honor Brian Sicknick and several other private buildings in Washington D.C. followed the example. Virginia Representative Don Beyer, a Democrat who represents the district where Sicknick lives, called for the Capitol Police officer to lie in state an honor usually reserved for presidents, politicians and Supreme Court justices, among other highly-regarded individuals. 'He made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting those trapped in the Capitol amid a violent assault on our democracy itself.' Beyer said. 'Like others before him who died in defense of the people's representatives, he deserves to lie in state.' National Guard troops stand watch in front of the Senate Hart Office Building on Sunday where the flag can be seen at half staff Trump has still remained largely silent on the breach of the Capitol building on Wednesday thousands of his most fervent supporters who descended on Capitol Hill after Trump denounced the 2020 election results at a rally near the White House and instructed them to march 'peacefully', noting that his side needed to 'fight.' Twitter announced it was banning Trump indefinitely, meaning the president has less ability to spout off his every thought into the far-reaching platform. On Thursday, before he was banned, Trump released a video condemning the violence at the Capitol, but insisting the election was stolen and 'rigged' for Joe Biden. Phuket health officials investigate mystery migrant worker death PHUKET: Health officials are investigating the death of a Myanmar migrant worker found dead of no apparent reason at his shanty at a workers camp in Rassada last night (Jan 9) deathMyanmar By Eakkapop Thongtub Sunday 10 January 2021, 11:24AM Health workers recover the body of the man last night (Jan 9). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Immediate tests by doctors at Vachira Phuket Hospital have failed to find any evidence that the man was infected with COVID-19, but are continuing their investigation. Police were called to the camp, located Prachasamakkee Rd in Moo 5, Rassada, at 6:45pm, Maj Teerawut Chuachak, an investigator with the Phuket City Police, confirmed. Responding to the call were police, Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers and a medical team from Vachira Phuket Hospital. On arriving, the team were shown where the body of Tin Chuou, 39, lay in his tin-sheet shack. The body lay face up in a sleeping position on the mans bed. The man was dressed in a black shirt and brown shorts. There were no signs of wounds on the body, Maj Teerawut reported. Workers at the camp told police that Mr Tin was seen yesterday morning. He got up and cooked some rice, and complained that he had a pain in his head. A fellow worker came to check on him later and found him dead yesterday evening, Maj Teerawut reported. Doctors at Vachira Phuket Hospital are continuing their investigation in the hope of confirming what had led to Mr Tins death, he added. Emirates has announced several key movements and rotations to its commercial team, both in its Dubai hub and across key markets in the Far East, West Asia and Africa. The changes place five seasoned Emirati commercial managers in key positions across the Emirates network to support its commercial strategies as the airline responds to shifting market dynamics and navigates the complex challenges posed by the global pandemic. The rotations also demonstrate the depth of UAE National talent within the global commercial team, due in large part to the exposure they are given across the airlines network. Adnan Kazim, Emirates Chief Commercial Officer said: As Emirates works through the complexities of this challenging period, we are sharpening our focus further and placing extremely capable leaders with diverse experiences to help drive commercial initiatives that stimulate demand and maximise revenue opportunities and margin performance. I am also proud of our UAE Nationals, who are well-placed to support the commercial organisation at this critical time, as we continue to build sustained momentum, restore our network foothold, and ramp up our operations to position the airline for a strong recovery. The following five commercial management rotations for UAE Nationals will take effect January 1, 2021: Salem Ghanem Al Marri, currently Manager Japan, will return to Dubai to the airlines Strategic Planning department. Jaber Mohamed, currently Area Manager Taiwan, will become Country Manager Philippines. Saeed Abdulla Miran, currently Manager Bangladesh, will take on the role of Area Manager Hong Kong. Sultan Alriyami, currently an Outstation Manager, will become Area Manager Taiwan. Mohamed Alhammadi, currently a Commercial Manager, will become Manager Bangladesh. In addition to the UAE National rotations, several commercial managers in Africa and South East Asia will also be taking on new or enhanced roles: Satish Sethi, currently Country Manager Philippines, will become Manager Japan. Afzal Parambil, currently Regional Manager West Africa, will take on the role of Regional Manager South Africa. Paulos Legesse, currently Manager Ivory Coast, will become Manager Nigeria. Christophe Leloup, currently Manager Senegal, will become Manager Kenya. Cathrine Wesley, Country Manager Ghana, will support Ivory Coast in addition to her current role. Arpit Behl, Country Manager Guinea, will support Senegal in addition to his current role. The airline continues to create opportunities for UAE Nationals to grow professionally and build a well-defined career path so that they can play pivotal roles within the organisation. Through the commercial outstation programme, UAE nationals gain experience in support roles, and are eventually groomed for leadership positions at Emirates outstations. The programme is underpinned by role rotations, providing UAE nationals the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and experience to ensure a strong talent pipeline across the Emirates Groups global businesses. - TradeArabia News Service Mumbai, Jan 10 : After the annual review of state VVIP security, Maharashtra's Maha Vikas Aghadi government on Sunday enhanced protection cover to a few, and reduced or withdrew it for many, even as senior leader Sharad Pawar sought reduction of his security. From the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the security cover of several leaders including Leaders of Opposition (Assembly) Devendra Fadnavis and (Council) Pravin Darekar has been reduced while for others including state BJP President Chandrakant Patil, it has been withdrawn. As the BJP cried foul, Nationalist Congress Party President Pawar requested Home Minister Anil Deshmukh to reduce his security cover. Ex-minister and senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar - who lost his security - took a swipe at the MVA, saying: "I was given security because I come from a Maoist-hit district. It has been withdrawn, so it appears that Maoist activities over. But the (government) must ensure security for the common masses." Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant questioned why the BJP leaders should shout and scream if their security cover is reduced or removed, considering the reduced threat perceptions to them. "Although the Gandhi family and ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh face threats, the BJP acted vindictively and reduced their security after which the BJP people had rejoiced. But the MVA government doesn't hold such an attitude," he said. Deshmukh and other leaders pointed out how, soon after coming to power in late 2014, Fadnavis had also reduced the secuirty for several leaders including Pawar and former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan. Following a meeting to security review and threat perceptions held on Friday, the state government issued the revised orders on Sunday on the levels of protection that would be accorded to various personalities. Celeb criminal lawyer Ujjwal Nikam has got an enhanced cover from Y-Plus with escort to Z, while Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha's cover has been increased from Y-Plus to Y-Plus with escort. In the list for the newcomers to be given security, the personalities are: Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Nimbalkar (Y-Plus with escort), and Congress Minister Vijay Wadettiwar (Y-Plus with escort in Mumbai). Ministers Sandipan A. Bhumre, Abdul Nabi Sattar, Dilip Walse-Patil and Sunil Kedar have been given Y-level security and Shiv Sena MLA Vaibhav V. Naik from Kankavali in Sindhudurg gets X-level security. Fadnavis's protection has been slashed from Z-Plus to Y-Plus with escort, his wife Amruta's reduced from Y-Plus with escort to X and their daughter Divija Fadnavis' from Y-Plus with escort to to X, while the security of Shobha Fadnavis, the aunt of Devendra Fadnavis, has been removed. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray goes from Z to Y-Plus with escort, retired Justice M.L. Tahiliyani Z to Y, Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale from Y-Plus with escort to Y-Plus, and Mumbai blasts trial Judge G.A. Sanap from Z to Y. Former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik's cover has come down from Y-Plus to Y, while ex-ministers Deepak Kesarkar and Ashish Shelar hes been reduced from Y-Plus to Y, and Suryakant Shinde from Y-Plus to X level. Darekar and former deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal both will get Y-level cover and those accorded X-level cover include Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra, ex-MLAs Prakash Shendge and Rajesh Kshirsagar, besides Yuva Sena Secretary Varun Sardesai. In the list of those who lost their security cover are: Ambrishrao Atram (till now, Z-Naxal), state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil and Sanjay Bansode (both Y-Plus with escort till now), Union Minister Raosaheb Danve, ex-CM Narayan Rane, ex-minister Mungantiwar and R. V. More (all Y-Plus till now), Rajkumar Badole and ex-Speaker Haribhau Bagade (both Y till date). Others who have lost their X-level security henceforth are BJP spokespersons Madhav Bhandari, Ram Kadam and Prasad Laad, ex-Congress MLA-MP Marotrao S. Kowase, VHP leader Shankar Gaikar, and ex-Congress minister Kripa Shankar Singh. Pope Francis is to become the latest figure to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The head of the Catholic Church could receive the injection in the coming days, he said in an interview with Italian television channel TG5. In the interview, which will air Sunday evening, Pope Francis said the Vatican's vaccine rollout would commence next week and that he had already booked an appointment. His comments follow months of the Popes apparent resistance to wearing a mask in meetings, a move which has caused concerns for the 84 year olds health. While not wearing a mask goes against the Vaticans safety protocols, the state has offered no explanation as to why he has avoided using a face covering. Once vaccinated with the two doses, the Pontiff may resume international travel, with a trip to Iraq planned for early March. This will be his first trip out of Italy and the Vatican City State since the pandemic began. The Pope said that he felt ethically everyone should receive the vaccine". He added that, in not taking the vaccine, people were not only putting their own health at risk, but also that of others. Pope Francis went on to say that people who refused to take the vaccine when it was known to be safe possessed a suicidal denialism". In his Christmas message, the Pope said leaders needed to ensure vaccines were available for all, and pleaded with countries, asking them to cooperate in efforts to put an end to the pandemic. Inoculating the Pope is the latest step in the Catholic Churchs endorsement of the vaccine. In December, the Vatican's doctrinal watchdog announced that it was "morally acceptable" for Catholics to receive vaccines made using cell lines taken from aborted fetuses. Meanwhile in the UK, the Queen and Prince Phillip received their first dose of the inoculation on Saturday. A royal source said the Queen announced their having taken the vaccine to help prevent further speculation. This was an unusual move as Buckingham Palace does not normally reveal medical details about the monarch. President-elect Joe Biden has also received the inoculation. WASHINGTON - The chief of the embattled U.S. Capitol Police department stepped down from his post Friday, days earlier than he said he would following a deadly breach of the Capitol complex by a mob supporting President Donald Trump. Chief Steven Sund on Thursday, hours after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., publicly called on him to step down, said his resignation would be effective Jan. 16. But Assistant Chief Yogananda Pittman took control of the agency Friday, according to the agency's website. A Capitol Police officer since 2001, she was one of the first Black female supervisors to become a captain. She led her unit in providing security for the 2013 presidential inauguration, the website says, and in 2018 was promoted to deputy chief. The Capitol Police did not request significant help from other law enforcement agencies before the siege, which unfolded as lawmakers attempted to certify the victory of President-elect Joe Biden. In an interview with The Washington Post on Sunday, Sund said he sought such help but was rebuffed by his bosses in Congress. The department did not have enough of its own officers and fortifications - or a backup plan in place - to keep the rioters out of the building. A Capitol Police officer, Brian Sicknick, died Thursday after engaging the mob. A person who breached the building, Ashli Babbitt, was fatally shot by a Capitol Police officer during the confrontation; three others died of medical emergencies, officials have said. The agency took another hit Saturday, with the death of off-duty officer Howie Liebengood, the son and namesake of a former Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, lobbyist and Hill staffer. Two law enforcement officials told The Post that Liebengood, 51, died by suicide, days after being on the scene of Wednesday's violence. On Sunday, scores of officers lined up outside the Capitol and saluted as a hearse carrying Sicknick's remains passed. Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff in honor of Sicknick and Liebengood. Statements released Sunday by the Capitol Police and its union did not specify a cause of death for Liebengood, who had been with the department since April 2005 and was assigned to the Senate Division. A former co-worker said he was often assigned to the Delaware entrance of the Russell Senate Office Building - his favorite posting. "We are reeling from the death of Officer Liebengood," Gus Papathanasiou, head of the Capitol Police union, said in a statement, adding: "Officer Liebengood was an example of the selfless service that is the hallmark of USCP." The statement from the Capitol Police says: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues." An outpouring of people mourned Liebengood on social media, including Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-Va., who posted on Twitter that she was "deeply saddened" over the death of her constituent. "Officer Liebengood served with USCP for 15 years, continuing a family tradition of protecting the U.S. Senate," she wrote. "My heart breaks for his family, his loved ones, & our community." Barry Pollack, a lawyer who said he is representing the Liebengood family, said in a statement that "Mr. Liebengood's family members wish to grieve privately as they mourn the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Howard Liebengood." "He will be sorely missed," the statement added. Liebengood is survived by his wife and siblings. Friends described Liebengood as humble and reserved, and said he shared a love of racecar driving with his father, as well as a pull toward the halls of the Capitol. He spent several years as a professional racecar driver until 2005, when he left the profession to become a Capitol Police officer. Charlie Ostlund, 70, taught Liebengood at James Madison High School in Vienna, Va., in the 1980s, and was his wrestling coach. He remembered Liebengood as a team player who often surprised opponents with his strength and physical talent. Ostlund said the younger Liebengood looked up to his father, Howard S. Liebengood Sr., who served as the Senate sergeant at arms from 1981 to 1983. The sergeant at arms is the chief law enforcement officer of the Senate, charged with ensuring security in the Capitol and Senate buildings, as well as protecting members of the Senate. In a 2003 interview with a motor sport website, the younger Liebengood said his parents were his biggest inspiration. "[My father] has accomplished so much in his professional career in government and the political arena," he said at the time. "If I could accomplish an [eighth] of what he has accomplished, I would be very proud . . . he is my hero!" Liebengood told his that interviewer he was involved in the National Campaign to Stop Violence, an effort to aimed at middle-school students. "He was a great student and great kid," Ostlund said. "This is just so, so sad." Liebengood Sr. left his post as sergeant at arms to become a lobbyist, eventually starting his own firm with another former Hill staffer. In 2001, he returned to Capitol Hill as chief of staff to his longtime friend Sen. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn., and later to then-Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. He died of a heart attack on Jan. 13, 2005, two weeks shy of his planned retirement. Frist spoke about Liebengood Sr. on the Senate floor after his death, according to a 2005 Senate transcript: "Howard Liebengood loved the Senate," he said. "He loved the purpose of this institution; he loved its tradition; and, above all, he loved its people. The Senate was his extended family." A classmate and wrestling teammate of the younger Liebengood, Stu Wilkinson, said his friend's relationship with Washington's political elite dates back to their childhood - though he did not brag about it. He recalled a school trip to the White House in the 1980s, when Secret Service officers took Liebengood aside to have him speak with then-Senate Majority Leader Howard Henry Baker, R-Tenn. "Here comes Senator Baker shaking Howie's hand," Wilkinson said. "[Liebengood] was so humble. . . . None of us had any clue how they knew each other." Wilkinson said that when he saw news reports of the Capitol riots on Wednesday, his mind went straight to Liebengood. He scanned the television footage, hoping his friend was all right. "He was an outstanding guy," Wilkinson said. "A quiet, silent leader." Bill Beck, 80, was a close friend of Liebengood Sr. who watched his son grow up. At the Capitol, he said Sunday, both men strove to engage lawmakers and staffers regardless of political party. On the day of the Capitol attack, Beck said he emailed the younger Liebengood to see how he was doing. He did not hear the news of his death until Sunday. "I knew him his whole life. He was a good human being," Beck said. "After everything, this is just . . . it's tragic." - - - The Washington Post's Carol D. Leonnig and Julie Tate contributed to this report. She died 20 years ago, but much-missed 80s queen of cool Paula Yates is still embarrassing her children, as her daughter Pixie Geldof tells me. Model Pixie has raided her late mums wardrobe for stylish clothes down the years but admits she also found a few embarrassing surprises that Paula left in the pockets. I have loads of her pieces that I wear, explains Pixie, 30. I have a leather jacket that had a Bros ticket in the pocket, how embarrassing. I didnt know who Bros was then the documentary came out and I was like, This makes it so much worse. Pixie Geldof, left, said she was shocked to discover a ticket from a Bros concert in the pocket of one of her late mother Paula Yates's outfits. The model said she often wears the 1980s' fashion icon's clothes My lips are sealed, but... Which well-known politician is regarded as not safe on stairs by female acquaintances due to his penchant for grabbing the derriere of any lady climbing ahead of him? Tree lover Annie Lennox wins my prize for the oddest reaction to Trump fans storming the Capitol in Washington: she rushed out and filmed some leaves. Annie, 66, has been sitting out the Covid crisis in her home in the California hills, but her lockdown plans for fresh air were blighted by wildfires that caused so much smoke that she had to keep her windows shut. Happily, the fires have abated and Annie is at one with nature again, posting this photo of herself hugging a tree and saying still holding on as she addressed the Capitol Hill riots. She adds: The best reaction I can muster is to try and be calm, the best thing I did yesterday was film leaves swirling. Well, Annie, that will really put Trump in his place! A top law firm is accused in court documents of lying to a young paralegal to convince her to take a 20 per cent pay cut during the coronavirus pandemic. Carly Ann Frances Bullock, 25, alleged Andrew Johnson, the founder of AJ and Co, falsely told her all the firm's staff were taking a 20 per cent pay cut due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Ms Bullock is suing the Brisbane law firm in the Federal Court, accusing Mr Johnson of 'unconscionable conduct' by strong-arming her into agreeing to a salary cut from $75,000 to $60,000. Carly Ann Frances Bullock, 25, claimed AJ and Co lied to her when she was told all the firm's staff were taking a 20 per cent pay cut due to the COVID-19 pandemic The young paralegal alleged in her statement of claim filed with the court she 'felt she had no choice but to sign the March 31, 2020, pay reduction letter or her employment would be terminated', the Courier Mail reported. Ms Bullock alleged her other boss, Jonathan Whybird, whom she is also suing, told her on the phone that Mr Johnson 'is on a warpath of firing people at the moment so I would do yourself a favour now and sign the letter'. Ms Bullock is suing the law firm, accusing founder Andrew Johnson of 'unconscionable conduct' for persuading her to agree to a $75,000 to $60,000 salary cut Mr Whybird allegedly told Ms Bullock that Mr Johnson was 'beyond p***ed', according to her statement of claim. Ms Bullock alleged Mr Johnson lied when he said the pay cuts weren't up for discussion, and that a number of employees' salaries were getting slashed. However, a week after their conversation, lawyer Thomas Allan managed to negotiate his way out of a pay cut. The 25-year-old alleges that her workload increased drastically following her pay cut and as a result of several staff losing their jobs during the pandemic. Ms Bullock, who left the firm on July 10 after nearly two years, is also suing chief financial officer Kathryn Sinclair, business operations manager Rebecca Mync, and Mr Whybird. She claimed Ms Sinclair told her the firm couldn't afford to reinstate previous wages, despite JobKeeper payments improving the company's cash flow. AJ and Co told Daily Mail Australia they could not provide any comment as the case is before the court. However, the firm made it clear they will be filing a defence in relation to the claim. The case is next due in court on February 8. Melania Trump has been accused of having blood on her hands by a former friend and adviser following the deadly riots by a pro-Trump mob at the US Capitol on Wednesday. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, who previously served as an aide to the first lady, penned a scathing editorial of the president and Mrs Trump in The Daily Beast. It was an assault on human life and our great democracy. Unfortunately, our president and first lady have little, if any, regard for either, Ms Wolkoff wrote following the Capitol riots, calling the violence shocking, awful, disheartening and shameful. Ms Wolkoff went on to confess that she was a Melania enabler and regretted ever working for the first lady or having a friendship with her given all that has happened during the four years of Donald Trumps presidency. I take responsibility for being Melanias enabler, and her using me became the basis of our friendship. I cant believe how blind I was to the depth of her deception and lack of common decency, the former aide wrote. The Trumps lack character, and have no moral compass, Ms Wolkoff said. Although my intentions to support the first lady in the rollout of her initiatives were always pure, Im disheartened and ashamed to have worked with Melania, she continued. Ms Wolkoff became friends with the first lady nearly 20 years ago and was there when Melania married Mr Trump, The New York Times reported. She served in the East Wing of the White House after Inauguration Day in 2017, an event she helped organise for the Trump administration. But her time at the White House lasted about a year before she left. The reasoning behind Ms Wolkoff leaving was due to reports surfacing that a company she previously worked for was paid $25.8m by the presidents inaugural committee for its role in planning the inauguration. In the wake of the story, first revealed by The New York Times, Mrs Trumps office announced they would be no longer working with Ms Wolkoff. Since then, the relationship between the two former friends has deteriorated. Stephanie Wolkoff (pictured left) and Melania Trump have known each other for nearly 20 years (Patrick McMullan via Getty) Ms Wolkoff released a tell-all book about the first lady entitled Melania and Me: The Rise and Fall of My Friendship with the First Lady in September 2020. At the time, Mrs Trump slammed the book and called her former friend and aide a dishonest opportunist. Mrs Trump has issued no public statement about the events and offered no condolences to police officer Brian Sicknicks family after he died during the riots. Four other people were killed. Melania knows how to Be Best at standing up and reading from a teleprompter and not from the heart, Ms Wolkoff wrote, citing the first ladys online bullying campaign. Hours after the riot Stephanie Grisham, Mrs Trumps chief of staff, announced she would be leaving her position in the administration in protest of the Capitol riots. But Ms Wolkoff said the resignation might not be quite what it seemed. It came as no surprise to learn, with less than two weeks to go, Grisham jumped ship during Trumps self-imposed reprehensible implosion. Grisham was probably fired and used this opportunity to pretend she had a moral line in the sand, the former aide wrote. The former aide called the first lady an extension of her husband, just as hypocritical, speaking out of both sides of her mouth, when it suits her best. Ms Wolkoff warned off the belief that the first lady is powerless within her relationship with the sitting president. Dont be fooled; she is an abuser too, of the worst kind. The kind that speaks kindly to children. The sickness is under the skin, she said. She added: Melania knows and supports Donald and his viewpoints. If you hit him, hell hit you back harder. Hes the brass knuckles, aggressive guy, and she elects to grin and bear it. She turns a blind eye. The truth is shes actually encouraging him to go for it. Be aggressive. Shes his biggest cheerleader. The Independent has contacted the White House for comment. DMK leader M Kanimozhi on Sunday said her party would ensure that victims in the sensational Pollachi sexual harassment case got justice and all those involved in the case were punished, once it returned to power. Addressing a protest rally in nearby Pollachi, Kanimozhi alleged that the ruling AIADMK was attempting to protect the party's student wing leader, Arulalandam, arrested in connection with the case recently, and many others involved in the case as they belonged to the party. She asserted that the DMK will continue to fight till justice was served. The accused, however influential they are, will be brought to book, as there would be a 'change in regime' after the coming assembly elections, Kanimozhi, the women's wing secretary of DMK, added. Referring to the images of some accused with AIADMK leaders doing rounds online, the DMK MP claimed that it was clear evidence of their links with the ministers. She sought to know as to why Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who claims to be a farmer himself, was supporting the Centre's new farm laws against which hundreds of peasants were protesting in Delhi. Senior DMK leaders and representatives of MDMK, KMDK, VCK, SDPI, were among those participated in the protest meet. New York senators this week plan to vote on legislation meant to make it easier for people to use absentee ballots, to ensure more of those votes are counted -- and to speed up the paper ballot count. One key part of the proposal is meant to make it much harder for lawyers and politicians to scrutinize each paper ballot and toss it because of a stray mark or an unsealed envelope. Thats part of the extraordinary delay in deciding whether Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-Utica, or Republican Claudia Tenney has won the 22nd Congressional District. Similar tactics delayed the outcome in the race for the 50th Senate District. For days after the Nov. 3 election, representatives for Republican Angi Renna and Democrat John Mannion objected to hundreds of ballots, claiming stray marks or food stains should invalidate a persons vote. The overwhelming majority of the objections came from Renna, who ended up losing the race to Mannion, D-Geddes. This has gone way, way, way too far, Sen. Rachel May, D-Syracuse, said last week of after-election objections. And put too much power in the hands of lawyers. But thats just one part of the proposed reforms contained in the eight state Senate bills. One bill would standardize and speed up how absentee ballots are counted across the state. Right now, county Board of Elections wait days and even weeks before opening absentee ballots. This would require them, instead, to begin counting these ballots the Sunday night before a Tuesday election. Another bill would create drop-off locations for absentee ballots. The legislation would also create a tracking system, so voters could follow their ballot from application to their local Board of Elections. The changes come in the wake of record-breaking absentee ballot use in 2020 amid the coronavirus. In Onondaga County, 57,000 voters used absentee ballots, nearly a quarter of the 237,000 people who voted in the presidential race. Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week said he supports speeding up the way New York counts absentee ballots and other reforms. Its possible Cuomo, too, will add on to his list of elections reforms. Hes expected to begin delivering his State of the State goals on Monday. That speech will be livestreamed from the Capitol at 11:30 a.m. Heres a look at the Senate proposals. The Senate is scheduled to begin meeting at 1 p.m. Monday. S253 This legislation means to ensure that more absentee ballots are counted. The bill would allow there to be stray marks on ballots. It would also count the ballot even if the voter wrote the wrong date or omitted the date from the ballot as long as the time stamp from the Board of Elections met the official deadline. S264 This would move up the deadline for applying for an absentee ballot by mail. Right now, the application must arrive seven days before an election. This would change that to 15 days before an election, a hedge against slow mail service. Applications for absentee ballots could be still made in person up until the day of the election. S492 The legislation would allow local Boards of Elections to establish secure drop-off locations for absentee ballots. Currently, people are allowed to drop off their ballots during working hours at the local board or during early voting. S516 This would set a series of deadlines for elections officials to return absentee ballots to voters. Right now, theres no set turnaround time in state law. S631 This would allow voters to apply for absentee ballots more than 30 days before an election. This would reinstate a law that expired in 2020. S632 This would expand the options for applying for an absentee ballot to websites and other electronic means. It would also ensure ballots with a postmark on Election Day will be counted; this is an extension of a law that expired at the end of 2020. S1027 This would standardize when the count of absentee ballots begins in New York. Currently, elections officials can decide, county by county, when to begin counting the paper ballots. And because voters in New York can legally vote by absentee ballot and also in person (the state bears the responsibility to throw out the paper vote), officials dont traditionally start counting absentees until days after the polls close on Election Day. This would require elections workers to begin counting absentee ballots as soon as the early voting polls close for the final time. That means the absentee ballot count would start the Sunday night before a Tuesday election. It also means that any voter with an absentee ballot who wants to vote in person on Election Day must first surrender the paper ballot. S1028 This would create a website so voters could track their absentee ballots from application to receival. Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274. Chennai, Jan 10 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K.Palaniswami on Sunday announced issuance of free datas card for college students. In a statement issued here, Palaniswami said owing to Covid-19 pandemic, the colleges are holding online classes for students. In order to enable the students to attend the online classes, the government has decided to give free data cards with usage capacity of 2 GB per day between January to April. Palaniswami said the data cards will be issued to about 9.69 lakh students studying in the government and government assisted colleges by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd. (Elcot), a state government undertaking. ADVERTISEMENT Gunmen on Friday night attacked a police station in Ebonyi State, killing three police officers. Two others sustained bullet wounds in the attack on Onueke Police Station in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the the slain officers included two male inspectors and a policewoman. The attackers reportedly carted away two AK 47 rifles from the police station. The police spokesperson in the state, Loveth Odah, confirmed the incident. She said the corpses of the slain officers had been deposited in a mortuary while the two who sustained bullet wounds were receiving treatment. Ms Odah urged the general public to provide the police with information that could lead to the arrest of the attackers. Yes, three policemen were killed in the attack. We dont know the identity of the attackers yet; and we are calling on the general public to provide information to the police in order to hunt down the perpetrators of this heinous crime, Ms Odah said. The state police commissioner, Philip Maku, reportedly visited the Onueke Police Station Saturday morning to ascertain the level of havoc done by the hoodlums. He was reported to have vowed to fish out the perpetrators. In his reaction, the Commissioner for Internal Security in the state, Stanley Okoroemegha, said the government was saddened by the incident. Mr Okoroemegha gave security agencies 48 hours to brief the government on how such a breach could have occurred without any intelligence to forestall it. 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. Upholding Democracy Page Menu Campus Announcements Archive Facebook Twitter YouTube RSS Search This Site Submit Search William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe sent the following message to the campus community Jan. 8, 2021. - Ed. Dear William & Mary Community, Since before the founding of the United States, William & Mary has sought to advance democratic principles and practices. It is why we call ourselves the Alma Mater of the Nation. For centuries, those in our community have served this nation, as presidents, legislators, jurists, members of the armed forces, diplomats and in countless other roles, many of which have gone unrecorded. Along with our nation, I watched in sadness and anger as insurgents invaded the U.S. Capitol in a direct attack on our democracy and an attempt to sow further distrust of our democratic processes. Today, I write with resolve, to underscore the crucial importance of our mission as a public university in sustaining democratic ideals. In the daily practice of respectful disagreement and debate, we affirm human dignity and sharpen our collective understanding. In the passion for evidence-based argument, we condemn misinformation and uphold high standards for truth, equity, and justice. With creativity stoked by diverse experiences, expertise, and perspectives, we grow together as informed and service-minded citizens. Democracy requires growing up and into these values and practices. As we have learned throughout this past year, the test of our governing institutions is not how they operate in easy times. We learn how resilient we can become as a community not during periods of prosperity, but by upholding one anothers humanity in times of deep conflict and loss. This community will rise to the challenge, sustaining our tradition of service to the principles that ground this democracy. Respectfully, Katherine A. Rowe President Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Gardai have reunited stolen dog "Ruby" with her family in Midleton, Co. Cork after being found in the UK. In June 2020, Detective Gardai in Midleton received a report that a springer spaniel had been stolen from her kennel in the greater Midleton area. Detectives began investigating and an appeal was made via the Garda Southern Region Facebook page in an attempt to find her. The post was viewed by nearly 100,000 people and was spotted by an eagle eyed lady in the UK. The lady made contact after she had seen Ruby was up for sale on a website in the UK. With the assistance of Somerset Police, Ruby was recovered and made the some 500km journey via Rosslare back to Midleton in time for Christmas. Ruby's owners, Bernard and Liz Ahern said "We are absolutely thrilled to have Ruby back home. We are so grateful to the lady who spotted Ruby for sale, the Somerset Police, and our Gardai here in Midleton." Superintendent of the Midleton District, Adrian Gamble said "We are delighted to have been a part of Ruby's safe return to her loving family and appeal to all pet owners to take all extra security precautions and ensure their pets are microchipped. I especially wish to thank everyone for sharing the social media appeal to help find Ruby, and the lady in the UK who spotted Ruby for sale- these people are the real heroes of the investigation. The services of our Crime Prevention Officers and Community Garda are freely available upon request through any Garda Station across the country. We are ever present in our communities to keep people safe and offer crime prevention advice". After being stolen, Ruby had her microchip removed and was in poor health when retuned to the Ahern Family. Today, Ruby is back to her old self and was finally able to thank Gardai in Midleton. A photo is attached. The investigation into the theft of Ruby is still being actively investigated. Our current president planned, incited, aided and cheered for an insurrection against Congress to keep power after he was defeated in a legitimate election. His followers attacked the Congress and, so far, five people are dead. The president must resign, but that is unlikely because he is a malignant narcissist. His Cabinet is too afraid to remove him using the 25th Amendment. So, it is left to the Democrats in the House to impeach him, again, while U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and other GOP House minions howl. And again, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio and the Senate GOP will cower and run out the clock on conviction and removal. Make no mistake, this is Portmans legacy. He is a coward. All this is happening as 4,000 people a day are dying from COVID-19 in the United States after the GOPs inadequate response to the pandemic. Donald Trump must leave now and the GOP must be held accountable. Kim Robinson, Strongsville Supporters of President Donald Trump set off a fire extinguisher after breaching security defences, as police move in on the demonstrate on the second floor of the US. (Image: Reuters) New Delhi: Several reports have claimed that a former diplomat from Pakistan admitted that as many as 300 terrorists had died in the Balakot airstrike conducted by India on February 26, 2019. However, the information has turned out to be false as the video clip cited by media houses was doctored. News agency ANI had reported that Agha Hilaly made the statement during a TV new debate on a Pakistani Urdu channel. "India crossed the international border and did an act of war in which at least 300 were reported dead. Our target was different from theirs. We targeted their high command. That was our legitimate target because they are men of the military. We subconsciously accepted that a surgical strike- a limited action- did not result in any casualty. Now we have subconsciously told them that, whatever they will do, we'll do only that much and won't escalate," Agha Hilaly reportedly said. However, 'Alt News', a non-profit fact checking website, found that in the debate uploaded on YouTube by HUM news as part of a program called "Agenda Pakistan", Hilaly said, "India ne jo kiya, international boundary ko cross karke ek act of war. Jisme kam se kam 300 logo ko unhone marna tha." In English, this translates to, "What you did, India was an act of war. By crossing the international boundary India committed an act of war in which they intended to kill at least 300 people." Alt News further stated that video clips posted on Twitter, however, has an "abrupt cut around 0:7-0:9 seconds". The word "marna (to kill)" sounds as if Hilaly said "mara (killed)". The 'n' pronunciation has been edited out. Former Pak Diplomat Zafar admitted On Tv that in Balakot airstrike 300+ Terr0rists kiIIed and response of Pakistan was weak.pic.twitter.com/EKYGGuC9dS Maverick Bharat (@Mave_Intel) January 9, 2021 In a pre-dawn strike in February 2019, IAFs Mirage 2000 fighter jets had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and carried out strikes in the terror camps in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakoti in a well-planned operation. Pakistan had refused to acknowledge the presence of terrorists who were killed during the airstrike. In the early hours of 26 February, 2019, the IAF jets bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camps in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan and avenged the Pulwama terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel. A man who allegedly wanted to shoot Nancy Pelosis noggin during the Capitol riots and is accused of having texted acquaintances about those plans has been arrested. Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr wrote multiple text messages that said he wanted to shoot or run over Ms Pelosi, the House speaker, on Wednesday as Donald Trumps supporters stormed Congress, according to documents seen by CNN. The alleged rioter, who has been charged with writing threats and possessing a firearm and ammunition, is said to have written in a text that he wanted to put a bullet in [Nancy Pelosis] noggin on Live TV. According to the documents, he wrote in another that he was headed to Washington DC with a s***t ton ofarmour piercing ammo, along with other messages about running over the House speaker. He was also said to have used devil emojis and several slurs against women in his messages. Meredith Jr, who the FBI said had arrived in Washington the day before Mr Trumps march on Congress, faced initial court proceedings on Friday, and is currently being detained until a court hearing next week. He had been staying at a Holiday Inn in southwest Washington ahead of the march, whose participants wrongly alleged that Novembers election was stolen or rigged. On Wednesday evening, FBI agents used an arrest warrant to search Meredith Jrs hotel room, as well as a nearby trailer used to store weapons. Meredith Jr allegedly told agents that he was aware that carrying firearms in Washington was prohibited, and so he had moved them to the trailer. Agents were said to have found three guns, including a Glock 19, a 9 mm pistol and an assault rifle, as well as approximately hundreds of rounds of ammunition. He was also revealed to support QAnon, and posted a billboard above his Car Nutz Car Wash businesses in Acworth, Georgia, in 2018 with the word QAnon because he was a patriot among the millions who love this country", The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The extremist right-wing conspiracy alleges that a deep state of paedophiles and bureaucrats has worked against Mr Trump, and is classified by the FBI as a potential domestic terror threat. According to reports, QAnon supporters believed that the rally in Washington DC was the coming of a storm, or a day of reckoning for the presidents opponents. Meredith Jr is believed to be among 13 people who are facing federal charges for their roles in the riot, the Justice Department said on Friday. They include Richard Barnett, who was arrested after he was pictured sitting with his feet on a desk in Ms Pelosis congressional office during the riot. Meredith Jr had recently protested outside Georgia governor Brian Kemps home, having been attacked by Mr Trump in recent weeks for certifying the states election results, and Joe Bidens win there. The Thumbay Group, a leading UAE healthcare provider, has completely overhauled its security infrastructure, with Trend Micro, the global leader in cloud security, to deliver world-class healthcare services. As part of one of the fastest-growing industries in the Middle East, the UAEs current healthcare expenditure is set to reach a record-high of $25 billion by 2022, comprising about one-quarter of the GCCs total healthcare expenditure, according to a report by Alpen Capital. However, the healthcare industry is a prime target for cybercriminals, who often seek out protected health data and sensitive user information, especially in the wake of Covid-19. In reinforcing its security posture, the Thumbay Group converted its legacy anti-virus platform with Trend Micros industry-leading solutions. The Thumbay Group has greatly improved its security posture across 46 pharmacies, eight hospitals, and one university hospital, along with medical research, diagnostics, health communication, wellness, laboratories, and nutrition. With threats against the UAEs healthcare industry increasing in volume and complexity, the Thumbay Group needed a centralised cybersecurity system that extended beyond the endpoints, said Akram Moideen Thumbay, Director of Thumbay Technologies. Our security transformation with Trend Micro is providing a 360-degree security approach with real-time visibility, instant reports for meeting compliance, and quickly distributing updates and patches. As part of its initial system analysis across the healthcare group, the Thumbay Group detected roughly 7,600 malicious communications, which were promptly neutralised within minutes. Further, over a three-week period, TippingPoint stopped about 600,000 attempted attacks on the Thumbay Groups environment, including more than 10,000 attacks that were critical and dangerous. Over a one-month period, Deep Security was able to detect and protect 2,498 vulnerabilities from being exploited on nine critical servers, using virtual patching. The Thumbay Group has also secured the network traffic within each clinic, the network traffic between the clinics and headquarters, and internet traffic. At its university hospital, the Thumbay Group uses network security to curb attack vectors coming from students unprotected endpoints. The Thumbay Group can secure connections in the hospital, and connections to patients at home. The Thumbay Group can also better conform to IT security and data governance regulations outlined by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the UAEs Ministry of Health and Prevention, and the Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI) standard for data security in healthcare. The Thumbay Group has implemented Trend Micros Apex One, an advanced automated threat detection solution, Deep Discovery Inspector for 360-degrees visibility on traffic monitoring, Deep Security for automated hybrid cloud security protection, and TippingPoint, a solution for preemptive threat prevention. With the healthcare industry under threat from unprecedented levels of cyberattacks, the Thumbay Group is showing best practices in transforming their security infrastructure to remain proactive with security protocols, said Majd Sinan, Country Manager UAE, Trend Micro. With such a vast attack surface area within the hospital environment, healthcare providers should consider solutions that provide full visibility across each of their vulnerable endpoints. In the next stage of its digital transformation, the Thumbay Group is considering centralising its data in a data centre and leading an organisation-wide change of culture in prioritising security. The Thumbay Group is in discussion about using Trend Micro XDR for their remote security operations centre (SOC), helping to reduce the time for detection, response, and investigation. -- Tradearabia News Service Listen to article The election of executives into the Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Executive Council in January 2021 will be marred by political sellouts and betrayals until the curse placed on them by Apostle Dr PCJ Macjossy is lifted. Apostle Dr PCJ Macjossy, a Pentecostal Church leader popular among gospel ministers in the South East, who sponsored the establishment of many independent churches , ministries and deliverance missions around Igboland was the General Coordinator of General Assembly of all Igbo Christian Organizations and Ministers (GAAICOM), an umbrella body of Igbo clerics and gospel minded professionals . Apostle Dr Macjossy at some point, gave out his Ministries to people, and went into the calling of aligning the Igbo Hebrews of Nigeria with Their Ancestral Roots and Covenants With God. With the support of notable Igbo Clerics, the body National Council of Igbo Ministers was formed in 2002, later renamed General Assembly of all Igbo Christian Organizations and Ministers with over two hundred notable ministers across all denominations, in attendance at the inauguration in 2002. GAAICOM was given the mandate of reconciling Igbos with God so that they can Take Their Place in NIGERIA. In Gods divine programme for Ndigbo, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has a role to play in uniting Igbos for a three-day Solemn Assembly named 3-Day Walk into the Presence of God. From the era of Justice Eze Ozobu to Prof Joe Irukwu to Dr Dozie Ikedife, Ambassador Raph Uwechue, Chief Gary Igariwey and incumbent Chief Nnia Nwodo, Apostle Macjossy had told them personally of what God demands from Ohanaeze so that Igbos will be delivered from Her Enigmatic Trauma. Apart from Justice Eze Ozobu, the rest paid lip service till today, instead dancing to the caprices of the highest bidding politician at every turn of political event. The narrow loss of PDP Convention by Alex Ekwueme in 2003, the humiliation of Peter Odili in 2007 by Obasanjo is attributable to the recalcitrance attitude of Ohanaeze to divine agenda. In 2011 and 2015 the Igbo chance to produce the presidency was ceded to Goodluck Jonathan. In 2007 and 2015, attempts by Rochas Okorocha to get the PDP and APC tickets were rubbished. In 2015, the spirit of the curse was at work in Governor Okorocha who refused all entreaties by key northern leaders to cede Hope Uzodimma the APC Governorship ticket, and concentrate on the Big Event, Presidency 2023 fell on deaf ears until Okorocha rubbished his towering political credentials. The excitement over Peter Obis emergence as Vice Presidential Candidate to Atiku Abubakar, was quashed by an election whereby Igbos even refused to come enmasse to vote, claiming to be waiting for Biafra referendum. Apostle Dr Macjossy had constantly warned Ohanaeze that until the 3 Day Solemn Assembly is observed by all Igbo, they will be disgraced politically in Nigeria and marginalized economically. Gods message to Apostle Macossy has been relased by GAAICOM in phases and is in the public domain. I have attended many Imeobi Meetings with Apostle Macjossy where he repeated the said warnings. I have witnessed where he warned various state chapters of the body, especially the Abuja Chapters of the consequences of ignoring the warnings. I was with Apostle Macjossy when he issued warnings to Ambassador Raph Uwechue and Chief Gary Igariwey severally. Apostle Macjossy, GAAICOM and Igbo Mandate Congress opposed the imposition of any candidate by Governor Ugwuanyi as Ohanaeze Leader. I recall specifically that in December 2016, GAAICOM issued a press statement, and wrote letters to all South East Governors, asking them to allow for free and fair Ohanaeze elections. The Governors initially obliged stayed away from the elections till two days to the election when a twist was introduced. Though GAAICOM had no candidate but was poised to mobilize against anyone with government support. The GAAICOM plot was working as led by APOSTLE Macjossy, until the eve of the final screening of candidates when Governor Ugwuanyi called Prof Anya O Anya at little past midnight and warned him that on no account should anyone be returned as President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo except Nnia Nwodo. When Apostle Macjossy heard the news, he tried to rally other candidates for a showdown with Governor Ugwuanyi but Real Admiral Allison Madueke (Ex Governor Anambra State, Ex Chief of Naval Staff) chickened out, together with another candidate, and GAAICOM boycotted the process. With the boycott, governors had a field day and imposed candidates at will. Barrister Emejulu Okpalaukwu, Rev Obinna Akukwe, Nze Okpani Nkama among others were blocked by their respective governors who felt those people may be unwieldy. Ohanaeze Ndigbo is cursed. Apostle Macjossy cursed them for betraying Igbo interests. Igbo Interest was betrayed in 2011 elections for N5 Billion naira channeled through Ohanaeze Foundation, and Nze Akachukwu Nwankpa was the conduit pipe. Ohanaeze Ndigbo set up a body headed by Dr Chris Asoluka and people were indicted. In 2015 election, Igbo interest was purchased for initial N1.2 billion naira in December 2014 and extra N5 billion naira IN January 2015. The betrayal was such that Chief Mbazulike Amechi , Chairman Ohneze Elders Council mandated the creation a Ohanaeze Ndigbo Caretaker Committee headed by Dr Ralph Obioha in 2015. I served in that Caretaker Committee as representative of the clergy and media. In 2019, Igbo Interest was defined by alleged $3million dollars from a presidential hopeful, and by the time the whole exercise is over, Igbos shot themselves on the feet. The fear of another meddlesomeness caused Dr Chris Ngige to oppose the imposition of Atiku protegee, Senator Ben Obi, as Chairman Electoral Committee, to avoid the repeat of event of 2017, and another possible Ohanaeze cash out in 2023. Ohanaeze Ndigbo has arrays of candidates with formidable credentials from Imo State from Prof Obiozor, Dr Asoluka, Dr Uwazulike to Dr Joe Nwaorgu. Let them emerge through a process devoid of political meddling to save the body from another embarrassment. Until Ohanaeze Ndigbo does the needful, remove interference of Governors and politicians, and allow Imeobi, NEC and Convention to do their work, the curse of Apostle Dr Macjossy and GAAICOM on betraying Ndigbo will resonate and create tension and confusion. Rev Obinna Akukwe Director of Media and Communications General Assembly of al Igbo Christian Organizations and Ministers GAAICOM Mumbai: Maharashtra's ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government announced a reduced security cover for former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Devendra Fadnavis and his family. Also, the security cover of MNS chief Raj Thackeray, former Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik some BJP leaders including state chief Chandrakant Patil, former CM Narayan Rane and Sudhir Mungantiwar have been withdrawn. The Uddhav Thackeray-led government issued a notification on Thursday. It said that the decision was taken after a review of the security cover provided to the political leaders in the state based on "prevailing threat perception". The changes made include 16 withdrawals, 13 new protectees, 11 downgrades and two upgrades/ The move has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition party BJP. Maharashtra BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhyay accused the ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi of "vendetta politics". "The decision shows what kind of a mindset this government has. During the COVID-19 lockdown Fadnavis was going to every nook and corner of the state, while Chief Minister Thackeray was sitting at home," Upadhyay was quoted as saying by PTI. According to the new notification, Fadnavis will now get 'Y-plus security with escort', instead of the 'Z-plus' cover. While his wife Amruta Fadnavis and daughter Divija has been downgraded from 'Y-plus with escort' to 'X' category. The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) will release the admit card for BSEB class 10 exam 2021 on Sunday (January 10). Students can download the hall ticket through the official website of the BSEB - biharboardonline.com. The BSEB is scheduled to hold the class 10 exam from February 17 to 24, while the intermediate (class 12 board) exams will be conducted from February 1 to 13. As per the schedule released by BSEB, the morning session will be held from 9:30 am to 12:45 pm and the afternoon session will be held from 1:45 pm to 5 pm. The BSEB also announced that intermediate (class 12) practical exam will be held from January 20 to 22. According to BSEB, students will need to bring their admit cards to the exam hall in order to enter the exam hall. In order to download the matric admit card, you need to click on the download admit card link and then enter registration number, roll number. After filling in the details, the hall ticket will appear on the screen. Download, take a print out the further reference. The admit cards will be downloaded by the schools and students can collect their hall ticket from their schools. Here's the entire datesheet for BSEB Class 10 exam: February 17 Science February 18 Mathematics February 19 Social Science February 20 English February 22 Mother tongue February 23 Second language February 24 Elective subject. The Maharashtra government has now reconstituted the committee that was appointed to probe into the Bhandara hospital fire. The mishap on Saturday led to the death of 10 infants. The committee will give its report in three days. The committee, which was to be headed by Dr Sadhana Tayade, Director of the health department, will now be headed by Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Divisional Commissioner of Nagpur. Former Mumbai fire department chief Prabhat Rahangdale will also be a part of the probe committee now. The decision to reconstitute the committee was taken after criticism for appointment of senior health department officials for the probe. "Doubts were raised about how effective or transparent the probe will be, if the health department itself will probe about whether there were any lapses on its part," a senior officer of Maharashtra health department told CNN News18. "I have no words to offer condolences to the family members here. All I want to say is, if someone is found guilty, we won't spare them. A proper inquiry needs to be done in this. I have also said that Rahangdale be a part of the committee," Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on his visit to Bhandara on Sunday. Preliminary Findings Senior sources in the Maharashtra government said that the medical equipment in the SNCU did not seem to have any problems as per preliminary examination. "The fuse, the circuit breakers, were found to be intact. There was electricity supply burst. The wires were found burnt," an official said. The probe committee is now primarily going to find out if the staff which was supposed to be on duty, was sleeping during those hours or not. "If they were sleeping, as has been complained by a few parents, then it is a very serious lapse, and there will be trouble for them," he said. The staff has told the senior health department officials that the nurses had fed the babies in the inborn department and outborn department at 1 am. They said that they were at the nursing station for filling up records about the feed given to babies. Senior health department officials who visited the spot have reported that the hospital where the fire broke out had lot of plywood compartments. "It is true that the staff was successful in containing the fire quickly, only in that ward. It did not let it spread to other parts of the hospital. In the presence of plywood, if the hospital staff would not have acted swiftly, it would have led to further disaster," a health department official said. The panel probing the matter is expected to give its report in three days. Strange scenes erupted at Bondi on Sunday afternoon as a small group of anti-vaccine protesters surprised beach-goers with a musical parade. About a dozen young people in beach-gear, holding signs like 'your subservience is your consent' walked along the surf-side promenade singing: 'you can stick your poison vaccine up your a**e'. The protest appeared to include some parents with children. The lyrics were varied to include 'you can stick your contact tracing up your a**e' and 'you can stick coronavirus up your a**e'. Activist Lachlan Kavanagh led the protest down Bondi's famous promenade on Sunday About a dozen young people in beachwear sang: 'you can stick your poison vaccine up your a**e'. Mr Kavanagh said he was concerned about the rapid pace of the vaccine development The parade was led by Lachlan Kavanagh, who previously set up a 'covid is a scam' protest table at the famous beach on November 29. Other protesters held up placards including one that read 'the truth will set you free'. Mr Kavanagh was also pictured among dozens of protesters who last Sunday swarmed a Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction, without wearing masks - holding signs and chanting 'I would rather be a human than a slave'. The anti-maskers mingled with other shoppers, who were wearing masks, and pushed wild claims such as 'masks increase your risk of infection'. The protesters carried signs including 'your subservience is your consent' at Sunday's protest Coronavirus vaccines are being rolled out in almost 40 countries. Pictured is a patient being jabbed with the AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK on January 4, as it battles a health emergency Mr Kavanagh (pictured with the microphone) was also among protesters who swarmed Bondi Junction Westfield last Sunday Mr Kavanagh sang into a cordless microphone as he strode up the promenade just after 2pm, taking advantage of the crowds who flocked to the beach on one of the few sunny days this summer. 'The fastest vaccine ever produced takes seven years, this one takes seven months,' he said. 'It doesn't take a scientist to figure out there's something wrong ... I won't be taking that poison vaccine.' Mr Kavanagh has set up stalls at Bondi Beach (pictured: November 29) saying covid is 'a scam'. He argues the pandemic is being used to break down democracy and insert communism Daily Mail Australia does not know if Mr Kavanagh is opposed to all vaccines or is just wary of the coronavirus vaccine due to its rapid roll-out. The rapid development has caused valid concerns among some in the community who want to be sure the vaccine is safe before they take it, particularly with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that use mRNA technology which is new. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine uses established technology of a harmless vaccine that it is altered to look like the coronavirus. Regulatory authorities thoroughly review scientific data from the vaccine-makers before they approve a new vaccine. A coronavirus jab is being considered as a 'passport' for travellers hoping to head overseas again. Pictured is a woman receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Poland Australians will wait longer to receive the vaccine than people overseas in worse-hit nations facing an immediate healthcare crisis as they have issued faster emergency approvals. The Federal Government has fast-tracked its vaccination roll-out by several weeks to begin in early March, as four vaccines are being analysed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. WHAT'S IN THE COVID VACCINES? The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA vaccines. They use bits of genetic code to cause an immune response It does not alter human cells, but gives the body instructions to build immunity to covid. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine uses a harmless virus altered to look like the coronavirus. Vaccines can contain other ingredients such as aluminium to make the vaccine stable or more effective Source: the BBC Advertisement The regular approvals process takes longer than emergency approvals - which is why the UK and the US are rolling out their vaccines first. Health Minister Greg Hunt has said vaccination in Australia would be voluntary, but the Government would 'strongly encourage' people to have it. Britain became the first country to give emergency approval on December 30 to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as it is battles a full-blown healthcare crisis, overwhelmed by a highly infectious new variant. Another 1,325 Covid deaths were reported in the UK on Friday nearly one a minute - and more than the peak of 1,224 in the first wave last April. The grisly death toll - which has doubled in a week - took the UK to the brink of almost 80,000 victims on Friday. British Department of Health figures show the UK has recorded more than 50,000 cases for 11 days in a row, with the five worst days of the pandemic all occurring since the start of 2021. In a marker of how urgent the situation is in the UK, the coronavirus-hit nation also approved the use of a single dose of the two-dose vaccine in an effort to keep people out of hospitals. Britain is already rolling out the vaccine while Australians will need to wait until March. The BBC reported that while the Covid vaccine trials have happened at breakneck speed, they haven't skipped any steps. British health analyst Dr John Campbell, who has reviewed the scientific literature, said the new mRNA vaccine technology was overwhelmingly likely to be safe. 'There's never guarantees in health care,' he told German news agency DW Deutsche Welle in early December. 'Anything you give that has a definite effect is going to have a potential side-effect. 'So far it's looking very clean, it's looking very efficient and it's looking very safe from all the data that we have. 'It's a risk-benefit analysis because we can't go on living as we are now with these repeated waves of coronavirus, with the deaths, with the financial impairment, with the lockdown - the overall risks from the vaccine look like being much less than carrying on living as we are.' Fishermen and rescue workers in Indonesia hold some of the suspected remains of the downed Boeing 737. Photo: Reuters More than 60 people are feared dead after a plane crashed off the coast of Indonesia shortly after take-off yesterday afternoon. Flight SJ182 took off from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, and then plunged into the sea from a height of more than 10,000 feet. Officials said the plane was carrying 50 passengers, including 10 children, and 12 crew. Last night, a large-scale search operation was under way to hunt for the wreckage of the plane, which sank in 30-metre deep waters around the island of Lancang, part of the Thousand Islands chain just north of Jakarta. The plane was heading on a 90-minute domestic flight to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Borneo. At the time of the crash, local fishermen spoke of hearing a thunderous explosion. When they reached the area, they discovered pieces of wreckage from the airliner. "The plane fell like lightning into the sea and exploded in the water," one fisherman told the BBC's Indonesian service. "It was pretty close to us, the shards of a kind of plywood almost hit my ship." Body parts and pieces of passengers' clothing were also seen floating in the water. Meanwhile, passengers' relatives and next of kin gathered at Jakarta and Pontianak airports, many of them in tears. Yaman Zai, a father of three children who were aboard the plane with their mother, was waiting for them at the airport in Pontianak when he heard news of the crash. "I will never meet her again," he said, holding up a photo of his oldest daughter. Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago nation, has a chequered record on transport safety, with numerous air and sea accidents over the years blamed on ageing infrastructure and poorly enforced safety rules. In October 2018, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet operated by Lion Air also crashed taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. The plane involved in yesterday's crash was a Boeing 737-500 belonging to the Sriwijaya Air airline, a local discount carrier that flies to dozens of domestic and regional destinations. Air traffic control officials said that seconds before the plane disappeared, they had asked the pilot why it was heading northwest instead of on its expected flight path. A post on the Twitter feed of tracking service Flightradar24 said that Flight SJ182 "lost more than 10,000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, about 4 minutes after departure from Jakarta". Bambang Suryo Aji, the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency's deputy head of operations, said no radio beacon signal had been detected from the plane. He said his agency was investigating why its emergency locator was not transmitting a signal. The Boeing 737-500 involved was a 27-year-old model. It does not have the automated flight-control system that played a role in both the Lion Air crash in Indonesia in 2018, and another crash of a 737 MAX 8 jet in Ethiopia five months later. Those two crashes led to grounding worldwide of the Boeing MAX 8 fleet for 20 months. Sriwijaya Air, which was founded in 2003, has had a solid safety record. But the crash may still raise fresh questions about the safety record of airlines in Indonesia, which suffered another major air disaster in 2014, when an AirAsia aircraft crashed en route to Singapore, killing 162 people. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] ComebackTown is published by David Sher for a more prosperous greater Birmingham & Alabama Click here to sign up for newsletter. (Opt out at any time) Todays guest columnist is Sanjay Singh. Dora and I moved to Birmingham in 1993. I was a newly minted Ph.D. from University of Georgia, where I met Dr. Khris McAllister, former Chair of the Management Department of Collat School of Business. He invited me for an interview in the fall of 1992. Dora and I were sold, as we drove past Lady Liberty I-459. We are both immigrants, having already uprooted our lives once so were in the search of a home that fulfilled our desire to balance quality of life with professional opportunities. The gentle rolling hills and the greenery was just perfect, but what was even better was the view of Downtown Birmingham as I sat in Dean Gene Newports office for the interview. I remarked to Dean Newport You are seating on a goldmine. After sharing how Georgia State, Georgia Tech, and Emory University had transformed Atlanta, I was steadfast in my belief that UAB will have similar impact on the future of Birmingham. My friends and faculty at Georgia thought I had lost my senses turning down jobs in Charlotte and Orlando and moving to Alabama. In retrospect, it was the best decision we ever made! As an academic and entrepreneur, I have a front row seat to Birminghams ever-changing economic landscape. I can easily recount five overlapping phases, as described below. When we moved, the city was rounding the bases of its Iron and Steel Heritage. Birmingham Steel and US Steel were in the twilight of its glory years, having done its job along with others, in establishing Birmingham as an important city on the rail/road belt of the great South. Even in 1993, the banking buzz was in the air with impressive logos on downtown building like SouthTrust, AmSouth, Regions, and Compass. Smart bankers were enabling the growth of a host of established companies like Energen and Alagasco, along with new and old players in the Insurance sector like Protective Life, Infinity, and Liberty Mutual. Birmingham was the second largest BFSI (Banking/Finance/Insurance) city right after Charlotte. By late 1990s, HealthSouth was in all 50 states, capturing the imagination of capitalists that we could create innovative companies that transcended local and regional boundaries. UAB was spinning off Complete Health, Discovery BioMed, Biocryst, BioHorizon and Emageon. Major health systems like Tenet and CHS were establishing local presence through Brookwood, Baptist, and Grandview, joining Ascension/St. Vincents Hospitals. VA was already here, and Childrens of Alabama opened a world class facility in partnership with UAB. Just for Feet went public! In order to build these facilities, over the years, the city also acquired deep expertise in the Construction Industry. So, if you were an outsider coming to Birmingham in the early 2000s all you could say was wow!! We had 30+ publicly traded companies, a booming BFSI and Healthcare sector, an outstanding arts/cultural/culinary scene, an extremely philanthropic city and a world class university at UAB with faculty/student/staff from 100+ countries, surrounded by smaller liberal arts institutions like Samford University, Miles College, Birmingham Southern College, with community college support from Jeff State and Lawson State. However, starting mid-2000s, the shine started to peel off Magic Citys economic miracle. Over the next decade we went through a major phase of mergers and acquisition, leaving the city with less than 10 publicly traded companies. Once headquarters move, so do the purchasing power and the investment in the local community. Luckily, we now entered the most important phase of the economic rebuilding efforts i.e., the emergence of UAB as its own standalone institution within the UA system. Over the next decade the university just took over the citys landscape and economic fortune. Enrollments, researchers, and funding all exploded. City planners and farsighted organizations like Sloss Realty, Operations New Birmingham, Orchestra Partners, Bayer Properties, Corporate Realty, Rev Birmingham, Hardware Park, Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Rotary Club, and Birmingham Barons started investing in downtown using the current Pepper Place, Rotary Trail, Railroad Park, and Regions field as the anchor to reimagine the city center. Innovation Depot, Southern Research, and Harbert Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship formed the economic pillar of UABs strategic plan. The quality of life, coupled with changes in technology enabling remote work, began attracting a slew of talented young professionals. Now as a city we have entered the 5th Innings of the economic renaissance. We went from a significant number of large companies, to a host of small and medium size startups. There has been no perceptible job and wage growth over the last 15 years, having survived two major recessions. Prior progress has been wiped out by the Pandemic. Instead of despair, we now must dig deep and rethink the future. And now my sobering comments IT IS NOT GOING TO BE EASY!! In todays era of hypercompetitive marketplace for ideas, talent, and dollars competition is intense. We have no choice but to intentionally lean into the 100s of startups/spinoffs sprouting all over the city so that we can celebrate more successes like Avanti, Shipt, CTS, Theranest, Daxko, Directorpoint, Direct Path, Strategywise, Mainstreet and Hospice links. We have many promising role models amongst us Pack Health, Fleetio, Landing, Circulogene, Wyndy, Help Lightening, Immediate, Deft Studios, Urgent Care for Children, O3, Fast Slow Motion, Airship, Quantalytix, Quanthub, XpertDox, Strategypoint, Mixtroz, Boulo Solutions, Yuva Biosciences, AI Metrix, CerFlux, Tru-Spin, Acclinate Genetics and In8Bio to name a few. National organizations focused on startups like Venture for America, Endeavor, and TechStars all call Birmingham home. Collat School of Business, Leadership Birmingham, and Momentum are formally training the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. Birmingham Business Alliance, Economic Development of Partnership of Alabama, Hardware Park, Birmingham Bound, Bronze Valley, and Alabama Capital Network, among many organizations, are facilitating the growth and maturity of the startup ecosystem. Urban Impact, Birmingham Promise, Woodlawn Foundation, HICA, and The Womens Fund provide the path, platform and a roadmap for an inclusive economy. While a good beginning, the work is just getting started. The pace must intensify and continue for the next ten years before we see meaningful difference in wages and jobs both quality and quantity!! But like Lady Liberty and Vulcan the beacon of hope shines brighter than ever on the Magic City. Dr. Sanjay Singh taught at UAB for 20 years. He is also an entrepreneur and local investor. Click here to sign up for our newsletter. (Opt out at any time) David Sher is the founder and publisher of ComebackTown. Hes past Chairman of the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce (BBA), Operation New Birmingham (REV Birmingham), and the City Action Partnership (CAP). (Natural News) On Thursday, Fox News host Tucker Carlson unleashed on Republican leadership, claiming they dont really like their own voters. (Article by Collin Rugg republished from TrendingPolitics.com) This really is the main problem, on the right anyway. The people who run the Republican Party dont really like their own voters, Carlson said on his show on Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight. And they especially dont want the voters that Trump brought, Carlson added. Trump brought the partys ranks noticeably downscale, from the country club to the trailer park, as they often sneer. And this horrifies them. Many Republicans in Washington now despise the people theyre supposed to represent and protect. You rarely hear it spoken out loud but this is the truth: a very specific form of intra-white loathing is at the core of the reaction to Donald Trump, Carlson continued. Carlson went on to state that socially anxious white professionals feel contempt for working-class people who look like them. So if you want to understand the hatred, the real hatred, not just disagreement but gut level loathing and fear of Trump in say New York or Washington or L.A. youve got to understand that first. Its not really Trump; its his voters. The new money class despises them, Carlson said. WATCH: Check out what the Daily Caller reported: The Fox News host said Trump didnt despise this constituency and did not judge his own voters. In real life, Trump actually ate at McDonalds: thats true and they knew it was true. Former Republican South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy said Thursday that he can no longer say what his party stands for. He joined other prominent Republicans who have chastised Trump for his role in Wednesdays Capitol riot. There have been calls to impeach Trump after a mob stormed the Capitol building, bringing chaos and violence to the Electoral College vote certification proceedings. White House Press Secretary Stephanie Grisham (L) listens to U.S. President Donald Trump talk to reporters before he boards Marine One and departing the White House Nov. 8, 2019 in Washington, DC. Trump is traveling to Atlanta, Georgia, where he plans to kick off his Black Voices for Trump Coalition, an effort to attract more African-American voters. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Former Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie suggested Trump was to blame for the riots by encouraging his supporters to reject the results of the 2020 presidential election. Republican Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney claimed Trump lit the flame of the riot. Read more at: TrendingPolitics.com Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 14:56:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MALE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives Red Cross (MRC) will begin a program to raise awareness about COVID-19 vaccinations, local media reported on Sunday. MRC Male' Branch Manager Mohamed Adeel was quoted in state-owned PSM news as saying that 60 volunteers will begin a campaign in consultation with relevant authorities to inform households about the COVID-19 vaccine. The Maldives government has pledged to begin vaccinations in the first quarter of 2021. President Ibrahim Solih said vaccinations will be provided free of charge for all citizens. The Maldives will receive 20 percent of its vaccination requirement from the COVAX program apart from its decision to procure vaccines from AstraZeneca Singapore. Enditem An Oxford college has removed the name of an 18th century slave trader from its main library but has defied calls to take down his statue. All Souls College reviewed its link to Christopher Codrington, a Barbados-born colonial governor, in the wake of last year's Black Lives Matter movement. The former college fellow who died in 1710 bequeathed 10,000 to the library which has since been unofficially known as the Codrington Library. All Souls College has removed the name of an 18th century slave trader from its main library but has defied calls to take down his statue A marble statue by Edward Cheere of the benefactor has been standing in the library after Codrington bequeathed 10,000 to the college A marble statue by Edward Cheere of the benefactor has been standing in the library for centuries and the college says it has no plans to take it down despite the clamour from students. The All Souls governing body said: 'Rather than seek to remove it the College will investigate further forms of memorialisation and contextualisation within the library, which will draw attention to the presence of enslaved people on the Codrington plantations, and will express the Colleges abhorrence of slavery.' Their review found that Codrington's wealth 'derived largely from his familys activities in the West Indies, where they owned plantations worked by enslaved people of African descent'. The college claims it has undertaken a number of measures to address the colonial legacy, including erecting a memorial plaque in memory of those who worked on the Caribbean plantations. All Souls College reviewed its link to Codrington, a Barbados-born colonial governor, in the wake of last year's Black Lives Matter movement A college review found Codrington's wealth derived from his activities in the Caribbean where he owned plantations All Souls has donated 100,000 to Codrington College in Barbados (pictured), a theological school also founded by a bequest in the slave trader's will Codrington's colonial past Christopher Codrington was born in Barbados in 1668 and went on to become a British soldier, plantation and slave owner, bibliophile and colonial governor. As a young man, he was sent to England to be educated in Enfield and from 1685 he attended Christ Church, Oxford, as a gentleman commoner. He was elected to All Souls as a probationer fellow in 1690. On the death of his father, Colonel Christopher Codrington, he succeeded him as captain-general of the Leeward Islands. As a governor his rule does not seem to have been wholly popular, and in 1702 an appeal was made against his behaviour by the inhabitants of Antigua. This document, which is still to be seen in the Codrington Library at All Souls with his comments attached, was ultimately laid before the House of Commons, by whom it was summarily dismissed. Some time after 1703 he resigned his governorship and retired to his estates in Barbados, passing the remainder of his life in seclusion and study, chiefly of church history and metaphysics. By his will dated 1702 he left 10,000, and 6,000 worth of books to All Souls College, enough to build, furnish, and endow a magnificent library in the middle of which stands his statue by Sir Henry Cheere. Advertisement All Souls has donated 100,000 to Codrington College in Barbados, a theological school also founded by a bequest in the slave trader's will. Three full graduate studentships are also funded by the college for students from the Caribbean. All Souls say 6million of its endowment is now permanently set aside to produce the income to fund the studentships. But campaigners say the measures are insufficient when the imposing statue remains in the hallowed grounds of the graduate college. Campaign group Common Ground said: 'Physically, this statue cannot be made neutral: it is positioned such that onlookers stand at his stone feet, its pose is one of heroism and prestige.' They also say the memorial plaque fails to 'sanitise the harm of continuing to elevate this slave owner'. The students also disagree with Codrington's depiction by the college as a mere slave trader, saying his crimes are much more severe. Common Ground said his wealth was 'accumulated from systematic sexual exploitation, trafficking and mass murder'. The controversy comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Oxford's links to colonial figures. Oriel College's statue of Cecil Rhodes has provoked scorn from many students because of his colonial activities in Africa. Critics argue the British imperialist paved the way for the apartheid in southern Africa, and raise issue with his time as leader of the Cape Colony from 1890 to 1896. A decision over the statue's future has been delayed until the spring, Oriel's commission said. Oriel College voted to launch an inquiry into 'the key issues surrounding the Rhodes statue' in June, after BLM protesters pulled down a memorial to slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol and threw it in the harbour. 5 MHz band in South Africa South Africa's SARL has asked the communications regulator ICASA to allow radio amateurs a 100 kHz wide allocation in the 5 MHz (60m) band with 400 watts output SARL News says: In terms of the outcome of the World Radio Conference 2015 (WRC-15) where radio amateurs gained access to the 60-metre band, ICASA published on 25 May 2018 in the National Radio Frequency Plan an allocation of 100 kHz of spectrum to South African Radio Amateurs. There are two separate footnotes in the plan, splitting access to the 60-metre band into three segments. In footnote 5.133B there is an allocation of 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz with a power limit of only 15 W EIRP. This is the most common allocation in countries where 60 metres is permitted. In footnote NP 0, ICASA has allocated a full 100 kHz. The footnote reads, "The 5350 - 5450 kHz segment and the channel 5 290 kHz are allocated on a secondary basis to radio amateurs under Article 4.4 of the ITU regulations. The entire allocation is on a secondary basis which means radio amateurs may not cause interference. ICASA has however not yet updated Annexure I of the Frequency Spectrum Regulations which stipulates power limits and modulation types. However, in the SARL's motivation to have 100 kHz of 5 MHz spectrum allocated, the SARL requested a power limit of 26 dBW (400 Watts PEP) for ZS and ZR licence holders and 20 dBW (100 watt PEP) for ZU licence holders [equivalent to UK Foundation]. These power limits are common in South Africa for all bands that are allocated on a secondary basis. On bands where amateur radio has a primary allocation, the power limit for ZS and ZR licensees is 30 dBW. The current situation is that these power limits for secondary allocations apply on 5 MHz except for the segment 5351.5 to 5366.5 kHz where only 15 Watt EIRP is permitted. Source SARL News for January 10 https://sarlnewsbulletin.wordpress.com/bulletin/ Hillary Clinton trolled President Trump after he was permanently banned from Twitter Friday. Following his ban, Trump's Twitter account was deleted, much to his outrage. After news of the ban broke, Clinton used her Twitter account to make a snarky comment about what happened. She tweeted out a checkmark emoji while quoting a her own 2016 tweet telling Trump to 'Delete your account.' Hillary Clinton (left) trolled President Trump (right) with a snarky tweet after he was banned from Twitter Friday, following the deadly Capitol riot Clinton's June 9, 2016 tweet had quoted a tweet Trump had written which stated: 'Obama just endorsed Crooked Hillary. He wants four more years of Obama but nobody else does.' Trump's original tweet has, like all the others, disappeared following his ban. Trump's riposte had been: 'How long did it take your staff of 832 people to think that up and where are your 33,000 emails you deleted.' Referencing the 'personal' emails Clinton had deleted before handing the rest over for government transparency purposes was a popular retort from other Trump supporters at the time. Twitter declared that they were suspending Trump's Twitter account in the wake of Wednesday's Capitol riot which led to five people being killed. Twitter said in a blog post that it had decided to ban Trump 'due to the risk of further incitement of violence.' Trump has also been 'indefinitely' suspended from Facebook and Instagram. ADVERTISEMENT For the second time since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has gone into isolation. This, according to his deputy, Benson Abounu, is due to contact with persons who tested positive for the virus including an unnamed permanent secretary and his relatives. Mr Ortom had in July, last year, gone into isolation after his wife, son, and some aides tested positive for the virus. However, speaking at the Armed Forces Interdenominational service held at the ECWA Church, Makurdi, the states capital, Mr Abounu disclosed the governors decision to go into isolation, following the medical report indicating that a certain permanent secretary and his family members tested positive for the virus. Mr Abounu said the governor will remain in isolation for the stipulated number of days until a test shows he is negative. As I speak with you, the governor has been in isolation for about 9 days and has shown no symptoms or signs of the virus. So, I am happy to inform you that by tomorrow, we should be able to certify him free and he will resume work, he was quoted to have said by Punch newspapers. The decision of the governor to proceed on isolation also comes days after the head of Buruku Local Government Area of the state, Daniel Deajir, died from COVID-19 complications. The governor described Mr Deajir as a gentleman and diligent administrator who was already making a positive impact in his stewardship of the local government area before his sudden death. PREMIUM TIMES has reported on how the second wave of the pandemic, which was declared in late 2020, has posed greater risks considering the mortality and infection rate. An analysis by this newspaper showed that one in every six persons tested for COVID-19 in Nigeria in the past two weeks tested positive for the virus, indicating how far the virus has spread. This is significantly higher than the average of one in ten persons since Nigeria recorded its first case of the virus in February last year. As of the time of filing this report, Nigeria has 99,063 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of this figure, 79,417 have been discharged and 1,350 deaths have been recorded in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team conducts a search operation at the plane crash site of the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 in the waters of Lancang Island, Jan. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) Image Source: IANS News The Joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team conducts a search operation at the plane crash site of the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 in the waters of Lancang Island, Jan. 10, 2021. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) Image Source: IANS News Jakarta, Jan 10 : Indonesian military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said on Sunday that a naval ship deployed to search for the Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed into the waters off Jakarta has caught a signal at the accident site. The Boeing 737-500 aircraft, flying from the capital Jakarta to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province on Saturday afternoon, crashed into the Java Sea off the Seribu District in north of Jakarta, reports Xinhua news agency. It was carrying 50 passengers, including 10 children and 12 crew members. In a statement on Sunday, Tjahjanto said naval ship KRI Rigela equipped with a remote-operated vehicle, which arrived at the search location at 3 a.m., detected the signal possibly from the aircraft. "Based on the results of monitoring, and according to the coordinates given from the last contact, it is strongly suspected that there was a signal from the plane," he said. Meanwhile, divers have found a tire and more debris of the crashed plane. A local TV footage showed rescuers lifting a tire of the Boeing 737-500 plane from the sea, and underwater equipment displaying a lot of debris at the sea floor with the depth of 23 metres. Spokesman of the National Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas) Yusuf Latief told Xinhua that some pieces of the debris have been collected from the scene. A total of 362 rescuers with 38 ships, some of them equipped with multi-beam echo-sounders and remotely operated vehicles (ROV) to detect objects underwater, were searching for the victims and the wreckage of the budget airline plane, he said. "The ships will search for the location of the fuselage of the plane," Latief said. The search was also carried out by air and land as the strong current might bring the debris to the coast of nearby islands, according to him. Head of the Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency Bagus Puruhito said the focus of the operation was to recover the victims and search for the source of two signals of emergency locator transmitter (ELT) caught by the rescuers. He said the sea floor contained mud, expecting that the two black boxes of the aircraft would be there. "Now we are attempting to reach the source which is expected to be the black boxes," Puruhito said. President Joko Widodo on Sunday expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying at a press conference: "I am on behalf of the government and all the Indonesian people to express my deep condolences over this tragedy." The President urged the rescue team and the military to complete the search for the missing plane as soon as possible and salvage the victims. The last plane crash in Indonesia took place in October 2018 when a Lion Air flight plunged into the sea about 12 minutes after take-off from Jakarta. A total of 189 people died in that crash. It was one of two crashes that led regulators to pull the Boeing 737 Max from service all across the world. Before she was a Hollywood starlet and the very definition of an iconic blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe had an unstable childhood, marked by turmoil and tumult. Monroe never knew her father, and she was frequently shuttled around to various homes and lived in a Los Angeles orphanage for several years. Heres what you should know about the groundbreaking performers troubled upbringing. Marilyn Monroe in 1946 | Richard C. Miller/Donaldson Collection/Getty Images Monroe only knew her father as a photograph Monroes mother, Gladys Pearl Baker, gave birth to Monroe then Norma Jeane Mortenson on June 1, 1926. At 26, Baker had already given birth to two children in her prior marriage to John Newton Baker, which began when she was just 15 years old. Her husband, who was allegedly abusive, kidnapped the couples children and escaped with them to his home state of Kentucky. Bakers second husband, Martin Edward Mortensen, was listed as Monroes father on her birth certificate, but they had long since separated. According to Biography.com, Baker claimed that her colleague at Consolidated Studios, Charles Stanley Gifford, was Monroes father but that claim was never confirmed. Instead, Monroe knew her father only as a nameless photograph hanging on her mothers wall. In Monroes unfinished autobiography, My Story, she revealed that she often fantasized as a child about what her father might be like and how her life might have been different with him in it. Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1928 | Hulton Archive/Getty Images RELATED: The Complicated, Tragic Story Behind Marilyn Monroes Real Name Baker was institutionalized in 1934 Just two weeks after she was born, Monroe was left for the first time with a foster family: Ida and Wayne Bolender, a religious couple living in small-town Hawthorne, California. According to AmoMama, Monroes grandmother, Della Monroe, left her with the Bolenders before she headed off to India. Baker, who often wrestled with mental health crises, lived with Monroe off and on at the Bolenders home until she was seven years old. Finally, Monroes mother returned for her and moved her into a house in Los Angeles with her for the first time. But that didnt last long. In 1934, Monroes mother was institutionalized due to a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia for the first time. Monroe remembered hearing a terrible noise on the stairs one day before rushing out into the hallway, only to see Baker being dragged away to the hospital. My mother was on her feet. She was screaming and laughing, Monroe recalled in My Story. They took her away to the Norwalk Mental Hospital. I knew the name of the hospital in a vague way. It was where my mothers father and grandmother had been taken when they started screaming and laughing. Naturally, Monroe was traumatized by seeing her mother be forcibly institutionalized. She was hastily moved into the Los Angeles Orphans Home, where she wore a uniform and felt nameless and abandoned. Norma Jeane Baker with Ana Lower and other family friends | Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images RELATED: Marilyn Monroe Was Marlon Brandos Lover And He Had a Secret Belief About Her Death Monroe spent her childhood in various homes Monroe spent many of the subsequent years moving in and out of various homes. She sometimes lived with George and Maude Atkinson, two actors who had once roomed with Baker. During this time, Monroe also alleged that she was sexually abused by adults multiple times, Vanity Fair reports. In between periods of time at the orphanage, Monroe often stayed with her mothers best friend, Grace Goddard, whom Monroe called Aunt Grace. She remembered Aunt Grace as an inconsistent yet loving presence in her life. Eventually, Monroe would also stay for a time with Ana Lower, Goddards aunt. Goddard, who became Monroes legal guardian after Baker became a ward of the state, was a film librarian who struggled to scrape together a living after she was let go. Although Goddard cared for Monroe, she often sent her to live with foster families because of her own struggles with money. The families with whom I lived had one thing in common a need for five dollars, Monroe recalled ruefully of her time in foster care. I was, also, an asset to have in the house. I was strong and healthy and able to do almost as much work as a grownup. And I had learned not to bother anyone by talking or crying. Norma Jeane Baker and James Dougherty | Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images RELATED: Ann-Margret Got Married Exactly 1 Week After Elvis Presley Did The aspiring actress got married at 16 to avoid returning to the orphanage Finally, when faced with the possibility of returning to the orphanage once more after her latest guardians moved out of state, Monroe chose to marry LAPD officer James Dougherty instead. She was just 16 years old. Monroe and Doughertys marriage was short-lived and largely unhappy. Dougherty certainly didnt approve of his wifes foray soon afterward into pin-up modeling for various magazines. Monroe described the relationship as interminably boring; it wasnt that they didnt get along, she explained, but that they had nothing to say to each other. Still, Monroe wrote in her autobiography that she would always feel grateful to her ex-husband for ending forever [her] status as an orphan. Right now we take a peek at hottie Behati living her best life along with pop culture, community news and top headlines. Check-it . . . Locking Down Local Cash KC small businesses to apply for 2nd round of PPP loans KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Starting on Monday, businesses can apply for Paycheck Protection Program loans, as $284 billion is up for grabs to help them survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's been a long time coming for several KC metro small businesses, including Mills Record Company and Wiseblood Books in Westport. Creative Turns Last Page Local comic book artist passes away after battle with COVID-19 JACKSON COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- The community is now in mourning after a famous Kansas City metro comic book artist passed away after battling COVID-19. "He was definitely hilarious, passionate but extremely kind," says Virginia Bernstein. On Friday morning Bernstein's uncle Steve Lightle, who was battling flu like symptoms, passed away from cardiac arrest. Kansas City Dance Off 'Painful but necessary': Kansas City Ballet cancels rest of season as COVID rages on The Kansas City Ballet has joined most other area performing arts companies in canceling events through at least the first half of this year because of the pandemic. The ballet announced Sunday the cancellation of the remaining three events of its 2020-21 season: "New Moves," Feb. Celeb Good Life Celebrated Behati Prinsloo shares never-before-seen photos of her wedding dress, which her husband, Adam Levine, ripped so she could dance better In honor of the designer Alexander Wang's birthday on Saturday, Behati Prinsloo shared never-before-seen photos of the wedding dress she wore to marry Adam Levine in 2014. The fitted gown, which Prinsloo wore to her wedding reception, has cutouts down to her thighs on the sides and a low neckline covered in sheer fabric. Speaker Denounces Prez Nancy Pelosi, in '60 Minutes' interview, slams Trump as 'deranged,' calls for 'prosecution' President Trump is "deranged, unhinged, dangerous," and deserving of prosecution, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says in an interview scheduled to air Sunday night on "60 Minutes." The San Francisco Democrat sat down for a conversation with Leslie Stahl of the CBS News program last week following Wednesday's siege of the U.S. Veep Parties On Pence to attend Biden inauguration WASHINGTON - Vice President Mike Pence will attend the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, according a person familiar with his decision. A loyal lieutenant to President Donald Trump, Pence was criticized by the president over his role counting Electoral College votes in Congress and was one of the people trapped inside the U.S. Tell-All Time Starts Melania Trump's ex-aide pens scathing op-ed in wake of Capitol siege An ex-aide of Melania Trump - and once a good friend - has penned a scathing op-ed about the first lady, accusing her of just standing by while the president destroyed America. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff wrote her piece for the Daily Beast, prompted by the rioting at the Capitol. Comeback Dreaming Now we have the coronavirus vaccine, how soon can we get back to normal life? When will the Covid-19 vaccine begin to have an effect on the nation? The government has pledged to offer vaccines to 15 million people - the over-70s, healthcare workers and those required to shield by mid-February, and millions more by spring. Royal Send Off Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit social media for good Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have "no plans" to return to social media almost a year after Megxit. A source close to the ex-royals told The Times of London that they're "very unlikely" to have an online presence, mostly due to the "hate" they've received. Kansas City Rolling With Sponsored Streetcar Hype Editor's Briefing: There's more to streetcar funding story than you realize - Kansas City Business Journal In normal times, there might've been dancing in the street at the news that the federal government had approved a $174 million funding agreement to extend the Kansas City Streetcar line. Granted, in normal times there wouldn't be a pandemic and fallout from an insurrection in Washington competing for attention. Savor Kansas City Food Critics: Where To Get The Best Spicy Food In Kansas City In 2021 The problems we encountered in 2020 are still very much present in January 2021. And for that reason, some of us are reaching for the kind of pain we have control over: extremely spicy food. "You are meant to feel and taste something when you eat spicy food," says food critic Jenny Vergara. Savor Kansas City More sunshine and warmer temperatures coming in week ahead Hide Transcript Show Transcript IF YOU DO WANT THAT HEAD SOUTH. IT IS SNOWING IN TEXA RIGHT NOW. HERE IN KANSAS CITY, 24 DEGREES, THAT'S THE COLDEST WE HAVE SEEN SO FAR. IT CAN FEEL LIKE 17 DEGREES, REALLY COLD WHEN YOU GO OUTSIDE. 27 AND SLID -- IN SEDALIA, 25 IN OLATHE. U2 - I Will Follow is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. 3 1 of 3 Courtesy of AGC of Texas Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Courtesy of Education First FCU Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Beaumont resident Kal Kincaid has started his term as president of the Associated General Contractors of Texas, an association of highway construction contractors responsible for building and maintaining the states vast network of roads and bridges. Kincaid, president of Gulf Coast construction company, will serve a one-year term as head of the association that has more than 700 member companies. Kincaid is the first Beaumont resident to serve as president of the 97-year-old association. The death toll in the city stands at 2,077. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko said 404 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the city in the past 24 hours as of January 10, 2021. "In the past day, another 404 residents of Kyiv tested positive for the coronavirus, including nine healthcare workers. There were 10 fatalities," Klitschko reported via Telegram on Sunday. "As of today, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city is 117,217." According to the city mayor, 264 women aged 18 to 90 and 125 men aged 18 to 83 are among those infected. Read alsoKyiv to close all festive locations amid lockdownThe new cases include 10 girls aged 20 days to 17 years and five boys aged four to 11 years. Klitschko said 31 new patients had been hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating, undergoing treatment at home under medical supervision. He added that 455 people had recovered in the past day. In total, 43,239 Kyiv residents have already tackled the coronavirus. The highest number of the new cases in Kyiv was registered in Darnytsky district (185), Pechersky district (58), and Solomyansky district (42). The death toll in the city stands at 2,077. Coronavirus in Ukraine: Latest developments Ukraine said 5,011 new active COVID-19 cases had been confirmed across the country in the past 24 hours as of January 10, 2021. The total number of confirmed cases grew to 1,115,026. Reporting by UNIAN Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Pakistan on Saturday categorically rejected the malicious statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), regarding conviction of a UN-designated individual by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Jan, 2021 ) :Pakistan on Saturday categorically rejected the malicious statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), regarding conviction of a UN-designated individual by an Anti-Terrorism Court in Pakistan. India has no locus standi to comment on the independent judicial mechanisms of Pakistan. "In this regard the only 'compliance' that interests Pakistan is abiding by its own statutes and fulfillment of its international obligations," Foreign office spokesperson said in a press release. The investigations, prosecutions and subsequent convictions, through due process, were a reflection of the effectiveness of Pakistan's legal system, 'which operates independent of any extraneous factors or influences,' the spokesperson added. "India's assertions to link Pakistan's due legal process with FATF are unfortunate. It is yet another Indian attempt to politicize FATF and use its processes against Pakistan. Pakistan reiterates its commitment to impartiality, confidentiality and technical nature of the FATF process," it was further stressed. According to spokesperson, Indian insinuations against Pakistan were in fact, a vain attempt to conceal its failures to bring to justice those blatantly involved in state terrorism and brutal suppression against the subjugated people of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and other minority communities. As for the hypocritical Indian assertions regarding the 'terror infrastructure' and 'individual terrorists', irrefutable evidence has already been provided by Pakistan to the international community of the active aiding, abetting, planning, promoting, financing and execution of terrorist activities by India against Pakistan, with impunity. "India would do well to put its own house in order and rein in its terror infrastructure that is aimed at destabilizing India's neighboring countries in order to fulfill the extremist agenda of the RSS-BJP regime," the spokesperson further added. The foreign office expressed the hope that the UN counter-terrorism bodies would proceed on the basis of concrete evidence provided by Pakistan, urge India to renounce the use of terrorism as an instrument of state policy and play their part in securing the dismantling of the Indian terrorist infrastructure. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 16:51:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese-born director Chloe Zhao's feature film "Nomadland" became a big winner on Saturday with four trophies at the annual National Society of Film Critics (NSFC) Awards, and is continuing to sweep the awards circuit in the United States. "Nomadland," an American contemporary Western drama distributed by Searchlight Pictures, was named best film of 2020 at the virtual NSFC's 55th awards voting meeting, and is Zhao's second film after the cowboy drama "The Rider" two years ago. Zhao also nabbed the best director award. Best actress went to Frances McDormand for her performance, and Joshua James Richards walked away with the best cinematography award. It was at least the fifth top prize in film directing this week for Zhao from the country's critics' groups, with the others from the Columbus Film Critics Association, the Oklahoma Film Critics Circle, the Alliance Of Women Film Journalists, and the North Carolina Film Critics Association. An adaptation from a 2017 non-fiction book, the film stars McDormand, a two-time Oscar winner, as an out-of-work woman who packs her van and sets off from her small town across the vast landscape of the American West, exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad. Earlier, "Nomadland" had won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, making history as the first to win both honors. Awards have piled up from coast to coast in the United States in recent weeks, putting it on the fast track for Oscar contention. Voting of the NSFC, consisting of 60 prominent movie critics from major papers and outlets across the United States, is conducted via a weighted ballot system this year. Delroy Lindo nabbed best actor for his role in Netflix's war drama "Da 5 Bloods." Eliza Hittman in "Never Rarely Sometimes Always" was awarded best screenplay, and the Romanian film "Collective" won the best foreign language film award. The South Korean film "Parasite" was the best film at the NSFC Awards last year. It went on to make history at the 92nd Academy Awards, winning four top prizes, including the one for best picture. Enditem Columbia, MO (65201) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread and possibly severe this afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 51F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger released a video Sunday morning with a deeply personal message in which he said that the violent riot that engulfed Capitol Hill last week reminded him of Kristallnacht, or the Night of the Broken Glass, the 1938 Nazi attack against Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues. Those who carried out that attack were the Nazi equivalent of the Proud Boys, Schwarzenegger, who was born in Austria, said. Wednesday was the Day of Broken Glass right here in the United States. Advertisement My message to my fellow Americans and friends around the world following this week's attack on the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/blOy35LWJ5 Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 10, 2021 Advertisement Advertisement 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. The mob that attacked Congress did not just shatter the windows of the Capitol, Schwarzenegger said. They shattered the ideals we took for granted. They did not just break down the doors of the building that housed the American democracy. They trampled the very principles on which our country was founded. The former governor then got personal and discussed a painful memory of growing up after World War II in Austria, where he was surrounded by broken men drinking away the guilt over their participation in the most evil regime in history. Schwarzenegger said his own father, who was a Nazi, would come home drunk once or twice a week, and he would scream and hit us. He didnt think much of it at the time because everyone around him was doing the same thing. Advertisement Schwarzenegger has never been shy about criticizing President Donald Trump and in the video accused him of seeking a coup by misleading people with lies to try to overturn an election. And I know where such lies lead, he added. President Trump is a failed leader. He will go down in history as the worst president ever. The good thing is he will soon be as irrelevant as an old tweet. The actor-turned-politician proceeded to end with an uplifting message, saying that as heartbreaking as all this is, America will come back from these dark days and shine our light once again. In an earlier interview, Schwarzenegger had already shared some thoughts about what took place Wednesday in Washington. I think its sad, Schwarzenegger told CBS affiliate WRBL. I think its the finale of four years of craziness. For four years people all of the world where I traveled people have said to me, Whats going on in America? How can a man like this be elected? How do you explain that? A Savannah-based convenience store chain is creating a $20 million community fund to support charitable causes across its 68-store footprint in coastal Georgia and South Carolina. Parker's, which recently expanded its operations with several new Parker's Kitchen stores throughout the Charleston region, is considering earmarking money from the new Parker's Community Fund for specific charities that have yet to be determined. "In the past year we have been very fortunate, but I looked around and saw so many people suffering and it seemed like the ideal time to step up," Parker's founder and CEO Greg Parker said in an interview with The Post and Courier. "We want to lead by example and convince others to join our initiatives." A large amount of the money will go to major charitable efforts in the Charleston area. "We are going to be doing some really significant things," Parker said. "We look forward to making an even bigger charitable impact in South Carolina in 2021 and beyond." Parker plans to create a Community Impact Committee to decide how the money should be used to make the biggest impact. The initial donation is meant to be seed money for a fund that Parker intends to grow. He is also considering adding a round-up campaign for customers to donate at his stores, which currently handle more than 125,000 transactions a day. Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! The new fund is not the first donation for the 45-year-old company that started with one store in Midway, Ga., in 1976. In recent years, the business endowed the Parkers Emergency and Trauma Center at Memorial Hospital in Savannah and made a record $5 million donation to name the Parker College of Business at Georgia Southern University. The company also gives back in the areas where it operates stores through its Fueling the Community initiative, where a percentage of the sales of gasoline sold at Parker's stores on the first Wednesday of the month is donated to support education, health care and other causes. In South Carolina, Parker's operates in Charleston, Moncks Corner, Goose Creek, Summerville, Walterboro, Hardeeville, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort and Port Royal. Several other stores are planned throughout the Charleston region over the next four years. Parkers, which employs more than 1,200 people, was recently named the 2020 Convenience Store Decisions Chain of the Year, the industrys highest honor. It also was voted one of Americas top 10 gas station brands by USA Today readers. In addition, the Parkers Rewards loyalty program, which includes more than 150,000 members, has saved customers more than $15 million. Rob Carter, a director of operations for former Gov. Jim McGreeveys large network of re-entry programs, is not the person he used to be. But it made no difference when he was searching for a place to live, in the middle of a pandemic. Landlords still refused to rent to him. Im 14 years clean and I got turned down from eight apartment complexes in less than a week because of my record, he said, of old drug-related charges. My credits fine, Ive never gotten evicted before. Never. The work that goes into getting ex-offenders to this point improving credit scores, securing jobs, saving up for a security deposit and a few months rent is Herculean, McGreevey says. Then to be refused because of a past record presents an almost impossible circumstance. We have a law aimed at preventing such discrimination in hiring, known as Ban the Box. Now we need the same for housing. About half a million people have fallen behind on rent due to COVID, some of whom have a criminal history. And hundreds are released every month from prisons. Where are they supposed to go? Do we want them all to be homeless? If at every step we create a burden that individuals cant overcome, we keep re-punishing them, McGreevey argues. To me, thats fundamentally wrong. Only after youve gotten far enough to receive an offer to rent should landlords be allowed to consider a criminal record, advocates say and only under certain circumstances, such as when the crime was recent. But the answer isnt the toothless bill in the Assembly, preferred by landlords. The penalty is just $100, and enforcement is left to the beleaguered Department of Community Affairs. Its also too draconian. If you have a third or fourth-degree offense, including many drug convictions, you can be kept out of the apartment for five years after you get out of prison. The standards for renting an apartment shouldnt be as stringent as whats required for security clearance for a government job. Even for a misdemeanor like shoplifting, landlords can refuse you for a year. And for more serious crimes, they can keep you out for as much as 10 years, with some ex-offenders excluded altogether. Sen. Troy Singleton is right: Discrimination cases must carry heftier fines and be placed under Division on Civil Rights in the Attorney Generals Office. And under his bill, a criminal history can be considered only if the offense is not expungable and an applicant got out of prison less than three years ago. David Brogan, who represents landlords, objects that a person who commits murder is treated the same as person who gets a DUI, an understandable reaction. But McGreevey makes a strong case against basing the degree of protection against housing discrimination on the felony status of the crime, which is not actually linked to the likelihood of reoffending. The most violent prisoners are actually the least likely to end up back behind bars: Murder has a 1 percent recidivism rate, he notes, and for those over age 60, the likelihood of reoffending nearly vanishes. These people have to live somewhere. So why make it more onerous for them to become law-abiding citizens? Its a good question, one we all must grapple with. Forcing people to live in horrible conditions isnt likely to make anyone safer. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. The US Attorney for Washington DC has launched a federal excessive force investigation into the death of the Trump-supporting Air Force veteran who was shot dead when rioters breached the US Capitol. The office of Michael Sherwin, the Acting US Attorney for the District of Columbia, confirmed a formal probe is underway into the shooting death of 35-year-old Ashli Babbitt, according to the New York Times. Sherwin has assigned his civil rights division to lead the case, which is currently under investigation by both the FBI and the DC Metropolitan Police Department. Babbit, from San Diego, was shot in the chest by a Capitol police officer while she tried to climb through a window into the congressional chambers as part of the violent mob that broke into the Capitol Wednesday. She died in hospital several hours later. The US Attorney for Washington DC has launched a federal excessive force investigation into the death of Trump-supporting Air Force veteran Ashli Babbitt (pictured) who was shot dead when rioters breached the US Capitol Babbitt is seen being tended to by officers after being shot by Capitol Police during the siege The cop who fired the fatal bullet, who has not been identified, was put on leave this week pending the investigation. A Justice Department spokesperson told the Times the investigation into Babbitt's death is just 'routine' and a standard procedure for when an officer uses lethal force. It will determine whether the officer used 'excessive force' against her. However confirmation of the 'routine' investigation has drawn yet more unfavorable parallels between the handling of Wednesday's riot of predominantly white demonstrators and the treatment of black people at the hands of law enforcement. Numerous public figures - including President-elect Joe Biden - have pointed to the stark difference in treatment of the white mob compared to the treatment of Black Lives Matter supporters in the streets of DC last year. Many have said that, had Wednesday's mob been largely black, cops would have used greater force and discharged their firearms more readily. Now, the launch of an excessive force probe into a white female mob member's death within days of the shooting is likely to exacerbate these observed differences. Back in March, Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old black man, died after cops placed a spit hood over his head and pressed his face into the ground for two minutes in Rochester, New York, while he appeared to be suffering a psychotic episode. But it took until September for the New York State Attorney General's Office to launch an investigation into his death and for the officers involved to be suspended. This came when his family released footage of the incident to the public. Elijah McClain, an unarmed black 23-year-old, was stopped by police as he walked down the street, placed in a chokehold and injected with the powerful sedative ketamine in Denver in August 2019. He died days later but no charges were brought against officers and it wasn't until the following June, amid a nationwide reckoning in the wake of George Floyd's death, that the Attorney General was appointed to the case. It was a similar story when 25-year-old black man Ahmaud Arbery was shot dead by former cop Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis McMichael, 34, while out jogging on February 23. The killers evaded prosecution for more than two months, after the father and son team claimed they thought Arbery was a burglar and that he attacked them when they tried to make a citizen's arrest, before finally being arrested in May when footage showed the younger McMichael gunning Arbery down. Video showed Babbitt climbing through a broken window seconds before she was shot Shocking footage from Wednesday's siege shows Babbitt and other rioters trying to force their way through double doors that were barricaded by law enforcement as lawmakers fled to safety and overwhelmed officers grappled to keep the angry mob at bay. The mob was seen smashing windows and pushing at the doors while armed officers stood guard with their guns drawn on the other side. Babbitt was then seen trying to clamber through a smashed window to enter the chamber as a fellow rioter shouted 'he's got a gun'. A single gunshot then rung out and the 35-year-old fell back out from the window onto the ground. Officers were later seen tending to the bleeding woman on the floor of the Capitol building before she was taken to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries later that day. Babbitt's husband has paid tribute to his wife, who served 14 years in the Air Force, as a staunch Trump supporter who was 'a great patriot to all who knew her.' Babbitt, a 14-year Air Force veteran, was a fervent Trump supporter and 'a great patriot to all who knew her', her husband said 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. Benjamin Phillips, 50, (right) a computer programmer from Pennsylvania, died after suffering a stroke In an interview with The Sun on Friday, her friend Jack Feeley described her death as an 'execution' and said she would have been 'furious' about 'going down without a fight.' 'That was an execution,' he told the publication. '[It] breaks my heart to know millions of people watched my friend be executed on live television.' 'I wish she was still here, but I'm really proud of her for being there,' he added. 'I'll never get over this bullsh*t done to her.' However, Feeley said Babbitt would have felt the cause was worth dying for. Roseanne Boyland, 34, was 'trampled in the Rotunda', her family told DailyMail.com 'She may have laid down her rifle, but she was still willing to lay down her life for her country and what she strongly believed in,' he said. 'She wasn't just passionate about Trump, she was the strongest advocate I knew about making things right and fair. 'All she wanted was the end to corruption and the terrible things happening all the way from the top of government down to her local city officials.' Right-wing extremists have hailed Babbitt a martyr since her death and have compared the fatal shot that killed the veteran to the 'the first shot in a revolution', in online forums. DailyMail.com exclusively reported Thursday that Babbitt had a significant rap sheet that included reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property and tampering with a car, and that she was the subject of two restraining orders. Babbitt was one of five people killed in Wednesday's violent riot on the seat of the US government that sent shockwaves around the world. Three others were also Trump supporters while one was an on-duty cop who died trying to defend the Capitol from attack. Roseanne Boyland, 34, was 'trampled in the Rotunda', her family told DailyMail.com Thursday after police said she had been potentially 'crushed' in the mob. Kevin Greeson, 55, from Alabama suffered a heart attack 'in the midst of the excitement', according to his family. The death count from the riot rose to five Thursday when authorities announced that Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick (above) had died from injuries sustained in the attack Benjamin Phillips, 50, a computer programmer from Pennsylvania, died after suffering a stroke. The death count then rose to five Thursday when authorities announced that Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick had died from injuries sustained in Wednesday's attack. Sicknick, who was a Trump supporter, was allegedly hit over the head with a fire extinguisher by one of the thugs. After the attack he then returned to his division office, where he collapsed. He was taken to hospital where he was put on life support before he passed away Thursday. On Thursday night, hundreds of his colleagues lined the streets of DC to honor him as his body was taken to the morgue. The US Attorney's office has launched a murder investigation into his death. It is unclear if they have identified any suspects yet or if there is any surveillance footage of the moments leading up to his death. Senior Pentagon officials said Saturday they will likely grant approval for Sicknick to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery after Michigan Representative Elissa Slotkin made the request. Meanwhile, the nation is still reeling from Wednesday's attack as the authorities continue round up members of the violent mob, officials face questions about their failure to prevent the security breach and the federal government is more fractured than ever before. Protesters were riled up by the president during a rally near the White House where he told them to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Joe Biden's presidential victory. The nation is still reeling from Wednesday's attack as the authorities continue round up members of the violent mob, officials face questions about their failure to prevent the security breach and the federal government is more fractured than ever before Trump supporters in the Capitol Rotunda after breaching Capitol security in Washington DC A violent mob stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building. Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets. Three top Capitol security officials have stood down as questions are being raised over the failure to stop the breach occurring in the first place. Dozens have been rounded up and arrested since the attack including a QAnon supporter, a 70-year-old who brought two handguns, a rifle and 11 Molotov cocktails to the riot and a newly sworn-in West Virginia delegate. The FBI is asking for the public's help in bringing all those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, House Democrats will start proceedings to impeach Trump Monday charging him with 'incitement of insurrection' after he egged on his supporters and then failed to condemn the violence or tell them to leave the Capitol for hours after the violence erupted. Twitter banned the president from its platform Friday saying in a statement that his recent tweets amounted to glorification of violence. Brian Austin Green opened up for the first time about his romance with Sharna Burgess in an interview with Access Hollywood and described the Dancing With the Stars pro as amazing. Read article The BH90210 alum, 47, went public with the Australian dancer, 35, when they were spotted kissing on the beach during a New Years vacation at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii. MediaPunch/Shutterstock; John Photography/Shutterstock We had a great time. We had a really good time. Hawaii is an amazing place, the Masked Dancer judge told Access Hollywoods Mario Lopez and Kit Hoover on Saturday, January 9, of their getaway. Its all going really well right now. Its early on, so we dont have any labels or anything, obviously, but were really enjoying each others company. Green, who wed estranged wife Megan Fox at the same Big Island resort in 2010, said added that Burgess is an amazing woman. Read article Shes super responsible and shes super sweet and caring, passionate, fun to be around, so I feel blessed right now, he said before explaining that the pair met through their shared business manager. She was like, Hey, Ive got a client that you should meet,' he said, admitting that he wasnt in the right headspace amid his split from the Transformers actress. I begrudgingly went, and we met and we had great conversation, so its been great. The Los Angeles native said that Burgess wasnt a huge fan of his previous work on Beverly Hills, 90210 before they met. I havent actually asked her why she didnt watch it but I know she didnt watch much of it when she was younger, he said. Read article The Burn the Floor alum hinted to Us Weekly in early December that she was seeing someone new, who is famous, and admitted that her new romance felt different to her previous relationships. How funny would it be if I actually found the love of my life during a pandemic? she told Us exclusively. Im looking for that soulmate stuff that thing where that something inside you recognizes that something inside them. But Burgess dodged questions about Green during an Instagram Q&A with fans on Friday, January 8. I say this with love and kindness, she responded. Let it go. The Anger Management alum confirmed his split from Fox, 34, in May 2020 after 10 years of marriage. The pair share three sons, Noah, 8, Bodhi, 6, and Journey, 4. The New Girl alum filed for divorce in November and has moved on with Machine Gun Kelly. Mariamane Akopyan shows the different stages of her rhinoplasty procedure. Mariamane Akopyan Posting videos showing the before-and-after stages of rhinoplasty has become a viral trend on TikTok. #NoseJobCheck has over one billion views on the social media platform. Videos promoting rhinoplasty are appearing on the For You Page of teenagers as young as 14. Plastic surgeons are enlisting the help of marketing agencies to ensure that these videos reach a younger audience. Charities have expressed their concern that minors are seeing "completely unacceptable" videos. TikTok has banned cosmetic surgery adverts but these videos appear to bypass those rules. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. TikTok, the viral video-sharing app that is famously popular with young teenagers, claims to have banned plastic surgery adverts. Cosmetic surgeons, however, have found a way to bypass the app's existing rules and regulations and promote major surgery that can be psychologically damaging to TikTok's youthful audience. So many have been successful in doing this that videos promoting various plastic surgery procedures - particularly rhinoplasty, changing the shape of the nose - are widely available and incredibly popular. Many health professionals find this deeply troubling and even predatory. To test how readily these videos were available to minors, Insider created a TikTok account, set the age at 14-years-old, and used the application to see how long it would take for one of these videos to appear. After just eight minutes of scrolling, a promotional video for a US-based plastic surgeon was posted on our For You Page - TikTok's personalized feed of relevant videos. A video, published by a plastic surgeon, appears on Insider's For You Page on TikTok. TikTok The popularity of plastic surgery videos on TikTok Plastic surgery videos are endemic on TikTok. The hashtag #plasticsurgery has over 3.8 billion views. One particular procedure, however, has become a viral trend on the app - rhinoplasty. The hashtag #nosejobcheck, which mainly consists of videos showcasing before-and-after clips of nasal surgery, has accumulated over one billion views on the platform. The hashtag #nosejob, which hosts similar videos, has over 1.6 billion views. Story continues There's even a unique 'nose job check' sound. Over 120,000 videos using this sound have been published on TikTok since last October. The platform's most popular user, 16-year-old Charli D'Amelio, used the sound after getting reconstructive surgery on her nose in July. She broadcast her transformation video to her fanbase, which has now received 14.8 million likes. @charlidamelio two broken noses lots of nose bleeds and breathing problems for 11 months! i can finally breathe like normal and get back to dancing @drkanodia90210 original sound - Smlyde The videos, typically only 15 seconds in length, show the patient's pre-surgery nose, post-surgery bandages, and - finally - the reshaped nose. This trend's popularity means that these videos are appearing on the For You Pages (FYP) of millions of TikTok users. The FYP is a personalized feed of content, where a combination of popular and recommended content appears. TikTok's young users are being exposed to plastic surgery videos While #nosejobcheck is primarily used by creators sharing their experiences of getting nose jobs, plastic surgeons are also using it to market their work and appear on the FYPs of potential patients. Some of those on the receiving end of these marketing videos are inevitably very young, given TikTok's target audience. Teenagers and children make up the largest group of active TikTok users, according to the consumer data agency Statista. Statista estimates that under-19s make up 32.5% of all users. According to The New York Times, a third of users may be 14 or under. The app requires TikTok users to be 13 but a lack of age verification makes this easy to bypass. While the app has an infrastructure to prevent minors from seeing unsuitable content, cosmetic surgery videos that aren't paid adverts and don't violate TikTok's community guidelines are technically allowed. As long as the videos are not "graphic" and don't contain "gore," they do not appear to breach TikTok's rules. Plastic surgeons are promoting these procedures to teenagers Dr. Kim Patrick Murray, a Miami-based plastic surgeon, is one of the medical practitioners who uses the app to promote his followers' surgery. In recent months, he has seen an uptick in preliminary consultation thanks to social media. Some of these consultation requests are coming from under-18s. This doesn't bother him. "Rhinoplasty is a relatively tame topic compared to a lot of other stuff on TikTok," he told Insider. "If you want to look at the negatives, you have worse things like teenagers dancing in bikinis." Murray performs the surgery on patients as young as 14. "Operating on somebody that young could be a little controversial," he said. "But for me, the advantages of considering rhinoplasty at that young age allow the person to grow and be comfortable in their own skin and that far outweighs the negatives," Murray added. The plastic surgeon said that if a teenager was struggling with their self-esteem due to an overly-pronounced nose, saw one of his TikToks, and decided to seek surgery, he'd view that as a "positive" thing. Dr. Antonis Kousoulis, a director at the Mental Health Foundation, disagrees. He believes the promotion of cosmetic surgery to minors is deeply troubling. He told Insider: "Whether it's through paid promotion or medical practitioners using hashtags, we think it's completely unacceptable and inappropriate that videos like these are reaching young people under the age of 18." Kousoulis continued: "A lot of the time, these operations are promoted based on wellbeing, saying that they will improve how you will feel about yourself. I would like medical practitioners to be more conscious of who might see their content and to show more thoughtfulness to psychological reasons as to why people are seeking these operations." "We know that a lot of these clinics use fairly predatory techniques when it comes to self-promoting their work and that is a concern," he added. Some plastic surgeons enlist the help of marketing firms Plastic surgeons are enlisting marketing firms' help to aggressively promote their procedures to as wide an audience as possible. Frank Olivo, of the digital marketing agency sagapixel, advises plastic surgeons on how to go viral on the application. Olivo's company's website offers a guide for plastic surgeons on how to use Tik Tok effectively. In the guide, plastic surgeons are advised on how to reach a younger audience. It reads: "You always want to tailor content to what will provide value to its audience, so procedures that are most popular for younger audiences will perform the best on TikTok." Olivo thinks TikTok is a great marketplace for plastic surgeons to reach all kinds of clients, including young people. "It lends itself to highly visual marketing like plastic surgery," he told Insider. But he admits that, personally, he'd prefer his children not to be exposed to #nosejobcheck videos. He said: "As a parent, I'm not crazy about my daughter growing up and seeing these sorts of videos." Ashton Collins, the director of the responsible plastic surgery charity Save Face, shares these concerns. She told Insider: "The process of getting plastic surgery is being glorified. These videos are absolutely damaging and trivializing." She added: "You'd expect regulated plastic surgeons to have more accountability having first-hand seen the negative impacts that plastic surgery can have on someone's psychology." The negative impact of videos promoting plastic surgery One person who has experienced plastic surgery's negative impacts is Mariamane Akopyan, a college student from San Jose, Ca. As a minor, she wanted to get plastic surgery after seeing "perfect nose jobs" online. At 18, she went to Ukraine to get rhinoplasty surgery. This resulted in a botched job, which left her unable to breathe properly and with a "bit of a crooked nose." Akopyan had to get corrective surgery and shared the video on her TikTok. "It was honestly terrifying that so many of the people that were asking questions about getting a nose job were really young girls," she told Insider. Ruby Mann, who had rhinoplasty surgery three months after seeing #nosejobcheck videos on TikTok, agrees. "These videos make nose jobs look easier than they actually are. Major surgeries, like mine, are not to be taken lightly. I had a painful nose for two weeks, it hurt even with medication, and it can take almost a full year to recover," she told Insider. Mann continued: "I think the hashtag could make someone want to get a nose job after watching them. I just hope that young, teenage girls don't feel encouraged to get it done and instead grow up to feel happy and confident with who they are as women." To counter the procedure being trivialized in short videos, Mann posted a more thorough recovery process video. What's being done to protect young people on TikTok Dr. Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon who has over 2 million followers on TikTok, thinks these worries are overfraught. He believes sufficient obstacles are in place to stop teenagers from actively seeking surgery. "For a minor to have cosmetic surgery like this, their parents would have to sign consent forms," he told Insider. In the US, there are no specific laws that prevent teenagers from getting cosmetic surgery. However, parental consent is required for patients under the age of 18. "Ultimately, it comes down to parenting and surgeons being responsible and not performing surgeries on children who don't understand the ramifications of this," he said. Youn, unlike other plastic surgeons on TikTok, uses his videos to educate rather than promote surgery. In one video, he notes: "She's a beautiful young woman, she doesn't need anything done... but she went ahead and did it." TikTok has, in recent months, made strides to protect minors from videos that may negatively impact their self-esteem. In September it banned advertisements for fasting applications and weight-loss supplements. Since then, a spokesperson told Insider, TikTok has also banned adverts for cosmetic surgery. According to the official advertising guidelines on their website, cosmetic surgery ads are only banned in Mexico, Taiwan, and Brazil. A TikTok spokesperson said: "TikTok was built to provide a positive place for creativity, and we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our users. We do not allow advertisements for cosmetic surgery or weight-loss supplements as they don't support the positive, inclusive safe space we strive for on TikTok." #Nosejobcheck videos, for example, are not normally classified as ads. They, instead, fall under content. As long as they don't breach community guidelines, they are deemed to be acceptable. To protect minors on the app, the TikTok spokesperson recommends that parents enable Restricted Mode. They said: "Parents and guardians can also enable Restricted Mode, which limits the appearance of content that may not be appropriate for all audiences. We are constantly enhancing our safety policies and features to ensure that TikTok can continue to be a safe and fun home for creative expression." Insider returned to the TikTok account we created, enabled Restricted Mode, and scrolled to see whether any plastic surgery videos would appear. A video promoting a successful "tummy tuck" appeared on our FYP after just six minutes of scrolling. Read the original article on Insider Iran has said it will expel the United Nations nuclear watchdog inspector from the country if Washington fails to lift the economic sanctions before February 21. Iran's parliament passed a law last year, requiring the government to suspend inspections of its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and also increase the enrichment of uranium way above the set limit under the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran has already started enriching uranium to up to 20 per cent purity, in violation of the nuclear agreement. Read: Iran Is In 'no Rush' To See US Return To 2015 Nuclear Agreement, Says Khamenei 'Will definitely expel IAEA inspector' An Iranian lawmaker, while speaking to the press, said that Tehran will implement the other half of the law and will definitely expel the IAEA inspector if the United States doesn't lift the sanctions by February 21. The Iranian government has said that it is willing to implement the law passed by the parliament in November this year. This comes in wake of the assassination of the country's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Read: Iran's Top Leader Bans Corona Vaccines From US, Britain "In December Irans parliament passed a law requiring expulsion of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear inspectors unless all sanctions are lifted. Today a member of the parliamentary leadership repeated that threat: all IAEA watchdog inspectors will be ejected unless sanctions are lifted. Once again the Iranian regime is using its nuclear program to extort the international community and threaten regional security," US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement. Read: Iran's Ayatollah Khamenei Bans COVID-19 Vaccine Import From US And UK After US President Donald Trump won the elections in 2016, he withdrew the United States from the Obama-era deal, calling it "rotten". The United States left the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Action (JCPOA) in 2018 despite other members urging it not to do so. The US reimposed all sanctions on Iran, pushing Tehran to violate the deal because one of the key agreements of the agreement was that all economic embargos against the Islamic Republic would be lifted and, in return, it will cap the enrichment purity level. Read: Iran Starts 20% Uranium Enrichment Violating Nuclear Deal Amid Tensions With US: Report New Delhi, Jan 10 : The Congress has accused the BJP of displaying "stubborn and arrogant attitude" on the three new central farm laws and asked it to shun such behaviour and repeal these laws, as demanded by the farmers. Rahul Gandhi tweeted an old video clip of him speaking on the agrarian issues in Parliament in 2015 wherein he remarked that "the land of the farmers is getting costlier, and the government is making the farmers weak". The Congress remarks come a day after the opposition party decided to hold protests at the Raj Bhavans across India on January 15. Party General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said on Saturday: "Congress chief Sonia Gandhi has decided that in support of the agitating farmers, the party will organise 'Kisan Adhikar Divas' at its party offices and will also gherao the Raj Bhavans in all state capitals on January 15." Earlier, Rahul Gandhi had attacked the government on the lingering issue of farmers' protest. "The government strategy is to keep giving dates," he had alleged, while former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram had suggested that government should keep the new farm laws in abeyance. Police were called for a dispute on Preston Circle. Upon arrival, police made contact with a woman who said that she and her other roommates, two women, got into an argument over a Monster soda can that the woman's daughter had possibly taken. The woman said that she had walked out of the house to get away from the other women. The woman said that she didn't know where her daughter was and all she wanted was to find her daughter and grab her stuff to go spend the night somewhere else. Police went inside and made contact with the two roommates while the woman gathered her belongings. The roommates said that the woman overreacted to the whole situation and they tried to calm her down, but she had refused to talk to them. The woman finished gathering most of her belongings and left the scene with her daughter. The woman said that she still had more things to come pick up at a later time.* * *Police responded to a noise complaint at an apartment on Market Street. The woman at the apartment said the music from the bar below their apartment, Leaping Leprechaun, was too loud. Police told the woman and all other individuals inside the apartment to remain quiet as they measured the noise volume using a decibel meter. All individuals remained quiet as police measured ambient sounds for approximately 30 seconds. Police said the meter reached no higher than 45 decibels and informed the woman they could not take any legal action for noise violation against Leaping Leprechaun at this time. The woman said the music being emitted prior to police arrival was louder than what they were currently measuring. Police made contact with Leaping Leprechaun management and informed him the softer music that was currently playing was emitting 45 decibels inside the apartment above him. Police informed him since the business has received a warning for noise violation in the past, the business would receive a citation if the offense reoccurs. Management informed police the business would continue to keep the music down.* * *Police responded to the Mapco, 2727 Rossville Blvd. regarding suspicious by a man who would not leave the store. Upon arrival, police located and identified the man. He asked for a ride from police to a motel so that his mother could pick him up the following day. Such request was granted and police transported him to the Motel 6, Downtown Chattanooga.* * *Police responded to a suspicious person call on Discovery Drive. Upon arrival, officers noticed a man lying in the tree line off the side of the road. The man, later identified by police, was sleeping there. After he was awakened, the man informed police that he was fired from his job that morning and was walking home when he decided to sleep. The man said he had only been at this location for 30 minutes. He claimed his phone only worked on wi-fi and he had no way of contacting anyone. Police asked him if anyone could pick him up. The man gave police a number for his mother, but she did not answer after multiple attempts. The man was given a ride back to his residence.* * *Police were called to the CubeSmart on Brainerd Road where they met with a man who said he was informed by another officer that his vehicle, a Chevy Suburban, was involved in a traffic crash. The man said that he had just dropped property off at the CubeSmart where he keeps several vehicles, one being the Suburban. Officers met with the CubeSmart general manager who was able to pull camera footage of the incident. When reviewing the footage, officers observed a white male entering through the rear of the property just before 7 a.m. The man entered in two separate vehicles, taking a battery out of a Chevy Vega and placing it in a Ford Ranger around 7:25 a.m., then waiting for the vehicle owner to leave before entering the Suburban around 10 a.m. The owner mentioned observing a man working on the Ford before leaving the premises. Officers spoke with the officers who responded to the accident involving the Suburban in which they stated that several witnesses saw a heavyset white male running from the scene. Officers took several finger prints from the Ford and Chevy and submitted them to AFIS.* * *Police responded to a theft call on Gunbarrel Road. A man said that two people, a male and a female, had asked him to cut down some trees with his chainsaw. The man agreed and got in their brown Honda van (passenger side sliding door). The couple took the man into Chattanooga from Ringgold, and told him to exit their vehicle without the chainsaw at the address on Gunbarrel Road. The man got out of their vehicle and they drove away.* * *Police responded to a shoplifting at Riley's Wine & Spirits, 4818 Hixson Pike. Upon arrival, police met with an employee. He showed police video footage of a heavy-set black female coming into the store, stuffing wine bags with eight bottles of expensive liquor and running out the door when the cashier looked away. The cameras were so old that it was difficult to see anything other than the suspect's skin color, size and hair-style. The suspect was dressed in all black and her face was covered with a white surgical mask. This description matches the same female that has shoplifted from other liquor stores in the area.* * *Police responded to a theft from an apartment on Timber Knoll Drive. The victim said he last saw his pistol about four days ago and it was on a dresser in his apartment. Since then, he said he hasnt paid much attention to it until the day before around 8 p.m. when he discovered that the gun was gone. He said he's not sure, but it's possible a maintenance worker could have taken it at some point while he was gone because they do come into the apartment from time to time. 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. BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - A Butte County veteran says he has not been receiving reimbursements for travel since June. "When you are paying gas and spending all that time and not getting your reimbursements for some people it is probably food on their plate you know... Do I not go see the doctor or do I not eat?" asked Robin Toney. He served in the military from 1970 to 1974. "I spent a year in Vietnam and as a result, I have a lot of vascular problems," he said. "I just recently had a vascular bypass on my leg which is a result of Agent Orange," Toney added. Toney says the last payment he received was in June. But says he has made plenty of trips to Sacramento and Redding for medical help since then. "And I have had many visits a couple of angioplasty surgeries on my legs and all the testing involved with it. This has been going on almost seven months now," said Toney. Toney says he called down to Mather Air Force Base and said they informed him that they are currently in the process of changing how they reimburse veterans. "The guy who I talked to about six weeks ago... said, 'I don't know they didn't train us on this and I don't know when they are going to go out.' I talked to the woman in Redding who does travel benefits, and she has been very helpful in the past, and she said her hands were tied," explained Toney. He said he also has been in touch with Congressmember Doug LaMalfa's office. Toney added that all of the help and care he has received before this has been efficient, and he says that he is thankful. Action News Now did reach out to the Veteran Affairs Office in Redding and went by the office in Chico, but it was already closed for the day. The Redding office staff did not call back. We recognize it was late on a Friday afternoon, so we hope to hear back on Monday. This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (yellow)also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells (blue/pink) cultured in the lab. Business owner Justin Gilchrist can appreciate the irony, albeit through gritted teeth. His company, South Catering, is not eligible for any of the Government's hospitality grants. Before the pandemic hit, the Manchester-based business was one of the leading caterers for corporate launches, conferences and meetings in the North West. Now business is at a standstill. 'We're not retail or hospitality enough,' says Justin. 'If we were a bar or a restaurant we'd get more help, but we fall through the gaps. A lot of similar businesses to ourselves have already closed.' Running dry: Chancellor Rishi Sunak's handouts have not helped many hospitality firms Last week, in the wake of the latest lockdown, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a new retail, hospitality and leisure grant worth up to 9,000 per property and an additional 594million discretionary fund. But business leaders warn that many firms will still be left without vital support. Across the events and hospitality industry, there are thousands of businesses who are falling through the gaps and missing out on the Government loans and grants. Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), says: 'The package announced in recent days just won't be enough for businesses already on the brink. There remain too many groups who need more financial support to weather this storm. 'They include the newly self-employed, those in supply chains and company directors. 'Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it is vital we support them in every way until the crisis finally begins to ease.' South Catering had a target to double its turnover last year. But once lockdown began in March 'business fell off a cliff'. The firm was deemed too big for a 'bounce back' loan. Initially rejected for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme, Justin finally secured one with a different lender although South Catering was rejected for all the business grants (see box, at foot of page). Justin kept the business afloat by furloughing staff, downgrading his planned house purchase and using personal savings. He then realigned the business to launch wellboxes.co.uk, which sends gifts to staff working from home, including a festive hamper with prosecco and a threecourse Christmas dinner. It was so successful that Justin shipped tens of thousands of orders in less than three weeks. He says: 'It's the only reason I'm still going.' Ellen Miller has not qualified for any grants because she only launched her business in October 2019 and doesn't have business premises. She set up Leeds Food Tours to follow her passion for food. The business had got off to a great start, but with tours largely out of the question since March last year, Ellen has been forced to mothball the business and instead work in a delivery firm's call centre. 'I understand there's a limit on what the Government can do, but I would have loved to have got some financial support,' says Ellen, who is now busy launching a sustainable clothing company called Daylight Lingerie. 'A lot of businesses don't need premises to operate from and I think they've been unfairly overlooked by Government.' Sole trader Kate Tynan had more luck with grants because she had just moved her wedding cake business Little Button Bakery into a studio in Marple, Greater Manchester, when the first lockdown hit. Lucky: Sole trader Kate Tynan had more luck with grants 'It was supposed to be my best ever year and it turned out to be the worst,' says Kate. 'I lost my whole market overnight.' Kate was able to get the first business grant of 10,000 thanks to having a business studio. But she didn't qualify for the Self Employed Income Support Scheme. 'It's been hard,' she says. 'I was lucky to have premises, but many in the wedding business work from home and they don't qualify for the grants. 'It's really frustrating it's as if people in Government don't understand how businesses work.' Kate says it has been hard to get hold of her council to find out what support is available. While she was able to switch to selling gift boxes at the end of last year, she now has to contend with schools being closed, meaning she is unable to juggle work and home-school her children, aged six and nine. 'I feel like I'm in limbo and I just don't know when weddings will get back to normal,' she says. Helen Sharland and her husband Dominic will not benefit from the new grants because their bespoke laser-cut stationery business for weddings and luxury brands cutture.com is not considered hospitality. Helen says: 'Our industry has essentially shut down. All our clients cancelled their orders in March last year and we have barely worked since.' The couple were able to get so-called Coronavirus Bounce Back Loans to keep going as well as business rates relief on their small premises in Bedford. Their other company onthemantel.com focuses on promoting positive mental health. 'We are putting everything into that now,' says Helen. 'But it feels like the events industry has just been brushed under the carpet. It needs to have the same level of support as the hospitality industry.' The FSB is calling for more targeted help from the Government. This includes the creation of a 'director's income support scheme' mirroring the self-employed scheme more help for the recently self-employed, a second round of more inclusive small business cash grants, extending the period before the bounce back loans need to be repaid, and a German-style 'revenue loss scheme'. Cherry says: 'This lockdown is expected to last for some time and even when restrictions ease, many small firms will be unable to function at 100 per cent, if at all. 'The Government should create a spring economic plan to help firms get through so they can help instigate a vaccine-enabled recovery.' Indonesias Boeing 737-500 jet which was flying with 62 people on board from the capital Jakarta to the island of Borneo has been located at a depth of 75 feet in the Java Sea a day after plane lost contact with air traffic controllers after take off. According to the latest reports, authorities said that they were hopeful they were homing in on the wreckage of Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 after they picked up a signal that came in from the jets flight recorder. Rescuers said that they found body parts and pieces of the plane. Indonesia plane crash Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said, We received reports from the diver team that the visibility in the water is good and clear, allowing the discovery of some parts of the plane. He added, We are sure that is the point where the plane crashed. Hopefully until this afternoon the current conditions and the view under the sea are still good so that we can continue the search. Read: Indonesian Transport Ministry On Missing Plane (Rescuers carry debris found in the waters around the location where a Sriwijaya Air passenger jet has lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after the takeoff, in Java Sea, near Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. Image Credits: AP) (Rescuers inspect debris found in the waters around the location where a Sriwijaya Air passenger jet has lost contact with air traffic controllers shortly after the takeoff, at the search and rescue command center at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. Image Credits: AP) (Members of National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) prepare an area where debris found in the waters where a Sriwijaya Air passenger jet has lost contact with air traffic controllers will be brought to be examined, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, early Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. Image Credits: AP) As of now, there is no sign of survival. The reason for the crash is still not clear. President Joko Widod said, I represent the government and all Indonesians in expressing my deep condolences for this tragedy. We are doing our best to save the victims. We pray together so that the victims can be found. He also said that he had asked the National Transport Safety Committee to conduct an investigation. Earlier on Saturday, a Boeing spokesperson said that the company is still in touch with Sriwijaya Air and is ready to support the families of the victims. ''Human body parts and debris of the plane were found,'' Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of Trisula coast guard ship. The flight was carrying 62 passengers, including children and had lost all the contact more than 10,000 feet of altitude in less than one minute, reported flight-tracking website Flightradar24. The rapid depletion of altitude reportedly occurred four minutes after departure from Jakarta airport. Read: Boeing 737 8-Max Makes Emergency Landing After technical Glitch In One Of Its Engines The Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 was operated by a Boeing 737-500 "classic", which had been in service for more than 26 years, since May 1994. According to Flightradar24, the Sriwijaya plane disappeared from the radar at 07:40:27 UTC time. The Transportation Ministry of Indonesia had informed a news channel that the flight went off the radar at 2:40 pm local time and that search and rescue operations were underway. Read: Indonesia's Top Islamic Body OKs China's Sinovac Vaccine Also Read: US Congressional Report Calls Out Boeing For Dubious 737 Max Recertification Efforts (Image Credits: AP) Megyn Kelly weighed in on Trumps Twitter ban (Getty Images) Former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly has slammed Twitter for the companys decision to permanently ban Donald Trump from the platform. Ms Kelly tweeted an NPR headline on the news and wrote: If youre on the right or not woke or want to raise Qs about the integrity of our electoral system, youre next. The president was permanently removed from Twitter on Friday with the company citing the risk that he would incite further violence, following a temporary suspension after Wednesdays storming of the US Capitol building in DC by pro-Trump rioters. Ms Kellys remark was met with stinging rebukes. Jesse Wegman, a member of the New York Times editorial board and an expert on the Supreme Court, responded to Ms Kelly: I never realized raising questions meant burning down the Capitol. Kyle Griffin, a senior producer for MSNBCs The Last Word, wrote: Please stop lying. You have a large platform. Please think of the possible consequences before you tweet obvious lies. Words matter, Megyn. Political scientist and president of the Eurasia Group, Ian Bremmer, replied: This is a bad and dishonest take. He added: Unless by Q you mean Q, referring to QAnon conspiracy theories. Ms Kelly responded: Totally honest, actually. Would love for it to turn out to be wrong but I am deeply concerned. In earlier posts Ms Kelly described the Capitol riots as wrong and shameful and called for the arrest of all involved. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. On Thursday she retweeted the presidents video statement on the riots in which he said the demonstrators who infiltrated the capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy and that those who broke the law will pay. The former Fox host wrote: Good statement. Late, but, well - relieved he did it. I dont know about you guys, but I feel a sense of melancholy. Since commenting on the Trump Twitter ban, Ms Kelly posted a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union, commenting: Well looky here, folks who suggested its dishonest to worry about a slippery slope of coming censorship, even your civil liberties god sees whats coming. Story continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The ACLU statement reads: We understand the desire to permanently suspend him now, but it should concern everyone when companies like Facebook and Twitter wield the unchecked power to remove people from platforms that have become indispensable for the speech of billions especially when political realities make those decisions easier. Noting that the president has many other channels through which he can exercise his First Amendment rights to a wider audience, the ACLU notes that this is something not available to the vast majority of people. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. President Trump can turn to his press team or Fox News to communicate with the public, but others like the many Black, Brown, and LGBTQ activists who have been censored by social media companies will not have that luxury. It is our hope that these companies apply their rules transparently to everyone, the statement continues. Twitter has also banned the Trump campaign account Team Trump as well as some of Mr Trumps allies like General Michael Flynn and lawyer Sidney Powell. Read More What will happen to official POTUS Twitter account after Trumps ban ? Celebrities celebrate Trumps permanent Twitter ban Sacha Baron Cohen celebrates Trumps important Twitter ban Donald Trump permanently banned from Twitter Twitter bans Trump allies Flynn and Powell in QAnon purge Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 02:52:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A man wearing a face mask walks in Beirut, Lebanon, Jan. 9, 2021. Lebanon recorded on Saturday 5,414 new COVID-19 infections and 20 more deaths from the pandemic amid a warning by caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hassan that the cabinet may impose complete lockdown if figures continue to rise. Lebanon started on Thursday the third nationwide lockdown since the outbreak of the virus on Feb. 21, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Zongya) BEIRUT, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon recorded on Saturday 5,414 new COVID-19 infections and 20 more deaths from the pandemic amid a warning by caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hassan that the cabinet may impose complete lockdown if figures continue to rise. The total number of infections reached on Saturday 215,553 while death toll stands at 1,590, the Health Ministry said. Head of the Health Parliamentary Committee Assem Araji emphasized on Saturday the importance to impose complete lockdown without any exception for one week. Lebanon started on Thursday the third nationwide lockdown since the outbreak of the virus on Feb. 21, 2020. However, the Interior Ministry allowed a few exceptions to the lockdown covering certain industries. Lebanon and China supported each other in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. In February 2020, Lebanese President Michel Aoun expressed solidarity with China in its battle against the coronavirus. In return, China offered help to Lebanon's anti-coronavirus fight, including the donation of medical equipment to Beirut's airport and Lebanon's Health Ministry. In a week where the news was dominated by an unruly mob invading the U.S. Capitol, I want to highlight the work of journalists who put themselves in danger to document sometimes violent demonstrations. Dave Killen, a photographer and videographer on our staff, was shoved violently to the ground while he was covering a right-wing rally in Salem on Jan. 1. During Portland protests, he also was injured by police munitions, was struck by Portland police pepper balls and was sprayed with more gas than most of his colleagues. Beth Nakamura, multimedia journalist for The Oregonian/OregonLive, was gratuitously shoved by a Portland policeman with his baton during downtown protests last year and was struck by canisters launched by federal authorities. Several times she was left bruised, and pepper ball strikes became routine. Nakamura also was threatened by left-wing agitators who were affronted by her coverage of them on a public street. She also was harassed by Proud Boys at a Salem demonstration late last year. (We have filed a police report in Killens case and an independent police review complaint in Nakamuras.) Another photographer, Mark Graves, was told by Portland police to vacate a public sidewalk, then targeted with what sounded like pepper balls. Working journalists were booted from the zone around the Red House on North Mississippi. At a protest outside City Commissioner Dan Ryans house, someone demanded Killen delete photos (he didnt). Last year, we purchased ballistic vests, goggles, gas masks and helmets for the journalists covering protests. It was clear that many people, whether from the left or the right, were carrying loaded weapons. This became apparent after the killing of a Patriot Prayer member downtown. Both the killer and the victim were carrying firearms. And the gear protected us from police munitions, pepper balls and CS gas. During last weeks insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, journalists were also targeted. Murder the media was scratched into a door, the New York Times reported. Journalists were surrounded and threatened outside the Capitol. Members of the mob smashed the equipment of a camera crew, some chanting CNN sucks. It turns out it was The Associated Press gear that was destroyed, and an AP photographer was assaulted. I have to tell you, this was an attack on the First Amendment, and Ive never seen this before, Shomari Stone, a broadcast journalist for the NBC affiliate at the Capitol, said on air, the Times reported. Weve seen increased intimidation toward the media through the summer and fall of protests. Organizers often sought to block live streaming, the way many independent journalists document Portland demonstrations. Oregonians, and Americans, all have a stake in supporting and protecting the independent press. If reporters are threatened and cannot do their jobs, we all suffer -- and democracy is weakened. The average citizen may not realize how the work of individual journalists informs them, every day. A newspaper reporter may break news on OregonLive, which then is picked up and repeated by radio and television. The wire services might pick up the story and share it widely. The same goes for when radio, TV or other newspapers report news. The news ecosystem relies on reporters on the ground, gathering new information that benefits many citizens beyond their viewership or readership. I shudder to think what a world would look like where the only news came from special interests, public relations officials and government press releases. While the discourse has coarsened considerably in the past year (I was called a f---ing whore last week by a caller), I find many reasons to be optimistic. First, readership is up -- way up. The pandemic and protests have rekindled the thirst for accurate, fair, complete and timely local news. Second, people are engaged and energized about government and local and national politics. Those subjects can be dry, but they affect everything about how we live. Readers are tuned in like they havent been for years. Last, a record number of people voted last year. This is a good thing, and Oregon makes it so easy with vote by mail, our longstanding system. As I said to my profane caller: Your energies would be better spent working for positive change rather than sexist attacks on independent journalists putting themselves in harms way to chronicle this extraordinary time. Rather than attacking the messengers, find ways you can improve what angers you. Worried about voter fraud? Call your local elections office and inquire about becoming a volunteer observer. Find a live stream where you can monitor vote counting. Unhappy with elected officials? Run for office. Go to public meetings. Use your voice. Vote. Disagree with something you read in The Oregonian/OregonLive? Write a letter to the editor or a commentary piece. Email me directly. Or call me. Just keep it civil and Ill keep listening. Thank you for all who read and support our work. The ordinance has provided a maximum of 10 years imprisonment for forcible marriage of a girl for the purpose of changing her religion The ordinance has made it mandatory for the bride and the groom to notify the local district magistrate 2 months ahead of their conversions, failing which the marriage would be nullified. (Photo:PTI) Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh government on Saturday brought into force the contentious Freedom of Religion ordinance, known in political parlance as Love Jihad law, providing a maximum jail term of 10 years for forcible marriage of a girl for the purpose of changing her religion. The ordinance was enforced 2 days after the governor Anandiben Patel gave her assent to it on Thursday. Earlier on December 29, the state cabinet gave a nod to the ordinance in the wake of suspension of the winter session of the state assembly, scheduled to commence on December 28. The state cabinet had last month given approval to the Freedom of Religion Bill, 2020, which was scheduled to see passage in the state assembly in the now-suspended winter session. The ordinance has provided a maximum of 10 years imprisonment for forcible marriage of a girl for the purpose of changing her religion. It has been made mandatory for the bride and the groom to notify the local district magistrate 2 months ahead of their conversions, failing which the marriage would be nullified. The ordinance has provided 5 years jail term for the religious leaders and priests involved in the forcible marriages. Onus would be on the accused to prove his or her innocence. The ordinance has made provision of maintenance to the victim and her children. India on Wednesday delivered 15 tons of relief material to Cambodia for its flood affected people, in reflection of the importance New Delhi attaches to its relations with the Southeast Asian nation. The relief materials were delivered by Indian naval ship INS Kiltan. The ship arrived at Cambodia's Sihanoukville port on Tuesday and the relief materials were handed over to the Cambodian authorities at a ceremony on Wednesday, according to the Indian Embassy in Phnom Penh. "Another glorious chapter was written today in the age-old civilisational and friendly relations between India and Cambodia when Indian naval ship INS Kiltan delivered 15 tons of flood relief material containing 3,000 flood relief kits for the flood affected people in Cambodia," the embassy said in a statement. It said INS Kiltan was welcomed at the Sinhanoukville port by Indian diplomats as well as officials from Royal Cambodian Navy The relief materials were handed over to Hang Samoeun, Permanent Vice President of the National Committee for Disaster Management at a ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Indian diplomat B Subba Rao said that the assistance in the form of flood relief material is an indication of the importance India attaches to Cambodia as an extended neighbour and a reliable partner, the statement said. In his address, Samoeun recalled the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries and thanked the government of India for their kind gesture to help the flood affected people of Cambodia, it said. Businesses and unions are lobbying for frontline workers such as bus drivers and checkout assistants to jump the queue for coronavirus vaccines to ensure their industries can leave COVID-19 restrictions behind without risking outbreaks. Industries are jockeying for priority treatment for their workers as the government brings forward its vaccine roll-out in the face of new and more infectious coronavirus strains out of the United Kingdom and South Africa. Retail workers, who kept the country fed during the height of panic buying, are one group unions and business want to have early vaccine access. Credit:Janie Barrett Those lobbying the Morrison government are driven by fears some workers in constant contact with customers and delivering essential services will not get the vaccine soon enough, and that others in spheres including education, tourism and trade will lose key overseas contacts if they do not get a vaccine to travel. The intense jockeying puts pressure on the government to clarify its vaccine rollout, which has already been pushed forward from an expected late March start to February and will begin with hotel quarantine and aged care employees. A Texas state representative has called for the arrest of Midlander Jenny Cudd following a viral Facebook live video in which she said she was among the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. You should be arrested and prosecuted, Ms. Cudd, Rep. Jeff Leach posted on Twitter Thursday night. And Im confident you will be. Leach, a Republican from Plano, has been the state representative for District 67 since 2013. In his post, he linked to an excerpt from Cudds video that has received more than 5 million views on Twitter. We did break down Nancy Pelosis door and somebody stole her gavel, Cudd says in the video. Leach joins a growing list of notable persons calling for Cudds arrest, including actors Jane Lynch and Patton Oswalt, author Don Winslow and former Congressional candidate from Florida Dr. Dena Grayson. Lynch retweeted Cudds video and said, Arrest the dope. Winslow also shared Cudds video and tagged the FBI before writing, What else do you need to make an arrest? When asked if U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, whose district encompasses Midland and Odessa, would call for Cudds arrest, a spokeswoman said, Congressman Pfluger has said repeatedly that anyone who broke the law should be prosecuted. Cudd denied doing anything unlawful during Wednesdays riots in an interview with the Reporter-Telegram on Thursday. She said Antifa broke through the Capitols barriers and assaulted police officers before she arrived. She said she then walked into the Capitol with a large group and took pictures inside the rotunda for about 15 minutes before leaving. Cudd denied going onto the House or Senate floors or into any lawmakers' offices. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health on Saturday said the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the East African country rose to 127,792 after new 220 cases were reported. The ministry said that the number of COVID-19 related deaths in the country reached 1,985 as of Saturday evening, including 11 new COVID-19 related deaths reported during the last 24-hour period. The ministry further said that some 113,295 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had recovered, including 113 in the last 24-hour period. It also said that some 12,510 of the total reported COVID-19 cases were active cases, of which 200 of the patients were said to be in severe condition. Ethiopia, Africa's second-most populous nation with about 107 million people, has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the east African region. Ethiopia is the fifth-most COVID-19 affected country in the African continent, after South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia. The Ethiopian government has been calling on the public to implement COVID-19 precautionary measures so as to contain the spread of the virus. Ethiopia has so far conducted 1,844,719 COVID-19 tests, according to the ministry. Short link: 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. 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 With S.C. House leaders pushing to negotiate the sale of Santee Cooper to NextEra and Senate leaders signaling that they might be interested in offloading the state-owned utility despite huge problems with the initial proposal, its good to see a handful of senators working to make sure we know more about NextEras lobbying campaign. The Post and Couriers Avery Wilks reports that a special Senate Judiciary subcommittee plans to ask NextEra for communications between its lobbyists and state lawmakers, a list of campaign donations by NextEra and its employees, direct and indirect payments to state legislators and businesses with which they are associated, and any other spending in South Carolina, including for efforts to build public support for the deal by paying political bloggers, business groups and social media influencers. The request dates to the July 2017 decision by Santee Cooper and the now-defunct SCE&G to abandon work on the $9 billion V.C. Summer nuclear expansion project. Until now, Santee Coopers defenders have behaved primarily as obstructionists working to block not only efforts to sell the utility but even efforts to reform a state agency that has functioned autonomously and often arrogantly, putting its own interests ahead of those of state taxpayers or its own ratepayers. But this latest effort, while still designed to prevent a sale, could help the Legislature make the best decision about a sale and also to improve how our state regulates monopolies. Note that senators had to specifically request the information and threaten to subpoena it if NextEra doesnt comply. That should remind us that although state law requires legislators to report the sources of their income and requires businesses to report their campaign donations and their lobbying activities, those laws have huge loopholes that allow companies to obscure the scope of their efforts to convince legislators to give them the benefit of the doubt. And even without the loopholes, those laws likely wouldnt capture all the efforts deep-pocketed interests undertake to endear themselves to legislators. Based on NextEras initial bid, it seems doubtful that lawmakers can work out a sale that would actually benefit Santee Cooper customers and our state rather than simply satisfy philosophical desires to get the state out of the utility business. Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! Still, we hope legislators persist in their courtship of NextEra at least long enough for the utility to have to comply with the requests; it's likely to be eye-popping to see the degree to which the utility went to make it easy for individual legislators to feel its friendly presence but difficult for the public to measure it. We hope it also will serve to remind legislators just how valuable it is to own an electric utility that is granted monopoly status in South Carolina essentially a license to print money and drive them to impose long-overdue restrictions on how those businesses ingratiate themselves to the legislators who decide whether our state will grant monopoly status to companies, and how profitable that status can be. The U.S. Supreme Court has limited how much we can regulate money in politics. But we can impose all sorts of restrictions in return for granting companies a monopoly. So the Legislature can prohibit regulated utilities, their executives and affiliated organizations from offering employment, campaign donations or gifts to legislators. It can ban them from making donations to dark-money organizations. And ban or restrict other activities, depending on what other types of generosity the documents turn up. And that is precisely what it needs to do, regardless of Santee Cooper's fate. Those laws wouldn't apply to NextEra unless it purchases Santee Cooper, but they would apply to Dominion and Duke energy, which also have every incentive to make state legislators feel good about them. Aspen, CO (81611) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 69F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low near 40F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts says President Donald Trump is staring down his second impeachment less than two weeks before he leaves the White House following the deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump loyalists. Unless the president resigns on Sunday which officials acknowledge is unlikely House lawmakers expect to introduce articles of impeachment on Monday accusing the president of willfully inciting violence against the government of the United States. The House vote, according to a tentative schedule, is set for Wednesday, Lynch told WCVBs On the Record on Sunday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the entire Massachusetts delegation and at least two Republican senators have called on Trump to resign, be impeached or removed through the 25th Amendment. Lynch noted that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said that the chamber could not hold a potential Senate trial until later this month, just as the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration is about to take office. Even if the Senate holds a trial after Trump is no longer in office, lawmakers could vote to bar the president from seeking office in the future, which would be a great result, Lynch said. For us to impeach is the right thing to do, and I dont think theres ever a wrong time to do the right thing, Lynch said. You would think that the Senate, after having the president direct a mob to attack the Capitol, against the House and Senate, putting them all in peril, (that) they would be receptive to at least debating and discussing the merits of impeachment. After President Trump incited a violent attempt to overthrow the results our democratic election it is imperative we ensure he, and everyone else involved, is held accountable for their criminal actions and deadly rhetoric. https://t.co/iIpVffLSDr Rep. Stephen Lynch (@RepStephenLynch) January 8, 2021 Lynch argued that history demands an impeachment vote because democracy has been, and is being, threatened. The attack on the Capitol came as a joint session of Congress sought to finalize Bidens victory. It also came shortly after Trump, rebuffed by Vice President Mike Pence who said he would announce the final vote according to law, certifying Bidens win branded Pence a coward. Several supporters reportedly said they wanted to execute Pence on Wednesday. Before Capitol Police placed the building on lockdown, more than 100 Trump-allied Republican lawmakers attempted to curtail the certification by objecting to electoral votes for Biden in key battleground states. Like Trump, they alleged, without evidence, that widespread fraud may have stolen the election, or that partisan courts and unelected bureaucrats illegally changed election laws in Democrats favor. Bipartisan all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court have thrown out Trumps and Republicans claims for months. Bipartisan local, state and federal officials even Trumps own Department of Homeland Security and former Attorney General William Barr have debunked countless false claims that fraud or irregularities handed the White House to Biden. We want to know who the people are who step up and defend the republic, Lynch said. This president supported an insurrection against the elected government, used force against the legislative branch to stop them from performing their constitutional duty. That warrants forceful action on the part of all Americans who support the Constitution. Related Content: Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) The Philippine Marine Corps said no military honors were given at the funeral rites of Christine Dacera in General Santos City on Sunday. "No military honors were rendered during the burial of Ms. Christine Dacera. No ceremonies, no flag-draped casket, no volleys of fire that constitute interment honor," Philippine Marine Corps Commandant MGen. Ariel Caculitan said in a statement. He explained that the uniformed personnel present were reservists requested by Christine's mother Sharon Dacera, who is a Marine reservist, to assist if needed in security matters at the interment, including crowd control, amid concerns regarding COVID-19. Caculitan said the elder Dacera's request was granted by the commander of the 12th Regional Community Defense Group. "Wala din naman bawal kung nag-assist sila magbuhat kung makakatulong," Caculitan said, adding no military regulation or policy was violated. [Translation: There is nothing against assisting in carrying (the casket) if it would help.] The clarification comes after a photo from Dacera's funeral showed her casket being carried by personnel in uniform. Dacera was laid to rest more than a week after her controversial death on New Year's Day. Dacera's family and friends gathered at the Forest Lake Memorial Park in her hometown on Sunday morning for one final view of her remains. TIMELINE: The Christine Dacera case DNA and dental records hold the key to establishing the identity of a woman whose skeleton was discovered by an old Cork railway line. Gardai believe the bones, some of which were found wrapped in cloth with a small piece of religious jewellery, are more recent than initially suspected. However, preliminary indications are that the remains do not fit the profile of any of Cork's major missing person cases. The remains were found by workmen clearing part of the old Midleton-Youghal railway for conversion into a 19.8m greenway. A workman operating a digger at 4pm last Tuesday at Roxborough outside Midleton, Co Cork, was shocked to spot what he immediately feared was a human skull. Read More The area was immediately sealed off and an exhaustive examination of the site by gardai yielded further bones, some of which displayed signs of animal activity. Almost a full skeleton has now been recovered. Garda sources stressed that detailed tests are now required to confirm an age profile for the deceased. While the skull has been confirmed as that of an adult woman, tests are ongoing to determine that the other bones recovered are those of the same individual. However, one source indicated all the preliminary signs point towards the woman involved being aged somewhere between 55 and 85 years. Fragments of disintegrated clothing found at the scene are also consistent with belonging to a much older woman. The highest profile missing person in Cork is Tina Satchwell from Youghal who was 45 when she vanished without trace on March 20, 2017. Major searches off both the east Cork coast and in a Castlemartyr woodland failed to reveal any clue of her whereabouts. Her husband, Richard, has maintained she is alive and has pleaded with her to return home. Gardai said they are satisfied Tina never left Ireland. Expand Close No trace of Tina Satchwell has yet been found / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp No trace of Tina Satchwell has yet been found Read More However, preliminary indications are that the remains found in Midleton are those of a much older woman and that they have likely been in situ for longer than five years. Gardai hope religious jewellery found by one of the bones could be crucial in identifying the remains. It was initially suspected the remains were historic, dating back to the early 20th century and those of an adult male, possibly linked to the War of Independence. However, detectives believe the bones are more recent, possibly dating to between the last five and 25 years. The bones have now been removed to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for examination by assistant state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster and a forensic anthropologist. The skull was examined in detail at CUH on Friday with special focus on the remaining teeth for dental records. There was no sign of trauma or violence to the skull. A full list of missing persons from the greater east Cork area over the past 50 years is being compiled. Detectives hope forensic tests will determine whether the remains were buried or may simply have been dumped into undergrowth. Gardai said they are now awaiting the results of expert tests that will include detail records, carbon dating and DNA sampling. One source said they were hopeful of identifying the remains given the condition of the bones, skull and teeth. "Gardai are continuing to investigate the discovery of suspected skeletal remains found in Roxborough near Midleton, Co Cork, at approximately 4.30pm on Tuesday, January 5," a spokesperson has said. Protesting farmers on Sunday vandalised the venue of a 'kisan mahapanchayat' programme at Kaimla village here where Haryana Chief Minister was to address people to highlight the benefits of the Centre's three agriculture laws. The Haryana Police used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent the farmers from marching towards the village. The farmers, however, reached the venue and damaged the makeshift helipad where Khattar's chopper was to land despite elaborate security arrangements made by the police. They later took control of the helipad and squatted on it. Some protesters also uprooted the tiles of the helipad. The farmers disrupted the kisan mahapanchayat' programme by damaging the stage and breaking chairs, tables and flower pots at the venue. In the melee, stones were also pelted as police personnel ran for cover. Angry farmers, mainly comprising youths, damaged the stage, tent and speakers at the venue. They also tore BJP hoardings and uprooted banners in the presence of policemen. Under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), farmers, who have been demanding that the laws be repealed, had earlier announced to oppose the 'kisan mahapanchayat'. Haryana ministers Kanwar Pal Gujjar, Krishan Lal Panwar, Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia and Gharaunda MLA Harvinder Kalyan were part of the programme before the agitating farmers took control of the venue. The programme was cancelled due to an unruly act by farmers at the behest of BKU leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, BJP leader Raman Mallik said. Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the chief minister's visit to the village where he was to speak to people to highlight the benefits of the new farm laws. Director General of Police (Crime) Muhammad Akil was also present at the spot. The protesting farmers earlier carried black flags and shouted slogans against the BJP-led government as they attempted to march towards Kaimla village. Police had put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent the protesters from reaching the programme venue. However, the farmers crossed the barricade put up at Gharaunda on the Kaimla road. The police had also parked several trucks carrying sand at one of the roads to prevent the farmers from entering Kaimla village. Karnal Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia also tried to pacify the agitators, but in vain. All the farmers are here to whom the CM sahib' intends to explain the farm laws. We will not allow the government to hold this programme, a protestor said. The farmers lambasted the Khattar-led dispensation in the state, saying it was holding a programme on the central farm laws at this point of time when farmers across the country have been protesting against the same. The government is trying to rub salt into our wounds with this kisan mahapanchayat' programme, another protester added. Some local villagers and BJP workers also had a face-off with the protesters after the latter reached the venue. The policemen, who tried to pacify the agitating farmers, had also used mild cane charge to disperse them. Reacting to the incident, Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the government should avoid confrontation with the protesting farmers. "Farmers have certain apprehensions over the new farm Acts, the government should rather repeal these Acts as desired by the peasantry and avoid confrontation with them by holding functions like the mahapanchayat," he said. The former CM reiterated his demand of convening an emergent session of the state assembly. "This government has lost the faith of its legislators and people. The Congress wants to bring a no confidence motion against the Khattar government," he said. Haryana Congress chief Kumari Selja said the mahapanchayat convened by Khattar did not get support from the people. "The government had lost trust of the people," she said. AICC general secretary Randeep singh Surjewala said the proposed mahapanchayat was a "government sponsored" event which has been shown "its true picture" by the protesters. Meanwhile, a purported video of Haryana BKU chief Gurnam Singh Charuni making an appeal to end the arrogance of the CM by not allowing him to address the mahapanchayat circulated on social media. Notably, on January 6, the BKU (Charuni) had threatened that they would oppose the 'kisan mahapanchayat' programme. Besides addressing the programme, the Haryana CM was also supposed to announce development works worth Rs 47 crore for Karnal. (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.) China has administered more than 9 million doses of self-developed COVID-19 vaccines. A senior health official announced this at a press conference on Saturday. Starting Dec. 15, China officially launched the COVID-19 vaccination program for this winter-spring period targeting a number of key groups, including those engaged in handling imported cold-chain products, customs officers, medical workers, and people working in public transport and fresh markets. Since then, more than 7.5 million doses have been administered among these groups, said Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission (NHC). With the previous 1.6 million doses targeting groups with high risks of infection, a total of over 9 million doses have been administered in China. It further proved the safety of self-developed COVID-19 vaccines, Zeng said. Zeng said that China would vaccinate the eligible population as widely as possible and gradually build an immune barrier in the whole population to control the epidemic. The vaccination would be administered in the order of key groups, high-risk groups, and the general population as the vaccine's production capacity increases, he said. Zeng noted that China has a variety of measures in place to ensure safe vaccinations, including proper vaccination procedures, strict vaccinator training, vaccine recipient screening, adverse reaction monitoring, emergency treatment, and expert consultations on adverse reactions, Zeng said. A total of 25,392 vaccination sites are available nationwide. Nearly 140,000 people have been vaccinated so far in north China's Hebei Province, said Cui Gang, an official with NHC's disease control department. He demanded efforts to speed up vaccination among key groups in the province as soon as possible. The NHC has organized experts to work out eight detailed plans to guide the vaccinations, from vaccine transportation and distribution to adverse reaction prevention, Cui said. A traceability information system for the management of vaccines now operates in medical institutions at all levels, Cui added. Wang Huaqing, an expert from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said vaccination monitoring showed that most of the adverse reactions, including rashes and allergic reactions, are mild. Approximately one in a million encountered relatively serious adverse reactions. COVID-19 vaccinations costs, including vaccine expenses and inoculation fees, would be covered by medical insurance funds and government fiscal, rather than individuals, said Li Tao, deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration. He also noted that the administration's disbursement on COVID-19 vaccines would not affect the current revenue and expenditure of medical insurance funds or residents' medical treatment. Zheng Zhongwei, head of the working group for vaccine development under the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19, said China has promised to make its COVID-19 vaccine a global public good when available, contributing to vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries. China's vaccine enterprises took consideration of this promise when laying out the vaccine production capacity, Zheng said. Last week, a small group of employees in Google's US headquarters joined a union. Even though it was a relatively tiny number - just 400 out of 125,000 employed worldwide - it caused a stir. A union in a high-tech company? Weren't unions supposed to be on the decline? Aren't tech firms supposed to be enlightened, high-paying workplaces where there isn't any need for unions? In Ireland, unions are rare in tech companies. But they're not unknown. Apple, for example, has a number of Siptu members in Cork, linked to its original industrial activity of manufacturing computers there. HP, Ericsson and IBM have historically had some union membership. The Financial Services Union says that it has begun to attract members from video gaming companies based in Ireland. So much so that it has set up its own branch for the sector called Game Workers Unite. That sector has between 2,000 and 3,000 people working in it, depending on what kind of employment you count. While it won't say how many gaming workers it has attracted so far, the GWU says that issues it's representing members on include unpaid overtime, contracts and a "culture of harassment and bullying". Even among the new wave of giant software and web firms such as Google, Amazon and Facebook, where a union culture seems most inimical, unions claim to have "pockets" of workers. Does Google have any anti-union stance in Ireland? Not officially. Company executives say that there's no rule against union membership or organisation. The company also says that it works with union-affiliated 'vendors', which could be employing contractors or non-staff workers. So might the US workers' organisation in Google be a sign for the future of tech employment here? In the short term, it looks unlikely. In Ireland, unionisation has morphed into something of a taboo topic among policymakers. Despite tech companies now employing hundreds of thousands of staff, politicians don't like to discuss it much, especially when in government. Over the years, I've asked many TDs about it and the answer is always the same: these companies pay above average and generally give their staff good benefits - it's not a priority for us. This response is as true for parties that position themselves economically as left-of-centre, such as Labour, the Greens or the Social Democrats, as right-of-centre parties such as Fine Gael or (depending on which year it is) Fianna Fail. Staff at such firms, whenever I've casually brought the topic up, have said much the same thing. Unions here have a stereotypical brand of being old-fashioned and pre-occupied with public sector organisations or a handful of legacy industries. And that raises a question: what might a union do in a big tech firm? In the US, Google workers say it's more about ethical issues than pay and conditions. It is "primarily an effort to give structure and longevity to activism at Google, rather than to negotiate for a contract", workers told the New York Times. But here? At multinationals, pay is generally good (just ask indigenous firms about how hard it is to compete for staff). Perks, such as share options or gym membership, are often ahead of other sectors too. Even 'life event' occurrences, such as maternity and paternity' leave, typically match the best of whatever you'll get in other white-collar businesses. That leaves issues such as working hours, hiring policies (including discrimination) and some 'work culture' matters, including behavioural interaction or even ethical decisions on providing services to controversial clients (which is a bigger issue in the US than it is here). Is there enough there for well paid staff to go looking for a union rep? What might a union actually do for the hundreds of euro you pay them each year? Legal or HR expertise on issues such as bullying or working conditions is one possibility. Some kind of safety net against a company exiting the country without a settlement (or simply collapsing) might be another. But it's hard to ignore a couple of underlying factors that, to date, seem to have persuaded most workers that it's not quite worth it. The first is that unions in Ireland have relatively little power in a company without large-scale membership there. While there's a right to have a rep represent you on issues, companies are effectively allowed to shrug your union rep (and you) off much more easily than in most European countries. (This is something that successive governments in Ireland, of differing political hues, don't seem too bothered about.) So if you're one of 27 people in Google Ireland (which employ some 4,000 staff and another 4,000 contractors) that's a union member, your rep isn't going to bring much muscle to the table. Ironically, they'll have more clout in Google's US office due to US law giving a stronger role to union recognition in the workplace. The second underlying weakness that union recruiters here face is an economic one: big tech firms are generally desirable places to work and have lots of available jobs. Unlike industries where mobility is limited and losing a job is catastrophic, many tech companies are more likely to experience labour supply shortages than rationalisation issues. This is hardly a surprise in a sector that is still booming. From a union perspective, it may be skewing managers towards making conditions for staff less unhappy than might ordinarily be tolerated. This is a macro-level point, of course; as anyone who checks online review portals such as Glassdoor can see in a few clicks, there will always be bad managers or culture conflicts or some other form of maladministration in large organisations. One in every six persons (16 per cent) tested for COVID-19 in Nigeria in the past two weeks tested positive for the virus, indicating how far the virus has spread. This is significantly higher than the average of one in ten persons since Nigeria recorded its first case of the virus in February last year. Also, Nigeria in the past two weeks set two new weekly infections record after reporting over 15,000 new cases in two weeks. PREMIUM TIMES review of official data shows that between Sunday and Saturday (December 27- January 9), the first two weeks of 2021, Nigeria recorded 15,937 new cases. In the first week, which included the last four days of 2020 (December 27-January 2), there were 6,037 cases, a 6.5 per cent increase over the previous weeks (December 20-26) figure of 5,643, which was the third-highest weekly record. Last week (January 3-9), 9,900 new cases were reported, representing a 39 per cent increase from the previous weeks figure of 6,037 and second highest weekly record. The 9,900 recorded last week is the highest weekly figure ever. Over the two weeks, the country tested 100,345 persons, which implies that one in every six tests in the period came back positive. Since the pandemic broke out in February last year, over a million (1,025,560) samples were collected for testing. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the increase is the result of factors which include increased local and international travels, business and religious activities with minimal compliance with COVID-19 safety measures. While some states have announced restrictions ranging from ban on gatherings and curfews to curb the spread, the federal government also placed travel restrictions on 100 passengers for non-compliance with the mandatory Day 7 post-arrival COVID-19 test. Passengers arriving in the country are required to self-isolate and carry out a COVID-19 test seven days after arrival but a recent report by PREMIUM TIMES revealed that some passengers failed to comply. Nevertheless, the NCDC and sister agencies have intensified efforts in enlightening Nigerians on the essence of the safety precautions. Deaths, recoveries rise too Further analysis also showed that the number of fatalities and recoveries increased in the past two weeks. Nigeria recorded 98 deaths in the two weeks 50 in the first week and 48 in the second. There were 29 deaths in the week preceding the period. Also, 8,922 COVID-19 patients recovered from the disease and were discharged within the period. According to the breakdown, 4,294 were discharged in the first week and 4,628 last week. ADVERTISEMENT Each of the weekly recovery figures was over 30 per cent increase over the 2,711 recoveries reported in the preceding week. Hope As Nigeria grapples with the second wave of the pandemic, officials have raised hope on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine. Nigeria is expecting its first 100,000 doses of Pfizer and BioNtech vaccines at the end of this month, according to the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib. The country is also 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. The Nigerian government has also inaugurated an 18-member national COVID-19 task team to ensure vaccine security on arrival. Mr Shuaib said 40 per cent of the population was expected to get shots this year and 60 per cent by the end of next year. However, experts said Nigeria does not have adequate storage facilities to hold vaccines at the required temperature of minus 70 degrees Celsius, largely due to epileptic electricity supply in the country. there are no ultra-cold freezers much 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. Nigeria and the pandemic so far As of the time of reporting, Nigeria has 99,063 confirmed cases. Of this figure, 79,417 people have recovered after treatment and 1,350 have died in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Currently, 18,296 patients are being managed in various isolation centres in the country. A breakdown of the confirmed cases shows that Lagos State has so far reported 35,448 cases, followed by FCT 13,406, Kaduna 5,779, Plateau 5, 711, Oyo 4, 323, Rivers 3, 886, Edo 3, 060, Ogun 2, 668, Kano 2, 435, Delta 1, 982, Ondo 1, 918, Katsina 1, 687, Kwara 1, 495, Enugu 1, 455, Gombe 1, 440, Ebonyi 1, 147, Nasarawa 1, 091, Abia 1, 086, Bauchi 1, 082, Osun 1, 063, Borno 830, Imo 789, Bayelsa 569, Benue 553, Sokoto 529, Akwa Ibom 512, Niger 477, Adamawa 471, Jigawa 415, Anambra 386, Taraba 226, Kebbi 223, Cross River 169, Zamfara 112 and Kogi 5. Lagos State remains the epicentre for the disease in the country with the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths. The other top five states are FCT, Kaduna, Plateau, Oyo and Rivers. Only Kogi and Cross River states did not record a new case in the past two weeks or have an active case. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Kogi has been reluctant to test its residents for the virus. After being pulled over by traffic police for missing rear-view mirrors and helmets, motorbike driver Hoang Van Trung showed dissent before setting fire to his own vehicle in Vietnam. Authorities in Hai Duong City, the capital of the namesake northern province, have opened an investigation into the obstruction of law enforcement charges of a man who burned down his motorbike after being questioned by traffic police, said the traffic police unit of the city on Saturday. The situation took place on Friday afternoon on Tran Hung Dao Street, Hai Duong, as a patrol cohort of traffic police officers detected Trung, 40, from Hai Duong Province, committing multiple offenses, including running the lights and driving without a crash helmet or left rear-view mirror. After he was signaled to pull over, Trung showed lack of cooperation, had a quarrel with the officers, and promptly used his lighter to set his motorbike ablaze. The fire consumed the vehicle within minutes. The traffic police officers called on the citys investigation police and forensic science team to make a report of the case, while Trung was escorted to the local police bureau. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ahead of crucial Nepal-India Foreign Minister level talks that are likely to focus on seeking long-term solution of the boundary dispute, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday said they will retrieve the Nepali territories of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh which have long been "occupied" by India. Addressing the National Assembly, he said that one of the prime items on the agenda of Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali on his India visit is the boundary dispute. Gyawali is visiting India on January 14 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar to participate in the sixth Nepal-India Joint Commission meeting at the Foreign Minister level. As per the Sugauli Treaty, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh are located east of the Mahakali River and belong to Nepal, Oli said. "We will hold diplomatic talks with India and our Foreign Minister is also going to India," he said. "Today, we are facing difficulties to get back our land because Nepali rulers never made efforts to reclaim Nepali territories after Indian military forces started to station there following the India-China war in 1962. After the India-China war, an Indian army battalion is stationed in Kalapani that Nepal has been claiming as its territory," he said. According to Oli, a notable initiative was made to solve problems in the relations with India by holding comprehensive dialogue. "Some had said the relations with India would be strained when a new map was issued by incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani as Nepali land but it did not happen. "Now, the discussion with India is held on the basis of friendship. Nepali land will be retrieved at any cost," he stressed while addressing the seventh session of the parliament. He also said that ties with China are developing in a positive way. Oli said that road connection with China is improving, a new tunnel to connect Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China is underway and "we are fairly doing well to improve ties with both neighbours, India and China". Oli, who rose on a nationalist plank in 2016 after India imposed a blockade, got over 63 per cent vote in the 2017 elections. After not getting enough support from his Nepal Communist Party, he dissolved the House of Representatives on December 20 and recommended snap polls be held on April 30 and May 10. But his decision to dissolve the house and hold fresh polls has been challenged in the Supreme Court and the hearing is going on. Oli's decision to dissolve the house has sharply divided opinions inside Nepal and his own party, Nepal Communist Party is on the verge of split. A case is pending at the Elections Commission. Rival factions, led by former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal, have challenged Oli's decision to dissolve the house and have been exercising as a separate political party since December 21 by forming their own central committee and party standing committee. Loyalists of President Trump descended on the nations Capitol last week in what many are calling an attack on American democracy. The political upheaval, together with fear over the growing pandemic, economic uncertainty and continued calls for social justice, put a divided nation on edge. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) holds talks with his Seychelles counterpart Sylvestre Radegonde in Victoria, Seychelles, Jan. 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yan) VICTORIA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with his Seychellois counterpart Sylvestre Radegonde on Saturday during an official visit to Seychelles. Wang said that China and Seychelles have a long tradition of friendship, and the relationship between the two countries is a model of equal treatment and mutual benefit between large and small countries. China supports the new Seychelles government's efforts on governance and is willing to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Seychelles as an opportunity to continuously consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations and push mutually beneficial cooperation to a new height, Wang said. Wang said China appreciates that Seychelles takes a firm stand in the one-China principle and Seychelles understands and supports China on issues involving China's core interests. China will also continue to uphold justice for Seychelles on the international and regional stage and support Seychelles in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development rights and interests, he said. Wang said that China expresses condolences to Seychelles for the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, fully understands the difficulties encountered by Seychelles, and is willing to provide help in fighting the pandemic within its capabilities. "We believe that the friendship between the two countries will deepen further after experiencing the test of the epidemic," said Wang. China is willing to continue to jointly promote the construction of the "Belt and Road" with Seychelles, actively implement the achievements of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), fully tap the potential of cooperation in green development, blue economy and tourism, strengthen cooperation in clean energy, marine aquaculture and air transportation, and help Seychelles in work resumption and economic recovery, Wang said. China is willing to work with African countries including Seychelles to make preparations for the new session of the FOCAC, listen to the opinions of Seychelles, promote the upgrading of China-Africa cooperation, according to the new situation of China-Africa relations and the new needs of development, to build a "Healthy Africa", a "Made in Africa", an "Inter-connected Africa", a "Harvest Africa", a "Digital Africa", a "Green Africa" and a "Safe Africa", and promote Africa's development, revitalization as well as independent and sustainable development, Wang said. China appreciates that Seychelles takes a firm stand of independence in international exchanges and actively advocates multilateralism, Wang said. The two sides should strengthen their support and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and jointly voice their support to multilateralism and win-win cooperation, and their opposition to unilateralism and division. Radegonde said that since the independence of Seychelles, China has provided continuous assistance to its development and has been in the same boat with Seychelles through thick and thin. Seychelles is deeply grateful for this. The visit of the Chinese foreign minister under the epidemic situation showed his firm support for Seychelles, Radegonde said. Seychelles highly appreciates China's cooperation projects in Seychelles and hopes to further strengthen cooperation with China in tourism, energy conservation, environmental protection, and other fields. Radegonde said Seychelles is pleased to be treated equally within the framework of the FOCAC and supports China's relevant ideas for convening a new session of the FOCAC. Seychelles and China have many identical and similar views on international relations, Radegonde said. Seychelles appreciates China's active safeguarding of the common interests of developing countries in the international arena and its support for small countries and developing countries like Seychelles to expand their voice. Seychelles is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China in international affairs and actively supports China's cooperation initiatives, Radegonde said. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. After the talks, the foreign ministers of the two countries witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between China and Seychelles on the construction and implementation of a low-carbon demonstration zone for South-South cooperation to deal with climate change. (Support Free Thought) - Richard Nixon, in his effort to silence Black people and antiwar activists, brought the War on Drugs into full force in 1973. He then signed Reorganization Plan No. 2, which established the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Over the course of five decades, this senseless war has waged on. At a cost of over $1 trillion ruining and ending countless lives in the process Americas drug war has created a drug problem that is worse now than ever before. This is no coincidence. For years, those of us whove been paying attention have seen who profits from this inhumane war the police state and cartels. This horrendously corrupt and violent drug war has gotten so bad, that it is getting pushed into the mainstream. In a Netflix Documentary that will be released this month, Stanley Nelson explores how the mainstream media and the CIA worked together to push crack in black neighborhoods across the country, creating a hellish prison state. Promising to be one of the most explosive documentaries in recent history, the show touches on the CIAs connection to the crack epidemic. According to an article from the Daily Beast who screened the documentary before its release on January 11, the documentarys broad scope ties racial and economic disparities; inner city poverty and crime; media reporting and sensationalism; political and legislative campaigning and action; mass incarceration and exploitation; and personal and communal responsibility together to paint a devastating picture of the American drug conspiracy. Cops disinterest in combating cracks infiltration into Black American communities gets brief mention, as does the polices corrupt participation in the drug economy, be it by stealing or taking payoffs from dealers. No in-depth investigation into this is forthcoming, alas; its merely another of the docs many bullet points to be dealt with in fleeting fashion. Thats also true of the long-standing theoryfirst popularized by a 1996 San Jose Mercury News series of articlesthat the CIA was either tacitly or actively responsible for the 1980s influx of cocaine and crack into the American inner city, through its efforts to help fund Nicaraguas Contras in their war against the Sandinista government. A quick history lesson about the Iran-Contra scandal, married to clips of a 1996 Watts, California town hall meeting in which Black American citizens railed against then-CIA chief John M. Deutch, suggestsalong with National Security Archives senior analyst Peter Kornbluhs bold interview claimsthat the U.S. government is chiefly to blame for cracks ubiquity. If the CIA trafficking cocaine into the United States sounds like some tinfoil conspiracy theory, think again. Their role in the drug trade was exposed in 1996 in a critical investigative series Dark Alliance by Gary Webb for the San Jose Mercury News. The investigation, headed up by Webb revealed ties between the CIA, Nicaraguan Contras and the crack cocaine trade ravaging African-American communities. The investigation provoked massive protests and congressional hearings, as well as overt backlash from the mainstream media to discredit Webbs reporting. However, decades later, officials would come forward to back up Webbs original investigation. Then-Senator John Kerry even released a detailed report claiming that not only was there considerable evidence linking the Contra effort to trafficking of drugs and weapons but that the U.S. government knew about it. Also, as the Free Thought Project previously reported, in a new book, Juan Pablo Escobar Henao, son of notorious Medellin cartel drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar, explains how his father worked for the CIA. In the book, Pablo Escobar In Fraganti, Escobar, who lives under the pseudonym, Juan Sebastian Marroquin, explains his father worked for the CIA selling cocaine to finance the fight against Communism in Central America. Going even further down the rabbit hole, a History Channel series also addressed how US involvement in Afghanistan turned the country into a virtual heroin factory and how the drug war empowers cartels. The final chapter of the series examines how the attacks on September 11thintertwined the War on Drugs and the War on Terror, transforming Afghanistan into a narco-state teeming with corruption. It also explores how American intervention in Mexico helped give rise to El Chapo and the Super Cartels, bringing unprecedented levels of violence and sending even more drugs across Americas borders. The reason why the drug war actually creates a drug and violence problem is simple. And those who profit most from the drug war drug war enforcers and cartels all know it. When the government makes certain substances illegal, it does not remove the demand. Instead, the state creates crime by pushing the sale and control of these substances into the illegal black markets. All the while, demand remains constant. This is why the Free Thought Project and other open-minded groups all advocate bringing this bloody and criminally ineffective drug war to a sudden and grinding halt. Hopefully, this new documentary will push others to question drug laws. Hopefully, the documentary wakes people up the idea that legality does not equal morality and that government force, via kidnapping, caging, and killing, is no way to solve an addiction problem. Hopefully. Matt Agorist is an honorably discharged veteran of the USMC and former intelligence operator directly tasked by the NSA. This prior experience gives him unique insight into the world of government corruption and the American police state. Agorist has been an independent journalist for over a decade and has been featured on mainstream networks around the world. Agorist is also the Editor at Large at the Free Thought Project. Follow @MattAgorist on Twitter, Steemit, and now on Minds. The Afghan government is investigating an air strike by its military in the southern province of Nimroz that local officials say resulted in the deaths of 14 civilians, as local residents brought their bodies to the provincial capital in protest. Government officials confirmed the Saturday night strike, but said on Sunday that initial information showed the deaths were all of Taliban insurgents fighting Afghan security forces. The clashes came just as representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban kicked off the second round of peace talks in the Qatari capital Doha on Saturday. "An air strike in Khashrod district has resulted in heavy casualties for the Taliban, and investigations into allegations that civilians have been killed are ongoing," the Afghan Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday. A local government official told Reuters, on condition of anonymity, that the Afghan air force targeted a residential house where it suspected Taliban were present. The official said the 14 killed were all from one family. Local residents told Reuters by phone that people from the area where the strike took place had brought the bodies to the centre of Nimroz's capital, Zaranj, to prove that the deceased were not Taliban fighters. Taliban spokesman Qari Muhammad Yousuf Ahmadi also denied those killed were its own combatants, saying they were civilians, all members of one family, and included women and children. Continued violence has hastened international calls for a ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban, whose representatives met on Saturday for a first session in a second round of peace talks, where contentious issues such as a ceasefire and power-sharing are expected to be discussed. Both sides, in separate statements on Saturday, said they discussed the agenda and that the meeting took place in a positive and amicable atmosphere. Donald Trump supporters and 'Antifa' demonstrators clashed in San Diego on Saturday afternoon, with both sides being pepper sprayed and cops being pelted with rocks, bottles and more. The MAGA backers had scheduled a 'Patriot March' to start at 2pm near Crystal Peier, which is right in Pacific Beach, but were met by counter-protesters, some adorned in 'Antifa' T-shirts. One protester held a sign saying 'No Nazis in PB.' Another held a sign saying 'Ashli Babbitt Deserved It,' a reference to a rioter who was killed Wednesday at the Capitol. As the afternoon dragged on, shouting matches between the opposing groups of began to take place. Scroll down for video Pictured: Counter-protesters pepper spray Donald Trump supporters during the 'Patriot March' One sigh read 'Ashli Babbitt Deserved It' in reference to a rioter who died at the Capitol While anti-fascist demonstrators were out in force, so were around 100 Trump supporters Meanwhile, police stood at the ready and engaged several time with demonstrators The Los Angeles Times reports a man had his phone slapped away and was shoved, causing him and a small boy to fall down. It's not clear what side any of those involved were on. After that, a man walked toward the anti-fascists and shoved a demonstrator writing with police chalk. Pictured: Police form a line to separate the two groups of demonstrators in San Diego Some counter-protestors demonstrated with 'Black Lives Matter' flags and emblems One sign read 'Intolerant of Fascists' as some wore 'Antifascist' and 'Antifa' T-shirts The anti-fascists confronted the shover, but the instigator was pulled behind the police line by cops. Incidents of pepper spray being deployed by protesters and further shouting matches and taunts resulted in an unlawful assembly being declared at 2:30pm. 'Those who remain or return against this lawful order may be cited/arrested and risk exposure to chemical agents & less-lethal force applications,' the San Diego Police Department stated on Twitter. Around 2:30pm after numerous clashes, an unlawful assembly was declared by police Pictured: Counter-protesters chasing a man in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego Pictured: At one point, cops decided to fire pepper balls at counter-protesters At 4:30pm, however, the Trump supporters were again allowed to get back together and started marching, with continued clashes with counter-protestors and passerbys. By 6pm, the march was over and the crowds dispersed. Shouting matches between the two groups of demonstrators were commonplace all day After the unlawful assembly declaration, Trump supporters were allowed to start marching Over the course of the day, however, there were incidents of police officers being struck by flying glass bottles, rocks, and even eggs, though it was not clear who was responsible for the projectiles. At some point, police also fired pepper ball rounds into the anti-fascist faction of demonstrators. By 6pm, all of the demonstrators had dispersed from the area near the Crystal Pier The clashing protests took place just three days after the violent insurrection at the Capitol During the dueling protests, one jogger paid no mind and kept about their business The dueling protests came three days after MAGA supporters broke into the Capitol and terrorized Congress, resulting in at least five deaths and a growing number of arrests. The 'Patriot March' was reportedly scheduled before Wednesday's historic events. While the protests were taking place, some pedestrians continued to go about their business, unbothered by what was unfolding around them. Photo: (Photo : Screenshot from Instagram) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly stepping away from social media. The royal couple decided to do so after experiencing cyberbullying from netizens over the past months. No more social media According to a report from the Times of London, the royal couple is no longer interested in returning to social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. That is because they have been receiving so much hate from these platforms. The details of the report were from a source close to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The decision of the royal couple included not using social media for their nonprofit venture, which is the Archewell Foundation. It was also reported that they are choosing to avoid social media even for their personal use. ALSO READ: Meghan Markle: learn more about her through these books Cyberbullying as experienced by the royal couple Less than a year ago, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step away from their royal duties. Since then, the royal couple has been the subject of talks by the press and even on social media. Last October, Meghan Markle shared in a podcast that she had to endure cyberbullying. In the episode where she guested, she said, "I'm told that in 2019 I was the most trolled person in the entire world, male or female." She added, "I don't care if you're 15 or 25 if people are saying things about you that aren't true, what that does to your mental and emotional health is so damaging." Markle describes the experience as almost unsurvivable. She said that although social media is a great place for people to connect, it is undeniable that it is also a place the causes disconnection. ALSO READ: 7-year-old boy sends the Queen a word search, gets reply for his thoughtfulness Prince Harry calls for stop to cyberbullying Since being cyberbullied, Prince Harry has already released a statement to the public to end the online harassment. In his lengthy statement, Prince Harry shared how his wife has been suffering privately. He said, "There comes a point when the only thing to do is to stand up to this behavior because it destroys people and destroys lives." The prince even emphasized how inappropriate cyberbullying is, "We all know this isn't acceptable, at any level. We won't and can't believe in a world where there is no accountability for this." ALSO READ: 5 Celebrities Who Bravely Shared Their Miscarriage Stories Stepping away from royal duties Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been very active on social media since they bade goodbye to their royal duties in March 2020. Their goodbye message was posted through the Sussex Royal profile. They emphasized, however, that even if they will no longer be seen in the Sussex Royal profile, they will continue with their work. Last Christmas, the family released their Christmas card through an animal organization. On the other hand, their foundation, Archewell, does not have any social media account. However, it continues to inform people through its Spotify podcast. ALSO READ: Parents Ask: How to Teach Kids to Be Good Digital Citizens US President Donald Trump gestures at a campaign rally in support of Senate candidates Senator Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., and David Perdue in Dalton, Ga., on January 4, 2021. (Image: AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) Democrats' momentum for a fresh drive to quickly impeach outgoing President Donald Trump gained support on January 9, and a top Republican said the president's role in the deadly riot at the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters was worthy of rebuke. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said he believed Trump had committed impeachable offenses. But he stopped short of saying whether he would vote to remove the president from office at the conclusion of a Senate trial if the House sent over articles of impeachment. I dont know what they are going to send over and one of the things that Im concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicize something, Toomey said Saturday on Fox News Channel, speaking of the Democratic-controlled House. I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, but I dont know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything," Toomey said. The new Democratic effort to stamp Trump's presidential record for the second time and days before his term ends with the indelible mark of impeachment gained momentum Saturday. Also read - Explained: How Donald Trump could be impeached again, but faster Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I, a leader of the House effort to draft impeachment articles or charges accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, said his group had grown to include 185 co-sponsors. Lawmakers plan to formally introduce the proposal on Monday in the House, where articles of impeachment must originate. A vote could be possible by Wednesday exactly one week before Democrat Joe Biden becomes president at noon on Jan. 20. The articles, if passed by the House, could then be transmitted to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Trump. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office and succeeded by the vice president. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, shared no details about her party's plans as she addressed her hometown San Francisco constituents during an online video conference on Saturday. Justice will be done. Democracy will prevail. And America will be healed," she said. "But it is a decision that we have to make. A violent and largely white mob of Trump supporters overpowered police, broke through security lines and rampaged through the Capitol on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were putting the final, formal touches on Bidens victory over Trump in the Electoral College. The crowd surged to the domed symbol of American democracy following a rally near the White House, where Trump repeated his bogus claims that the election was stolen from him and urged his supporters to march in force toward the Capitol. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the siege. It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their whiteness over democracy, Pelosi said of the attack. She added: This cannot be exaggerated. The complicity, not only the complicity, the instigation of the president of United States, must and will be addressed. No. 4 House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York reiterated support for moving against what he deemed an act of sedition that was incited and encouraged by Donald Trump. Speaking of Trump, Jeffries said Saturday: He should be impeached, convicted and thrown out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and forever banished to the dustbin of history." Outrage over the attack and Trump's role in egging it on capped a divisive, chaotic presidency like few others in the nations history. There are less than two weeks until Trump is out of office but Democrats have made clear they don't want to wait that long. Trump, meanwhile, has few fellow Republicans speaking out in his defense. He's become increasingly isolated, holed up in the White House as he has been abandoned in the aftermath of the riot by many aides, leading Republicans and, so far, two Cabinet members both women. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who has long voiced her exasperation with Trump's conduct in office, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that he simply needs to get out. Sen. Ben Sasse, another Trump critic, said more important than what happens to Trump is what happens to the United States people and this union 12 days and beyond. But the Nebraska Republican also told CBS This Morning on Friday that he will definitely consider whatever articles the House sends over because he believes Trump has disregarded his oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Biden, meanwhile, reiterated that he has long viewed Trump as unfit for office. But on Friday he sidestepped a question about impeachment, saying what Congress does is for them to decide. After spending many weeks refusing to concede defeat in the November election, Trump promised after the Capitol riot to oversee a smooth transfer of power to Biden. He called for reconciliation and healing, but then announced he will not attend the inauguration the first such presidential snub since just after the Civil War. New privacy policy will take effect from May 15: WhatsApp to Delhi HC WhatsApp: Merely going to court not a ground not to comply with law of the land 'We respect right of privacy, has no intention to violate it': Govt responds to Whatsapp After Whatsapp tweaks privacy policy users move to Signal app or telegram: Here's why India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 10: After Whatsapp updated its terms and services and privacy policy, more and more people are leaving the messaging platform and switching to the alternative apps like Telegram and Signal. Rival platforms like Signal and Telegram are reportedly seeing a surge in downloads in the wake of the development. This kickstarted a spate of conversations and memes on the internet over WhatsApp's alleged sharing of user information with Facebook. It all started after Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk publicly endorsed the app urging all to use it. Use Signal Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021 Even Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra Group, signed up for the Signal messaging app, being dubbed as a secure alternative to the Facebook-owned WhatsApp. "Have installed Signal messaging. Maybe soon there will be a #signalwonderbox," tweeted Mahindra. Have installed Signal messaging. Maybe soon there will be a #signalwonderbox anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) January 10, 2021 On Saturday, Facebook-owned WhatsApp said its latest update - which has received criticism from a multitude of users globally - describes business communication and does not change its data-sharing practices with the social media giant. Earlier this week, WhatsApp had started rolling out in-app notifications to users about an update in its Terms of Service and privacy policy regarding how it processes user data and partners with Facebook to offer integrations across the social media giant''s products. It also stated that users will have to agree to the new terms and policy by February 8, 2021, in order to continue using WhatsApp''s service. Meanwhile, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov - in a blog - alleged that Facebook's WhatsApp has switched to covert marketing and it has detected bots that spread inaccurate information about Telegram on social media. Durov also sought to clarify "myths" that are allegedly being pushed by WhatsApp about Telegram that has over 500 million users globally. He said "myths" that Telegram''s code is not open-source, that the company is Russian and that the platform is not encrypted - are all incorrect. Signal app too joined the conversation with its series of tweets. One of the tweets said: "Look at what you''ve done" and carried a picture of the app showing as the number one free app on the app stores across markets like India, Germany, France, Austria, Finland, Hong Kong and Switzerland. In another tweet, it said: "There are no Terms of Service for a mother's love", taking a dig at the ongoing controversy. All you need to know about Signal app: Signal is a cross-platform encrypted messaging service developed by the Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger. It uses the Internet to send one-to-one and group messages, which can include files, voice notes, images and videos. It can also be used to make one-to-one and group voice and video calls, and the Android version can optionally function as an SMS app. Signal uses standard cellular telephone numbers as identifiers and secures all communications to other Signal users with end-to-end encryption. The apps include mechanisms by which users can independently verify the identity of their contacts and the integrity of the data channel. The non-profit Signal Foundation was launched in February 2018 with initial funding of $50 million from Brian Acton. Signal has more than 10 million downloads on Android. mbongeni@times.co.sz KANDINDA A war is brewing here. A drinking session that was co-incidentally attended by two gangster rivals ended unceremoniously when the two alleged enemies clashed over a blocked pathway. So volatile was the clash, such two cars were burnt by an uncompromising angry mob. The movie-like attack took place on Friday night. Yesterday, fuming residents barricaded a gravel road of Kamlotjwa, at KaNdinda using logs and burnt tyres across it. KaNdinda is a community found in Ntontozi constituency. Its Member of Parliament is Moses Vilakati who doubles as Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs. residents The aggrieved residents argued that the Malkerns police officers were allegedly taking sides each time a case was reported against a suspect accused of harassing residents and was a menace to society. The fed-up residents, especially the youth, claimed the protest would attract justice. Indeed, over 15 police officers and warders were deployed in the area as early as 7 am to monitor and calm the angry residents. When the Times SUNDAY team arrived at the location around 9 am, police officers, warders and the elders of the area were negotiating with the crowd not to take the law into their own hands. A resident told this publication that what angered them the most was that, police officers did not effect any arrests on Friday night, even though they allegedly had all the necessary information warranting an arrest. What they did was record statements, leaving the person who committed the crime behind, alleged the resident. Another witness explained that on Friday afternoon one Thokozane Hlophe had parked his Toyota Astra sedan in one of the homesteads where he, together with his friends, were enjoying alcoholic beverages. The witness alleged that one Muzi Dlamini, who came driving in a Mazda Verisa sedan, decided to park behind Hlophe, blocking the driveway. However, Hlophe wanted to leave the place and approached Dlamini to move his car so that he can be able to pass through. However, Dlamini refused to move his car, arguing that Hlophe was disrespectful and needed to get disciplined. The two exchanged heated words before Hlophe bumped into Dlaminis vehicle, swerving it off the road, alleged the witness. He said that is when all hell broke loose.He alleged that after crashing Dlaminis vehicle, Hlophe sped off and parked his car in another homestead situated 500 metres away. Seeing that Dlamini and his friends were chasing him, armed with all sorts of missiles, he ran for his life and disappeared in a nearby bush. He had already left his car at a Dlamini homestead, alleged the witness. The witness further alleged that upon arrival to the car, Dlamini drove it and crashed it on a tree. The tree is situated a stone throw from the homestead where Hlophe had left it. This is where it was burnt. witness Angered by the burnt car, Hlophe, on the other hand, mobilised his team of friends. At around 7 pm, they went to Dlaminis homestead, where they vandalised and burnt his car. The situation was so tense such that Dlamini and his family were saved by the swift arrival of the police. Again, there were threats made, alleged the witness. Another witness explained that when police officers arrived, the two vehicles had already been gutted by the fire. Police again recorded statements and left. Their action caused more anger because no one was arrested after the commotion, the second witness claimed. However, yesterday some officers who were found on the scene said both Dlamini and Hlophe were at the Malkerns police station for questioning. Phindile Vilakati, Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, confirmed the incident. She said police were still investigating the matter. We would like to warn the residents not to take the law into their hands. This is because the situation could become fatal if they decide to attack or revenge. Some proper channels or forums can be applied in cases where there are disputes. As police, we do not encourage violence. However, we will come up with a solution, she said. Five people were shot Saturday, according to the New Orleans Police Department, topping off an especially violent weekend in New Orleans that included the death one woman during a 48-hour period. 1 shot near Lafitte Greenway, another in Gentilly Terrace, New Orleans police say Two people were shot Saturday in New Orleans, one in Gentilly Terrace and another just off the Lafitte Greenway. New Orleans police said in a preliminary report Sunday morning that three men and two women had been hit by gunfire during four separate incidents that started just before 10:30 a.m. Saturday and were scattered throughout the city's neighborhoods. Starting Saturday morning, a 17-year-old burglary suspect was shot in the buttocks in the 2600 block of Clover Street in Gentilly by the resident's homeowner, NOPD said. In the release, police said the homeowner wasn't originally there, but had rushed back at the urging of his neighbor, who had advised that his house was possibly being broken into. When the homeowner arrived, police said, the front door was open and he noticed some items were still in house. NOPD said he fired a warning shot, and fired again when the suspect appeared, hitting him. The victim fled scene and later called 911, and NOPD later determined he was the burglary suspect. Woman taken to hospital after shot in back on Lynhuber Drive, New Orleans police say A woman was taken to the hospital Saturday after she was shot in the back in the Pines Village neighborhood, according to the New Orleans Poli Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Later Saturday evening, a 22-year-old man was shot by three men shortly after 6 p.m. while he was inside his home in the 600 block of North Tonti Street, after the gunshots pierced through the home, police said. NOPD said the man was trying to grab his younger siblings to get them to safety when bullets struck his stomach and grazed his left cheek. He was brought to the hospital and the suspects fled, police said. At around 8 p.m., a 32-year-old woman was sitting in her car waiting for friend in the 4500 block of Lynhuber Drive, in the Pines Village area of New Orleans East, when she heard gunfire, police said. She realized she had been struck and was brought to a local hospital. Police said they have no suspects. In 16 hours, New Orleans shootings kill one, wound seven, police say An especially violent 16-hour period in New Orleans saw a woman fatally shot and seven people wounded in separate crimes, police said Saturday. A fourth shooting was reported at about 11:45 p.m. at Thalia and South Broad streets after the two victims, a woman and man, both 25, were shot during a physical altercation at a bar, police said. The NOPD said the two then drove down to South Claiborne and Martin Luther King to flag down a detective, and were brought to the hospital from there. The NOPD said there are no suspects. The incidents reported Sunday followed an already-violent 16-hour period in New Orleans, when police reported one 30-year-old woman killed after being shot in the face on North Villere Street and seven other people wounded in separate crimes reported by police Saturday. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. 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. President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, will be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade on January 26, sources in the central government told News18 on Sunday, days after UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancelled his visit to India. Sources confirmed that Santokhi, who is of Indian origin, will be attending the Rajpath parade. Earlier this week, Santokhi was the chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, held by the Ministry of External Affairs and he delivered the keynote address. India had initially invited Boris Johnson to be the chief guest but the British PM had to cancel his visit in view of the grim coronavirus situation back home. Santokhi was sworn in as the president of Suriname in July, 2020, when his party, the Progressive Reform Party, won 20 of the 51 seats in the elections. His win also brought an end to the dictatorial rule by Desi Bouterse. The PRP, known in the Dutch language as Vooruitstrevende Hervormingspartij or VHP by its initials, largely represents the Indian community and had originally been called the United Hindustani Party. Suriname is a former Dutch colony where people of Indian descent make up the largest ethnic group comprising 27.4 per cent of the population of 587,000. It was not hard to deduce whom he had in mind. Anyone expecting an about-face from Fox News or an apology, as some liberals might daydream has not studied its history or that of its owner, Murdoch, whose ability to adapt to political change is matched only by his reluctance to kowtow to critics. With Democrats set to take power in Washington, Fox News' pundits are trotting out the old hits. On his Friday program, which aired shortly after Twitter announced that it had banned the president from its platform, Hannity promised, rather generically, to "expose what is breathtaking hypocrisy of Democrats and the media mob." He went on to attack familiar Fox News villains like the Clintons, the Obamas, Madonna and comedian Kathy Griffin. It could have been a rerun from 2014. (Hannity, in fact, had pre-taped his 9 p.m. show a few hours earlier.) Carlson, who was live Friday, seized on the news that Twitter had closed Trump's account, warning his viewers that "the crackdown of America's civil liberties is coming" and portraying liberals as hellbent on silencing conservative views. But he uttered the word "Trump" only twice over the entire hour. It took a moment for Fox News' hosts to recalibrate after the shocking and violent events of the week. Several network stars, notably anchor Laura Ingraham and political analyst Brit Hume, spread a baseless theory that left-wing activists not Trump supporters were responsible for the violence at the Capitol. (Ingraham later tweeted a debunking of the theory.) A guest on Carlson's Wednesday show made the same unfounded claim about antifa infiltration, with no pushback from the host. And news anchor Martha MacCallum initially compared the siege at the heart of American democracy to a minor incident of graffiti at a Republican senator's house. By Thursday, amid a flurry of White House resignations and a rising chorus of Republicans declaring that it was time for Trump to go, there were cracks in the firmament. "To put up a Trump flag and take down the American flag is not patriotic it was one of the worst things I've ever seen," Brian Kilmeade said on "Fox & Friends." The false rumours about Antifa involvement were dialled back, and hosts criticised the Washington violence. Still, no Fox News prime-time star has yet blamed Trump for his role in inciting the riot at the Capitol. And rather than reckon with years of backing Trump and giving comfort to his supporters, the network's commentators have simply swivelled, finding new ways to take on old targets. In the Fox News universe, Biden is now a socialist prepared to upend the American way of life. And many hosts have drawn a direct equivalence between the storming of the Capitol by an anti-democratic mob and the Black Lives Matters protests over the summer in support of racial justice. Power player: Lachlan Murdoch with father Rupert. Credit:Bloomberg As repulsive as such rhetoric may be to liberals, it is part of a formula that has rarely failed Fox News, which remains the profit engine of Murdoch's Fox Corporation. The network's ratings fell after Election Day, and it has lost badly to CNN in the ratings since the riot at the Capitol. But in 2020 as a whole, Fox News was the third-most-watched network in the country in prime-time on weekdays. That was not just cable news; it was all of television. Only CBS and NBC ranked higher. Fox News' biggest stars, meanwhile, are staying put. Ingraham revealed a new multi-year contract in December, and Carlson and Hannity are also on long-term deals, according to a person with knowledge of the network's inner workings. For all of the hype over Newsmax, its ratings have fallen back from postelection highs. And if Murdoch ever feels the need to distance himself more formally from Trump, he has other platforms on which to do so. In November, another Murdoch organ, The New York Post, proclaimed Biden's victory in a cheery front page. After this past week's Capitol riots, the Murdoch-owned Wall Street Journal made a case for Trump to resign. Murdoch and his son Lachlan, who is the executive chairman of the Fox Corporation, had no comment, a representative said. Trump TV takes Capitol hit Trump TV, which could have posed a significant challenge for Fox News in 2021, now appears less of a threat. Industry experts say the reputational damage that Trump sustained in the wake of the riots and his abandonment by allies and donors has severely hurt his ability to get a viable Fox News competitor off the ground. "This has not been a positive note," said Christopher Ruddy, a confidant of Trump and the CEO of Newsmax. Starting a new network requires approval from cable distributors like Charter Communications and Comcast (which Trump has gleefully denounced as "Concast"), corporations that could face intense public pressure not to associate with Trump after his presidency. A flash lights up the front of the US Capitol as a mob of Trump supporters control the steps of the building. Credit: Even digital news outlets, like the websites created by former Fox News stars Bill O'Reilly and Glenn Beck, need help from mainstream tech companies that may now baulk at any association with the Trump brand. "The prospects are now greatly diminished," said Christopher Balfe, a conservative media consultant who has built digital platforms for stars like Beck and Megyn Kelly. "You've got a real distribution problem. And now that Facebook and Twitter have taken action, they've opened the door to a broader de-platforming." As for a traditional TV network, Balfe said cable carriers "weren't interested before November 6, and they're certainly not interested in taking anything from him after January 6." Still, some television veterans say that Trump's millions of supporters could sustain a media outlet regardless of corporate qualms. Advertisement Boris Johnson met cabinet colleagues last night to discuss an even-tougher lockdown with limits on exercise, compulsory mask-wearing outdoors and a ban on social bubbles all being considered by ministers, sources claim. The Cabinet Office refused to deny that draconian new laws were coming - and instead pointed to Matt Hancock's vague statement earlier today. The Health Secretary refused to speculate when directly asked if harsher measures - including curfews and nursery closures - might be brought in, and instead said Britons should 'follow the rules that we've got'. One Whitehall source told MailOnline that the changes discussed today even included introducing a ban on people leaving their homes more than once a week. Under current rules, Britons can exercise with one other person or with their household or support bubble. But a Government source said the rule is 'being used as an excuse for people to go for a coffee in the park with their friends' and could be tightened, The Daily Telegraph reports. The UK announced a further 573 coronavirus deaths yesterday in the highest Sunday rise since April, and the third-deadliest Sunday of the entire pandemic as it emerged as many as one in five of all people in England may have had coronavirus, new modelling by Edge Health claims. It could be as high as one in two people in some areas of east London and Essex, the research says. Infections also continue to be high, with 54,940 announced on Sunday - the thirteenth day in a row they have been above the 50,000 mark. Crowds of people were seen flocking to beaches and town centres today despite Boris Johnson's pleas for families to stay at home as coronavirus hospital deaths hit 563 - the highest Sunday toll in eight months. Pictured: Visitors on Tynemouth Longsands beach Big crowds were seen walking through Victoria Park in east London yesterday Masses of people were spotted walking through Victoria Park in east London yesterday Boris Johnson (pictured) held a meeting to discuss an even-tougher lockdown with limits on exercise, compulsory mask-wearing outdoors and no more social bubbles all being floated by ministers, sources claim The source said the two-person from 2-households 'rule is there for exercise, for people's mental health, particularly for older people who are not going to be going for a run to see someone'. But many are using their 'imaginations' to make it what they want. Their concerns came as hordes of people were seen flocking to beaches and town centres over the weekend - despite Boris Johnson's pleas for families to stay at home and help control the mutant Covid variant spreading rapidly through the country. Officials are also set to encourage shops and workplaces to improve on their social distancing. Supermarkets will be a key focus of the Government's latest push, with many worried that lax enforcement of the rules means shoppers are at risk. Tougher punishment for rule breakers is also being considered. A senior Government science advisor yesterday said it would become clear whether the current lockdown was lowering the spread of coronavirus cases - with deaths now above 80,000 - within a fortnight. Professor Peter Horby, the chairman of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG), said: 'If there's any sign that they're not then we're going to have to be even stricter, I'm afraid.' The UK announced a further 573 coronavirus deaths on Sunday, the highest Sunday figure since April. Mr Hancock appeared on the BBC's Andrew Marr Programme yesterday morning, where he was asked about a range of measures that could be brought in. Mr Marr asked: 'Are you considering things like curfews, closing nurseries, ending some of those support bubbles, going back to only an hour of exercise outside and telling people in crowded outdoor spaces to wear masks? Are those the kind of things that you could consider if you don't get this under control very quickly?' But Mr Hancock replied: 'Well, I don't want to speculate, because the most important message is not whether the government will further strengthen the rules, the most important thing is that people stay at home and follow the rules that we've got. ' Professor Peter Horby, the chairman of virus advisory group NERVTAG, said: 'If there's any sign that they're not then we're going to have to be even stricter, I'm afraid.' Professor Horby told the same programme that the new variant discovered in Kent, that appears far more transmissible than older strains of Covid, has made the situation 'more risky'. Asked what being 'even stricter' meant in practice he said: 'Well I think the principles haven't changed. There's no evidence that this virus is being transmitted in any different way, it's just that people when they've got it have got more virus so every contact is more risky. What is a 'reasonable excuse' for going outside? Under the rules in England, 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, and not outside your local area. The Government advises you should only leave for exercise once a day, but the law does not put a limit on this. 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. In Scotland, coronavirus legislation gives police the power to force entry into people's homes if they have a 'reasonable suspicion' rules are being broken. However, in England, they can only enter in 'exceptional circumstances', which includes if they believe someone inside is infectious. Otherwise, they will require a warrant. Advertisement 'So the same principles apply. It's about decreasing social contacts and if there are unavoidable social contacts then being as strict as you can about distance and facemasks and hand hygiene and ventilation, etcetera.' Mr Marr asked: 'So thinking back to March and the spring I can remember you could only go out for an hour for instance for any kind of exercise and there were much stricter rules about meeting other people. Are those are the kind of things we might see coming back if we don't get this under control now?' To which he said: 'Yes, that's right. You know we have seen in the past very strict measures do work and if the current measures aren't strict enough then it's clear what we have to do.' Meanwhile Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer warned that lockdown rules may need to be made tougher if they do not arrest a surge in Covid cases - as he demanded nurseries be shut down immediately. He attacked 'mixed messages' from ministers over the lockdown restrictions as he urged Boris Johnson to front daily press conferences until the lockdown is lifted. The UK's Covid death toll passed 80,000, after a further 1,035 deaths were recorded yesterday, increasing fears that the total will surpass 100,000 by the end of the month. But appearing on the BBC's Andrew Marr programme, Sir Keir said: 'They are tough and they're necessary. They may not be tough enough. 'In a sense, I think the most important thing is people get that message about stay at home. 'And it's up to the Government to put that message out there the whole time. We've had mixed messages I'm afraid for the last nine months which is why we've got a problem. 'I would like to see the Prime Minister out there every day with a press conference making sure that message is absolutely getting through.' It comes as: Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced the rollout of two million fast-result 'lateral flow' tests for anyone in England who needs to leave their home for work, in a bid to identify the estimated one in three asymptomatic 'silent spreaders'; Downing Street is expected to delay local elections from May until the autumn because of the disruption caused by the pandemic; An expert study concluded there is no clear evidence that closing schools can reduce the spread of coronavirus, despite the Government's claim on Tuesday that it had no choice but to shut the education system down; Some state school heads were revealed to be blocking live online lessons on the grounds that it was an invasion of teachers' privacy, as Tory MPs called on Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to emulate Margaret Thatcher's tough approach to striking miners in the 1980s in dealing with militant teaching unions; Scientists advising the Government claimed that lockdown measures in England need to be more strict - with some calling for 'Asian-style' curbs - as current rules were 'still allowing a lot of activity which is spreading the virus'; But 'Professor Lockdown ' Neil Ferguson has said high infection rates and the UK's mass vaccine rollout could see herd immunity against the coronavirus achieved before the end of the year meaning a return to normal by autumn; Tory MP Andrew Bridgen called on Derbyshire Police to rescind the 200 fines handed out to friends Jessica Allen and Eliza Moore, who drove five miles to take a walk at a beauty spot; British holidaymakers were warned that they face having to quarantine abroad for up to a fortnight if they fail a Covid test when they prepare to fly home; Experts said travellers from South Africa are taking indirect flights to Britain to dodge the travel ban. Hordes of visitors were spotted having a stroll on Tynemouth Longsands beach in North Tyneside. Car parks in the area were packed as families descended on the coastal beauty spot for a Sunday walk Flocks of people descended on to the beach in Tyneside. New Government guidelines dictate that daily exercise must be taken in one's local area - but it is unclear how far today's visitors traveled for a welcome breath of fresh air The Health Secretary refused to speculate when directly asked if measures like curfews, limits to time allows outside homes and making masks compulsory outdoors might be brought in. The Labour leader attacked 'mixed messages' from ministers over the lockdown restrictions as he urged Boris Johnson to front daily press conferences until the lockdown is lifted Sir Keir Starmer said nurseries 'probably should be closed', telling the BBC: 'I think there is a case for looking at nursery schools, we're talking to the scientists about that' Priti Patel defended police as they began strict application of Covid rules that includes 200 fines and less tolerance for rule-breakers. The Home Secretary warned that officers 'will not hesitate' to take action because the increasing number of new Covid-19 cases proved there was a need for 'strong enforcement' in cases where people were clearly breaking the rules. Mr Hancock told Sky's Ridge on Sunday more people were obeying the rules than in the November lockdown, but added: 'Absolutely I'm going to back the police. The challenge here is that every flex can be fatal. 'You might look at the rules and think ''well it doesn't matter that much if I just do this or do that'', but these rules are not there as boundaries to be pushed, they're the limit of what people should be doing.' Asked about the prospect of tighter restrictions later on Marr he added: 'I don't want to speculate because the most important message is not whether the Government will further strengthen the rules. 'The most important thing is that people stay at home and follow the rules that we have got. 'And that, in terms of the scale of the impact on the cases, that is the most important thing we can do collectively as a society.' Mr Hancock, who gave the interview from his own home via video link, added: 'It is hard, it is not easy. But if you can do something from home and you don't need to go outside of home to do it, then you should. 'People need to not just follow the letter of the rules but follow the spirit as well and play their part.' Sir Keir said nurseries 'probably should be closed'. Primary and Secondary schools have been closed during the lockdown but pre-schools remain open for younger children. He told the BBC: 'I think there is a case for looking at nursery schools, we're talking to the scientists about that. 'I think people are surprised that primary schools were closed but nurseries aren't.' He added: 'I think they probably should be closed, I do want to talk to the scientists about that.' He said delivering on the vaccine programme targets was the best way of reopening schools. Pictured: People queue for pancakes in Hampstead, North London despite London Mayor Sadiq Khan declaring a state of emergency in the capital due to a rapid rise in cases But he said opening classrooms again did not need to be contingent on vaccinating teachers. 'We'd have to look at all the criteria but the most important thing is that vaccination programme,' he said. 'It is very difficult to see how we can start lifting restrictions in any meaningful way until the vaccine programme, at least that first part of it is rolled-out successfully.' Pressed on whether reopening was contingent on inoculating teachers, he added: 'No, I don't know that it necessarily is, although if that can happen that would be a good thing. 'This argument that there are sectors where there is a very strong case for vaccination for obvious reasons, and I understand that and we are going to have that to accommodate that, quite frankly. 'But at the moment, we do need to focus on those who are most likely to go into hospital and tragically to die.' So much for staying at home! Crowds of people head to beaches and town centres despite Boris Johnson begging families to stay at home as Covid deaths hit 563 the deadliest Sunday in eight months By DAVID WILCOCK and JEMMA CARR for MailOnline Hordes of people were seen flocking to beaches and town centres yesterday despite Boris Johnson's pleas for families to stay at home as Britain records 563 deaths - the highest Sunday toll in eight months. Weekend walkers were spotted strolling along a packed Tynemouth Longsands beach in North Tyneside this afternoon, leaving carparks full to the brim. New Government guidelines dictate that daily exercise must be taken in one's local area - but it is unclear how far today's visitors traveled for a welcome breath of fresh air. On Merseyside, football fans packed together behind barriers to catch a glimpse of the players heading into the Marine AFC v Tottenham Hotspur match. Many of the crowd were not socially distanced, despite police officers watching on. Fans show their support with no social distancing as they wait outside the stadium as the Spurs team coach arrives Fans take photographs in front of police officers as they wait outside Rosset Park stadium ahead of the Marine AFC v Tottenham Hotspur match today Mounted police control the crowds outside Rossett Park stadium on Merseyside for the Emirates FA Cup third round match In Liverpool, police were pictured looking on as football supporters who had gathered outside the Marine v Spurs FA Cup blatantly ignored social distancing rules Police said the 'vast majorty' of those outside the stadium were adhering to social distancing measures and those who were not were advised by officers Superintendent Andy Rankine from Merseyside Police told MailOnline: 'Officers are in Crosby this afternoon ahead of Marine FC's FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur. A small gathering (pictured) took place ahead of the arrival of the team coaches, and road closures were put in place to facilitate this arrival safely' And Dovestones Reservoir in Oldham was 'swamped' with visitors, leaving drivers forced to park on the double yellow lines landing them with fines. Photos shared to social media showed a traffic officer slapping yellow notices on a number of cars parked on the side of the road. And in London masses of people were seen taking to Hampstead high street. Long queues of people wrapped up warm were seen coming from food stalls and cafes in the area. Meanwhile in Derbyshire, mountain rescue had to save a group of plane-crash enthusiasts who got stuck in deep snow on a five-hour walk. The group - all from Manchester - broke lockdown to hunt for the B-29 crash site in Bleaklow Moor when one member became too tired to carry on. And in Prestatyn, Wales, police stopped a learner driver who'd driven an uninsured car 60 miles from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, to go to the beach in North Wales. Under the current rules in England, people must not leave their home unless they have a 'reasonable excuse' - which includes exercise. Citizens are allowed to exercise with one other person or with their household or support bubble, but not outside their local area. It is unclear whether everyone who flocked to Britain's countryside hotspots live locally or had to drive from afar. Dovestones Reservoir in Oldham was 'swamped' with visitors as drivers were slapped with fines for parking on double yellow lines as they flocked to see the beauty-spot Car parks near the beach in Tyneside were at full capacity - although it is unclear whether all visitors were from the local area And in London, masses of people were seen taking to Hampstead high street. Long queues of people wrapped up warm were seen coming from food stalls and cafes in the area People queue up for crepes in freezing temperatures on Hampstead high street It was also revealed police arrested a 19-year-old for planning to hold a suspected unlicensed music event. The teenager advertised a 'Bristol Freerave' on social media at an undisclosed location. He has since been released under investigation. Avon and Somerset police said 38 fixed penalty notices for breaches of Covid regulations were issued, while around 30 minors were given advice by officers. A further arrest was made in connection with a drink driving offence and a vehicle was seized for having no insurance. A police officer talks to a man sitting on a bench in Hyde Park Police speak to people who had been seated on a bench in Hyde Park A policeman cycles through Hyde Park as people take their daily exercise Police officers talk to a cyclist in Greenwich on Sunday Priti Patel today defended police as they began strict application of Covid rules that includes 200 fines and less tolerance for rule-breakers. The Home Secretary warned that officers 'will not hesitate' to take action because the increasing number of new Covid-19 cases proved there was a need for 'strong enforcement' in cases where people were clearly breaking the rules. Police tactics have come in for scrutiny after Derbyshire Police handed out 200 fines to two women who drove separately to go for a walk at a remote beauty spot situated around five miles from their homes. It comes as footage emerged showing three police officers surrounding a woman for allegedly leaving her house more than once in a day. Forces across England have urged people to stay home and avoid travelling as they continue to fine Covid rule-breakers. Ms Patel said: 'Our police officers are working tirelessly to keep us safe. Not only are they continuing to take criminals off our streets, but they are also playing a crucial role in controlling the spread of the virus. 'The vast majority of the public have supported this huge national effort and followed the rules. 'But the tragic number of new cases and deaths this week shows there is still a need for strong enforcement where people are clearly breaking these rules to ensure we safeguard our country's recovery from this deadly virus. People in Hampstead queue outside a cafe while taking their daily allowance for exercise 'Enforcing these rules saves lives. It is as simple as that. Officers will continue to engage with the public across the country and will not hesitate to take action when necessary.' Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky's Ridge on Sunday more people were obeying the rules than in the November lockdown, but added: 'Absolutely I'm going to back the police. The challenge here is that every flex can be fatal. 'You might look at the rules and think ''well it doesn't matter that much if I just do this or do that'', but these rules are not there as boundaries to be pushed, they're the limit of what people should be doing. Police on Horseback in Hyde Park in central London today amid a police clampdown on lockdown rule breakers that could see them fined up to 200 Lots of people in Hampstead, north London, decided to take exercise and shop for essential items at the same time Covid vaccine could become annual event like flu jab, says Hancock Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it is 'highly likely' people will be vaccinated against Covid annually, as with the flu. He told Sky News' Sophy Ridge on Sunday programme: 'I think it's highly likely that there will be a dual-vaccination programme for the foreseeable, this is the medium-term, of flu and Covid.' He added: 'Flu vaccination rates are at their highest level ever. Over 80 per cent of the over-65s have been vaccinated for flu this year. That's the biggest increase, a jump on last year when it was around 70 per cent. 'That's very good news. It's good news for two reasons. Firstly, to protect people against flu and secondly because it shows the vast, vast majority of over-65s are up for getting vaccinated.' The Health Secretary said the Government was on course to reach its target of 13 million people vaccinated by mid-February. He told Ridge: 'Yes we're on course. The rate limiting factor at the moment is supply but that's increasing. 'I'm very glad to say that at the moment we're running at over 200,000 people being vaccinated every day. 'We've now vaccinated around one third of the over-80s in this country so we're making significant progress but there's still further expansion to go. 'This week we're opening mass vaccination centres. Big sites for instance at Epsom racecourse, there's seven going live this week with more to come next week where we will get through very large numbers of people.' Advertisement In North Tyneside car parks were jammed and huge queues formed outside cafes selling takeaway hot drinks. One local resident said: 'It's crazy. I can't believe how busy it is. It's actually busier than usual. 'These people are putting themselves and their families at risk by being here. 'The Government's message is clear. You should act like you have the virus. 'I saw a police van earlier, but it just drove along the seafront, it didn't stop. 'There doesn't seem to be any enforcement of the rules at all.' The National Police Chiefs' Council's new guidance, issued on Wednesday according to the Sunday Telegraph, said: 'Officers should continue to engage members of the public and explain changes. If necessary they should offer encouragement to comply. 'However if the individual or group does not respond appropriately, then enforcement can follow without repeated attempts to encourage people to comply with the law. 'We police by consent. The initial police response should be to encourage voluntary compliance.' The previous guidance from December 9, said: 'We police by consent. The initial police response should be to encourage voluntary compliance.' A Home Office source told the Telegraph police are set to 'move through the gears', warning: 'We are going to see more rapid movement to enforcement. 'Over 1,000 people died yesterday. It is important that everyone sticks to the rules. The rules have been around for long enough. 'If there was a gunman who killed 1,000 people yesterday running around the country and the Government said "stay at home" everyone would say "OK I'll do that, I won't go for a coffee with some friends and walk around the park".' In Liverpool, police were pictured looking on as football supporters who had gathered outside the Marine v Spurs FA Cup blatantly ignored social distancing rules. Football fans were packed behind barriers outside the Rossett Park stadium in Crosby to catch a glimpse of players in the Marine AFC v Tottenham Hotspur match on Sunday. MailOnline asked Merseyside Police if any action had been taken for breaches of Covid laws. A spokesman said it was 'factually incorrect' to describe the crowds as 'huge', adding police were there 'as a planned response to manage road closures, public safety and coach arrivals as well'. 'It isn't a simple case of clearing an area of people,' he said. Superintendent Andy Rankine from Merseyside Police told MailOnline: 'Officers are in Crosby this afternoon ahead of Marine FC's FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur. 'A small gathering took place ahead of the arrival of the team coaches, and road closures were put in place to facilitate this arrival safely. Video of woman being 'arrested for sitting on a bench' was 'STAGE-MANAGED by anti-lockdown protesters', Dorset Police claim A video of a woman apparently being arrested for sitting on a bench was 'staged-managed' by anti-lockdown protesters, Dorset Police said. Footage, which has been shared widely online, shows three police officers surrounding a woman in Bournemouth for allegedly leaving her house more than once in a day. The clip then shows a woman being handcuffed and led away by officers as she repeatedly tells them 'I was sitting on a bench'. But police said they believed the clip was 'planned, stage-managed and recorded' by members of an anti-lockdown protest group who were present in the town on Saturday. The force said three people were arrested following the demonstrations, after refusing to give their details to officers who attempted to issue them with fines for breaching coronavirus regulations. Dorset Police's Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan said: 'We believe this video was planned, stage-managed and recorded by members of the protest group who turned up in multiple areas, several of whom refused to engage and provide their details. 'If people refuse to give their details in such circumstances then it leaves officers with little option but to arrest until the details are established. 'Our officers would only arrest as a last resort.' Two of those detained were later 'de-arrested' after supplying officers with their details and were subsequently fined, police said. A third person was also released and fined after their details were verified in custody. The force said at least seven fixed penalty notices were issued to those who breached lockdown rules on the day. Police made repeated attempts to contact the protest organisers to request that it did not go ahead, but were unsuccessful, Mr Callaghan said. 'It was clear that the group were deliberately organising their activities, walking around in twos and then trying to come together in a 'flash mob' style approach, as they have done previously,' he said in a statement. 'This activity went on for a couple of hours.' Some of the protesters were found to have remained in the area for a 'prolonged period of time', despite being warned by police. Mr Callaghan said some of those taking part had also travelled 'considerably' from outside the Dorset area. Advertisement 'The vast majority of people present were adhering to social distancing measures and those who were not were advised by officers. 'As we have done throughout this pandemic, we will always strive to encourage people to disperse and go home peacefully. 'But where we face blatant breaches of legislation, people ignoring the restrictions and even obstructing police from carrying out their duty, our officers will not hesitate to take enforcement action. 'Those attending have now left the area and we hope everyone enjoys the occasion safely at home.' Police in Wales have blasted 'selfish Covid rule-breakers' who are 'blatantly' defying the law and wasting police time. Their criticism came after more than 100 cars were turned away from Moel Famau - on the border between Flintshire and England - by Saturday lunchtime. A Wales police and crime commissioner vowed to clamp down on rule breakers - and focus on 'enforcement' rather than engagement. North Wales Police's rural crime team wrote: 'Another day wasted dealing with Covid rule breakers. So frustrating that we have to deal with these people who simply don't care whilst the vast majority of us do the right thing and stay at home We are seeing people from England and various areas of Wales... so selfish.' The force said people were arrested overnight and taken to custody for failing to provide their details for breaching Covid restrictions. Superintendent Nick Evans said: 'Wales is under Alert Level 4 restrictions and infections are dangerously high. Our teams will therefore continue to target those who are blatantly breaching the rules, placing others at risk and putting further demand on our over-stretched NHS. 'Level 4 restrictions state that exercise should start and finish from home and that nobody should be travelling unless essential. 'The restrictions are in place to prevent the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. They apply to every single one of us and it's disappointing to think that some do not believe the restrictions apply to them. 'The restrictions are all about nudging back the infection rate, so rule breaking, however small, could cost the life of yours or someone else's loved one. ' On Friday, two people had to be rescued by the North East Wales Search and Rescue team after becoming 'disorientated' in severe weather conditions during a walk up Moel Famau. The pair had gone for a walk from home but they raised the alarm by phoning the policing after losing their bearings as conditions deteriorated rapidly due to snow and poor visibility. Welsh rules allow for fixed penalty notices to be issued ranging from 60 to 10,000. But the region's police and crime commissioner Welsh police and crime commissioner Arfon Jones said it is time for a tougher approach. He said: 'I would like to commend most people for behaving responsibly at this difficult time but those who choose not to can expect to be held to account. 'Unfortunately, there are far too many selfish people who are flouting the guidelines and they are turbo-charging the spread of this deadly virus. 'Their actions are totally irresponsible and life-threatening. If they have no regard for their own health, they should think of their loved ones. 'It is now time to forget the mantra of engage, encourage and educate and focus on enforcement so we can clamp down on the Covid rule breakers and prevent this reckless behaviour. The stay home and stay safe message is all more important because the new mutant strain of Covid-19 is even more infectious. 'This has inevitably ramped up the threat of community transmission, with 70 per cent of cases in north Wales linked to the new variant. As a consequence, the people of north Wales are at risk like never before.' Chris Whitty warns hospitals are facing 'the worst crisis in living memory' as Covid cases soar Chris Whitty has warned hospitals are facing 'the worst crisis in living memory' as Covid-19 cases continue to soar - with 46,000 medical workers now off sick. Britons who don't take the coronavirus lockdown seriously will cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door, Professor Chris Whitty warned in a scathing article for the Sunday Times. And almost 50,000 hospital workers are currently off sick with Covid-19, according to the chair of the British Medical Association, Chaand Nagpaul, meaning an already stretched workforce is under even more pressure, reported The Guardian. He said: 'It is only if the NHS workforce is kept fit and well that we will be able to meet the unprecedented surge in demand that the coming weeks and months will bring as well as delivering the vaccine programme that remains our only hope to end this dreadful pandemic.' Prof Whitty blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable. 'We must stay home except for work, exercise and necessary activities. Every unneccesary interaction you have could be the link in the chain of transmission which has a vulnerable person at the end,' he wrote. The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history. But it's not just Britons with coronavirus who are at risk, as patients in need of treatment for other illnesses face 'unsafe' waiting times. NHS hospitals are treating half the usual number of cancer patients, according to The Sunday Telegraph, as London needs to treat 500 more cancer patients a week to stay on top of demand - but only 122 were treated in the capitals NHS hospitals this week. It could take the NHS six years of 1990-level waiting lists - meaning patients will be forced to wait years for operations - and more than 900million to get back to where healthcare was pre-Covid, according to Rob Findlay, an expert who produced software for nearly 20 NHS trusts. He told People the 168,000 patients who have waited a year for treatment will more than double by March after lockdown caused operations to be delayed. Professor Neil Ferguson said the number of patients with coronavirus in hospitals will sour by 20 per cent. 'It will be quite difficult to avoid another 20,000 deaths,' he added. Advertisement A National Police Chiefs Council spokesman said: 'We've been guiding officers since October to move more quickly to issuing a fine where people are clearly breaching Covid regulations and not listening to encouragement. 'This approach continues in this dangerous stage of the pandemic. There is no specific rule on the number of warnings officers should give - officers continue to use their judgement.' Elsewhere key workers became some of the first to be vaccinated against coronavirus at a mass vaccine hub in Newcastle as the government ramps up distribution of the jabs in the hope of ending lockdown by spring. It comes after Boris Johnson pledged to vaccinate hundreds of thousands people per day by Friday with the aim of giving 13million the jab before Easter, allowing lockdown restrictions to be significantly loosened. The mass vaccination hubs - located in Newcastle, Manchester, London, Stevenage, Surrey, Bristol and Birmingham - can treat up to four people per minute and will work alongside GP surgeries and other facilities to try and hit the Prime Minister's ambitious target. The crackdown comes amid calls from scientists for even stricter restrictions, while No10 pushes an intimidating new ad campaign to try and arrest the spiralling number of coronavirus cases across the country. In a hard-hitting article in the Sunday Times England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable. 'We must stay home except for work, exercise and necessary activities. Every unneccesary interaction you have could be the link in the chain of transmission which has a vulnerable person at the end,' he wrote. The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history. While former WHO director Anthony Costello said Britain must go into an 'Asia-style' lockdown now with nurseries and places of worship closed, hotels commandeered as isolation centres and masks worn in every public space, experts have warned. On Friday, Derbyshire Police faced criticism for taking the lockdown crackdown too far after officers swooped on two friends for driving just seven miles to go for a walk at a beauty spot. As a result, the 'intimidating' force is reviewing its Covid operations after getting clarification about the rules, with West Mercia Police also mocked for threatening to fine people 200 for playing in the snow. Nevertheless, the message from Government sources this week is that police should be focusing more on enforcing rather than explaining rules, now nearly 10 months since the very first restrictions came into effect. In Lincoln, police yesterday fined a man from Chesterfield who it emerged had set a personal goal to try and visit every football ground in the country, despite clear stay-at-home rules. The driver was pulled over by officers on Friday, close to the cathedral, after a system check revealed the vehicle was registered to an address outside of Lincolnshire. But when asked what he was doing, police were left bewildered by his response. Sgt Mike Templeman wrote on Twitter: 'The vehicle was stopped as it was registered in Chesterfield. 'The driver stated he was having a road trip to football grounds around the country. 'You simply couldn't make it up. Covid-19 penalty ticket issued along with the strongest words of advice.' England's Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty has appeared in adverts urging us to stay at home as the new variant of the virus rips across the country. Two terrifying new posters also show a patient dying in hospital and a healthcare worker wearing full PPE, warning Britons: 'If you go out, you can spread it. People will die.' In Lincoln, police fined a man from Chesterfield who it emerged had set a personal goal to try and visit every football ground in the country, despite clear stay-at-home rules Three police officers wearing face masks question a man sitting on a bench in St James's Park in central London this morning All car parks in Snowdonia National Park have now been closed to visitors. Pictured is a police car patrolling the beauty spot last night Police and Covid marshals patrol the seafront in Bournemouth this morning to spot any people breaking the rules One MailOnline reader sent a picture of these taped off benches in Ely, Cambridgeshire, claiming they are not allowed to be used because of the pandemic The race to vaccinate the UK out of lockdown: Everything you need to know as the first 'super-vax' centres - capable of inoculating up to 3,000 a day - prepare to open their doors The UK's vaccination programme will take a major step forward tomorrow as the first 'super-vax' centres, capable of inoculating up to 3,000 people a day, open their doors. Already 1.5million people have been vaccinated, mostly with the Pfizer jab. Now the mass rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine heralds a blitz of inoculations. With more than 1,300 people dying each day, and the pandemic raging across the country, health workers are locked in a race to protect as many vulnerable people from the deadly virus as quickly as possible. And with a huge acceleration planned this week, tomorrow could mark the start of a fightback that finally suppresses Covid-19 and, eventually, allows our lives to return to normal. THE SPRING OFFENSIVE After the plan to inoculate the 15 million most vulnerable people by February 15, the UK's vaccination programme will target the remaining groups who are most at risk of dying from the virus. NHS bosses hope this second cohort of more than 16 million people will receive the jab by Easter. If so, it will mean that between 90 and 99 per cent of those at risk of dying from Covid-19 will have been protected. The rest of the population those under 50 will then be vaccinated. Those in the second cohort who will receive the jab during the Spring Offensive are: All people aged 65 and over (3.4 million) All individuals aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality Everyone aged 60 and over (3.7 million) Anybody aged 55 years and over (4.3 million) All aged 50 years and over (4.7 million) HOW THE TARGET WILL BE MET Prime Minister Boris Johnson (pictured) has set the target of offering vaccination to the UK's 15 million most vulnerable people by February 15. So far, almost 1.5million have received the vaccine Boris Johnson has set the hugely ambitious target of offering vaccination to the UK's 15 million most vulnerable people by February 15 in 36 days. The latest figures, from Thursday, show the NHS had administered 1,468,000 vaccinations over 30 days, or 48,933 daily. The PM has vowed that this will rise to more than 200,000 a day by Friday. But to hit his 15 million target, the daily rate needs to be almost 347,000. Every day this is missed, the daily requirement goes up. WHO IS FIRST IN LINE FOR THE JABS? Those due to receive the jab in the next five weeks include: Care home residents, frontline NHS and social care workers, those aged 70-plus and those considered to be 'clinically extremely vulnerable'. Of those who have died of Covid-19, 88 per cent are in these groups, All 420,000 elderly social care residents in England and Wales are at the front of the queue and should receive their vaccination by January 31. One in four people aged over 80 have received at least one dose. THE STORY SO FAR On December 8, Margaret Keenan, then 90, pictured, became the first person in the world outside clinical trials to be given the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Within a fortnight, an estimated 500,000 people had been given the jab, and the UK has ordered a total of 40 million doses. Margaret Keenan, then 90, pictured, became the first person in the world outside clinical trials to be given the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on December 8 Last Monday, Brian Pinker, 82, became the first patient to receive the 'game-changing' vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, which can be kept in a fridge. The UK has 100 million doses on order. Another 17 million doses of the newly approved Moderna vaccine are expected in the spring. The UK has outstripped the EU: Four times as many people have been vaccinated here than in Germany, and 300 times more than in France. Hong Kong law professor and pro-democracy activist Benny Tai outside Ma On Shan Police station following his release on bail in Hong Kong on Jan. 7, 2021. (Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images) UK, Australia, US, and Canada Decry National Security Law After Mass Arrests in Hong Kong The countries of Australia, Canada, UK, and the United States have voiced further criticism of Hong Kongs National Security Law after the arrest of more pro-democracy figures. Foreign Ministers from the four countries have urged the Hong Kong authorities to respect legally guaranteed rights after 55 politicians and activists were arrested on charges of subversion under the new pro-Beijing bill. In a joint declaration published on Sunday, the foreign ministers called for the postponed Legislative Council elections to proceed and for all political opinions to be heard. Hong Kongs elections have been delayed since September last year. The ministers said the National Security Law was being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views and was a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and undermines the One Country, Two Systems framework. It has curtailed the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong, they added, citing the 1991 Bill of Rights which the Chinese Communist Party agreed to honor in the 1997 handover from Britain. We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention, they said. Pro-democracy activist Lester Shum show his charge sheet to the members of media after leaving Western Police Station in Hong Kong on Jan. 7, 2021. (Anthony Kwan/Getty Images) New Zealands Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nanaia Mahuta, who was not included in the joint media release, concurred with the sentiment expressing a need to address the suppressiveness of the bill, which came into force on June 30. Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned by the recent arrest of a number of pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong, she wrote on Twitter. This represents another effort to erode the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong and further undermine the one country two systems framework. Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned by the recent arrest of a number of pro-democracy advocates in #HongKong. This represents another effort to erode the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong and further undermine the one country two systems framework. Nanaia Mahuta (@NanaiaMahuta) January 7, 2021 Human Rights Groups Condemn Hong Kong Officials Over 30 human rights groups have also published a joint open letter to condemn the raids carried out by 1,000 Hong Kong police officers this week. The open letter signed by 35 international organisations said the recent arrests symbolize the ongoing weaponization of law by Hong Kong officials. They called upon the former British colony to drop charges against all those arrested, the total of which rose to 55 people on Sunday from what was 53 on Friday. We condemn these arrests in the strongest possible terms, human rights and literary organization Pen America declared on its website on Jan. 8. This is a wholesale attack on democracy in Hong Kong, and a criminalization of freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, and freedom of association. The cohort of human rights groups included the World Uyghur Congress, Students For a Free Tibet-India, and Christian Solidarity Worldwide. The 55 activists, former lawmakers, and politicians were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday on suspicion of subversion, a crime under Beijings national security law, for their roles in a primary vote held by the pan-democracy camp ahead of the Legislative Council (LegCo) elections in September last year. Joshua Wong, former secretary-general of local pro-democracy party Demosisto, and Tam Tak-chi, vice-chairman of the pro-democracy party People Power, were the latest pro-democracy politicians detained. Among the apprehended were former lawmakers of the local Civic Party and Democratic Party, including Wu Chi-wai, James To, Andrew Wan, Lam Cheuk-ting, and Alvin Yeung. Lily Zhou and Frank Fang contributed to this report. A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the number of governments issuing the joint statement. The joint declaration came from the four countries of Australia, Canada, UK, and the United States. The Epoch Times regrets the error. | Image: Twitter Prime Minister will address the valedictory function of the second Youth Parliament Festival on January 12 at 10 Three winners of the festival will also express their views during the event. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', among others, will also be present on the occasion. The objective of the Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF) is to hear the voice of youth between 18 and 25 years of age, who are allowed to vote and will join various careers in coming years, including public services. The National Youth Parliament Festival is based on the idea given by the Prime Minister in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on December 31, 2017. Taking inspiration from the idea, the first NYPF was organised from January 12 to February 27, 2019, with the theme "Be the Voice of New India and Find solutions and Contribute to Policy". A total of 88,000 youth participated in the program. The second NYPF was launched on December 23, 2020, through virtual mode. 2.34 lakh youth from across the country participated in the first stage. It was followed by State Youth Parliaments through the virtual mode from January 1 to 5. The finals of the second NYPF will be held in the Central Hall of the Parliament on January 11. Twenty-nine national winners will get an opportunity to speak before the national jury comprising of Rajya Sabha MP Roopa Ganguly, Lok Sabha MP Parvesh Sahib Singh, and journalist Prafulla Ketkar. The top three winners will get an opportunity to speak before the Prime Minister in the valedictory function on January 12. National Youth Festival, which is being celebrated every year, will be held from January 12 to 16. Due to COVID-19, the 24th National Youth Festival is being held in virtual mode. 'YUVAAH - Utsah Naye Bharat Ka' is the theme of this year's festival, which suggests, the youth bring alive the celebration of New India. The opening ceremony of the 24th National Youth Festival and the closing ceremony of 2nd National Youth Parliament Festival will both take place on 12th January 2021 in the Central Hall of Parliament. The closing ceremony of the 24th National Youth Festival will take place in Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi on January 16. (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.) Sorry, no valid subscriptions were found for this Publication. Please select from an option below to start a subscription. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 24 Hour Access .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Dan McCormick finds himself writing on a daily basis. Its part of being a playwright and musician Living in New York City, McCormick found himself in the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in March. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ It got his creative juices flowing. He began to write Gravediggers which has been staged as a radio play. Gravediggers is set during the ongoing global pandemic that is currently taking place. The main characters Charlie and Mac are gravediggers and working overtime. The pair are wondering how the pandemic started, how it will end, and they discover that, despite their heated differences, they have more in common than they originally thought. And the secret they discover will surprise, McCormick says. McCormick says being in New York, the city is always bustling, and it came to a halt in March. It literally shut down over a few nights, he says. There still is a lot of emptiness going on. But there are also many days filled with hope. The second hour of Gravediggers will be streamed at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, as part of KUNMs Radio Theater. The first hour aired on Jan. 3 and is available to stream at kunm.org. McCormick teamed up with Roy Steinberg of Cape May Stage for the project. The two also portray the main characters. McCormick and Steinberg traveled to Philadelphia to record the project, which was completed in a day. We had to work fast and get it right quickly, he says. We had to go back and tweak some areas, but we did the majority of it in a few takes. With the play available to an audience now, McCormick continues to get positive feedback on the project. Im pleased by the reaction to it, he says. Not only from artistic directors of theaters. We were able to create something that people are able to listen to. Its engaged a larger audience. I cant wait to stage this in a theater with a live audience in the future. Gravediggers also got picked up by New Yorks Abingdon Theatre Company and will be running from Feb. 22-28. Online The second hour of Dan McCormicks Gravediggers will air at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, as part of KUNMs Radio Theater. Post-Brexit tensions have surfaced in the fishing sector with agriculture minister Charlie McConalogue criticised for the chaotic handling of a permit system for Irish fishing vessels in British waters. Only a small fraction of the entire Irish fleet has been given permits for continued access to British waters, with a reduced quota as a result of Brexit. Rockall is not the only issue the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine had no Plan B, said Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation chief executive Patrick Murphy. Mr Murphy described the past week as chaotic, and said he was shocked at how unprepared the department was. Mr McConalogues department has confirmed that only 141 vessels out of the full list of 1,900 Irish vessels have been given temporary permits to date. The department had requested authorisation on December 31 for all 1,900 Irish-registered vessels to fish in the British exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between 12 and 200 nautical miles, after notification by the European Commission of the need to do so. It said it was actively and urgently seeking from the UK authorities, through the EU Commission, that all Irish vessels be granted authorisation to fish in UK waters. Read More Fishing speaks to the soul of Brexit mindset Mr Murphy said arrangements should have been put in place by department officials months ago. Mayo prawn skipper Paddy Mulvany, who fishes with his 20m Kristel Patrick for 40% of the year in the Celtic Sea, was critical of the departments arbitrary selection, which did not include his vessel. He has also questioned the departments use of the term priority vessel in its response to him last week. What does that make the rest of us second class? said Mr Mulvany. "Unless this is sorted, anyone who wants to sell on a boat won't be able to realise its value if it does not have access to British waters." Ireland stands to be the biggest loser in a Brexit deal which sees EU member states lose 25% of catch overall. Killybegs Fishermens Organisation (KFO) chief executive Sean ODonoghue said that the departments approach was pragmatic, in ensuring those vessels preparing to go to sea on January 1 had authorisation. Mr ODonoghue said the initial permits only last for three weeks, and expects a second list will be issued for the full year. He said he understood Britain couldnt handle the full list. Meanwhile, Mr McConalogue and foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney have said there remains an increased risk of enforcement action being taken by Scottish fisheries control authorities against Irish vessels operating in the waters around Rockall at present. This follows last weeks warning by Marine Scotland to a Donegal vessel fishing within 12 nautical miles of Rockall. Sinn Fein marine spokesman Padraig MacLochlainn said he had warned the then marine minister Michael Creed in 2019, when the issue last flared up, that a 2013 agreement between the Irish and British governments essentially recognised British sovereignty over Rockall. The 2013 agreement signed by former Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore established a single maritime boundary between the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the two countries and parts of their continental shelves. This is a shameful agreement that has never been ratified by the Dail, said Mr MacLochlainn. Ireland could have supported the governments of Iceland and Denmark in demanding shared sovereignty and fishing rights around Rockall, but chose not to do so, he said. [January 10, 2021] REBEL MUZIK WILL HAVE YOU GOING "UPSIDE DOWN" Queens, New York, Jan. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rebel Muzik releases their third pop, dance, electronic and EDM installment that is guaranteed to have you going Upside Down. The official release happens on January 22nd 2021 with an exclusive Spotify release two weeks earlier on January 8th 2021. The song features Tyler Sjostrom who is no stranger to working with Rebel Muzik. Rebel Muzik mellows it down a bit and brings you into a phase of reflection and deep thought. This new track mixes Caribbean rhythm, electronic dance beats, pop melodies and more! Rebel Muziks innate ability to fuse their Caribbean sound into their music personifies them as a massive force in the music world. The song gets at you deep down and makes you think about ones own actions. What we say, the actions we take has a cause and effect. We never think in the moment how these things affect the ones we love. Then after it is said and done, we replay it over and over in our minds. The realization sets in and we lose ourselves, knowing weve done wrong. This feeling tears at you, making you go Upside Down. The track was written by Tyler Sjostrom and mixed and mastered by Rebel Muzik. Tylers inspiration for the track was based on his own experiences where one person creates a roadblock in the relationship by saying something hurtful. He says he has found that by humbling oneself and owning up to what was said and done, makes the difference between being miserable and being content. The producers, Rebel Muzik shows their expressive versatility that their fans have grown to love. They have seamlessly blended their ethnic roots of the Caribbean with the new age sounds of the pop, electronic and EDM culture achieving their musical mission. Rebel Muzik (rebelmuzikstudios.com) is a music production group out of New York that was founded in 2012 by Dj Rebel One. Rebel Muzik is a Trinidadan-American music conglomerate who seeks to create a unique sound that explores beyond the limits of just one genre. Versatility in music continues to be their mission to create and seamlessly mix the rhythmic sounds of the Caribbean with other genres to create a unique sound within the lane of electronic, pop, EDM and dance. Upside Down will be available on January 22nd 2021 on all digital platforms. Click below for the pre-save link: https://sym.ffm.to/yjr0g5k Follow Rebel Muzik on their social media platforms to stay connected on upcoming releases: Website: www.rebelmuzikstudios.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebelmuzik1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamrebelmuzik Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/REBELMUZIK Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1QyV8dqEnJtZaRcT3q1Q4v?si=OpW4Ur05THiJKfZ9sldhxA For more information, promo requests, or to arrange an interview, contact Anderson Bedasi at Rebelmuzikstudios@gmail.com Media Details Company: Rebel Muzik Email: Rebelmuzikstudios@gmail.com Website: http://www.rebelmuzikstudios.com Attachment Rebel Muzik [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Primary reports suggested that there was initially a fault in Guddu Power Plant in Sindh province. The internet facility in the country also collapsed due to the outage. Power had been restored in some parts of the country till early hours of Sunday. Pakistan tumbled into darkness on Saturday night as a massive blackout hit major parts of the country. A fault in the Power Distribution System is said to be the cause of the blackout which affected 114 cities including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore and others. The internet facility in the country also collapsed due to the outage, connectivity was at 62% of the usual level according to Netblocks, an NGO which monitors governance of internet. The blackout also adversely affected condition in hospitals and especially the patients on life support since there was no backup for a prolonged period. Jinnah International Airport in Karachi and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir were also struck by the outage. Primary reports suggested that there was initially a fault in Guddu Power Plant in Sindh province. According to Omar Ayub Khan, the Power Minister of Pakistan, the blackout was caused due to a fault in southern Pakistan at 11:41 PM (local time) on Saturday. The fault tripped the transmission system of the countryleading to shutdown of power plants, Khan tweeted. He added that, the frequency in the power distribution system suddenly dropped from 50 to zero, causing the blackout. It is not yet clear as to what caused the drop in frequency. Also Read: Bhandara fire incident: 10 Newborns killed in hospital fire in Maharashtra; CM orders probe Also Read: Bangladesh reminds Pak of 1971 Genocide; demands apology The office of Deputy Commissioner of Pakistan tweeted, NTDC system tripped. It will take sometime before everything gets back to normal. #blackout #electricity. As per reports of the Ministry of Energy of Pakistan, power had been restored in some parts of the country till early hours of Sunday. This is not the first incident of a blackout in Pakistan, the countrys electricity distribution is rather fragile and complex. In 2015, 80% of the nation plunged into darkness as a result of a notorious attack on a key power line. 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 View Results A Cuban state-run research institute says it has signed a deal with Iran's Pasteur Institute to test the Caribbean state's most advanced COVID-19 vaccine candidate in Iran. The Finlay Vaccine Institute's (IFV) January 9 announcement came one day after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei banned any import of U.S.- or U.K.-produced vaccines, which he called "untrustworthy," to stop the coronavirus. Cuba's IFV said the new agreement cleared the way for a Phase 3 clinical trial in Iran that would help "move forward faster in immunization against COVID-19 in both countries." U.S. firms Pfizer and Moderna, as well as Britain's AstraZeneca, have developed coronavirus vaccines that are already being distributed to millions of people in the United States, the United Kingdom, and across the world. Iran's Red Crescent said Khamenei's ban means that 150,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine that have been donated by American philanthropists will no longer be entering the country. Iran was a major regional hub of COVID-19 transmission early in the pandemic. RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region. It has confirmed nearly 1.3 million cases among its 82 million people, with more than 56,000 deaths making it ninth-worst in the world. Mansoureh Mills, a researcher for Amnesty International who specializes on Iran, criticized the ban by Iranian authorities on the Western vaccines as "reckless" but "in step with the authorities decades-long contempt for human rights, including the right to life and health." Tough U.S. sanctions are in place against both the Iranian and Cuban governments, but there are disputes about the extent that such measures -- which are supposed leave medicines exempt -- might affect vaccine deliveries. The Americas' only communist-ruled state has publicly said it wants its entire population immunized with homegrown vaccines by the first half of this year. Cases within Cuba's 11 million population are rising, although official case numbers are relatively low, at around 14,000. Sovereign 02 is its most advanced coronavirus vaccine candidate, with "an early immune response" at 14 days, according to IFV Director Vicente Verez. He said that broader clinical testing in Cuba had been difficult because of a lack of cases. Phase 3 clinical trials are usually randomized testing on at least 100 patients that includes control groups and closely monitors for efficacy and possible side effects. With reporting by AFP A restaurant recovery fund of over $3 million meant to help eateries during the COVID-19 pandemic has been set up. Empire State Development, New York's primary economic development agency, announced the Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund, according to a news release. The fund is meant to assist restaurants in the state deal with the impact of the pandemic and adherence to the public health and safety measures during the winter when outdoor dining is limited. Establishments could receive up to $5,000. Qualifying purchases and expenditures need to be from Sept. 1, 2020 onward to be eligible. The funding was made possible through donations by Diageo North America and supported by Coastal Pacific Wine & Spirits, and will be implemented by the non-profit National Development Council. Initial grant funding will be awarded based on the received applications and given out independently by the development council. Applications will start to be accepted on Jan. 11 at the Empire State Development website at esd.ny.gov/raising-bar-restaurant-recovery-fund. A man is in a critical condition after being assaulted at a beach on Sydneys northern beaches. Emergency services were called about 4.30pm on Sunday to Delwood Beach, Fairlight, where they found a 26-year-old with head injuries near the rock pool. He was treated by paramedics and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital where his condition deteriorated, requiring emergency surgery. Police were told the man was at the beach with friends when they were involved in an argument with four males. The injured man was struck on the back of the head, causing him to fall. His head hit the ground. It is understood the men had been drinking during the day and the groups are not known to each other. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 16:02:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Health on Saturday urged people countrywide to remain vigilant and adapt to the new normal to avoid a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control under the Lao Ministry of Health Latsamy Vongkhamsao told a press conference that risk remained for Laos of a second wave of COVID-19 as some neighboring countries continued to combat outbreaks. Lao people nationwide should continue their efforts in implementing preventive measures, and it was essential that every person and all relevant authorities strictly abide by the new normal guidelines, said Latsamy. On Friday, a total of 2,894 people entered Laos through international border checkpoints. The temperature of each person entering Laos was checked and no one showed signs of fever. According to the National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, 2,410 people have been quarantined at 31 accommodation centers across the country. The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in Laos remains at 41, with 40 of them having recovered and one patient being under observation in hospital. Laos confirmed its first two COVID-19 cases on March 24 last year. Enditem At NIO Day, in Chengdu, NIO launched its first autonomous driving model, the smart electric flagship sedan NIO ET7. The ET7 has a pre-subsidy price starting from RMB 448,000 (US$69,000), or from RMB 378,000 (US$58,400) with BaaS (Battery as a Service). The ET7 features a 180 kW permanent magnet motor in the front and a 300 kW induction motor in the rear. Maximum power is rated at 480 kW with peak torque at 850 nm. The ET7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a stopping distance from 100 km/h of 33.5 m. With a drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd and the application of the second generation high efficiency electric drive platform with silicon carbide power module, the energy efficiency is further improved. With a 70 kWh battery pack, the ET7 has an NEDC range of more than 500 km (311 miles), or more than 700 km (435 miles) with a 100 kWh battery. When coupled with a new solid-state 150 kWh battery, ET7 boasts an NEDC range more than 1,000 km (621 miles). The 150 kWh battery features a high-performance Si/C composite anode material, and an ultra-rich nickel cathode material. The battery has an ultra-high energy density of 360 Wh/kga 50% improvement over the 100 kWh battery. The solid-state batterys core technology uses a safe and efficient solid-electrolyte. In-situ solidification creates a safe and stable interface among electrolyte, anode and cathode materials. Deliveries of the 150 kWh battery are estimated to begin in Q4 2022. The ET7 is designed to meet both China and Euro NCAP five-star safety standards. Its body structure, featuring an ultrahigh strength steel aluminum hybrid body, has a torsional stiffness of 37,100 Nm/deg. The smart air suspension and continuous damping control are standard on all ET7s. The 4D dynamic control based on high-definition maps and high-resolution sensors can detect road conditions and actively adjust the suspension for a more comfortable ride. The ET7 features NIOs latest NAD (NIO Autonomous Driving) technology based on NIO Aquila Super Sensing and NIO Adam Super Computer. NIO has built up the NAD full stack autonomous driving capability including perception algorithms, localization, control strategy and platform software. NIO Aquila Super Sensing features 33 high-performance sensing units, including 11 8MP high-resolution cameras, one ultralong-range high-resolution lidar, five millimeter wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, two high-precision positioning units, V2X and ADMS. Aquila can generate 8GB data per second. NIO Adam features four Nvidia Orin SoCs with a total computing power of 1,016 TOPS. ET7 breaks the norm by integrating high-performance sensors naturally into the body. The ET7 is 5,098 mm in length, 1,987 mm in width and 1,505 mm in height with a wheelbase of 3,060 mm. When asked about the genesis to the crisis pertaining to Hafeezpet lands, Akhila Priya's brother said that 60 acres of land was transferred to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with several partners, including Naveena Rao brothers, A.V. Subba Reddy, and the Bhuma family. DC Image Kurnool: Already facing kidnap charges, former minister Akhila Priya has been slapped with dacoity charges in the alleged kidnap of shuttler Naveen Rao. This will further dampen her hopes of getting a bail. Bhuma Jagath Vikhyat Reddy, the younger son of Bhuma Nagi Reddy, said the whole case is vitiated as on the day of the alleged kidnap, his sister Akhila Priya was in Vijayawada taking oath as the TD general secretary. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Reddy said, The whole case has been built on allegations. The remand report also says may or may not be them. The charges are baseless, concocted and fabricated, he said. Following court directions, her medical examination was done at Osmania General Hospital, including a sonogram as she pleaded that she was pregnant. But it is learnt that the medical examination report certified that she was healthy and does not warrant any medical treatment. Even claims of pregnancy were also not confirmed, a source said. Jagath Vikhyat Reddy said, My sister was not treated well at the hospital. She was not provided a wheelchair. She had seizures four times but there was no relief for her. The doctors advised the police to take her, which was painful. When asked about the genesis to the crisis pertaining to Hafeezpet lands, Reddy said that 60 acres of land was transferred to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with several partners, including Naveena Rao brothers, A.V. Subba Reddy, and the Bhuma family. But the said company has been folded up. Meanwhile, after the death of my father Nagi Reddy in 2017, Subba Reddy and Naveen Rao were trying to knock off the property. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and his son K.T. Rama Rao are aware of the issue and we have said clearly that we are ready for an amicable solution, Reddy said. An advocate said that as per IPC Section 391 dealing with dacoity requires the participation of five or more people in any alleged offense. Akhila, named as A1, was not seen in the CCTV footage and there was no evidence whatsoever, implicating her by inserting dacoity to the alleged kidnap case, he said. At least six people including two civilian volunteers who back up anti-jihadist security forces in Burkina Faso were killed in an attack in the north of the country, a local elected official said Tuesday. "Armed individuals attacked the village of Loumbila yesterday (Monday) evening," the official told AFP, requesting anonymity. He said six people had been killed "including two volunteers" and three wounded including one seriously. Short link: Zimmer: Gronowski out, Heide in for SDSU, with new faces on the way Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has boasted that Israel will be the first country in the world to emerge from coronavirus as he secures new Pfizer supplies. The veteran premier said he had secured an agreement with Pfizer to bring forward deliveries of the vaccine in return for Israel providing 'statistical data' to help other countries defeat Covid-19. Netanyahu said plans are in place to vaccinate everyone in the country by the end of March, making it 'the first country in the world to emerge from the coronavirus'. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein welcomed crates of the Pfizer vaccine as they were unloaded at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday 'We will be able to embrace each other and get back to life,' Netanyahu said. Meanwhile Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein watched today as crates of the Pfizer vaccine were unloaded at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. One official said the shipment, which had arrived from Belgium, contained between 700,000 and 800,000 doses. Speaking about the vaccine rollout, Mr Netanyahu said: 'The agreement that I have made with Pfizer will enable us to vaccinate all citizens of Israel over the age of 16 by the end of March and perhaps even earlier, meaning that we will vaccinate the entire relevant population and everyone who wants to will be able to be vaccinated.' Israeli Prime Minister Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receives the second dose of the vaccine He continued: 'Israel will share with Pfizer and with the entire world the statistical data that will help develop strategies for defeating the coronavirus.' It comes after Israel has already vaccinated 1.8million a fifth of its population in three weeks. Yet it did not order any Pfizer-BioNTech jabs until mid-November. Israel's health minister Yuli Edelstein has previously praised nurses in the country for reducing waste by squeezing out the sixth dose for their patients. Israel has left the world behind after ordering millions of doses in advance, distributing them quickly to remote areas and enlisting military reservists to help. Netanyahu has put the vaccination drive at the centre of his campaign ahead of an Israeli election on March 23. The rapid rollout comes amid a rise in cases which Netanyahu has blamed on the British mutation of the virus, which is thought to be more transmissible. SOUTHINGTON, CT The latest hidden gem has been parked at a Connecticut ski area and is serving as an improvisational tasty presence amid culinary coronavirus restrictions. Welcome to Robs Drivin Diner. Back in the fall, Mount Southington General Manager Jay Dougherty knew he was faced with moving most of the mountain's food services outdoors because trying to socially distance hungry skiers and snowboarders would be next-to-impossible with cramped quarters inside the main lodge. Robs then rolled into Plantsville as one member of the culinary cavalry to save the day. It's parked at the base lodge area near the Mount Southington gate. Robs has creative specials, especially when it comes to pizza. Specialty pies include tomato basil, both barbecue and Buffalo chicken and white. Robs offers discounts for season pass holders, a two-for-one special on the last hour of each night, employee discounts and half price for an expired lift ticket. "Almost famous" pizza pockets can double as "edible hand warmers," Rob said. To see more visit the Robs Drivin Diner Facebook page. _____ The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located in the Nutmeg State. To register for free, local breaking news alerts from more than 100 Connecticut communities, click here. This article originally appeared on the Across Connecticut Patch This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Kate Andrews about a free virtual session with Dr. Jignesh Sheth, chief medical officer at the Wright Center for Community Health. Name: Kate Andrews Residence: South Abington Twp. Professional background: Assistant to the director at Abington Community Library, Clarks Summit, since July 2019 Title: Organizer Q: What inspired this event? A: The inspiration for the event actually came when Carol Rubel, board president of Abington Community Library, read an opinion piece in the Scranton Times-Tribune on Dec. 2 by guest columnist Cory Franklin. The article, titled Vaccine messaging as crucial as shots, drives home the point that health officials must regain public trust by improving their efforts to communicate with the public regarding COVID-19 and, most importantly, in providing information on the approved vaccines. Q: Tell us about the Wright Center for Community Health. A: The Wright Center for Community Health aims to provide accessible, integrated primary health services to patients of all ages across Northeast Pennsylvania, regardless of insured status or ability to pay. They are a well-respected pipeline for recruiting and retaining compassionate, competent physicians, training nearly 800 physicians since inception in 1976. The Wright Center is a community-owned and governed nonprofit asset, actively cultivating a workforce development pipeline and positively impacting the communities served. The mission of the Wright Center for Community Health and its affiliated entity, the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, is to improve the health and welfare of our community through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. Q: What will be covered in the session? A: The session is geared toward answering questions that are most likely to be on everyones minds, such as, How do vaccines work in the immune system, Why do vaccines help reach herd immunity and How are mRNA vaccines different plus efficacy and what it means to the average person, risk vs. the benefit of immunization, vaccine timeframe for different populations, potential local sites for obtaining the vaccine, side effects,and putting myths and inaccurate information to rest. Q: How do you participate? A: Patrons may register for this presentation by emailing kandrews@albright.org, and as it is virtual, anyone in need of information may attend. Q: Why is this event unique? A: This program will be presented by Jignesh Sheth, M.D., chief medical officer at the Wright Center for Community Health, and it is unique not only because it has a wide reach in providing crucial information, but unlike printed information, it provides the opportunity for people to ask questions of a medical professional in real time and hear answers to questions posed by others that they might not have thought to ask. Abandoned farmhouse was found in rural Victoria by photographer Steve Chaz while he was on camping trip He stumbled upon the remote farmhouse earlier this month but refuses to disclose the location of the home Mr Chaz says the home is from the early 1900s and was abandoned in the 1960s but remains intact to this day It was left with clothes, books shoes and a 'treasure trove of trinkets' inside, everything left as it once was Do you know more? Contact tips@dailymail.com An abandoned farmhouse sits frozen in time from the moment a family decided to leave sometime in the late 1960s. A thick layer of dust covers a stack of suitcases and an old broad-rimmed hat found in the front room of the old farmhouse somewhere in the countryside in Victoria, Australia. ADVERTISEMENT Photographer Steve Chaz stumbled upon the remote home - which is away from any main roads and towns - and took the striking images from inside while on a camping trip with friends on December 6. 'The house was probably built in the early 1900s, definitely occupied in the 1930s and 40s given there were newspapers from these years inside the house,' he told Daily Mail Australia. A thick layer of dust covers a stack of suitcases and an old broad-rimmed hat found in the front room of an old Victorian farmhouse An abandoned farmhouse is frozen in time showing the simple life lead by an Australian farmer after belongings were found untouched for up to 60 years Mr Chaz said he and his friends often find derelict houses but said this one was special as it had been left without vandalism or theft. That is why Mr Chaz will not disclose its location. 'When I photograph a place like this, I always give my word I wont reveal where it is, my reputation as a photographer stands on this,' he said. 'It's in a remote location far away from roads which is why it has remained as it is without vandalism or theft. 'Very early types of appliances like stoves and electric heaters as well as calendars in the home would suggest it was lived in until the late 1960s - and then abandoned,' the photographer said. Click here to resize this module From the outside the house didn't look like much, with Mr Chaz describing it as a 'semi-intact farmhouse in a fragile state of decay'. 'There are rotting floorboards, collapsed verandas, uneven floors and walls. One day it will collapse and succumb completely to the elements,' he said. 'There is no saving it at this stage, it's deterioration is too severe to attempt a restoration.' ADVERTISEMENT Mr Chaz and his friends went inside because the door was open and found a 'treasure trove of old knickknacks'. Pictured is the home's kitchen, with knickknacks strewn over the table such as bowls and vases while clothes remain on the floor 'Just knickknacks that would be used in daily life. There were still clothes hanging in a bedroom wardrobe and old shoes strewn around a home-made timber shoe-rack,' Mr Chaz said. There were also painting on the walls, clocks and old furniture. 'There are a lot of photos on walls which were removed from calendars and framed,' he said. 'Hessian walls lined many of the rooms, and one room had some fancy floral wallpaper.' An abandoned home is seen with an open chest of drawers and old fireplace that has not been touched since the 1960's Mr Chaz's images capture the exact moment the home was frozen in time - the kitchen is untidy and a row of books sits on a bookshelf, unread for 60 years. The photographs show personal trinkets, vases, clocks and bowls, all showing the life of a rural Australian farmer in the 1960s. 'There were closed suitcases I don't open out of respect,' Mr Chaz said. Mr Chaz refused to touch anything in the house. 'Only what was open was photographed. There is no rummaging through stuff. I treated the house and the contents with respect.' Mr Chaz said judging from what was left behind, the home was owned by a war veteran. Mr Chaz's images capture a home frozen in time, the kitchen left untidy and a row of books sat on a bookshelf 'I took nothing from the site but photos and memories of it,' the photographer said. 'I respect it as someone's property and a house that provided a haven and safety for those who lived in it.' He said he could understand why the home may have been abandoned by the owner as it was in no state to be repaired. It was not close to any township, so it would have been near impossible to live there and travel between home, work or school. ADVERTISEMENT 'From my perspective I see beauty in its fragile state and hopefully my photographs present it in such a way so that it can be remembered once it is long gone,' he said. 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 death has been announced of Professor Ebere Onwudiwe, a renowned economist, political scientist, prolific writer, promoter of Afro-optimism, and respected public intellectual. According to family sources, he died on Saturday, January 9, due tocomplications of the global pandemic. He was born on October 10, 1952, and is from Isunjaba in Imo State of Nigeria, where he held the traditional title of Mba 1 of Isunjaba. Apart from having a doctorate degree in Political Science, he also acquired postgraduate degrees in Economics and International Relations. He held several local and international positions in his lifetime, including serving as professor of Political Science at the Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, where he also became Director of the Centre for African Studies and Executive Director of the Centre for International Studies. The late Professor Onwudiwe was equally a governance consultant at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and, until recently, was a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development, as well as the Lagos Business School. Until his death, Mr Onwudiwe was a regular commentator on contemporary issues and a well-read columnist with PREMIUM TIMES. One of his closest associates, along with whom he was a Fellow of the Abuja-based Centre for Democracy and Development, Jibrin Ibrahim, could barely contain his shock at the rather unfortunate demise of the renowned scholar. For Mr Ibrahim, a professor, the death of Prof. Onwudiwe is painful. He was a perfect gentleman, good friend, committed nationalist and fine scholar that so many of us will miss dearly. He gave up a high-flying academic career in the United States to contribute his quota to the development of his country. Another close associate, Pat Utomi, the founder of Centre for Values in Leadership (CVL), described the late scholar as a passionate intellectual and afro-optimist, who left indelible marks wherever he worked. Mr Utomi, a professor, recalled their meeting many years ago, during one of the gatherings that Mr Onwudiwe convened for prominent African scholars in America. He further described the late professor as a person someone who took particular interest in the challenge of Afro-pessimism and deliberately promoted a positive flip for Africa through his numerous persuasive writings on Afro-optimism. Just about two weeks ago during a ceremony in Mr Onwudiwes village, veteran journalist Ray Ekpu recalled how he met the late professor many years ago in the United States of America and persuaded him to come home. This was the call that he finally heeded on retirement from active teaching in the American university system. The deceased is survived by a son, MbaMemme; daughters, Chinwe and ObiAwo; wife; and a number of other family members. Other prominent Nigerians like Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation and Steve Azaiki of the House of Representatives responded in shock to the death of Mr Onwudiwe and prayed to God for the repose of his soul. Sam Amadi, a former Director General of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), described Mr Onwudiwe as a quintessential public intellectual, the news of whose passing is, very sad and surprising. To Mr Amadi, COVID19 has now finally hit home. It has taken someone who is so close. I have known Professor Ebere Onwudiwe for more than 12 years. I met him first at an international conference organised by the Harvard African Law Student Association and the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School. He was one of the distinguished speakers. As usual, he was brilliant on his submission on democracy and development. But he won our hearts with his charm and friendliness. He cared so much about our work as graduate students and encouraged us in our passion to gain insights about the African predicament. Mr Amadi further observed that, unlike some of the African scholars who are either pessimistic or unduly optimistic about Africas future, Prof. had clarity about the challenges of development in the continent but maintained (a) healthy hope that African scholars and statesmen have what it takes to resolve these challenges. It was love of country that made Professor Ebere return to Nigeria to join other intellectuals and activists in the struggle for democracy and development. Until his death, he remained a firm believer in the future of Nigeria and the African continent, and through his writings, he promoted human rights based governance. I collaborated with Ebere on many such initiatives to bring together public officers and academic researchers to seek solutions to Nigerias many economic and political crises. I cannot forget the experience of traveling with Ebere, Professor Jega and many other scholars and human rights lawyers to all the Nigerian military establishment to promote ideas about civil-military relations. Professor Onwudiwe was a patriot who believed in the future of Nigeria. He belonged to many leading think tanks and policy forums in the country. He built formidable partnership with many first rate scholars and intellectuals across ethnic and religious divides in Nigeria,Mr Amadi said. Also, As an eclectic intellectual, Ebere synthesised his strong Igbo cultural consciousness and his commitment to universal values into a strong passion for social justice and democratic accountability. I will miss him for his solidarity, humility and positive energy as a collaborator in many policy and intellectual engagements. We had planned to establish a policy centre to drive innovation in governance. Now that dream has been shattered. Professor Ebere left too early. He left a big void. He left a sore pain. Dakuku Peterside, the immediate past Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), had this to say: It is shocking to hear of the death of Ebere Onwudiwe who till recently was Chairman of Governing Board of Development and Leadership Institute (DLI). Prof. Onwudiwe was by every standard a great thinker and an expert in opening peoples minds to see things from a new perspective. He was an accomplished academic and a patriot per excellence who can go to any length to see a more equitable and more prosperous Nigeria. He was a true global citizen. We shall miss one of our very best intellectuals. Another ally of the late scholar, who is presently a Fellow at Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa (FLCA) at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Uche Igwe, described Mr Onwudiwe as a consummate thinker and prolific writer. He recalled their initial meeting with one Heiner Woller of the GTZ during the preparatory days of the Niger Delta master plan. Mr Igwe recollected their collaboration on several projects and how the late professor showed exemplary humility by relating freely with people who were far junior to him in age and experience. According to him, Mr Onwudiwe was an active mind and unrepentant patriot who understood the Nigerian political landscape deeply and still had a lot to offer to the country. As pointed out by Mr Igwe, although Onwudiwe was Igbo, he was very inclusive in his approach and style, and highly cosmopolitan in his outlook. Mr Igwe described Mr Onwudiwes death as a most untimely and a devastating loss, as the pandemic has once again taken away a seminal mind, who was more so an intellectual bridge builder. He joined others to offer condolences to the Onwudiwe family, alongside friends and associates grieving his loss at this time. Jerome Okolo, founder of Safi Africa Energy Limited and General Secretary of the National Think Tank stated that Mr Onwudiwes death is the shocking loss of a great man, a gentle soul, a lucid intellect and rare kind of person, who was strongly committed to daily exertions to make the Nigerian homeland a much better, equitable, developed and prosperous place. He added that for his work, Mr Onwudiwe was highly acclaimed across the world; he was full of ideas and energy, and never passed on any opportunity to help others. Mr Onwudiwes belief that charity must begin at home also informed his enormous contributions to his native Isunjaba and the general Igboland. While the Canada-based Professor of Criminology, Tope Oriola, considered Mr Onwudiwes demise as a massive loss, for the Director of the MacArthur Foundations Africa Office, Kole Shettima, this is a very sad news. May his soul rest in peace. To the Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, Dapo Olorunyomi, the demise of the noted scholar on Afro-optimism is a truly crippling tragedy. Just renders you numb. Ebere was civil, sensitive and decent in the best sense of the words. A deeply painful loss. In terms of the burial of Mr Onwudiwe, the family has stated that he would be buried immediately in their village in Isu-Njaba, Imo State, in accordance with COVID-19 protocols. However a proper burial ceremony will be announced and held at a later date. ADVERTISEMENT To great fanfare, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus immunisation drive has given a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to 1.7 million Israelis, around 15 percent of Israels nearly 10 million population. A second dose will be administered within 21 days of the first, meaning all those most at riskhealthcare workers and those over 60 years of agewill be protected from the virus now raging across the country. Nevertheless, the lifting of an early lockdown in May in the interests of the financial elite has seen an alarming rise in cases since September that will continue to escalate. A total of 471,000 infections and 3,600 deaths, largely in the latest wave, has forced the government to impose a third limited lockdown. COVID Vaccine (Stock image credit: Envato) While Netanyahu has trumpeted the vaccination rollout, dubbed Returning to Life, as the fastest in the world, its distribution has been rife with inequities and mismanagement. Teachers were excluded from the initial rollout, despite at least some schools remaining open, while tens of thousands of young people were able to get the vaccine and thousands of doses went to waste, according to the Health Ministry. The government has now agreed to vaccinate them after the Teachers Union threatened strike action. With the vaccines widely reported as running out, Netanyahu negotiated with Pfizer to increase the number of the vaccines and the speed of arrival. Fewer of Israels Palestinian citizens, including those living in East Jerusalem, have been vaccinated than Jewish Israelis, due to the far lower level of healthcare provision in the Palestinian communities and their distrust of official government programmes. But crucially the rollout does not include the five million Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza, which Israel has illegally occupied since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. This is yet another example of the gross inequities in the distribution of the vaccine within and between countries across the globe as the rich get the jab while the poor wait in line. It is a gross violation of Israels responsibilities under the 1949 Geneva Convention for the health of the Palestinians living in the areas it controls, including the obligation to ensure medical supplies and preventative measures to combat the spread of contagious diseases and epidemics. Under the Oslo Accords, Israel agreed to bilateral co-operation on issues involving healthcare and epidemics but has in practice reneged on its obligations to the extent that the Palestinians have long endured problems importing medical equipment and an opaque security permit regime that makes it difficult for those in need of life-saving medical care to seek treatment in Israel or abroad. Amnesty report Denying COVID-19 vaccines to Palestinians exposes Israels institutionalized discrimination Israel turned down a modest request from United Nations officials to provide the Palestinians with vaccines for their medical workers, saying that there was a shortage of shots for its own citizens. Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said that while it was in Israels interest to contain the virus among the Palestinians, its first obligation was to its own citizens. Israel has refused to acknowledge the Palestinian Authoritys (PA) informal approach to procure and distribute a vaccine on its behalf. Rejecting accusations of medical apartheid as tantamount to anti-Semitism, it argued that since the PA had not officially requested help obtaining the vaccine, Israel was not responsible for providing medical support to Palestinians. The prejudicial treatment of the Palestinians will have its impact on all Israelis. Tens of thousands of Palestinians travelling from the West Bank to work in Israel and the settlements will be a major factor in transmitting the virus. Israels actions are rendered still more obscene by the astronomical price Netanyahu has paid for the vaccines, demonstrating yet again the distorting effect of the profit gouging and ferocious national competition for the vaccines. According to a health ministry official, the government has bought the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that requires storage at ultra-low temperatures at the extortionate price of $62 a dose, more than four times the $14.59 the European Union (EU) is paying for the same vaccine. It is also far higher than the EU is paying for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at $2.16 a shot or the Moderna vaccine at $18. For Netanyahu, price is no object if it secures a successful vaccine rollout, not due to genuine concerns for the health of the population. His motivation is an ability to pose as the man who banished the virus in the campaign for the March 23 general election. His political position has become increasingly precarious with the pending exit of his patron US President Donald Trump from the White House, a new Democratic Party administration under Joe Biden, and his scheduled appearance in courtnow delayed due to the pandemicto defend himself against charges of bribery, corruption and breach of trust in return for favourable news coverage. The pandemic is surging throughout the Palestinian territories, with the West Bank reporting 119,000 infections and 1,257 deaths, and Gaza 44,000 infections, with 32 percent of daily tests positive, and 409 deaths, prompting a new round of restrictions and curfews. Without any functioning air or seaports or mass-storage facilities for vaccines requiring refrigeration, and with all borders except for the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt controlled by Israel, the Palestinians are totally dependent upon Israel for imports, including food, medical supplies and other basic commodities. Healthcare systems have withered under the pressure of a brutal occupation, constant military assaults and the deliberate destruction of largely agricultural economies. Palestinian demonstrators run from tear gas fired by Israeli troops during a protest against Israeli settlements, in the West Bank village of Deir Jarir, north of Ramallah, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed) The situation in Gaza is worse. The densely populated enclave has suffered an 11-year land, sea and air blockade, and only has electricity a few hours a day affecting water and sewerage facilities and making the use of vaccines requiring refrigeration impossible. The combined effect has rendered 2.5 million Palestinians, about 47 percent of the occupied territories, dependent on aid, according to the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), leaving them particularly vulnerable to the pandemic. The PA has been unable to get Russias Sputnik V vaccine, on which it had depended and which Israel is not expected to approve in the near future. Moscow has reportedly refused to export the vaccine, saying it has insufficient supplies for its own population. According PA Health Ministry official Dr Ali Abed Rabbo, two million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine are expected in February, although it is unclear where the money to pay for this will come from. The PA is waiting for a shipment of 60,000 doses from the World Health Organisations (WHO) Covax initiative, which is unlikely to arrive before the end of February, as vaccines offered by Covax have yet to gain emergency use approval by the WHO, the prerequisite for distribution. Even this and a shipment of up to two million doses later in the year will be insufficient for the five million Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. These conditions are an indictment of the imperialist powers and the Arab bourgeoisie that have backed Israels suppression of the Palestinians, paving the way for a catastrophe of vast dimensions, and of a capitalist order that is incapable of organising a rational, equitable and comprehensive vaccine programme that could end the pandemic. Three of the President Donald Trumps riotous supporters, including a newly elected West Virginia politician, faced federal charges Saturday for their high-profile appearances in the U.S. Capitol riots that left five people dead. Each of the men was photographed or caught on video during Wednesdays violent insurrection after Trump delivered a two-hour harangue insisting his loss to President-elect Joe Biden came in a rigged election. Two became literal poster boys for the despicable event: One for walking off with House Speaker Nancy Pelosis official lectern, the other for posing shirtless while seated in Vice President Mike Pences chair on the Senate floor. The third, politician Derrick Evans, was busted in part when investigators compared his voice on a live-streamed video from the Capitol with his voice-over from a campaign ad, according to court documents. Our house! Our house! Evans shouts in the Capitol video. Adam Johnson, the Florida resident photographed while lugging the lectern with the speakers seal during the wild Wednesday rampage, was taken into custody shortly after 9 p.m. Friday and held without bail on a warrant issued by federal marshals, authorities said. Johnson, the 36-year-old father of five, was photographed while gleefully toting the lectern through the Capitol in the midst of Wednesdays rioting with the photo instantly going viral. He also posed while wearing a TRUMP ski cap for a second photo alongside a sign reading Closed to all tours inside the building, authorities said. Fellow rioter Jacob Anthony Chansley better known as QAnon Shaman Jake Angeli was arrested Saturday for wandering shirtless through the Capitol with his face painted red, white and blue while wearing a horned headdress. Investigators noted his unique attire and extensive tattoos in identifying the 32-year-old suspect. Additionally, according to court documents, Chansley actually called the FBIs Washington Field Office to confirm he was the bizarrely clad man seen sitting in Pences seat. Authorities also noted he was carrying a 6-foot spear festooned with an American flag tied just below the blade. The self-proclaimed shaman said he was under the sway of Trump when he traveled from Arizona to the nations capital, answering the presidents request for all patriots to attend the rally-turned-riot, court papers alleged.. Last but hardly least was newly elected West Virginia House of Delegates member Derrick Evans, 35, spotted in a live Facebook stream as he joined rioters in unlawfully entering the Capitol, court documents said. Were in, were in! shouted the law-breaking lawmaker two days before his Friday arrest. Derrick Evans is in the Capitol! Evans, who issued a post-riot statement Wednesday claiming went to the Capitol as an independent member of the media to film history, had previously revealed his true motivation on social media, officials said. This is why were are going to DC #StopTheSteal, he wrote hours before the rioting, in a retweet of a Trump tweet claiming 4,000 bogus ballots were found in Fulton County, Ga. One rioter was shot dead by Capitol Police, one police officer was killed by rioters, and three other demonstrators died during the violence fomented by Trump in the first assault on the Capitol since a British attack in 1814. A late pilot formerly of Carbon County has left a $1 million gift behind to provide scholarships for students studying aviation at Lehigh Carbon Community College. Nevin Earl Remaley, 94, of Florida served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later worked for U.S. Airlines as a pilot, retiring after 25 years in his final position as captain. Prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy, he attended Lehighton Area High School and later, the Naval School of Electronics and was an electrician on a landing craft tanker. He fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and received an honorary discharge from service in 1946. Remaley also earned a bachelors degree in corporate accounting and business administration from the Allentown Business School. He went on to work for a New York-based brokerage firm, in which he sold stocks and securities on Wall Street. He became hooked on flying after flying a trainer Piper Cub out of Lehighton Airport before becoming a commercial airline pilot for both Allegheny Airlines and U.S. Airways. Remaley stated mandatory retirement from aviation piloting was the worst day of his life, according to his obituary. He regretted not marrying and having children of his own, the obituary goes on to say. He died this past June in Edgewater, Florida. In recognition of his $1 million donation in scholarship funding, the North Whitehall college plans to rename the Technology Center on the Schnecksville campus as the Nevin Earl Remaley Technology Center. A dedication and naming ceremony will be held at a later date. John E. Hofkes, a close friend and trustee of Remaley, recalled Remaleys first flight over the Lehigh Valley through Arners Flying Service in Lehighton. After that, he never looked back, Hofkes said. He said, I owe my flying career to Mr. Arner and the GI Bill, Hofkes said. His lifelong dream was that one day he would be able to pay it forward by helping future aviators learn how to fly through the Nevin Earl Remaley Aviation Scholarship Fund. Ann D. Bieber, president of LCCC, described Remaley as having a passion for flying that was so deep he wanted to ensure others had the opportunity to pursue their dreams in aviation. The college is honored to be able to carry on this legacy for a man who lived a long and fruitful life, Bieber said. LCCC students will benefit greatly from his generosity. The Nevin Earl Remaley Aviation Scholarship will benefit students working on their pilots license and help to offset the high cost of flight fees. Students who are residents of Pennsylvania will receive preference, college representatives said. Remaley also was a member of the Lehighton American Legion Post No. 314, the Zion United Church of Christ, and the Soaring Eagles, according to his obituary. He is the second person announced this year to leave behind a $1 million donation to the college as part of a legacy. Clifford F. Miller of South Whitehall Township, one of the initial professors hired to teach mechanical technology at the college in 1968, left a $1 million gift behind to provide scholarships for students studying technology. Miller died in April 2020 at age 94. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Companies are adjusting security strategies and reviewing personnel policies in the wake of this weeks deadly riot at the US Capitol in Washington. The most obvious takeaway from Wednesdays violence: Companies need to better monitor and manage risks posed to corporate premises, particularly as physical threats have risen over the past year. If the Capitolpossibly one of the nations most fortified buildingscan be overtaken, then it is likely companies have some work to do, risk managers say. If Im a CEO today, Id better have my corporate security officer in my office," said Mark Beasley, director of the Enterprise Risk Management Initiative at North Carolina State University, which examines corporate risk strategies. Companies are expected to study the riot, during which a mob of President Trumps supporters overtook police to infiltrate the building that houses the US Congress, for lessons on preparedness. They will also see it as a sign that violence could be more likely to arrive at corporate doorsteps, Mr. Beasley said. The upheaval could be seen as a touchpoint for copycat events targeting storefronts, headquarters or factories. Mob attacks could come at a brand," Mr. Beasley said. Every entity ought to be thinking: Could our walls be scaled? Could there be enough anger against my product that that kind of breach could occur? " Sixty-nine percent of executives saw a dramatic increase in physical threat activity against their companies last year, according to a survey released in December by the Ontic Center for Protective Intelligence, a research arm of Austin, Texas-based software company Ontic Technologies Inc. Organizations should consider developing and reviewing policies and offering training to prepare employees for risks such as intrusions from protesters or active shooters, according to executives at Navex Global Inc., a Lake Oswego, Ore.-based risk and compliance software company. Some of those threats could be amplified as more companies respond to Wednesdays riot, according to risk management experts. Several companies have moved to distance themselves from President Trump and his supporters. Such decisions could make companies targets of physical threats, the experts say. Companies that sit on the sidelines also may face reputational risks, according to Mr. Beasley. Firms that dont take stances, particularly when their customers expect them to, are vulnerable to negative attention or boycotts, he said. Brands seen as favored by one side of the political spectrum are also vulnerable. If brand disapproval escalates, physical or reputational risks could extend to property or employees, Mr. Beasley added. We dont know where the next issue will occur that might lead to additional unrest," said Carrie Penman, Navexs chief risk and compliance officer. No matter where an organization is located, Im pretty confident most of them have been thinking about what their response needs to be." Other risks emanating from the turmoil include employees who might have been involved. Some companies said they fired employees who participated in the riot after seeing images of the employees on social media. Terminations can also increase physical risks in the form of retaliation from disgruntled employees, security experts say. Organizations can require background checks before hiring employees or develop employment agreements that include separation clauses for convictions related to illegal activity, said Bob Conlin, Navexs chief executive. Perhaps more importantly, they can work hard to develop strong, positive workplace cultures by addressing social issues head on," he said. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican, has said Donald Trumps incitement of insurrection at the US Capitol was an impeachable offence, adding he would vote to impeach the sitting president if he were in Congress. The harsh words from Mr Trumps longtime ally came when Mr Christie was speaking to ABC News George Stephanopoulos on Sunday following the riots. In the interview, he was asked if many Republicans would vote for articles of impeachment if they were brought to Congress. I think [Republicans are] going to have to vote their conscience and look at what happened, Mr Christie said. What we had was an incitement to riot at the United States Capitol. We had people killed. To me, we have no question here. When asked if he then thought the incident was an impeachable offence by Mr Trump, he responded: Oh sure. Mr Stephanopoulos took his questioning one step further by asking if the Republican would vote for impeachment if he were in Congress. Well if I think its an impeachable offence then thats exactly what I would do, George, but Im not in there. But you want my opinion, thats my opinion, Mr Christie said. If inciting to insurrection isnt, then I dont really know what is, he continued. Since the riots, Mr Christie said hes spoked with several congressional Republicans who were fed up with Mr Trump and that the presidents conduct since then has gotten them upset. It is a national disgrace that the flag at the White House is not at half-staff for the Capitol Police officer Sicknick, who gave his life to protect one of our institutions of democracy, Mr Christie said, referring to officer Brian Sicknick. Its just another example of why people think that these decisions are not being made on the merits. These decisions are being made purely with an idea of whats in my own personal desire at the moment on the part of the president, so its just wrong, he continued. Five people died on Wednesday during the riots, including officer Brian Sicknick. The flags were lowered to half-staff at the US Capitol to honour the fallen officer, but the White House flags, which are controlled by the president, have remained at full-staff. Mr Trump has not called the family of Mr Sicknick to offer his condolences, according to The New York Times. Vice President Mike Pence, in comparison, has reached out to the family and offered his condolences. Calls to impeach Mr Trump have circulated among Democrats and Republicans following the events at the US Capitol, and the Democratic-controlled House vowed to start its impeachment process this coming week. Free Speech Platform Gab Reports 753 Percent Increase in Traffic in 24 Hours Social media platform Gab reported on Saturday a huge increase in traffic as users migrate from Twitter amid widespread bans. Our traffic is up 753% in the past 24 hours. Tens of millions of visits, Gab said in a social media statement, responding to a user who said he wasnt able to make an account. Please be patient, we arent going anywhere. Spinning up 10 new servers tonight. This takes time, Gab added. The company also reported over 500,000 new users on Saturday. Twitter on Friday permanently banned President Donald Trump and a slew of other users, including attorney Sidney Powell and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. That triggered an exodus to alternative sites such as Gab and Parler. Parler is facing immense pressure to implement harsher moderation policies. Google and Apple removed the application from their online stores and Amazon plans to remove Parler from its web hosting service. Parler CEO John Matze told The Epoch Times that the company is prepared to take legal action. Gab is pushing for people to use its platform, noting that Trump is already on there. The president is not yet on Parler. A screenshot shows the social media platform Gab on Jan. 10, 2020. (Screenshot/Gab) The company has also noted that it was removed from Apple and Google stores years ago and doesnt rely on a third-party cloud hosting provider, such as Amazon. Over the past four years we have been banned from multiple cloud hosting providers and were told that if we didnt like it we should build our own. So, thats exactly what we did, CEO Andrew Torba wrote in a blog post last year. Gab isnt just building an alternative social network. Were building an alternative internet. From hosting infrastructure to web browsing and more: Gab is the market leader when it comes to defending free speech against Silicon Valley tyranny online. In a new statement on Saturday, Torba said: If your business is built on the backs of Silicon Valley tyrants (Apple, Google, et al) they can and will attempt to destroy you if and when you become a threat to their interests. They did this to Gab. Then Fortnite. Now Parler. Terrible content of all kinds is available on Twitter and Facebook. Everyone on the planet knows this fact. Yet both companies are on both App Stores. Apple banning Parler is not the neutral implementation of some objective standard, but rather a cynical, politically motivated gesture and evidence of Silicon Valley elites disdain for ordinary Americans. The solution, as always, is not government. It is to build your own. People mock this meme, but Gab lives it. While others whine, we build, he added. Apple and Google didnt respond to requests for comment. Google said in a statement when it banned Gab that social networking apps need to demonstrate a sufficient level of moderation, including for content that encourages violence and advocates hate against groups of people, to remain on its online store. Apple initially said the ban was because Gab didnt automatically censor pornographic content but after Gab made changes on that matter, the company said it would uphold the ban because Gab includes content that could be considered defamatory or mean-spirited. In a letter to Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the ranking member on the Senate Intelligence Committee, responding to his request to preserve data, Torba said Gab does moderate speech. He said it has a zero-tolerance policy towards threats of violence and unlawful speech but safeguards speech that may be controversial but is legal. Mandsaur: Farmers demanding debt relief and better crop prices on Wednesday "heckled" Mandsaur collector when he tried to pacify them, a day after five persons were killed in violence during their agitation in Mandaur in Madhya Pradesh. Also, former MP from Mandsaur, Meenakshi Natarajan, was detained when she was on her way to meet the family members of the deceased. Farmers in western Madhya Pradesh are protesting since June 1 demanding higher minimum support prices (MSP) for their produce, among others. Five persons were on Tuesday killed as the farmers' agitation turned violent, prompting the authorities to clamp curfew in the trouble-hit area. According to eyewitnesses, the protesting farmers had torched vehicles and indulged in stone pelting in Parshvanath area under Pipaliya Mandi police station limits. Curfew remained in force in Pipalya Mandi police station area of the district and Mandsaur town, while prohibitory orders restricting movement under section 144 of CrPC are also imposed in the rest of the district. Farmers in large numbers blocked a road on Wednesday in Berkheda Panth area, around 18 kms from Mandsaur. When Mandsaur Collector SK Singh and Superintendent of Police Omprakash Tripathi reached the spot to mollify the protesters, the farmers allegedly manhandled the administrative officer. "When the protesters started misbehaving and pushing the collector, we made way for him to come out safe," Berkheda Panth's sarpanch Dinesh told PTI. Ujjain Range Inspector General of Police V Madhukumar, who is camping in Mandsaur, told PTI over the phone: "I have also come to know that something happened with the collector. But I exactly do not know what happened." Also read: Mandsaur farmers protest: PM Modi calls emergency meeting, Rahul Gandhi to visit MP tomorrow When contacted for his reaction, the collector refused to comment on the incident. Asked if the police will take action against those who misbehaved with him, the district magistrate said, "It was the law-enforcers' job." The IG, meanwhile, said that the mortal remains of the five persons who died on Tuesday were cremated this morning. He said the situation in Mandsaur was under control. Meanwhile, former MP and Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan was stopped and detained at Nahargarh when she was on her way to meet the family members of the deceased. However, other Congress leaders are on their way to Mandsaur to meet the kin of the deceased. The Madhya Pradesh bandh called by the Congress today affected some western parts of the state, but petrol pumps, markets and other establishments remained open in Bhopal. The district collector had on Tuesday said the police categorically told him that they did not open fire at the protesters. After the incident, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in his tweet, had blamed the opposition party for instigating violence. According to the collector, a magisterial inquiry has been ordered in yesterday's incident. Mobile and Internet services have been suspended in Mandsaur, Ratlam and Neemuch districts to check the spread of rumours. Centre blames Congress for violence Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday blamed the Congress for instigating farmers in Mandsaur. The protests were being hijacked by the Congress, Naidu said a day after the violence. Farmers in the area have been protesting since June 1 demanding higher minimum support prices (MSP) for their produce among other things. "It is a very sad turn of events in a state that is the most peaceful state in India. Congress is trying to politicise farmers' problems after they failed to counter Shivraj Singh Chouhan politically in the state," Naidu said on the sidelines of a function. He said Madhya Pradesh was amongst the best performing states on all counts and Chouhan one of the BJP's best chief ministers. "Because of his initiatives in the country 20 per cent of farmers in the country are in MP... he has encouraged them, has got them land and electricity. Because of this their production has increased. They might not be getting ideal price for their crops and they are protesting against that, sure, and the state government is addressing these issues, Congress is politicising it," said Naidu. Naidu, the minister for information and broadcasting as well as urban development, warned the Congress against fuelling violence. "I saw news reports that farmers have burnt vehicles and destroyed railway tracks. Farmers never resort to this kind of violence. I just want to warn the Congress not to fuel violence in the name of farmers. It will boomerang on you. Whatever the condition of farmers across the country is because of the long years of neglect of the agricultural sector by you (Congress)," he said. The minister went on to list pro-farmer initiatives of the BJP-led government at the centre, including the Pradhan Mantri Bima Fasal Yojana (new crop insurance scheme), the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojana (irrigation scheme), the health card plan and the waiving of loans for farmers. Also read: Mandsaur killings: CM Shivraj Singh blames Cong for conspiring violence, announces ex gratia of Rs one crore to kin of deceased The problems would take time to solve but the government was committed to addressing them, Naidu said. "The PM has ordered an enquiry and the truth will come out. I ask the Congress why they want instant solution to farmers' problems in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh when they have no solution for farmers in Congress-ruled Karnataka?" Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at the government over the farmer's protest, saying it is at war with them and "feeding" them with bullets for demanding their rights. Referring to the violence during the ongoing farmers' agitation in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district, he said, "This government is at war with the farmers of our country." "In BJP's new India, farmers demanding their rights get bullets in return," he said in a tweet. The Congress party also tweeted, "Those who give us food, the government is feeding them bullets - 3 farmers dead, several injured in police firing in MP." Farmers protest in Maharashtra Politics over the ongoing farmers agitation in Maharashtra intensified on Wednesday with Shiv Sena ministers skipping the state Cabinet meeting. Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, meanwhile, ridiculed the government's offer of holding talks only with "true" farmer leaders. "Who are these farmers? Is there a real farmer in your ministry," the Sena said, in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. Making light of the Sena ministers' absence at the cabinet meeting, Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar of the BJP said, "The Sena ministers did not boycott the Cabinet meet but sought permission not to attend it which the chief minister granted." Meanwhile, agitating farmers put a lock outside the house of BJP legislator R T Deshmukh from Majalgaon in Beed district. Security outside homes of ruling party legislators and MPs has been beefed up following the 'lock up' protest. In Solapur's Barshi, former state minister Dilip Sopal locked his house to express support for the farmers' stir. The developments come a day after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Maharashtra government will come out with a loan waiver for farmers before October 31, which will benefit 1.07 crore farmers with less than five acre land holding. "Before October 31, the distressed farmers who need help will be given a loan waiver. The modalities are being worked out and I can say with conviction that this will be the biggest loan waiver in Maharashtra's history," Fadnavis had said. The Sena on Wednesday hit out at the Centre for allegedly pushing debt-ridden farmers into greater despair and allowing their farms to fall into ruin by 'brandishing the knife' of demonetisation. "After years, monsoon last year brought hope to farmers and they had a bumper production but the knife of demonetisation led them to sell their produce at dirt cheap rates. They couldn't even recover their input costs and as a result, debt ridden farmers plunged deeper into losses," the Sena said in an editorial in Saamana. The bickering ally also questioned the "apathy" of the government towards the agricultural sector at a time when the industry and services sector kept receiving periodical boost for their development. With inputs from PTI For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. NEW DELHI : The Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi on Sunday said it has finalised 89 sites to roll out the Covid-19 vaccination drive in the national capital from January 16. Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said 36 government hospitals and 53 private hospitals will have a vaccination site each. "The first batch of covid-19 vaccines will arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday. In the first phase, health care workers will be vaccinated. Thereafter, frontline workers and those aged above 50 will be given the doses of the vaccine," the Delhi health minister said. There will be one Covid-19 vaccination centre each in every hospital. Around 10 healthcare staff will be deployed at each centre, the minister added. "We are fully prepared to roll out the vaccination programme. We will administer the vaccine as soon as the doses arrive," the minister said. The much-awaited covid-19 vaccination drive will start from January 16, the federal government said on Saturday. In order of priority, an estimated 3 crores healthcare and frontline workers will be administered the vaccines, followed by those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities numbering around 27 crores, the government had said. The decision came following a detailed review meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wherein it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu, etc., the mass vaccination can be started from 16 January 2021. Later the PM took to Twitter to say, "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting #COVID19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins." The Delhi government has already announced that the coronavirus vaccine, whenever it is available, will be provided free to people in the national capital. "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 vaccine will be provided free to everyone on Delhi," Health Minister Satyendra Jain had said last week. Jain said the Kejriwal government has requested the Centre to provide vaccines free of cost to all citizens in the country. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. London, Jan 10 : Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas has wrapped up shooting of her upcoming Hollywood romantic movie, "Text For You", and thanked the whole team for managing it all despite the strict lockdown measures. The actress has been staying in London for the past few months for the shoot. Now, the actress took to Instagram to share an update of the movie, and share some behind the scene pictures. "That's a wrap! Congratulations and THANK YOU to the entire cast and crew. See you at the movies," she wrote in one post. "Last day on set! #TextForYou. Will miss this incredible crew that I've spent the last 3 months with. So special to be at work. #grateful," she wrote in another post. In one photo, Priyanka can be seen sitting in her vanity chair and posing with the script. In another photo, the actress can be seen sitting outdoors from her last day on set. The Hollywood film "Text For You" is written and directed by Jim Strouse, and the film is an English remake of the German-language film "SMS Fur Dich", based on Sofie Cramer's novel. The film also stars Sam Heughan. Pop star and her husband Nick Jonas is expected to make a cameo in the film. "Text For You" follows the life of a young woman as she grieves the loss of her fiance and decides to send romantic messages to his old phone number. In her attempt to send constant messages to her fiance's old number, she will connect with a man across town suffering from a similar heartbreak. Celine Dion's music aims at connecting the two and gives them the courage to take a second shot at love. Technical hitches have been blamed for this evening's three-hour delay on the opening of Victoria's new permit system, after Victoria's Chief Health Officer disputed comments from the Premier's Officers that the wait was due to his delay in signing the legal direction required to enforce the system. Earlier this evening the spokeswoman from Premier Daniel Andrew's office also told The Age that the orders were expected to be signed by Mr Sutton at 7pm, hence the delay. But Mr Sutton has since tweeted this evening that that information was incorrect, stating "directions were signed on time". A government spokeswoman apologised for the inconvenience of the delays. "The teams from DHHS and Service Victoria worked as quickly as possible to get the permit system up and running, as they worked to draft directions and experienced some technical issues," she said. Those who have applied for permits already have reported a quick and easy process once the system came online just before 9pm. Melbourne man Cameron Reiss, who has been waiting in regional NSW for border news with his partner has already got his hands on a permit which means the couple could, in theory, cross the border tonight. "It was very simple and easy process, a map is provided with zones colour-coded green, orange or red. Travel restrictions/conditions for entry are clearly outlined by colour," he said. "Permit arrived in my email inbox instantly." 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. A day after it was announced the vaccination drive in India will kick-off on January January 16, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said as many as 89 sites have been finalised for the first phase of Covid-19 vaccination drive in the national capital. "The Delhi government has identified 36 government and 53 private hospitals for vaccination drive from January 16," Satyendra Jain said. In the first phase, only health workers will be vaccinated. The much-awaited covid-19 vaccination drive will start from January 16, the central government said on Saturday. In order of priority, an estimated 3 crores healthcare and frontline workers will be administered the covid-19 vaccines, followed by those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities numbering around 27 crores, the government said. The decision came post a detailed review meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, wherein it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu, etc., the covid-19 vaccination can be started from 16th January 2021. Later the Prime Minister took to Twitter to say, "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting #COVID19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins." The Delhi government has already announced that the coronavirus vaccine, whenever it is available, will be provided free to people in the national capital. "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 vaccine will be provided free to everyone on Delhi," Health Minister Satyendra Jain had said last week. India has recently granted emergency authorisation to two coronavirus vaccines Covishield by Serum Institute of India and Covaxin by Bharat Biotech. Covishield is a a 'virus-vectored' vaccine that uses a weakened version of a chimpanzee common coldvirus that encodes instructions for making proteins from the novel coronavirus to generate an immune response and prevent infection. Researchers claim the vaccine protected against disease in 62% of those given two full doses and in 90% of those initially given a half dose. Covaxin has been derived from a strain of the novel coronavirus isolated by the National Institute of Virology in Pune. Bharat Biotech developed an inactivated" vaccine at its high-containment facility at Genome Valley in Hyderabad. Once the vaccine is injected into a human, it has no potential to infect or replicate, since it is a killed virus. It just serves to the immune system as a dead virus and mounts an antibody response towards the virus," Bharat Biotech earlier said. The COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system a digitalised platform will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis. The unique digital platform will provide real time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualized tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine. (With inputs from agencies) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. 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. London, Jan 10 : The British government urged Britons to "stay at home" in a major advertising campaign to help protect Britain's national health system and save lives as surging coronavirus cases are threatening to overwhelm hospitals in the country. Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, said in an advert rolled out on radio, TV and social media on Saturday: "COVID-19, especially the new variant, is spreading quickly across the country. This puts many people at risk of serious disease and is placing a lot of pressure on our NHS (National Health Service)." "Vaccines give clear hope for the future, but for now we must all stay home, protect the NHS and save lives," he added, Xinhua news agency reported. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also urging compliance of the public to tackle the crisis. "Our hospitals are under more pressure than at any other time since the start of the pandemic, and infection rates across the entire country continue to soar at an alarming rate. The vaccine rollout has given us renewed hope, but it's critical for now we stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives." he said on Twitter Saturday. The latest development came as Britain recorded another 68,053 coronavirus cases, the highest ever daily increase since the pandemic began in the country, official figures showed Friday. This brought the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 2,957,472. Another 1,325 people have died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test, the highest daily death toll, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 79,833, the data showed. On Friday, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" in the British capital as rising coronavirus cases are threatening to overwhelm hospitals. A "major incident" is defined as being "beyond the scope of business-as-usual operations, and is likely to involve serious harm, damage, disruption or risk to human life or welfare, essential services, the environment or national security". Major incidents have previously been called for the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 and the terror attacks at Westminster Bridge and London Bridge. England is currently under the third national lockdown since the pandemic began in the country. 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. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Mike Pence has not ruled out using the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office in the wake of Wednesday's riot on the US Capitol that left five dead, CNN reports. Senator Chuck Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Pence Thursday to declare Trump unfit for office after he riled up crowds telling them to 'fight' moments before a mob stormed the Capitol. The Vice President refused to take their calls and he has not spoken publicly since Wednesday's events, leading the Democrats to begin an impeachment process as an alternative option to remove Trump from office. Despite Pence's silence, the Vice President is keeping the move to invoke the 25th Amendment very much on the table for if or when Trump becomes more unstable in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, a source told CNN. The latest twist in this week's events comes as it was revealed Pence sheltered in a bunker with his family during the Capitol riot and Trump didn't check in on his safety. Mike Pence has not ruled out using the 25th Amendment to remove Donald Trump from office in the wake of Wednesday's riot on the US Capitol that left five dead Pence, daughter Audrey Pence and wife Karen Pence walk during the Inaugural Parade on January 20 2017. Pence and his family were forced to shelter in a bunker where they could hear the angry mob looking for him The source said Pence's team is concerned the president could take action that would risk national security if either the Vice President pursues the 25th Amendment or Democrats push forward with their impeachment plans. Now, Pence is working to ensure there is a smooth transition to the Biden administration and that the incoming team are best prepared for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, CNN reported. Tensions have reached a head between the president and his second in command following Wednesday's riot where Trump's supporters broke into the Capitol and chanted 'Hang Mike Pence'. Despite stoking the fury among the crowd by falsely telling them Pence had the power to stop the certification of Biden's victory, Trump did not check in on the Vice President during the siege. 'Was he concerned at all that an angry mob that he commanded to march on the Capitol might injure the vice president or his family?' a source said to CNN. Pence, his wife Karen Pence, daughter Charlotte and brother Rep. Greg Pence were forced to take cover in a secret location. The VP and his family - who had joined him for the ceremony - are said to have been able to hear the angry mob shouting 'where's Mike Pence' while they stormed through the building. The two men have not spoken since the violent attack on Capitol Hill, CNN reported. Trump has also not condemned the threats made against his second in command by his supporters and has gone to efforts to freeze him out including revoking the Vice President Chief of Staff Marc Short's White House access Wednesday. Pence has faced calls from Democrats to declare Trump unfit for office after he riled up crowds telling them to 'fight' (above) moments before a mob stormed the Capitol Pence has finally seen 'a glimpse of POTUS's vindictiveness' and is disappointed and saddened by it, a source told CNN. After his numerous attempts to overthrow the presidential election through unfounded claims of mass voter fraud failed, Trump pushed the blame for his defeat onto Pence. The president repeatedly and incorrectly claimed the Vice President could put a stop to the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the Electoral College. 'States want to correct their votes, which they now know were based on irregularities and fraud, plus corrupt process never received legislative approval,' Trump wrote on Wednesday morning, just hours before his supporters tried to hunt Pence down. '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!' 'If Vice President @Mike_Pence comes through for us, we will win the Presidency,' he added. '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!' He continued to falsely claim that Pence simply lacked the 'courage' as he whipped up the crowds at his 'Stop the Steal' rally into a frenzy Wednesday and urged them 'to fight'. 'Mike Pence, I hope you get to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country, and if you're not, I'm going to be very disappointed in you,' Trump said at the rally. Pence in fact did not have the power to do this - something he made clear in a statement Wednesday and in a conversation with Trump Tuesday. 'Some believe that as Vice President, I should be able to accept or reject electoral votes unilaterally,' Pence's statement read. A supporter of Donald Trump carries a Confederate flag on the second floor of the US Capitol Pro-Trump insurgents stormed Capitol Hill on Wednesday in an attack that left nation stunned 'Others believe that electoral votes should never be challenged in a Joint Session of Congress,' he continued. 'After a careful study of our Constitution, our laws, and our history, I believe neither view is correct.' This marked the first time Pence publicly broke rank with Trump and reportedly outraged Trump. 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.' It is a provision never before used for the removal of a president against his will. It requires 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'. Even if Pence and half the cabinet agrees, the 25th Amendment move requires a two-thirds majority of both chambers if the president objects. Several cabinet members are on an acting basis, lowering the number who could agree to the move. Pelosi and Schumer, the two top Democrats, had called on Pence to invoke the Amendment this week. Tensions have reached a head between the president and his second in command following Wednesday's riot Schumer revealed their efforts were scuppered when they were put on hold for 25 minutes before being told Pence would not come to the phone. House Democrats will introduce their impeachment resolution on Monday charging Trump with 'incitement of insurrection'. House Rep. Ted Lieu of California announced on his Twitter feed Saturday that 180 members of Congress have signed as co-sponsors of the article of impeachment that he helped draft alongside fellow House Reps. Jamie Raskin and David Cicilline. Lieu said that while all 180 co-sponsors are Democrats, he is confident that Republican members of the House will support to impeach. A draft of the article prepared by Cicilline, Lieu, and Raskin states that, 'Incited by Trump, a mob unlawfully breached the Capitol,' injured law enforcement, menaced lawmakers and the vice president, and interfered with the count of the Electoral College. Some Republicans have already suggested they are open to impeachment. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who voted to acquit Trump last year, said he will definitely consider impeachment. And Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, who also voted to acquit, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that she wants Trump to resign. Senator Pat Toomey told Fox News Saturday he believes Trump committed 'impeachable offenses'. Two Republican Congress members told CNN they would support impeachment with one saying 'I think you will have GOP members vote for impeachment.' However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the earliest a second trial would begin is Inauguration Day because the Senate is in recess until January 19. The move to impeach a sitting president for a second time is an unprecedented event in American history. The fresh talk of finding a way to remove Trump came after he egged on his supporters, who stormed the Capitol An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress Trumps initial impeachment trial came after it emerged that he had pressured the Ukrainian president for information on Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. He was impeached in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress but was acquitted by the Senate in February after only one Republican - Mitt Romney - broke from party lines to back the impeachment article. The move to remove Trump from power comes in the wake of Wednesday's riot at the US Capitol. Trump is accused of inciting violence among his supporters telling them to 'fight' in a rally moments before the riot erupted. His response once the violence started has also said to have shocked White House aides. He stayed quiet for hours as rioters wreaked chaos on the Capitol and five died, reportedly watching the scenes unfold on TV and refusing to tell his fans to exit the building. He finally addressed the nation Wednesday several hours later - after Biden condemned the violence in a public address - where he told his supporters 'I love you' but 'go home'. It has also emerged that Trump resisted efforts to deploy the National Guard and White House officials had to intervene to make it happen, with Pence giving officials the go-ahead from where he was hiding out. Trump supporters broke through the barricades around the Capitol Wednesday and entered the seat of government sending lawmakers fleeing for their lives. Protesters were riled up by the president during a rally near the White House where he told them to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Joe Biden's presidential victory. Trump told the crowd to 'fight': 'Unbelievable, what we have to go through. What we have to go through - and you have to get your people to fight.' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer demanded the president's removal from office Thursday A violent mob then stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building. Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets. Five people were killed in the violent riot including a police officer who was reportedly hit over the head with a fire extinguisher by a rioter. Three top Capitol security officials have stood down as questions are being raised over the failure to stop the breach occurring in the first place. Dozens have been rounded up and arrested since the attack including a QAnon supporter, a 70-year-old who brought two handguns, a rifle and 11 Molotov cocktails to the riot and a newly sworn-in West Virginia delegate. The FBI is asking for the public's help in bringing all those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, House Democrats will start proceedings to impeach Trump Monday charging him with 'incitement of insurrection' after he egged on his supporters and then failed to condemn the violence or tell them to leave the Capitol for hours after the violence erupted. Twitter banned the president from its platform Friday saying in a statement that his recent tweets amounted to glorification of violence. Dr Reddy's, BigBasket and now JusPay, there are just a handful of data breach instances that have been reported over the last quarter, and not to mention the ones that we aren't aware of yet. Surprising it may sound but in 2019, India was amongst world's top 5 cyber-targeted nations along with US, UK, Singapore and Ukraine wherein it held the top position for three months. A growing economy and also an outsourcing hub, India is on the radar of cybercriminals. "India is among the most cyber-attacked countries in the world and hence it is imperative to have stricter cybersecurity and data protection laws to mitigate data thefts and cybercrimes. With over half a billion internet users and over 1.2 billion mobile accounts, India as a country is a breeding ground for cybercriminals. Several reports have registered that in the first 9 months of 2020 alone, organisations and individuals estimated losses of about $6 trillion due to cyber thefts with organisations deploying the highest level of security also falling susceptible to cyber-attacks. Researches have further predicted that by 2027, over 900 million Indians will have a digital presence and coupling it with the unscrupulous use of personal data and information by service providers, it is vital to implement stringent cybersecurity laws," says Ram Seethepalli, CEO, Cyberior by Europ Assistance India. While large companies and organisations have the capital and the resources to deploy various technologies and solutions, on an individual level, the threat looms large. "According to a recent survey by Sophos, Indian organisations have incurred costs of around Rs 8.02 crore to rectify the impact of each ransomware attack, hinting at the seriousness of the cyber-attack. It also highlighted that only 8 per cent of victims were able to stop the attack before their data could be encrypted, compared with a global average of 24 per cent," adds Tony Velleca, Chief Executive Officer, CyberProof and CISO, UST Global. While India will soon have a robust cybersecurity policy, current laws do not mandate notification of data breach to customers. Companies in India largely tend to report cybersecurity incidents to regulators only where it is mandatory under applicable laws. Secrecy rather than reporting and remediation remains an issue in the event of data breaches. All of these inefficiencies are expected to improve with the upcoming Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 (PDP). Commenting on how the Indian policies can be strengthened, G V Anand Bhushan, Partner at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co., explains, "Firstly, the legal and regulatory environment needs clarity. India should fast track the enactment of the Data Protection Act and set up a strong and effective Data Protection Authority. This regulatory framework will provide for appropriate consents to collect and process data and also prescribe the fines and penalties for non-compliance. Since the draft bill already provides for high fines (Rs.5 crores or 2% of worldwide turn over) it is expected to usher in a strong compliance culture." India too should have strict laws and regulations, similar to the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which was brought into force in May 2018. "It inspects and monitors companies' efforts in protecting citizens' personal data while the Indian Personal Data Protection Bill of 2019 is currently awaiting clearance from the parliamentary committee. The inability to meet the GDPR regulatory standards levy heavy legal fees for the European organisations and that fall under the EU jurisdiction, a similar bill in India can have a profound impact and curb the surge of cyber-attacks," adds Seethepalli. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) is the nodal government agency dealing with threats like hacking and phishing. While several MOUs have already been signed to deal with information sharing and intergovernmental cooperation, CERT-In should continue to expand on cross border cooperation with international governments to deal with cross border threats. Also read: Amazon, Swiggy payments partner Juspay suffers data breach - 3.5 crore records compromised Also read: Guardians of the Online World This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong! Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. When Catty Asaveria-Snaggs sits on the lip of the mud volcano, she experiences the history and mystery of this age-old landform. I see this grey pool of gold, an invaluable blend of our core beauty coming to the surface. There is this mysterious aspect of it in knowing that the volcano was here millions of years before us, and it will remain when we are gone. The Trump mob insurrection Wednesday at the Capitol of the United States was, as Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York described it, a day that will live in infamy. Sadly, history will record that even after President Donald Trump invited the mob to Washington and then incited it to riot, two Republican representatives from Northeast Pennsylvania, Dan Meuser and Fred Keller, were among more than 100 House members who placed their fealty to Trump over their sworn duty to defend the Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic. The radical right members of the Sedition Caucus voted to oppose certification of Pennsylvanias electoral votes for no reason other than that President-elect Joe Biden carried the state. So, they would disenfranchise 6.8 million Pennsylvania voters because their guy lost, even while refusing to acknowledge that if the presidential election was tainted, their own elections had to be tainted. But history also will record that Pennsylvanias two senators, Democrat Bob Casey of Scranton and Republican Pat Toomey of the Lehigh Valley, stood tall. Both emphatically rejected the effort by permanently disgraced Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri to cast suspicion on the Pennsylvania election as part of their own self-serving plans to go after the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. The leaders of the Sedition Caucus claimed that Pennsylvania law regarding mail-in ballots violates the state constitution by allowing no-excuse, open access to voting by mail. Casey corrected them, pointing out that the state constitution requires mail ballots for certain circumstances but does not preclude the Legislature from expanding their use. He also pointed out that no one raised a constitutional concern when Republican legislative majorities passed the law and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf signed it in 2019, or when it was implemented for the June 2020 primary election. It was only when Trump lost in Pennsylvania that Trump sycophants, such as Meuser and Keller, discovered the constitutional issue. After that, Casey said, the Trump campaign failed to provide any evidence in an array of courts to substantiate the claim. Toomey pointed out that the only remedy for the nonexistent problem would be to disenfranchise 2.6 million voters who, in good faith and in accordance with the laws of the commonwealth, voted by mail. Two other senators Republicans Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Mitt Romney of Utah, also rose above sedition. Graham, who tarnished his reputation by becoming a Trump acolyte over the last four years, scoffed at the Cruz-Hawley plan to form a commission to investigate the election. They modeled the idea on the Compromise of 1877, which settled the disputed presidential election of 1876 between Rutherford B. Hayes and Samuel Tilden. To claim electoral votes from three disputed Southern states, Hayes agreed to withdraw from the South federal forces that President Ulysses S. Grant had dispatched to enforce Reconstruction and protect the civil rights of freed slaves. That killed Reconstruction, launched a century of segregation and further embedded virulent racism in the culture problems the nation has yet to resolve. Romney came up with a novel idea. Rather than lying to the people who stormed the Capitol about the election, try telling them the truth. Trump might be incapable of that, but congressional leaders should give it a go. In the end, the historical record will show that Casey and Toomey distinguished themselves while the Sedition Caucus attempted to convert a constitutional process to accept certified election results into a means to steal an election. Starkville Strong Pantry Drive-By set up in the parking lot across from the First United Methodist Church. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. KABUL Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar met Saturday afternoon with his Turkmen counterpart Rasit Meredow, who was on a two-day visit to Afghanistan. At the outset, Mr. Atmar welcomed Mr. Meredow and his accompanying delegation to Kabul, describing Turkmenistan as a friendly neighbor and brotherly country. Calling Kabul-Ashgabat ties as excellent and friendly, Mr. Atmar said that Mr. Merdow's visit and the new agreements signed between the two sides were steps towards further strengthening bilateral relations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that expanding regional connectivity, strengthening trade, transit, political and economic cooperation, and building regional consensus on the Afghan peace process were top priorities of Afghanistan's foreign policy. He noted that the expansion of ties among regional countries, especially with Turkmenistan, benefited peace and development in the region. Pleased with brotherly relations between Kabul and Ashgabat, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan thanked Mr. Atmar for the warm and cordial hospitality of Afghanistan during his visit to Kabul. Mr. Meredow stated that Ashgabat was committed to cooperating with Afghanistan in trade, transit, commerce, and regional connectivity and considered the success of the Afghan peace talks vital for achieving those goals. The Turkmen Foreign Minister assured Mr. Atmar of his country's firm support for the success of the peace process and the stance of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on regional peace and consensus. The two foreign ministers spoke in detail about the necessary preparations to open three projects to be inaugurated by the two countries' leaders in the near future. The meeting was attended by the President's Chief of Staff Mohammad Shakir Kargar, Deputy Foreign Minister Mirwais Nab, Director of Afghanistan Railway Authority Yamma Shams, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Heshmatollah Ghafouri, and Head of Afghanistan Petroleum Authority Seyed Mahbubollah Rabbani. At the end, an agreement and a memorandum of understanding were signed between the two countries as follows: 1. Cooperation Agreement between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan for 2021 and 2022. 2. Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan Railway Authorities. NEW MILFORD -- The architecture on the corner of South Kent and Riverview roads in Gaylordsville is unusual: a five-tiered cake-like building with walls that locals say are made of old bottles. The story about how this pink-hued edifice came to be is even stranger. Ask anyone who has lived in town awhile. They will whisper about it. They'll say it was built as a protest by long-time resident Jan Pol, a lanky man with a long white beard, who was born in Warsaw, Poland, and lived across the street behind his second-hand junk shop. Why? Gaylordsville historian Richard Kosier knows only the stories that natives and other long-time residents can tell -- that Pol built it in protest against state authorities, who in 1961 took away Pol's custody of the baby of his teenage foster daughter. The allegation was that Pol fathered the baby, which Pol rejected as ugly rumor. In 1977, Pol published a soft-cover book titled "Jan Pol: The Passage of My Life,'' which gives his version of the story and tells why he built the unusual building that to this day, Kosier said, fascinates visitors from as far away as Europe. Under a photograph of the structure on the front cover, Pol wrote: "I am Catherine Dessareau Pol. This building is my memory. I was born in a hospital, and 212 days later the Child Welfare Department kidnapped me saying, "It is not fit that I grow here.'' "He wrote the book to dispel the nasty rumors,'' Kosier said. "Whether they are accurate or not, whose to say? You talk to 10 different people, and you get 10 different versions. That's how it is with history.'' Custody of the children was never restored, but no criminal charges were filed against Pol. Long-time resident Lowell Hendrix recalls Pol arranged to take in a young girl he claimed he found sitting on a trash heap in Danbury. In his book, Pol describes how he went to state welfare authorities in Danbury and a probate judge in New Milford to arrange for the teen to legally come to his and his wife's home in Gaylordsville. Newspapers almost five decades old chronicle the tale. A 1964 New York Herald story by writer Don Ross said Pol was "aggrieved by the actions of the state of Connecticut ... and by the gossip of his neighbors in Gaylordsville where he lived for 35 years.'' In Pol's account, he was visited by the state police when the 15-year-old was found to be pregnant. Asked if he was the father, Pol said, "No!'' he wrote. "I have been a father to the girl (foster daughter), caring for her until the age when I wouldn't be responsible for her any more. Otherwise, as to the baby, I could not chain the girl up and always watch what she was doing," Pol wrote. In Ross' article, he said Pol's wife wept about the accusations, gossip that followed Pol to his grave in 1979. His wife died in 1982. "It is a terrible thing that this scandal should come to my husband in his old age,'' Ross quoted Pol's wife. Ross said Pol hoped his family would eventually be reunited, and they would live in the cakelike structure -- he and his wife on the lower floor and the daughter and baby in the upper tiers. Kosier said he does not believe the building was ever a residence. He said it is now used for tag sales. "It (the tower) was his protest,'' said resident Marge Bouton. 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. Fastmarkets daily price assessment for containerized cargoes of steel scrap, HMS 1&2 (80:20), US material import, cfr main port Taiwan was $448-450 per tonne on Friday January 8, narrowing upward by $3 per tonne from a day earlier but increasing by $7-8 per tonne from $440-443 per tonne on December 31 Transaction prices in Taiwan rose gradually this week, with transactions heard concluded at increasing levels of $445 per tonne, $448 per tonne and $450 per tonne cfr Taiwan from mid-week onward after a slow start to the trading week due to the New Year holidays.Negotiations started off at the same level as just before the New Year break, although bids gradually increased from $443 per tonne cfr Taiwan to $445 per tonne cfr Taiwan by Wednesday.Offers were mostly at $450 per tonne cfr Taiwan this week."The presence of China in the spot market has spooked many other buyers in other countries, some feel that scrap supply will remain tight in the whole of 2021," a Taiwanese trader told Fastmarkets.A continued shortage of containerized ferrous scrap has led to at least two transactions for bulk HMS 1&2 (80:20) from the United States' West Coast to be sold to Taiwan in the past two weeks, including one in the last week of December.This indicates a premium of around $30 per tonne that bulk cargoes are commanding over containerized materials.One cargo was sold to a major Taiwanese electric-arc furnace (EAF)-based steel mill at $474 per tonne cfr Taiwan, while the second cargo was sold at $475-480 per tonne cfr Taiwan.There was a transaction concluded at $455 per tonne cfr Taiwan for a bulk Japanese H1&H2 (50:50) cargo on Wednesday.Bids later increased to $460 per tonne cfr Taiwan by the second half of the week, against offers at $460-465 per tonne cfr Taiwan.Japanese buyers of ferrous scrap continue to seek the steelmaking raw material to hedge against a sudden shortage of material, with prices for plate and structural-grade scrap (P&S), known as HS in Japan, rising this week PORTLAND-- U.S. Senator Ron Wyden held a news conference Saturday morning calling for Congress to take up impeachment on President Trump. Every single day that Donald Trump is in office, in my view, is a threat to the kind of values that are sacred to this country and to Oregon, Wyden said. RELATED: DEMS PUSH FOR FAST-TRACK IMPEACHMENT OF TRUMP NEXT WEEK Wyden described sitting on the floor of the Senate Wednesday, just moments before the chaos erupted. These were domestic terrorists, Wyden said. I looked around and saw officers with machine guns on the floor of the United States Senate -- I kept asking myself how could this be happening. Wyden said it is critically important for the presidents Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment, which he says will be the quickest way to remove the president from office. When senators change their mind on a position, they really have a strong reason for doing it, Wyden said. We saw it on Wednesday night. We saw it after Wednesday, as a number of Trumps Cabinet officials were talking about it. Several of them resigned. I think we do see real movement among republicans to protect the country. Wyden said that President Trump is a threat and believes he incited the violence at the Capitol. I believe that every single senator, every Democrat, every Republican -- has an obligation to watchdog Donald Trump every single day, Wyden said. Sen. Wyden is set to become the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, now that both Democratic candidates won the races -- shifting the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 19:57:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China is steadily advancing the efforts to build a peaceful China and the rule of law under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the latest instruction to raise the levels of the Peaceful China initiative and the rule of law in China on eve of the first Chinese People's Police Day, which falls on Sunday. He called on all police officers to take concrete actions to make new greater contributions to safeguarding people's happiness, national security and social stability. The call followed another instruction Xi made last November, urging a greater focus on solving prominent problems, as well as efforts to make the implementation of the Peaceful China initiative more scientific and raise its levels of public participation, rule of law and intelligence. Xi's guidance has powered the initiative through the past eight years with a series of positive results. Overall, China is considered one of the safest countries in the world by more and more people. The number of criminal cases involving the deaths of individuals per 100,000 people in China is among the lowest in the world. About 95.55 percent of the Chinese people are satisfied with the current status of public order. By the end of November 2020, police had busted more than 3,500 mafia-style criminal organizations over three years. Xi's latest instruction was heeded by members of the police and judiciary, who pledged efforts to consolidate the Peaceful China initiative and the rule of law in China. Sun Andong, a police officer from Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, said that being careful and patient is crucial for primary-level police officers to better handle disputes. "In the new year, I will continue to work hard and make new contributions," Sun added. Li Peng, a judicial police officer of the Supreme People's Court, vowed to start from details to let the public have a stronger feeling of warmth and justice of the law throughout judicial process. The people's court will fully play its role in punishing crimes, resolving conflicts and maintaining justice, said Liu Li, a Beijing district court official. Efforts will be made to better deal with disputes and defuse risks in accordance with laws, as well as press ahead with campaigns to fight organized crime, Liu added. Deng Yong, a senior official from southwest China's Sichuan Province in charge of judicial, procuratorial and police work, said that they will comprehensively implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and strive to meet people's new demands and expectations of fairness and justice. Deng also said sustained efforts will be made to create a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment. Enditem Posted Sunday, January 10, 2021 10:04 am OLYMPIA With a mostly virtual session due to COVID-19 protocols, increased safety concerns over pro-Trump protests nationwide and a long road toward economic recovery , Washington lawmakers have a lot of work ahead of them when the Legislature convenes on Monday. Leaders has outlined their priorities for the 105-day session, but they have suggested that communication and other challenges caused by a virtual session will force lawmakers to focus on the most important priorities in order to be productive. The only thing lawmakers must do this session is pass a budget for the next biennium, but that won't be the only thing they discuss. Here's what to look out for this legislative session: Economic recovery Legislators and Gov. Jay Inslee have repeatedly said economic recovery post-COVID is the No. 1 focus this year, but they disagree on how to get there. Part of the debate will be immediate pandemic assistance, a plan Inslee proposed as part of his legislative agenda and budget proposals. The other part of economic recovery will come from the state's long-term budget, which must be decided this session for the 2021-23 biennium. Inslee is pushing the Legislature to pass a relief package within the first two weeks of the session. It would include $100 million in assistance to struggling businesses and $100 million in rental assistance to landlords. House Democratic Majority Leader Laurie Jinkins, of Tacoma, said Thursday they are preparing for early action but also are trying to understand fully what a federal relief package might look like. Republicans have said the assistance is too little and too late, but likely will support some sort of immediate aid. Inslee proposed spending $57.6 billion over the next two years to fight COVID-19, improve the economy and fight climate change. In his budget released in December, Inslee proposed using up the Rainy Day Fund, implementing a capital gains tax of 9% on annual investment earnings of $50,000 for a married couple and creating a monthly tax of about $3 on health insurance policies. Republicans called Inslee's budget "underwhelming" and criticized his proposed taxes. Still, Inslee said in December he believes he has the support for most of his proposals. COVID-19 responseJinkins told reporters Monday the Legislature's response to COVID-19 is "a whole ecosystem unto itself." Along with relief for businesses and rental assistance, it includes improving support for vaccine distribution, getting kids back in school and lowering unemployment. Although what's in the newest federal relief package isn't entirely known, Jinkins said state legislators are planning early action to release those funds. Most likely, the federal funds would go toward vaccine planning, contact tracing and testing. Funding would also go toward food assistance, small business grants, rental assistance and child care grants. Jinkins said Democrats are willing to tap the Rainy Day Fund for some of these programs. Lawmakers also are discussing providing tax relief for businesses that received paycheck protection program loans, as well as waiving property tax interest fees for businesses. Jinkins mentioned helping school districts with transportation and enrollment costs, but said it would be an issue that likely would come later in the session as it is "very complicated." House Republican Minority Leader J.T. Wilcox, of Yelm, said Thursday he looks forward to getting a lot of these aid packages and policies through but he wished they happened sooner. {strong style="font-size: 1.17em; font-weight: bold;"}Police reform and improving equity{/strong} After the in-custody killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last May, lawmakers began working on a sweeping legislative package on police reform. In committee hearings throughout the interim, lawmakers on both sides agreedthat something needs to be done. A police reform proposals likely to be debated include: * A ban or limits place on certain police tactics, such as chokeholds, neck restraints and the use certain military equipment. * Implementation of a decertification process for officers who use deadly force. * A new training program for police officers to intervene and report officers they see using unnecessary deadly force. * Creation of a database that would collect information on incidents involving use of deadly force. * A new statewide body to investigate use of deadly force. Some of the legislation, such as a change in police tactics, likely will not be as controversial, said House Public Safety Committee Chairman Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland. Others, such as the topics of collective bargaining and eliminating private arbitrators, might. The difficult discussions already began in a Nov. 30 Public Safety Committee hearing where Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick, questioned the idea of eliminating the use of a private arbitrator, as well as changing certain police tactics. "If I choose to pin on a badge, I am giving up my right to constitutional due process," said Klippert, a Benton County sheriff's deputy and ranking member of the Public Safety Committee. "Is that what you're suggesting?" Along with police reform, Inslee proposed a package aimed at tackling inequities . His ideas include boosting funding for independent police investigations, a state Equity Office, broadband connection and immigrant relief . He also is calling for changes in environmental policy to consider the effects of pollution in communities of color or those in poverty. Democratic Sen. Manka Dhingra, of Redmond, said economic recovery will be front and center, but with that comes improving inequities statewide as people of color are "suffering at a rate that is disproportionate." "We have to come out of this pandemic in a way that does not leave people behind," Dhingra said. Climate changeClimate change was included in Democrats' top four priorities for this session, along with the COVID-19 response, racial equity and economic recovery. As part of his proposed budget, Inslee proposed a bill to create a comprehensive climate program that would establish a cap on greenhouse gas emissions, create a climate investment account to support clean transportation and emissions reduction, and analyze policies from an environmental justice lens. Inslee has pushed in the past for a low-carbon fuel standard for transportation fuel and will continue to do so this year. Inslee also wants to invest in clean energy projects, clean transportation, and clean buildings and homes. Democrats likely will support much of Inslee's proposals, although COVID relief and response will take priority. Limiting emergency powers A priority for Republicans this session will be passing legislation that limits the governor's powers during emergencies. Numerous bills already have been pre-filed, including limiting the duration of emergency rules and requiring legislative oversight of emergency orders. Republicans have criticized Inslee consistently during the coronavirus pandemic for not calling a special session so the Legislature could have a say in his emergency orders. Wilcox told reporters Thursday the governor should have power in an emergency but there should be a limit. "We would like to see adjustments so the Legislature's involved so it can not go on in an indefinite way without having the involvement of all of the representatives of the people," he said. Democrats, on the other hand, don't agree that Inslee has overstepped with his emergency orders. Jinkins said the governor has worked with legislators on both sides when coming up with his plan. In response, Inslee told reporters that his emergency orders have reduced the COVID death and transmission rates in Washington. "I think the most important part of this debate is whether what we're doing is working or not, and the evidence is quite clear," he said. ------ In a letter to President-elect Joe Biden, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-Charleston and other GOP lawmakers called for an end to impeachment efforts against President Donald J. Trump after his supporters violently stormed Capitol Hill earlier this week. Mace joined six Republican congressmen in signing the letter which asked for Biden to stop House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, from removing Trump from office. "In the spirit of healing and fidelity to our Constitution, we ask that you formally request that Speaker Nancy Pelosi discontinue her efforts to impeach President Donald J. Trump a second time," the letter said. "A second impeachment, only days before President Trump will leave office, is as unnecessary as it is inflammatory." Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.; Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D.; Ken Buck, R-Colo; Mike Gallagher, R-Wis.; Tom McClintock, R-Calif; and Chip Roy, R-Texas. Mace has been outspoken about Trump's attempts to overturn the election this past week prior to the violent Capitol Hill riots. Following the chaos, the newly elected congresswoman also said Trump's accomplishments were soiled by his conduct and rhetoric which fueled the mob. But she also told The Post and Courier that impeachment would just sow division even more in the Trump's final days in office. "The American people have had enough partisan games over the last several months, certainly over the last several weeks," Mace said. "I'm committed to toning down the rhetoric used in Congress and helping heal our nation, and a hopeless attempt to beat the clock and impeach the president doesn't do that." Mace was elected to Congress in November in a narrow victory against Democratic incumbent Joe Cunningham for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District seat. The Statehouse representative from Daniel Island, single mother and first female graduate from The Citadel's Corps of Cadets had Trump's vocal support during her campaign and likewise praised many of his policy efforts. In 2016, Mace worked as coalitions director and field director for Trumps South Carolina presidential campaign. But earlier this week, she didn't mince words when speaking about Trump's rhetoric and behavior which fueled tensions in Washington D.C. 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. How long have Gov. Kate Brown and Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen known that each day, seniors represent the majority of people dying in this pandemic? How long have they known that vaccines were being produced at warp speed? How many unused vaccines have not been delivered to vulnerable Oregonians? The answers clearly show that Brown, Allen and their team have mismanaged the vaccine rollout. Oregon is near the bottom of the list of states in the percentage of vaccinations used. Recently, our friends, who are in their 70s and live in Georgia, received their vaccination dates, which are 10 days from now. Even as Georgia held a high-profile runoff election, the state has managed to get its seniors vaccinated. Florida seniors, including the snowbirds, are being vaccinated. Brown and Allen cannot blame the federal government or any other body for their incompetence. They have vaccines, and more are coming. They should do their jobs. Cut the red tape and get the vaccines to vulnerable citizens, including Oregons seniors. Leslie Pirrotta, Lake Oswego President Donald Trump speaking at his rally on Wednesday before his supporters stormed the Capitol (Evan Vucci/AP) Deprived of his major online megaphones, Donald Trump is seeking alternative ways to spread his messages in his last days in the White House. After Twitter, Facebook and Instagram shut the president off for inciting rebellion in the aftermath of the Washington riot, Mr Trumps main options appear to have much smaller reach. Chief among them is the far right-friendly Parler though Google and Apple have both removed it from their app stores and Amazon decided to boot it off its web hosting service. Mr Trump may launch his own platform. But that will not happen overnight, and free speech experts anticipate growing pressure on all social media platforms to curb incendiary speech as Americans take stock of Wednesdays violent takeover of the US Capitol by a Trump-incited mob. Twitter ended Mr Trumps nearly 12-year run on Friday. In shutting his account it cited a tweet to his 89 million followers that he planned to skip President-elect Joe Bidens January 20 inauguration that it said gave rioters license to converge on Washington once again. Facebook and Instagram have suspended Mr Trump at least until Inauguration Day. Twitch and Snapchat also have disabled Mr Trumps accounts, while Shopify took down online stores affiliated with the president and Reddit removed a Trump sub-group. Twitter also banned Trump loyalists including former national security advisor Michael Flynn in a sweeping purge of accounts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory and the Capitol insurrection. Some had hundreds of thousands of followers. In a statement on Friday, Trump said: We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future. The immense power that the social media platforms have as gatekeepers of public discourse had been flexed as never before a power that should be troubling even for supporters of the Trump ban, tweeted Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Expand Close Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the Capitol on Wednesday (Jose Luis Magana/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the Capitol on Wednesday (Jose Luis Magana/AP) Experts are betting Mr Trump pops up on Parler, a two-year-old magnet for the far right that claims more than 12 million users, and where his sons Eric and Don Jr are already active. Parler hit headwinds, though, on Friday as Google yanked its smartphone app from its app store for allowing postings that seek to incite ongoing violence in the US. Apple followed suit on Saturday evening after giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities. Public safety issues will need to be resolved before it is restored, Apple said. Amazon struck another blow on Saturday, informing Parler it would need to look for a new web-hosting service effective midnight Sunday. It reminded Parler in a letter that it had informed it in the past few weeks of 98 examples of posts that clearly encourage and incite violence and said the platform poses a very real risk to public safety. Parler CEO John Matze complained on his site of being scapegoated. Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler, he said, adding he would not cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech. Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones severely limits Parlers reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. Another potential landing spot for Mr Trump is Gab though both Google and Apple removed it from their app stores in 2017. Online speech experts expect social media companies led by Facebook, Twitter and Googles YouTube to more vigorously police hate speech and incitement in the wake of the Capitol rebellion, as Western democracies led by Nazism-haunted Germany already do. Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country Nikki Haley, former US ambassador to the UN David Kaye, a University of California-Irvine law professor and former UN special rapporteur on free speech, believes the Parlers of the world will also face pressure from the public and law enforcement, as will little-known sites where further pre-inauguration disruption is now apparently being organised. They include MeWe, Wimkin, TheDonald.win and Stormfront, according to a report released on Saturday by The Althea Group, which tracks disinformation. Mr Kaye rejects arguments by US conservatives including the presidents former UN ambassador, Nikki Haley, that the Trump ban savaged the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from restricting free expression. Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country, Ms Haley tweeted. But Mr Kate countered: Its not like the platforms rules are draconian. People dont get caught in violations unless they do something clearly against the rules. While initially arguing their need to be neutral on speech, Twitter and Facebook gradually yielded to public pressure, drawing a line especially when the so-called Plandemic video emerged early in the Covid-19 pandemic urging people not to wear masks, noted civic media professor Ethan Zuckerman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Expand Close Donald Trump has hinted at building his own social media platform (Steve Parsons/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump has hinted at building his own social media platform (Steve Parsons/PA) Mr Zuckerman expects the Trump de-platforming may spur important online shifts. First, there may be an accelerated splintering of the social media world along ideological lines. Trump will pull a lot of audience wherever he goes, he said. That could mean more platforms with smaller, more ideologically isolated audiences. A splintering could push people towards extremes or make extremism less infectious, he said. Perhaps people looking for a video about welding on YouTube will no longer find themselves being offered an unrelated QAnon video. Alternative media systems that are less top-down managed and more self-governing could also emerge. Mr Zuckerman also expects major debate about online speech regulation, including in Congress. I suspect you will see efforts from the right arguing that there shouldnt be regulations on acceptable speech, he said. I think you will see arguments from the democratic side that speech is a public health issue. Smaller Australian charities have been economically damaged the most by the pandemic as the sector prepares for resources to be further stretched from March when the federal government's JobKeeper payments end. While the full impact of COVID-19 on charities in 2020 will not be clear until they lodge their annual returns later this year, many smaller organisations dependent on fundraising have seen a drop in donations. Reverend Bill Crews and volunteers of the Exodus Foundation sort through Christmas donations at their Ashfield parish prior to Chrismas Day. Credit:James Alcock The JobKeeper subsidy has helped many of Australia's 58,000 charities retain staff but there are fears that when the payment ends in March organisations will be forced to shed personnel. Krystian Seibert, acting policy and research director at Philanthropy Australia said the available data shows the pandemic has had an "uneven" impact across the sector. Doctors at Delhi government-run Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) are slated to conduct a heart bypass surgery on Monday, which will be the first operation to be done there since it was declared a dedicated coronavirus facility nearly 10 months ago, officials said. The national capital had reported its first coronavirus case on March 1 when a businessman from east Delhi had tested positive for the infection. LNJP Hospital and RGSSH were among the facilities converted into dedicated COVID-19 hospitals soon after the cases began to rise. "Our OPD is scheduled to resume from tomorrow, however, it will be only available on three days Monday, Wednesday and Friday," RGSSH spokesperson Dr Chhavi Gupta told PTI. "But, as a super speciality hospital, tomorrow is an important day for us as after 10 months a surgery will be conducted at the facility which had been all closed as we had become a fully COVID facility," she added. The 650-bed RGSSH was a dedicated coronavirus facility till recently when it was converted into a partially COVID-19 hospital, along with six other Delhi government-run hospitals, including Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital. The OPD services resumed at the 2000-bed LNJP Hospital located in central Delhi, the largest facility under the city government, from January 4. "The OPD services of five departments will function only partially in a week. So, cardiology and urology departments will run it on Monday and Wednesday, gastroenterology will run only on Monday, while pulmonology and CTVS will operate or on Wednesday and Friday," Gupta said. "The COVID situation has improved in Delhi, so after being made a partially coronavirus facility, we have decided to resume the OPD too. It will start functioning again from Monday," a senior official had earlier said. The move will come as a big relief for people, especially the residents of east Delhi where the hospital is located. Delhirecorded 399 fresh COVID-19 cases on Sunday, the seventh time the daily incidences count stood below the 500-mark in January,even as thepositivity rate dipped to 0.51 per cent. The infection tally in the city stood at 6.3 lakh and the death toll mounted to 10,678 with 12 new fatalities, they said. "The OPDs of medicine, surgery, paediatric and gynaecology have resumed to serve the general public at the LNJP Hospital. But, the number of patients who can be seen, has been capped to 50 for each of the four departments," the official at the hospital had earlier said. Doctors, medical staff and other employees of LNJP Hospital and RGSSH have drawn praise from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Satyendar Jain. Jain in December had said that theLNJP Hospital had successfully treated over 10,000 patients since it was declared a dedicated coronavirus facility, and hailed the team of the facility for the services rendered. . The UK picks the US F-35 fighter jet to have air-to-ground missiles as the most potent offensive weapon. Using its advanced avionics and networking capability to fire at a target at near or beyond visual range. January 6, the UK Ministry of Defence said a deal had been reached to buy new mini-cruise missiles. They will be ready by 2025 and will be equipped to be mounted on F-35 Lightning IIs. Spear 3 AGMs will be mounted on the American stealth fighter as its man ground attack weapon. The lightning IIs are used by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy as one of their main fighters, reported Eurasiantimes. According to the UK Defence Minister Jeremy Quin, the next generation AGM is developed to deliver more lethal strikes to protect all personnel and assets on the ground. The F-35s will fire them in the sky. He added that the system's commitment would create hundreds of jobs for highly skilled workers in the UK. It will feature high tech British technology and weapons development on the world stage. A contract worth $750-million was entered by the United Kingdom (UK) with arms-maker MBDA to supply and equip the UK F-35s with the Spear 3 cruise missiles (AGM). What is the Spear 3 AGM? It is one of the next generation missiles with a long-range and has a high subsonic speed to travel to its target. UK F-35s will have this as a primary long-distance and beyond the visual range in the next ten years. Also read: Senate Allows of Selling F-35 Fighter Jets to UAE Due to Veto Block Threat It is propelled by a turbojet engine that works overland and in sea theatres of conflict. It is an all-weather attack system for use day or night that overcomes enemy air defense systems. One advantage of this distance standoff weapon is to keep the pilot and plane far from danger. Once fired, the AGM can reach enemies even at a longer distance and accurately. This 1.8-meter-long missile system has a range of 140 kilometers as its maximum range. Though a mini-cruise missile not very big, it can track and hit moving objects. UK F-35s have an excellent air combat capability that transforms the Queen Elizabeth-class carrier strike group into a more lethal combat group. Sources indicate that Great Britain has about 21 fifth-generation F-35Bs that are stealth capable. A recent delivery of three new jets was received November 30er last year. Most of the fifth general stealth fighters were meant for maritime operations with short take-off and landing functions (STOL) similar to the obsolete Harrier Jump Jet. These will make part of the HMS Queen Elizabeth airwing when it sets sail in 2021. F-35B (STOL) and Spear 3 combo is deadly This deadly strike package of the F-35B and the Spear 3 will be deadly for adversaries because of several advantages. Having a stealth platform with the most modern radar and sensor technologies that increases the lethality of the system. Such threats like enemy ships, submarines, aircraft, and missiles will be less with F-35Bs up in the sky. Some indicators say it will be on the F-35B, but the British Defense Ministry seems keen to use it on the Eurofighter Typhoon. There is a move to expand Spear 3 air to ground missiles beyond the US F-35 Fighter Jet. Related article: US F-35 Destroys Russian Anti-Aircraft Missiles in a Simulated Deep Strike Mission @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Japans imports of spaghetti, which is easy to cook, hit a record high in 2020, apparently due to people refraining from going out amid the novel coronavirus crisis. According to preliminary data from Yokohama Customs, spaghetti imports in the first 11 months of last year totaled 154,505 tons, already exceeding the previous annual record high of 138,037 tons, marked in 2017, by about 10%. With spaghetti remaining highly popular, imports are expected to continue growing, officials of the customs office said. At supermarkets and other shops, sales of spaghetti have been expanding since March last year, when the coronavirus started to spread in Japan. Imports, mainly from Italy, posted double-digit, year-on-year growth each month between March and September. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff as a sign of respect for two U.S. Capitol Police officers who have died since last Wednesdays attack on the Capitol, as well as all members of law enforcement across the nation. In a proclamation Sunday, Trump said the show of respect will take place at the White House and all federal buildings through sunset on Wednesday. The proclamation made no mention of the assault on the Capitol, which many lawmakers accused Trump of inciting. Trump cited Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood. Sicknick joined the U.S. Capitol Police in 2008, serving until his death Thursday after being attacked as rioters seething over Trumps election loss stormed the Capitol, believing the presidents false claims of a rigged election. Authorities announced the death of Liebengood on Sunday. It was not clear whether his death was connected to Wednesdays events. Two people familiar with the matter said the officers death was an apparent suicide. They were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and requested anonymity. There were increasing calls for Trump to order flags to be flown at half-staff on federal facilities after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ordered the same for the Capitol following Sicknicks death. Related Content: If Turkey wants to enter into dialogue with Greece, as it says, it needs to respect the European Council decisions on de-escalation. And it has to do this in practice and consistently, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said in an interview today on ATHINA 9.84 radio with journalists Athina Korlira and Alexandra Voudouri. Regarding the developments in the U.S., Mr. Varvitsiotis stressed that the mob scenes the day before yesterday at the Capitol shocked the world. Mr. Biden has a very difficult job ahead of him: to move towards national reconciliation in a country that is deeply divided right now, he added. Regarding the vaccination issue, the Alternate Minister underscored that in spite of not being exclusively responsible in this area, the EU took a very important initiative in taking on the role of supplier of vaccines for all of its member states so that they wouldnt be competing with one another. Asked about Greek-UK relations following Brexit and the signing of the historic trade agreement with the EU, Mr. Varvitsiotis called the agreement a Christmas gift, pointing out that our country is thoroughly prepared for Brexit and we are working closely with the UK to facilitate our relations and transactions even further. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 The U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded $1,130,278.60 in federal funding to Frackville Borough for roadway and culvert work. The grant, announced Friday by U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, will pay for repairs to damage from bad weather in severe storms and flooding in 2018. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act. Storms and flooding during Aug. 10-15, 2018, caused significant damage to several roadways and culverts across Northeastern Pennsylvania. In response, President Donald J. Trump determined the damage was of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration. Federal funds were made available to the commonwealth, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of damaged facilities in Bradford, Columbia, Lackawanna, Lycoming, Montour, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming counties. Frackville Borough will use the money to address culvert collapse, road washout and inlet structure washout, as well as upstream and downstream bank erosion. Officials also intend to eliminate similar damages in the future by upsizing culverts. Soumitra Chatterjee, the doyen of Bengali cinema who passed away on November 15, 2020 aged 85, leaving behind an oeuvre of over 250 films a staggering 14 of them directed by Satyajit Ray - five books, four poetry collections, three dramas and an array of paintings, had once remarked that he would have become a carpenter had he not become an actor. It might sound flippant but his admiration for the craft of carpentry was genuine, revealing that he believed in creativity that was useful, something that would be helpful to people, says the first biography of the actor in English set to release on his 86th birth anniversary on January 19. "Soumitra Chatterjee's legacy goes well beyond his body of work in cinema, which on its own will probably never be matched. He is best known for being the favoured actor of one of the world's greatest directors and remains one of the most visible representatives of Indian cinema abroad," Arjun Sengupta, co-author of "Soumitra Chatterjee - A Life in Cinema, Theatre, Poetry & Painting", (Niyogi Books), told IANS in an interview. "However, the range of his accomplishments emerges from his unique nature. He understood the value of education and culture and all through his life remained unwavering in his belief on the importance of social responsibility and artistic integrity. He disdained stardom if it got in the way of his beliefs as an artist. "He had a varied career that went beyond films. His belief in art and the responsibility of an artist ensured that he brought the same seriousness and breadth of learning to no matter what he did. He was a resolute champion of Bengali language and culture, choosing to dedicate himself to Bengal rather than look for a more national popularity through Hindi cinema. For these reasons and more, he was one of Bengal's greatest ambassadors to the world," Sengupta added, who teaches English Literature at the St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, with previous stints at Scottish Church College and Presidency College. A considerable amount of research went into the book, during the writing of which Chatterjee was personally involved. "The research involved going through a number of books that have been written on him and about Bengali cinema in general. This allowed me to place his achievements in a greater socio-historical context. Mr Chatterjee was kind enough to lend us his 'Gadya Samagra', a collection of his writings for reference. His writings gave me important insights into the kind of person he was. It also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of his pursuits as a thespian, painter and poet. "I also watched and re-watched several of his films, studying the smallest details to appreciate his craft better. All this was supplemented by hours of interviews of Mr Chatterjee," Sengupta said of the effort he and co-author Partha Mukherjee, a Kolkata-based Freelance Writer-cum-Documentary Filmmaker put in. To this end, what the book reveals is that Chatterjee did not believe in looking back, and even at 85, kept looking forward to new challenges. This is probably why his death is not a coda because he had so much more to contribute to the world of theatre, art and cinema. Thus, the book is a celebration of his multi-faceted creative genius and his role in representing Bengal on the world stage. The book explores the making of Chatterjee through his early years and his relationships with theatre exponent Sisir Bhaduri and Satyajit Ray. His 14 films with Ray are a testament to his versatility and virtuosity. As an actor he refused to settle in a comfortable groove and constantly looked out for fresh challenges. Throughout his theatrical career, he not only adapted and directed several acclaimed plays but kept returning to the stage for sustenance and inspiration. His poetry and art are more personal and offer an insight into his idealistic and cultured soul. Analysing the most important roles of his career, and charting the single-minded dedication and passion that he brought to each one of them, the book reflects on Chatterjee's stardom and longevity in an industry that saw great changes during his lifetime. Featuring 70 unique photographs, the book is a visual treat and illuminates the versatile facets of a towering artist - a Renaissance man - who along with Ray brought Bengal to the cinematic world. What it also brings out is that Chatterjee's poetry and paintings are a distillation of an idealistic sensitive soul. He is forever caught between a desire to escape through memory to an idealised past and a need to engage with the troubles of reality. His art is even more private and personal than his poetry. His paintings are oddly beautiful and could be quite eerie, too. They are nevertheless striking and speak of a vivid and bold personality. Chatterjee refused to work in other languages. He consciously resisted the lure of Bollywood as he felt his performance gained a lot of credibility from his proficiency in the Bengali language and wondered if it would be the same in a language in which he was not fluent. His loyalty to his Bengali identity determined many of his decisions in his career. It turned out to be a wise choice because with the help of Satyajit Ray and other acclaimed directors, he managed to stay close to his roots while turning out performances of universal relevance. He has worked in Bengali cinema but in his legacy he belongs to world cinema. New South Wales reported three new locally acquired Covid-19 cases Sunday Two linked to the Berala cluster, in western Sydney, and one to Avalon Residents north of Narrabeen Bridge in Sydney had stay-at-home orders lifted The region had been in hard lockdown since outbreak of Covid-19 in December New South Wales has reported three new locally acquired Covid-19 cases overnight. State premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Sunday two of the cases were linked to Berala, in Sydney's west, and the other case linked to the Avalon cluster, on the northern beaches. ADVERTISEMENT Three cases were also linked to returned travellers in hotel quarantine. The news comes as residents north of Narrabeen Bridge on Sydney's northern beaches have finally had their stay-at-home orders lifted. 'I want to thank the Northern Beaches community for what they have gone through,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'For being so compliant, and for making sacrifices which have ensured that the lines of transmission did not spread in a manner which was out of control for the rest of Greater Sydney and, in fact, the state.' Residents wearing face masks stroll the streets in the Sydney CBD on January 2 Health workers testing for coronavirus at Merrylands in southwest Sydney on Thursday The northern beaches had been placed into lockdown since December 19 with residents only allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping, work, exercise or healthcare reasons. The region was split into the Southern and Northern zones with residents divided over both sides of the Narrabeen bridge. Stay-at-home orders were lifted earlier for the Southern Zone with lockdown eased on January 2. The Northern Zone finally had its lockdown rolled back on Sunday, with residents making the most of the newfound freedom and enjoying a day out. Ms Berejiklian praised Sydneysiders for following the lockdown rules and coming out the other end of a tough period. Click here to resize this module 'The geographic significance of the northern beaches allowed us to have a localised response,' she said. 'The important thing during the pandemic is to appreciate and accept the response that we have to a particular outbreak.' Ms Berejiklian admitted a number of businesses, not just in the northern beaches, had been hurt by the lockdown. 'We deeply appreciate that businesses have been hurting, especially at a time of year when they expect to have more trade. 'We'll look very closely what we need to do and let me assure you that if we need to do direct support we will.' ADVERTISEMENT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant added the new case in the northern beaches did not jeopardise the recent rollback of lockdown in the area. Customers are seen wearing face masks at Westfield Bondi Junction after they became mandatory in Sydney NEW VENUE ALERTS FOR NSW There were 86 separate health alerts for NSW venues on the NSW Health website and 27 for public transport routes on Saturday night. The public is urged to check the website here to see if you were at any of those places at the red-flagged dates and times. If you were, you may have come in contact with the virus: isolate and test. NEW SYDNEY VENUES EXPOSED Campsie: Big W, Sunday 3 January 1.20pm 1.40pm Campsie: Chemist Warehouse, Friday, 8 January 12pm 12.30pm Campsie: Campsie Medical and Dental, Friday 8 January 10.40am 11.30am Casula: Costco, Saturday, 2 January 4.45pm-6.15pm Bankstown: Myer, ground floor, Wednesday, 6 January 11.30am 12.40pm 'The case I mentioned today was in the southern side. We do actually believe that case was an older case but we do wait for serology on that,' she said. 'We take a precautionary approach as you're aware.' There were 23,763 tests were carried out in the 24-hour period to 8pm on Saturday. 'We need to maintain those high rates of testing for at least 14 days and I would like to see them sustained beyond that,' Dr Chant said. On Saturday, Ms Berejiklian said more cases of the mutated United Kingdom and South African strains of Covid-19 will turn up in Australians returning home and spending time in hotel quarantine systems. ADVERTISEMENT She also believes mask usage will be mandatory for the foreseeable future. NSW recorded one new locally-acquired case of Covid-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday. Sydney residents wearing face masks step out onto the streets of the CBD to do some shopping The single local infection was a contact of a case linked to the Berala cluster, which now numbers 21, and came from more than 25,000 tests. There were also five new cases in travellers in hotel quarantine. Australia faces an anxious wait to see if the highly-contagious UK version of the virus has spread from Brisbane. Greater Brisbane is halfway through a three-day lockdown after a cleaner at a quarantine hotel was diagnosed with the more infectious British strain. The NSW government subsequently ordered anyone in the state who had been in Greater Brisbane since January 2 to adhere to the same regulations. Travellers from the area will only be able to leave their accommodation until 6pm on Monday to shop, exercise, work, perform care or seek medical help. Anyone already in transit from Greater Brisbane to NSW must abide by Queensland's isolation rules and act as if they had remained in Brisbane. Shoppers who visited the shopping centre, supermarket and Service NSW centre at the times and days mentioned by NSW Health must get tested. Pictured, healthcare workers stationed at a Merrylands Covid-19 testing clinic, in western Sydney Ms Berejiklian on Saturday warned NSW residents the contagious UK and South African strains would likely become dominant in countries failing to suppress Covid-19 transmission. 'It's important for us to learn as much as we can during this time ... I also want to stress we shouldn't be attributing these variants to one country because the so-called UK strain now exists in 30 countries,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'We have to assume that this strain will become the dominant strain, and it is important to keep re-assessing our settings, keep staying vigilant.' Casual-contact alerts have been issued for the Artisaint Cafe at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood and the Burwood Bing Lee on January 6. Those who attended Westfield Burwood and several shops inside the complex on January 6 and 7 have also been advised to monitor for symptoms, as have patrons of Costume clothes shop at Avalon Beach on New Year's Eve. ADVERTISEMENT A prior alert for Sydney Marina restaurant in Pendle Hill has also been upgraded to a casual-contact alert, meaning patrons must seek testing. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Airlines are locked in a battle over landing slots for this summer. Before the pandemic, airlines had to use their takeoff and landing slots for 80 per cent of each flying season or forfeit them under the so-called 'use it or lose it rule'. Most carriers, including British Airways, easyJet and Norwegian, want the rule changed from April so airlines only have to use their pairs of slots for 50 per cent of the summer flying season, when passenger demand is expected to remain low. Battle: Before the pandemic, airlines had to use their takeoff and landing slots for 80 per cent of each flying season or forfeit them In proposals submitted to the Department for Transport, they have also asked to be able to give up any slots they cannot use this summer with the guarantee they can have the slots back in summer 2022 as demand picks up. They say this will help them recover from the pandemic and protect jobs and global connections. But Ryanair and Wizz Air accuse rivals of 'slot-blocking' and say low-fare airlines are unable to expand as legacy carriers reduce capacity and raise prices. Wizz Air is lobbying the Government to make airlines use their short-haul slots full-time, with 'some alleviation' for long-haul. Gavin Williamson must take Thatcher-esque action against school unions, Tory MPs have said, with the Education Secretary under fire for having been too weak to resist them. Backbenchers rounded on the National Education Union in a call with Mr Williamson last week, with one saying the NEU is about to become the National Union of Mineworkers of this generation and calling for action. We need to get them under control, a source said he was told. Several MPs on the call described the NEU as the No Education Union, echoing a joke Mr Williamson is previously said to have made. The NEU last week told primary school teachers not to return to work, before the Government U-turned on re-opening schools. Gavin Williamson must take Thatcher-esque action against school unions, Tory MPs have said Meanwhile, two senior Tories said Mr Williamson is too weak to stand up to the unions and to Cabinet Ministers pushing tighter lockdowns. A Government source said Mr Williamson has had a good working relationship with other education unions throughout the crisis and accused the NEU of trying to dislodge him. We are not going to give them the satisfaction of taking them on politically, because they want a political battle, the source said. It is far more effective to let them make their own mistakes. Labour MP Richard Burgon (pictured) lent his support, saying: The National Education Union and its members have my 100 per cent backing in taking this necessary action to protect the safety and lives of staff, pupils and the wider community; The unions have made a fatal mistake in thinking they have taken on Gavin Williamson when actually they are taking on the nations parents. The NEUs leadership is not as powerful as it thinks. The NEU last weekend said it would advise its 450,000 members on their legal right not to work in an unsafe environment and called for all primary schools to teach online for at least two weeks ahead of last Monday. Labour MP Richard Burgon lent his support, saying: The National Education Union and its members have my 100 per cent backing in taking this necessary action to protect the safety and lives of staff, pupils and the wider community. On Monday, when the Government announced a national lockdown under which most pupils would not return to classrooms, the NEU said: No one wanted schools and colleges to shut again but the evidence clearly pointed to the necessity for this to happen weeks ago. Yesterday, it emerged Mr Williamson was not present in the meeting between Boris Johnson and chief medical officers which led to the Government reversing its plans to reopen schools. The NEU said: Gavin Williamson has been on the wrong side of the argument throughout the pandemic. In the eyes of parents he has shown himself incapable of protecting schools, colleges and students, and he has completely lost the teaching professions patience. We advised members last weekend of their rights to refuse to continue going into a workplace which Sage considered unsafe for communities, and the decision by the Prime Minister on Monday night proves we were right to do so. New Delhi/Bengaluru, Jan 10 : The much-awaited cabinet expansion would take place soon, hinted Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa after meeting the ruling BJP's national leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Sunday. "There was a detailed discussion on cabinet expansion. You will get good news soon," Yediyurappa told reporters after an hour-long meeting with Shah, party's national president J.P. Nadda and party's Karnataka unit in-charge Arun Singh at the Home Minister's residence in the national capital. Declining to respond to a query on leadership change as speculated due to discontent in a section of the party over his style of functioning, a defiant Yediyurappa said he was happy with the discussions, as they were positive, fruitful and satisfactory. "We will wait for instructions on cabinet expansion from the party leadership, which has assured its support to our government," asserted Yediyurappa. Speculation is rife again in the southern state that the cabinet would be expanded after January 14 when the "inauspicious" month ends, with the advent of Makar Sankranti festival and Uttarayan, which marks the entry of sun into the northern hemisphere from Dakshinayan or southern hemisphere. Contrary to expectations, the third cabinet expansion to fill 7 vacancies in the 34-member ministry has been delayed over the months for some or other reason, including rumours over bid to replace Yediyurappa as he was 78 years. Singh, however, recently claimed that Yediyurappa would continue in the post and ruled out change in the leadership till the next state legislative assembly elections in 2023. Party sources told IANS that the cabinet expansion could take place after Shah's visit to the state next week to participate in party and official events. "Shah is due to visit Karnataka after Sankranti to meet party's state leaders in the city and unveil training centres of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Bhadravati and Hospet in the state's central region and visit the world heritage site at Hami in Ballari district," said the source. The cabinet was expanded for the second time on February 6, 2020 when 10 legislators, who defected from Congress and JD-S were inducted after they won in the December 5, 2019 by-elections, caused by their resignations in July 2019, which led to the fall of the 14-month JD-S-Congress coalition government on July 23, 2019 and return of the BJP government on July 26, 2019. The first cabinet expansion, in which 17 ministers were inducted, took place on August 20, 2019. Yediyurappa was sworn-in as BJP chief minister for the third time on July 26, 2019. The Chief Minister also discussed with Shah on the ensuing 3 by-elections in the southern state, including one for the Lok Sabha from Belagavi and 2 assembly seats from Basavakalyan in Bidar district and Maski in Raichur district in the northern region. "The leadership has asked the party's core committee to send a list of candidates for contesting in the by-polls, due to be held soon to fill their vacancies," added Yediyurappa. Emily Walshe had a momentary wobble when her name was called for the optional Covid-19 vaccine at the Mater Hospital in Dublin last Thursday morning. For one thing, even though she is a nurse, she is "terrified of needles" and she wondered: "Do I really want to be the first to get it?" A newly qualified theatre nurse, she spent the final months of her training as a ward nurse in the Mater. "In our ward, a lot of staff got 'knocked out' by a patient who swabbed negative three times for Covid-19 but turned out to be positive," she said. She was "knocked out" for 10 days. "The long-term effects are phenomenal. I still get the shortness of breath. Concentration is off, mentally you're not the same. Directly after it, the anxiety I felt made no sense to me, but apparently a lot of people were getting severe anxiety after it." She "kept being told" that because she'd had the virus, she would be immune, but that's not necessarily true either, she said. She pushed the fear of needles to one side, started "thinking rationally" and by 11.30am on Thursday, Emily was in the recovery room in the upstairs ward that has been transformed into the hospital's vaccination centre. Expand Close Hospital staff queue to be vaccinated. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hospital staff queue to be vaccinated. Photo: David Conachy "It was fine. It's not a sore one," she said, rubbing her arm. The surge of Covid-19 patients expected to hit hospitals in the coming days helped concentrate the mind. She will not get immunity until after she receives the second dose in three weeks, but she hopes to get some benefit from it. "We are probably going to get relocated to the [Covid-19] wards given the way things are going," she said. "I am hoping with this vaccine that we will have some immunity. At least we can feel some layer of protection." Outside the recovery room, a socially distant queue snakes down the corridor, a constantly replenished line of people, most of them in scrubs, waiting for the jab. Expand Close Catering staff member Denise Loftus is vaccinated by nurse Coleen Finlay. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Catering staff member Denise Loftus is vaccinated by nurse Coleen Finlay. Photo: David Conachy Catering assistant Denise Loftus is smiling ear to ear having just received it. She will still have to take precautions, she said, but like Emily she is embracing that first shot as adding to her armoury when she goes to work. There is no greater advertisement for the "ray of light" the vaccine has brought just as a third wave pushes the country's hospital system to crisis point. The first delivery of 195 vials of vaccine arrived last Monday, with a second batch of 195 expected by the end of the week. According to Dr Eavan Muldoon, a consultant in infectious diseases who is leading the vaccine roll-out programme, preparations began on New Year's Eve and continued through the bank holiday weekend. Expand Close Dr Eavan Muldoon, consultant in infectious diseases at the Mater. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dr Eavan Muldoon, consultant in infectious diseases at the Mater. Photo: David Conachy A ward was designated, priority lists drawn up of staff most exposed to Covid-19 and one of the biggest tasks, according to the operations manager, was plugging into the HSE's IT system for vaccine registration. The first vaccination took place at 3pm on Tuesday, with Dr Muldoon its first recipient. This was not queue jumping. As a breastfeeding mother of a 14-month-old son, she wanted to demonstrate to other mothers that the vaccine is safe. "A very large proportion of healthcare workers are women and are young women. We had a lot of questions around pregnancy and breastfeeding. I decided to be an advocate for breastfeeding mothers because I believe this vaccine is safe if you are breastfeeding and it is the right thing to do. That's why I spoke up," she said. The pace of vaccinations escalated quickly. On Wednesday, 437 people were vaccinated - roughly 10pc of hospital staff. Working 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, the Mater looked on course to administer the first shot to more than 5,000 people working across the organisation well within two to three weeks, before starting over again to administer the second dose. Dr Muldoon reckons the uptake in the hospital will be "phenomenal". "It's fair to say we overachieved. We were aiming to do 250 on Wednesday and we ended up doing 437." The vaccination teams - all nurses - operate with military precision. With a shelf life of 120 hours once removed from ultra-cold storage, and a shelf life of two hours once a vial is opened, they work against the clock. Batches of vaccine are mixed 10 at a time to prevent wastage. Initially they were drawing five 0.3ml doses from each vial. Then the guidance from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee changed to six 0.3ml doses per vial, extending the reach of the previous vaccine. The newly vaccinated are observed in a recovery room where they must remain for 15 minutes. There have been very few reactions. "So, a sore arm, which is usual with any vaccine. Some people feel a little bit light-headed for a short time afterwards - I think we've had two in the last 24 hours," said Dr Muldoon. "People are really enthused by it, you can feel it here in the hospital, it's been seen as a ray of light," said Keith Carroll, the nursing lead for the vaccination programme. The glow of optimism has been tempered by criticism of the slow start to the programme, global uncertainty over supply, a complex online registration system that has taken time to go live, and issues of consent. In Ireland, the vaccinations of 582 nursing homes got off to a slow start last week but will escalate from tomorrow. Hospitals have been turning over thousands of vaccinations a day for the past week. Two recurring questions are: when will the population at large be vaccinated, and when can normal life resume without restrictions? That depends on when Ireland receives the 15 million doses of five different vaccines it will be allocated, and how fast the health authorities can assemble teams to administer them. Two vaccines have been approved by the European Medicines Agency - Pfizer- BioNtech and Moderna. Both require two shots and require sensitive handling. Just 4,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine are expected initially. A third, AstraZeneca, which may be approved by the end of the month, is being hailed as the "game-changer" because it dispenses the need for ultra-cold storage, can be delivered direct to GPs and pharmacists, and will speed up the process. As of this weekend, however, Ireland has received just 81,900 doses of the Pfizer- BioNtech vaccine since the first delivery on St Stephen's Day; 35,000 people have been inoculated, 32,000 of those staff across the seven hospital groups. The HSE expects weekly deliveries of 42,000 doses between now and the end of February - almost 300,000 doses. The vaccine will be used as soon as it comes in, with one week's supply held back in contingency to make sure a second dose is available if the supply chain is disrupted. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said 135,000 people will be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 by the end of February. The vaccination programme is expected to ramp up from March onwards, but there is uncertainty over supply and which vaccines will be on the market. A graph circulated by the National Covid-19 Vaccine Task Force last week suggested deliveries of between one and two million doses of vaccines by the end of March, rising to between four million and five million doses by September. But officials said the figures came with too many caveats and assumptions. What is certain is that for life to return to normal a level of herd immunity will be required. The World Health Organisation says we still don't know what percentage of a population needs to be vaccinated to provide herd immunity. Some experts reckon around 70pc for Covid-19. In Ireland, that translates to 3.4 million of our population of 4.9 million. But administering just one shot of a vaccine to 3.4 million people over 12 months requires 65,000 vaccinations a week. Opposition TDs who received a briefing last week raised concerns about a potential shortage of vaccinators and the infrastructure in place for widespread administration. For now, the HSE is mobilising 65 vaccination teams, drawn from hospitals, public health and the National Ambulance Service. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly claimed on Friday they will vaccinate "seven days a week and into the night". In the past week, acute hospitals like the Mater have shown how it can be done. "On New Year's Day, we were organising lists of staff to be vaccinated for the HSE. I think in terms of teamwork and flexibility in the health service, without blowing our own trumpet, it is a real credit to us that we managed to get this up and running, starting on a bank holiday Friday," said Dr Muldoon. The vaccine will not stop the current surge and, until a majority of the population is vaccinated, restrictions will be the primary weapon against the virus. But even that one shot of vaccine has been a boost for exhausted health workers facing the next battle. "I would prefer to take a chance than be in a world like this. Nothing is going to get better without it," said Emily Walshe. This link is no longer available Solvay, N.Y. A woman had to be helped out of a second-floor window after she was briefly trapped inside a burning Solvay home this morning. Rescuers were called to 228 Woods Road around 8:58 a.m. When a police unit first arrived, they saw smoke coming from the second floor, as well as a woman hanging out of a second-floor window, according to the Solvay Fire Department. Scanner reports indicated she had a broken ankle and was unable to get out of the window on her own. Firefighters arrived minutes later, at which point the womans significant other was able to get her out of the house. No injuries were reported. Fire damage was largely contained to the roof, though the whole house sustained smoke and water damage. The fire was under control within 30 minutes, the fire department said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Firefighters from Solvay, Fairmount and Taunton responded to the fire. Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci. 18-y-o charged with murder, attempted murder of Alabama pastor and wife Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An 18-year-old woman turned herself in hours after a pastor, named Tim Pearson, was shot and killed and his wife, Melony, was also injured. The suspect was charged with both murder and attempted murder. Pearson, the pastor of Mt. Mariah Baptist Church in Melvin, Alabama, was murdered early Saturday morning and the woman, identified as Melissa Hill, surrendered the same day, according to Newscenter 11. Total bond for Hill has been set at $1,050,000, as the investigation was underway and more details were awaited, as of early Sunday. A pastor for 14 years, Pearson was admired by the entire community, Deacon Cornelius Banks was quoted as saying. Hes like a drawing, he would draw you to him by what he believed in. He would help me out a whole lot in the spiritual realm of things, he would strengthen me. Pearson had been married to his wife for more than 34 years. He was a father of three adult children and also had a grandson. A 1993 graduate of Liberty Bible Institute in Lynchburg, Virginia, Pearson was a former Marine and retired U.S. Postmaster with over 32 years of federal service, according to the churchs website. Pearson preached for more than 27 years and served as a board member on the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce, as the chair of Supervisory Committee at Meridian Postal Credit Union, as president of Melvin Parks and Recreation Board, and as a board member for Leadership Choctaw. Whats Working, a series exploring solutions for New Hampshires workforce needs, is sponsored by the New Hampshire Solutions Journalism Lab at the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications and is funded by Eversource, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, the New Hampshire College & University Council, Northeast Delta Dental and the New Hampshire Coalition for Business and Education. Contact reporter Michael Cousineau at mcousineau@unionleader.com. To read stories in the series, visit unionleader.com/whatsworking. New Jersey reported an additional 5,032 new cases of the coronavirus and 32 new deaths on Sunday, as the rate of transmission continued to climb. The rate of transmission was 1.08, up from a recently low of .92 on Jan. 4, as cases continue to spike following the holidays. Any number above 1 indicates that the outbreak is expanding. The seven-day average increased Sunday to 5,185 - the first time it has been over 5,000 since Dec. 12. The average is up 17% from a week ago, but down 1% from a month ago. The update comes the day after New Jersey reported 6,435 new cases, the most announced in a single day. Officials continue to brace for a surge of high numbers in the wake of Christmas and New Years gatherings. Statewide hospitalizations continued to decline, with 3,589 patients with confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 as of Saturday night. That was much lower than the more than 8,000 patients hospitalized at the peak of the first wave in April. But the statewide rate of transmission increased for the sixth straight day, to 1.08, up from 1.05 a day earlier. The gradual increase in the transmission rate in recent days indicates the virus is spreading at a faster rate after slowing in previous weeks. The positivity rate for tests conducted on Wednesday, the most recent day available, was 11.94% based on 56,164 tests. The positivity rate has been at 10% or higher since Dec. 22. New Jersey has now reported 528,054 positive PCR tests out of the more than 8.1 million administered since its first case was announced March 4. The state also reported 56,774 probable cases from the rapid antigen tests, including 753 new antigen positive tests announced Sunday. 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. The state of 9 million people has reported 19,886 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started 17,827 confirmed and 2,059 probable fatalities. New Jersey has reported 712 confirmed deaths in the first nine days of the month. The state announced 1,890 deaths in December, the most in a month since May. VACCINATIONS New Jersey has received over 572,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines and has administered 200,204 as of Saturday evening, Murphy said in a tweet. State officials stress there may be an undercounting of the number of vaccines given out because of reporting delays and New Jersey, like other states, is depending on the federal government for its supply. The state opened its first vaccination mega-sites, in Rockaway and Sewell, on Friday. Four more are expected to open in the coming days. But officials said the supply is low, and the state is administering the vaccine in phases, with only health care workers, people who live in congregant settings and police and fire professionals currently eligible to receive shots. Officials have said doses should be available for the general public by April or May. Were working strategically and efficiently to vaccinate our frontline health care workers, law enforcement and fire professionals, and long-term care center residents and staff, Murphy said. New Jersey hopes to vaccinate 70% of its adult residents about 4.7 million people by the end of May. On Friday, Murphy said that the state did not have the supply from the federal government it needed. This is gonna take some time, Murphy said. COUNTY-BY-COUNTY NUMBERS (sorted by most new) Middlesex County: 49,937 total confirmed cases (549 new), 1,537 confirmed deaths (220 probable) Monmouth County: 36,462 total confirmed cases (430 new), 999 confirmed deaths (102 probable) Bergen County: 51,412 total confirmed cases (430 new), 2,110 confirmed deaths (266 probable) Essex County: 51,293 total confirmed cases (423 new), 2,174 confirmed deaths (255 probable) Ocean County: 36,536 confirmed cases (355 new), 1,378 confirmed deaths (83 probable) Union County: 39,240 total confirmed cases (337 new), 1,410 confirmed deaths (183 probable) Hudson County: 48,229 total confirmed cases (329 new), 1,581 confirmed deaths (169 probable) Camden County: 31,727 total confirmed cases (248 new), 826 confirmed deaths (66 probable) Passaic County: 42,324 total confirmed cases (237 new), 1,351 confirmed deaths (159 probable) Morris County: 22,549 total confirmed cases (222 new), 807 confirmed deaths (187 probable) Burlington County: 23,841 total confirmed cases (221 new), 601 confirmed deaths (51 probable) Mercer County: 20,475 total confirmed cases (197 new), 719 confirmed deaths (39 probable) Gloucester County: 16,041 total confirmed cases (154 new), 410 confirmed deaths (20 probable) Atlantic County: 13,801 total confirmed cases (138 new), 371 confirmed deaths (17 probable) Sussex County: 5,364 total confirmed cases (126 new), 182 confirmed deaths (46 probable) Somerset County: 13,865 total confirmed cases (112 new), 600 confirmed deaths (93 probable) Warren County: 4,467 total confirmed cases (68 new), 173 confirmed deaths (13 probable) Cumberland County: 8,858 total confirmed cases (67 new), 241 confirmed deaths (10 probable) Hunterdon County: 4,293 total confirmed cases (64 new), 87 confirmed deaths (54 probable) Salem County: 3,260 total confirmed cases (61 new), 110 confirmed deaths (7 probable) Cape May County: 2,658 total confirmed cases (23 new), 128 confirmed deaths (19 probable) CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage HOSPITALIZATIONS There were 3,589 patients hospitalized in New Jersey with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases as of Saturday night 49 fewer than the previous night. That included 625 in critical or intensive care (27 fewer than the previous night), with 423 on ventilators (8 more). There were 459 COVID-19 patients discharged from hospitals Saturday, according to the states COVID-19 dashboard. SCHOOL CASES There have been 111 in-school coronavirus outbreaks in New Jersey involving 557 students, teachers and staff since the school year began in late August, according to the state 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 (31.3%), followed by those 50-64 (23.8%), 18-29 (19.2%), 65-79 (11.2%), 80 and older (5.5%), 5-17 (7.3%) 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 (47.49%), followed by those 65-79 (32.29%), 50-64 (15.68%), 30-49 (4.14%), 18-29 (0.36%), 5-17 (0%) and 0-4 (.03%). At least 7,583 of the states COVID-19 deaths have been among residents and staff members at nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. That number has been rising again at a steeper rate in recent months, with deaths at the states nursing homes nearly tripling in December. There are currently active outbreaks at 430 facilities, resulting in 6,441 active cases among residents and 6,826 among staffers. GLOBAL NUMBERS As of Sunday, there were more than 89.7 million positive COVID-19 tests across the globe, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 1.9 million people have died from coronavirus-related complications. The U.S. has reported the most cases, at more than 22.1 million, and the most deaths, at more than 372,500. 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. (Alliance News) - The pope and Queen Elizabeth became the latest high-profile figures to join the global vaccination campaign against the coronavirus as Germany on Sunday reported 40,000 fatalities since the pandemic began a year ago. And German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that the worst was still to come. More than 1.9 million people worldwide have now died from the virus, with new variants adding to soaring cases and prompting the re-introduction of restrictions on movement across the globe a even as with mass inoculation drives underway. Pope Francis urged people to get the vaccination saying he would be inoculated against the virus himself next week when the Vatican begins its campaign and denouncing opposition to the jab. "There is a suicidal denial which I cannot explain, but today we have to get vaccinated," the pontiff tells Canale 5 in an interview to be broadcast Sunday. Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip received their Covid-19 vaccinations on Saturday, said Buckingham Palace. A source told the Press Association news agency that the queen, 94, and Philip, 99, were given the injections by a royal household doctor at Windsor Castle. More than 1.5 million people in Britain have so far been inoculated, in the biggest immunisation programme in national history, with the elderly, their carers and health workers first in line. Countries across the world are following suit with coronavirus shots approved including those by Pfizer Inc-BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc and domestically made jabs from Russia and China. Britain is racing to protect as many people as possible as a new variant believed to be more contagious pushes infections and deaths to unprecedented levels. Health authorities announced more than three million coronavirus infections since the pandemic began last year. The total UK death toll stands at 80,868, one of the highest in Europe. Germany's topped 40,000 fatalities on Sunday, the centre for disease control announced. In her weekly video message, Chancellor Merkel had warned Saturday that the full impact of socialising over the Christmas and New Year's period had yet to be felt. The coming weeks will be "the hardest phase of the pandemic" so far, she said, with hospitals stretched to their limits. More than 1.9 million people have been infected so far, with almost 17,000 new cases added since Saturday. Belgium also passed a significant threshold Sunday, recording 20,000 deaths, more than half in retirement care homes, said health officials. With a population of 11.5 million people, that gives it one of the hightest death rates in the world, at 1,725 per 100,000 people, according to an AFP tally. Cases and deaths also continue to spiral in the US, the world's worst-hit country. With the 24-hour death toll exceeding 3,000 in recent days a more than 4,000 on Saturday a the total figure stands at 372,051 fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. India will launch one of the world's most ambitious coronavirus free vaccination drives next Saturday, aiming to reach 300 million people by July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. India is the second worst-hit country with more than 10 million cases, though the death rate is one of the world's lowest. Cuba, meanwhile, said it would test its most advanced Covid vaccine candidate in Iran, after Tehran banned the import of already-proven US and British-produced vaccines.A Governments are being forced to reintroduce restrictions that helped slow the spread of the virus last year, but badly disrupted their economies. France was to extend its Covid-19 curfews to a further eight departments on Sunday evening. After a rise in cases, Burundi will close its land and lakeside borders from Monday and impose a seven-day quarantine on travellers arriving by plane, officials said. On Saturday the streets of the Australian city of Brisbane were quiet as its more than two million residents were ordered back into lockdown, after authorities detected a single infection of the new strain from Britain. "Quite surreal, like something from a movie set," local man Scott told AFP in Brisbane's deserted downtown, before adding: "It's necessary." Israel said four people had tested positive for the new South African strain, which is also more infectious than the original. It had already recorded the new British variant. In China, where the original coronavirus first emerged in late 2019, authorities also tightened restrictions on two cities near Beijing to stamp out a growing cluster. Beijing also insisted Saturday that preparations were still ongoing for a World Health Organization mission to Wuhan to investigate the origins of Covid-19, following a rare rebuke from the UN body over delays to the long-planned trip. By AFP Bureaus source: AFP Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The threat of a potential bomb temporarily closed the McDonald's in Arab early Saturday morning. According to Arab Assistant Police Chief Shane Washburn, the fast food restaurant received a call around 5 in the morning claiming there was a bomb threat. Workers relayed the threat to Arab Police who were assisted by Huntsville Police's bomb squad. Washburn said a sweep of the area was conducted and the threat was deemed not credible. He said now, the investigation will turn to whomever made the bogus threat. He said that when an arrest is made, that individual will be charged with making a terrorist threat. Wisconsin residents will start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in late January, weeks later than many states. Wisconsin residents will be vaccinated weeks later than other states On Thursday, Wisconsin health officials said that assisted-living residents would be immunized against the coronavirus weeks later than most other states, a reason for some executives to express their frustrations with the delay. Wisconsin is one of the states to activate the federal program for COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S. People who live and work in assisted-living would receive the vaccine first. CVS and Walgreens send vaccination teams to long-term care facilities nationwide to inoculate residents and staff on-site, as per Journal Sentinel via MSN. On December 28, 2020, vaccinations started in nursing homes in Wisconsin, but the state will not begin COVID-19 vaccine distribution until the week of January 25 to living facilities. By the end of the week, state officials expect vaccinations would take place at "nearly a half" of Wisconsin's almost 350 nursing homes, the state's immunization program manager Stephanie Schauer said. Earlier this week, eight states, including Wisconsin, were listed as those that had not signaled they are ready to begin vaccinations in its more than 4,000 assisted facilities. About 29 states started COVID-19 vaccinations on January 4 or even earlier, as per CVS data. In the week of January 11, eleven more are set to start their vaccination. Read Also: US Recorded Five Deadliest Days with More than 4,000 COVID-19 Deaths in Less than Two Weeks Vaccination delay in Wisconsin due to massive volume of doses needed Officials claim that the vaccination problem is about the volume needed to cover the initial doses for most living and working in assisted-living, which is approximately 140,000 people. Half of the 140,000 were needed to be set aside within a week to notify the federal government that the state is ready to start assisted-living vaccinations. Willems Van Dijk said that Wisconsin had nearly 50,000 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines set aside for the assisted-living facilities. Meanwhile, the deputy secretary explained that the state has an "abnormal" assisted-living population than other states. Jim Tarantino, CEO of Capri Communities, a group of 18 assisted-living and memory care facilities across southeastern Wisconsin, gathered the needed consent from residents and prepared Walgreens to administer vaccinations on December 28. However, that was only the day they became available in nursing homes, not in assisted-living facilities. Walgreens program coordinators called earlier this week to say that two of Capri's places would receive the COVID-19 vaccine later in January. According to CVS released state-level data, as of Wednesday, almost 7,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered to nursing staff and residents at nearly 88 sites in Wisconsin. For inoculating nursing home staff and residents, there were about 57,000 Moderna vaccine doses set aside. Who's next in Wisconsin's vaccine rollout? Frontline health workers and nursing home residents are set to receive the COVID-19 vaccine needed to fight the pandemic. But Wisconsin residents await who will be the next to join those ranks, as per Wisconsin Watch. The COVID-19 vaccination could include grocery clerks, teachers, people in prisons, bus drivers, and other residents who are 75 and older, as per Madeline Heim of Appleton Post-Crescent. Heim added that those recommendations are expected from the vaccine distribution committee by the end of the week. Questions loomed as COVID-19 infections have consistently increased within the past two weeks after several holidays. On Friday, the Department of Health Services reported a seven-day average of 2,715 daily infections and an average of 36 new deaths. The state's cumulative COVID-related death toll reached 5,119 on the same day. Also Read: Wisconsin Medical Worker Deliberately Destroys COVID-19 Vaccine Doses, Officials Say @ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. LETTERS: How we got to where we are; two weeks is too long Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Hundreds of millions of people in Pakistan were left without electricity as the whole country was hit by a massive blackout. The power cut went on for 18 hours before electricity was restored on Sunday as cities including the capital Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore went dark. A complex distribution system means a problem in one section of the grid can lead to breakdowns across the country. The blackout was initially reported on social media by residents of major urban centres, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Multan. People are seen above on motorbikes in Rawalpindi, Pakistan People were forced to rely on torches, smart phones, back-up lights and generators for power. Asia commentator and specialist Michael Kugelman wrote online: 'Large areas of Pakistan have been plunged into darkness. 'It's not the first time this has happened; the country's power infrastructure is fragile. In the past, separatist attacks have been blamed for such outages. That doesn't appear to be the case this time'. A shopkeeper is pictured using an emergency light to keep a light on in Rawalpindi of Pakistan's Punjab province A barber is seen cutting a customer's hair with a mobile phone torch being used as a light. The power cut went on for 18 hours before electricity was restored on Sunday A complex distribution system means a problem in one section of the grid can lead to breakdowns across the country. The port city of Karachi is pictured above in near darkness Power minister Omar Ayub Khan said that power was being restored in phases, starting with Islamabad. Later on Sunday, he he said that power had been restored to much of the country. The blackout was initially reported on social media by residents of major urban centres, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Multan. The minister and his spokesman then took to Twitter to update the country. Mr Ayub urged people to be patient. He said the cause of the incident was being investigated and work was being done to fire up Pakistans main Tarbela power station in the north-west, which would lead to a restoration of power in the rest of the country in phases. A power loom worker is seen waiting for the electricity supply to return in Hyderabad, Pakistan. Teams were still working on restoring supply completely in the early hours of Sunday Workers are seen waiting for the power supply to return in Hyderabad. Netblocks, which monitors internet outages said internet connectivity in the country 'collapsed' as a result of the outage He told a news conference on Sunday that the Guddu power plant in southern Sindh province developed a fault at 11.41pm on Saturday, which triggered the shutdown of other power plants in seconds. The Ministry of Energy said that power had been restored in some parts of the country, and that teams were still working on restoring supply completely in the early hours of Sunday. Netblocks, which monitors internet outages said internet connectivity in the country 'collapsed' as a result of the outage. Connectivity was at '62 percent of ordinary levels,' it said in a tweet. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, saw his Twitter account get suspended after violence broke out in Washington as his supporters stormed the US Capitol. Thousands of pro-Trump supporters rallied in the US capital to protest Congress' confirmation of the presidential election, which saw Democratic candidate Joe Biden defeated Trump. Trump has been accused on stocking the flames of violence by claiming, without evidence, that the electoral process was fraudulent. While Twitter's ban on the president's accounts was permanent, other social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, placed several restrictions on his accounts, including indefinite suspensions. Tesla CEO Elon Musk surpassed Amazon chief Jeff Bezos to become the richest person in the world. The recent gains in Tesla shares saw Musk's personal net worth cross $188.5 billion, which is $1.5 more than Bezos. Musk's personal wealth has been boosted by last year's more than eight-fold surge in the shares of Tesla, which became the world's most valuable carmaker. Tesla shares were up as much as 7.4 percent on January 7 at a record high of $811.61. He has a 20 percent stake in the carmaker and about $42 billion of unrealised paper gains on vested stock options. WhatsApp updated its Terms of Service and privacy policy last week. The Facebook-owned messaging app sent out notifications to its users on Android or iOS devices to accept the new terms by February 8 or uninstall WhatsApp from their devices. However, several WhatsApp users around the world have expressed concerns about how the messaging app will share collected data with Facebook, causing many to ditch the platform in search of more secure alternatives. As many WhatsApp users expressed concerns over its updated privacy policy, Telegram and Signal saw a surge in downloads. Both messaging platforms saw a surge in users in the aftermath of WhatsApp's policy update. Signal topped the list of free apps on the Apple App Store in India, Austria, France, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong and Switzerland. The end-to-end encrypted platform saw a massive surge in its user base after an endorsement from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Last week, we saw the launch of several smartphones across the world, including handsets from Motorola, Realme, Xiaomi, Lava and Samsung. The biggest launches came from India. Xiaomi revealed the Mi 10i in the country, bringing features like a 120Hz display, a Snapdragon 750G 5G chip, and a 108 MP primary camera at an affordable price. Samsung also unveiled a new entry-level smartphone in the form of the Galaxy M02s. Lava was the latest brand to unveil new smartphones in India, including the world's first customisable smartphone developed in India. Lava myZ is the company's customisable smartphone series. Customers can choose from up to 66 combinations of camera, RAM, ROM and colour that fit in their requirements and use case. The company also launched the Lava Z1, Z2, Z4 and the Z6. The long-rumoured Realme V15, a powerful mid-range 5G handset, was unveiled in China. Motorola also launched several budget and mid-range smartphones, including the Moto G Stylus (2021), Moto G Power (2021), Moto G Play (2021) and Motorola One 5G Ace. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 16:19:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines on Friday reported 1,776 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the country's total tally to 483,852. The death toll climbed to 9,364 after eight more patients died from the coronavirus epidemic, the DOH said. It added that 285 more patients recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 449,330. The Philippines, which has a population of about 110 million, has so far tested over 6.5 million people. The Philippines is monitoring the new strains of COVID-19 reported in some countries. Aside from the coronavirus variant found in Britain, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the DOH is now checking two other variants found in South Africa and Malaysia. Nearly a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, Vergeire said the Philippines is "not out of the woods yet." The fluctuating daily number of cases reported in recent weeks "is not stable," she said. "I don't think it is time for us to make conclusions at this point in our situation regarding this pandemic. There are still many challenges and factors that we need to consider, such as the new variants," she said. She said the number of daily cases reported in recent days is not conclusive, adding that a 30 percent decrease in the output of COVID-19 laboratories has affected the figures. "We are not certain at this point if the number has decreased. We need to see further numbers in the coming days for us to confirm if the number of cases is decreasing or increasing," she said. She said it needs another week or two to see if there was a spike in the number of cases during the holiday season. Meanwhile, Undersecretary Rowena Guevara of the Department of Science and Technology said in the same briefing that the Russian Gamaleya Research Institute has withdrawn its application to conduct clinical trials in the Philippines. Instead, Guevara said the vaccine maker will apply for emergency use authorization (EUA) of its COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V. Pfizer was the first to apply for EUA in the Philippines, followed by British-Swedish vaccine maker AstraZeneca. Enditem Atlanta: While election officials in Georgia were verifying signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in one metro-Atlanta county, President Donald Trump pressed a lead investigator to look at a different county, saying the investigator would find things that are gonna be unbelievable. Trump also told the investigator: When the right answer comes out, youll be praised. The December call, described by a person familiar with it who spoke on the condition of anonymity in order to describe the sensitive nature of the discussion, is yet another link in the chain of the extraordinary pressure campaign waged by Trump on state officials as he sought to overturn the results of the November election, which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. It is one of at least three phone calls, held over the course of a month between early December and early January, where Trump sought help from high-level Georgia officials in subverting the election only to be rebuffed each time. Trump lost to Biden in Georgia by 11,779 votes. PARIS, N.Y. - A Norwich man has been arrested after breaking into and stealing from multiple different vehicles in the town of Paris. According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, at approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning, sheriff deputies responded to Snowden Hill Road in the area of Paris Hill for a reported trespass in progress. Deputies canvassed the area and located 31-year-old Anthony Biviano of Norwich inside a vehicle that did not belong to him. As deputies attempted to take Biviano into custody, he pulled away from the Deputies, started to run, but tripped and fell to the ground. Biviano was then taken into custody. After an investigation, it was determined that Biviano had searched through multiple cars in the area and had stolen items from different vehicles. Biviano was arrested and charged with trespass, a violation, petit larceny, a class A misdemeanor, and obstructing government administration in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor. Due to current New York State bail reform laws, Biviano was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Paris Court at a later date and Biviano is also to report to the Sheriff's Office at a later date so he can be fingerprinted, photographed and booked/processed. After Biviano was issued his appearance ticket he was released to a third party. If anyone on Snowden Hill Road or on any other roads in the area believe their vehicle was gone through and are missing any items, you're asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at (315) 736-0141. Insurance fraud seems like it might be an easy thing to do. Insurance companies are often so huge, one wonders how they might not even notic... President Trump has famously said, several times, I have the absolute right to pardon myself. And the odds that he will do so increased after his injudicious phone call to the Georgia secretary of state, seeking recalculation of votes in the presidential election. And even more so after his lie-filled speech to his followers up the street from our nations capitol, inciting a deadly and destructive insurrection. But there is no right to self-pardon. Even the pope must seek absolution from a confessor. Edward J. Gallagher Bethlehem Fighter aviation has come a long way from the crude old days when pilots shot down their own planes as often as the enemys. In those early days pilots had to shoot their machine guns through the spinning blades of their aircrafts propellers. Many pilots ended up shooting holes through their propeller blades. This problem was solved with the invention of a synchronization gear, which prohibited the guns from firing when the spinning propeller was in the way of the muzzle. Modern fighter planes have overcome many of the technological limitations that dogged early aviators and engineers. Modern fighter jets are complicated and sophisticated machines that have been carefully designed and built to the highest degree of precision. But technology has been known to fail. In 2019, an F-16 of the Royal Netherlands Air Force ripped bullets through the fuselagebullets that came from the planes own guns. It wasnt the first time a pilot had shot itself. The first recorded incidence and the most dramatic example of a fighter plane bringing itself down took place in 1956. An F-11 Tiger in flight. On September 21 that year, Thomas W. Attridge, a young U.S. Navy ensign took off in a Grumman F-11 Tiger from a test facility in Long Island, New York, for a weapons test over the Atlantic Ocean. He flew some 20 miles out over the open ocean and then climbed to 20,000 feet in preparation for test firing the aircrafts four 20mm cannons. Attridge began a shallow dive, and at 13,000 feet he fired 70 rounds during a four-second burst. Immediately after, Attridge engaged the afterburner and entered a steep dive, and at 7,000 feet, fired again emptying the gun belts. Moments later, the windshield of his aircraft was shattered by some object. Attridge assumed it was a bird strike. He immediately throttled back and pulled up to reduce speed and turned back towards the Grumman airbase near Calverton, New York. While flying back to the airbase, Attridge noticed that the object had also left a sizeable gash on the right engine's intake lip. Soon the engine began to give him trouble and he realized that he could not get more than 78 percent of the engine's maximum available power. Pushing the throttle pass this figure caused the engine to growl like a Hoover vacuum cleaner picking up gravel from a rug. Attridge continued flying towards the airbase, but he rapidly lost altitude. Eventually, with less than a mile to go, the aircrafts engine gave out and the Tiger sliced through a forest for 300 feet before coming to a stop. Attridge broke a leg and three vertebrae on impact, but he managed to free himself from the blazing plane. A rescue helicopter whisked him away to a hospital. An investigation revealed that the object that struck the Tigers cockpit was not a bird but the rounds that Attridge had fired during the first burst. When Attridge accelerated his plane and began a steep dive, he inadvertently overtook his own bullets, which had slowed down considerably because of drag and was following a curved trajectory. Attridge was flying underneath the trajectory of the bullets, and eleven seconds later as he began to pull out of the descent, he flew into the stream of projectiles. One 20 mm round crashed into the windshield of the cockpit from above. Another round hit the right engine intake, and a third punctured the nose. The bullet that disabled the planes engine got lodged in the first compressor stage where it ricocheted between the fan blades breaking the blades and other components. When the bullets left the aircraft's guns, they had a muzzle velocity of 2,000 miles per hour, but their speed was slowed down after a short distance because of air resistance. Meanwhile, the airplane accelerated to 880 miles per hour (about Mach 1.1) and dived sharply down. In the time both met, the airplane had less distance to cover than the bullets, while also travelling at about twice the speed of the (slowed down) bullets. The Navy claimed that it was a million-to-one shot, but Attridge disagreed. At the speeds we're flying today, it could be duplicated any time, he said. Sure enough, on June 20th, 1973, Pete Purvis, a test pilot for Grumman, was flying out of Point Mugu, California, in an F-14 Tomcat, when his plane was hit by its own 'Sparrow' missile. The missile had failed to drop and properly clear the airframe after launch, and then pitched up and punctured the plane's fuel tank. At the time of firing, the F-14 was travelling at nearly Mach 1. Fortunately, the missile was a dummy and the damage was purely from impact. Nevertheless, Purvis lost control of his aircraft and had to bail out. A sequence of photos showing the Sparrow missile misfiring on a F-14 Tomcat piloted by Pete Purvis. Tom Attridge returned to flight status a little under six months after the incident. In subsequent years Attridge would become the project manager for LEM-3, the first lunar module rated for human flight. He then became vice president of Grumman Ecosystems. He passed away in 1997. References: # An Unlucky First... The Shootdown of Tiger #620, Check-Six.com # J.D. Simkins, Dutch F-16 makes emergency landing after plane shoots itself, Military Times Technical hitches have been blamed for this evening's three-hour delay on the opening of Victoria's new permit system, after Victoria's Chief Health Officer disputed comments from the Premier's Officers that the wait was due to his delay in signing the legal direction required to enforce the system. Earlier this evening the spokeswoman from Premier Daniel Andrew's office also told The Age that the orders were expected to be signed by Mr Sutton at 7pm, hence the delay. But Mr Sutton has since tweeted this evening that that information was incorrect, stating "directions were signed on time". A government spokeswoman apologised for the inconvenience of the delays. "The teams from DHHS and Service Victoria worked as quickly as possible to get the permit system up and running, as they worked to draft directions and experienced some technical issues," she said. Those who have applied for permits already have reported a quick and easy process once the system came online just before 9pm. Melbourne man Cameron Reiss, who has been waiting in regional NSW for border news with his partner has already got his hands on a permit which means the couple could, in theory, cross the border tonight. "It was very simple and easy process, a map is provided with zones colour-coded green, orange or red. Travel restrictions/conditions for entry are clearly outlined by colour," he said. "Permit arrived in my email inbox instantly." Search and rescue teams are seen near the crash site of a Boeing 737-500 aircraft of Sriwijaya Air on January 9, 2021. Photo by AFP. Vietnam has sent its condolences after an Indonesian passenger jet crashed into the ocean minutes after takeoff with 62 people on board. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh Sunday sent condolences to Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi after the crash of a Boeing 737-500 aircraft of the Indonesian airline Sriwijaya Air on Saturday. The aircraft, which was carrying 50 passengers and 12 crew members, all Indonesian, plunged into the ocean four minutes after leaving Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Indonesian authorities have found wreckage and human remains at the crash site. They do not expect to find survivors. The Boeing 737-500 is an aircraft that is being phased out by airlines to switch to other models with less fuel consumption. Authorities said the one involved in the crash had been operating for 26 years, but was still in good condition. Sriwijaya Air is a Jakarta-based budget airline established in 2003 with most of its routes in Southeast Asia. Its fleet includes around 19 Boeing aircraft. Jim Garcias humble, adobe-plastered clinic stands sentinel atop the Lincoln Street hill in north Denver, its front doors looking out in the distance to a bustling dog food factory, a contentious highway construction project and the myriad tiny, century-old houses where many of his patients live. His doctors routinely prescribe insulin, administer heart checkups and write scripts for inhalers, usually at no charge because his patients cant pay. But in his quest for neighborhoodwide health, so much is out of his control. Here in the Globeville neighborhood, just a few miles north of Colorados state Capitol and a short walk from RiNos bustling redevelopment, exists a place where most residents will barely live past 70 amid a glut of pollution, widespread poverty and fast-rising home prices that leave many residents perpetually on the edge of eviction. The coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated those woes for Globeville and its neighboring community to the east, Elyria-Swansea. The two neighborhoods rank in Denvers top five for hospitalization rates due to COVID-19 since the pandemic began, according to Denver Public Health. Thats out of nearly 80 city neighborhoods. THIS SERIES: Denver's Central 70 project: Digging in troubled ground Despite opposition from neighborhood, Colorado I-70 project keeps driving forward Colorado I-70 construction problems lead to extra $100 to $150 million cost Video: Central 70 project is troubling residents The promise of an interstate highway through Denver decades ago tore apart community The mosaic of disparities here is borne out in data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Hospital Association. Across Globeville and Elyria-Swansea: Rates of people reporting fair or poor health from 2014 to 2017 were worse than the surrounding county and state, particularly in Elyria-Swansea, where nearly one in four residents reported being in ill health; Rates of diabetes-related hospitalizations from 2014 to 2018 here were more than twice the state average, and hospitalizations during that time related to asthma are nearly double the state average. Yet getting help for those ailments can be difficult. Both neighborhoods reported markedly lower rates of health insurance coverage than the surrounding county or the state from 2014 to 2017. And these residents also said they delayed medical care during that time for cost reasons far more frequently than did other Denverites. In all, the life expectancy in Globeville is nearly eight years shorter than the rest of the state, at 72.8 years compared with 80.5, according to estimates using 2010-15 data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drive a couple of minutes to the south or west and conditions improve. People living just a short trip to the south, in the Curtis Park area, can expect to live more than eight years longer than their Globeville neighbors. Move just a few blocks to the northwest, beyond the expansive Interstate 25 and Interstate 70 interchange, and ones life expectancy also grows nearly eight years. Residents in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood are faring a little better, with a life expectancy of 76.2 years. None of this comes as a surprise to Garcia, CEO of Tepeyac Community Health Center, a nonprofit federally qualified health center that caters to impoverished and uninsured patients, many of them undocumented immigrants. When people dont have access to some of the basics that other communities take for granted that all contributes to the lower life expectancies, Garcia said. The reasons for these stunted life spans are myriad and complex, public health experts agree. Research across the nation has shown that other factors crime, poverty, housing instability and education can carry far greater weight in the average Americans lifespan than their proximity to a physician. Called the social determinants of health, they can lop years from residents lives, at times making someones home ZIP code a chief predictor of their life expectancy, said Katie Dickinson, assistant professor of environmental and occupational health at the Colorado School of Public Health. In few places is that more apparent than in the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods. A 2017 survey of the area by a Colorado State University professor found that one in three adults got very little exercise, along with almost half of children in the area. Three-quarters of residents didnt eat enough fruits and vegetables, highlighting the areas lack of grocery stores. And one in four adults had concerning stress, depression and emotional problems, the survey said. One thing thats really important when were talking about these disparities and inequities is all of these things are not independent of one another, Dickinson said. Those things are all related to some fundamental structural racism and other legacies of policies that specifically created those systems. It starts, simply, with the air they breathe. Fumes are a constant source of concern for people living here, be it in odors from the Purina dog food factory just off Interstate 70, from the numerous marijuana-growing factories here or from toxic emissions from Suncor Energys refinery just to the north in Commerce City. Last year, Suncor paid $9 million in a settlement with state health regulators over air pollution violations. Then theres the constant hum and emissions of all those vehicles passing every day on Interstates 70 and 25. The thing that gets you the most is the smell, said Marty Otanez, associate professor of anthropology at the University of Colorado at Denver. It like gets in your clothes. So many people I talk to, young people, say it sucks for them to live and breathe this stuff every day of their lives. For children who have grown up in the area, the breathing difficulties that residents say come from living in that often-foul air are legion. Its almost normalized, said Alma Urbano Torres, who works with children in the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods as a project manager for the nonprofit Project VOYCE. If you lived in that area, you wouldnt know that thats not normal. The true breadth of respiratory illness in the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods remains unclear, as do rates of many other illnesses that residents here complain about, including cancer. Rates of asthma, for example, are at or below county and state averages, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Yet asthma-related hospitalizations in these neighborhoods are nearly double the state average, according to Colorado Hospital Association data. An upcoming study could shed more light on that issue. A settlement between residents in this area and the entities in charge of the Interstate 70 project included $575,000 for a health study of residents in the affected areas. The people down there have been at this for a long time, as far as trying to fight for a cleaner environment, said Tara-Lloyd Burton, professor emeritus of law and public policy at the University of Colorado at Denver, who also helped oversee the settlement agreement. They fight with everything theyve got they just dont have much. Garcia isnt waiting for others to take the lead in chipping away at those ailments. Walking down 48th Avenue which, like many streets here, has no sidewalk Garcia comes upon crews busy constructing a new building that promises to vastly expand Tepeyacs capacity. Its part of a new 6-acre campus owned by Urban Land Conservancy, a nonprofit thats working to preserve space for affordable housing. The first floor of this new building will feature a 24,500-square-foot clinic, one thats quadruple the size of its current space, Garcia said. Included will be 20 exam rooms, the nonprofits first pharmacy, six dental suits and a large behavioral health office, complete with an area for children to receive play therapy. Through it all, Garcias current adobe-styled clinic atop the hill in Globeville will remain open, he said. And he hopes the new clinic will begin to make a greater dent in the poor health outcomes of residents here, even as it faces the headwinds of larger forces at work in the community. Its somewhat daunting, Garcia said. But thats what were called to do. 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. Russell Moore urges President Trump to resign, appeals to his sense of responsibility Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Russell Moore, a prominent theologian and president of the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, has called on President Donald Trump to resign from office after some of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday. Moore took to Twitter Friday to respond to a tweet from Trump, who has acknowledged that Joe Biden is president-elect after his efforts to challenge the results based on allegations of voter fraud failed. The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape, or form!! Trump wrote. Mr. President, people are dead. The Capitol is ransacked. There are 12 dangerous days for our country left. Could you please step down and let our country heal? https://t.co/wP3niITQv6 Russell Moore (@drmoore) January 8, 2021 Mr. President, people are dead, Moore wrote in response to Trumps tweet. The Capitol is ransacked. There are 12 dangerous days for our country left. Could you please step down and let our country heal? Following a peaceful rally and protests attended by tens of thousands of Trump supporters in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Trump urged his supporters to rally outside the Capitol. Five people died after hundreds broke through barricades and stormed the Capitol building. Police shot and killed an unarmed woman as she attempted to climb into the House chamber, three others died from health emergencies, and a U.S. Capitol Police officer died Thursday after he suffered injuries while responding to the riots. Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, had joined the force in 2008 and was an Iraq War veteran. Moore elaborated on his call for the president to step down during a Zoom webinar hosted by the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission called Chaos at the Capitol. What Id like to do is to appeal to the presidents sense of responsibility, he said. We have differences in this country over the president, I have differences with a lot of my fellow evangelicals about the presidents character. We can have those disagreements, we can have those arguments and we can live with one another and understand one another and not seek to change one another on those things, Moore added. This is a moment where the entire country is waiting to see what is going to happen next. It is a very dangerous sort of time, he continued. Moore also condemned the mobs of people who shouted "traitor" at Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., at Reagan National Airport and the threats against Vice President Mike Pence for carrying out his constitutional duties and not objecting to the certification of electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. This is a very, very dangerous time, Moore maintained. What we need is leadership that is going to say lets heal and the way that we heal is by saying violence and attacks on the United States government are always wrong and were going to prosecute them.' And then everything else that we disagree about and differ about, we can talk about those things, we can debate those things as Americans who, in common, cherish our Constitution even if we disagree on maybe some ways that that is applied. Thats what has to happen right now. There has to be a time of healing and if the president cant or wont do that, then theres 12 more days left. Then, I think he should take responsibility one way or the other but we have to have stable, unifying leadership in this country. This is not the same thing as an election where someones supporting one candidate, somebodys supporting another, its not the same thing as some legislative proposal where some people think its good and some people think its bad. This is a dangerous time in which people have been killed and it has to be taken very, very seriously, Moore reiterated. One of the things that were dependent on in this country is the kind of presidential leadership that in moments of great crisis is speaking not only to ones supporters but also to the entire country. Moore is not the only public figure to suggest that the president must leave office before his term expires one way or another as a result of the violent riots at the Capitol building earlier this week. Both House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have called on Pence and the cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office and announced intentions to move ahead with impeachment if the cabinet declined to pursue invoking the 25th Amendment. According to Fox News, Pence does not support the push to remove Trump from office via the 25th Amendment. The presidents term in office will expire on Jan. 20 at noon. 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. Since Vice President Mike Pence led the Congress session that ceremonially confirmed his boss Donald Trump had lost the November election, relations between the two top Republicans have plummeted to an Arctic chill. The men have not spoken after the president's supporters violently stormed the Capitol on Wednesday, according to the US media, which also reports that Pence intends to be at Biden's inauguration despite Trump saying he will skip it. It is a stark rupture between the precedent-shattering Trump and his deputy who has been the president's most devoted foot soldier for the past four years. "Vice President Pence, one of the most faithful guys to Donald Trump, is now Public Enemy Number One in Trump World," Republican lawmaker Adam Kinzinger said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." In an angry speech outside the White House on Wednesday, Trump urged his supporters to march to the Capitol and demand that Pence, who as vice president led the joint session of Congress, must intervene to reverse the Republicans' election defeat. Pence refused, and he was ultimately the one who announced to lawmakers Trump's and his loss to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the incoming vice president. But before the certification was complete, a pro-Trump mob descended on the symbolic seat of American democracy in an attack that ended with five dead and international condemnation. "Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution," was the president's damning assessment on Twitter. Wednesday's frenzied riots posed a clear danger to lawmakers, and to Pence himself -- who was hustled out of the chamber by Secret Service officers. Some Trump supporters, furious over Pence's action, chanted that he should be hanged. Trump reportedly did not call to check whether his deputy was safe. - Once the loyalest of all - While Pence condemned the violence, the president released a video message that urged the rioters to be peaceful but then added: "We love you. You're very special." Story continues The gap between the two men appeared to widen further when Trump learned that Pence would attend Biden's January 20 inauguration, in keeping with tradition. The president -- who says the election was rigged -- has declined to attend, despite his claim following the Capitol riot that he wanted to ensure a "peaceful transition." Adding to the tension, Pence has reportedly not ruled out backing efforts to invoke the 25th Amendment to oust Trump in his final days in office for being unfit to serve. It is all very different from Pence's previously vocal and consistent support for Trump. Trump called him "as solid as a rock," and ever-dutiful Pence took on a tough role during Covid-19, fronting up the White House taskforce as public anger grew over the government's floundering response to the pandemic. Calm, disciplined and discreet, Pence, 61, was a surprise choice as Trump's vice president back in 2016, but he brought with him much-needed support from the Christian right, and he had stayed loyal through many storms. A former Indiana governor, he is known to be keenly interested in a 2024 run for the White House. It was always a tricky political challenge for Pence to try to use being Trump's deputy as a springboard for the top job. It remains unclear if he will emerge undamaged from Trump's chaotic and violent departure from the White House. bbk/bgs Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 17:37:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has seen considerable growth in its economic, technological and composite national strength. The rise of a responsible country like China does not threaten others or pose danger to the world. Instead, it has contributed more to global prosperity and the common well-being of humanity. A white paper issued Sunday by China's State Council Information Office testifies to that. The mission of China's international development cooperation in the new era is to promote a global community of shared future. China has expanded the scale of its international development cooperation. In terms of foreign assistance, it allocated 270.2 billion yuan (about 41.4 billion U.S. dollars) in the forms of grants, interest-free loans, and concessional loans from 2013 to 2018. And the cooperation has been carried out in various forms from complete projects to goods and materials, technical cooperation, South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund, medical teams and outbound volunteers. The least developed countries in Asia and Africa are among the major beneficiaries. China has also been helping other developing countries realize the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals, from reducing poverty, enhancing food security, improving health care, to promoting gender equality and eco-environmental protection. And it is not just the government. Chinese medical teams and volunteers spread out across the world to help people in need; Chinese technicians and agricultural professionals taught their counterparts in developing countries viable new technologies and skills to increase income. Last year, in the face of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, China launched the most intensive and largest-scale emergency humanitarian assistance mission since 1949 and did all it could to aid and assist more than 150 countries and international organizations. China has also pledged to make COVID-19 vaccines available as a global public good once they have been developed and applied in the country. The white paper reaffirmed China's commitment to "doing all we can to support developing countries in the fight against COVID-19." All these speak volumes about China's will and the actions it takes as a responsible country. At present, China has entered a new development phase and is embarking on a journey to fully build itself into a modern socialist country. But it will always consider its own growth in the context of the common development of all humanity. No matter how strong it grows, China will remain a builder of world peace, a contributor to global prosperity and a defender of international order, contributing even more to the common well-being of humanity. Enditem When coronavirus vaccines first began arriving in Louisiana in December, Gov. John Bel Edwards said they would be swiftly shot into the arms of the states residents in a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic. The biggest complication was said to be a lack of doses from the federal government. But almost a month into the vaccination effort, thousands of doses shipped into the state are still sitting in ultracold storage warehouses and hospital refrigerators despite massive demand from older residents and others awaiting protection from the deadly virus. Many states have struggled with the rollout of their vaccines, but Louisiana has done particularly poorly. According to the state and federal data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Louisiana and its federal partners charged with nursing home distribution have administered just 28% of the roughly 266,000 doses it received from Pfizer Inc. and Moderna Inc., the two companies whose creations were authorized for emergency use last month by the Food and Drug Administration. As of Friday, Louisiana ranks 36th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia for distributing its allotment, an improvement from the week before. In the early weeks of distribution, the state stood in the bottom 10. +7 Coronavirus vaccines come to this New Orleans nursing home: I cant imagine not getting it At Poydras Home in Uptown New Orleans, a room where residents used to gather for exercise and movies has been empty for nine months. On Wednes Interviews with state officials, epidemiologists, doctors and hospital executives indicate that Louisiana's early rollout was slowed by miscalculations about how many health care workers would quickly sign up for the shots. That problem, already wrapped inside a complicated logistical puzzle, was further compounded by strict eligibility rules that made it hard in the earliest days of the rollout to shift doses to others desperate to get them. State officials also didnt begin allowing more people to access the vaccine until after the doses were already piling up, leaving a surplus. In one case, more than 13,500 doses were left at the states Shreveport distributor for weeks because smaller hospitals hadnt been able to make use of them. Edwards has acknowledged the pace of vaccinations wasnt moving as quickly as he and residents would like. He and hospital systems said that despite the slow rollout, vaccinations will accelerate quickly now that more groups are eligible, so long as doses continue to flow into the state. This is just starting, he said. It is a tremendously complex logistical exercise, and it will improve over time just like testing improved over time. The problems in Louisiana echo similar issues across the country as states and major cities have taken on one of the largest logistical challenges in generations with little support from the federal government. In South Carolina, the governor warned health care workers to get a vaccine by Jan. 15 or move to the back of the line. New Yorks governor threatened to fine hospitals if they didnt inject vaccines more quickly. A slow start In Louisiana, issues have centered on both major hospital systems and smaller rural hospitals, which together received the first 111,775 doses in the initial two weeks and are still the largest recipients of the states supplies. Ochsner Health Systems sprawling network of hospitals, the largest in the state, has received 61,575 doses of vaccines since Dec. 14. As of Friday, Ochsner had administered slightly less than half, or 30,324 doses. LCMC Health has injected about 8,200 doses across its New Orleans area hospitals. But at New Orleans East Hospital, which is operated by LCMC, a spokesperson said the hospital immunized only 26% of its staff before the state allowed it to expand inoculations on Monday. Baton Rouge General has vaccinated about 1,600 of its 3,500 employees so far. Chief executive Edgardo Tenreiro said the hospital has managed to administer the doses to 50 people a day. Are you 70 or older and looking for a coronavirus vaccine in Louisiana? Here are the steps Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Department of Health said Monday 107 pharmacies across the state would began receiving coronavirus vac The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, which operates Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge and five other Louisiana hospitals, has injected about 7,000 of its 17,000 staffers. The system had received about 10,000 doses. When planning in 2020 for the rollout of the vaccines, public health officials and hospitals argued that the front-line hospital workers who had spent months caring for the sickest coronavirus patients needed the vaccine first so that theyd be protected to help others. Moreover, the larger hospitals had the ultracold freezers needed to store the vaccines and the experience handling and distributing shots. In the first days after Louisiana received the Pfizer vaccine, hospital management staged celebratory events as doctors lined up for the lifesaving shots. Public officials such as Dr. Joe Kanter, of the Louisiana Department of Health, were among the first to get them as a show of their safety. But in interviews this week, officials at a half dozen Louisiana hospitals and hospital systems said an early reluctance by staff to take the shots left them oversupplied almost from the outset. Dr. Catherine ONeal, Our Lady of the Lakes chief medical officer, said that in the early weeks she was spending chunks of time dispelling misinformation among staff around side effects or adverse reactions. I had to keep going back and checking social media to debunk all of the rumors I was hearing, she said. Confidence in the vaccine has increased among staff after seeing that the first group of employees to receive them have been fine, leaders at multiple hospitals said. Now, many in the first group are onto their second dose. But some health care workers, even if they generally trust vaccines, are still reluctant. +20 Lines, waiting lists and hope: New Orleans seniors seize chance for coronavirus vaccine For nearly 10 months, senior citizens have missed church services, family gatherings and long-planned vacations in an effort to dodge a deadly Dr. Joseph Fraiman, an emergency room physician who works in New Orleans and surrounding regions, said he is a staunch advocate for vaccinations. He has recommended that all of his older patients get the vaccine as soon as possible because of higher fatality rates among people in their 70s and 80s; Louisianas average age at death for coronavirus patients is 75. But though Fraiman is eligible, he hasnt been jabbed himself. Most of the people who have been hesitant in the health care industry - nobodys been anti-vaccine - theyre all just saying, 'Lets wait and see, said Fraiman, who is 39 with no underlying conditions. Fraiman said he hopes to receive the vaccine in a few months. He thinks those at the highest risk of having bad outcomes with coronavirus - particularly elderly people - should be at the front of the line. Had he been in charge of the rollout, he said, he would have prioritized older patients ahead of even health care workers. Meanwhile, many older patients have grown frustrated over the past week after the state announced that starting Monday people older than 70 would be able to receive vaccinations at local pharmacies. Only 10,500 doses are currently available, and the pharmacies quickly began using waitlists after demand overran supply in the first hours. JiJi Jonas, a 77-year-old retired physical education teacher who lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, spent long days trying to get on a list. Pharmacy websites said they were booked for months, Jonas said. Phone lines sent her to voicemail, and nobody ever called her back. Our Lady of the Lake told her it wasn't yet offering shots to people 70 and older - a policy it has since changed - and her primary care office didnt have vaccines at all. Finally, a friend called and directed her to an Ochsner site in Slidell, and she booked an appointment for Sunday. Her husband still hasnt found an appointment. If [health workers] said 'no,' I don't know why you should wait around, she added. Give it to the people who really want it. 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 Little federal help The logistics of distributing the shots were always going to be challenging. The federal government, through Operation Warp Speed, bought tens of millions of vaccine doses and advised states on who should be immunized and when. But the feds didnt provide much in funding to state and local governments for vaccination operations, though money will start trickling down later this month. +4 First round of Louisiana medical workers receive second, final coronavirus vaccine Louisiana health care workers started receiving their second and final dose of the coronavirus vaccine this week, marking a milestone in the s Just as with securing masks and other protective equipment in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, states were on their own. Early in the planning for the vaccine, Louisiana tapped Morris & Dickson, a pharmaceutical distributor based in Shreveport, to handle large shipments that need to be broken up into smaller components before heading to hospitals and other health care providers around the state. Paul Dickson Jr., vice president of operations at the company, bought two ultracold storage freezers at $20,000 each to store the Pfizer vaccine, which must be chilled to minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the challenges Louisiana faces, he said, is officials have only a few days notice of what the following weeks shipment will be, making planning difficult. In the second week of the states rollout, in December, early estimates of the shipments turned out to be incorrect. The feds sent 28,275 doses of Pfizers vaccine instead of the previously allotted 40,000. +7 How does life change after coronavirus vaccination? Here's what happens after the second shot As health care workers receive the second round of Pfizer vaccines and Moderna doses slowly roll out to seniors this week, some of the most at While Ochsner and other larger hospitals can store doses on site, in the first couple weeks smaller providers without that equipment were hesitant to take on too many doses, worried that after five days out of the freezer, the doses would expire. At Bunkie General Hospital in Avoyelles Parish, the first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine arrived in late December and contained 25 doses. Chief executive Linda Deville said only 23 of the hospitals more than 100 employees showed up to get vaccinated. Without a super-cold freezer on-site, the doses had a short shelf life, and the hospital wasted two of them. There were other snafus. At Morris & Dicksons Shreveport distribution center, 13,500 doses were sitting on a refrigerated shelf three weeks into the states rollout because the state agreed to hold onto doses that providers said they didnt immediately want. The state changed that practice last week, finally shipping the doses to pharmacies where they would be used for older residents. At Ochsner, chief executive Warner Thomas said Wednesday that the hospital needs more staff to help with the vaccination process. The system has deployed pharmacists and workers at clinics to help out, but it is also dealing with a new surge of coronavirus patients as infections rise across the state. Dr. Katherine Baumgartner, Ochsners medical director of infection control and prevention, also said the rollout was slower than it had to be because even as health care workers declined the shots, the hospital had to follow guidance from the Governors Office and the state Health Department. Strict guidelines Taking its cues from the CDC, Edwards and the Health Department created a phased system to establish which groups would get the vaccine first. Phase 1A allowed only front-line health care workers and nursing home residents and staff. A federal program through national pharmacy chains was handling distribution at nursing homes. That program has been allocated 74,000 doses so far. As part of the state's vaccination program, the initial 67,275 doses sent to Louisiana over two weeks by Pfizer after its Dec. 11 FDA authorization were reserved for hospital workers. The first shots began Dec. 14. Two weeks later, hospitals including Our Lady of the Lake and Ochsner began reaching out to the state. Thousands of doses were going unused, but they werent allowed to give it to anyone besides the designated workers. They called to ask if they could start using the unused doses on people who wanted them. Experts said that part of the problem might have been too rigid guidelines from the Health Department in the earliest weeks of the rollout, which meant that doses were distributed casually to only a small group while others were itching to receive it. Josh Michaud, associate director for global health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said its been an issue across the U.S. Those places that have had a little bit more flexibility in their approach and pivot more quickly have probably done a little bit better than states that have been more rigid, he said. For instance, places such as Connecticut and Washington D.C. allowed vaccines to be used on a wider group of people, and have seen somewhat better results. In a hastily called news conference on New Years Eve, as Louisiana saw there were tens of thousands of doses going unused, Edwards said he was expanding the pool of people who could access the vaccine to include more health workers and people 70 and older. Susan Hassig, an epidemiologist at Tulane University, said rolling out vaccines is always a difficult task. Clearly, faster is better, Hassig said. But were layering on another whole substantial task set to state and local systems that are already really, really busy. And doing that without financial support and person power - I mean, how many health care systems are short of nurses? Tanner Magee, of Houma, speaker pro tem for the state House of Representatives, said hes extremely concerned with the slow rollout so far, although he said it might be no fault of the Democratic governors administration, given the complex logistical problems. We need this in arms, Magee, a Republican, said. If there are sections of the community who arent taking it, what can we do to remedy it? I dont think this is something we want to do a post-op on a year later," he added. "Lets correct this quickly. Thomas, the Ochsner CEO, said Wednesday that the hospital system would do a big push in the next couple of weeks to get more employees vaccinated. He said Ochsner had a good plan in place and shifted quickly as conditions changed. Nobody knew what the uptake would be, he argued, and added that three weeks after the first doses, Ochsner was injecting elderly patients. I guess you could say, 'Could you have done it one week earlier?' Maybe, Thomas said. Staff writers Faimon A. Roberts III and Jeff Adelson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story provided an incorrect figure for the number of doses received by the state. The story has been updated to clarify the doses handled by the federal government. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expressed some concerns over zero-coupon bonds for the recapitalisation of public sector banks (PSBs) and discussion is on between the central bank and Finance Ministry to find a solution, according to sources. The government resorted to recapitalisation bonds with a coupon rate for capital infusion into PSBs during 2017-18 and interest payment to banks for holding such bonds started from the next financial year. To save interest burden and ease the fiscal pressure, the government has decided to issue zero-coupon bonds for meeting the capital needs of the banks. Also read | Punjab and Sind Bank's Rs 5,500 crore zero-coupon bonds come under RBI scrutiny: Report The first test case of the new mechanism was a capital infusion of Rs 5,500 crore into Punjab & Sind Bank by issuing zero-coupon bonds of six different maturities last year. These special securities with tenure of 10-15 years are non-interest bearing and valued at par. However, the RBI has raised some issues with regard to calculation of an effective capital infusion made in any bank through this instrument issued at par, the sources said. Since such bonds usually are non-interest bearing but issued at a deep discount to the face value, it is difficult to ascertain net present value, they added. The discount calculation may vary, which could lead to accounting adjustment, the sources said, adding both the Finance Ministry and RBI are in discussion to resolve the issue. As these special bonds are non-interest bearing and issued at par to a bank, it would be an investment, which would not earn any return but rather depreciate with each passing year. Parliament had in September 2020 approved Rs 20,000 crore to be made available for the recapitalisation of PSBs. Of this, Rs 5,500 crore was issued to Punjab & Sind Bank and the Finance Ministry will take a call on the remaining Rs 14,500 crore during this quarter. This innovative mechanism will help ease the financial burden as the government has already spent Rs 22,086.54 crore as interest payment towards the recapitalisation bonds for PSBs in the last two financial years. During 2018-19, the government paid Rs 5,800.55 crore as interest on such bonds issued to public sector banks for pumping in the capital so that they could meet the regulatory norms under the Basel-III guidelines. In the subsequent year, according to the official document, the interest payment by the government surged three times to Rs 16,285.99 crore to PSBs as they have been holding these papers. Under this mechanism, the government issues recapitalisation bonds to a public sector bank which needs capital. The said bank subscribes to the paper against which the government receives the money. Now, the money received goes as equity capital of the bank. So the government doesn't have to pay anything from its pocket. However, the money invested by banks in recapitalisation bonds is classified as an investment which earns them an interest. In all, the government has issued about Rs 2.5 lakh crore recapitalisation in the last three financial years. In the first year, the government issued Rs 80,000 crore recapitalisation bonds, followed by Rs 1.06 lakh crore in 2018-19. During the last financial year, the capital infusion through bonds was Rs 65,443 crore. Latest Post Plans for daily testing of secondary school pupils and teachers put on hold Vaccine letter arrived for twin, 96, two days after she died with Covid Biden inauguration: New president to be sworn in amid Trump snub (CNN) US President-elect Joe Biden said US President Donald Trump's decision to skip his inauguration is "one of the few things he and I have ever agreed on." "It's a good thing, him not showing up," Biden told reporters Friday in Wilmington, Delaware, at a news conference after he introduced Cabinet nominees. "He exceeded even my worst notions about him. He's been an embarrassment to the country, embarrassed us around the world. He's not worthy to hold that office," Biden said. However, Biden said he is glad US Vice President Mike Pence will attend his inauguration. "He's welcome. I think it's important that as much as we can stick to what have been the historical precedents of how an administration changes should be maintained. And so Mike, the vice president, is welcome to come. We'd be honored to have him there, and to move forward in the transition," Biden said. House Democrats are preparing articles of impeachment, expected to be introduced as soon as Monday. The President-elect did not weigh in on whether Congress should impeach Trump and remove him from office over his actions leading up to his supporters' riot at the Capitol this week. He said he and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are focused on preparing their agenda to combat the coronavirus pandemic and bolster a battered economy. Biden said there's no doubt he wants Trump, who he called "one of the most incompetent presidents in the history of the United States of America," out of office as soon as possible. He said if Trump had several months left in office, he would push for his impeachment. Now, though, Biden said, "The quickest way that will happen is us being sworn in on the 20th. What action happens before or after that is a judgment for Congress to make." "We're going to be doing our job, and the Congress can decide how to proceed with theirs," Biden said. Biden specifically singled out Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, praising their actions on Wednesday as Congress counted electoral votes, taking the last procedural step of the 2020 election to affirm Biden's victory ahead of his inauguration. But he said that those who tried to overturn the election results by objecting to some states' electoral votes being counted "should be ashamed of themselves." Asked if Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Josh Hawley of Missouri should resign, Biden said: "I think they should be just flat beaten the next time they run. I think the American public has a real, clear look at who they are. They're part of the big lie." "The acolytes that follow (Trump), like Cruz and others they're as responsible as he is," Biden said. "There are decent people out there who actually believe these lies because they've heard it again and again." This story was first published on CNN.com "Biden says Trump skipping inauguration is 'a good thing'" Treasury Secretary-nominee Janet Yellens revelation that she received more than $5 million in speaking fees from financial firms raised concern among some progressives that shes too cozy with Wall Street. But a review of her public remarks suggests the opposite: She wants to crack down on key areas of finance instead. Yellen, whose financial disclosures show that she earned a total of $7 million in fees over the past two years, voiced worry about insufficient oversight of large firms that serve as hubs of lending or investment. She says regulators should particularly consider reining in hedge funds and other firms that have escaped heightened scrutiny since the 2008 credit crisis, including in the landmark Dodd-Frank law, which largely focused on big banks. In June 2020, she argued that Congress had left gaping holes in supervising the activities of shadow banks -- a term that refers to everything from asset managers and insurers to private equity firms. Those gaps meant that the Federal Reserve had to step in at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic to prevent debt markets from breaking down as panicky investors in mutual funds and other firms pulled money out. There really are problems here in the powers created by Dodd-Frank, and weve seen it all blow up except for the Fed intervention that saved us from a financial crisis, she said at an event hosted by the Brookings Institution, where she is a distinguished fellow. I personally think we need a new Dodd-Frank. While statements like that may set up a potential clash with Wall Street if she is confirmed for the Treasury post, Yellen a former Fed chair is no enemy of finance. Still, those comments, as well as her record as a bank regulator, help explain why many Democrats are confident she wont be beholden to financial interests. People from the public and private sectors seek her wisdom and trust her expertise because of her transparency and in-depth knowledge of the issues, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), one of Wall Street's toughest critics in Congress who is poised to chair the Banking Committee, told POLITICO. She is the kind of public servant we need, and I thank her for returning to public service at the height of yet another crisis. Story continues After her disclosures were released, Jeff Hauser, director of the progressive Revolving Door Project, tweeted that the speaking money builds personal affection and connection with the firms Yellen will now scrutinize." But even he says he's not too bothered by it. If "Yellen gave war story speeches for big cash, it is unfortunate given her new role, but not a huge deal, Hauser said, though he added that she should still make all her remarks public. No one thought they were buying access to a future regulator, and war stories without secrets are very different than selling strategic advice based on public service. Yellen's remarks at many of these events are not available, but in public speeches to some financial firms, she had other warnings for corporate America. At a February 2019 event hosted by the Structured Finance Association, a financial lobbying group then called the Structured Finance Industry Group, Yellen cautioned about ballooning debt among nonfinancial corporations, according to a report at the time from Reuters. She disclosed receiving $180,000 for her appearance. What I would worry about is if the economy encounters a downturn, we could see a good deal of corporate distress, she reportedly said. If corporations are in distress, they fire workers and cut back on investment spending. And I think thats something that could make the next recession a deeper recession. The speaking fees disclosed by Yellen over the holidays included more than $700,000 she received from Citadel, a hedge fund that is also affiliated with a broker-dealer, for four different commitments in 2019 and 2020, as well as another paid event in 2018, for which the amount is not disclosed because it didnt fall within the reporting period. She received roughly $1 million from Citigroup, one of the country's biggest banks, for nine different speaking events. She spoke to other big companies, like Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse, PIMCO, Google and Salesforce. Many of the talks focused on her views of the economy, where the risks might lie, how the Fed might respond to those dynamics, and commentary on longer-term problems. I see the main driver for the trade war to be economic, she said at a CEO summit hosted by ING, according to a highlight video posted by the company, which paid her $225,000, according to the disclosure. Its about stagnation of living standards and that has created a sense of despair. Yellen has pledged to go to Treasurys ethics lawyers to seek written authorization to participate personally and substantially in any particular matter that involves a firm she received compensation from in the prior year. Other Senate Democrats defended her, suggesting they dont see the payments as disqualifying, even as other appointees have been criticized for more direct financial ties to corporations. Hillary Clinton famously took heat during the 2016 presidential campaign even from many Democrats for taking money from banks for speaking events. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who will chair the Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over Yellens confirmation, underscored that she has spoken in a range of forums, both paid and unpaid, since leaving the Federal Reserve in early 2018. Shes been fully transparent, Wyden said. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who recommended Yellen to the Biden camp, had a more critical take -- but only barely. An aide to the senator said Warren doesn't think she should have given these speeches, but based on the balance of Yellen's record of standing up to the big financial institutions, she is supporting her nomination. Hedge funds are among the big financial institutions that Yellen has dealt with in her remarks. In remarks at the June Brookings event, she said financial market stress in March showed that the risks posed by hedge funds debt-fueled investments were very real and serious, though she did not directly characterize them as responsible for the market seize up. Current regulators have said they would like more information on this front. The Managed Funds Association, which represents hedge funds, said such firms weathered the March market turmoil without posing systemic risk to the financial system but added that they support looking into reforms to the structure of U.S. government debt markets. Yelen has said the financial blowup last year should be a top focus. We saw a financial system that did not react in a resilient way to the stresses, which makes for unfinished business in the current crisis, and reasons to worry about the stability of the financial system, she said at another event, hosted by Institut Montaigne, that same month. One of her solutions: give more power to the Financial Stability Oversight Council, a panel of financial regulators that is chaired by the Treasury secretary. That council, which she would lead in her new role, was designed in Dodd-Frank to fill in some of these gaps, including by identifying large firms that, if they were to fail, could threaten the entire financial system and thus deserved stricter regulation. But she argued that the body had been completely neutered, both by the law itself and by litigation brought by MetLife that the Trump administration refused to appeal. We need to change the structure of FSOC and build up its powers to be able to deal more effectively with all of the problems that exist in the shadow banking sector, Yellen said at Brookings. She also said agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is tasked with ensuring markets function properly and fairly, should be given an explicit mandate to help prevent financial crises. The need to increase financial regulation came up at a meeting between Yellen, her soon-to-be deputy Wally Adeyemo, and Americans for Financial Reform, a progressive watchdog group. Adeyemo emphasized the incoming administrations commitment to restoring and rebuilding regulatory and consumer protection mechanisms and institutions including the [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau] and FSOC, according to an official readout from the Biden transition team. Will bring in law to claim recovery of damages to public property by protesters: Khattar 'Today's incident gave a message': Haryana CM after meeting venue vandalised India oi-Deepika S Chandigarh, Jan 10: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday blamedBhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) chief for the chaos that led to cancellation of an event in the state's Karnal district. "Today's incident gave a message to people, bigger than what I'd intended to give. These people have defamed the farmers because a farmer doesn't have such nature. A farmer can be less educated or simple but he's sensible," Khattar said. "We have a strong democratic setup in our country. We have never stopped anybody from expressing their views. Even during Covid-19, we have made adequate arrangements for their [protesters'] safety and security. But violation of Constitutional provisions is not right," he said. "If I have to hold someone responsible for this, then a video of Gurnam Singh Chaduni [BKU chief] has been circulating since day before yesterday wherein he had tried to instigate people," said the chief minister addressing a press conference. Protesting farmers on Sunday took control and ransacked the venue of 'kisan mahapanchayat' programme at Kaimla village in Haryana''s Karnal district where Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was to address people to highlight the "benefits" of the Centre''s three agriculture laws. The programme was cancelled due to an unruly act by farmers at the behest of BKU leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, BJP leader Raman Mallik said. Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the chief minister''s visit to the village where he was to speak to people to highlight the "benefits" of the Centre''s three farm laws. Under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), farmers, who have been demanding that the laws be repealed, had earlier announced to oppose the ''kisan mahapanchayat''. Farmers were carrying black flags and shouting slogans against the BJP-led government as they attempted to march towards Kaimla village. Police had put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent protesting farmers from reaching the programme venue. The situation turned tense as farmers were adamant that they would not allow the chief minister to hold the programme. Policemen were seen trying to pacify the agitating farmers but they went ahead to take control of the stage. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 23:10 [IST] STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York Citys teachers union, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), is launching its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine program to help its teachers and school staff gain access to the vaccine, officials announced on Sunday. UFT President Michael Mulgrew made the announcement early Sunday morning that the union reached an agreement with major healthcare systems to expand access of eligible UFT members to the vaccine. Under the states phased distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine, teachers are eligible in phase 1b, which begins Monday. Thankfully we are starting the vaccination process of the UFT members and more importantly, this is the beginning of getting to the end of this horrible crisis that this entire city and country and world is going through, said Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). Mulgrew said the union will send out an email to all of its members on Sunday to develop a list of who wants the vaccine immediately, prioritizing personnel with a current in-school assignment. The UFT will then coordinate with participating healthcare institutions to ensure teachers and other members willing to be vaccinated can do so as soon as possible. *** CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN NEW YORK *** We want to make sure that there are no more vaccines left on shelves. We want to make sure that vaccines are being utilized at all times, that we have to be efficient and effective so starting this afternoon, there will be an email going out to every UFT member in the city of New York. We are asking all of them who want to have the vaccine; we will have a list. We are working with health care providers right now. We will be getting priority access for everyone who says that they want a vaccine and we are going to make sure that the vaccines are getting utilized quickly... Mulgrew said. The UFT president pointed to the start of the pandemic last March when the union had to fight to close schools, had its teachers educate students in a remote learning setting, and then spend the entire summer of 2020 figuring out a plan to reopen schools safely for the 2020-2021 school year. All of this has been done for one reason and one reason only to figure out a way to continue to support the children of New York City and get to the end of this pandemic, Mulgrew said. And thats why this is so important in what is happening here today. Now we have to move much faster. Much faster. So to the governor and his staff I say we have met your challenge. You challenged us we have done it. New York City school nurse and UFT school nurse chapter leader Cynthia Bennett receives her coronavirus vaccine. (Courtesy/UFT) City school nurse and UFT school nurse chapter leader Cynthia Bennett, who received the COVID-19 vaccine on Sunday, said its important to get the vaccine because it will help bring back some normalcy. Its important, we need to see the end is near, Bennett said. Its the easiest way and the most efficient way to bring an end and combat this terrible, terrible pandemic were experiencing now. Others eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1b are first responders; public safety workers; public transit workers; people ages 75 and older. Other frontline essential workers and other at-risk groups could be identified by the state during the rollout of Phase 1b, according to the state. STATEN ISLAND VACCINATION LOCATIONS A number of vaccination hubs were announced this week for Staten Island, however, due to high demand appointments have so far been scarce. Locations named by the city so far include: NYC Health + Hospitals Gotham/Vanderbilt clinic, located at 165 Vanderbilt Ave., Clifton The Beacon Christian Community Health Center, located at 2079 Forest Ave., Mariners Harbor AdvantageCare Physicians, located at 4771 Hylan Blvd., Annadale GoHealth Urgent Care, located at 4316 Amboy Rd., Eltingville AdvantageCare Physicians, located at 1050 Clove Rd., Sunnyside Port Richmond High School, located at 85 St. Josephs Ave., Port Richmond (opens next week) Susan Wagner High School, located at 1200 Manor Road in Sea View (opens Monday) For city workers only: Staten Island Technical High School, located at 485 Clawson St., New Dorp (opens next week) The mayor said Friday that he expects to announce Staten Islands mass vaccination site, which would be open 24 hours a day, in the coming week, and Cuomo said on Friday that the state expects some pharmacies will begin to administer the vaccine in the coming week. FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. On the first day of California's new legislative session lines were already being drawn in the next battle over hydraulic fracturing, or "frac DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The Iowa Legislature will convene Monday with Republicans holding large majorities and promising an agenda that could include tax cuts and changes to voting, gun and school attendance laws. Republicans expanded their majority in the House in November and maintained their edge in the Senate. They see the election as an affirmation that voters support the conservative actions they have taken since winning full control of the Legislature in 2016. The GOP to-do list is expected to include efforts to reduce taxes, making changes to voting rules, expand gun rights and require in-school attendance despite concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. The 150 lawmakers will gather in the Statehouse with no mask requirements and rules that do not require disclosure of a positive COVID-19 test. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Police ban Indian Christian families from worship, accuse them of false conversion Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Police in the southern Indian state of Karnataka have banned 15 Christian families from gathering for worship services based on the presumption that they must have been coercively or fraudulently converted to Christianity as they are not Christian by birth. The deputy superintendent of police of Karnatakas Hassan District and his colleagues summoned the families in Bannimardatti village this week and asked them to prove that they were Christian, accusing them of availing benefits provided by the government as both Christians and Hindus, persecution watchdog International Christian Concern reported. The officer then ordered the Christians to not gather for worship services in their village. This is the final attempt of Hindu radicals using the state police to clamp down on Christian activities, a local Christian was quoted as saying. They have tried everything including social boycotts and physical beatings. However, local Christians remained faithful in the midst of continued harassment. Karnataka is governed by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which also governs at the federal level. Incidents targeting Indian Christians have risen steeply since 2014 when Narendra Modi of this party came to power. The country is ranked No. 10 on Christian support organization Open Doors 2020 World Watch List of the countries where it's most difficult to be a Christian. Last month, Indias most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, approved a controversial anti-conversion law that experts warn will incite more religiously motivated violence as attacks on Christians and other religious minorities continue to escalate. ICC noted that historically, radical Hindu nationalists have used the specter of mass religious conversions to Christianity as justification to pass similar laws limiting religious freedom, though Christians make up just 2.3% of the population. Earlier this month, a Korean Christian, 50-year-old Mi Kyung Lee of Seoul, and three Indian citizens were imprisoned in Uttar Pradesh for providing food and other aid to the poor. Accused of fraudulent conversion attempts, the four individuals were the first to be imprisoned under the states anti-conversion law, according to Morning Star News. Raj Kumar Masih, an organizer overseeing the distribution of aid, told the outlet that he had 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. Similar anti-conversion laws have also been enacted in the states of Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These laws embolden Hindu militant groups to make false accusations against Christians. Police often overlook violence perpetrated against believers due to the false accusations of forced conversions. India was not named by the U.S. State Department last year as among the countries of particular concern that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom. In a statement to The Christian Post, advocacy group The Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations of North America said it was deeply disappointed India did not receive the CPC designation in 2020. The national government allowed violence against minorities and their houses of worship to continue with impunity and engaged in and tolerated hate speech and incitement to violence, FIACONA said. The Indian government headed by the Hindu nationalist BJP party continues to claim so conveniently that all such violence against Christians in India is isolated incidents and not the policy of the government. The big news on Saturday was that Amazon Web Services gave Parler 24 hours to hit the road, effectively shutting it down. Meanwhile, the left is continuing to push out both misinformation and aggressive hatred from leftists. One of our regular contributors, though, gave me some idea about what may lie behind this frantic behavior. John Matze, Parlers Founder and CEO, announced on Saturday via his Parler account that Apple had joined Google in banning the Parler App. He soon followed that by informing people that Amazon Web Services, which hosts Parler, is kicking the free speech social media platform off its site today. He followed that with a third parley about how serious this attack on free speech is. Here are all three of his announcements: Announcement 1 Apple will be banning Parler until we give up free speech, institute broad and invasive policies like Twitter and Facebook and we become a surveillance platform by pursuing guilt of those who use Parler before innocence. They claim it is due to violence on the platform. The community disagrees as we hit number 1 on their store today. The same day Hang Mike Pence, a disgusting violent suggestion, was trending nationally on Twitter. Displaying the horrible double standard Apple and their big tech pack apply to the community. Apple, a software monopoly, provides no alternatives to installing apps on your phone other then their store. We do not own our phones, Apple simply rents them to us. Apple, Google and the rest of the anti-competitive pack of big tech tyrants coordinate their moves and work together to stifle competition in the marketplace. More details about our next plans coming soon as we have many options. Announcement 2 Sunday (tomorrow) at midnight Amazon will be shutting off all of our servers in an attempt to completely remove free speech off the internet. There is the possibility Parler will be unavailable on the internet for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch. We prepared for events like this by never relying on amazons proprietary infrastructure and building bare metal products. We will try our best to move to a new provider right now as we have many competing for our business, however Amazon, Google and Apple purposefully did this as a coordinated effort knowing our options would be limited and knowing this would inflict the most damage right as President Trump was banned from the tech companies. This was a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the market place. We were too successful too fast. You can expect the war on competition and free speech to continue, but dont count us out. Announcement 3 We are the closest thing to competition Facebook or Twitter has seen in many years. I believe Amazon, Google, Apple worked together to try and ensure they dont have competition. They will NOT win! We are the worlds last hope for free speech and free information. What they are doing is unprecedented, unfounded and absolutely disgusting. Shameful. This is a battle against all of us. Liberals, conservatives, atheists, Christians, black, white, etc. They want to keep their monopoly over speech. They want us fighting. They dont want us working together. They dont want us working with each other, they want us hating one another. Parley - brings two people with conflicting ideas together. Our mission is free speech, democracy and us the people having the power. The elite dont want us to be free, they want hate division and power! For us to win this fight we need everyone back on Parler Tuesday. By Monday at noon we will be fully operational again. (Emphasis mine.) Even as the billionaires and tech monopolists are attacking their free speech competition because it allegedly promotes violence, whats going on at these sites is hard-left extremism. A reader sent me a screengrab of an ad currently running on YouTube: Another reader sent me the screengrab of what happened while he was watching Rudy Giulianis take on the events of January 6: A third reader pointed me to a YouTube video noting that Instagram close-captioned Kayleigh McEnanys official statement condemning the violence so that it appears that McEnany is condemning President Trump. Heres the screengrab of that captioning issue: Meanwhile, Twitter managed to overcome its horror of violent speech with its announcement that Hang Mike Pence was trending: Theres no doubt that Big Tech is flexing its muscles. Over the past few years, it effectively bought all the streets leading into the public square in which free speech is held and it's now banning everyone who holds views antithetical to its technocratic hard leftism from traveling on those streets. However, Anony Mee wrote me something interesting: President Trump, just by asking, got over half a million patriots to show up in Washington, D.C., in the middle of winter at a time when half the country is locked down. For leftists, this must be a terrifying thought and it may well have prompted them to overplay their hands. Update from Carol Brown: Late last night, Devon Nunes sent out the following message: CALL TO ACTION- Our ability to communicate will likely be shut down tomorrow! Please text FREEDOM to 98078. This will allow me to communicate directly with you! I wondered if other members of the GOP were sending out similar messages, but as you can predict, it didnt appear so. Granted, I didnt check every single one, but of the ones I did check, many didnt even have Parler accounts and the ones that did had no messages to maximize pathways for communication in the wake of this tech black out of our voices and the temporary down time for Parler for the next couple of days. Scrambling to find ways to communication is what people do in countries under tyrannical rule. It feels like were running down the street on foot while a steamroller is right behind us. IMAGE: Created by Andrea Widburg. Egypt announced on Sunday the rolling out of subscription in 'Seyola' cash investment fund, which is its first cash fundthat allows to invest in in number of financial instruments. The targeted investments through the fund is EGP 50 up to EGP 100 million. On Friday, Hala El Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the National Investment Bank (NIB), announced that NI Capita company, the NIB's investment arm, has launched a "Seyola" fund, which came within the framework of the strategy of the company to reinforce its role in achieving financial inclusion and developing the capital market. a El-Said expounded that the targeted issue sums will be invested in liquid financial and short-term instruments, including bonds; T-bills; banking deposits; financing bonds; saving certificates and other investment funds documents. NI Capital also aims to meet the market needs and requirements of its individual and institutional clients alike, according to the minister. El-Said added that 'Seyola' fund is the first of its kind to be established by investment managers in Egypt and that it is also the first cash fund to invest in transferred values, benefiting from recent legislative amendments to investment funds. "NI Capital's introduction of its first cash fund is a new step in the path of the leading company in the field of providing non-banking financial services, and an enhancement of its unique role," said CEO of NIB and Chairman of NI Capital, Mahmoud Montaser. "In providing investment products to meet customer needs and support the Egyptian economy," he added. CEO and Managing Director of NI Capital, Mohamed Metwally also illustrated that the fund comes as a continuation of the success achieved by NI Capital in managing the investment portfolios of many investors, whether from government agencies or private sector companies. Hazem Kamel, Managing Director of Investment Management at NI Capital, said that the company's investment department is working on introducing new and innovative products in the coming period as part of its strategy to support the states plan and work to achieve sustainable development goals. He added, "the NI Capital cash fund seeks to introduce and make available new investment tools to achieve financial inclusion and make them available to different groups [within] society, whether they are institutions or individuals." The 'Seyola' cash fund aims to achieve a daily cumulative return commensurate with low risk associated with the instruments invested in it while, maintaining a high degree of liquidity that allows the investor to buy and recover daily, according to Minister El-Said. Also according to El-Said, NI Capital has contracted with the 'Arabiya Online' company owned by it, in addition to the 'Mubasher' company, to receive subscriptions and promote the fund among customers from the segment of individuals and institutions with the ability to receive the subscription electronically, while NI Capital will promote the side of large institutions. NI Capital established the National Investment Charity Education Fund in 2020 in order to provide sustainable financing for educational projects while managing charitable work, the size of the fund has so far reached EGP 150 million, according to the planning ministry. NI Capital was established in 2015 as an independent financial services company, acting as an independent catalyst for promoting public-private cooperation and attracting both domestic and foreign expertise to add value through promoting sustainable economic and social development across Egypt. It also provides an integrated set of investment banking services, investment management services and financial advice in the Egyptian market. It also manages the government IPO program to attract local and foreign investments to the Egyptian exchange and diversify sources of income for the government. Short link: SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - A Cottonwood man has been arrested for multiple charges of commercial and residential burglary, vehicle theft, resisting arrest, evading police, and illegally possessing a firearm. The man was charged after a chase through a heavily wooded area in Palo Cedro, according to the Redding Police Department. It all started around 2:40 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, Redding police officers said they observed a Honda Civic that had been reported as stolen entering eastbound Highway 44 from Airport Road. A high-speed vehicle chase occurred. Redding police officers said they decided the chase was dangerous and a threat to public safety, so they stopped their pursuit and had a California Highway Patrol (CHP) follow their suspect in the stolen car. The Honda and the driver were followed to Palo Cedro, where a man was observed abandoning the Honda at a home on Harvest Lane, before entering a wooded area, according to a police report. K-9 Chase joined the chase with other Redding police officers and support from CHP Air Operations. Officer Rouland and K-9 Chase tracked the man for approximately two miles through the woods. They caught up with the driver of the Honda, 36-year-old Jason Kenyon of Cottonwood, before taking him to a hospital for a K-9 bite and then to the Shasta County Jail for booking. According to the Redding Police Department, the same Jason Kenyon is suspected of stealing the Honda from the Twin Blvd. tow yard of Lake City Towing early in the morning. They also identified Kenyon as a suspect in the theft of a BMW sedan on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from the same tow yard. A pursuit was conducted around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, and though officers were unable to apprehend their suspect, they identified him as being Kenyon. Police said Kenyon was driving the BMW fin the area of Shasta View Dr. and Goodwater Ave. and when they located him, they initiated a pursuit. Kenyon eventually exited the BMW and police said he broke into a residence on the 2000 block of Marlene Driver. The person who lived in the home arrived, scaring Kenyon out the back door, according to police. Law enforcement gave up finding Keyon then, but during the investigation of what they say was the burglarized residence on Marlene Dr., officers located a handgun and magazines that they believe were left there by Kenyon. Officers said they also found ammunition in the stolen BMW. Kenyon is suspected of stealing the Honda from the Twin Blvd. tow yard of Lake City Towing during the early morning hours of Jan. 8. Kenyon is also the suspect during a pursuit in the area of Shasta View Dr. and Goodwater Ave. on Wednesday, Jan. 6. During this incident, Kenyon drove off from police in a stolen BMW sedan, which police said had been taken from the same tow yard. Kenyon fled on foot and broke into a residence on the 2000 block of Marlene Dr. to hide from the police. The resident arrived at his home and confronted Kenyon as he ran out the back door. Redding Police said they were unable to locate and apprehend Kenyon during this incident. When they investigated the burglarized residence on Marlene Dr., they located a handgun and magazines. Officers also located ammunition in the stolen BMW. Kenyon is the suspect in both car thefts. Kenyon was booked at the Shasta County Jail on two counts of commercial burglary and one count of residential burglary, two counts of vehicle theft, two counts of reckless evading of police officers, two counts of resisting and obstructing police officers, and illegal possession of a firearm. Listen to article The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that countries in Europe and America are already experiencing the second wave of the COVOD-19 pandemic and urged governments of different countries to put structures in place to curb the virus. In Nigeria, the country is beginning to experience a surge in COVID-19 cases. More than 2,000 cases have been recorded between November and mid-December. This, experts said, might require an enforcement of citizen's compliance to COVID-19 protocols. The Federal Government has warned that the country stands the risk of not just losing the gains from the hard work of the last nine months, but also not losing the precious lives of her citizens. Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha gave the warning during a recent COVID-19 briefing in Abuja. He said that COVID-19 is threatening humanity and the progress made in the global health sector in the last five decades or more, especially with the resurgence of the disease and the spikes in the number of global infections. Represented by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, Mustapha noted that current realities point to the fact that the course of further opening up of the economy may have to be reviewed. Consequently, health experts said further negligence to COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, regular hand washing with soap, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding large gatherings may spell doom for the health sector in the country. In a recent statement he personally signed, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos State is recording an increase in COVID-19 cases in all Local Governments. According to him, this is not peculiar to Lagos alone, as he said the entire country is also seeing an uptick in the numbers of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus disease. He said: Of every 100 tests that we now perform, an average of 10 turn out to be positive. This is an increase from the 5 per hundred recorded in September, 2020, but lower than our peak in August of the same year which was between 20 and 30 per hundred. This suggests the existence of active community transmission, and represents the very likely possibility of the emergence of a second wave in Lagos State. Similarly, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, in a recent statement had raised alarm about recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in the country, urging residents to be cautious. We are seeing a slightly increasing number of COVID-19 positive cases in clusters in Lagos and all Lagosians should adhere to the prescribed advisories of safe distancing, good hand and respiratory hygiene and avoidance of unnecessary gatherings, Abayomi noted. Also, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, brought the matter before the House during plenary on Tuesday, December 15, urging Lagosians to abide by all COVID-19 precautionary protocols. He said: There is a current surge in global cases of COVID-19. We urge our people to be careful. This is not the time to throw caution to the wind. From every indication, we are yet to get out of the woods. Similarly, the Team Lead, Infection Prevention Control Pillar (IPCP), Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Ijimakinwa, has identified Nigeria as one of the countries that stands a high risk of experiencing a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic if standard precautionary measures are not put in place. Dr. Ijimakinwa, who made this assertion at a training organised for clinical staff at the General Hospital, Ijede, Lagos, urged health workers to get ready for a tough battle ahead. Logically, the steady rise in cases of COVID-19 in the country should give everyone a cause for worry. The need to put up a common front against the spread of deadly virus can, thus, not be over-emphasised. It is quite ironic that many still regard the evil virus a hoax, claiming it is not a black mans ailment. Ignorantly, many have equally labelled it a rich mans pandemic. In some parts of the country, people still congregate without regard to the social distancing rule. Even in places where sufficient enlightenment campaigns are ongoing, many still carry on with business as usual. This is the time for our compatriots to take personal responsibility. The virus is real and it is no respecter of persons. Therefore, folks must shun all forms of large gathering, and even stay at home, where necessary. This is the most effective way to break the circle of transmission, as it has worked very well in other places. Similarly, all States in the country must effectively collaborate with the Federal Government in the fight against this lethal but invincible adversary. As it has been observed in a few cases, this is not the time for needless politicking. The enemy we are up against does not recognise partisan gulf or any such divisive platforms. Choosing to play politics at this crucial time would be highly insensitive and counterproductive. Therefore, we must set aside every discordant tendency, no matter how cogent, and stand together in this hour of crisis. If we can stick together against the noisome pestilence, with a common vision and goal, victory is surely in sight. The enemy that confronts us knows no language. It knows no tribe. It knows no political affiliation. Neither does religion mean anything to it. It has no respect for neither the rich nor the poor. More technologically and economically advanced nations of the world are cringing under the lethal blows of this unseen foe. Government will continue to do its best, but the ultimate responsibility for our safety lies in our hands. We are still in the middle of a pandemic, if we continue with this I dont care attitude, we will not only hurt our nation, but our families too. Taking personal responsibility is our duty; we have to change our orientation. The time to take responsibility is now! Wear your facemask appropriately. It is not a chin mask! Adhere to social distancing rules, wash hands regularly and keep to all safety guidelines. According to history, the Spanish flu of 1918 claimed many lives in the first wave, but as soon as the lockdown was relaxed people began to gather again, hug, shake hands and before they realised the second wave claimed ten times more people. To prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases and forestall our healthcare system being overwhelmed, we all need to take responsibility and follow strictly hygiene practices. We should not frustrate the government's effort in containing the virus. Let us all take responsibility for keeping everyone safe. As in the case of Ebola, this tough time shall also pass. As Governor Sanwo-Olu, the COVID-19 Incident Commander of Lagos State, rightly affirmed: We have overcome more challenging situations in the past, and we shall surely surmount this also. But then, we must be willing to observe all precautionary measures put in place by the appropriate authorities to curtail the spread of the pandemic. Ogunbiyi is Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja. 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. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has waded into a potentially explosive diplomatic tiff between Zanu PF and the ANC over threats by Zanu PF to leak a bombshell that would expose and embarrass South Africas ruling party. Ramaphosa yesterday came out guns blazing, daring Zanu PFs director of information Tafadzwa Mugwadi to come out with his bombshell and reveal the real reason which he claimed was behind his partys visit to Zimbabwe last year. Mugwadi has threatened to expose the ANCs alleged sinister agenda behind their trip to Zimbabwe last year. The threat was an angry reaction to what Mugwadi views as hostile reportage against Zanu PF by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. He is demanding that the ANC intervenes to stop SABC news reporter Sophie Mokoena from reporting what Zanu PF deems is fake news about the goings-on in Zimbabwe. If the ANC and SABC news do not restrain and rein in Sophie Mokoena, whose Zimbabwe has been red-flagged as one of the worlds 10 worst countries regarding workers welfare. Violations of workers rights, including abductions and other forms of violence and threats of harm, are cited. According to the International Trade Union Confederations documentation of violations of workers rights, Zimbabwe joined the bad boys club including Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Colombia, Egypt, Honduras, Kazakhstan, the Philippines and Turkey where workers rights were brazenly violated. In the aftermath of the violent attacks against workers during the general strikes organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) in October 2018 and January 2019, Zimbabwe continued its crackdown against trade unions, the report said. Twenty-eight ZCTU members still faced criminal charges after their arrest over a year ago. If convicted, they could be sentenced to a mandatory 10-year jail term. ZCTU president Peter Mutasa and general secretary Japhet Moyo, both of whom had been arrested and charged with subversion, were released in February 2019, but they remained under strict release conditions, banned from travelling and forced to check in regularly at the police station. The report said Mutasa and Moyo also received anonymous letters with death threats and bullets inside. Furthermore, both leaders received anonymous letters containing death threats and bullets. The letters warned them against continuing with the planned strike action on 22 July 2019 and threatened to kill the two and harm their families, it said. The letters said: We have hired mercenaries to deal with you once and for all unless you stop what you are planning. Moyo, the report said, also received further threatening letters, with one of them containing a threat to rape his daughter. The report also noted the harassment and abduction of the then president of Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association, Peter Magombeyi who was kidnapped in 2019 by three unidentified men, and for days his whereabouts were not known. Before his kidnapping, he had received a message from an unknown source which contained death threats. For years, Dr Magombeyi has been at the forefront in fighting for better working conditions for all doctors in the country. He was eventually released and left outside Harare. Earlier in the year, on 5 June 2019, Obert Masaraure, the president of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, was abducted at his house, the report said. Most violated rights by the named countries, according to the report, included the right to strike which was criminalised. The right to civil liberties, the report said, was also violated with arbitrary arrests, detention and imprisonment. The ruling Zanu PF government has threatened all workers intending to go on strike labelling them opposition allies. Standard Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. 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. Hong Kong: Foreign govts' statement refuted The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today refuted the joint statement by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada and the UK, and the US Secretary of State on arrests in Hong Kong. In its response, the Hong Kong SAR Government said taking people who have contravened the law to justice is every government's duty, and where the offence concerns national security, the interests of the country and every citizen are at stake. This national obligation should be fully respected in the international arena. Noting that the Hong Kong SAR has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security, the Government said it has been discharging its duty to safeguard national security in Hong Kong lawfully and dutifully since the enactment of the National Security Law. 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. Any person who is prosecuted has the right to a fair trial by 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. The Hong Kong SAR Government noted that whilst it would not be appropriate to comment on specific cases in which investigations are still ongoing, it is necessary to refute comments made in the joint statement about the National Security Law to set the record straight. Contrary to allegations that the National Security Law undermines the "one country, two systems" framework, the law fully and faithfully implements the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy and 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. It 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. Senior officials of other jurisdictions are clearly adopting double standards in making those slandering remarks about the National Security Law in their joint statement. The response also stated that since the implementation of the National Security Law, street violence which had haunted Hong Kong people for months since June 2019 subsided and stability has been restored. The legitimate rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people have been upheld and criminals are brought to justice through the 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, it added. This story has been published on: 2021-01-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Earlier on Sunday, the Haryana Police used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent protesting farmers from marching towards Kaimla village where the event was slated to be held Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday cancelled his visit to the Karnal district after farmers protesting against the Centre's contentious farm laws shouted slogans and carried black flags. Earlier on Sunday, the Haryana Police used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent protesting farmers from marching towards Kaimla village where the event was scheduled to be held. Farmers, who have been demanding that the laws be repealed, had earlier announced their opposition to the ''kisan mahapanchayat'' that had been planned for Khattar's visit. Police made elaborate security arrangements for the chief minister's visit to the village where he was set to speak about the benefits of the three farm laws. Police also put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent protesting farmers from reaching the venue. While 1,500 police were reportedly deployed as security personnel for the meeting, protesting farmers marching towards the venue breached six checkpoints and reached the helipad where Khattar was supposed to land. "The farmers then moved to occupy the venue of Khattars kisan mahapanchayat, where around 2,000 farmers, most of them BJP supporters, were waiting," The Indian Express reported. At the event venue, farmers damaged the stage and broke chairs and tables, PTI reported. The programme was cancelled due to an unruly act by farmers at the behest of BKU leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, BJP leader Raman Mallik claimed, while Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala slammed Minister Khattar for using water cannons and teargas shells against farmers. The Prisons Department has asked around 3,600 staff members including security personnel to enrol themselves to receive vaccine shots, officials said on Sunday, as the authorities gear up for the inoculation drive. According to a senior jails official, around 1,600 jail staff, 1,000 Tamil Nadu Special Police personnel who carry out security duty at Tihar Jail and 1,000 paramilitary personnel are being enrolled. The date, time and place of vaccination for each person will be intimated to him/her on their mobile number, they said, adding, however, that no inmate will get the shot in the first phase as it has been reserved for frontline workers. "We appreciate the dedication and hard work done by jail officials and security forces who all were at a high risk for catching COVID-19 due to the nature of job. The vaccination will help boost their morale and to work fearlessly in this tough situation," Director General (Prisons) Sandeep Goel said. A total of 292 prisons staff have contracted the infection till Saturday, and 289 of them have recovered, while three are still under treatment, officials said. As for the inmates, 115 have tested positive for the virus so far of whom 113 have recovered while two died, the officials said. No inmate has tested positive for COVID-19 since December 10 last year though. The last inmate detected COVID-19 positive was on December 3 and he recovered on December 10, they said. Among the prisons, the first case of was reported in Rohini Jail on May 13. Two COVID-19 positive inmates of Mandoli Jail died on June 15 and July 4. Both were senior citizens. The officials had said ever since the outbreak of the pandemic in March, the Prisons Department remained vigilant and instructed its staff to not only maintain hygiene and social distancing, but also spread awareness among the inmates in the three jail complexes. (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 journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. This quote by Lao Tzu resonates with Zandile Thwala (nee Nkambule), who despite experiencing hardships in her journey towards completing her CA, made it against all odds. Born and bred in Manzini; in a lovely community called KaShali, which is located in the immediate outskirts of the vibrant city of Manzini, she is the fourth born child in a family of five. Im a pastors daughter and all my life Ive been nourished with the Word of God, she said. Her educational journey began at St Marks Primary School, but because she was a sickly child she had to be closer home so she then moved to Ngwane Park Primary School. She completed school at Manzini Nazarene High School and inspired by her passion for accounting and business studies, she enrolled for B. Comm Accounting at the University of Swaziland (now University of Eswatini). Subsequent to my graduation I joined one of the biggest audit firms in the Kingdom of Eswatini (KPMG), where I served my audit articles for four years. That was the beginning of my journey to Chartered Accountancy. I wrote the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants Board Exams which I passed at first attempt, narrated Zandi. That qualified her as a CA (SA). From KPMG, she joined Standard Bank in the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) department where she served for one-and-a-half years until she joined Conco Limited where she worked in the Finance Department for about two-and-a-half years. Thereafter (in September 2020), I joined Silver Spoon Asset Management as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO); and Im presently serving in that position. Im married to a wonderful and very supportive man and were blessed with a beautiful daughter, she bragged. Im God fearing and all my life my pillar has been the Lord Almighty. Im presently in my early 30s. Style (S): Who has inspired you in your life leading to where you are currently? Zandi Thwala (ZT): A number of people inspired me into this journey. In particular, I can mention my two brothers, Mandla Nkambule, who works for World Vision Eswatini as Finance Manager and Sicelo Mahlalela, who presently works as Finance Director in one of the giant corporates in South Africa. S: When did your journey towards your CA begin and what inspired it? ZT: As mentioned, my journey into being a Chartered Accountant began at KPMG where I served my audit articles. My personal mantra has always been becoming the best that I can be so when I joined the audit firm, I set a personal goal; to obtain the highest qualification in the accounting profession. While serving my articles, and through support from my then employer, I enrolled for a Certified Theory in Accounting Sciences (CTA ) course with the University of South Africa (UNISA). Trust me; its one of the hardest paths in the academic spectrum. More so, because when you happen to fail just one module youre required to start all over again. It took me quite some time to complete this course, for two reasons; (1) since I had done my BComm at the University of Swaziland I had to start with a bridging course. (2) Being a part time, employed and married student, I didnt have leisure time, yet the course was acutely demanding. But because I was determined to achieve my goal, I had no problem waking up as early as 3am on a daily basis, do my studies and go to work thereafter. Mind you; with this course one is given three attempts after which they are then taken off the programme. Having exhausted two attempts and left with only one, pressure mounted and I was caught in a tight corner. I felt like throwing in the towel. More so, because at that time I was expecting a child and had started on a new job. With words of encouragement from my husband, which I treasure even today, I made a bold decision to try one last time and guess what; I nailed it! Perhaps because at that time it was two brains in one flesh due to the pregnancy (giggles). What kept me going was the pie that lay ahead. I knew that, regardless of the huge cost involved and the pressure, if I managed to bag this qualification it would open many doors for me. I was secretly following and monitoring the success stories of a number of people in Eswatini, who are qualified Chartered Accountants. I told myself that if they managed to obtain this qualification then I also could. S: What challenges have you faced through this journey? ZT: This was a bumpy journey, which required a lot of time and energy. I had to forget a bit that I was quite young and shelved all the fun that comes with being a young lady. I dedicated most of my time to books. Of course, questions like solo awucedzi from friends were in abundance but that never derailed me as I had the end goal in mind. S: Has it been a worthwhile journey and how? ZT: Oh, yes. The journey has been truly worthwhile. This qualification is well respected globally and it is an opportunity-opener. Its truly paying off. Without meaning to brag, Im presently one of the youngest CFOs in Eswatini. Most of all, through the journey I learnt that in life one needs to humble themselves. Dont rush for microwave success. Develop a firm foundation and then all will be well. S: If you were to start all over again, would it be a journey you would consider, why? ZT: Truly, speaking, I do not wish to go through this journey again. Its extremely demanding. I dont regret the bumpy ride though and I would recommend it to my children and other emaSwati. S: As a young person, what advice would you give to a person, who has similar aspirations as yours? ZT: We all have dreams, but what determines whether or not we achieve those dreams is if we enjoy only dreaming about it or getting up and pursuing it. Know that you need to work extra hard for your dream. We all want to have fun at some point but do not allow fun to derail you. Discipline and consistency is important. Find yourself a mentor because youll surely need their support. S: Do you think the journey would have been easier regardless of the support system and structure you have had surrounding you. How are you grateful for the people who have supported you? ZT: Most certainly, I would not have managed without the support from my husband. Hes a very understanding man. He would put family projects aside just to support me financially. I was also not physically present some of the time, but he would understand. I dont think many married men would tolerate being left alone in bed at 3am just because their wives are busy with books. Whenever I encountered challenges he was my shoulder to cry on. My parents also prayed for me incessantly. I truly appreciate that. I also appreciate their providing me with basic education because that was the springboard to my present success. I also appreciate my friends. For a long time I was hardly available friend, but they never gave up on me. Were still friends even today. Most importantly, I thank my spiritual father at Zakhele FEA (Pastor L.S. Msibi). He always made it a point to pray for me when I was about to sit for my exams. S: Women have been made to take the backseat of things in life as in most societies and cultures, they are made to aspire to marriage and building a home, how has that not made you lose the focus of what you wanted to achieve in your life? ZT: Im an avid reader. Theres a book that inspired me a lot. Its titled Nice girls still dont get the corner office. It talks about the mistakes that women make, which mistakes sabotage their career progression. Id advise other women to read it. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Officials in Cebu City are asking that stricter health and safety protocol be enforced after COVID-19 cases in the area quadrupled in just two weeks. According to data from the Department of Health in Central Visayas, there were 81 cases as of December 27, but the numbers jumped to 331 as of January 9. New infections include several medical and other healthcare workers. Local health officials believe the sudden rise in cases is due to gatherings during the holidays, while some cases were reported at workplaces. Cebu City had single-digit increases in November and December, until December 29 when new infections reached 16. From January 1 to 9, the new cases ranged from 11 to as much as 54 new cases in a day. Lower cases in November and early January allowed residents eased restrictions in health protocol. Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, Deputy Chief Implementor of the Emergency Operations Center, said they would recommend to Mayor Edgardo C. Labella that enforcement of quarantine passes as well as curfews be more strictly implemented. Checkpoints are also being considered. "We are trying to resuscitate our economy by trying to be lenient in some aspects of the protocols but it seems people are not being compliant," Garganera added. Garganera said the increase may be a reason to worry but the status is still not alarming. "It is (only) alarming if our healthcare system is overwhelmed and cases are not being attended to," he added. The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, the biggest government hospital in the region, said infections among their staff have risen. From only 18 infections last week, the VSMMC has now recorded a total of 33 COVID19 cases, said Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, DOH-7 spokesperson. The infections have prompted the hospital to close their Operation Rooms Complex due to disinfection and the lack of manpower. Loreche added that 23 of the infected staff are asymptomatic while 10 exhibited mild symptoms. All of the infected staff are admitted and isolated in the hospital. Meanwhile, the increased number of cases has prompted officials to cancel the virtual Sinulog Festival or pre-recorded performances for January 17, with a plan to move the festivities in April in time for the 500 years of Christianity celebrations. READ: Sinulog 2021 organizers cancel live events Cebu-based correspondent Dale Israel contributed to this report. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form In 2020, over 155 million people listened to a podcast every week. And whatever your niche interest, whether it's food history or wild swimming, there's a show to match it, most likely hosted by an expert enthusiast in that area. The book world is no exception. Authors Elizabeth Day, Gillian McAllister and Daisy Buchanan all host very popular and much downloaded podcasts. So, what's in it for them? Caroline O'Donoghue, author of two novels for adults and a YA novel, All Our Hidden Gifts (out with Walker Books in February), gets approximately 30,000 downloads per month on her podcast, Sentimental Garbage, which started in 2018 and deep dives into commercial women's fiction classics of the past. "There are lots of novelists in the world, and a novelist who has their own channel where they can speak directly to their readers, or directly to the people who are interested in their voice, is extremely valuable for being able to build up that person-to-person relationship with an audience," she says. "It's such a democratic way for authors to create their own enterprise." O'Donoghue describes going to The Miniaturist author Jessie Burton's house to talk about the novels of Jackie Collins for an episode of the show between lockdowns last year as "a tonic". Expand Close Novelist Ciara Geraghty set up BookBirds with fellow writer and friend Caroline Grace-Cassidy last summer / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Novelist Ciara Geraghty set up BookBirds with fellow writer and friend Caroline Grace-Cassidy last summer "To me, the most difficult thing about my life as a novelist is the lack of variety. Being at your desk at the same time every day, and a novel takes a year or two, there's not really much checking in with people throughout that time; you're trusted to get on with it," she says. "For me, talking to the same people, over and over again about the same stuff, I find very nullifying." Ciara Geraghty set up BookBirds with fellow writer and friend Caroline Grace-Cassidy last summer, because "creativity hadn't been brilliant over lockdown but the podcast was a great distraction and we had such a laugh". The duo reread Patricia Scanlan's City Girl as it celebrated its 30th anniversary since publication and have subsequently discussed Sharon Owens' The Teahouse on Mulberry Street. A future episode will see them delve into Edna O'Brien's The Country Girls. Geraghty, whose new novel, Make Yourself at Home, is out with HarperCollins in February, and whose writing has been likened to Jojo Moyes, says the podcast doesn't feel like work. "It just feels like serious fun," she says. "It's a book club where we actually talk about the book!" For debut author Jamie O'Connell, his podcast Good Luck with the Book, which he hosts with friend and former colleague Sarah Cassidy, is a way of keeping him connected to the world of publishing, an industry in which he worked for several years. He met co-host Cassidy when they worked at Irish publishers O'Brien Press together. "One of the big pluses of the podcast is that it's allowed me to stay connected to all these wonderful people I've worked with," he says. "I love books, and on a personal level, I want to know what's happening in the world of books. So, to have a definite reason to contact people and hear about the new books coming out and engage with new voices is a big focus of the podcast. We give space to debuts because we really just want it to be a contribution to the industry." Sponsorship may be the holy grail in podcast-land, but all three authors describe their podcasts as passion projects or labours of love, with many precious hours devoted to creating them. O'Donoghue is part of a podcast network called Acast, which automatically plugs advertisements into her shows, but the money is poor, she says. "Podcast monetisation rewards scale - people with millions of listeners - and that's where they tend to make real money," she explains. "What they don't take into account, however, is that there are podcasts, like my own, which appeal to a very specific audience, and even though that audience might be smaller, their relationship with the host tends to be deeper because the host is so simpatico with their interests. So, when the host recommends something, it tends to go further." O'Donoghue says each episode of her show takes around 10-15 hours to create. She does her own editing using the software GarageBand, which is then mixed by her friend Hannah Varrall, who is an audio producer, in order to get the sound right. Geraghty and Grace-Cassidy have technical help from Grace-Cassidy's husband's colleagues in Document Films and they commissioned a local artist, Becca Kelly to design the artwork, while its jingle was composed by Eugene Peelo. Meanwhile, O'Connell, whose novel Diving for Pearls is out with Doubleday in May, says his advice is to keep it simple. "I'm a fan of YouTube how-to videos and it's very much do it yourself." Grab your headphones: six more podcasts sharing the write stuff Books for Breakfast Expand Close Poetic: Enda Wyley and Peter Sirr, partners in life and verse. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Poetic: Enda Wyley and Peter Sirr, partners in life and verse. Photo: David Conachy A weekly look at fiction and poetry hosted by Irish poets and writers Peter Sirr and Enda Wyley. The hosts also feature the 'toaster challenge' where guest writers are given the time it takes to make toast to talk about a book which has resonated with them. You're Booked Expand Close Daisy Buchanan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Daisy Buchanan Journalist and author Daisy Buchanan (pictured) scrutinises what's on various authors' bookshelves in You're Booked, a podcast "for literary nosy parkers". Previous guests have included Dawn French, Irvine Welsh and Patrick Freyne on the books that have shaped them, while crime writer Erin Kelly gave a fascinating insight into her literary influences. Aspiring writers and book lovers alike will pick up tips and book recommendations galore. Inside Books Expand Close Breda Brown / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Breda Brown Unique Media's Breda Brown (pictured), who also regularly reviews on these pages, hosts interviews with authors and publishing insiders, as well as book news, in a fortnightly podcast. Expect thoughtful questions, and a fresh look at the book world. Previous guests have included Doireann Ni Ghriofa, Jane Casey and Helen Cullen. How to Fail Expand Close Elizabeth Day. Picture: David Conachy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Elizabeth Day. Picture: David Conachy Author Elizabeth Day asks a different guest in each episode about their life's failures, tying in with her memoir of the same name. Day has written four critically well-received novels, but has gone stratospheric since the publication of her memoir and the launch of her podcast. She has since published a second memoir/self help guide, called Failosophy. Guests on the podcast are always honest and open about the past failures that have brought them to where they are now. The Marian Keyes episode, in particular, is well worth a listen. Honest Authors Authors Gillian McAllister and Holly Seddon reveal the warts-and-all truth behind writing novels for a living. They often read out their one-star reviews on Amazon or GoodReads, and listeners are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at what it's really like to be an author, and to sustain a writing life. Previous guests have included crime authors Fiona Barton and CL Taylor. Two Crime Writers and A Microphone Expand Close Steve Cavanagh / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Steve Cavanagh Crime authors Steve Cavanagh (pictured) and Luca Veste have a laugh together about what's been happening in the world of publishing, and interview writers and crime-writing publishers with gusto. Recent guests include writers Lisa Hall and Gytha Lodge. So much has been said and done since a pro-Trump mob laid siege to the U.S. Capitol last week that any further commentary might be redundant. Still, there is an important point to be made and one critical lesson to learn. The worst part of the insurgency is that it was created, nurtured and set loose by a reckless president and his enablers, who espoused a warped version of reality in an attempt to hold onto power. The result is that, after the mayhem and just days before the inauguration of a new president, there is lingering doubt and downright hatred in Trump world that could explode again. It should be noted that the U.S. Congress returned to their chambers to do their job after the violence had subsided. It should also be noted that the overwhelming majority including some of Trumps strongest supporters made a clean break from the divider in chief. Phil Rucker of the Washington Post wrote: 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. Another columnist wrote that Jan. 6 is the day that Trump broke the Republican Party. I have a different viewpoint. Jan. 6 is actually the day that the Republican Party finally broke from Trump. It may have taken a riot in which their own lives were at risk but a number of Republican leaders actually put their country above their fealty to President Trump. Sen. Mitch McConnell tried to reel in the rogues in his caucus to proceed with certifying the new President and Vice President. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), put it clearly: Its past time for the president to accept the results of the election, quit misleading the American people, and repudiate mob violence. The House Republican Caucus Chair, Liz Cheney 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. Pennsylvanias own Senator Pat Toomey was strong in condemning the irresponsibility coming from Trump: We witnessed today the damage that can result when men in power and responsibility refuse to acknowledge the truth. We saw bloodshed because the demagogue chose to spread falsehoods and sow distrust of his own fellow Americans. For his part, President Trump is still wallowing in the stink of his own lies. He made this very late and lukewarm commitment to the transfer of power: 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. No, Mr. President, the facts do not bear you out. The fact is that Joe Biden won the election decisively. The fact is that your own ego could not accept that loss. The fact is that your rhetoric and lies about voter fraud infected many of your supporters and resulted in the worst invasion of the U.S. Capitol since 1814. People died because you and your enablers filled them with falsehoods and false hope. For the first time in our history, the sacred tradition of a peaceful transition of power has been obliterated and a large portion of the voters have been infected with an irrational distrust of our democratic processes. It is up to the incoming President and leaders on both sides of the aisle to begin to repair that damage. Mitt Romney noted that the best thing that we could do for Trump supporters is to tell them the truth. When Republicans like Rep. Scott Perry objected to Pennsylvanias electoral vote count it was not truthful. With the flimsiest of reasons, he threw more fire on the flames of division as he sought to align with the loudest voices of his base. There is still time for Rep. Perry and his fellow arsonists to join his colleagues and put facts ahead of conflagration. The only way to put this dark chapter of our history behind us is to tell constituents and voters the truth. This is a basic requirement of representative democracy. Whatever the Biden era brings, all Republicans and Democrats would be well advised to lead with facts not with rhetoric designed to inflame voters and advance their own political interests. Senate Chaplain Barry Black closed the joint session on the morning of January 7 with these words: These tragedies have reminded us that words matter, and that the power of life and death is in the tongue. Mark S. Singel is a former Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. He and Republican Charlie Gerow can be seen at 8:30 a.m. each Sunday on CBS21s Face the State. A couple kidnapped in Rumka community in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State have regained their freedom after spending 11 days in captivity. PREMIUM TIMES reported how gunmen abducted the couple, who were newly married, and killed a lawmakers uncle, Samaila Supa, during the attack. Residents said the couple were abducted about a week after their wedding ceremony. The groom was identified as Samaila Abdullahi and the bride Zainab Ismail. The released couple told PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday that the experience was terrible and unforgettable following days of horror and torture in the bandits enclave How they were kidnapped Mr Abdullahi said they were abducted around 1:00 a.m when the gunmen entered into their apartment demanding money. I told them I dont have money, following that, they looted all our valuables including my wifes new cloths and shoes including a blanket and went away with us into the bush, Mr Abdullahi said. He said while heading into the bush, the gunmen, who were initially eight, became five. Mr Abdullahi added that the remaining three, whom he suspected to be the bandits informants, disappeared in the outskirts of the town. After we walked through the bush for about eight hours, we reached their enclave while the day broke, meeting other captives including a village head and many women. They handcuffed me like all other male captives with brand new security handcuff, they interrogated me on who built my house and sponsored my wedding. I replied that my late father started the building but after he died my in-law helped me to complete the house and finally the wedding. The insisted that my neighbour has money and that he is the one who built the house for me and sponsored the wedding. I said no, they started beating us and blindfolded me and separated me from my wife, he narrated. He said they kept the female captives numbering 20 in a hut, separate from the men who were five in number. Days later, they joined me with my wife in a separate enclave in another different location where I met a Fulani man kidnapped from Dutsin-Ma. They gave us meals that were not well cooked and forced us to eat. We had sleepless nights because of the cold and harsh weather and no blanket to cover our body, Mr Abdullahi said. No ransom paid While in captivity, Mr Abdullahi said a helicopter hovered around the airspace directly above their location, saying the gunmen hurriedly removed the handcuff from us and asked us to run and take a cover into a nearby rock in case the helicopter may drop bombs. In that condition, if the soldiers drop bombs, the innocent captive will be the ones to suffer casualties not the bandits because they have already taken cover close by watching any movement and very security conscious. He said the gunmen had different camps in the forest and could transfer their captives to anyone they wish. ADVERTISEMENT According to Mr Abdullahi, their abductors took orders from their superiors before doing anything. We were released without paying a ransom. They told us that they are negotiating our release, we dont know with who, they just released the handcuff and freed us after 11 days, Mr Abdullahi told PREMIUM TIMES. He said he spent most part of his time in captivity blindfolded and is now having problems seeing clearly. My wife also, she was subjected to various medical check-up after our freedom, I am gratetful to God almighty for sparing our lives and returning us home, he added. Federal agents arrested two more Capitol Hill rioters whose images had gone viral, of one carrying off the House speaker's lectern and another who wore horns and a fur pelt, while a top Democratic lawmaker called on mobile carriers to preserve social media content related to the carnage. Dozens of people have been charged following the storming of the Capitol on Wednesday, with the FBI asking the public to help identify participants, given the proliferation of images of the riots on the internet. Five people have died, including a police officer. Jacob Anthony Chansley, who featured prominently on social media wearing horns, a fur pelt, face paint and brandishing a spear adorned with the US flag, turned himself in to police, the Department of Justice said. Chansley, also known as Jake Angeli, called the FBI's Washington office on Thursday and later told agents "he came as part of a group effort with other 'patriots' from Arizona, at the request of the President that all 'patriots' come to D.C. on Jan. 6," the DOJ said in a release. Federal agents also arrested Adam Christian Johnson, whose photo as he smiled and waved as he carried off House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi's lectern also went viral. Johnson, of Parrish, Florida, also streamed live video on Facebook of himself as he walked the halls of the Capitol, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The video has been removed from online platforms and all of Johnson's pages have been taken down. On Saturday Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat who is the incoming chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, wrote to the chief executives of 11 mobile carriers and social media companies, urging them to preserve content and associated meta-data connected to the riot, which erupted as lawmakers gathered to certify the election of Democratic President-elect Joe Biden. In his letters, Warner emphasized how the rioters took time to document the event and share it through social media and text messages "to celebrate their disdain for our democratic process." Before his arrest, NBC network reported, Chansley gloated about how the crowd infiltrated the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to flee. "The fact that we had a bunch of traitors in office, hunkered down, put on gas masks and retreat to their underground bunker, I consider that a win," he said to NBC News. Chansley faces several federal charges including violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Media reports said Chansley had often been seen at rallies supporting Trump. Efforts by Reuters on Saturday to reach his relatives were unsuccessful, as were attempts to contact Johnson's family. It was unclear where Chansley was being held Saturday, or whether he or Johnson had legal representation. Johnson, who has a first appearance in federal court on Monday, is being charged out of Washington. THREATS TO SPEAKER One man who was arrested in connection with the events at the Capitol and threats to lawmakers told FBI agents he arrived in Washington on Thursday, a day late for the rally, after being delayed en route in Ohio, federal court documents showed. Cleveland Meredith was found with a Tavor X95 assault rifle, a Glock pistol, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and was detained in connection with making threats to Pelosi after an FBI agent read Jan. 7 text messages in which Meredith talked about "putting a bullet in her noggin on Live TV" and running her over with his truck, according to a criminal complaint. At least a dozen other people were facing criminal charges in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in connection to the riot, and at least another 40 people faced lesser charges in the District of Columbia Superior Court, a local venue. Many of them were arraigned on Thursday and released, with an order from the judge not to return to Washington unless for court appearances or meetings with their attorneys. They included Richard Barnett, the Gravette, Arkansas, man who was photographed sitting at Pelosi's desk, his feet up on the furniture. Nicholas Ochs, self-professed leader of the Hawaii chapter of the far-right Proud Boys group and who made a failed bid for a seat in the Hawaii House of Representatives in November, was arrested on his return to Honolulu and charged with unlawful entry into restricted buildings or grounds, federal prosecutors said in a statement. It was not immediately clear whether he had a lawyer. Among those arrested Friday for participating in the riot was West Virginia House of Delegates member Derrick Evans, who announced his resignation on Saturday in a one-line statement. Evans, who had just been elected in November and on his campaign website had promoted himself as "a Pro Trump conservative who will always stand up, speak out, and Fight For Christian Values," live-streamed himself entering the Capitol on Wednesday, and was recorded saying, "We're in, we're in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol," the Justice Department said in a release. The FBI and the Washington police department's homicide unit are jointly investigating the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was injured while defending the Capitol. Sicknick had just been sworn in with the U.S. Capitol Police Department, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Steven D'Antuono, the FBI Washington Field Office's assistant director in charge, said on Friday that rioters who had since returned home were not safe from arrest. "Just because you've left the D.C. region, you can still expect a knock on the door if we find out you were part of the criminal activity at the Capitol," D'Antuono said. Supporters listen to Sadyr Zhaparov during a meeting in Bishkek (AP) A nationalist politician who was released from prison amid protests that overthrew Kyrgyzstans president last year has been elected as his replacement. Voters in the election that gave Sadyr Zhaparov a landslide 79% victory also approved a referendum to change the constitution to give the presidency more power. The vote followed the ousting of the previous president in October. The ex-Soviet Central Asian nation sank into turmoil after a parliamentary election that was swept by pro-government parties. Opposition supporters accused authorities of rigging the vote and forced President Sooronbai Jeenbekov to step down on October 15. Expand Close Sadyr Zhaparov won the election (Vladimir Voronin/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sadyr Zhaparov won the election (Vladimir Voronin/AP) Mr Zhaparov, who was imprisoned in 2017 on conviction of involvement in the kidnapping of a regional governor, spearheaded Mr Jeenbekovs removal from office. The unrest marked the third time in 15 years when a leader of the nation of 6.5-million people on the border with China was forced out by a popular uprising. Like the previous uprisings that toppled presidents in 2005 and 2010, the latest turmoil was driven by clan rivalries that shape the countrys politics. Mr Zhaparov pushed for the constitutional referendum, under which the presidency will gain powers formerly held by the parliament. Expand Close Sadyr Zhaparov casting his vote at a polling station in Bishkek (Vladimir Voronin/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sadyr Zhaparov casting his vote at a polling station in Bishkek (Vladimir Voronin/AP) Kyrgyzstan, which is a member of Russia-dominated economic and security alliances, hosts a Russian airbase and depends on Moscows economic support. It formerly was the site of a US airbase that served as a key transport hub for the war in Afghanistan. Russia has voiced concerns about the turmoil in Kyrgyzstan but refrained from supporting any of the presidential candidates. Roseburg, OR (97470) Today Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 43F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. You get a lot of attention for being first and in the case of the Xiaomi Mi 11 it is positive attention. Nearly half the voters in last weeks poll would buy one if the phone gets good reviews. Even without reviews, 24% are feeling optimistic about the phone and will buy one as soon as it one is available near them. Those waiting on the reviews are curious about the chipset the Snapdragon 888 may be the first chip with ARMs power core, the Cortex-X1, but some are concerned about sustained performance. The phone topped the AnTuTu charts, for what that's worth. Another complaint is that the Mi 11 is too big as Xiaomi upped the screen size to 6.81 (from 6.67 on the Mi 10). A version with a smaller flat screen would be of interest to some. This week we did hear about the M 11 Lite, which will have a flat screen, but we dont know how small (or big) it will be. The most popular option in the poll was to sit and wait for the Mi 11 Pro for one reason zoom. A 108 MP sensor can get you pretty far with digital zoom, but there is no replacement for proper optics. From leaks we know that it will have a periscope telephoto and perhaps a 2x or 3x telephoto lens. The Pro is expected to arrive next month. As for last years Mi 10 - that wasnt very popular, even if it's cheaper. Many commenters are more excited about upcoming Redmi phones, even more so than Mi flagships. Also, Xiaomis charger switcheroo doesnt seem to have annoyed people much (theres no charger in the box, but the company will send you one for free). The Xiaomi Mi 11 already went through two flash sales in China. The company VP posted a the teaser image above to assure fans that the global version will be here soon too. Twitter Inc. permanently banned U.S. President Donald Trumps personal account for breaking its rules against glorifying violence, marking the most high-profile punishment the company has ever imposed and the end of Trumps relationship with his favorite social media megaphone. After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence, the company wrote in a blog post on Friday. Play Video San Francisco-based Twitter announced the ban two days after Trump was initially suspended for posting a series of tweets that misled users about the presidential election results, and appeared to encourage violent rioters who had mobbed the U.S. Capitol. One included a video message of Trump expressing love for the insurgents and calling the election fraudulent. Twitter had demanded that Trump delete three offending tweets, and warned at the time that he could be permanently blocked for subsequent rules violations. His account, which had more than 88 million followers, was restored Thursday. Trumps posts on Friday included a tweet saying he wouldnt attend President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration and Twitter determined the tweets violated the companys policies when read in the context of broader events in the country. The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!! Trump posted earlier Friday. The company said this was an indication that the president planned to continue supporting and empowering those who believe he won the November election. Plans for future armed protests have already begun proliferating on and off-Twitter, including a proposed secondary attack on the U.S. Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17, 2021, Twitter wrote. Twitter said it reviewed the tweets given the ways in which the Presidents statements can be mobilized by different audiences, including to incite violence, as well as in the context of the pattern of behavior from this account in recent weeks. The companys shares slipped about 3.8% in extended trading. The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the permanent ban. Trumps suspension ends what has been the most controversial relationship Twitter has ever had with one of its users. Trump often used his account to verbally attack opponents and spread misinformation in ways that broke the social networks rules. In some cases, Twitter created new rules specifically to accommodate the presidents reckless tweeting, including a special policy for world leaders, which put their rule-breaking tweets behind a filter instead of removing them entirely. The company had begun to take a tougher stance on Trumps tweets in recent months, especially on posts about Black Lives Matter protests and unsubstantiated claims of election fraud. The account of @realDonaldTrump has been permanently suspended from Twitter due to the risk of further violence. Weve also published our policy enforcement analysis you can read more about our decision here: https://t.co/fhjXkxdEcw Vijaya Gadde (@vijaya) January 8, 2021 After Trumps temporary suspension earlier this week, many critics and civil rights advocates voiced concern that Twitter hadnt gone far enough. That group included many Twitter employees, who delivered a letter to Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey Friday demanding the service remove Trump entirely. We do not believe these actions are sufficient, employees wrote of Twitters temporary ban, according to a copy of the letter published by the Washington Post. Earlier on Friday, the group SumOfUs, which fights for change at powerful companies, parked a boat on the water outside of Dorseys San Francisco home demanding Twitter ban Trump. Dorsey hasnt made any public comment about the activity on his network this week. Executives have said that Dorsey generally lets such decisions fall to Twitters top policy executive, Vijaya Gadde, whose teams are responsible for policing the Presidents account. Following the ban on @realDonaldTrump, Trump sent a tweet late Friday from the separate account @POTUS, which belongs to the office of the president and has about 33 million followers. As I have been saying for a long time, Twitter has gone further and further in banning free speech, and tonight, Twitter employees have coordinated with the Democrats and the Radical Left in removing my account from their platform, to silence me, read the post, which has since been removed from view. A Twitter spokesman said earlier that if Trump turned to the @POTUS account to circumvent the ban, the company might limit its use in the days before its handed over to Biden. Trumps banishment was applauded by many who had long called for Twitter to boot the Presidents account. Earlier Friday, Stop Hate for Profit, a coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups, threatened to organize another advertiser boycott of Facebook Inc., Twitter and Alphabet Inc. if the internet platforms didnt remove Trump permanently by Jan. 20. The coalition, which includes the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Anti-Defamation League and Color of Change, organized an ad boycott of Facebook in July over the proliferation of hate speech on the platform. @Facebook, your turn. Were waiting, Color of Change President Rashad Robinson tweeted on Friday following Twitters move. U.S. Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia who has been one of techs most vocal critics in Washington, called the ban an overdue step, and added that this is much bigger than one person. Its about an entire ecosystem that allows misinformation and hate to spread and fester unchecked. Trump supporters have long accused social networks of overstepping in their efforts to police user content. Many have declared their intention to move from Twitter to Parler Inc., a social network that bills itself as the home of free speech. Disgusting. Big Tech wants to cancel all 75M @realDonaldTrump supporters, wrote Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller, on Twitter. If you dont think theyre coming for you next, youre wrong. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican of South Carolina and a longtime Trump ally, called Twitters move a mistake and said he would continue his effort to remove internet companies legal protections for user content. Im more determined than ever to strip Section 230 protections from Big Tech (Twitter) that let them be immune from lawsuits, Graham tweeted. By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff MERIDEN The teaching careers of Miguel Cardona and Kellie Summa began just two years apart. Summa started teaching in 1996, Cardona in 1998. Both were summer school teachers in Meriden early on. Summa, like other former colleagues of Cardona, described him as approachable whether as a classroom teacher, building principal or central office administrator. Even as Connecticuts state commissioner of education, he was still very approachable, said Summa, a second grade teacher now at John Barry School in Meriden. Hes very down to earth and thats just who is, Summa said of Cardona, President-elect Joe Bidens choice for the next U.S. secretary of education. Hes always had a large commitment to the whole child and making the schools better, and education. He really knows the core of what children need which is why I think he will be very successful. Like other schools, John Barry was no stranger to having central office personnel walk into classrooms for observations. Summa said after Cardona become a central office administrator, his visits to her classroom always stood out. He made it a point to connect with students. He would go in and go right to the kids, Summa said. He will pick out that kid in the room who is having a tough day. He will see it in their eyes. And then he will come back the next time and check in with that same kid, which I always found was impressive about him. He always retained that connection, Summa said. Cardonas speech accepting Bidens nomination last month was broadcast in Summas classroom and others across the city. Some of her students remembered Cardona from his previous visits to the school, Summa said. During that speech, Cardona stated, Im proud to say I was born at the Yale Acres housing project. He explained that was where his parents instilled in him the importance of hard work, community service and education. I was blessed to attend the public schools in my hometown of Meriden, Connecticut, where I was able to expand my horizons and become the first in my family to graduate college and become a teacher, a principal, and assistant superintendent in the same community that gave me so much. That is the power of America, he said in his remarks. Summa explained after hearing those words her students appeared to have been in awe. She said, I think it just made them understand we can do great things ... Its a huge deal. At the forefront Meriden Public Schools face challenges similar to those faced by significantly larger urban school districts. Eight of the citys 12 schools qualify for federal assistance, via the U.S. Department of Educations Title I assistance program. Cardona, 45, first entered Meriden schools as a student learning the English language. He would later become a fourth grade teacher at Israel Putnam School, and rise through the ranks, becoming principal at Hanover Elementary School. Cardona would eventually join the districts central office as an assistant superintendent. Then, in 2019, he was appointed state education commissioner. That was several months before the devastating COVID-19 pandemic would arrive in Connecticut and other states, altering the course of public education for the immediate future. Those who have worked with Cardona during his tenure as an educator in the city, say the work of he and other educators in the school district around family engagement, implementing programs to address students social and emotional needs and forging partnerships with outside agencies and foundations to address equity issues can be reproduced and magnified across a larger scale. Former colleagues also say that Cardona possesses exceptional listening skills, along with an uncanny ability to see leadership qualities in others and to encourage them to be developed. Elsie Torres Brown, now assistant superintendent for the East Hartford Public Schools, grew up in Meriden and taught in local schools like Cardona. He was an instructional associate at Hanover when Torres Brown was a first grade teacher there. Miguel has always been a very humble leader, a supportive leader, Torres Brown said. He always held children at the forefront of everything he did. Torres Brown described Cardona as a leader in striving to ensure equity for students and a strong advocate for English language learners. If you talked to any teacher that worked for him, in his tenure as principal, he hired, mentored, developed so many teachers, Torres Brown said, describing a leader who was able to mix humility, humor, and cultural heritage all packed into one phenomenal package. Miguel is a fine example of an educator, Torres Brown said. Along the way, not only has he advanced in his career, hes also mentored and built leaders. He would always go out of his way to help somebody. He would always go out of his way to ensure teachers are supported. Meriden resident Evelyn Robles-Rivas serves as supervisor of language and community partnerships for the Meriden Public Schools. Robles-Rivas joined the district three years ago after having worked for 24 years as an educator in New Haven and Waterbury. Robles-Rivas said she first got to know Cardona 15 years ago, while the two of them were enrolled in a masters degree program at UCONN. Since then we have been working together in many capacities, Robles-Rivas said, adding it was Cardona who reached out to her about joining the Meriden Public Schools to oversee its bilingual and bicultural education program. If I wanted to describe him in one word, its genuine. Hes a genuine person. Hes a team player. He always brings people to the table. Hes a great listener, Robles-Rivas said. Robles-Rivas currently serves as president of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, CALAS, a group Cardona had also been a part of. Among the groups areas of focus is mentoring and developing Latino and Hispanic educators, starting with students. For Robles-Rivas, the announcement comes with mixed emotions. I could not think of a better candidate for the position, she said. Were losing him in Connecticut. At the same time, Cardonas elevation is a reason to be proud. Were so proud, having someone who was an English learner take on this role, Robles-Rivas said. Multiple lenses CALAS Executive Director Lillian Fontan added, Teachers are just so excited that we finally have an educator thats going to be at the helm: a person that knows what the daily life of a classroom is like, what families are encountering, who really gets the whole picture. Because Cardona has been a teacher, building principal, central office administrator and state commissioner, he is able to look at education through multiple lenses, Fontan said. Fontan praised Cardona for his insistence that classroom learning be maintained for the sake of students, despite the pandemic worsening outside classroom walls. I definitely think that that was the best approach. Were going to lose a generation of children and we cant afford that especially with achievement gaps we already have, Fontan said. Our students they are best served in school, getting the different services they need, getting an education, being with their peers. Dan Crispino, another former colleague of Cardona, is now director of school leadership for the Meriden Public Schools. Crispino said he first met Cardona when he sat down for a hiring interview several years ago at Hanover. Crispino said he didnt get that job, but later learned that Cardona had spoken highly of him to another principal. That led to another job offer at Israel Putnam Elementary School. Soon enough, Cardona would become assistant superintendent and Crispinos boss. Crispino, interviewed the week Cardona delivered his acceptance remarks, explained the message Cardona delivered on a national stage was similar to his messages locally. Crispino said being a Meriden educator, he clearly knew Cardona meant the words he said during those remarks. Now hes not just speaking to us, Crispino said. Hes speaking to the entire country. mgagne@record-journal.com 203-317-2231 Twitter:@MikeGagneRJ The federal government has appealed to Nigerians not to be hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it gets to Nigeria. An official also said President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and other prominent Nigerians are willing to be among the first set of Nigerians to receive the vaccine on live television to help drive acceptance. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said this at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) briefing on COVID-19 on Thursday in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria intends to get 42 million COVID-19 vaccines to cover one fifth of its population through the global COVAX scheme. The initial vaccines would come as part of Nigerias plan to inoculate 40 per cent of the population in 2021 and another 30 per cent in 2022, with 100,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine arriving by the end of January 2021. The COVAX scheme was set up to provide vaccines to poorer countries including Nigeria whose 200 million people and poor infrastructure posed a daunting challenge to medical officials rolling out the vaccinations According to Mr Shuaib, President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo and other prominent Nigerians are willing to be among the first set of Nigerians to receive the vaccine on live television to help drive acceptance. This is in accordance with terms of the prioritisation of vaccines and strategic country leadership. These critical leaders and others would likely take the vaccine in full glare of the public to demonstrate that this vaccine is safe. So, we have to make provisions for them. Even in developed countries, what we have seen is that apart from the prioritisation of health workers, you have to also identify with critical leaders that you dont want to be wiped off by the virus. For example, in warfare, if you want to destroy your enemies, you look for specific leaders, captains, the generals; once you decapitate them, then the soldiers will become weak. So, as much as possible, you do not want to also leave your leaders vulnerable to COVID-19, it doesnt mean you want to prioritise politicians, that is not correct, he said. NAN also reports that the U.S President-elect, Joe Biden, in December 2020, received a COVID-19 vaccine on live television in a demonstration intended to encourage Americans to receive shots of their own when they could. Also, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was vaccinated against the COVID-19 on live television on Saturday, becoming the first Israeli and one of the worlds leaders to be inoculated. Mr Shuaib also emphasised that health workers would be given priority to take the COVID-19 vaccine when it arrives Nigeria because they are the ones in direct contact with cases in isolation units. On herd or population immunity to COVID-19, the NPHCDA said it is better to rely on vaccines. Herd immunity, also known as population immunity, refers to when most of a population is immune to an infectious disease; this provides indirect protection or herd immunity or protection to those who are not immune to the disease. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Shuaib said: There is no shadow of doubt, even from the different vaccines that we have used in the past, it is always better to use the vaccines. It will be approximately 10 years for you to be able to achieve herd immunity. So you can imagine how many people would have died if you have to rely on herd immunity. The Swiss tried herd immunity for a lot of people; herd immunity just doesnt work. The Americans touched it and see what is happening in the U.S. Herd immunity is not the way to go. The evidence is there that when you use vaccines you are more likely to quickly attempt herd immunity to protect more people. So, I will like to reiterate that you must not give way to conspiracy theories. We must try to manage the information around the vaccines. Where people do not understand please reach out to those who are scientists and public health experts. All of us here are Nigerians who take the issue of the safety of Nigerians seriously, he said. (NAN) WASHINGTON The speech that President Trump delivered to his supporters just before they attacked the Capitol last week is a central focus as House Democrats prepare an article of impeachment against him for inciting the deadly riot. Mr. Trump had urged supporters to come to Washington for a Save America March on Wednesday, when Congress would ceremonially count President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s win, telling them to be there, will be wild! At a rally just before the violence, he repeated many of his falsehoods about how the election was stolen, then dispatched the marchers to the Capitol as those proceedings were about to start. Here are some notable excerpts from Mr. Trumps remarks, with analysis. Trump urged his supporters to fight much harder against bad people and show strength at the Capitol. Republicans are constantly fighting like a boxer with his hands tied behind his back. Its like a boxer. And we want to be so nice. We want to be so respectful of everybody, including bad people. And were going to have to fight much harder. Were going to walk down to the Capitol, 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, because youll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong. The presidents speech was riddled with violent imagery and calls to fight harder than before. By contrast, he made only a passing suggestion that the protest should be nonviolent, saying, I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. During Mr. Trumps impeachment last year, one of his defenses was that the primary accusation against him that he abused his power by withholding aid to Ukraine in an attempt to get its president to announce a corruption investigation into Mr. Biden was not an ordinary crime, so it did not matter even if it were true. Most legal specialists said that made no difference for impeachment purposes, but in any case that argument would not be a defense here. Several laws clearly make it a crime to incite a riot or otherwise try to get another person to engage in a violent crime against property or people. Right to Life of Midland County announces its March for Life Midland County. This was previously known as their Candlelight Prayer Vigil. It will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24. Participants will meet outside on the Main Street steps of the Midland County Courthouse. It will include a short talk and prayer, followed by an optional march of several blocks. Mask and social distancing guidelines from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services will be followed. Guwahati, Jan 10 : Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said that no atrocity against SCs and STs in Assam was reported in 2020 as he lauded the state government's efforts for welfare of the SCs, STs, disabled and the elderly. The Minister also said that under the ministry's scholarship scheme, Rs 59,000 crore has been earmarked for a span of five years and 60 per cent of the amount would be borne by the Centre and the remaining 40 per cent by the Assam government. "Every year there would be an increase of 5 per cent of the Centre's share till the share reaches 80 per cent," he told the media. Athawale said that he has been informed that 7 per cent of Assam's population (3.11 crore) belong to the Scheduled Castes while tribals constitute 15 per cent. He also said that his ministry is committed to providing scholarship to all eligible students on time. About the schemes for the 'divyangs' (otherwise abled), he said that his ministry is working for providing them opportunities and facilities so as to create an atmosphere which would ensure equal opportunities for all. He said that 1,62,000 divyangs have been receiving the monthly pension of Rs 1,000 in Assam. He also informed that his ministry, in its commitment for their welfare, has increased the reservation in Central government, state government and semi-government services for them. Athawale also appreciated the Assam government for the successful implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana in the state. A gunman was shot dead by police after they said he went on a shooting spree around the Chicago area overnight, killing four victims and wounding at least three others. The shootings began in Chicago on the South Side at the 5300 block of South East End Avenue around 1:50pm local time on Saturday afternoon, when a suspect identified as Jason Nightengale, 32, opened fire on a 30-year-old University of Chicago student while he was sitting in his car, killing him. Jason Nightengale, the 32-year-old suspect, was previously charged for domestic battery, among other charges The deceased student has not been identified publicly, nor have any of the other shooting victims so far. 'It is with great sadness that we inform our community that a current student of the University was shot and killed this evening in a parking garage of the Regents Park apartment complex at 5035 S. East End Avenue,' the school said in an emailed statement. According to The Chicago-Tribune, Nightengale next turned his sights on an apartment building at the 4900 block of South East End Avenue. Once inside, Nightengale allegedly shot a 46-year-old security guard for the building, who later died at a hospital. 'He proceeded to walk into the building and I think she told him he had to leave the building and then he shot her,' a neighbor told ABC7 Chicago. 'So then she began to run and he shot her again. She was a good person. She has two kids that I know of.' He also shot a 77-year-old woman on the right side of her head while she was retrieving her mail - she's in critical condition at the hospital. About 45 minutes later, Nightengale found his way through the backdoor of a different apartment building at the 5500 block of South East End Avenue, where he took an elevator up to the 19th floor. Once there, he saw a man he knew because a relative of Nightengale's once lived in the building. The shooting spree Nightengale allegedly went on spanned from Chicago to Evanston This map details the spate of shootings that led Nightengale from Chicago to Evanston Nightengale pushed the man into an apartment and forced him to surrender the keys to a red Toyota, which Nightengale then took off in, police said. He drove to a convenience store in Brainerd at the 9300 block of South Halsted Street, which he attempted to rob around 3pm. During the robbery, Nightengale shot and killed a 20-year-old man and shot an 81-year-old woman in the back and the neck. The woman was taken to the hospital, where she is currently in critical condition. An hour later, Nightengale was in the Washington Heights neighborhood in the 10300 block of South Halsted Street, where he allegedly shot a 15-year-old girl in the head while she was in the car with her mother. She was also taken to a hospital, where she is in critical condition. Nightengale's day of violence ended in Evanston, where two more shootings occurred In the first, Nightengale took a hostage at an IHOP and shot her; she later died of her injuries Nightengale's next believed move was to return to the area of the convenience store shooting, where police were investigating the incident. Nightengale opened fire on the police, but didn't strike any of the cops, who declined to return fire on him. The trail goes cold on Nightengale from there until 5:35pm when shots were fired inside of a CVS in Evanston, which is located about a half-hour drive from Chicago. Evanston police chief Demitrous Cook was unsure of who fired first in the final shootout Investigators worked tireless on Saturday to catch up to Nightengale as he terrorized Illinois After the shooting that killed Nightengale, police recovered this firearm from the scene Nobody was hit by a bullet inside of the CVS. Nightengale then ran across the street to an IHOP, where he allegedly took a woman hostage before shooting her in the neck. 'As I was parked over here by IHOP, there was a body over here shot up on the ground,' witness Israel Lopez told ABC7 Chicago. Overall, Nightengale killed four victims before he himself was killed by the police Nightengale also wounded three and each of those people are in critical condition It remains unclear what Nightengale's motives were for the various violent shootings WGN News reporter Bronagh Tumulty updated her condition on Sunday morning, tweeting, 'now hearing the woman who was held hostage and shot in Evanston, has passed away.' The woman's death has yet to be confirmed publicly by the police, but she would be Nightengale's fourth victim. Bronagh Tumulty tweeted news of the fourth victim passing away on Sunday morning After the IHOP shooting, Nightengale ran east into a Dollar General parking lot, where he was shot dead by Evanston police during an exchange of gunfire. 'There was an exchange of gunfire. Im not sure who fired first,' Evanston police chief Demitrous Cook told the Tribune. Officers were wearing body-worn cameras during the shootout. None of the officers were hurt during the final shootout. 'These police officers come out here and put their lives on the line every day,' Chief Cook said. No motive for any of the shootings has been revealed yet. Nightengale was charged in domestic battery cases at least five separate times over the past ten years, though each charge was eventually dismissed. Nightengale has a lengthy history of arrests dating back to 2005, including charges of domestic battery, theft, reckless conduct, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon ABC7 Chicago reports Nightengale has previously been arrested for numerous crimes, including gun and drug violations, criminal trespass, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, theft, domestic violence, and reckless conduct. He had also posted a series of disturbing social media posts, at least one showing him with a weapon. 'My brother was not and hadnt been in his right mind for a long time,' a person claiming to be Nightengale's sister wrote on Facebook, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. 'My condolences to any families affected by his mental break.' On LinkedIn, Nightengale listed various occupations as a janitor, cab driver, and security investigator, though the owner of the security firm had no recollection of him when asked by the Sun-Times. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Amid fire from many of her colleagues in the House of Representatives, newly elected Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) has been called out by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx/Queens), as amplifying a lie and inciting a riot. 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 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. Cortez called out Malliotakis on Twitter on Saturday, while sharing a video of the Staten Island congresswoman that went viral on the social media platform. One of your first votes in Congress was to amplify a known lie about our nations free elections that incited a riot that killed a Capitol Police officer, said Cortez. One of your first votes in Congress was to amplify a known lie about our nations free elections that incited a riot that killed a Capitol Police officer. Theres no crawling back from that with a hashtag. You brought shame to our delegation and the district you represent. https://t.co/pHAp4A6A0S Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) January 9, 2021 Malliotakis shot back at Cortez in a tweet: This coming from a socialist who only talks about our police when shes calling to defund them...And when you arent doing that...youre killing jobs, defending looters, calling those who support police racists or pushing a destructive ideology thats led to nothing but misery. This coming from a socialist who only talks about our police when she's calling to defund them...And when you aren't doing that...you're killing jobs, defending looters, calling those who support police racists or pushing a destructive ideology thats led to nothing but misery. https://t.co/CVQG7S8n4g Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) January 10, 2021 VIRAL VIDEO On Saturday, Malliotakis put out a video on Twitter -- that as of Sunday had more than 3.3 million views -- in support of the city Police Department that stirred up some controversary. Many cited the video in Tweets blasting her objection to Bidens Electoral College victory. In fact, the video may have went viral for the wrong reasons, as it was ratioed, which happens when a Tweet receives far more comments (usually negative) than likes. The Staten Island Congresswoman spoke on video about her long-time support for the NYPD. In fact, New York City Police Benevolent Association (PBA) President Pat Lynch has said in the past that Malliotakis has always stood by the men and women of the NYPD during her five terms in the state legislature. I want to take this opportunity to thank the men and woman in the New York City Police Department for all they do to keep our community and our city safe, she said in the video. She also addressed the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was fatally injured in Wednesdays riots on the Capitol. U.S. @CapitolPolice Officer Brian Sicknick has succumbed to the injuries he sustained while fearlessly protecting our nation's Capitol. Rest In Peace Officer Sicknick. Praying for his friends, family, colleagues and for those still injured, a full and speedy recovery. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (@RepMalliotakis) January 8, 2021 After the video went out on Twitter, several other members of Congress -- including Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-Bronx/Westchester) and Rep. Mondaire Jones, (D-Westchester/Rockland), called for Malliotakis to resign. Said Jones on Twitter: You disgraced your office on Day 4 and got a Capitol Police officer killed through telling a vicious lie that incited Wednesdays insurrection. New Yorkers everywhere are embarrassed by you. Resign. You disgraced your office on Day 4 and got a Capitol Police officer killed through telling a vicious lie that incited Wednesdays insurrection. New Yorkers everywhere are embarrassed by you. Resign. https://t.co/sZKWnUgZdd Mondaire Jones (@MondaireJones) January 9, 2021 At a joint press conference Friday, Assemblyman Charles Fall (D-North Shore) and State Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) condemned the attack on the Capitol and called for accountability from elected officials they say played a part in inciting the riot. What we saw happening in Washington was not just more of the same; it was worse than ever imagined, Savino said. We watched as the president, who knew he had lost an election, fan the flames of division, sedition, and treason as he set a mob of people to attack the peoples house. We watched as members of Congress broke their oath of office, including our own congresswoman, pretending they had the ability to interfere in the elections that had been duly certified by the states. In response to Fall and Savinos comments, Malliotakis said: I will not turn a blind eye to the irregularities and alleged fraud that took place in Arizona and Pennsylvania or the fact that election rules were changed in violation of their state Constitution and the U.S. Constitution. I will always uphold my oath of office and work to improve the integrity of our electoral system to restore Americans faith in free and fair elections. SATURDAY PROTEST On Saturday, protesters gathered in front Malliotakis office on Richmond Avenue in Bulls Head also demanding the congresswoman resign. Malliotakis has been trying to pit others against the immigrant communities, said protestor Yesenia Mata of La Colmena, an immigrant advocacy group. We are doing this protest because we have seen exactly what transpired directly from the Capitol and it was due to hatred, it was due to the messaging that was completely happening directly from the White House and from here, from Nicole Malliotakis, our new congresswoman, Mata said. Malliotakis said in a statement to the Advance/SILive.com: I support every Americans right to peaceful protest and thank them as well as the countless constituents who have reached out to thank me for upholding my oath and taking a strong stand for election integrity. FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER Rescue teams in Indonesia are gearing up for day two of their search for the missing Boeing Co. jet carrying 62 people that at least one agency has characterized as a crash after uncovering debris that are strongly suspected" to be part of Sriwijaya Air Flight SJ182 . The plane lost radio contact shortly after taking off from Jakarta Saturday afternoon. The countrys search agency said the debris found in the Java Sea is similar to those circulating earlier on social media, and its efforts Sunday will include both air and sea, and also underwater. A local news organization said authorities received a report of a plane crashing on a nearby uninhabited island in an area north of the capital city. The likely accident has once again pushed the nations aviation industry into crisis mode. The Southeast Asian nation has had a spate of plane crashes in the past decade, including the Lion Air Flight 610 disaster that killed 189 people in 2018, the first of the two 737 Max crashes before the global grounding. In December 2014, an AirAsia Group Bhd. plane plunged into the Java Sea with 162 people on board. Weather has been a contributing factor in several of the past crashes. On Saturday, heavy rain in Jakarta delayed the takeoff for the 90-minute flight to Pontianak on the island of Borneo. About three minutes after lifting off, it leveled off at an altitude of about 10,000 to 11,000 feet for almost a minute before a rapid descent to the water in just 14 seconds, according to Flightradar24s tracking data. That meant it was dropping at more than 40,000 feet per minute, a rate far above routine operations. Without access yet to the planes black-box flight recorders, its impossible to say what may have triggered the sudden dive, said Jeffrey Guzzetti, the former head of accident investigations at the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Right now, given the amount of sparse information, that flight track could fit many scenarios, such as flight crew confusion, instrumentation problems, catastrophic mechanical failures or even an intentional act," he said. The plane Sriwijaya Air was flying is a 737-500 model thats much older than the Max 737 aircraft. This is not even the model before the Max, it has been in service for 30 years so its unlikely to be a design fault," Richard Aboulafia, aviation analyst at Teal Group Corp. said by phone. Thousands of these planes have been built and production ended over 20 years ago, so something would have been discovered by now." The jets disappearance comes as the aviation industry is reeling from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which brought air travel to its knees. Covid-19 tore through in a tumultuous, unprecedented way -- leaving carriers in a deep hole, along with a constellation of aerospace manufacturers, airports and leasing firms. The International Air Transport Association said last week that global passenger demand dropped significantly during November, down 70% versus the same period of 2019 when measured in revenue passenger kilometers. While we dont know anything else about the cause of this crash, the biggest thing concerning me is serious concerns about Indonesian air safety standards that were identified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and others years ago," Aboulafia said. I am not completely certain that the proper procedures have been put in place." Indonesian authorities said they have sent several search vessels from Jakarta to the planes last known location in the Java Sea, believed to be only around 25 meters deep, and divers are preparing to search for the aircrafts black box. First responders were also deployed to the site to aid potential survivors, local TV reported. Of the 62 people, 56 were passengers, including seven children and three infants, and there were two pilots and four cabin crew, local media reported. There were no foreign nationals onboard. We are aware of media reports from Jakarta, and are closely monitoring the situation," Boeing spokeswoman Zoe Leong said in a statement. We are working to gather more information." Sriwijaya Air said its working to obtain more detailed information about the flight, and will release an official statement later. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board has appointed a senior investigator to assist in the probe, but is awaiting more information before determining whether it will send a team, it said in an emailed statement. Under a United Nations treaty, the NTSB along with technical experts from Boeing and possibly the manufacturers of other components would participate in the probe because the jet was built in the U.S. The 737-500 model first flew in 1989 and, according to tracking website Planespotters.net, this particular plane first flew in May 1994. The jets last contact was at 2:40 p.m., according to Budi Karya Sumadi, Indonesias transportation minister. Debris, Oil Spill Fishermen in the Thousand Islands regency found debris and an oil spill in the water, according to video shown by local news channel MetroTV. Footage also showed parts found that are suspected to come from the emergency slide, with words including Boeing" and 737" written in a tag. The regent of Thousand Islands received a report of a plane crashing on Laki Island on Saturday afternoon, he said to local news website Detik.com. Indonesia, which had one of the fastest growing airline industries in the world prior to Covid, has a patchy safety record when it comes to air accidents. Its poor aviation history saw carriers from the nation banned from the European Union in 2007 and it was only in June 2018 that the full ban was lifted. In 1997, Garuda Indonesia Flight 152 crashed approaching an airport in Medan in North Sumatra, killing 234. The AirAsia Flight 8501 that crashed in late 2014 was en route to Singapore from Surabaya. On Oct. 29, 2018, the Boeing 737 Max flown by Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea 13 minutes after takeoff, killing all 189 passengers and crew. That was Indonesias second-deadliest aircraft accident behind Garuda Flight 152. Boeing Woes The coronavirus pandemic has complicated aviation insomuch as pilots arent getting enough opportunity to fly because airlines have grounded planes and scaled back operations due to a slump in demand. On Sept. 15, an Indonesian flight carrying 307 passengers and 11 crew to the northern city of Medan momentarily veered off the runway after landing, sparking an investigation by the countrys transport safety regulator. It found the pilot had flown less than three hours in the previous 90 days. The first officer hadnt flown at all since Feb. 1. Saturdays incident also follows a tumultuous period for Boeing, which only in November had its 737 Max cleared to fly again by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, ending the longest grounding of a jetliner in U.S. history. Brazils Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA was the first airline to resume regular flights using the jet, beginning Dec. 9 on domestic routes from Sao Paulo. American Airlines Group Inc. has since also reintroduced the Max on Miami-New York flights. Settlement Earlier this month, Boeing reached a $2.5 billion agreement with the Justice Department to settle a criminal charge that it defrauded the U.S. government by concealing information about the 737 Max, capping a two-year investigation that devastated Boeings reputation for engineering prowess. Sriwijaya Air was established in November 2003. Its fleet is comprised of the Boeing 737 family of jets and ATR 72-600 turboprops. While the company primarily serves domestic routes, it does fly internationally to Penang, Malaysia and Dili, Timor Leste. Flag carrier PT Garuda Indonesia briefly took over the operation of Sriwijaya and its unit NAM Air back in 2018 to expedite Sriwijayas debt restructuring, including clearance of dues to Garudas unit. The Boeing jet in question had been operated by Sriwijaya Air since 2012, according to fleet data on Planespotters.net, and was previously used by Continental Air Lines and United Airlines Holdings Inc. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. At least 14 people have been killed after a suicide bomber targeted a crowd fleeing a terror attack in Cameroon. The attack comes in the wake of a roadside bombing this week that killed five people. Pope Francis has prayed for peace in the nation and reached out to defenseless Cameroonians who continue to suffer senseless violence. By Nathan Morley The assailants who arrived in the middle of the night - fired guns skywards, causing local residents to flee into the countryside. Moments later, a young woman strapped with an explosive device entered the fleeing crowd and detonated the charge. Men, women and at least eight children were injured and killed in the explosion. The UN confirmed the atrocity, which happened in Mozogo, not far from the border with Nigeria. No group immediately claimed responsibility; there are suggestions that members of Boko Haram were behind the attack. The militant group has been trying to create an Islamic caliphate in north-eastern Nigeria for the last ten years; its members frequently target civilians and military posts in northern Cameroon. Since then, over 35,000 people have been killed and three million displaced. Joe Biden still plans to be sworn in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, exactly two weeks after a pro-Trump mob with rioters wielding Confederate flags stormed the building to attack the very nation Biden was elected to lead. That moment shrouded in symbolism will launch a 59th presidential inauguration set to take place under extraordinary circumstances. The event was already scaled down and subdued by the coronavirus pandemic. And now, the Biden administration has the added weight of showing strength and stability to the rest of the world, which watched in horror as American democracy wavered from the exact place where he is to take the oath of office. While changes could still be made, as of last week Biden's inauguration and swearing in were set to take place on the west front of the U.S. Capitol. "We are confident in our security partners who have spent months planning and preparing for the inauguration, and we are continuing to work with them to ensure the utmost safety and security of the president-elect," a senior Biden inauguration official said last week, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss security matters. "This will mark a new day for the American people focused on healing our nation, bringing our country together and building it back better." Following weeks of historic unrest, the Biden administration is hoping that the inauguration will draw attention toward the importance of national unity and away from President Donald Trump, who said in a tweet Friday that he would not attend the event. He would be the first president to skip his successor's swearing-in ceremony in 152 years. Some involved in the inauguration planning, who have been in close contact with security agencies, noted that the security footprint for the event will be much larger than it was Wednesday at the Capitol, when the mob disrupted the Senate and House of Representatives as lawmakers accepted the election results. The inauguration is deemed a National Special Security Event (NSSE), which brings in a wide range of federal agencies and law enforcement officials that create a wide security perimeter, with road closures and barriers around the Capitol. The Secret Service, the agency responsible for designing and implementing a security operation plan for such events, released a statement Thursday night stressing its readiness for Inauguration Day. "For well over a year, the U.S. Secret Service, along with our NSSE partners, has been working tirelessly to anticipate and prepare for all possible contingencies at every level to ensure a safe and secure Inauguration Day," the statement said. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a letter Sunday urging Chad Wolf, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to take "a very different approach than previous inaugurations given the chaos, injury, and death experienced at the United States Capitol during the insurrection." Bowser asked the department to extend the NSSE period and coordinate with other federal agencies to free up the D.C. police to focus on "its local mission." She also called on Wolf to cancel and deny permits for all demonstrations from Monday to Jan. 24. Just three days before Wednesday's pro-Trump demonstration at the Ellipse, the National Park Service adjusted the event permit from 5,000 to 30,000 people, a decision Bowser said "demonstrated the National Park Service's willingness to approve last minute permits and major adjustments." Some Trump supporters have vowed to return to the District of Columbia on Jan. 17, with one online post cited by Alethea Group calling for an "ARMED MARCH ON CAPITOL HILL & ALL STATE CAPITOLS." Others have discussed a "Million Militia March" on Inauguration Day. As of Friday, the Park Service had issued only two permits that together allow for 75 people for demonstrations around the Inauguration, according to Mike Litterst, a spokesman for the Park Service. The Park Service is still processing five permit applications, which include two requests for events expecting 5,000 people. The first of those applications was submitted last January by D.C. Action, a liberal group based in D.C. The second was submitted in December by Black Pact, a nonpartisan political group organizing a march for reparations. Litterst said he was waiting for instructions from the Presidential Inaugural Committee to "make any adjustments to our facility and our property." Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC), and Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, said in a statement Thursday that the storming of the Capitol was a "sad and solemn day for our country," but plans to swear in Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will move forward as planned. "The outrageous attack on the Capitol, however, will not stop us from affirming to Americans - and the world - that our democracy endures," they said in the statement. Paige Waltz, communications director for the JCCIC, said that the committee is working with "institutional partners to conduct a thorough assessment of the inaugural platform, and the other Capitol spaces and grounds that are traditionally used for inaugural ceremonies." Waltz added that the committee will not make further comments about the specifics of the event until the assessment is complete. The District has also ramped up security measures. On Wednesday, Bowser extended a public emergency order through Jan. 21, which allows her to issue curfews, close businesses, halt transit and dip into emergency funds, among other actions, to preserve public safety through the inauguration. Military officials have erected a seven-foot fence designed to prevent scaling around the periphery of the U.S. Capitol. More than 6,000 National Guardsmen were expected to arrive in the District over the weekend to help support the D.C. police and Capitol Police, U.S. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said Thursday. The focus on fortification and security may further scale down an event already limited in size by the pandemic. The Presidential Inaugural Committee (PIC) requested and received permits for Lafayette Square, portions of the National Mall from Third to 14th streets, land surrounding the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, among others, for the inauguration. The permit requests include plans for a Biden-Harris inaugural celebration at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and an event with stages and tents at the Lincoln Memorial. But even before the pro-Trump attempted insurrection at the Capitol, Biden's inaugural team had announced that the iconic parade would be virtual and canceled all in-person balls. In December, the JCCIC said members of Congress would receive only two tickets each, as opposed to the 130,000 they are typically instructed to distribute among their constituents, citing public health concerns. During the 2017 inauguration, more than 95 percent of hotel rooms were filled across the District, according to a spokesperson for Destination DC, a group that promotes the city to visitors. This year, while comprehensive occupancy data is not available until after the event, there are few signs pointing to a surge in visitors to the District. Thomas Penny, president of Donohoe Hospitality, which oversees more than 15 hotels in the region, said that reservations at his hotels remain light in late January, with the most noticeable uptick in interest since Wednesday coming from security-related agencies seeking hotel rooms. He said one security-related agency called on Thursday to book 200 rooms for the inauguration. Emily Mooney, retail strategy manager for the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, said her team has been working closely with the city government and security agencies to communicate with local businesses about expectations for the inauguration and ensure that their landscaping is up to par for the event, no matter the number of people who travel downtown that day. She said her district would refrain from issuing formal guidance to business owners about boarding up or closing shop unless city leadership suggests otherwise. "We are preparing as we normally would for inauguration even though we expect a much smaller turnout," she said. "We fully expect that downtown D.C. will be safe and secure for the inauguration." The Rocky Mount, Virginia, Police Department has notified federal officials that two of its officers were present at the attempted siege of the Capitol Wednesday. Both officers have been placed on administrative leave. The Town of Rocky Mount fully supports all lawful expressions of freedom of speech and assembly by its employees but does not condone the unlawful acts that occurred that day, the department said in a statement Sunday. Neither officer has been publicly identified, but the police department said both were off-duty. Dozens of people who stormed the Capitol have been arrested so far, with at least 13 currently facing federal charges, according to the Department of Justice. Among them are Richard Barnett, who was photographed sitting at House Speaker Nancy Pelosis desk and stealing a piece of mail from her office, Lonnie Coffman, who allegedly drove a pickup truck with 11 Molotov cocktails, and Adam Johnson, who posed for a photo while carrying Pelosis lectern out of the building. Activists of Bharatiya Janta Party's (BJP) Youth Wing shout slogans as they burn a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping - RAMINDER PAL SINGH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock /Shutterstock Indian forces have detained a Chinese soldier on the disputed Himalayan frontier where the world's two most populous countries fought a deadly battle last year, the military said Saturday. It is the second detention on the high altitude border since the pitched battles in June in which 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed. Both sides have since poured tens of thousands of troops and heavy weaponry into the tension zone in the Ladakh region, currently in the grip of freezing winter temperatures. An Indian Army official said the Chinese soldier would be released on Monday after completion of all formalities and the investigation to ascertain the circumstance under which he crossed the Line of Actual Control (LAC). "Formalities are underway to return the Chinese soldier at Chushul border meeting point in Ladakh where two armies have conducted eight rounds of talks since the crisis erupted in May 2019," he said. The People's Liberation Army Daily, which is run by China's military, said the soldier went missing in "the darkness and complicated terrain" and insisted India was informed. An Indian Army truck crosses Chang la pass near Pangong Lake in Ladakh region, India - Manish Swarup /AP "India should strictly abide by the relevant agreements between the two countries, and promptly transfer the missing person to China, to help with cooling and de-escalating the China-Indian border situation," the military newspaper added. India and China have disputed their frontier for seven decades and fought a brief war in 1962. The two sides blame each other for the current standoff. The neighbours have held several rounds of disengagement talks but failed to ease the military buildup. India's foreign ministry said Friday that the two sides have agreed to a new round of talks between senior commanders. "In the meantime, both sides have maintained communication at the ground level to avoid any misunderstandings and misjudgements," it said in a statement. This is the second incident since October when Indian Army captured a PLA soldier, identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long, near Demchok area of Ladakh. The PLA soldier was carrying civil and military documents when he was captured in Ladakh by the Indian Army. He was later released. China annexed nearly 60 sq km of Indian territory and killed at least 20 Indian soldiers in a violent clash in June last year in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. The man was arrested on Saturday. A man has been charged with two counts of assaulting police after an incident at a supermarket in Londonderry on Saturday. He was arrested at the Tesco store at Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre in the Waterside area of the city. Footage of the man's arrest was circulated widely on social media. The 39-year-old has also been charged with obstructing police, resisting police and disorderly behaviour. He is due to appear at Londonderry Magistrates Court on Wednesday. As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the PPS. Recommendation by Edelweiss Financial Services Dabur India - Buy Recommendation by Edelweiss Financial Services In CY21 too, Dabur would remain a strong volume growth story considering: i) addition of new consumers to Health portfolio in the wake of the pandemic; ii) worst is behind for Fruit Juices and other segments impacted by the lockdown; and iii) an impressive innovation funnel (PET bottle juices, health drops, health juices, Amla-plus juices, pickles and apple cider vinegar are doing well). Given the positive structural levers coming in place for the company, we revise up our target multiple to 55x (from 50x) and arrive at a revised TP of INR665. Maintain 'BUY'. JSPL -- Buy Recommendation by Motilal Oswal Financial Services JSPL's power subsidiary JPL has been awarded the 6mtpa Gare Palma Coal block which should increase EBITDA by 5.5b p.a. (30 %) and improve PLF to 45-50 % (from 32 % in FY20). Seel business outlook is strong with EBITDA to be amongst the highest ever at Rs 19,000/t in 2HFY21. Stock trades at an attractive 3.5x FY22E EV/EBITDA for the steel business which is a significant discount to peers. Exide Industries -- Buy Recommendation by LKP Securities Exide Industries (Exide), the bellwether of Indian Automotive and Industrial Battery manufacturing industry is well poised to take advantage of the blooming replacement market demand within automotive, telecom and inverter batteries. We maintain BUY on Exide with SOTP target price of Rs 233 (17x times FY 23E EPS standalone business @Rs 203 + Rs 30 of insurance arm valued at 1x embedded value). Varun Beverages -- Buy Recommendation by Motilal Oswal Financial Services We estimate 12%/31% revenue/PAT CAGR over CY19-22E, driven by newly acquired territories and stable operating margin. We value the stock at 30x CY22E EPS of Rs 36.2 to arrive at our target price of Rs 1,100. We initiate coverage with a Buy rating. Sun Pharma -- Buy Recommendation by Emkay Global Financial Services Sun Pharma's initiation of Phase 2 trials for SCD-044 in Plaque Psoriasis bodes well for its specialty aspiration as SCD-044 could broaden the company's offering for Plaque Psoriasis, effectively leveraging all the investment made till now for Ilumya. We maintain Buy on the stock and raise the TP to Rs 660, based on the SOTP value of Rs 645/share and SCD-044 NPV of Rs15/share. The SOTP value of Rs 645 implies a P/E multiple of 22x on FY23E EPS. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd -- Buy Recommendation by Geojit Financial Services HPCL's net revenue stood at Rs 51,773 cr (-14.9% YoY) in Q2FY21. However, it improved 37.3% on a sequential basis on the back of a sharp recovery in petroleum demand and refineries utilization rate of 100%, despite the lockdown. During the first half of this fiscal year, HPCL added 895 new retail outlets & 103 new CNG retail outlets. Strong infrastructure and pipeline network, along with robust inventory management will boost the company's performance in the long-term. Therefore, we upgrade our rating to BUY on the stock with a target price of Rs 260 based on SOTP Valuation. HDFC Bank Limited -- Hold Recommendation by Geojit Financial Services HDFC Bank is temporarily restricted from undertaking digital business generation activities and securing new credit card customers, until it addresses IT infrastructure issues that have resulted in outages. However, impact should be minimal on its current ongoing operations. On December 4, RBI kept the rates unchanged for the coming quarter. It also announced strengthening of internal redressal framework for banks for a more efficient complaint resolution of customer complaints. Bank's fundamentals and asset quality remains strong. We change rating to Hold from BUY with a revised TP of Rs 1,529 based on 3.8x FY22E BVPS. NMDC Limited -- Buy Recommendation by Emkay Global Financial Services We have a Buy rating on NMDC with a TP of Rs160, which comprises Rs132 for the mining business at 5x FY22 EVEBITDA and Rs 28 for the NISP Steel plant CWIP. Our estimates include 1.5mt /7mt production from Donimalai mines for FY21/22 and 22.5% premium for production from Donimalai mines and all mines in Chhattisgarh. We have not included the premium for Kumaraswamy mines as the premium is applicable only on the renewal of the mines. Kumaraswamy mines are due for renewal in Oct'22 and our FY23 estimates account for the same. We believe domestic iron ore shortage will continue as iron ore mines auctioned in Mar'22 are nowhere close to pre-auction volumes. Moreover, the EC/FC clearance for these mines are valid only for two years post which if fresh EC/FC is not obtained, the mines will again close, leading to a massive shortage of iron ore in the country. We believe that NMDC is well positioned to capitalize on this opportunity despite domestic prices at a 40% discount to the landed price of imported ore. ITC Limited -- Buy Recommendation by Centrum Broking ITC's renewed focus on maintaining cigarette market share, tailwinds for FMCG foods business, strong FCF, high dividend yield and compelling valuations make it more attractive for long term investors. We maintain our estimates and reiterate a strong Buy rating with DCF-based Target price of Rs 353, implying 23.6x FY23E EPS. Key risks are sharp increases in any form of taxation. L&T Infotech-Neutral Recommendation by Motilal Oswal Financial Services LTI is up 130% since its inclusion in our model portfolio (in 3QFY20) and is currently the most expensive (28x FY23 EPS) IT company within our Coverage Universe. While we continue to deem it among the best-in-class IT services companies on execution and management quality, we believe the stock more than factors in the potential; hence, we downgrade the stock to Neutral. Hindustan Aeronautics--Buy Recommendation by Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers Hindustan Aeronautics is engaged in the business of Manufacture of Aircraft and Helicopters and Repair, Maintenance of Aircraft and Helicopters. q HAL is one of the premier defence PSU in India along with Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) and has over the years showcased research, design and development capabilities with the successful development of military aircraft and helicopters such as the Ajeet, Marut, HPT-32, Kiran and Advanced Light Helicopter. Thus based on the business capabilities, industry growth prospects and valuations, we initiate our coverage on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited with a BUY rating and a target price of Rs 1,152 per share. Disclaimer: Views and recommendations given are those of brokerages and analysts and do not represent those of IANS. Users should check with certified experts before taking any investment decision. IANS has no financial liability whatsoever to any user on account of the use of information provided. A night at Indias largest farmers protest Indias largest farmers protest is still under way - tens of thousands of farmers have been on strike since 26 November demanding the repeal of recent laws that they say will shrink their incomes. The BBCs Rupa Jha spent a night at the protest on the borders of Delhi where farmers and their families have been living out in the open, braving both chilly temperatures and rain. The government has said the laws will help farmers but the stalemate continues. Many rounds of talks between the two have failed. Farmers, however, say they will not budge until the laws are revoked. Video by Neha Sharma https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-india-55584924 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. Look for deals on airline tickets to overseas destinations. Expect pampering by hospitality industry employees showing a fresh zeal for the visitors who help boost their economies, national and personal. Interest will grow in less explored locations and small-group tours. Natural wonders will be just a little more wonderful because they havent been trampled in the past year. According to travel experts, these are some of the ways the difficulties of 2020 will transform travel for the better in 2021. In a taste of whats to come in the new year, Craig Beal got a prime parking spot to watch as tens of thousands of wildebeest rumbled across the Serengeti plains. The annual mass migration has been known to cause safari vehicle traffic jams, but in September, the owner of Minnesota-based nonhunting safari company Travel Beyond watched for two hours and saw just seven other vehicles. In the Galapagos Islands, pods of dolphins and albatross have appeared in huge numbers, likely a result of fewer visitors, said Jordan Harvey, co-founder of Minneapolis-based Knowmad Adventures. Machu Picchu is another altered spot. A client sent him photos of a recent stop there and he was nearly alone at the popular 15th-century Inca citadel. Theres a gold mine out there, so to speak, in visiting previously overtouristed places and seeing them in all their glory, Harvey said. Harvey also said small-ship cruises, with stops in smaller ports, will be big as cruising returns. Other locations on the petite side will include second-tier cities think Orvieto, not Rome as travelers remain leery of crowds, according to Dr. Nadeen White, an Atlanta-based physician and travel blogger at the Sophisticated Life. White anticipates that as travelers prepare to hit the road again, they will take fewer but longer vacations; slow travel is the buzzword. The less exposure to people, flights, the better, she said. That fits with another trend she sees coming: a focus on sustainable tourism. We have all had a chance to stop and take a look at what overtourism has been doing to the environment and the planet. White also believes there will be a rise in the number of people taking curated small-group tours. Harvey agreed, saying travelers want custom trips that reflect their tastes. People want their microbrew, not their Bud, he said. Chevonne Ball, owner of Dirty Radish Travel Co., can attest to that. The wine expert offers tours of Oregons Willamette Valley based on clients interests, and business has taken off even as the pandemic set in. (Her trips to France will return in 2022.) On the airline front, 2020 saw change fees go away and prices drop on some routes. Beal recently nabbed a business-class trip from Minneapolis to Tanzania next fall for $3,700; it usually costs $10,000 or more. No matter where people go and for how long, they can expect to be treated well. Everywhere Ive gone now, they are so excited to see tourists, said Beal. Service levels are off the charts. A mother cradled her three young daughters in an upstairs bathroom before they all died in a house fire that overwhelmed their home overnight. Emergency crews rushed to the townhouse on Tulloch Grove in Glen Waverley in Melbourne's eastern suburbs about 1.40am after the property's garage caught alight. Kaoru Okano and her three girls - aged three, five, and seven - had tried in vain to take cover from the blaze in the en-suite as the suburban home became engulfed in smoke. Police investigators are treating the blaze as suspicious and the home remained cordoned off as detectives combed through the scene on Sunday. A 50-year-old man who is known to the family escaped the flames but was taken to hospital in a serious condition where he remains under police guard. Scroll down for video Kaoru Okano lost her life alongside her three young daughters (pictured) in a horrific house fire in Melbourne's east in the early hours of Sunday morning Kaoru Okano (pictured with one of her daughters) had tried to take cover from the blaze in the home's en-suite bathroom as the property became engulfed in smoke Police said it may be 24 to 48 hours before the man is capable of being interviewed. Ms Okano, who is believed to be of Japanese heritage, had regularly posted loving photos of her children on Facebook smiling and playing together. Her husband is believed to own a Japanese restaurant in Richmond in Melbourne's inner-city. Detective Senior Sergeant Neville Major said the bodies were found 'huddled together' in the bathroom. 'There has been a very tragic incident here. There is a lot of damage in the garage area and the house has been engulfed in smoke,' he said. Neighbours said they could hear screams and explosions coming from the home as the flames took hold of the property. 'All of the smoke was spreading across the street and around the corner,' one nearby resident told The Herald Sun. Ms Okano regularly posted loving photos of her children on Facebook smiling and playing together The mother's body was found by emergency crews huddled together with those of her young girls Another neighbour explained the layout of the house made it extremely difficult for the woman to escape. She said the front door would have been the family's only option but it had been engulfed in smoke. 'It was just horrible,' she said. 'Those poor children couldn't get out.' It took 35 firefighters several hours to bring the blaze under control, at which point they found the four bodies in the wreckage. A man, believed to be in his 50s, was able to escape and was taken to hospital. The house fire has also left another man in hospital with serious injuries (pictured, police at the scene on Saturday night) Authorities are working to determine the cause of the fire, but the arson squad has been drafted in to investigate. Neighbours were also evacuated as a precaution as smoke billowed into the community. Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. When the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine began arriving in Houston, Sara Speer Selber felt like she could finally exhale. At least a little. For so long she had worried about her 92-year-old father. Some of his friends had fallen ill from the coronavirus. At least one had died. Her days since, though, have been spent working the phone or scouring the internet to find someplace anyplace that had a vaccine available for her father, retired optometrist Dr. Marvin Speer. The state had promised that it would be available for people over 65 or those with serious underlying health problems. He checked both boxes. Yet he has not been vaccinated. More Information Vaccines administered by hospital system Memorial Hermann: 26,000 Harris Health: 9,100 CHI St. Luke's: 15,000 Kelsey-Seybold Clinic: 2,900 Houston Methodist: 27,000 Texas Children's: 11,000 See More Collapse Its like The Hunger Games, said Susan Meyer Sellinger, a 65-year-old Austin woman who also clung to any tip or rumor about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Her circle of friends traded vaccine news like gossip. Sellinger heard about a walk-in emergency center in the next county that had the vaccine. She quickly made an appointment and drove 20 miles to get her first dose, terrified the whole way that they would run out. Yet Lee Loya, a 39-year-old lobbyist and former Texas House staffer, posted a picture of himself on Instagram getting vaccinated in late December making him one of Texas early recipients of the second phase of the vaccine rollout. Loya said he had been hospitalized with COVID last summer and still has lingering effects. His doctor reached out to him because he had asthma and told him to come in as soon as possible, he said. For people to get upset, its just not fair, especially if you have a severe underlying condition and especially if your doctor says, I need you to come and get it, Loya said. Anyone in their right mind would say, Of course. Still, the contrast shows just how sharp and seemingly random the divide has emerged between those who are able to get the vaccine easily and those who cannot. In the fourth week of Texas vaccine rollout, a dermatology practice in Bellaire got 300 doses while Hope Clinic, which serves Houstons poor and immigrant communities, got 100, according to the states most current list. County registration hotlines have crashed under the volume of applicants while some doctors reported fielding calls from friends asking how to move to the front of the line. In the month since the vaccines got federal approval, getting them into arms of the most vulnerable has been anything but smooth. Distribution has lagged. Demand has far outstripped supply. Critics call it yet another chapter in the failed government response to a virus that arrived nearly a year ago. READ THE SERIES: EXPOSED There does seem to be no discernible distinction between those who are getting the vaccine and those who arent, said Elena Marks, CEO of Houstons Episcopal Health Foundation, an organization that works to improve health care access for poor. Such unevenness is happening not just among the public but also within the medical community. At some small and midsize private practices, access to the vaccine remains elusive for front-line health care workers who regularly treat COVID patients, doctors say. Yet employees of large medical practices and big-name facilities are vaccinating staff that is not in direct contact with patients and in some cases working from home. On HoustonChronicle.com: Front-line workers at some Houston hospitals in poor areas left out of the first round of vaccines Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer A rocky rollout On Dec. 11, the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency approval for a vaccine developed by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. A week later a second vaccine, this one by Moderna, gained the same emergency approval. Both vaccines require two separate shots and are considered 95 percent effective against the deadly virus. The first doses of the Pfizer vaccine began arriving in Texas on Dec. 14, with University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center being the first to get a shipment in Houston. As of Friday, 1.48 million doses have been delivered across Texas, according to state data. About 589,000 Texans have received at least one dose so far, although the states data on the number of vaccines administered lags behind the true tally, officials said. In Texas, eligibility is now divided into two phases. The first, or 1A, is ongoing and prioritizes health care workers who have contact with COVID patients and to residents and staff at long-term care facilities. The second phase, 1B, was announced Dec. 28 and has much broader criteria. It is available to those over 65 or anyone over 16 with at least one serious health issue that puts them at higher risk, including diabetes, cancer, obesity, heart conditions, sickle cell disease, pregnancy or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In some states the second phase of the vaccines prioritizes police officers, educators and grocery workers. Texas does not. Stephen Linder, who directs the Institute for Health Policy at the UTHealth School of Public Health in Houston, said opening the vaccine floodgates so quickly to anyone with a chronic condition may have been a misstep, since essential workers are much easier to identify and many of them are from communities of color. It also would have given counties time to stand up their long-term vaccine infrastructure, he said. Houston Chronicle investigation: Essential workers, missed messages: COVID is raging through Houstons Hispanic communities It would have been easier and much more effective if it had been occupationally based, because then you rely on the employers to do the distributions. Linder said. Employers are much better organized. They all have HR departments. They can contact people and say come in and get this. The current rollout is happening against the backdrop of a staggering toll in Texas. As of Friday, there have been more than 1.9 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and nearly 30,000 deaths in the state. The stakes for getting the vaccine right could not be higher, health experts say. But there is growing concern that the states parameters are too broad, and officials shipped out the vaccine without specific guidelines to make sure it was delivered where needed most. Its not like we are giving away movie tickets, said Marks at Episcopal Health Foundation. State Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, zeroed in on the lack of planning. Weve not had a national strategy from the very beginning of this pandemic. We still dont have one. And we certainly have not had a statewide strategy, she said. Why would we expect this to be any different? Howard isnt the only state legislator complaining. In a letter signed by 38 House Democrats, lawmakers from around the state blasted public health authorities for the confused and seemingly haphazard distribution of the vaccine. Many are unclear about who can get vaccinated and do not understand how to participate in the process, the Jan. 6 letter said. Furthermore, it is not always clear that the policies that are in place are the ones being implemented: in some cases blind luck or personal connections are supplanting the priorities your offices have established. The pandemic has helped crystallize a long-standing problem in Houston: the lack of quality, affordable health care in Black and Latino communities. Harris County has one of the highest uninsured rates in Texas, which is the worst state in the country in terms of health coverage. One in 4 Black residents and 45 percent of Latino residents lack health insurance numbers expected to climb because of disproportionately high job losses during the pandemic, said Ezemenari Obasi, associate dean of research in the University of Houstons College of Education and professor of psychological, health and learning science. On HoustonChronicle.com: Future physicians learn about disparities in health care An estimated 25 percent to 30 percent of Black and Latino residents in Harris County are unable to see a doctor because of cost. That has potentially tragic implications as Black Americans are estimated to be about 40 percent more likely to die from COVID than whites, he said. Coming: Vaccination hubs In October, the Texas Department of State Health Services published an early COVID vaccination plan, but spokesman Chris Van Deusen said theyve since had to adapt as officials faced the reality of demand dwarfing supply. As with any plan, youve always got to monitor and adjust and make tweaks as you go along and learn about whats happening, he said. It was always going to be challenging just based on the number of people who are going to want to be vaccinated and that it is going to be a limited supply. Van Deusen urged patience and said changes are coming soon. Vaccination hubs will allow more than 100,000 people to be vaccinated next week in a streamlined and centralized process. He said he saw no evidence of any widespread line-jumping or people outside the specified criteria getting the vaccine, calling such reports a few anecdotal cases. Still, in Houston the rules and hierarchies are often being created by the health care providers who receive the vaccines, leading to more confusion. Houston Methodist, for instance, is prioritizing its 1B allocations for patients who are 75 and older. But Harris Health System, which runs the citys safety-net hospitals, is scheduling vaccines for those 65 and older as well as people over age 18 with a chronic health condition. At CHI St. Lukes, vaccines for the second phase are not yet being scheduled and patients are being told not to call. Meanwhile at Memorial Hermann Health System, officials said specific, qualified patients are now being identified for the 1B phase and will be vaccinated in waves. The definition of a health care worker also has caused some controversy and appears to be open to interpretation. For instance, at Houstons Menninger Clinic, a renowned psychiatric facility, many of its less obviously at-risk workers are being vaccinated, including those working from home. Most have found they needed to return to the campus to work periodically to perform certain important job functions, Armando Colombo, CEO of Menninger Clinic, said in a statement. And this week hospital volunteers will be eligible for vaccinations at Texas Childrens Hospital, according to an email to the auxiliary board obtained by the Chronicle. Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Conflicting information Valerie Featherstone, 69, who has underlying health problems, assumed she would have no trouble getting the vaccine. She met both criteria announced by the state. But she was unable to book an appointment at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. An email from the clinic read: At this time, we are offering the COVID vaccine for 75 and older patients. A spokeswoman for Kelsey-Seybold said patients are, in fact, eligible at age 65 but the clinic has chosen to notify older patients first. Its not clear what you have to do, said Paula Sweeney, a Houston grandmother who thought she would be eligible for the vaccine through Houston Methodist. Not only is she in her 70s with a heart condition and high blood pressure, two of her doctors practice at Houston Methodist. But last Monday, when she called one of the doctors offices to arrange for a vaccine, she was told they had none to give. While the doctor had privileges at Houston Methodist, he was not part of its specific network of physicians given doses of vaccine, she said she was told. Then a friend forwarded her a link to make an online vaccine appointment at Methodist. But she was thwarted again after she clicked on it and read: If you did not receive this link from your health care provider or Houston Methodist through a text or email message we sent you directly, you will not be able to schedule an appointment. Methodist spokeswoman Stefanie Asin said the hospital system canceled more than 1,000 appointments and implemented security measures to prevent sharing. Unfortunately, the appointment links did get forwarded to people who did not meet the criteria as vulnerable members of our community, she said. His shot after all Jeremy Dilbeck, a 46-year-old software entrepreneur from Houston, was one of the 1,000. He has multiple health problems and falls under the 1B criteria of the state. He, too, was sent the link to Houston Methodists vaccine portal by a friend in late December. He quickly signed up, thinking to himself it might be too good to be true. Four days later, he found out his appointment was canceled. He was shocked and upset but still determined to get the vaccine. One of Dilbecks friends, a 75-year-old who also had a canceled appointment, decided to go to Houston Methodist and take his chances. Once he was able to get a COVID-19 immunization, he called Dilbeck and urged him to try. Dilbeck arrived at the Houston Methodist facility around 4 p.m. on Wednesday and was told to wait around in case there were extra doses. Three and a half hours later, the wait paid off and he rolled his up his sleeve. After being monitored for allergic reactions, he was sent home happy and vaccinated. I just got lucky, he said. Julie Garcia, Jeremy Blackman and Matt Dempsey contributed to this report. jenny.deam@chron.com twitter.com/jenny_deam gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu jay.root@chron.com twitter.com/byjayroot remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The Central government said on Saturday that India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from 16 January, and priority will be given to nearly three crore health care and frontline workers As part of the preparations for the country-wide rollout the anti- Coronavirus vaccine from 16 January, the Union Health Ministry on Sunday held a virtual meeting with states and Union Territories on the CoWIN software, an online platform for monitoring COVID-19 vaccine delivery. Ram Sewak Sharma, the chairman of Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management to combat COVID-19 , chaired the meeting and said robust, dependable and agile technology shall form both the foundation and the back-up for the country's COVID-19 vaccination drive. Sharma also stressed on the caution which needed to be exercised to ensure that there are no proxies during the vaccination drive and that only identified beneficaries are immunised. #Unite2FightCorona As India gears up for #COVID19 Vaccine roll out, Centre guides States/UTs on Co-WIN management. Robust technology to provide sturdy foundation and backup for world's largest immunization drive.https://t.co/kC233kJx9L pic.twitter.com/90r2d0rHaK Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) January 10, 2021 The meeting was attended by principal secretaries of states, National Health Mission Directors, state immunisation officers and senior officers of the Union Health Ministry. The Central Government said on Saturday that India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from 16 January, and priority will be given to nearly three crore health care and frontline workers. Meanwhile, officials and ministers of several states expressed readiness to carry out the vaccination and detailed the preparations undertaken on Sunday. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government is making arrangements to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to all people of the state while Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain said the AAP government has finalised 89 hospitals as vaccination sites. Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar said he will volunteer for vaccination in the Centre permits, to instil public confidence in the vaccine. Health ministry holds meeting on CoWIN In a meeting to discuss feedback from states and UTs on the CoWIN software and its operational use gathered from the vaccination dry runs, Sharma, also a member of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration of COVID-19 , gave an overview of the CoWIN software and the principles that shall underpin the technology backup for the vaccination exercise. "The process should be citizen-centric and built on an approach that the vaccine shall be available anytime and anywhere," Sharma was quoted as saying in a statement. He stressed on the need for flexibility without compromising on quality and reiterated that inclusivity, speed and scalability have been kept in mind while designing the digital platform with all its components being portable, synchronous without excessive and unnecessary dependencies. Sharma underscored the importance of capturing the vaccination data in real-time, saying it was non-negotiable." He also highlighted the caution one needs to exercise to ensure there were 'no proxies' at all, while reiterating that the beneficiaries of the vaccination drive need to be uniquely and undeniably identified. It is extremely important to clearly identify a person who is getting vaccinated and keep a digital record on who gets vaccinated by whom, when and which one, Sharma stressed. About the use of the Aadhaar platform, Sharma advised the states to urge the beneficiaries to seed their current mobile number with Aadhaar for registration and consequent communication through SMS. Vaccine free, says Mamata Banerjee In an open letter to frontline workers, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said the COVID warriors, including police, home guards, civil defence volunteers, correctional home and disaster management employees, will be administered the vaccine on a priority basis. "I am happy to inform that our government is making arrangements for reaching the vaccine to all people of the state free of any charge," the chief minister said in the letter. The chief minister's announcement comes months ahead of the state Assembly elections, which are likely to be held in April-May. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani said the state has created a database of 1.2 crore people under four priority groups who will be administered the vaccine as per the Centre's guidelines. Nearly 11 lakh people engaged in COVID-19 duties, including health care and frontline personnel, will be vaccinated on priority, Rupani said, adding, that 16,000 personnel have been trained for administering the shots. Rupani said six regional depots as well as other infrastructure for the storage and supply of vaccines, including cold chains, have been established. Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain asserted said 40 government hospitals and 49 private ones in the National Capital will have a vaccination site each. There will be one COVID-19 vaccination centre each in every hospital. Around 10 health care staff will be deployed at each centre, he said. The first batch of vaccines will arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday and health care workers will be vaccinated in the first phase, Jain informed. Thereafter, frontline workers and those aged above 50 will be given the doses," Jain told reporters, adding that teachers will be included as frontline workers. "We are fully prepared to roll out the vaccination programme. We will administer the vaccine as soon as the doses arrive," he said. The minister said the Delhi government has already requested the Centre to provide vaccines free of cost. While inaugurating a Mukhyamantri Arogya Mela at Sankisa in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said: "The vaccination drive will start from 16 January and we aim to cover each and every person under it. It will also be ensured that all guidelines of the Union government are followed during vaccination. The chief minister also reviewed preparations for the drive, the Uttar Pradesh government said in a statement. Andhra Pradesh health commissioner Katamaneni Bhaskar said the state machinery has successfully completed three dry runs of the vaccination programme so far and everything required for the actual drive has been put in place for a smooth run. A total of 1,940 sites will be used for the vaccination programme, of which 1,659 have cold chain points within premises. For the rest of the sites, the vaccine will be brought from the nearest cold chain point, Bhaskar said in a release. A State Vaccine Store was set up at Gannavaram near Vijayawada while four regional stores were opened in Kurnool, Kadapa, Guntur and Visakhapatnam apart from 13 district vaccine stores. He said 100 health workers would be vaccinated at each session site per day. In the first round only healthcare facilities would be used as session sites and private facilities with more than100 health staff would also be used. According to the health commissioner, the state requires at least 10 crore doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to five crore people over a period of eight months. Bhaskar said a total of 1,31,75,000 vials would be required till September 2021. Each vial has 10 doses of the size of the Measles and Rubella vaccines and 25 percent wastage was expected, he said. Except in May, the vaccination programme is scheduled to be taken up from January to September 2021 and arrangements have accordingly been made," the health commissioner said. Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma said the state is prepared for the vaccination programme and around 4.5 lakh health workers will be vaccinated in the first phase. Sharma said the data of 4,36,146 government and private sector health workers had been uploaded on COWIN software till 1 pm on Saturday. He said the first phase of vaccination will be conducted at 282 sessions sites from 16 January and two of the sites including Jaipur and Ajmer will be interactive. Rajasthan is all prepared for the vaccination programme... 3,689 medical institutions in the government sector and 2,969 medical institutions in the private sector have been identified for the vaccination programme in the first phase and 5,626 vaccination parties have been trained, he said at a press conference. He said the government has set up three state-level, seven divisional-level, 34 (medical) district-level vaccine stores, and 2,444 cold chain points are functional at community and primary health centres. Sharma said 18,654 vaccinators have been trained so far. Orientation of 1,66,188 people in 10 categories including public representatives has been done so far, he added. Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar said the state has two major vaccine storage houses one in Bengaluru and another in Belagavi and they have a storage capacity of 45 lakh doses of vaccines. Besides, there are five regional and district level storage facilities, the minister said adding the state has also roped in 900 logistic vehicles to transport vaccines to various parts of the state. The minister noted that the state would get about 13.9 lakh doses of vaccine in the first phase. "The first batch to take the Covaxin will be the healthcare workers, but if the Government of India allows us to take, I will be the first to get it as a health minister," Sudhakar told reporters during the inspection of the state vaccine store in Bengaluru Stressing that volunteering for the vaccine was necessary to instil confidence among the people, he said, "See, we have to imbibe, infuse confidence in the public. So, why not (I take it)?". The minister stated the prime minister will be holding a meeting with all chief ministers on Monday to review the preparedness for vaccination drive. He added that on Sunday 289 passengers arrived in Bengaluru from the UK and four among them have been found positive for coronavirus . "Infected persons will be traced and admitted to hospital," he said, adding that a system for effective management of data of passengers arriving at airports has been put in place. On Saturday, Sudhakar had said that the first flight from the United Kingdom to Bengaluru would come at around 4 am on Sunday. India had suspended all passenger flights between the UK and India from 23 December to 7 January as a new variant of coronavirus emerged there. India's coronavirus cases reach 1,04,50,284 On Sunday, Indias Coronavirus caseload rose to 1,04,50,284 with 18,645 infections being reported in a day, while the recoveries surged to 1,00,75,950, pushing the national COVID-19 recovery rate to 96.42 percent, as per the health ministrys morning update. The toll reached 1,50,999 with 201 more succumbing to the disease in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. The case fatality rate dropped to 1.44 percent. "Less than 300 new COVID-19 deaths are being recorded in the country for the last 16 days," the ministry said. "India has one of the lowest deaths per million population (109). Countries like Russia, Germany, Brazil, France, the USA, the UK and Italy have much higher deaths per million population," it said. The COVID-19 active caseload remained below three lakh for the 20th consecutive day. There are 2,23,335 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprise 2.14 percent of the total caseload, the data showed. Recovery of 19,299 patients in 24 hours has led a decline of 855 cases from the total COVID-19 active caseload. Maharashtra recorded the maximum positive change with an addition of 1,123 cases, whereas Rajasthan shows maximum negative change with a reduction of 672 cases. Ten states and UTs contributed 79.12 percent of the new recoveries. Kerala saw 5,424 people recovering from COVID-19 in a day, followed by 2,401 in Maharashtra and 1,167 in Uttar Pradesh. Also, 10 states and UTs have contributed 82.25 percent of the 18,645 new cases recorded in a day across India. Kerala reported 5,528 new cases in the last 24 hours, followed by Maharashtra 3,581 and Chhattisgarh reported 1,014. The ministry said that 73.63 percent of the 201 fatalities reported in a span of 24 hours were from seven states and UTs. Maharashtra reported the maximum 57 deaths, followed by 22 in Kerala and 20 in West Bengal. According to the ICMR, 18,10,96,622 samples have been tested so far with 8,43,307 samples being tested on Saturday. Education ministry recommendations for out of school children The Education Ministry has asked the states to conduct a door-to-door survey to identify out-of-school children in the 6 to 18 years age group and prepare an action plan for their enrolment as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially on migrants, reported news agency PTI quoting officials. The ministry has also recommended relaxing detention norms to prevent drop-outs this year as well as a slew of measures to address learning loss due to the coronavirus -induced shutdown of schools, including identifying students across different grades based on their learning levels. The move is particularly aimed at identification, admission and continued education of migrant children who have been affected during the pandemic, they said. "In order to mitigate the impact of challenges thrown by the COVID-19 pandemic for out of school children, it was felt necessary for every state and UT to devise a proper strategy for preventing increased dropouts, lower enrolments, loss of learning and deterioration in the gains made in providing universal access, quality and equity in the recent years," a senior ministry official said. The ministry has also issued guidelines for offering support to students during the closure of schools and when they reopen. Exploring the option of classroom-on-wheels and classes in small groups at the village level, increasing the access of children to online and digital resources, use of TV and radio to reduce learning losses and ensuring easy and timely access to the provisions of uniforms, textbooks and mid-day meals are among the recommendations made by the ministry for student support during the closure of schools. Similarly, the guidelines for student support when schools reopen after prolonged closure include preparation and running of school readiness modules and bridge course for the initial period so that they can adjust to the school environment and do not feel stressed or left-out. The ministry has also suggested encouraging children to read books beyond the syllabus and indulge in creative writing and problem solving for ensuring reading with comprehension and numeracy skills. Large-scale remedial programmes and learning enhancement programmes should be held to mitigate learning loss and inequality, it recommended. No negative test report for entry Puri Jagannath temple from 21 Jan Meanwhile, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) announced that the devotees will not be required to produce COVID-19 negative report for getting entry into the 12th century shrine in Puri from 21 January. The decision in this regard was taken at a meeting attended by SJTA chief Krishan Kumar, Puri district magistrate-cum collector Samarth Verma and SP KB Singh. At present devotees entering the temple have to show COVID-19 negative report. Kumar said the decision will remain in force till 21 February and officials added that the temple management committee will review the situation and take future course of action after that. But, all the other COVID-19 protocols like wearing of mask, social distancing will continue to be mandatory in the temple, officials said. The decisions to relax the restrictions (no COVID-19 report) will facilitate more devotees to get a darshan of the deities, officials said. The Puri Collector Samarth Verma said that special arrangements and queue system will soon be introduced for elderly/senior citizens coming to the Temple. The SJTA and district administration is making arrangements to allow 30,000 devotees to visit the temple on a daily basis from 23 January adhering to COVID-19 protocol, officials said. Verma said the temple will remain closed on Sundays to carry out sanitisation and disinfection measures. The temple was opened in a phased manner from 23 December, 2020. While the servitors and their family members were allowed to enter the temple from 23 December to 25 December evening, the local residents of Puri got opportunity to have darshan of the deities between 26 and 31 December . The temple was finally opened to the public for darshan of the sibling deities - Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath- from 3 January, 2021 adhering to COVID-19 guidelines. With inputs from PTI At 5 p.m., the girl was riding in the back seat of a vehicle in the 10300 block of South Halsted Street in the Washington Heights neighborhood when shots were fired through the driver-side passenger window, police said. ADVERTISEMENT Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Saturday, eliminated no fewer than 50 bandits at Kuriya village in Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara, Defence Headquarters of thee Nigerian military has said. The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, said in a statement on Sunday that the troops also recovered 334 rustled livestock from the bandits during the encounter. Mr Enenche, a major general, said the operation was carried out by the gallant troops with close air support by the air component. The operation followed actionable intelligence on the activities of the bandits in the location. He said four soldiers were wounded in the encounter. According to him, human intelligence confirms that no fewer than 50 armed bandits were killed in the encounter. Equally, troops recovered 272 livestock from the bandits. In another development, troops deployed at Dunya village of Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina also recovered 62 livestock from bandits who fled into the bush on sighting troops on patrol. Currently, the gallant troops have continued to dominate the theatre of operation with aggressive patrols to deny criminals freedom of action. The Military High Command commends the gallant troops for the feats recorded and encourages them not rest on their oars until normalcy is restored to all troubled zones of the country, he said. Zamfara, in Nigerias northwest, is one of the havens of bandits, cattle rustlers and kidnappers in the country. (NAN) Indonesian rescue members carry a body bag containing suspected remains of the Sriwijaya Air plane flight SJ182 which crashed into the sea, at Jakarta International Container Terminal port in Jakarta, Indonesia on January 9, 2021. (Image: Antara Foto/Akbar Nugroho Gumay/ via Reuters) Body parts and debris were hauled from waters near Indonesia's capital on January 10 from a Boeing passenger plane that crashed shortly after take-off with 62 people on board. The Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 plunged into a steep dive about four minutes after it left Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta on Saturday afternoon. No reasons have yet been given for the crash, with authorities focusing on a frantic search and rescue effort that appeared to offer no hope of finding any survivors. "As of this morning, we've received two (body) bags, one with passenger belongings and the other with body parts," Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus told Metro TV. The discovery came as a flotilla of warships, helicopters and divers were deployed off the coast of the sprawling city Sunday. Sixty-two passengers and crew were on board, including 10 children, all of them Indonesians, according to authorities. Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 was bound for Pontianak city on Indonesia's section of Borneo island, about 90 minutes flying time over the Java Sea. It crashed in the Java Sea near popular day-trip tourist islands just off the coast. Distraught relatives waited nervously for news at Pontianak airport on Saturday night. "I have four family members on the flight -- my wife and three children," Yaman Zai said as he sobbed. "(My wife) sent me a picture of the baby today...How could my heart not be torn into pieces?" Officials said Sunday they would continue their search by sea and air while also using sonar radar to pick up more signs of the downed jet. Divers marked at least three sites at the suspected crash site with orange ballons, according to an AFP reporter on the scene. "From our observation, it is strongly believed the coordinates match the ones from the plane's last signal contact," said Hadi Tjahjanto, head of Indonesia's military. Hundreds of personnel from search and rescue, the navy, the police, with 10 warships also taking part in the search effort. Sudden dive Data from FlightRadar24 said the plane reached an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) before dropping suddenly to 250 feet. It then lost contact with air traffic control. Indonesian Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said Saturday that the jet appeared to deviate from its intended course just before it disappeared from radar. Sriwijaya Air, which has about 19 Boeing jets that fly to destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, has said only that it was investigating the loss of contact. It did not immediately comment when contacted by AFP again on Sunday. In October 2018, 189 people were killed when a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX jet slammed into the Java Sea about 12 minutes after take-off from Jakarta on a routine one-hour flight. That crash -- and a subsequent fatal flight in Ethiopia -- saw Boeing hit with $2.5 billion in fines over claims it defrauded regulators overseeing the 737 MAX model, which was grounded worldwide following the two deadly crashes. The jet that went down Saturday is not a MAX model and was 26 years old, according to authorities. In its initial statements on Saturday's crash, Boeing offered no immediate insights into the cause. "We are aware of media reports from Jakarta regarding Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182. Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families," the US-based planemaker said in a statement. "We are in contact with our airline customer and stand ready to support them during this difficult time." Indonesia's aviation sector has long suffered from a reputation for poor safety, and its airlines were once banned from entering US and European airspace. In 2014, an AirAsia plane crashed with the loss of 162 lives. Domestic investigators' final report on the AirAsia crash showed a chronically faulty component in a rudder control system, poor maintenance and the pilots' inadequate response were major factors in what was supposed to be a routine flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore. A year later, in 2015, more than 140 people, including people on the ground, were killed when a military plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Medan on Sumatra island. Improving climate resilience is the most realistic and pressing task facing humankind in recent times, a Chinese climate official said. "The impact of climate change is stronger and faster than we expected," Chao Qingchen, vice director of the National Climate Center, told Xinhua in an interview. "Even if all the countries that have set carbon-neutral targets can meet their commitments, the global temperature will still exceed 2.1 degrees Celsius by the end of this century from pre-industrial levels," the official said. China has announced that it would strive to bring carbon dioxide emissions to a peak before 2030 and become carbon neutral before 2060 to tackle climate change. Compared with developed countries, China needs to make more efforts to achieve the carbon-neutral goal, Chao said, urging more technological innovations to help meet the target including promoting electrification of all sectors, developing negative emissions technologies and strengthening global cooperation. China will increase the share of non-fossil fuels in its primary energy consumption to around 25 percent and bring its total installed capacity of wind and solar power to more than 1.2 billion kilowatts by 2030. The country's meteorological department has set up the most systematic and standardized integrated space-air-ground meteorological observation network, which is an authoritative source of data for climate change research, she said. Meteorological authorities should improve their monitoring and evaluation capabilities of greenhouse gases as well as national and regional carbon sink potential to contribute to decision-making in government, Chao added. She knows how to rock a tracksuit. And Stella Maxwell showed off her sleek workout style when she stepped out with a pal in Los Angeles this weekend. The 30-year-old blonde, who hails from Brussels, could be glimpsed enjoying a picnic in the park with her leggy friend. She knows how to rock a tracksuit: And Stella Maxwell showed off her sleek workout chic style when she stepped out with a pal in Los Angeles this weekend Stella showed off her vertiginous legs in a pair of fitted white and cherry red Adidas track sweats that matched her sneakers. The Belgian-born bombshell threw her track top over her shoulders over a dark T-shirt that draped elegantly over her enviably svelte torso. Accessorizing with a dark pair of sunglasses, she added a splash of dazzle to her casual ensemble with a necklace. Stella and her friend both made certain to take the precaution of wearing a mask as they emerged from lockdown amid their city's coronavirus surge. Looking fab: The 30-year-old blonde, who hails from Brussels, could be glimpsed enjoying a picnic in the park with her leggy friend Early in the coronavirus lockdowns she got candid in Harper's Bazaar about how the changing times have affected her dress sense. 'I have different emotions for different outfits. But right now my happy place are some nice, comfortable tie-dye jogging top and bottoms,' she dished. The supermodel's romantic history includes a fling with Miley Cyrus and a more than yearlong relationship with actress Kristen Stewart. When you got it: Stella showed off her vertiginous legs in a pair of fitted white and cherry red Adidas track sweats that matched her sneakers Stella, who attained new heights of fame as a Victoria's Secret Angel, was also at one point caught in unconfirmed romance rumors with Liam Payne. A few years ago she chatted about her 'wellness' regimen with The Cut and shared that she makes sure to 'Drink water and sleep a lot.' The sizzling sensation explained to the outlet: 'I sleep a lot. I make sure I get enough sleep. I try to get as much as I can.'' She went on: 'If I have some time on a plane or after work, Ill knuckle down and read a book or watch a movie and that helps me unwind to go to sleep.' This illustration picture shows social media application logo from Parler displayed on a smartphone in Arlington, Virginia on July 2, 2020. - Amid rising turmoil in social media, recently formed social network Parler is gaining with prominent political conservatives who claim their voices are being silenced by Silicon Valley giants. Parler, founded in Nevada in 2018, bills itself as an alternative to "ideological suppression" at other social networks. (Olivier DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images) Apple Suspends Parler From App Store for Not Taking Adequate Measures to Address Threats of Violence Apple has suspended social media platform Parler from its App Store for not take adequate measures to address alleged threats of violence and illegal activity by its users. We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity, the tech company wrote in a statement to media outlets. Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to peoples safety. We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues. Apples ban comes after Google removed the social media platform, which has attracted a large following of conservative-leaning users, from its Play Store, saying that the application will remain suspended until its developers commit to a moderation policy that could handle egregious content. Apple did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times questions about the move to ban the social media platform. John Matze, Parlers founder, released a statement following the ban, saying that it disagrees with Apples claims. He added that Apple did not engage in the same behavior when a hashtag suggested violence against Vice President Mike Pence, Hang Mike Pence, was trending on Twitter. Apple will be banning Parler until we give up free speech, institute broad and invasive policies like Twitter and Facebook and we become a surveillance platform by pursuing guilt of those who use Parler before innocence, Matze said in his statement on Parler. They claim it is due to violence on the platform. The community disagrees as we hit number 1 on their store today. The same day Hang Mike Pence, a disgusting violent suggestion, was trending nationally on Twitter. Displaying the horrible double standard Apple and their big tech pack apply to the community. Apple, a software monopoly, provides no alternatives to installing apps on your phone other then their store. We do not own our phones, Apple simply rents them to us. Apple, Google and the rest of the anti-competitive pack of big tech tyrants coordinate their moves and work together to stifle competition in the marketplace, he added. The move by Apple and Google to target Parler comes as Twitter and other Silicon Valley companies ramp up their policing of statements and comments from President Donald Trump and other conservatives. Twitter, on Friday, permanently removed Trumps account on its platform and justified its censorship by saying that the president had violated its Glorification of Violence Policy. The targeted moderation by these companies appears to be triggered by the civil unrest and acts of violence that occurred on Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol. A group of rioters and a minority of protesters waving American and Trump flags illegally stormed the Capitol building as lawmakers were counting electoral votes in a joint session of Congress. The mayhem left five people dead and dozens of police officers injured. The media, lawmakers, former officials, and other critics have put the blame on Trump for Wednesdays incident and have been calling for his impeachment. Earlier that day, the president addressed a crowd in Washington D.C. where he reiterated his allegations about election irregularities and fraud, and his dissatisfaction with the media and several lawmakers. At 12:16 p.m., he encouraged protesters to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard at the planned protest outside the Capitol. As thousands of protesters moved their demonstration to the U.S. Capitol, small pockets of violence were reported during clashes with police and media, while the vast majority of protesters remained peaceful. At 2:15 p.m., a small subgroup began rioting, smashing windows in an attempt to enter the Capitol building as other protesters tried to stop them. Shortly after, at 2:38 p.m., Trump started posting on Twitter, urging his supporters to Stay peaceful. He continued his urge for peace and respect for law enforcement throughout the afternoon. Rioters ended up breaching the Capitol building, and other protesters followed. Trump has since condemned the heinous attack by intruders on the Capitol, saying the demonstrators who infiltrated the Capitol have defiled the seat of American democracy. To those who engaged in acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country. And to those who broke the law, you will pay, he said. Twitters move to remove Trumps account has received widespread scrutiny. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, State Secretary Mike Pompeo, and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley likened Twitters move to conduct by the communist party ruling China. Silencing people, not to mention the President of the U.S., is what happens in China not our country, Haley wrote. You want to ban @realDonaldTrump, fine youre a private company, but @Twitter deleting the Presidents account which highlights this admin & its history is wrong. @Facebook & @instagram banning all images from the Capitol riot is a dangerous precedent to set. We arent in China, Carson wrote. Unbalanced policing of user content and certain political views has raised concerns over free speech rights and the lack of checks and balances on big tech companies. Discussions over limiting or eliminating liability protections under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act for tech companies that have engaged in censoring or political conduct have been heavily discussed in the past year. It is an image that will haunt anyone invested in democracy for a long time to come. A miscreant sitting in the chair of the speaker of the US House of Representatives, his foot on the desk, mocking the institution. During the revolutions in France and Russia, palaces were looted and monarchs, along with the aristocracy, were overthrown. In Afghanistan, after president Mohammed Najibullah was publicly hanged, fundamentalists were seen dancing. In Iraq, American soldiers demolished fallen dictator Saddam Husseins palaces. But the difference in the US is that the violence was instigated by the President himself. The problem with many politicians is that they think that power, once won, is a fundamental entitlement. Donald Trump came to power by challenging existing traditions. His slogans, such as America First and Make America Great Again, with the accompanying exclusionary rhetoric, went against the liberal grain of the US. He chose to overlook, and often demonize, those who came from different places, including native Americans, African Americans and Hispanics. Most people in the US recognize that it is diversity which makes the country a beacon of hope. This is why a deep sense of regret has now set in among many sections. A number of Trumps colleagues have resigned. But there are some difficult questions that need to be answered. Now, at the end of his tenure, there is pressure on Trump to resign. Even his own party leaders are upset with his behaviour. Much of social media has banned him. Many are wondering about what further havoc he would wreak before he steps down. There is a demand, and rightfully so, that he should be kept away from the nuclear button. And Trump has no one to blame for all this, but himself. Trump will leave the White House, but Trumpism will not go away quite so quickly. It is something that the nation will have to grapple with for a long time to come. The US is not alone in facing a crisis of democracy. On the same day that the Capitol incident took place, in faraway Istanbul, thousands of unemployed and disheartened students took to the streets. They were dispersed by the police using disproportionate force. 7 January was the sixth anniversary of the attack on the office of the satirical weekly, Charlie Hebdo, in Paris. That marked the beginning of sweeping changes in the liberal ethos of modern France. One of the biggest contributory factors to all this is the misuse of social media. When Trump chalked out his election strategy back in 2016, he used professionals to map the predilections of people through Facebook and Twitter. This enabled him to formulate misleading slogans and promises for his campaign. Great leaders in the past were able to gauge the popular pulse through their own instincts and their movements were constructive and peaceful. Today, many politicians want instant gratification, and instant results. For this, they have armed themselves with the often false information generated on social media. There are some examples, such as the Arab Spring, where social media was not used to spread hatred. On the other hand, a planned conspiracy was executed to create distrust among the citizens of many pluralistic countries. This destructive trend has to be reversed both in the US and elsewhere. Those in charge must be held accountable. Politicians across the world need to realize that the genie released by false social media information is out of the bottle. The US must lead by example given the resilience of its democratic institutions in battling this scourge. Karl Marx once called for workers of the world to unite. The time has now come for all those who espouse democracy across the world to unite. Democratic systems are only as good as the people who uphold them. Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. The views expressed are personal Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. "With better quality data for diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, the patient-friendly system can dramatically improve patient outcomes and significantly reduce healthcare system costs, said Brett Ferrigan, senior producer for the Advancements series. Advancements with Ted Danson will explore innovations in healthcare technology on an upcoming episode, scheduled to broadcast 1Q/2021. According to the World Health Organization, chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Disease rates from these conditions are accelerating globally, advancing across every region, and pervading all socioeconomic classes. Shining a light on LIVMOR and its mission is to assist physicians and medical professionals in addressing the global chronic disease epidemic, this segment of Advancements will explore the LIVMOR Halo+, an elegantly engineered turnkey solution to remote monitoring. As the first prescription-only and medical grade wearable device that enables continuous remote monitoring of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), the patient-friendly system contains medical-grade monitoring devices, an optional tablet for control, and an online portal to view data. Audiences will see how its fully integrated patient care platform provides extended monitoring of patient cardiovascular health in virtually any setting, delivering peace of mind to patients. "The LIVMOR Halo AF detection system (deployed as an integrated part of the LIVMOR Halo+ Home Monitoring system) serves as a foundational cornerstone in the digital health platform. Medical professionals across the U.S. can prescribe to LIVMOR Halo to monitor for episodes of Atrial Fibrillation (AF). This is major step toward achieving our vision of a transformative patient-provider ecosystem that more proactively prevents, detects, and manages chronic conditions, starting with the proactive monitoring of patients diagnosed with or at-risk for developing Atrial Fibrillation, the worlds most common cardiac arrhythmia," said Ken Persen, Founder & CEO, LIVMOR. Viewers will also learn how the Halo provides extended and remote monitoring of heart rate variability, ensures protected health information, and connects physicians and patients anytime, anywhere. With better quality data for diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases, the patient-friendly system can dramatically improve patient outcomes and significantly reduce healthcare system costs, said Brett Ferrigan, senior producer for the Advancements series. About LIVMOR: Founded in 2016, LIVMOR is a leading digital health solution company whose mission is to assist physicians and medical professionals in addressing the global chronic disease epidemic by providing a patient-engaging remote monitoring system of critical physiological biomarkers. LIVMOR's goals are to dramatically improve patient outcomes and to significantly reduce healthcare system costs with better quality data for diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases. For more information, visit: http://www.livmor.com. About Advancements and DMG Productions: The Advancements series is an information-based educational show targeting recent advances across a number of industries and economies. Featuring state-of-the-art solutions and important issues facing todays consumers and business professionals, Advancements focuses on cutting-edge developments, and brings this information to the public with the vision to enlighten about how technology and innovation continue to transform our world. Backed by experts in various fields, DMG Productions is dedicated to education and advancement, and to consistently producing commercial-free, educational programming on which both viewers and networks depend. For more info, please visit: http://www.AdvancementsTV.com or call Brett Ferrigan at 866-496-4065. Advertisement More than 70,000 residents on Sydney's Northern Beaches have celebrated their first taste of freedom in three weeks as the region's draconian Covid lockdown was finally lifted at midnight. Suburbs north of Narrabeen Bridge, known as the northern zone, have been under stay-at-home orders since December 19. They have not been allowed to leave the zone and were only given permission to leave their homes for essential shopping, healthcare reasons or exercise. Mona Vale Beach was packed with families and groups of young people on Sunday, with locals making the most of the 28C weather. Further north at Avalon Beach, hundreds of beachgoers were seen sprawled out on the sand and in the water. Mona Vale Beach was packed with families and young people alike on Sunday, with locals making the most of the 28C weather Further north at Avalon Beach, hundreds of beachgoers were seen sprawled out on the sand and in the water on Sunday Beachgoers in the water at Mona Vale Beach on Sunday, making the most of their first day of freedom Residents south of the Narrabeen Bridge, known as the southern zone, left their hard lockdown on January 2. Concern though remain about the threat of an outbreak in the region after a man in his 40s from the northern end of the region tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. Authorities have also issued an urgent health alert after a positive COVID-19 case visited a Costume clothes shop at Avalon Beach on New Year's Eve. Customers have been advised to monitor for symptoms, as have those who went to Westfield Burwood and several shops inside the complex on January 6 and 7. NSW recorded three locally-acquired COVID-19 cases on Sunday. Two are connected to the Berala cluster which started at a BWS liquor store in the lead up to New Year's Eve, and the third is linked to the Northern Beaches outbreak. Suburbs north of Narrabeen Bridge, known as the northern zone, have been under stay-at-home orders since December 19. Pictured: A northern beaches local soaks up the sun on Sunday Residents south of the Narrabeen Bridge, known as the southern zone, left their hard lockdown on January 2 A shopper removes her mask after leaving a supermarket in Manly on January 3. The northern end of Sydney's Northern Beaches has finally come out of lockdown on Sunday after three weeks of draconian stay-at-home restrictions On Friday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Greater Brisbane would enter into a rapid three-day lockdown after a cleaner at a quarantine hotel was diagnosed with the highly-contagious UK strain of COVID-19. The NSW government put in place a new Public Health Order requiring anyone in NSW who had been in Greater Brisbane since 12:01am on January 2 to follow the same lockdown rules. Travellers from the area will only be able to leave their house or accommodation for five reasons until 6pm on Monday - to obtain food or essential shopping, exercise, work if they cannot do so from home, undertake caring duties or seek medical care. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Who will be the next CBI chief? PM Modi-led panel shortlists these three names; Congress protests PM to deliver keynote address on the occasion of Virtual Vesak Global Celebrations on Buddha Purnima Planet will not be the same after COVID-19: PM Modi Centre seeks rejection of review plea on PM CARES Fund India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 10: The Centre sought dismissal of a review petition seeking information about funds received by the Prime Minister's Citizens Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situation (PM CARES) Fund. The Union government told the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court that audit statement of receipt and payment accounts of the PM CARES Fund for 2019-20 was available on the trust's website. An affidavit was filed by Pradeep Srivastava, Under Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office, before a division bench of Justices Sunil Shukre and Anil Kilor in response to a petition filed by advocate Arvind Waghmare. Waghmare has sought a review of the High Court's August 2020 order dismissing his plea for declaration of the funds received by PM CARES, a charitable trust set up by the Union government amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In August, 2020, the High Court, however, dismissed the petition saying since the Public Charitable Trust Act was applicable to the PM CARES Fund, the petitioner was free to resort to the mechanism provided under the Act for redressal of his grievance of public disclosure of funds. Later, in December, 2020, Waghmare filed a review petition before the High Court, claiming that the Public Charitable Trusts Act was not applicable in Delhi and sought the court to direct the government to disclose details of the funds received and expenditure done. The Centre, in its affidavit, stated that the review petition was completely "misconceived and is nothing but another attempt at seeking publicity". Netaji anniversary celebrations: Mamata on panel headed by PM Modi It added that no new grounds have been raised in the review petition. "Audit statement of receipt and payment accounts of PM CARES Fund for the financial year 2019-20 is available on the website of the Trust. As such, the petitioner cannot be said to have any grievances about disclosure of income and expenditure of the funds," the affidavit said. It further stated that the High Court has already dismissed Waghmare's petition in the past and should now dismiss his review petition with exemplary cost. The High Court on Saturday heard arguments of all parties and reserved its order on the review plea. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 9:30 [IST] Pastor Daniel Doe Tamakloe of the New Jerusalem Healing Church, at the weekend, appealed to Ghanaians to live in harmony with each other to protect the image of the church and the country. He called on Ghanaians to pursue the truth, in order to help move the country forward in its development agenda and noted that without the truth, it would be difficult for the nation to develop to improve the peoples standards of living. Pastor Doe Tamakloe made the appeal when preaching to close a four-day revival at the church at Akim Oda branch in the Eastern Region. The Pastor, also the General Overseer of the church, advised Ghanaians to be law-abiding, live in peace and harmony and also asked Christians not only to commit themselves to the church but also to national development. He asked for Gods guidance for the pursuit of policies that would lead to the growth and development of the country. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal It is no secret that Santa Fe is the City Different and one more reason was just added to that list in a good way. A new clinical trial and medical research site has opened here, giving local residents access to cutting-edge health care normally available only to people living in much larger cities. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ AXCES Research & AXCES Health, founded by Santa Fe nurse and clinical researcher Wenoah Viekley, along with an experienced group of some of New Mexicos top, primarily female, clinical research doctors and infectious disease specialists, is not only researching the COVID-19 virus, but also beginning research into a number of other diseases, such as HIV, liver disease, hepatitis and fatty liver disease. It will fill a void left by the recent closure of another research institute. I was concerned about maintaining access to this high-level treatment being available in northern New Mexico, in particular, Viekley said. We want to ensure that New Mexicans have access to the highest quality care and that we have the opportunity to do clinical trials which are the best opportunity to do that especially when it came to COVID. The new medical facility is actively studying monoclonal antibodies associated with COVID-19, as well as various treatment options, such as Remdesivir, which President Donald Trump used after he contracted the virus. The monoclonal antibodies is the key piece everybody is trying to get their hands on, Viekley said. With a vaccine, it stimulates the bodys ability to produce antibodies. With monoclonal, you are infusing the antibodies into the body and they can get to work right away. Viekley and her team began preparations for the work several months ago, seeking a response from drug manufacturers. We were hoping to have a study or two in the first few months we were open, but weve actually got nine that we decided to start with, she said. We were actually a bit overwhelmed by the amount of interest the scientific community has expressed in us. Were grateful for our reputation in the scientific community. The COVID work is particularly important now as the hospitals continue to be inundated with patients, she said. Outpatient clinical trials offer the opportunity to make treatments available to keep people out of the hospitals, Viekley said. Whats more, because the trials are supported by the manufacturers of the treatment, patients not only do not have to pay for their treatment, but also are compensated for their time and mileage. We are supported by companies who are interested in licensing their drugs, Viekley said. All studies are FDA and Institutional Review Board approved. We are very careful with the ethics, the scientific merit, how the study is designed, and whether it is safe and appropriate. We are compensated for our time and effort, enrolling subjects and making treatment available in the community. One of the aspects of the COVID-19 work that has Viekley particularly excited is work toward an oral antibody. Thats particularly attractive in New Mexico with its many rural communities, she said. Not having to have a transfusion is a very attractive option for treatment. AXCES is actively seeking COVID-positive patients for their studies and can pre-screen people over the phone. The primary eligibility is having a positive COVID test result within the past week, Viekley said. A symptom of COVID in the past week, being 18-plus with an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma, liver or kidney issues, or over 55 without any of preexisting issues. If a patient is sick enough to need oxygen or hospitalization, theyre not going to be eligible because the point is to keep them out of the hospital. AXCES also can provide COVID-19 tests on weekends and off hours, but the patient must pay for those, she said. With the initial steps already showing such promise, Viekely said the group wants to quickly move into other parts of the state, with branches in Albuquerque and then Las Cruces.Colleagues in large, urban centers have a volume of research patients, but Santa Fe is a small community. What that has done is encouraged us to be really, really good at what we do, she said. Were a boutique research site. But the quality and caliber of our work is exceptional. We specialize in several different types of scientific work. We have small numbers of patients, but more intense studies that are added on to bigger studies. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Government's crackdown on GST fake invoice scam has resulted in recovery of Rs 700 crore, arrests of 215 persons, and unearthing of 6,600 fake GST Identification Numbers (GSTIN). About 2,200 cases have been filed over the past two months. Sources said that those arrested not only include fake entities operators but also end beneficiaries, who connived with these fraudsters running businesses of fake invoices on commission basis. Out of the 215 arrests so far, there are 71 masterminds, 81 proprietors, 36 director/managing directors, 15 partners, 3 CEOs, 6 chartered accountants and one each of company secretary, broker, and GST practitioner. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) and the CGST Commissionerates were able to bust the scam of fake invoice generation and fraudulent availing of input tax credit. The GST intelligence authorities used data analytics, data-sharing and AI along with BAFTA tool to identify layer-by-layer activities of these fake entities and pinpoint the fraudsters with precise input. DGGI sources said that in the last two days 17 arrests have been made in fake invoice frauds and further investigations are on. So far, maximum arrests have been made in the Mumbai zone, with 23 persons. Meanwhile, in two days Ahmedabad Zonal Unit had booked 14 cases and initiated actions against A K Impex, Mannat Impex, Roselabs Bioscience Ltd, M/s Tushar Mehta, Makani Enterprise, Goodluck Traders, Priya Blue Metals, Krishna Marketing, Jaybhole Enterprises, Shree Shubhlaxmi Industries, SK Trading Co, C K Corporation, Shree Aashapura Traders and Niraj Cement Structurals. At least eight of them were found to be non-existent and had availed or utilised ITC of more than Rs 113 crore through fake invoices in garments, copper waste scrap, medicines, ferrous waste and scrap, cement and coal. While CGST Bengaluru Zone booked cases against five firms, CGST Indore Commissionerate detected cases against four fake firms including Kundan Enterprises, Balaji Trading. One Classic Enterprises was found issuing high value invoices and passing on ITC to the tune of Rs. 6.82 crore to soyabean traders. DGGI Bhubaneswar Zonal Unit booked three cases against Radha Krishna Sales Corporation, Varmora Steel and Cement and Mahalaxmi Iron, which were involved in fraudulent ITC of about Rs 45 crore on fake invoices of bars and rods, hot-rolled, iron or non-alloy steel and limestone, aluminium waste, copper waste and portland cement. Also, in Chennai, DGGI Zonal Unit arrested M Ashokan, managing director) of Srimarg Human Resource Pvt Ltd and his accountant for availing/passing on fraudulent ITC of Rs 22 crore on fake invoices of manpower services. This case is similar to that of food delivery chain Swiggy and that of Instakart, a subsidiary of e-com giant Filipkart. Sources informed that Delhi CGST Zone detected a case of fraudulent availment/passing of ITC to the tune of Rs 150 crore by B2X Sales India Pvt Ltd dealing in LED TV and scrap. Amit Bindal, Director of the firm, was arrested for setting up more than 12 bogus firms. Further detection in the case of Aryan Mittal has led to investigation against Vishal Metal which availed fraudulent ITC of Rs 14 crore on fake invoices of water fitting valves. In this case, Dinesh Jain who owns 4 bogus firms was arrested in the matter. CGST Hyderabad Zone arrested three persons Mukesh Kumar Goel, Sanjay Joshi and Rahul Aggarwal and booked cases against Pritam Footwear Corporation, Yogesh Footwear and Rajesh Footwear on the basis of intelligence received from Maharashtra State GST Department, for fraudulent availment of ITC and fraudulent IGST refund of Rs 33 crore on fake invoices of footwear. The bank accounts of the firms were provisionally attached. To further tackle the menace of fake invoice frauds and misutilisation of ITC, the government has acted on the recommendations of the Law Committee of GST Council and has placed qualified restrictions of 1 per cent on the use of ITC for tax liability in a manner that does not impact ease of doing business for genuine taxpayers. Also read: 3 reasons why GST collections hit record high of Rs 1.15 lakh crore Also read: Tax evaders beware! I-T dept tightens noose around those ignoring notices Washington: Support grew among Democrats for impeaching President Trump over the Capitol riot and a new Republican senator indicated openness to such a step, while the president remained out of public view and authorities charged more rioters. An expanding number of House Democrats had signed onto an article of impeachment by Saturday that a trio of House Democrats plan to introduce on Monday. Their single article of impeachment focuses on Wednesdays violent breach of the Capitol complex and accuses the president of inciting an insurrection. One of its authors, Rep. David Cicilline (D., R.I.), said Saturday on CNN that they now have 185 Democratic supporters and hope to get some Republicans as well, up from more than 150 on Friday as fallout from the deadly riot at the Capitol continued. We have a responsibility to hold him accountable and take this action," Mr. Cicilline told CNN. Authorities on Saturday charged additional people in connection with the attack, which many say was spurred on by Mr. Trumps rhetoric as he for weeks falsely claimed the election had been stolen. An increasing number of Republicans were also indicating a potential willingness to impeach Mr. Trump, although the timeline and logistics of such a move remained uncertain Saturday. Sen. Pat Toomey (R., Pa.) said Saturday on Fox News that he believed Mr. Trump had committed impeachable actions and was no longer fit to serve. I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, but I dont know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything," said Mr. Toomey, who has announced he will not run for re-election next year. I do think the presidents behavior this week does disqualify him from serving." On Friday, Sen. Ben Sasse (R., Neb.) said he would consider impeachment, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska) called on Mr. Trump to resign. The complicity, the instigation of the president of the United States must and will be addressed," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) told supporters Saturday at a virtual event. Wednesday must be addressed with justice." Mrs. Pelosi didnt indicate whether she would reconvene the House to consider further action against Mr. Trump. On Friday Mrs. Pelosi said the House would move to impeachment if Mr. Trump didnt leave office imminently. Mrs. Pelosi hasnt specifically backed the article of impeachment that Mr. Cicilline and fellow Democratic Reps. Ted Lieu of California and Jamie Raskin of Maryland plan to introduce Monday. Democratic leadership also hasnt scheduled a vote on the matter. The House is scheduled to be in recess until after the Biden inauguration, meaning it would have to end the recess and reconvene. The vast majority of House Democrats are pushing to vote on such a measure next week and send the article of impeachment to the Senate. If passed, it would make Mr. Trump the first president in the nations history to be impeached twice. The presidents first impeachment ended in acquittal by the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) sent a memo to Republican senators on Friday outlining how an impeachment trial could work, saying it would be impossible to do it before Mr. Biden becomes president. President-elect Joe Biden hasnt embraced demands for Mr. Trumps removal, saying he is focused on getting his administration off the ground amid the coronavirus pandemic and other challenges. On Saturday, Mr. Biden tweeted a line from a past speech saying, Our president is not above the law. Justice serves the peopleit doesnt protect the powerful." A group of seven House Republicans appealed to Mr. Biden on Saturday, asking him to urge Mrs. Pelosi not to move forward with impeachment. This impeachment would undermine your priority of unifying Americans, and would be a further distraction to our nation at a time when millions of our fellow citizens are hurting because of the pandemic and the economic fallout," GOP Reps. Ken Buck of Colorado and Chip Roy of Texas, among others, wrote in a letter to Mr. Biden. Mrs. Pelosi said she viewed racial resentment as a motivating factor for the largely white mob that stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this presidentfor the momentwho have chosen their whiteness over democracy," she said Saturday. Thats what this is about." The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. On Friday, a spokesman said, A politically motivated impeachment against a president, who has done a great job, with 12 days remaining in his term will only serve to further divide our great country." Mr. Trump stayed out of public view at the White House on Saturday, and aides didnt respond to a request for comment on his activities. He has been planning his departure from office, possibly on Jan. 19, and has said he would skip Mr. Bidens inauguration the following day. Twitter Inc. banned Mr. Trumps personal account on Friday, citing the risk of further incitement of violence as some of his supporters plan inauguration demonstrations, with one event being advertised in conservative circles as a Million Militia March. Allies of President Trump decried the ban, arguing it represented the biggest move yet to silence conservative voices. Big Techs PURGE, censorship & abuse of power is absurd & profoundly dangerous," Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) tweeted Saturday. If you agree w/ Techs current biases (Iran, good; Trump, bad), ask yourself, what happens when you disagree?" Meanwhile, Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.) tweeted, Even those who oppose Trump should see the danger of having a small & unelected group with the power to silence & erase anyone. And their actions will only stoke new grievances that will end up fueling the very thing they claim to be trying to prevent." Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley tweeted, Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country. #Unbelievable." Ms. Haley also told members of the Republican National Committee on Thursday that Mr. Trump will be judged harshly by history." Mr. Trumps former campaign manager Brad Parscale acknowledged Twitter had a right to remove the president but was critical of the move: Americans should be afraid, very afraid, of cancel culture," he said on Twitter. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Power was gradually being restored to major cities across Pakistan Sunday after it was hit by a massive electricity blackout, officials said. The electricity distribution system in the nation of more than 210 million people is a complex -- and delicate -- web, and a problem in one section of the grid can lead to cascading breakdowns countrywide. The latest blackout was caused by a fault in southern Pakistan at 11:41 pm local time on Saturday (1841 GMT), power minister Omar Ayub Khan tweeted, citing preliminary reports. "The fault tripped the transmission system of the country... leading to the shutdown of power plants," Khan said. The blackout plunged all of Pakistan's major cities into darkness, including the capital Islamabad, economic hub Karachi and the second-largest city Lahore. Khan said "the breakdown took place when frequency tripped from 50 to zero in the electricity distribution system. However, electricity is gradually being restored across the country". There were no immediate reports of disruption at hospitals, which can often rely on back-up generators. A water and power ministry spokesman said power had been restored to some parts of the country but many areas in Lahore and Karachi were still waiting. He added that an investigation has been launched to probe the cause of the blackout. Netblocks, which monitors internet outages, said internet connectivity in the country "collapsed" as a result of the blackout. Connectivity was at "62 percent of ordinary levels," it said in a tweet. In 2015 an apparent rebel attack on a key power line plunged around 80 percent of Pakistan into darkness. That blackout, one of the worst in Pakistan's history, caused electricity to be cut in major cities nationwide, including Islamabad, and even affected one of the country's international airports. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Latino small business owners or entrepreneurs are hardy hit by global pandemic. But there are essential tools and sources of funding that can be utilized to rebuild their businesses. Latino Entrepreneurs Amid the Pandemic Latinos opened more small businesses in 2020 or before the pandemic began in the country. This is also supported by data from the Pew Research Center. The center said that Latinos either own or open more small businesses across the country compared to other minority groups. Read also: Latino-owned Businesses are Growing at a Fast Pace as Hispanic population in the US increases However, Latin entrepreneurs were hardly hit by the global pandemic and forced most of them to shut down their operations. While others managed to survive by shifting their businesses through deliveries and take-out orders. Another challenge that adds up to the problem of Latino entrepreneurs is that they were not able to access the same rate of Paycheck Protection Program compared to other small business owners in the country under the CARES Act. Despite these challenges and problems, you do not have to worry if you are a Latino owning a small business in the country. There are essential tools, support, and sources of funding that one can utilize to rebuild their business. Read also: More Latino-Owned Businesses Continue to Suffer Due to Coronavirus Pandemic Here are the following guides to help you thrive in your business amid the pandemic, according to CNBC. 1. Social Media and Digital Tools In this time of the global pandemic, the best way to sell your products is through the use of social media and other digital tools. This became a trend not only in the country but across the globe. The global pandemic has opened doors as well to different ways of online selling. The use of social media and digital tools is a cost-effective way to market your business strengthen customer relationships, and sell through new channels. Additionally, social media is a tool to help level the playing field and grow your business during good and challenging times. 2. Business Accelerators This is also very important for Latino entrepreneurs who continually struggle to survive amid the pandemic. Start-up accelerators can help early-stage entrepreneurs find training, mentorship, resources, and potential funding for their new ventures. Some of them focused exclusively on Latino-owned start-ups and can be found in metro areas across the U.S. and this includes the following: 3. Networking and Support Groups Latino small business owners enjoy different local and national support from organizations that focus to help Latino and Hispanic entrepreneurs to find the resources they need to succeed. Most major cities have a Hispanic Chamber of Commerce that can help entrepreneurs access local support. This is more evident in heavily-populated cities like Miami. Meanwhile, the following are the groups that support Latino and Hispanic small business owners or entrepreneurs at the national level: The utility of lying on a grand scale was first demonstrated nearly a century ago by leaders like Stalin and Hitler, who coined the term big lie in 1925 and rose to power on the lie that Jews were responsible for Germanys defeat in World War I. For the German and Soviet dictators, lying was not merely a habit or a convenient way of sanding down unwanted facts but an essential tool of government. It tested and strengthened loyalty by forcing underlings to cheer statements they knew to be false and rallied the support of ordinary people who, Hitler realized, more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie because, while they might fib in their daily lives about small things, it would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths. By promoting a colossal untruth of his own that he won a sacred landslide election victory and sticking to it despite scores of court rulings establishing otherwise, Mr. Trump has outraged his political opponents and left even some of his longtime supporters shaking their heads at his mendacity. In embracing this big lie, however, the president has taken a path that often works at least in countries without robustly independent legal systems and news media along with other reality checks. After 20 years in power in Russia, President Vladimir V. Putin, for example, has shown that Mr. Kennan was right when, writing from the Russian capital in 1944, he said, Here men determine what is true and what is false. Many of Mr. Putins falsehoods are relatively small, like the claim that journalists who exposed the role of Russias security service in poisoning opposition leader Aleksei A. Navalny were working for the C.I.A. Others are not, like his insistence in 2014 that Russian soldiers played no role in the seizure of Crimea from Ukraine, or in fighting in eastern Ukraine. (He later acknowledged that of course they were involved in grabbing Crimea.) Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc (R) and Congressman Ted Yoho (Photo: VNA) During their phone talk, Ambassador Ngoc appreciated Yohos contributions to the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership in recent times, while highlighting the sound development of the two countries ties along with friendship of close friends and partners of Vietnam like Congressman Yoho. He thanked Yoho for his participation in and contributions to the success of major activities marking the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the US (1995-2020). Ngoc expressed his wish that Yoho, in his new position, will continue contributing to promoting multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. Ngoc took this opportunity to propose Yoho continue supporting efforts to reach satisfactory, equal and win-win solutions for investigations into Vietnams monetary policy and timber imports and use under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. Ted Yoho, for his part, expressed his special sentiment towards the land and people of Vietnam, saying he admired achievements Vietnam has obtained in recent times. He affirmed to continue making contributions to the two countries ties, especially in economic and agricultural cooperation, while pledging to continue discussing with relevant US agencies in order to contribute to ensuring a positive, win-win solution relating to investigations under Section 301. The phone talk was among recent discussions and meetings between Ambassador Ngoc and the Vietnamese Embassy in the US and the US administration, parliament, businesses and scholars in order to maintain the development of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership./. Many of Freehold Raceway's regulars were in the spotlight this Saturday (January 9), as Freehold kicked off the Harold Kelly Memorial Pacing Series. Local horsemen flooded the box for the first leg of this series, which is restricted to horses and geldings owned, sired, or foaled in New Jersey. The first division, restricted to horses with a TrackMaster Horse Rating between 68.00 and 71.50, attracted 23 entries, and was split up into three races. Reuben Tune Ups took his division of the first leg at 9-1, taking charge after the three-quarter point and holding on. He went the mile in 1:58, for owner/trainer Ann DePietro and driver Jim Marohn Jr. Officer Blue Chip prevailed in his split, winning a stretch battle with Our Art and Heaven for the 7/1 win. Jack Pelling had the winning drive for owner/trainer John Urbanski., stopping the clock in 1:58.3. The third and final grouping of that division's pacers went to Test Ride, who drew off in the stretch to win impressively at 2/1. Marohn had the winning drive again, for owner Symon Spicer and trainer George Beck. The time was 1:56.4. Meanwhile, the second division of leg 1, for horses with a TrackMaster Horse Rating between 71.51 and 75.00, drew 25 entrants, and was also split up into three races. Taste Of History took them gate-to-wire in his division, winning at 2-1 for owner/trainer Edwin Quevedo and driver Austin Siegelman. He paced the mile in 1:56.1. Later that day, Go Sue Me retook the lead around the second turn and held on to win his division of the first leg at 7/2. Steve Smith was in the sulky; the time was 1:58.3. The final division of the second division's first leg went to Clint Westwood, who rallied wide in the stretch to win at 2/1 in 1:58.2. The winner's owned by Alma Iafelice, trainer Bill MacKenzie, and driver Dan Dube. Horses who competed in the first leg earned points for their division's finals, which will take place on January 23. The winners earned 50 points, with second place getting 25, third earning 12, fourth receiving 8, fifth nabbing 5, sixth picking up 3, seventh obtaining 2, and eighth getting 1. They'll have a chance to earn more points in the second leg, next week. Dube and Austin Siegelman each won three races. In addition to his win on Clint Westwood, Dube won Race 8 on Maching Time, for trainer Izzy Estrada, and the 10th race on Lyons Steel, for trainer Dennis Watson. Siegelman won two for trainer Mike Posner, pulling the seventh race upset with 24-1 Mister Indiana, and Race 9 on favoured Vasari N. Siegelman's win on Taste Of History rounded out his set of wins. Live harness racing resumes at Freehold on Thursday, starting at 12:30 p.m. TONY BELTRAMI WINS $9,000 ADHC TROT AT FREEHOLD Last week Tony Beltrami got a late start with Broadway Bruiser and although the veteran trotter finished with a rush he was a head short at the wire. Today Beltrami kept his trotter in contention early and the six-year-old altered son of Muscle Mass was not to be denied when he rallied alongside pacesetter Wygant Prince (Paul Minore) and went on to a 2:02.1 one length victory in the $9,000 American Harness Drivers Club trot at Freehold Raceway on the chilly Saturday afternoon of January 9. When the wings of the mobile gate folded Minore sent his charge to the lead from the five hole and they had command at the first stanza as the timer flashed up :30. But no sooner did Minore grab leather Beltrami was out and going forward with Broadway Bruiser. As the leaders passed the halfway point they were one-two and at the three quarters it was still Wygant Prince on the inside and Broadway Bruiser on the outside. But when they turned for home Broadway Bruiser was the strong horse, taking command late en route to a 2:02.1 triumph. The betting favourite, Masster Blue (Tony Verruso), had road trouble and didn't shake loose until late and had to settle for the show dough. Broadway Bruiser is owned by Allister Stables LLC of Monroe Township, N.J. and is trained Williams Hernandez. He paid $8.40 for win. (Freehold / AHDC) 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 View Results Pacific International Lines Ltd. has agreed to pay $3 million in criminal penalties for illegally dumping waste oil into the ocean at Apra Harbor and engaging in a coverup of the environmental crime. The charges stemmed from discharges of oily bilge water from the Kota Harum into the navigable waters of the United States while the vessel was docked at Apra Harbor. Pacific International, based in Singapore, was engaged in international trade transporting cargo to and from Guam. On Oct. 4, 2019, the second engineer and chief engineer illegally disposed of bilge water. The company admitted it knowingly failed to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book on the Kota Harum. The company agreed to pay $1.5 million of the fine within 30 days of sentencing and the remaining $1.5 million to be paid in equal $500,000 installments at the end of each of the first years of probation. And $500,000 will be paid to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund pursuant to the Clean Water Act. Pacific International agreed not to commit any further violations of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and agreed to fund and implement the environmental remedial measures set forth in the environmental compliance plan. Maung Maung Soe, chief engineer of the Kota Harum, pleaded guilty to failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book. The charge carries a maximum penalty of six years imprisonment. Peng Luo Hai, second engineer of the Kota Harum, pleaded guilty to knowingly discharging oil into the waters of the U.S. a charge that carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment. According to court documents, Soe and Hai were responsible for the direction to discharge the oily bilge water and concealing the fact that it was being dumped into the ocean. 1. The drumbeat for a second Trump impeachment is getting louder. Speaker Nancy Pelosi could bring a new article of impeachment to the House floor as early as Monday, charging President Trump with incitement of insurrection for his role in encouraging a mob that went on to ransack the Capitol on Wednesday. Privately, Republican leaders said conviction was not out of the question. A second impeachment would be a final showdown that will test the boundaries of politics, accountability and the Constitution, writes Peter Baker, our chief White House correspondent. Lisa Murkowski and Patrick Toomey became the first Republican senators to publicly join the multitude of calls for Mr. Trump to resign. London, Jan 10 : Carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere this year will reach levels 50 per cent higher than before the Industrial Revolution due to human-caused emissions, according to the annual forecast of the UK Met Office. The increase is driven by emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation, but will be slightly smaller than usual due to a temporary strengthening of natural carbon sinks, Xinhua news agency quoted the British national weather service as saying in the forecast released Friday. Weather patterns linked to the current La Nina event are expected to promote a temporary burst of growth in tropical forests that soak up some of humanity's emissions, it said. Despite these La Nina-related effects, CO2 will still continue to build up in the atmosphere and will exceed 417 ppm (parts per million) for several weeks from April to June in 2021, which is "50 per cent higher than the level of 278 ppm in the late 18th Century when widespread industrial activity began", said the Met Office. "Although the Covid-19 pandemic meant that 7 per cent less CO2 was emitted worldwide in 2020 than in previous years, that still added to the ongoing build-up in the atmosphere," said Professor Richard Betts, who leads the production of the Met Office's annual CO2 forecast. "The human-caused build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere is accelerating. It took over 200 years for levels to increase by 25 per cent, but now just over 30 years later we are approaching a 50 percent increase. "Reversing this trend and slowing the atmospheric CO2 rise will need global emissions to reduce, and bringing them to a halt will need global emissions to be brought down to net zero. This needs to happen within about the next 30 years if global warming is to be limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius," the professor added. La Nina event is part of the climate pattern known as El Nino Southern Oscillation, a scientific term that describes the oscillating temperature changes between the ocean and atmosphere in the Equatorial Pacific. La Nina is known as the cold phase while El Nino is known as the warm phase. The international community, including both developing and developed countries, already recognised the importance of joining hands in tackling climate change. In 2021, China and the UK will host the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) and the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), respectively. An exhausted intensive care nurse has revealed the emotional toll of 'zipping up body bags' as she begs the British public to stop flouting coronavirus lockdown rules. Ameera Sheikh, 28, who zipped up the body bag on her fourth Covid-19 patient in just two days at a hard-hit London hospital, said she can't sleep any more 'because the nightmares are too much'. Her comments come after the UK's Covid-19 death toll passed 80,000, after a further 1,035 deaths were recorded yesterday, increasing fears that the total will surpass 100,000 by the end of the month. Ameera Sheikh, 28, who zipped up the body bag on her fourth Covid-19 patient in just two days at a hard-hit London hospital, said she can't sleep any more 'because the nightmares are too much' London's mayor Sadiq Khan declared a 'major incident' across the capital in the face of soaring Covid-19 cases. Pictured: Paramedics transfer a patient from an ambulance into the Royal London Hospital on January 8 The ICU nurse revealed she and her colleagues are on their feet for up to 14 hours a day and some medics 'are so burnt out that they can't eat'. Ameera hit out at anti-lockdown protesters and said none of them will 'ever zip up a body bag in their lives' whilst she and her colleagues are risking their lives every day to treat patients. She also said 'our Government has failed us' as London's mayor Sadiq Khan declared a 'major incident' across the capital in the face of soaring Covid-19 cases. Ameera hit out at anti-lockdown protesters and said none of them will 'ever zip up a body bag in their lives' whilst she and her colleagues are risking their lives every day to treat patients. Pictured: Police officers arrest anti-lockdown protester outside Houses of Parliament in London on 6 January Ameera told The Sunday People: 'Each day is as bad as the next. Some days it's so intense. You feel so sick inside that you can't even bring yourself to drink a glass of water. 'We are on our feet for 13 or 14 hours a day, running around. I don't sleep any more because the nightmares are too much.' Ameera, who has worked for the NHS for 12 years, begged the British public to not break the coronavirus lockdown rules in order to help save lives. She said: 'Please don't break the rules. I have worked overseas in less developed countries where they don't have the resources like we do and what is going on right now reminds me of those experiences. 'Death was all around us then and death is all around us now.' The ICU nurse revealed she and her colleagues are on their feet for up to 14 hours a day and some medics 'are so burnt out that they can't eat'. Pictured: A nurse works on a patient in the ICU in St George's Hospital in Tooting, London In a scathing rebuke of the anti-lockdown groups who are flouting lockdown restrictions, she said: 'They don't have any medical qualifications yet feel it's OK to make unfounded comments. 'When will they realise what's going on? Will it be when they lose someone they love? 'They need to realise the world doesn't revolve around them. Other people are living in this world too and many have died because people chose not to wear a mask or wanted to hang out with their pals.' She continued: 'We can have a day where patients are dying all day long and you are having to quickly wash them and zip up a body bag. 'None of the people from anti-lockdown groups will ever zip up a body bag in their lives.' Staff nurses work in the corridor of the Acute Dependency Unit at St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London The nurse has treated a number of patients who they know have broken lockdown rules. 'As healthcare workers we have to suspend judgement. Some people are very lucky not to have experienced Covid. Ameera, who is a Unite union representative, added: '[Some people] admit to flouting the laws and are apologetic, while others don't care. They have maybe lost their jobs or feel isolated and therefore don't trust anything the Government says. 'Some are very sick but deny they have Covid at all.' Speaking of the emotional toll of the virus and working in a hard-hit London hospital, Ameera added: 'I've lost friends and colleagues to this virus and we have doctors working in red zones who have come back from retirement or are medically vulnerable. 'Staff are falling sick and it's no surprise when, in many areas of the hospital, they are only wearing aprons and simple surgical masks. 'It's only the staff on ICU who are wearing full PPE. Everyone is scared of catching the new variant because it's so much more infectious and many of us are still waiting for our vaccinations.' A consultant takes a moment to use his phone in the corridor of the Intensive Care Unit at St George's Hospital in Tooting Hospitals in London will run out of beds within weeks if the spread of coronavirus is not dramatically reduced, Mr Khan warned as he declared a 'major incident' across the city. The capital's mayor said Covid-19 cases were 'out of control' and implored Londoners to stay at home 'unless it is absolutely necessary for you to leave' in order to save lives and protect the NHS. Chris Whitty has also warned hospitals are facing 'the worst crisis in living memory' as Covid-19 cases continue to soar - with 46,000 medical workers now off sick. Britons who don't take the coronavirus lockdown seriously will cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door, Professor Chris Whitty warned in a scathing article for the Sunday Times. Britons not taking the coronavirus lockdown seriously could soon cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door, Professor Chris Whitty warned in a scathing article for the Sunday Times. Pictured, ambulances outside the Royal London Hospital on January 8 And almost 50,000 hospital workers are currently off sick with Covid-19, according to the chair of the British Medical Association, Chaand Nagpaul, meaning an already stretched workforce is under even more pressure, reported The Guardian. Prof Whitty blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable. 'We must stay home except for work, exercise and necessary activities. Every unneccesary interaction you have could be the link in the chain of transmission which has a vulnerable person at the end,' he wrote. The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history. Prof Whitty (pictured) blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable Speaking about the high-demand in UK hospitals, Ameera said: 'During and after the first wave, a lot of staff had handed in their resignation, and that's across many hospitals in the UK. 'A lot of people were just about coping in the first wave. [But] because of the way that they were treated, because of what they saw, the trauma, and not being supported well enough by management - they left. 'So now we're seeing a massive surge, being in the second wave, and it's worse than the first wave. 'It's so stressful, my colleagues aren't coping very well. Some of them are so burnt out that they can't eat, they can't sleep, they can't bring themselves to come into work. How has our Government failed us, and had all these months to prepare?' Footage showed the inside of St George's Hospital as Covid cases soar in Britain. The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history Ameera also revealed some hospitals in the capital are now so overwhelmed that staff have no option put to place a negative patient with positive cases because there isn't enough space. She said: 'In London we are playing musical beds, moving patients from one hospital to another nearby to create space. 'We are opening new intensive care units and new Covid wards, but with what staff? A lot of staff handed in their resignations after the first wave. Nurses are looking after three or even four patients each in ICU. 'There are some hospitals who have the odd negative patient amongst a bay of positive cases because they've run out of side rooms.' In a letter to Boris Johnson he has demanded churches and other places of worship be closed and for face masks to be worn routinely outside of the home, including in supermarket queues and other places outside that may be crowded Mr Khan warned that more than one per cent of the city's nine million residents tested positive for Covid last week, with one in 30 residents currently estimated to be infected. In the worst-hit boroughs, it is feared the rate is as high as one in 20 and startling figures also show that hospital admissions rose by a quarter in the first week of January. More than 7,000 NHS beds across the capital are currently occupied by Covid patients - 35 per cent higher than the busiest day of the pandemic in the spring. Police blasted a 'small selfish minority' ignoring the rules and promised to come down hard on transgressors who are refusing to stop partying despite the highly transmissible pathogen being rife. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: 'I know Londoners will be shocked that officers are still dealing with a small selfish minority who think the rules don't apply to them by holding house parties, large warehouse raves or other gatherings. These are creating breeding grounds for the much more transmissible variant.' Police blasted a 'small selfish minority' ignoring the rules and promised to come down hard on transgressors who are refusing to stop partying despite the highly transmissible pathogen being rife. Pictured: A man is arrested by police during an anti-lockdown protest at Parliament Square in London on 6 January Police confronted protesters chanting 'take your freedom back' as they marched through Clapham on Saturday to call for opposition against national lockdown measures ordering people to stay at home. The protest, organised by group StandupX, was attended by a few dozen people who marched from Clapham Common, in south London, and then down the high street, prompting car drivers to blare their horns. After reaching the Argos store in Clapham, a video which was broadcast online showed brief scuffles between protesters and the Metropolitan Police as they appeared to arrest one man. At least 10 officers could be seen surrounding the protesters. Police confronted protesters chanting 'take your freedom back' as they marched through Clapham on Saturday to call for opposition against national lockdown measures ordering people to stay at home After reaching the Argos store in Clapham, a video which was broadcast online showed brief scuffles between protesters and police as officers appeared to arrest one man. At least 10 officers could be seen surrounding the protesters The protest, organised by group StandupX, was attended by a few dozen people who marched from Clapham Common, in south London, and then down the high street, prompting car drivers to blare their horns Further scuffles then broke out outside a nearby Sainsbury's store as officers made another arrest. Police said in a statement posted on Twitter that they had detained 12 people. It comes after the Metropolitan Police warned its officers will take action against protesters and will fine them the first time they are caught flouting lockdown rules. The number of people who tested positive for coronavirus across the country rose by 59,937 yesterday, 3.8 per cent higher than last Saturday's figure but down 8,000 on the previous day. Shattered staff at London's largest hospital St George's say they are working 'to the limit' of their ability, battling low morale, exhausting shift patterns, and the prospect that the worst is still to come. Medical Director at NHS London, Vin Diwakar, warned medics that even if coronavirus patients grew at the lowest likely rate and hospital capacity is increased - including opening the Nightingale at the ExCel Centre - the NHS would still be short 2,000 general, acute and ICU beds by January 19, the HSJ reports. Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain - and bosses fear that there will be an exodus of staff when the third lockdown ends at Easter. Intensive care consultant Mohamed Ahmed said he had seen staff in tears at the end of their shift, while some decided they could no longer come to work Staff at London's University College Hospital told the BBC they are having to make choices about which patients to prioritise after a surge in young people left fighting for their life and needing ventilators. St George's emergency department consultant Dr Mark Haden said: 'Everyone's stress levels are higher than usual. Everyone is working to the limit, to the threshold of what they're able to. The hospital bed occupancy is very, very high, it has lots of Covid patients as inpatients at the moment.' The Press Association was given access to the ICU where Ms Cooper said: 'There is very little joy in our work at the moment. It's hard to find that joy when you come into work - you're scared for your colleagues, your families and yourself.' She said some staff have had to be sent home to take time off due to the unprecedented pressures on the job, while others have battled on despite not being able to see family abroad for nearly a year. The Great Pottery Throw Down is back for 2021 - here's all you need to know. The series follows 12 passionate, home potters as they strive to create their most intricate and imaginative work, before their pieces are judged by the expert judging duo and a variety of well-known faces and experts from the world of pottery. Advertisements Originally airing on the BBC between 2015 and 2017, the show returned in 2020 on Channel 4 where it is now airing a fourth series. Watch The Great Pottery Throw Down 2021 on TV and online The Great Pottery Throw Down 2021 will air on Sunday nights on Channel 4 from 10 January. Episodes will air weekly at 7:45PM. You'll be able to watch online and catch up via the All 4 player here and the last series is also currently available to watch in full. The Great Pottery Throw Down judges, hosts and contestants Series 4 in 2021 will be hosted by Siobhan McSweeney who takes over from Melanie Sykes. Keith Brymer Jones is back as a judge, joined by Rich Miller. Rich previously worked on the show since series 1 as Pottery technician. The contestants on this year's series are Henry, Adam, Peter, Ara, Shenyue, Hannah, Irina, Jodie, Lee, Alon, Susan and Sally. Top row (L-R): Adam, Susan, Sally, Peter, Shenyue & Jodie. Bottom row (L-R): Hannah, Alon, Ara, Irina, Henry, Lee The Great Pottery Throw Down spoilers In the first episode on 10 January, the battle of the clay returns in a brand-new series of The Great Pottery Throw Down as 12 of Britain's best home potters compete to become champion. In week 1, judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller set the potters two challenges against the clock: to throw a cheese set and port chalices, as the battle of clay kicks off at the wheel. Advertisements Who will be named potter of the week, and who will be first to leave the pottery? Picture: Channel 4 She is about to star on the second season of A Discovery of Witches. And Australian actress Teresa Palmer believes not all supernatural and worldly abilities are left for the screen and fairytales. The 34-year-old divulged her ability in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph on Sunday: 'I think we all have the ability to tap into our innate intuition and I try to do that, absolutely.' 'I try to do that': Australian actress Teresa Palmer (pictured), 34, has revealed she used her 'ability to tap into our innate intuition' to score the lead of university historian and witch Diana Bishop on the BINGE series A Discovery of Witches Teresa claims that without tapping into her 'innate intuition', she would have likely been without the series' lead of university historian and witch Diana Bishop. The mother also added she would have been without the role if it was not for the help of actress friend Phoebe Tonkin, who gave her a 'little boost of confidence' before the audition. Phoebe, 31, has played a variety of roles over the years, including a witch on The Secret Circle. 'It was Phoebe Tonkin who have me a little boost of confidence before I walked into my Discovery of Witches audition,' Teresa told the publication. Giving it her best shot: Teresa divulged her ability in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph on Sunday. Pictured with co-star Matthew Goode 'I think we all have the ability to tap into our innate intuition and I try to do that, absolutely': Teresa confessed to The Sunday Telegraph on Sunday. Pictured with co-star Lindsay Duncan Celebrity support: Teresa added she would have also been without the role if it was not for the help of actress pal Phoebe Tonkin (pictured), who gave her a 'little boost of confidence' before the audition 'Having been a witch on TV before, she messaged me and said, "from one witch to another, you've got this"... and it was great.' The supernatural series is an adaption of Deborah Harkness' 2011 historical-fantasy novel, A Discovery of Witches. Its first episode are expected to arrive on BINGE on Wednesday, with others to follow every consecutive week. Coming to BINGE from Wednesday: The supernatural series is an adaption of Deborah Harkness' 2011 historical-fantasy novel, A Discovery of Witches. Pictured: Teresa with co-stars Valarie Pettiford (left) and Alex Kingston (right) Teresa's interview follows celebrating her seventh wedding anniversary with her husband, Mark Webber. The Australian actress shared the Tweet that led to her marrying the American director. She explained she had tagged the 40-year-old in post on Twitter after seeing The End of Love - a drama film he wrote and directed. Their brief interaction was the start of what has been an eight-year romance and led to the pair writing letters to each other via email while on opposite sides of the US. Cute: Teresa recently celebrated her seventh wedding anniversary with husband, Mark Webber (left) A traveler walks out of the arrivals area at Tokyo's Haneda airport on December 27, 2020. (Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images) Japan Finds New CCP Virus Strain in Travelers From Brazil A new variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which is distinct from the ones found in the United Kingdom and South Africa, has been detected in Japan, the countrys health officials said on Sunday. According to Takaji Wakita, the Director-General of Japans National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID), the variant was found in four people who arrived from Brazil. It appears to be different to the highly infections strains that are blamed for recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom and South Africa. The infected travelers, ranging from their teens to their 40s, arrived on Jan. 2 at Tokyos Haneda Airport, where they tested positive for COVID-19. Three of them had shown symptoms, including difficulty breathing, fever, and sore throat. The NIID said it is difficult at this time to evaluate how transmissible the new strain is, or how likely it will lead to severe symptoms, or how effective the vaccines against it can be. At the moment, there is no proof showing the new variant found in those from Brazil is high in infectiousness, Wakita said. In addition, two new cases of the UK strain were identified in Japan. The two infected individuals reportedly had dined with another man who tested positive after arriving from the UK. The discovery of the new CCP virus strain comes as the megalopolis of Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures entered a new state of emergency due to rising infection counts and deaths, prompting government officials to implement tougher public health restrictions in order to curb the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced that business and other travelers from 11 countries would continue to be allowed entry into Japan. Among those countries is China, which is experiencing a major outbreak in its northern heartland. Shijiazhuang, which lies about 160 miles southwest of Beijing, has been placed under strict lockdown along with its 11 million residents after new clusters of COVID-19 cases emerged there. Suga said Japan would continue allowing entry from those countries because they were considered safe in terms of COVID-19 issues, reported Asahi Shimbun. He said entry would continue to be allowed until community spread of COVID-19 variants was confirmed in that nation. As of Jan. 10, Japanese health officials have reported 4,035 deaths from COVID-19. That number includes passengers of Diamond Princess, a cruise ship quarantined off Yokohama in February 2020. The East Asian countrys deaths toll just passed the 3,000 mark on Dec. 22, meaning that some 1,000 COVID-19 patients have died in the past 20 days. Federal agents are investigating claims that New York City firefighters participated in the Capitol siege. One rioter was spotted wearing an FDNY jacket - which read FDNY Squad 252 -outside the Capitol on Wednesday. Squad 252 is based out of Brooklyn. The firefighter has not been named but is said to be retired. FDNY told New York Daily News that they had received anonymous tips offs about at least one current New York firefighter who was not wearing his uniform during the siege but was recognized from the footage. The FBI is investigating whether FDNY members participated in the Capitol building siege after at least two firefighters were pictured at Wednesday's riot FDNY spokesperson Frank Dwyer told the newspaper that 'The department received anonymous allegations that active or retired members were present at the events at the United States Capitol on January 6 and, as required, has provided that information to the FBI.' It's unclear what information was given to federal agents, but officials told the newspaper no arrests or suspensions have been made in association with the Wednesday riots. A Twitter user posted the photo, tagging the official FDNY Twitter account asking: 'do explain why your firefighters were at the insurrection?' A Twitter user, who appears to have deleted their account, tweeted out the photo of a man wearing a FDNY Squad 252 jacket. He is believed to be retired A Twitter user posted the photo, tagging the official FDNY Twitter account asking: 'do explain why your firefighters were at the insurrection?' The Twitter account appears to have been deleted since the tweet was written. As of Saturday, prosecutors have filed at least 17 cases against alleged Capitol rioters. Several people were arrested after being pictured during the siege. Among them are West Virginia delegate Derrick Evans, 35, who was newly sworn in when he streamed himself entering the Capitol on Facebook Live; Adam Johnson, 36, was was photographed carrying off Speaker Nancy Pelosi's podium, and Richard Barnett, 60, who was pictured with his feet on Pelosi's desk. Charges in the cases include assaulting police officers, entering restricted areas of the Capitol and stealing federal property. Other cases are said to be sealed, while authorities search for dozens of other people. The US attorney in Washington, DC, said that 'all options were on the table' when it came to charging the riots, including possibly sedition, ABC 7 reported. Florida firefighter Andrew Williams (pictured) was put on leave with pay as the Sanford Fire Department investigates his participation in the Capitol riot after pictures of him there surfaced. He is show pointing to a sign while in the Capitol building Wednesday Florida firefighter Andrew Williams, with the Sanford Fire Department, was outed as having participated in the Capitol riot after a photo of him from the incident was emailed to News 6, which lead to his identification. Williams was seen in a photo wearing a Trump 2020 hat and pointing at a sign that said 'Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.' Video of him at the riot was also reported to exist. The Sanford Fire Department told the news station that an investigation into the situation was launched. Williams has been put on leave with pay during the investigation. For our early morning readers an in hopes of providing balance to the local news scene, we share a word with a longtime denizen of the discourse and the only person to ever win a KCMO citywide fixed rail election. Check-it . . . Clay Chastain: The Kansas City Star, not Senator Josh Hawley, needs to resign over it's lack of "conscience" Like many scavenging democrats, KC's fading inconsequential newspaper is also out to harm someone and exploit a tragedy. Because 40% of America's voters feel the 2020 presidential election was fraudulent; because attorney general's from numerous states supported the Texas lawsuit trying to overturn the fraudulent election; and because most courts (including the SCOTUS) refused to hear any evidence the election was fraudulent (too hot a potato), Senator Hawley felt justified in demanding that evidence be heard, and available to the public, when Congress met to approve the Electoral College votes. And, it is not Hawley's fault a mob stormed the Capitol. That mob, and that mob only, is responsible for it's collective crime. The pious-acting are always trying to bring down others over anything bad that happens. Yet, the hypocritical leftist Star (acting like a raving mob itself) wrote a scathing monstrous editorial demanding Hawley resign or be removed. This mean pretentious display of self righteousness from a feeble distrusted newspaper that has this track record: (1) admitted it had, "disenfranchised, ignored and scorned generations of black people", (2) schemed to secure millions of dollars of taxpayer money to build its own flashy downtown printing palace; (3) abetted City Hall in its policy of "disenfranchising, ignoring and scorning" numerous valid petitions from the people; (4) encouraged tax abated glitzy projects for the elite and wealthy developers while letting the City's poor eat cake; (5) acquiesced while City Hall overturned the stated will of 75,000 voters who voted for a light rail petition in 2006; (6) advocated dumb insensitive policies (over decades) that culminated in Kansas City becoming one of the most violent, high taxed, school-poor and unattractive (to live) cities in America; and that (7) unconscionably tried to smear the reputation of a long time activist bucking the establishment to improve Kansas City. Where was the Star's "conscience" when it hatched all that foulness while purporting to be KC's, "paper for the people"? We should admire - not scorn - brave and sincere representatives like Senator Hawley. He tried to invoke open public debate since his constituent's had serious concerns about the integrity of the 2020 election. He seeks to call out and rein in America's censoring social media giants who now fashion themselves as our thought police. And no one doubts Big Tech and its liberal cohorts - the biased MSM - have done their part to anger, divide, misinform and manipulate the American people. The Star, which once resided in a big taxpayer-subsidized glass house, has cast stones without "conscience". Kansas City community activist, Clay Chastain ############ Developing . . . Proud Boys leader Nicholas Ochs, who shared an image of himself smoking while inside the Capitol last week, has been arrested in Hawaii but claimed that he took part in the MAGA raid as a 'professional journalist'. Shortly after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday, Ochs shared the photo of himself smoking with another man. 'Hello from the Capital[sic] lol,' the caption reads. Ochs was arrested Thursday evening after he landed at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Proud Boys leader Nicholas Ochs (right), who shared an image of himself smoking while inside the Capitol last week, has been arrested in Hawaii Ochs was arrested Thursday evening after he landed at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Ochs (circled) is seen inside the Capitol on Wednesday On Friday, the Justice Department unsealed a criminal complaint against Ochs, charging him with unlawful entry into restricted buildings or grounds. His initial appearance will be in federal court in Honolulu. A lawyer for Ochs could not be identified. According to court filings, the government will seek his removal to the District of Columbia to face this charge. During an interview with CNN, Ochs, who is the leader of the Proud Boys' Hawaii faction, admitted he was inside the Capitol, but claimed he was there as a 'professional journalist'. 'We didnt have to break in, I just walked in and filmed,' he claimed. 'There were thousands of people in there they had no control of the situation. I didnt get stopped or questioned.' Ochs is one of several dozen individuals who have been charged with unlawful entry on the Capitol grounds The top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia has said 'all options are on the table' for charging the rioters, many of whom were egged on by Trumps speech hours earlier at a rally over his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden Ochs is one of several dozen individuals who have been charged with unlawful entry on the Capitol grounds. The top federal prosecutor for the District of Columbia has said 'all options are on the table' for charging the rioters, many of whom were egged on by Trumps speech hours earlier at a rally over his election loss to President-elect Joe Biden. Investigators are combing through photos, videos and tips from the public to track down members of the violent mob. The FBI has released photos of people inside the Capitol, urging the public to help identify them. Prosecutors say these charges are just the beginning. Authorities said Friday that said additional cases remained under seal and dozens of other people were being sought by federal agents. US attorneys in several states, including Kentucky, Ohio and Oregon, said people could face charges in their home states if they traveled to Washington and took part in the riot. It takes time to build a case. Capitol Police arrested just more than a dozen people the day of the breach while DC police arrested around 70. Many people freely left the Capitol, which means investigators now have to work to identify them and track them down. Those whove been charged so far could also lead investigators to others who joined in the violent siege on Capitol Hill. The newspaper seems to have given up reporting on Kansas City current events and instead seems dedicated to spending most of their quickly dwindling resources documenting their own newsroom trivia . . . Very much like an amateur blogger. To wit . . . SUNDAY KANSAS CITY STAR NAVEL-GAZING: NEWSPAPER REPORTS ON RICH WHITE DUDE DEAD MORE THAN 100 YEARS!!! This is what happens when printing is moved out of town and the so-called paper-of-record is now run by a handful of people who pay far too much attention to Anderson Cooper. While it earned the newspaper some weekend pay cable coverage, this effort mimics their recent "apology" to Black people that was largely rejected. And so, now the dead-tree outlet continues to mine its history and share stories that only resonate with former staffers and a handful of cowtown history buffs. Check-it . . . The Kansas City Star removes the name and image of its founder William Rockhill Nelson Deets . . . The Kansas City Star has stripped from its pages and website the name, words and image that recognized its first publisher and founder, William Rockhill Nelson . . . It became really obvious that we needed to make a change, said Colleen McCain Nelson, vice president and editorial page editor for The Star. We hold him up as a beacon of sorts. And it felt like we were hitting a wrong note by continuing to do that when we had just reported how he contributed to racism in Kansas City. Last year, The Stars editorial board called for the renaming of J.C. Nichols memorial fountain and J.C. Nichols Parkway near the Country Club Plaza as city leaders reckoned with the developers role in sowing racial division across the city. The board also urged the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs to reconsider the use of Native American symbols and the teams name. We continue to wrestle with these questions in real time, said Nelson, no relation to the founder. Obviously, we cant erase history and change the fact that he is our founder. Nor are we trying to. You decide . . . The Polish-born Kudela has an eclectic filmography: she has directed ads and music videos, composited on blockbuster franchises, and orchestrated murals in a range of cities. Her knack for mixing media comes through in this historical feature, which will combine 2d digital animation, painting, and live action. (Going by the image, so does her passion for street art.) Synopsis: A door to the woods is a Polish idiom, describing something absurd, something that has no reason to exist. And yet its those stubborn, sometimes irrational, convictions that help us overcome seemingly unsurmountable adversity and come out the other side, stronger, wiser, and, most importantly, alive. Two young men and a girl, whose lives are intertwined, are forced to fight for survival, each in their own unique way, against three oppressive regimes: fascism, Stalinism, and communism. They can only win by finding their own door to the woods and by holding on to human values hope, love, and loyalty as well as to their artistic creativity. Shadows Director: Nadia Micault Producer: Autour de Minuit (France); co-producers: Panique! (Belgium), Schmuby (France) Status: In development Back in 2013, we were impressed by Micaults short film Sonata, an austere study of the movements of interpretive dance (watch it on Youtube). Shadows, a family-oriented fantasy about two young migrants (and based on the French graphic novel of the same name), projects a very different mood. Migration from Africa and Asia has been a live political issue in Europe for many years, and the subject is reflected in many projects at this years forum. Synopsis: Fleeing the Little Land, a region slaughtered by bloodthirsty horsemen, two children set out as their father did, to seek a better world in the Other World. It is the beginning of a long journey for these two migrants. They will meet the capitalist ogre, the snake-smuggler, the treacherous sirens, and the metal fortress. They also encounter other exiles, the Peacock or the Silent One. Together they will walk the long and steep road to the Promised Land, with the caring help of the Shadows. White Plastic Sky Directors: Tibor Banoczki, Sarolta Szabo Producer: Salto Films and Media Productions (Hungary); co-producer: Artichoke (Slovakia) Status: In production Banoczki and Szabo, the duo behind oddball festival darlings like the Cesar-nominated Leftover, strike a characteristically bleak tone in their feature debut. White Plastic Sky is a dystopian eco-fantasy set in a future Budapest devoid of wildlife. The film combines 2d and 3d animation, harnessing rotoscoping; the artwork weve seen is atmospheric. Synopsis: In a world without animals and plants where the laws of human survival are cruel, a young man wants to save his wife and forced to break the rules he served before. The Lost Queen Director: Carol Freeman Producer: Paper Panther Productions (Ireland) Status: Concept Paper Panther Productions, which Freeman co-founded, restlessly experiments with animation mediums, changing gear for each production. The studio made a splash with The Bird and the Whale, Freemans handsomely realized paint-on-glass short; for her first feature, which she is also co-writing, Freeman turns to stop motion. She has form in childrens storytelling, having illustrated a string of books for young readers. Were keen to see which way she steers this project. Synopsis: 12-year-old Maeve Walshes life is turned upside down when her family mysteriously inherits a beautiful but derelict castle in rural Ireland. The inheritance comes from her mother, who died when Maeve was born. Maeve longs to know her history, craving a sense of belonging that shes never felt. So when Maeve gets the chance to explore this new link to her past, she embraces it, accompanied by her ever-optimistic (and slightly annoying) younger half-sister Emma. But it turns out that Maeves new home is full of secrets, ghosts, and magic and nothing is as it seems including Maeve herself, who might just turn out to be a Lost Queen. War with the Salamanders Director: Catherine Maximoff Producer: Les Contes Modernes (France) Status: Concept Were bending our own rule here: Maximoff has directed features before just not in animation. Her background is in dance and the performing arts, the subjects of her various documentary profiles. For her animation debut, shes adapting Karel Capeks dark-as-night satirical sci-fi novel, which the Czech author wrote against the backdrop of Nazisms rise. Its an intriguing marriage about which were keen to learn more. Synopsis: Washed up on a wild island with her father, Juliet, 11 years old, meets an astonishing giant salamander. The animal and its fellows have been vegetating on the nearby small island, surrounded by sharks. The girl and the beast become friends. However the old Isamu warned her: if the salamanders are freed, they will invade the world Image at top: War with the Salamanders Members of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party participate in the fifth day of the party's eighth congress in Pyongyang on Jan. 9. Yonhap North Korea has clarified the importance of powerful defense capabilities in containing military threats in its revised rules for the ruling Workers' Party, state media reported Sunday. The revision was adopted at the fifth-day session of the eighth party congress in Pyongyang on Saturday, a day after leader Kim Jong-un defined the United States as the country's "foremost principal enemy" and vowed to bolster its nuclear arsenal, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "(The preface) clearly clarified that powerful defense capabilities would fundamentally contain military threats and safeguard the stability and peaceful environment of the Korean peninsula," the report said. The revision reflects the North's "unwavering stance" to establish a lasting peace on the peninsula and advance unification based on strong military power, KCNA said. Korea Central News Agency reported in July 2019 that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, second from right, checked the country's newly built submarine. Yonhap Also on Saturday, North Korea reinstated the secretariat system that was scrapped in the previous party congress in 2016. KCNA said that the ruling party replaced the Executive Policy Council with the Secretariat and changed the chairmen and vice chairmen positions in the party committees into different levels of secretaries. KCNA said the change was aimed at securing the party's authority as the top political body. The North also stipulated that the party congresses will now be held every five years with a notice on the event to be made several months earlier. North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile "Pukguksong-4A" is being displayed during a North Korean military parade held in Pyongyang on Oct. 10, 2020 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of foundation of the country's ruling Workers' Party. Yonhap The China Mobile logo is displayed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 26, 2019. It is one of three Chinese telecom firms that will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. (Pau Barrena/AFP via Getty Images) Chinese Companies, US Investors Could Accelerate Decoupling Amid NYSE Delisting News Analysis The trend of Chinese companies leaving U.S. stock exchanges is likely to accelerate after the New York Stock Exchange announced plans to boot three Chinese telecom companies from the exchange. This is especially the case for state-owned enterprises (SOEs), as theres a higher risk that SOEs are connected to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)s military. All three companies to be delisted from the NYSEChina Mobile, China Telecom Corp., and China Unicomare state-owned. Shanghai-based Chinese major chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC) was also removed in early January 2021 from U.S. over-the-counter trading market OTCQX Market. SMIC is also partially state-owned. Chinese companies public listing status have an uncertain future after U.S. Congress passed the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act in late 2020. The bill requires companies listed on U.S. exchanges to declare if they are owned or controlled by a foreign government. In addition, companies could be delisted if they dont comply with the U.S. Public Accounting Oversight Boards audits for three consecutive years. Following the bill, President Donald Trump issued an executive order last November to ban Americans from investing in a list of companies with suspected ties to the CCP military. Affiliated entities of China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom were all on the list. Taken together, these measures make it significantly harder for Chinese companies to raise equity in the United States. The three telecom companies and SMIC have downplayed the impact of U.S. delisting, saying that U.S. investors made up a small portion of their investor base. SMIC is also listed on the Hong Kong exchange and Shanghais STAR Market, the latter the result of a large IPO listing in July 2020. The three telecom companies have most of their publicly-listed shares in Hong Kong. Almost $3 Billion Invested While the Chinese companies may downplay the magnitude of their U.S. shareholder base in total, the amount of money U.S. investors have poured into the delisted companies are not insignificant. In total, the four aforementioned companies recently delisted from U.S. exchanges had U.S. capital of approximately $2.6 billion as of Sept. 30, 2020, according to SEC filings analyzed by The Epoch Times. Of that amount, China Mobile had the biggest U.S. investor base via its NYSE-listed shares, with $2.3 billion invested. Most of italmost $1.7 billionwas from investment managers and advisors through the funds they sold their clients. Hedge funds and banks also held a significant shareholding. China Unicom had $228.6 million worth of U.S. capital through its U.S. listings. China Telecom came in third, with $87.8 million of NYSE-listed shares held by investors. SMIC only had a minimal amount held by U.S. investors. While delisting these shares from U.S. exchanges do not prevent institutional investors from purchasing shares, it will be far more difficult for individual retail investors to purchase shares directly going forward. Should Investors Sell? NYSE initially announced plans to delist the three Chinese telecom giants on Dec. 31, 2020. On Jan. 4, the exchange suddenly reversed its decision, declaring that it would not delist the companies. Then two days laterfollowing a discussion with the U.S. Treasury DepartmentNYSE changed its mind again and said it would go forward with the delisting after all. Shares in the three companies fell following the initial announcement and experienced volatility throughout early January. Regardless of NYSEs final decision to delist the Chinese companies, its clear throughout this period of volatility that holding shares in Chinese companies traded in the United States is risky for investors. There are more than two hundred Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges. Several even held high-profile IPOs in 2020. Most of them are not state-owned, but theres still a palpable threat of delisting on potential non-compliance with U.S. auditing standards. Theres a chance that U.S. regulators will arrive at an agreement with Chinese securities regulators to share audit workpapers, but no deal is imminent. Investors hoping that the Joe Biden administration and a Democratic-led Congress would undo recent legislation restricting Chinese stocks would likely be disappointed. The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act had bipartisan, unanimous support in Congress. In addition, its unlikely Biden would reverse Trumps executive order, as there is bipartisan support to hold the Chinese regime accountable. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is in hot pursuit of Broadway talent. The long-running NBC crime series has been turning to theater actors to populate its scenes, as many of them have been out of work due to ongoing theater closures. Eagle-eyed fans noted the presence of Broadway stars in the casting announcement for Thursday's upcoming episode, and SVU showrunner Warren Leight confirmed the show was seeking out theater stars to Deadline earlier this week. To the rescue: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit showrunner Howard Leight confirmed last week that the long-running crime series is looking for out-of-work Broadway actors to fill its guest spots; (L-R) Peter Scanavino, Mariska Hargitay and Kelli Giddish on SVU In response to one tweet on Tuesday night noting that the cast list was filled with 'so much broadway,' Leight tweeted, 'We are trying to hire every Broadway actor we can while we and they wait for the curtains to rise again.' In a follow-up tweet sent Wednesday, he clarified that, 'by Broadway, we of course also mean off, and off-off, and off-off-off.' Among the Broadway stars in the upcoming episode was stage breakout Eva Noblezada, 24, who earned Tony nominations for her Broadway debut in Miss Saigon and her follow-up as the lead character Eurydice in Hadestown. The episode also features Alex Brightman, who earned Tony nominations for originating the stage version of the role played by Jack Black in School Of Rock, as well as playing the title character in the stage adaptation of Beetlejuice. Going all out: In response to a tweet on Tuesday night noting that the cast list was filled with 'so much broadway,' Leight tweeted, 'We are trying to hire every Broadway actor we can while we and they wait for the curtains to rise again' Back to work: Broadway has been dark since March, but film and television actors have begun working again with coronavirus safety measures Rising star: Among the Broadway stars in the upcoming episode was stage breakout Eva Noblezada, 24, who has two Tony nominations for Miss Saigon and Hadestown; seen in London in 2018 Broadway hit: The episode also features Alex Brightman, who earned Tony nominations for School Of Rock and Beetlejuice; seen in 2019 with original Beetlejuice star Geena Davis 'We know how hard the community has been hit here,' Leight said in his interview. 'The goal is to get as many jobs to as many theater actors as we possibly can.' The movie comes as many theater actors are in dire straights, with theaters closed throughout the US due to the dangers of the novel coronavirus. Actors have a much higher unemployment rate amid the pandemic than the general population, and its likely higher for stage actors, as some film and television stars have been able to continue working on sets with coronavirus safety procedures. The acting work can also be beneficial for stage actors trying to keep their union health insurance, as they're required to work a minimum number of days in order to remain eligible for the plans. Helping out: 'We know how hard the community has been hit here,' Leight said in his interview with Deadline. 'The goal is to get as many jobs to as many theater actors as we possibly can' Consistency: The New York Citybased series has starred Mariska Hargitay for more than 20 years The New York Citybased series, which has starred Mariska Hargitay for more than 20 years, is well-positioned to use Broadway talent, as most of the actors already live in the city and are easier to get than an LA-based actor who needs to be flown out. 'In the past weve done what you could call Hollywood stunt casting,' Leight explained. 'But a lot of those players arent going to be willing to get on a plane and quarantine right now. We realized early on that well have to cast locally much more.' During normal performance times, it's difficult for Broadway actors to fit in film or television roles around their performance schedules, but the shutdown has left them with plenty of time for lengthier guest appearances. Leight also described Broadway actors as 'money players' who 'hit their marks and can do it over and over' due to their training and professionalism, which is especially useful when crews want to keep time on set to a minimum due to fears of spreading the coronavirus. Back at it: Even before the pandemic, Broadway stars regularly appeared. Four-time Tony nominee Raul Esparza even played a main cast role for five seasons 'Our directors need to know that [guest actors] can do two scenes with Olivia and not be nervous,' Leight added, referring to Hargitay's character, Captain Olivia Benson. Even before the pandemic, actors known for their Broadway work were a regular fixture on SVU. Four-time Tony nominee Raul Esparza is probably best known for his lead role in the acclaimed 2006 revival of Stephen Sondheim's musical Company, but he became a fixture on the Law & Order spin-off during his recurring run in season 14, which led to a main cast role in seasons 15 through 19. Esparza will be making a short return to the series with his guest role on Thursday's episode, titled Sightless In A Savage Land. Pros: Leight added that stage actors were 'money makers' because of their ability to hit marks and do repeated takes; Hagitay and Kelli Giddish (L) seen filming SVU in 2018 Broadway has remained dark since March 12, 2020, when New York Governor Andrew Cuomo orders theaters closed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Although multiple tentative reopening days have been set, they have been pushed back each time as the virus continues to surge. The Actors' Equity Association, the national union representing professional stage actors and stage managers, has called on Congress to provide assistance to out-of-work theater professionals. 'This is a deeply painful time for everyone who depends on the arts for their livelihood,' Executive Director Mary McColl said in a statement from October, when the Broadway shutdown was extended to May 2021. 'Too many in the industry need help now as we face another six months without work. The ongoing lack of work in the arts means we face a critical need for a federal COBRA health insurance subsidies, renewed federal unemployment benefits and arts funding. Washington must act.' Przepraszamy! 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Inne ogoszenia, ktore mogy byc w kregu Twoich zainteresowan: 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. India's coal import declined by 17% to 137.16 million tonne (MT) in the April-November period of the current fiscal. The country had imported 165.35 MT of coal in the year-ago period, according to provisional compilation by mjunction, based on monitoring of vessels positions and data received from shipping companies. mjunction, a joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL, is a B2B e-commerce company that also publishes research reports on coal and steel verticals. The country's coal import in November also dropped to 20.35 MT from 21.72 MT in the corresponding month of previous fiscal, it said. "Indias coal and coke imports during November 2020 through the major and non-major ports are estimated to have decreased by 6.3% over November 2019," it said. Of the total imports during November, non-coking coal was at 13.77 MT, against 15.32 MT imported in the same month last year. Coking coal imports were at 4.28 MT, up from 4.09 MT in November last fiscal. During April-November period, non-coking coal import was at 91.44 MT as compared to 114.05 MT during the same period of the previous fiscal. Coking coal imports were recorded at 28.18 MT, lower than 32.72 MT imported during the same period a year ago. "Coal demand from utilities witnessed a modest easing following the festive season, leading to an increase in coal stockpile in the system in December. This coupled with the recent surge in seaborne thermal coal prices in the international markets is expected to restrict the volumes, going forward," Vinaya Varma, MD and CEO, mjunction services said while commenting on the coal import trend. Coal India, which accounts for over 80% of domestic coal output, is aiming at substituting imported dry fuel of 80-85 million tonne with more domestic supplies in the current fiscal. The miner has asked power plants in the coastal areas to submit proposals for a gradual increase of its supplies to these units to reduce foreign exchange outgo. The country had imported 248 million tonne of coal in 2019-20, resulting in an outflow of around 1 lakh crore of foreign exchange. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Greys Anatomy is quite arguably one of the most popular shows on television. First premiering all the way back in 2005, the show has been keeping fans entertained and the amazing storylines never fail to disappoint. Just like with any other long-running television program, Greys Anatomy has seen some characters come and go, and they all make their exit on different terms. Season to season, it is difficult to predict what will happen and with whom, and fans often end up being pretty surprised at what unfolds. While it is true that everyone has their favorite characters, there are just times when many people agree that something happens that just fell into place perfectly. It is often somewhat hard whenever a popular character leaves a television show on difficult terms, but luckily, this was not the case for one of the key members of the Greys Anatomy cast. Lets discuss which beloved character had the happiest exit from the show. Who is Arizona Robbins? MARTIN HENDERSON, SARAH DREW, KELLY MCCREARY, JESSICA CAPSHAW | Kelsey McNeal/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images RELATED: Greys Anatomy: Will Maggie and Winstons Happiness Last? Arizona Robbins was a part of the main cast, portrayed by actress Jessica Capshaw. Beginning her stint on Greys Anatomy in the shows fifth season, Arizona was the chief of pediatric surgery and truly went out of her way to relate to the children that she treated. One of the most significant things about Arizona is the fact that she represented the LGBTQ community through her relationship with Callie Torres, and fans couldnt have loved it more. According to Fandom, the doctor had several nicknames during her time on the show, including Roller Skate Girl, and Dr. Sweetheart, two titles that went perfectly with her personality and demeanor. Arizona went through some pretty complicated situations over the years including being involved in a serious plane crash and having her leg amputated as a result. She also had several intense romantic storylines, and many people were extremely sympathetic when she suffered a bout with depression. Overall, Capshaw brought life to the character in her own unique way and is known for her optimism and comforting nature. Her exit from Greys Anatomy While it is safe to say that most people were absolutely enamored with Arizona, sadly, her time at the hospital came to an end a few years ago. It turns out that Capshaw knew just how much her character was admired and went so far as to say that she was madly in love with playing Arizona. So, why did the actress leave the show? It turns out that she was written out of the program, as reported by People. The departure happened at the end of season 14 and was based on the creative direction of the show. According to the producer of Greys Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes, Its always hard for me to say goodbye to any of my characters. She went on to say that Capshaw Will always be a part of our Shondaland family. Why were fans pleased with the way Arizonas story ended? Although many were disappointed to see her go, fans were certainly pleased with the way Arizonas story ultimately ended. She got sole custody of her and Callies daughter, Sophia, but after some compromising, Arizona and her ex-wife decided to split their time with her. It wasnt until after Callie moved to New York that Arizona and her mentor decided to open a new health center, and fans became hopeful that Callie and Arizona might rekindle their relationship. She decided to make the move to New York, and, according to Reddit, Its definitely the ending the character deserved. Looks like viewers can agree that Arizona definitely got a nice departure and it was wonderful to see the amazing things that happened on the show. Rome unveiled new-look bins at the Pantheon but it seems that smokers are not happy. When Rome's mayor Virginia Raggi unveiled the city's new-look trash bins last month, many people were impressed and saw the new prototype as an improvement on the old 'transparent bag' variety. The bins were installed in the historic centre on an "experimental basis," against a backdrop none other than the Pantheon, with applause from the mayor. However rubbish collection is a serious matter in Rome and the new design soon courted mixed views from Romans. A noi piacciono. E proprio il nostro stile. pic.twitter.com/kCMpyqFyTs TAFFO (@taffoofficial) December 15, 2020 Some suggested the bin evoked the shape of an ancient Roman amphora, others thought it resembled a funeral urn. The latest criticism of the bins comes from smokers who claim they have nowhere to put out their cigarettes. "It is already full of butts on the ground" comments the chairman of the environment committee in the city's central Municipio 1, Stefano Marin, who along with several other councillors from the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) has put forward a motion calling for a redesign of the bins to accommodate the needs of smokers. The bins have been described by Rome refuse collection agency AMA as "sober and minimal." Critics suggest the bins are so minimal that they have no ashtray feature to allow smokers to extinguish cigarettes before disposing of them safely. The current version with the loose bags was introduced several years ago, replacing the old cast-iron bins, for security reasons in line with elevated anti-terrorism levels. However, as Raggi points out, these exposed bags often break, "causing the rubbish to fall to the ground." Apart from blowing in the wind, the main problem encountered by these bins has been the city's seagulls which peck away with ease at the bags. The design of the latest version of Rome's bins has taken years and this is the first model to meet the demands imposed by the police (for security), by cultural authorities (for aesthetic reasons) and by the refuse agency AMA (for practicality of rubbish collection). However it seems that smokers were not included in this criteria and now it looks like it could be a case of "back to the drawing board" to modify the design of the new bins before they are rolled out across the historic centre. Cover photo La Repubblica The front facade of the oldest section of the Cooper Landing museum (to the right in the drawing) with its signage, birdhouse, and concrete and brick front stoop, looks much the same as it did in the 1940s. The Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital (RGSSH) has defended in the Delhi High Court the decision to send its medical superintendent on compulsory leave over allegations of sexual harassment, saying it was done to ensure he does not influence the inquiry or the witnesses. The hospital also claimed that the MS had himself sought that he be allowed to go on leave as he felt threatened to come to work. The hospital stated this in its affidavit, filed through Delhi government additional standing counsel Sanjoy Ghose, in response to the doctor's plea challenging its decision to send him on compulsory leave. "That pursuant to the requests for leave made by the petitioner (medical superintendent) and considering that he, being in a senior administrative position, could influence the enquiry and witnesses, therefore with a view that enquiry be conducted in an unprejudiced manner, order dated December 23, 2020 sending him on compulsory leave was issued," the affidavit said. The hospital has alleged that the doctor has concealed in his plea that he used "foul and abusive language" in a conversation with a female staff member. He had made "scandalous and scurrilous allegations" against various other female staff members, the hospital has claimed. It said in the affidavit that it has received an email from the Indian Medical Association "calling for strict action against the petitioner (medical superintendent) on account of the comments made against women employees by him". The hospital has also said that the doctor did not attend the meeting of the internal complaints committee (ICC) held in December last year in connection with his remarks. The high court had on December 31 last year declined to stay the order sending the medical superintendent on compulsory leave in connection with some alleged scurrilous remarks made by him against lady doctors and nurses of the hospital. The MS, in his petition, has contended that the December 23, 2020 order relieving him from his clinical and administrative duties and sending him on compulsory leave with immediate effect was "illegal", claiming he was not given an opportunity to be heard. The doctor has claimed that the office order mentioned that numerous sexual harassment complaints had been made against him, but he was not apprised of the details. The petition has also claimed that the office order was issued a day after he lodged a police complaint against a lady doctor for allegedly barging into his office, abusing him and threatening him with dire consequences. . Scotching rumours of JD(U) quitting NDA in Bihar amid talks of discomfort with the ally BJP, the ruling Janata Dal(United) on Sunday made it clear that the party is firmly with the ruling coalition in the state. JD(U), one of the major constituents of Bihar NDA, is running a coalition government in the state with the help of BJP, Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP). "Speculations are doing the rounds in media circles with regard to our leader and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Some sends him somewhere while others are sending him somewhere else. "But, we would like to make it clear that our party (JD-U) is firmly aligned with the NDA," senior party leader and MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh said. Singh was talking to reporters at the partys state headquarters on decisions taken at the two-day meeting of its state executive and state council. He was accompanied by partys newly elected state president Umesh Kushwaha and working president and minister Ashok Choudhary. Singhs statement assumes significance in the backdrop of opposition leaders speaking of political instability in the state in view of alleged lack of compatibility between the two major NDA partners- BJP and JD(U). Eversince en masse migration of the JD(U) MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh to the BJP, speculations are rife of "differences" cropping up between the two allies even in Bihar on several issues. Seeking to fish in troubled waters, the opposition RJD and the Congress have been talking of mass defection of the JD(U) MLAs and some of their leaders also suggesting Nitish Kumar to leave the saffron party once again like in 2015 and join them. Kumar had himself, while speaking at the state council meeting Saturday, asserted that his government would complete its five year term, in an indirect rebuff to opposition leaders who have been speaking of political instability. The JD(U) de facto leader, who relinquished the post of the partys national president earlier this month, had also urged his party workers to look at the future banishing memories of the recent assembly elections in which the party suffered humiliating losses. Talking about partys other decisions and proposals that were passed at the state council meeting, Singh, who is JD(U) leader in Lok Sabha, said the party also discussed about strengthening its organisation. "It was general opinion of the party members that though the partys strength has dwindled but not its mass base (janadhar). We are not discouraged by it (the poll outcome)we will rather work hard to further strengthen our partys organisation and move ahead," Singh said. Though JD(U)'s top leader Nitish Kumar is on the chief ministerial chair in Bihar, the party's strength went down to 43 in the recently concluded state polls as compared to 71 in 2015. On the other hand BJP bagged 74 seats in the October- November elections and catapulted the NDA to power in the state. The party also lauded the state governments role in combating novel coronavirus in the state which efficiently and effectively took measures to curb its spread, he said while stating that the state governments efforts have been appreciated by the central government which is evident from the fact that President conferred award on the state government. It may be noted that President Ram Nath Kovind had on December 30, 2020 conferred 'Digital India Award 2020' for transferring financial assistance directly into the beneficiaries bank accounts during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. A resolution was passed at the meeting affirming that the party will unitedly work to implement the state governments 'Saat Nischay- Part II' (seven resolves-part 2) programme in order to make Bihar a strengthened, prosperous and self reliant state, the JD(U) leader said. Stating that the state government has started working on to provide 20 lakh jobs to youths of the state, Singh said that soon after the formation of Nitish Kumar government in the state, it gave its nod to create 20 lakh jobs in the very first meeting of the cabinet. "The state government is working on it", he said while asserting that 20 lakh jobs will be created in times to come and 20 lakh youths will get jobs. Employment was a major poll promises of main political parties in Bihar polls. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav's 10 lakh government jobs promise enthused youths during the polls. To counter this the BJP had promised creation of 1.9 million job opportunities in the state. . Since the start, the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted vulnerable and minority communities, who have may little access to health care or cant work from home. In May, Correspondent Jessica Gomez traveled to Immokalee, Florida. Its a town of mostly migrant workers and is one of the hardest hit communities in the state. But even as cases continue to spread, many workers cant afford to take off work even if theyre sick. The meeting on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that took place on Sunday failed to achieve any progress, the Egyptian foreign ministry announced in a statement as South Africa is looking into possible next steps. According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, the online meeting failed to achieve any progress due to the differences on how to resume the talks and the procedures related to the negotiations process. Sudan insisted on the necessity of delegating the African Union appointed experts to present solutions to the disputed issues in the talks and to elaborate on the GERD agreement; something which both Egypt and Ethiopia rejected because the negotiation process, as well as the right to draft the texts and provisions of the filling and operating agreement of the GERD, are fundamental rights for the three countries The Egyptian statement said, adding that the AU experts were not experts in the technical and engineering fields related to the water sources and dam operations. Egypts Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shouky and Minister of Irrigation and Water Sources Mohamed Abdel-Ati participated in the video conference talks. The statement of the Egyptian foreign ministry asserted that Egypt is ready to get involved in serious talks in order to reach, in the nearest possible time, a legally binding agreement on the filing and operations of the GERD that safeguards Egypts rights and water interests and is in line with the decisions of the African Union offices meetings held in December on the issue. South African Minister of Foreign Affairs Naledi Pandor, who attended the online meeting, expressed her sorrow for the failure to achieve any progress, the statement said. She also added that she will present a report on this round of talks to South Africas president in order to determine the next steps to be taken. South Africa is currently the chair of the African Union. Sudanese demands and objections Sudanese Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Yasser Abbas told the Sudanese Official News Agency that Sudan demanded during the meeting to change the methodology of the negotiations and to expand the role of the African Union experts in a way that enables them to play a fundamental role in facilitating the negotiations, especially after the bilateral meetings held on Saturday with the experts. Sudan had already skipped the last meeting, according to an official statement released last week, in objection to not receiving a response to its demands of holding bilateral meetings between the AU experts participating in the negotiations and each of the three countries' representatives separately to discuss and identify points of differences, while continuing to hold trilateral meetings between the three countries' negotiating teams. The Sudanese government warned that it would withdraw from Sunday's meeting if its demand of granting a bigger role for experts was not met, the Saudi-owned news website Asharq reported, citing Sudanese diplomatic sources. We cannot continue this vicious cycle of round talks indefinitely, considering that the GERD represents a direct threat to the Roseires Dam, which has a reservoir capacity less than 10% of the GERDs capacity if the filing and the operations of the GERD starts without an agreement and daily exchange of information, Abbas said. Abbas revealed that Sudan has officially presented a letter to the African Union objecting in the extremist terms to the letter sent by Ethiopia to the AU, Sudan, and Egypt on Friday declaring its intention to proceed with the second filing of the GERD estimated at 15 billion cubic metres of water next July whether there is an agreement or not. Ethiopia also claims that it is not obliged to notify or exchange data with downstream countries in advance of the filling and operating procedures of the GERD, which constitutes a serious threat to Sudanese water dams and half of the population of Sudan. The AU-mediated talks have been observed by representatives from the EU, the US, the AU, as well as legal and technical experts. The GERD, built 15 kilometres from the Ethiopian border with Sudan, has been a source of contention between the three countries since its construction began in 2011. Cairo fears the project will significantly cut its crucial water supplies from the River Nile, while Sudan has concerns over how the reservoir will be managed. Ethiopia says the massive project which it hopes will make it Africas largest power exporter is key to its development efforts. Short link: A CHRONIC drug addict who threatened two au pairs at knifepoint less than 24 hours after he was released from prison will be sentenced next month. James Kelly, 31, who has an address at Maple Court, Kennedy Park, Limerick has pleaded guilty to charges of attempted robbery relating to an incident which took place at Denmark Street in the city centre in January 2018. Garda Stephen Aherne told Limerick Circuit Court the victims two young women from France were walking to a pub when they were set upon. He said Mr Kelly, who has a large number of previous convictions, put his hand around one of the woman and held a sharp object against her neck before trying to grab her handbag. When the second woman tried to intervene, she could see the defendant was holding a knife which he waved at her. Judge Tom ODonnell was told two men who came upon the scene grabbed Mr Kelly and detained him on the street until gardai arrived. Its as clear a case of being caught in the act that you will ever get, said John OSullivan BL, prosecuting. Garda Aherne said the defendant had been released from prison the previous day having served a four-year sentence for a robbery offence. That offence, he added, had been committed just six weeks after Mr Kelly had completed another sentence for a hi-jacking offence. Pat Whyms BL said his client is a chronic heroin addict and that he was under the influence of an intoxicant at the time. He has a long history of drug dependency, he said adding that his client was not mentally prepared for life outside of prison. He said Mr Kelly, who is currently serving another sentence for robbery, is currently drug free and is engaging with the services in prison. He has tried (to address addiction) before but was not successful, he wants to try again. Judge ODonnell commented that the incident was very serious and must have been extremely frightening for the two au pairs. He said Mr Kellys previous convictions and his propensity for violence were of enormous concern. New privacy policy will take effect from May 15: WhatsApp to Delhi HC WhatsApp: Merely going to court not a ground not to comply with law of the land 'We respect right of privacy, has no intention to violate it': Govt responds to Whatsapp Latest does not change its data-sharing practices with Facebook says WhatsApp India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 10: Facebook-owned WhatsApp on Saturday said its latest update - which has received criticism from a multitude of users globally - describes business communication and does not change its data-sharing practices with the social media giant. Earlier this week, WhatsApp had started rolling out in-app notifications to users about an update in its Terms of Service and privacy policy regarding how it processes user data and partners with Facebook to offer integrations across the social media giant's products. It also stated that users will have to agree to the new terms and policy by February 8, 2021, in order to continue using WhatsApp's service. This kickstarted a spate of conversations and memes on the internet over WhatsApp's alleged sharing of user information with Facebook. Rival platforms like Signal and Telegram are reportedly seeing a surge in downloads in the wake of the development. Tesla chief Elon Musk had also joined in the conversation, asking people to leave WhatsApp. In a series of tweets, WhatsApp Head Will Cathcart sought to share his views on the matter. He said the company updated its policy "to be transparent and to better describe optional people-to-business features". "It's important for us to be clear, this update describes business communication and does not change WhatsApp's data-sharing practices with Facebook. It does not impact how people communicate privately with friends or family wherever they are in the world," he said. Cathcart emphasised that with end-to-end encryption (E2E), it cannot see private chats or calls and neither can Facebook and that the company remains committed to E2E. "We're in a competition on privacy with others and that's very good for the world. People should have choices in how they communicate and feel confident that no one else can see their chats. There are people who disagree with this, including some governments," he said. The tweets, however, received varied responses from users with many continuing to point out concerns around the sharing of user data between WhatsApp and Facebook. Meanwhile, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov - in a blog - alleged that Facebook's WhatsApp has switched to covert marketing and it has detected bots that spread inaccurate information about Telegram on social media. Durov also sought to clarify "myths" that are allegedly being pushed by WhatsApp about Telegram that has over 500 million users globally. He said "myths" that Telegram's code is not open-source, that the company is Russian and that the platform is not encrypted - are all incorrect. Signal app too joined the conversation with its series of tweets. One of the tweets said: "Look at what you've done" and carried a picture of the app showing as the number one free app on the app stores across markets like India, Germany, France, Austria, Finland, Hong Kong and Switzerland. In another tweet, it said: "There are no Terms of Service for a mother's love", taking a dig at the ongoing controversy. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 9:25 [IST] A Florida man allegedly photographed grinning as he carried away House Speaker Nancy Pelosis lectern after a mob of President Donald Trumps supporters stormed the nations Capitol is among the latest people charged in Wednesdays mayhem that left five people dead. Adam Johnson, 36, of Parrish, Florida, was arrested Friday night on a federal warrant and was being held Saturday without bail in Pinellas County, Florida, according to jail records that do not show if he has an attorney. Johnson is a married father of five who was quickly identified on social media by local residents as the man in a photo smiling as he walked through the Capitol rotunda carrying Pelosis lectern, The Bradenton Herald reported. He was charged Saturday with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, one count of theft of government property and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Before being deleted or taken down, Johnson posted on social media that he was in Washington, D.C., during Wednesdays riot and included disparaging comments about the Black Lives Matter movement, according to The Bradenton Herald. An Arizona man seen in photos and video of the mob wearing a costume with a painted face and a fur hat topped by horns was also taken into custody Saturday. Jacob Anthony Chansley, more commonly known as Jake Angeli, had become a staple in his costume at pro-Trump protests across the country. He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Chansley is among dozens of people arrested in the wake of the Capitol invasion by a large mob of supporters enraged over Trumps election loss who forced lawmakers to halt their voting to affirm President-elect Joe Bidens victory and go into hiding for hours. The rioters took over the House and Senate chambers, smashed windows and waved Trump, American and Confederate flags. By Saturday, prosecutors had filed 17 cases in federal district court and 40 others in the District of Columbia Superior Court for a variety of offenses ranging from assaulting police officers to entering restricted areas of the U.S. Capitol, stealing federal property and threatening lawmakers. Prosecutors said additional cases remained under seal, dozens of other people were being sought by federal agents and the U.S. attorney in Washington vowed Friday that all options were on the table for charges, including possibly sedition. Other notable arrests in the Capitol invasion include: MOSCOW, Jan. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund) announces the registration of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus by the National Agency of Pharmaceutical Products of People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. The vaccine was registered under the emergency use authorization procedure. Sputnik V has been registered under the same procedure earlier in Argentina, Bolivia and Serbia. Supplies of the vaccine to Algeria will be facilitated by international partners of RDIF in India, China, South Korea and other countries. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, said: "RDIF welcomes the first registration of Sputnik V vaccine in Africa. The supplies of the vaccine to Algeria will help protect the population and support the full recovery of economic activity". Sputnik V was registered thanks to a number of key advantages: Efficacy of Sputnik V is over 90%, with full protection against severe cases of COVID-19. The Sputnik V vaccine is based on a proven and well-studied platform of human adenoviral vectors, which cause the common cold and have been around for thousands of years. Sputnik V uses two different vectors for the two shots in a course of vaccination, providing immunity with a longer duration than vaccines using the same delivery mechanism for both shots. The safety, efficacy and lack of negative long-term effects of adenoviral vaccines have been proven by more than 250 clinical studies over two decades. Over 1.5mn people have already been vaccinated with Sputnik V. The developers of the Sputnik V vaccine are working collaboratively with AstraZeneca on a joint clinical trial to improve the efficacy of AstraZeneca vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine has been approved in Russia , Belarus , Serbia, Argentina , Bolivia , the process to approve the vaccine in the EU has been initiated. There are no strong allergies caused by Sputnik V. The storage temperature of Sputnik V at +2+8 C means it can be stored in a conventional refrigerator without any need to invest in additional cold-chain infrastructure. The price of Sputnik V is less than $10 per shot, making it affordable around the world. Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is Russia's sovereign wealth fund established in 2011 to make equity co-investments, primarily in Russia, alongside reputable international financial and strategic investors. RDIF acts as a catalyst for direct investment in the Russian economy. RDIF's management company is based in Moscow. Currently, RDIF has experience of the successful joint implementation of more than 80 projects with foreign partners totaling more than RUB2 tn and covering 95% of the regions of the Russian Federation. RDIF portfolio companies employ more than 800,000 people and generate revenues which equate to more than 6% of Russia's GDP. RDIF has established joint strategic partnerships with leading international co-investors from more than 18 countries that total more than $40 bn. Further information can be found at www.rdif.ru Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1140939/Russian_Direct_Investment_Fund_Logo.jpg New Delhi: Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech on Saturday said that the death of a 42-year-old volunteer from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh who took a dose of ovaxin in the clinical trial of the Covid-19 vaccine was "not related" to the vaccine or placebo. "The volunteer, at the time of enrolment, had fulfilled all criteria to be accepted as participant in Phase III trial and was reported to be healthy in all site follow up calls post seven days of dosing and no after-effects were observed/reported," sid Bharat Biotech in a statement. "The volunteer passed away nine days after the dosing and preliminary reviews by the site indicate that the death is unrelated to the study dosing. We cannot confirm if the volunteer received the study vaccine or a placebo as the study is blinded," the company added. As per post-mortem report by Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was due to cardiorespiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well, said the company. Dr Rajesh Kapur, Vice Chancellor, People's Medical College and Hospital where the trial was conducted, told PTI that Deepak Marawi, the deceased, had participated in the Covaxin tria on December 12,reported PTI. He died nine days later. Madhya Pradesh Medico Legal Institute Director Dr Ashok Sharma said the doctor who performed autopsy suspected that he died of poisoning. However, the exact cause of the death would be known from his viscera test, he added. "After Marawi's death on December 21, we informed the Drug Controller General of India and Bharat Biotech, which is the producer and sponsor of the trial," Dr Kapur said. He said Marawi, a tribal labourer, had volunteered for the trial and was examined. "All protocols were followed and Marawi's consent was taken before allowing him to participate," he claimed. Dr Kapur too said he cannot confirm whether Marawi was administered the vaccine shot or was given a placebo. "It (the vaccine vial) comes covered and coded. During the trial, 50 per cent people get the actual injection while the rest are given saline," he said. Kapur said Marawi was kept under observation for 30 minutes after the trial as per guidelines before he was allowed to go. "We monitored his health for 7 to 8 days," he added. Family members of Marawi claimed that when he returned home, he felt uneasy and experienced some health problems. "He complained of a shoulder pain on December 17. Two days later, he frothed at mouth. He refused to see a doctor saying he would be alright in a day or two. When his condition deteriorated, he was being rushed to hospital but he died midway (on December 21)," they added. Rachana Dhingra, a Bhopal-based social activist, claimed neither Marawi's consent was taken for participation in the clinical trial nor he was given any proof of his participation in the exercise. However, the hospital has denied this charge. he Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) last week approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country, paving the way for a massive inoculation drive. Developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology, the indigenous vaccine was granted emergency use authorisation in clinical trial mode by the Indian government this week. It is an inactivated" vaccine developed by chemically treating novel coronavirus samples to make them incapable of reproduction. This process leaves the viral proteins, including the spike protein of the coronavirus which it uses to enter the human cells, intact. Given as two doses, three weeks apart, the viral proteins in the vaccine activate the immune system and prepare people for future infections with the actual infectious virus. According to Bharat Biotech, the therapeutic can be stored at room temperature for at least a week. A study on the Phase 1/2 trial published in the preprint server medRxiv in December showed the therapeutic doesn't cause any serious side effects. However, there has been no further data released in the public domain which could demonstrate that the vaccine is safe and effective. "ICMR-Bharat Biotech vaccine is a killed whole-virus vaccine and there are absolutely no data available so far on its protective efficacy. I am critical of its getting approval by the authorities," immunologist Vineeta Bal, affiliated with the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi, told PTI. Meanwhile, it has been announced on Saturday that India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the world's largest inoculation programme with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers. The decision, the government said on Saturday, was taken at a high-level meeting where Modi reviewed the status of COVID-19 and vaccine preparedness across states and union territories. "After the detailed review, it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc, the COVID-19 vaccination will start from 16th January 2021," it said. With PTI inputs Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! The Colorado House is moving nearly as fast as the Senate to amend a relief bill for small businesses that Gov. Jared Polis signed just five weeks ago. Stuck at home and in desperate need of companionship, scores of New Jerseyans have turned to a tail-wagging alternative: if you cant see your friends, adopt a new one instead. Throughout the pandemic, shelters, rescues and pet stores have reported a surge of dog adoptions in New Jersey and across the country. At the same time, businesses that board animals while their owners are on vacation have seen a decline in demand, prompting them to shift focus to a new need. For many of these first-time dog-owners, the allure of a canine compadre outweighed the practical considerations; namely, how to train and acclimate these new pups to an often-frightening new environment. Enter Morris Animal Inn a luxury pet resort in Morristown whose main business model usually consists of pampering pets while their owners are on vacation with treatments like ear cleaning, nail trimming, haircuts and even something called a blueberry facial. Instead, the 60-year-old facility has placed a stronger emphasis on training and socialization programs to help new owners acclimatize dogs to their new homes. Our business overall has been negatively impacted so weve really had to focus on how we can help and accommodate as many new pet parents as possible with our other services, Joanne Morris, vice president of Morris Animal Inn, told NJ Advance Media. While Lodging services are down by 70 percent, Morris reports, daycare services saw a 50 percent increase. Dog Daycare allows these newly-adjusting pups time to socialize with other dogs during a crucial period in their development. A dog enjoys some group exercise time at Morris Animal Inn. Pet adoptions exploded earlier in the year as the coronavirus pandemic forced quarantines. As a result, the Morris Animal Inn has seen a surge in doggie day care. Morristown, N.J. Jan. 6, 2021. (Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comAndre Malok | NJ Advance Media f A dog enjoys a dip in the heated indoor pool at the Morris Animal Inn. Pet adoptions exploded earlier in the year as the coronavirus pandemic forced quarantines. As a result, the Morris Animal Inn has seen a surge in doggie day care. Morristown, N.J. Jan. 6, 2021. (Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comAndre Malok | NJ Advance Media f Dogs wait patiently for treats at the Morris Animal Inn. Pet adoptions exploded earlier in the year as the coronavirus pandemic forced quarantines. As a result, the Morris Animal Inn has seen a surge in doggie day care. Morristown, N.J. Jan. 6, 2021. (Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comAndre Malok | NJ Advance Media f A lot of these dogs are also being isolated with their families and not getting the experience of the real world and new environments and hearing sounds and smells and interacting with different people, Morris said. The facility also offers dog training and puppy manners services, designed to improve the relationships between owner and pet. Using repetition and positive reinforcement, trainers teach dogs to sit, come, pay attention, control impulses and other skills in daily lessons. For Sarah Pellegrino, 35, an education consultant who moved to spacious Harding from the city in July, becoming a first-time dog-owner required some help. Just going from always having cats who sleep 20 hours a day to having a pretty energetic dog who doesnt really know how to be a dog was a transition, Pellegrino told NJ Advance Media. The professional training has been especially advantageous, considering her new rescue Stella came from an abusive situation in Louisiana, where she was hoarded and kept in a too-small cage, requiring leg surgeries for the 3-year-old pitbull mix. A dog gets some private one-on-one play time in awn outdoor play area at Morris Animal Inn. Pet adoptions exploded earlier in the year as the coronavirus pandemic forced quarantines. As a result, the Morris Animal Inn has seen a surge in doggie day care. Morristown, N.J. Jan. 6, 2021. (Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comAndre Malok | NJ Advance Media f With her background, she definitely needed some manners training shes very sweet, (a) very good girl, but she didnt learn sit or stay or even really how to act around other people, Pellegrino told NJ Advance Media. Now, Stella attends class every Monday to work on her impulse control. Pellegrino reports plenty of improvement after just two months of training. Morris estimates on any given day, the Morris Animal Inn has been serving around 60 families with the help of about 25 employees, though both numbers fluctuate depending on demand. With the rapid increase in adoptions has come concern about what happens when the pandemic ends. Advocates fear when owners go back to work, theyll neglect their new pandemic pups. In Morriss eyes, that concern is all the more reason to invest in training and acclimating dogs now. Said Morris: Theres definitely [a] difference in the relationship with the pets during the pandemic and its just been very apparent to us the importance of being part of building that relationship and that bond in a healthy way for the future. Dogs wait patiently for treats at the Morris Animal Inn. Pet adoptions exploded earlier in the year as the coronavirus pandemic forced quarantines. As a result, the Morris Animal Inn has seen a surge in doggie day care. Morristown, N.J. Jan. 6, 2021. (Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) Andre Malok | NJ Advance Media for NJ.comAndre Malok | NJ Advance Media f Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Josh Axelrod may be reached at jaxelrod@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Photo taken on Jan. 9, 2021 shows an official checks the monitor of the crisis centre of the SJ-182 flight at Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying 62 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B) A Boeing 737-500 plane of an Indonesian airlines with 62 people aboard including 10 children lost contact four minutes after takeoff on Saturday afternoon and was believed to have crashed into waters off north Jakarta. JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has confirmed the crash of a Boeing 737-500 plane of an Indonesian airlines with 62 people on board that lost contact with the air traffic controller on Saturday afternoon. At a virtual press conference held on Saturday evening, the minister said the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 heading from capital city Jakarta to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province crashed into the waters off the Seribu District in north of Jakarta. According to him, the plane was believed to have crashed near the district's Laki Island and Lancang Island, part of the Thousand Islands chain. The plane departed from the Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta at 2.36 p.m. local time. According to Sumadi, the last contact with the plane was made by aviation authorities four minutes after its takeoff. Photo taken on Jan. 9, 2021 shows medical officials prepare at the SJ-182 flight crisis centre at Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying 62 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B) Search and rescue operations underway were hampered by the bad weather. Workers of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) have found debris and cables suspected to be of the ill-fated aircraft. Boats and aircraft from various Indonesian agencies were involved in the search. Sumadi said that President Joko Widodo has instructed rescue workers to maximize searching efforts. Basarnas spokesman Yusuf Latief told Xinhua that about 100 rescue workers were at the location, and his agency has sent its ship equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to search for the wreckage of the aircraft at the sea floor. An investigation into the plane crash was launched by the Transportation Ministry. Photo taken on Jan. 9, 2021 shows relatives of the passengers on SJ-182 flight arrive at the crisis centre at Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta, Indonesia. A passenger plane of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air carrying 62 people crashed into waters off Jakarta on Saturday.(Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) Earlier, Captain EKo Surya Hadi, commander of Trisula coast guard ship, told a local TV that human body parts and debris of the plane were discovered. "We found body parts, life jackets, avtur (aviation turbine fuel) and debris of the plane," he said. Sumadi said that aboard the Boeing plane were 50 passengers including seven children and three babies, and 12 crew members. On Oct. 29, 2018, all 189 people aboard were killed after a Boeing 737 Max plane of Indonesia's Lion Air crashed into the Java Sea shortly after taking off from Jakarta. In December 2014, an AirAsia plane crashed into sea en route from Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya to Singapore, killing all 162 people aboard. and wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have reportedly decided to quit social media as they focus on their roles in the US away from frontline British According to The Sunday Times', the couple who had announced their decision to step back from official royal duties to relocate with their one-year-old son Archie last year will no longer use platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. The duo, who amassed more than 10 million Instagram followers as working royals, are reportedly rejecting social media as part of their new progressive role in America. A source close to the couple told the newspaper they had no plans to use social media for their new Archewell Foundation and were very unlikely to return to platforms in a personal capacity. The couple are understood to have become disillusioned by the hate they encountered on social media. Meghan Markle, a former actress, has spoken about the almost unsurvivable experience of online trolling. Before her marriage to in 2018, the 39-year-old had a prolific social media presence, with 1.9 million followers on Instagram, 350,000 Twitter followers and 800,000 likes on her Facebook page. She also had a lifestyle website and blog called The Tig and used the sites for her commercial fashion and beauty partnerships, to promote her friends' businesses, offer food and travel tips. However, she had shut those down soon after she began dating the 36-year-old prince and the couple together created the @SussexRoyal Instagram account. However, they stopped posting on the account as part of branding negotiations with the royal family after stepping down from official duties. According to the newspaper report, instead of using social media, Harry and Meghan are poised to continue promoting their work in online video and television appearances, through selected publications and via their Archewell website, which they launched fully on New Year's Eve. They also have production and podcast deals in place with the streaming giants Netflix and Spotify. They are also expected to resume more frequent public appearances when the coronavirus pandemic eases. (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.) Twitter has permanently blocked the @realDonaldTrump account of the outgoing US President for inciting and glorifying violence. Following which the pro-Trump supporters announced their plan for 'own platform'. After the volatile and stunning attacks and protests at the US Capitol, Twitter has permanently blocked the @realDonaldTrump account of the outgoing US President for inciting and glorifying violence. In what is known as a love-hate relationship over the months between Trump and his favorite social media platform, Twitter had earlier also hidden and removed 3 tweets of Trump. This permanent ban will be marking the most high-profile punishment the company has ever imposed on anyone. The US capitol had to be locked down on Wednesday with Lawmakers inside as violent clashes broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump and the police. As a result, the mayor announced the city will be under public emergency. After Pro-Trump protesters breached the US Capitol building, President Donald Trump tweeted a video clip in which he said that he was outraged by the violence, lawlessness, and mayhem. He deployed the national guard and federal law enforcement to secure the building and expel the intruders. The microblogging site wrote on Friday that after the close reviews of Donald Trumps recent posts had banned him permanently citing risk of further incitement of violence. The last tweet by Trump before his account was shut down was that said he would not be attending the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20. Speculations have surfaced about Trump and his supporters might launch their very own platform. After the suspension of US President Donald Trump's personal Twitter account and the tweets from his official account 'POTUS' were taken down. Team Trump tweets, "We will not be SILENCED! Twitter is not about FREE SPEECH." pic.twitter.com/HrzHaUzf9o ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2021 Tweets by POTUS Also Read: Bangladesh reminds Pak of 1971 Genocide; demands apology As per White House sources, Trumps adviser said that Trump was outraged by Twitter on his permanent suspension from the platform on Friday night. Trump aides have advised him to use this opportunity to reignite arguments of anti-conservative bias on social media and to frame the ban as an attack on his supporters. Also Read: US Capitol Siege: Indian flag raised at protest site, sparks anti-national debate Joe & Yolanda Panichelli Joe and Yolanda have been each others constant for more than nine decades. Born the same day a year apart to neighboring West Philadelphia families, neither remembers a time before they were friends. Joe was in the second grade when he realized that Yolanda DeSantis was the most special girl he knew. Her mother said to all of the sisters, Somebody has to do the dishes, and Yolanda immediately went and did them, he said. The respect she had for her mother, the love she had for her parents, was just unbelievable, and I thought, Boy, what a girl! The respect and fondness was mutual, Yolanda said. Even when a large group of kids played ball in the street, she and Joe sought out each others company. We always wanted to be together. We were always compatible, she said. When she was in seventh grade and he in eighth, they began taking the El to see movies at the Mastbaum Theatre. They attended his prom at St. Thomas More High School in 1944 and hers at West Catholic Girls High School in 1945. World War II was still raging, and at 18, Joe was drafted by the U.S. Army. He was lucky. When I went for basic training, Germany surrendered, he said. When I was going overseas to Japan, Japan surrendered. Joe was part of the occupation forces and was stationed in Japan for one year, but he never saw combat. He wrote letters to Yolanda every night. She spent her evenings with girlfriends. I never went out with another single soul, I just waited until he came home, Yolanda said. After his discharge, Joe studied accounting at La Salle, then launched a career with the Curley Adjustment Bureau insurance adjustment agency in Society Hill. The DeSantis and Panichelli families had moved from the city to Havertown. It was there on their shared October birthday in 1951 that Yolanda and Joe married at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A little less than two years later, they purchased a brick twin near the country club where they raised daughters Jean and Margie. He is hardworking, and we work well together, Yolanda said of Joe. No matter what we had to do, so long as we did it together, there was never a problem. And he is a great dad. She is a great person, and a great listener, and shes easy to live with, Joe said of Yolanda. Her devotion to our children is unbelievable. And another thing Yolanda never, ever says a bad thing about anyone, and I admire her greatly for that. Between the births of their two girls, the couple lost two others a set of twins. It was the most devastating experience of their lives. They buried the girls at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Many friends from their Havertown neighborhood eventually moved out of their houses and into larger, more expensive ones. But it was staying in their Greenview Lane twin that made Joe and Yolanda feel successful: Their parents were nearby, as was their church, and the SEPTA station where Joe caught the train to the El to get to work. Why would we leave? Joe asks. When Margie and Jean reached a more independent age, Yolanda became secretary to the director of admissions at Episcopal Academy. Joe and Yolanda were very glad to live close enough to care for their parents when that time came. Margie remembers: I used to say to my mom, How do you do that? You have no life. And she said, We do what we do because they did so much for us. Margie picked her husband, Gerry, in part because he was so good to his mother his father had died when Gerry was young and because he bonded so quickly with her parents. Joe and Yolanda were thrilled when they, and Jean and her husband, Mike, both chose homes about five minutes away from the family homestead. All the better to spend time with four grandchildren, and, so far, five great-grandchildren. Yolanda retired in the late 1990s after about 35 years of service at Episcopal, and Joe retired in 2010 as chairman of the board at Curley, after a total of 60 years. They are now self-proclaimed homebodies. COVID-19 brought some changes: They cant visit with Yolandas sisters or their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Theres no church, no leisurely chicken parm suppers at Sopranos, and no trips to Harrahs, where Joe loves to play the slots and Yolanda well, Yolanda goes just to make Joe happy. But the more drastic, if gradual, changes were those brought by living a long life. In October, the couple hopes the whole family will be able to gather to celebrate her 94th birthday, his 95th, and their 70th wedding anniversary. Joe never enjoyed driving, but now he cant. The couple are the last survivors among their closest friends. He and Yolanda both have health challenges; they are now the parents who need help, and their daughters are the children providing it. We have adjusted well more than anything because of our daughters, said Yolanda. They are here every single day. Margie and Jean have curtailed their own social circles to reduce the chances of giving COVID-19 to their parents. Every day, they visit, bring whatever is needed from the outside world, and do whatever needs doing. Gerry has cooked dinner for his in-laws nearly every night for two years. They are our life, said Margie. And you are our life, too, said Joe. When she raised Margie and Jean, Yolanda tried to impress a motto upon them: Simple life, simple problems. She now has a new version: A simple life is a wonderful life, she said. Joe and I are happy where we are because we have each other. We thank God every day, said Joe. Cuba will test its most advanced Covid vaccine candidate, in Iran, the research center that developed it announced on Saturday. State-run Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV) and the Pasteur Institute of Iran signed an agreement in Havana that will see a Phase 3 clinical trial in Iran, to "move forward faster in immunization against Covid-19 in both countries," the IFV announced on Twitter. The news came on the heels of Iran's supreme leader on Friday banning the import of American and British-produced vaccines against Covid-19, saying they were "completely untrustworthy." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a tweet, accompanied by the hashtag #CoronaVaccine: "It's not unlikely they would want to contaminate other nations." The Islamic republic has reported more than 1.2 million cases of the novel coronavirus, which have caused over 56,000 deaths. It has accused arch-enemy the United States of hampering its access to vaccines through a tough sanctions regime. The Sovereign 02 is the country's most advanced coronavirus vaccine candidate, showing "an early immune response (at 14 days)," IFV Director Vicente Verez said in December. It has been difficult to do Phase 3 clinical testing in Cuba because its outbreak has not been as serious as those in many larger countries, he said. Although cases in Cuba are increasing due to the opening of its borders, the country of 11.2 million has seen about 14,000 cases and 148 deaths, lower figures than its neighbors in the region. The Americas' only Communist-ruled state wants to have its entire population immunized with its own vaccines by the first half of 2021. The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is working on two other vaccine candidates, called Mambisa and Abdala. Cuban scientists have experience in developing and manufacturing vaccines. The national childhood vaccination program has 11 vaccines against 13 diseases, eight of which are manufactured on the island. US Vice President will attend the inauguration of President-elect and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on January 20, an event the outgoing President Donald Trump has decided to skip. According to US media outlets, word of Pence's intention to watch Biden take his oath of office in person spread after the first major break between him and Trump -- when the Vice President defied the President by performing his constitutional duty to certify the November 3 election results. Trump, a Republican, announced on Twitter, before his account was suspended, that he would not be attending Biden's inauguration. Pence will attend the inauguration of President-elect Biden, CNN reported, quoting a source familiar with the plans. Biden, a Democrat, said on Friday that he was glad President Trump decided not to attend and that Vice President Pence is "welcome to come. I'd be honoured to have him there." "It's a good thing, him not showing up," Biden said on Friday in Wilmington, Delaware, at a news conference. "He exceeded even my worst notions about him. He's been an embarrassment to the country, embarrassed us around the world. He's not worthy to hold that office," Biden said. The decision is Pence's second high-profile split from Trump, after standing loyally behind him for years. Despite pressure from Trump, Pence affirmed Biden's victory when the US Congress finished tallying Electoral College votes early on Thursday. Trump had called for Pence to show "extreme courage" by rejecting the certification process. Trump has spent weeks falsely claiming the November presidential election was rigged, culminating in a violent mob of his supporters overtaking the Capitol on Wednesday and leading to the deaths of five people, including a police officer. Former US presidents Barack Obama, George Bush and Bill Clinton are also expected to attend the scaled-down inauguration, sans the traditional parade and crowds on the National Mall. The congressional committee that plans the inauguration ceremony has said that the swearing-in will take place on the Capitol's West Front as planned, despite the unprecedented events of Wednesday. The team planning the ceremony has advised people to not travel to Washington because of coronavirus risks. (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.) (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.) 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. Speaking at the meeting to implement the socio-economic task in 2021 on January 9, Chairman Phong ordered the machinery of government in HCMC to be more active and creative when carrying out growth goals. Agencies and sectors must have detailed plans which are suitable for the reality of their sectors. Entering 2021, the southern metropolitan is predicted to have opportunities as well as to face difficulties and challenges in parallel with new situations in the world and in the country , said Mr. Phong. The city will strive to achieve 20 set goals in 2021 with the theme as "The year of building urban administration and improving the investment environment." With regard to building the urban administration, Chairman Phong required to focus on implementing the Standing Committee of the National Assemblys Resolution No.1111 on the alignment of administrative divisions at district and ward levels and the establishment of Thu Duc City. Re-arrangement of administrative divisions at districts and ward levels in Thu Duc City is an urgent work as the establishment of Thu Duc City has been announced, Chairman Phong stressed. However, he noticed that the re-organizing of administrative divisions at district and ward levels should not cause any disruption in solving paperwork and administrative formality and should not affect the legitimate needs of enterprises and residents. Upon improving investment environment, the chairman directed to take heed of leaders role in managing departments and sectors in solving difficulties for enterprises. He emphasized that leaders will be held accountable if there are complaints that enterprises must wait for a long time or enterprises are harassed while doing administrative procedures. The city is determined to make a breakthrough in creating a healthy investment environment for investors. The city will intensify administrative reform to improve the business environment by setting a time limit for the return of documents, verifying individuals who will be responsible for dealing with papers, listening to organizations and enterprises opinions, increasing supervisions of the city Peoples Council and the Fatherland Front; giving rewards and imposing punishment as well as applying information technology in administrative reform. Civil servants must be ready to help enterprises and city dwellers to complete paper formalities. Mentioning solutions for dual goals including the control of the Coronavirus pandemic and effective implementation of economic recovery programs, Mr. Phong announced the city planned to launch the second support package for enterprises affected by the pandemic. Simultaneously, the city will enhance removing hiccups along the production, investment and tax policies, mechanism and administrative formalities to support enterprises. According to Mr. Phong, electronic- commerce, cashless transactions and public services online at level 3 and 4 should be developed. The city should also take heed of in-depth industrial development, especially the sectors, fields, and stages basing on science, technology, high technology and the digital economy to improve added value. The chairman requested to carry out infrastructure projects and programs including encouragement of planting trees. Concerning to solutions relating to the citys general planning to 2040 with the vision to 2060, Chairman Phong ordered the city to organize a movement of planting trees for a greener city. Alongside, the city will implement the Party Committees resolution 26 issued on October 14, 2020 on developing the Thu Thiem New Urban Area before 2030. By Manh hoa - Translated by Anh Quan (CNN) Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh have received their COVID-19 vaccinations, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said Saturday. The inoculations were administered by a household doctor at Windsor Castle, a royal source said. To prevent inaccuracies and further speculation, Her Majesty, 94, decided that she would let it be known that she has had the vaccination, the source added. Her husband is 99 years old. The couple's son, Prince Charles, tested positive for coronavirus and went into isolation in March. The 72-year-old later said he was lucky to only experience mild symptoms, adding he'd "got away with it quite lightly." Meanwhile, their grandson Prince William, second-in-line to the British throne, also tested positive for coronavirus earlier this year, UK media reported, though exactly when he contracted the virus is unclear. The UK has recorded more than 3 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 80,000 deaths, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University on Saturday. The UK reported 1,325 coronavirus-related fatalities on Friday -- its highest ever daily increase in deaths. Health officials face a deadly start to 2021 as a new coronavirus variant, first detected in the UK, sweeps the nation. In the capital, London's mayor declared a "major incident" on Friday, warning that hospitals in the city were close to being overrun. "The situation in London is now critical with the spread of the virus out of control," Mayor Sadiq Khan said in a statement. "The number of cases in London has increased rapidly with more than a third more patients being treated in our hospitals now compared to the peak of the pandemic last April. "We are declaring a major incident because the threat this virus poses to our city is at crisis point," Khan added. "If we do not take immediate action now, our [National Health Service] could be overwhelmed and more people will die." This story was first published on CNN.com, "Queen Elizabeth and Duke of Edinburgh receive Covid-19 vaccine." Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are turning their backs on social media after reportedly becoming disillusioned by the "hate" projected on the platforms. The couple mothballed their Instagram account "sussexroyal" nearly 10 months ago, having amassed more than 10 million followers on the platform. But they are understood to have said they will not be using any social media platform, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, to build and promote their work in the US, such as the new Archewell Foundation. UK newspapers are reporting that a source close to the couple said they were "very unlikely" to return to any platforms in a personal capacity. It marks a significant shift in their strategy as "progressive influencers", and will be interpreted as being part of a wider rejection of what many see as the dark side of the unprecedented reach offered by social media giants. Meghan has described her experience of online trolling as "almost unsurvivable". The couple has been increasingly willing to speak out about the negative aspect of social media since leaving Britain and moving to the US, with Meghan describing herself as being "the most trolled person in the world". It emerged in 2019 that she had been bombarded with more than 5,000 abusive and racist tweets in two months, was subjected to threats of violence, and even accused of faking her pregnancy. During a virtual summit for the American publication Fortune last year, Meghan compared social media users to "people addicted to drugs" and in an opinion piece for the American magazine Fast Company, her husband said: "The digital landscape is unwell." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] ~ Says Knops admits World Bank failed ~ Independent Member of Parliament Christophe Emmanuel has taken note that Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs and her government, along with Dutch technocrats, have effectively sidelined the Parliament of St. Maarten and are moving full-speed ahead with country reforms without a legal basis to do so. He also added that State Secretary Knops finally admitted that the World Bank was wrong for St. Maarten. The legislation for the COHO (Caribbean Organization for Reforms and Development), Emmanuel said, has not been debated and as such not passed. In the meantime press reports indicate that the Prime Minister and her government, as well as civil servants, are meeting with the two Dutch technocrats appointed to St. Maarten by State Secretary Knops, who together form the Temporary Working Organization (TWO) of the BZK, awaiting the legal establishment of the COHO. The MP said the aforementioned parties are moving ahead at a break-neck pace, trying to meet deadlines imposed by Knops, at the expense of the role of Parliament in the country. What it clearly shows is that when the MPs gave the PM the permission to go ahead and sign for the COHO, the Dutch took that as a signal that the PM has full support for everything. Despite MPs stating that their permission was not a green light for everything else, that is exactly what their support is turning out to be. Because once the PM received majority support, the Dutch assumed that the same support will be there for the legislation. In other words, the same rubber stamps. I warned my colleagues about this, Emmanuel said. In fact, according to a government press release, Ministers have gone as far as already highlighting areas of importance for which work and collaboration are immediately needed. Parliament has not been informed about what these areas are and why they were specifically chosen. We dont know how they will affect the people or if they are contrary to existing legislation, MP Emmanuel said. MP Emmanuel reminded the general public and his colleagues that the green light that MPs gave to the PM to sign for the COHO placed St. Maarten in an impossible position when it comes to objecting to any reforms the Dutch want to see put in place by the independent COHO. He explained that Knops and his COHO are moving ahead without care because of the articles on the COHO legislation that stipulates the consequences of non-cooperation or getting a reform initiative done in time. Funding will be immediately cut off. So they dont care what Parliament says. And this attitude is being accommodated by the PM and by extension all MPs who gave her the go-ahead to sign, the MP said. He added that Knops exuded confidence in the speed of the reforms while throwing the World Bank under the bus during his recently held press conference. The same World Bank, Emmanuel said that was chosen by the Dutch, has stagnated real development on St. Maarten for three years and which has received a universal critique of being an ill-chosen entity for the St. Maarten Trust Fund ect. State Secretary Knops said, and I quote, The COHO is not the World Bank and it has to deliver results. I want to see results because I am not a pencil pusher I am a man of action. So he admitted that the World Bank is not result-oriented and slow to the task. That is an indictment of the World Bank and an incredible comparison after three years of nothing from the World Bank on St. Maarten, initiated by the Dutch. Today the Prime Minister is the driver of a fast-moving car trying to make ambitious deadlines while being guided by the same person who left her people to suffer under ineffective World Bank policies, and ignoring Parliament in the process, the MP said. Lets face facts, the World Bank as not meant to work. The World Bank was used as the vessel to ensure that there was limited to no progress in the reconstruction of the island. It was a way to keep the island on a string of dependency. Which has now been compounded by the pandemic, and the rest is history, the MP said. Emmanuel said he will be requesting a few meetings this week and he hopes to get the support of MPs at this very crucial time for St. Maarten and its people. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. One of my favorite things about Stamford is the strength of our local restaurant scene. With the exception of a handful of fast food places, I dont really recall eating at a chain restaurant until I was an adult. I never had to. Great local establishments such as Reddi Rooster on High Ridge Road, Michaels Pizza on Cove Road and Soul Tasty on Main Street are part of the reason Stamford remains the best place to live and work in Connecticut. Across the Atlantic here in England, I often get cravings for a Colony pie or a plate of wings from Vinnys Backyard. These places are not just great restaurants; theyre what home tastes like. Owning a independent restaurant has always been a struggle, but this pandemic has made that struggle almost impossible. Crowded indoor spaces at bars and restaurants are a perfect vector for the spread of coronavirus, especially during these winter months. The government has a public health responsibility to address this spread, and has done so by restricting access to these establishments. However, by closing bars and restaurants the government also incurs another responsibility to hospitality workers. They cant reasonably ask businesses to shut their doors without providing some sort of support to owners and employees. I write these lines in the midst of our third lockdown here in England. From the beginning, British government has committed to pay 80 percent of furloughed workers salaries. Pubs and restaurants are eligible for additional support, including Local Restriction Grants and even an additional grant for pubs over Christmas. There is property tax relief and deferred VAT tax payments for restaurants. This is not charity; Boris Johnsons government is widely seen as one of the most conservative in recent history. However, theres an understanding that depriving people of their livelihood will only force them to circumvent the rules to stay alive, leading to clandestine public gatherings and inevitably more spread of the virus. To secure public health, we need to ensure the economic health of the public. Washington has clearly given up providing even the most basic support for Americans. Its becoming increasing clear that our state must fill the gap to support independent restaurants. While the $45 million in dispersals this year was welcome, more must be done. House Republicans have proposed temporary suspension of several regulatory fees, such as liquor permitting and restaurant licensing. This too is welcome. However, I believe we should create a separate fund to help shoulder fixed costs such as rent and utilities. If state government is unwilling to undertake this goal, then the City of Stamford should take steps to create such a fund. Taxpayers dutifully pay their share every year, its now time for municipal government to honor its side of the social contract and support our residents. When your house is on fire, you dont sit around debating whether to save the sofa or the shower curtains. You take whats priceless and you bolt out the door. Our local independent restaurants are priceless. When the inferno of this pandemic is behind us, we will all be glad we preserved whats important to our community. But to do that, government must take steps now before its too late. We dont have to choose between preserving lives and preserving livelihoods. Finding a way to do both may be our finest hour. Steve Kolenberg is a former member of the Stamford Board of Representatives. New Delhi, Jan 10 : Mahtab sinks into a chair with his 2-year-old child as the TV news channels play the news of the Covid vaccination dry run. He watches the news closely but soon gets uneasy and switches the channel. Sitting in his small accommodation in Delhi's Jamia Nagar's Okhla Vihar, he still recalls his beloved Omni van that stood outside his house and was his only source of livelihood. On good sunny days he ferried school children from a school in Batla House to their houses in the vicinity in Jamia Nagar. He survived the pandemic but his van couldn't. His eyes go moist when he talks about the sad tale of his van's farewell. "We almost had nothing to eat and had to borrow money from friends and relatives during the lockdown. The schools got shut and I was left with no business. No schools meant no driver's requirement. To pay the debts I had to sell my van after the lockdown was over," said Mahtab, who is now looking for a driver's job in Delhi-NCR. Thirty five-year-old Kalyan picks up the call and in a polite tone says 'Hello'. 'Polite, neat, honest' are the adjectives used by an acquaintance to describe him in a job request. Kalyan is well trained to drive luxury vehicles including Mercedes and Audi but lost his job due to the corona crisis. "My employer in Fathehpur Beri paid me half the salary during the lockdown. However, things did not improve and I was politely asked to look for some other job. It has been one and a half months since then and I am still struggling to find a job for myself. I have three children and my family needs monetary support. In a nutshell I need a respectable job" Kalyan says in a low voice. The schools slowly and quietly shifted to online education, the offices in Delhi-NCR are either running with minimum physical presence or have asked their employees to work from home. Several companies in Noida and Gurugram have supplied the computer set up or laptops to their employees until the pandemic scare recedes and things normalize. This means the cabs used in the transportation of the employees bore the brunt of the pandemic and many cab drivers were left jobless. A random look at social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook also portray a dismal state of the drivers who lost their jobs during the pandemic and its repercussions. However, many people were seen posting brief bio datas of their known persons who lost jobs as drivers in the pandemic. "If someone needs a good driver in Delhi with 20+ years' experience can tell me here. I know someone who has lost his job due to this ongoing lockdown and pandemic. He is very sincere, punctual and honest. Please RT this so that we all can help someone needy," Rohini posted on Twitter in September, 2020. "Anyone looking for a driver in Delhi please let me know. A good safe and trustworthy driver known to me for more than 10 years has lost his job due to Covid and is looking for a new job. Till he gets a full-time job he is available for short duration duties for our trips," said Sudhanshu on Twitter. Seeing no solution in sight even the children and kin of the drivers started making accounts on social media to have a wider reach for probable job prospects for their father or relatives who lost jobs as drivers and are struggling to make ends meet. The drivers who have spent so much time safely transporting people from one place to another are themselves struggling to find a track now. Not just the society but the government does need to make some necessary arrangements so that the livelihood of the 'Drivers' is restored and they find a little reason to heave a sigh of relief on the steering. (Zafar Abbas can be reached at zafar.a@ians.in) A second US Capitol police officer has died following riots in the nations Capitol last week. Officer Howard Liebengood, 51, a 15-year veteran of the police force, died by suicide, two law enforcement officials told The Washington Post. The United States Capitol Police is deeply saddened by the off-duty death on January 9, 2021, of Officer Howard Liebengood, age 51, the USCP said in a statement on Sunday. He was assigned to the Senate Division, and has been with the Department since April 2005, the statement reads. Officer Liebengood was one of scores of police officers and other law enforcement personnel who responded to the riots on Wednesday when a pro-Trump mob breached security barriers and overtook the Capitol building as Congress was certifying Joe Bidens election victory. Five people died as a result of the riots, including another USCP officer, 42-year-old Brian Sicknick. Officer Sicknick reportedly sustained head injuries as the pro-Trump mob ran roughshod through the Capitol complex. The chairman of the police union said the deaths of Officers Sicknick and Liebengood had shocked the force. The US Capitol Police is made up of roughly 2,300 officers whose primary responsibility is to provide security to the 535 members of Congress and their staffs. We are reeling from the death of Officer Liebengood, Gus Papathanasiou, chairman of the USCP officers union, said in a statement on Sunday. Every Capitol Police Officer puts the security of others before their own safety and Officer Liebengood was an example of that selfless service that is a hallmark of the USCP. This is a tragic day." Mr Papathanasious press release also noted the deaths of Mr Sicknick and Officer Eric Marshall, who died from cancer on 2 January. Lawmakers are demanding accountability for the lack of leadership and preparation from law enforcement on Wednesday. USCP Chief Steven Sund has stepped down. The sergeants-at-arms in both the House and Senate have also quit. Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and several others have announced their intention to launch sweeping investigations into the security breach and ensuing mayhem. Mr Papathanasiou and his union were equally adamant that leaders in the department must be held accountable. We have several protesters dead, multiple officers injured and the symbol of our Democracy, the U.S. Capitol, desecrated, Mr Papathanasiou told Roll Call last week. This never should have happened. This lack of planning led to the greatest breach of the U.S. Capitol since the War of 1812. This is a failure of leadership at the very top. When life is difficult, Samaritans are here day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch. In the US, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 800 273 8255 or chat online for help. 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. It marked the first of two separate police shootings Saturday after Evanston police fired their weapons during an exchange that left dead a man who was suspected in several shootings, and a woman critically wounded. Chicago police spokesman Tom Ahern was on the scene of both shootings, he said. Pennsylvanias cyber charter schools used federal COVID-19 relief funds to purchase technology and cleaning supplies and send Target gift cards and phones to families. Many of the expenditures, revealed through Right to Know Law requests by The Sunday Times, Scranton, a Times-Shamrock newspaper, have traditional public school educators questioning why cyber charter schools require the funding when their students already learn from home. The states cyber charter schools received $10 million in CARES Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding in the spring. The latest round of funding is set to quadruple their allocations, as more than $40 million could go to 12 online schools, according to estimates obtained by The Sunday Times. Its disgusting. Its just unbelievable, said Bronson Stone, superintendent of Susquehanna Community School District. The small, rural district, with a budget of $16.3 million, will pay an additional $335,000 in cyber charter tuition this year. The district used its $178,600 CARES allocation in the spring to pay for disinfectant sprayers, maintenance workers and other means to try to keep students in their classrooms. The federal funding comes as traditional public school leaders become increasingly frustrated with a perceived lack of transparency and accountability of cyber charter schools. In the last year, enrollment statewide in cyber charter schools has grown 63%, with more than 62,000 Pennsylvania students now enrolled in one of the 14 cyber schools. The states 500 school districts are expected to send the cyber schools more than $1 billion in taxpayer money this school year. The local leaders question why the state distributes the relief money using the same formula for traditional and cyber schools. Just this week, business administrators for four Schuylkill County school districts and Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 submitted a letter to the editor criticizing and asking for changes to the funding formula and noting that during the 2018-19 school year, county public schools paid nearly $11 million to charter schools. Meanwhile, cyber charter school leaders defend their use of federal relief funds, saying the money supported students and families during an unprecedented public health crisis. The leader of Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, which spent $117,497 on cellphones for families and postage, said the federal funds helped the school offer additional support to students. This is not money weve gone out to seek, said CEO Brian Hayden. We provide many things for students that go beyond an education. CARES funding In the spring, schools in Pennsylvania shared $471 million in CARES funding. Traditional public schools purchased laptops, masks and cleaning supplies. A second round of federal funding, the $900 billion relief package approved by Congress last month, will provide much more to area districts. Estimates by the state, obtained by The Sunday Times, show schools could receive $1.9 billion in relief. Individual allotments will be about four times what the schools received in the spring. The state uses a formula based on a schools federal Title I allocation, which is money directed to schools with larger populations of low-income students. Schools with more low-income students receive greater support. School leaders await guidance on permissible uses for the new money. Two cyber charter schools, 21st Century and Susq-Cyber, do not receive Title I funds and are not on the list for federal funding. CARES funding in the spring allowed districts to provide support to students, such as the cellphones or boxes of food shipped by Pennsylvania Cyber. As a growing number of students became homeless, the school needed a way to reach families by cellphone, Hayden said. Chester County-based Insight PA Cyber Charter School spent more than $57,000 on Target gift cards for students experiencing food insecurities, according to records obtained through the Right to Know Law requests. The school and others also paid for the salaries and benefits of mental health professionals to provide assistance to students and families through the pandemic. Last month, Commonwealth Charter Academy, the states largest cyber charter school, sent each family a $150 subsidy payment because of the pandemic. While the school already provides funding for internet services, the school heard from many families that they have ill family members, unexpected and increased expenses, reduced income, job losses and the need to increase internet speed and bandwidth due to additional family members working and attending school from home, all of which create a significant financial burden on families, Timothy Eller, senior vice president of outreach and government relations, wrote in an email. The additional payment, sent to 12,037 families, cost $1,805,550. Although Eller said the funding did not come directly from CARES money, superintendents quickly pointed out the money still came from taxpayers. Thats our money. Our taxes go to them, said Robert Mehalick, Crestwood superintendent. Were not able to write checks for $150. Commonwealth Charter, which could receive $10.3 million this winter, spent its first allocation of $2.5 million to help cover the salaries of additional teachers hired last spring. From March until the end of last school year, the state did not allow cyber charter schools to bill districts for the additional students enrolled. The school has not discussed how to use the additional money. I can assure you that any additional COVID funding received by CCA will be used to ensure that all CCA students continue to receive high-quality education programs and services. Those who dont think cyber charter schools need the new COVID relief funding dont understand or recognize that cyber charters are also public schools and our students deserve the same funding as students who attend district schools, Eller wrote. The cyber charter schools also had to provide students with necessary technology, and while students learn from home, most cyber charter schools have physical locations where teachers or staff work or where students can receive in-person support, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. Those schools used the money to purchase cleaning supplies and protective equipment for employees, the group stated. Part of the estimated $877,789 the Pennsylvania Distance Learning Charter School may receive could be used to administer standardized tests this spring, said Patricia Rossetti, the schools CEO. The Allegheny County-based school plans to have 38 testing locations statewide for its 1,413 students, with many of those locations hotel ballrooms where students must maintain social distance and wear masks. The whole mitigation that the districts did at the start of the school year, we would have to do that at various locations, she said. How we apply the money, I get people want to know and they deserve to know Why wouldnt our students be eligible for those funds? Growing frustration As superintendents try to find ways to reopen their schools safely or keep the doors open now, the frustrations over cyber charter schools grow. Charter schools, both cyber and brick-and-mortar, are offered at no cost to families. When students enroll, districts pay tuition based on their own per-pupil costs. Last month, The Sunday Times revealed that six of the states 14 cyber charter schools have never been audited by the state auditor general. Learning that taxpayer money is spent on $150 subsidy payments or Target gifts cards adds to the frustration. State Rep. Mike Carroll, D-118, Avoca, said the state law classifies a cyber charter school in the same way as traditional public schools. When youre doling out the CARES money or other money, public schools are public schools, he said. Its just one of the many reasons why the whole cyber charter arrangement needs to be reformed. ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MI A bomb threat over the weekend toward a Port Huron-area fast food restaurant was determined by law enforcement officials to be unfounded. St. Clair County Central Dispatch received a call shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, from an employee at the McDonalds off 24th Street in Port Huron Township reporting a suspicious telephone call they had just received. The employee had received a call informing them that there was a bomb in the restaurant, according to a statement issued by the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office. The restaurant was immediately evacuated and searched with assistance from the Port Huron Police Departments K9 unit. The Port Huron Township Fire Department also provided assistance to deputies. Nothing suspicious was located to corroborate the threat, per the sheriffs office statement. The restaurant reopened upon completion of the search. The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the investigation has been asked to contact the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office at 810-985-8115. A police force which was shamed for hiring 'woke' staff is now advertising two more positions. West Midlands Police are now hiring a 73,340-a-year assistant director of talent and organisational effectiveness. The force, which failed to record 16,600 crimes in 2019, is also hiring an engagement and consultation officer and will pay 28,725. West Midlands Police are hiring another 73,340-a-year job criticised as 'woke'. Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine (pictured) said it is striving to serve its diverse community The role of assistant director of fairness and belonging comes as the force continues to face a funding shortage The force were slammed for advertising for the role of assistant director of fairness and belonging on more than 74,000 last week. In all, the three jobs pay 180,000. The role is to 'support and oversee improved inclusive culture' according to The Sun. Joe Ventre, digital campaign manager of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'The need for these fanciful policing positions is bound to be questioned. 'Taxpayers expect their hard-earned money to be spent on cops fighting crime, not on non-jobs and cultural commissars. 'Police chiefs must be able to justify these costs or refocus their funding on the frontline.' Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said it is striving to serve its diverse community. West Midlands Police Chief Constable Dave Thompson, whose force is advertising for a new 74,000-a-year 'fairness and belonging' director She said that West Midlands Police are 'are always looking at how we can work with them to improve how we serve the communities'. She added: 'West Midlands Police are the second largest police force in the country and we are striving to have a workforce which is representative of the diverse communities we serve. New jobs advertised by West Midlands Police Assistant director of talent and organisational effectiveness - 73,340 Engagement and consultation officer - 28,725 Assistant director of fairness and belonging - 73,340 Advertisement 'By 2023 we expect to have recruited 2,800 officers, which will include an additional 1200 officers'. DCC Jardine added: 'We focus on the welfare and wellbeing of all our staff, which is vital in order for them to deliver policing across the West Midlands. 'We have a number of key senior roles within the force who are in place to support, engage, develop and maximise the potential of our whole team. 'In that way we will better serve the people who live, work and travel through the West Midlands.' Last week, the force advertised the role for assistant director of fairness and belonging which includes 28 days of leave a year plus bank holidays and a 'generous' pension. Critics slammed the force for 'wasting' money on the 'pointless' role and for prioritising 'wokeness' over the demands of frontline policing. Since 2010, West Midlands Police has shed more than 2,000 officers and closed dozens of stations after 175million worth of funding cuts by the Government. Microplastics contamination at beaches, lakes and channels in the central city reached serious levels with100 plastic items found in one cubic metre up to five times higher than the average microplastic contaminated sites in the world. Mircoplastic items are seen by microscope at laboratory. Photo courtesy Trinh Dang Mau A report by a group of biological scientists and researchers from the citys Science and Education College and Dr. Emilie Strady from France has been published after a two-year investigation at the citys beach, lakes and channels from 2018. The report, which was published by the Marine Pollution Bulletin in October, revealed that 99 per cent of microplastics items were synthetic fiber and fishing nets adrift in the ocean. Dr. Trinh Dang Mau said its the first investigation on the microplastic pollution in Da Nang before expanding the research at coastal central provinces from Thua Thien-Hue to Binh Dinh in evaluating plastic pollution. He said synthetic fiber accounted for 99.2 per cent of the total types of microplastics in sediment samples at the two depth strata (at 5cm and from 5cm to 10 cm) that were taken from eight sites along the entire coast in the city. A large number of synthetic fibers (81.9 per cent) were in the size range of 300 and 2,600 micrometres, which might pose a threat to marine biota and human health, the report unveiled. Mau said microplastic items found in sediment at some lakes and Phu Loc channel were even higher with 14,000 items per kilo of sediment. Meanwhile, 3,800 microplastic items were contained in one cubic metres of untreated waste water leaked from the citys dump, he said. Its really alarming, and the city needs urgent actions in dealing with the microplastic pollution," Mau said. "However, the standard of microplastic contamination has yet to be released by the citys environment authority in identifying plastic pollution level. The microplatic contamination would pollute food chains of aquatic species and ecological system at lagoons, lakes, estuaries and oceans. Single-use plastic waste still dominates public dust bins in urban area. Untreated plastic waste will result in plastic contaminations in environment and ecological system. VNS Photo Cong Thanh Vice rector of the college, Vo Van Minh, a member of the group, said more research and investigations will take place in the future to find microplastic contamination in air, food and aquatic species. He said accurate scientific reports of the group will help local authorities in the region changing policies for better environment protection and eliminating hazardous plastic product in consumption as well as single-use plastic bags and straws. Minh said the group suggested building plastic contamination control solutions including air observation stations and water sample testing. Da Nang has yet to build effective regulations in changing behaviour among consumers in regards to single-use plastic products, while a solid waste treatment plant is still being planned. According to a recent survey by Greenhub, an NGO, the city discharged 1,000 tonnes of waste each day, of which more than 22 per cent was plastic. The city developed 11 waste disposal depots (DEPO) to recycle 890 tonnes of recycled paper each month, while 800 waste collectors help classify recycled waste. At least 3,000 tonnes of rubbish from the sea washed up on the citys beaches after storms and flood in 2020. Thanh Khe District in the city agreed a less plastic urban commitment with World Wild Fund-Vietnam, and businesses at the Han Market in the city began application of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle). The city targets to limit waste to dump at under 20 per cent of total daily amount. VNS Plastic pollution a disease: experts The way we design, produce, transform, use and dispose of plastic needs rethinking due to the vast release of the plastic waste into the ocean, and innovative circular economy approaches could be one way to go, experts have said. Shareholders risk losing their voting rights if plans to attract fast-growing companies to the UK are given the green light, bodies representing investors have warned. Two sweeping reviews commissioned by the Government are expected to propose shake-ups to London Stock Exchange rules to attract technology titans and entrepreneurs. One review, led by former Worldpay boss Ron Kalifa, will recommend that financial technology companies can float just a 10 per cent stake in their business, rather than the current minimum of 25 per cent. Show of hands: Two sweeping reviews commissioned by the Government are expected to propose shake-ups to London Stock Exchange rules The review, which will be handed to Chancellor Rishi Sunak next month, will also call for company owners to have the option of greater voting rights than ordinary shareholders. The idea is to give entrepreneurs more control of their businesses, which could help them to fend off takeover approaches. A separate review into stock exchange rules, led by Lord Hill, is also expected to make calls for owners to retain greater control. The Investment Association, which represents global fund giants such as Schroders and BlackRock, is against the plans. Alan Beaney, chief executive of wealth manager RC Brown, said: 'Company owners want to have their cake and eat it. You're disenfranchising shareholders. I think it's a move backwards.' Hundreds of Rajinikanth fans gathered in Chennai's Valluvar Kottam on Sunday to urge the actor to not quit politics. This comes two weeks after the actor announced that he wouldn't be starting a political party, citing health reasons. The actor was expected to launch a political party this month, but made a statement announcing otherwise in December 2020. However, Rajinikanth said that he would not do so after he was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad for blood pressure issues. The actor had also apologised to his fans for not keeping the promise he made. While Tamil Nadu has a history of actors like J Jayalalithaa and MG Ramachandran becoming successful politicians, with the upcoming elections in 2021, Rajinikanth's would have likely been a game changer. The Hindu quoted Rajinikanth as saying, "If I enter politics, I will have to meet thousands, even lakhs of people while campaigning. Even within a tight setup where only 120 people were at the shooting spot, people were affected by COVID-19 and I had to spend three days in the hospital. Even if a vaccine comes, I am on Immuno Suppresant medicines and if some health issues arise for me while campaigning, it would put those who are with me on this political journey in a very tight spot and lead to untold miseries for them." The actor had also apologised to his fans and said the decision was a painful one. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Just days removed from office, former U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico spent Wednesday glued to the television in her Las Cruces home, watching a mob of pro-Trump extremists storm the U.S. Capitol building. The centrist Democrat had been a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of moderate lawmakers who tried to negotiate to break impasses in Washington. So she said it was heartbreaking to watch the polarization of American politics lead to such chaos in the Capitol. While I am hopeful for our country, I am also very worried, Torres Small said. I dont think strongly disagreeing is a problem. I think failing to respect each other and becoming radicalized over misinformation, and taking up arms, is terrifying, and we have to stop. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Torres Small discussed her single term in Congress with the Journal last week. The 36-year-old water attorney said that shes not sure what her future holds and that shell look for opportunities in water law, and possibly other political opportunities, in the state. Im not sure whats next, she said. I loved this job, and I would love to find a way to serve New Mexico in the future, and well see where that takes me. The website govtrack.us credits Torres Small for being the primary sponsor of three bills that were enacted into law: Securing Americas Ports Act, which will increase noninvasive surveillance at border checkpoints; the REACH VET Reporting Act, which aims to prevent suicides by offering assistance to struggling veterans; and the White Sands National Park Establishment Act, which created the second national park in New Mexico. Torres Small said that in addition to those three bills, parts of the legislative efforts she worked on for two years were included in other legislation that became law. I was incredibly proud to get to serve this district, she said. From what I learned from constituents on the ground, I was able to get some key things done and am very glad of the lasting legacy. Torres Small said much of that work concerned border policy she said she took a strong, smart and fair approach and rural hospitals. The hardest day during her term, Torres Small said, was the day she cast her vote to impeach President Donald Trump. It was one of the saddest days in my two-year term when I voted to impeach the president, she said. Its not something any American hopes to do. Its something you do to hold someone accountable and protect the country that you love. Knowing how controversial the vote would be among southern New Mexico voters, Torres Small said, she held a telephone town hall with her constituents less than 30 minutes after she voted to impeach Trump. She did so to show she wasnt hiding from her vote. In November, Torres Small lost her seat to Yvette Herrell a Republican and strong Trump supporter. During Herrells first speech on the House floor early Thursday, Herrell objected to President-elect Joe Bidens victory. Herrells objections centered on the fact that several states, including Pennsylvania, changed election rules because of the coronavirus pandemic without approval from state legislators. Herrell said in a statement that she heard from many constituents last week who supported her decision to object. They know my duty is to uphold the Constitution, which I will continue to do, she said. On Wednesday that meant objecting not based on fraud or to overturn the will of the people of New Mexico but to object to the six states that were called into question because of the Constitutionality of changes to their election procedures. Torres Small said she hopes lawmakers including Herrell are held accountable for their objections. I think it is unpatriotic and dangerous to refuse to honor our elections and propagate misinformation, the same misinformation being chanted about by the violent mob hours before, Torres Small said. I hope the people who refused to honor our democratic process are held accountable. New South Wales has reported three new locally acquired Covid-19 cases overnight. State premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Sunday two of the cases were linked to Berala, in Sydney's west, and the other case linked to the Avalon cluster, on the northern beaches. Three cases were also linked to returned travellers in hotel quarantine. The news comes as residents north of Narrabeen Bridge on Sydney's northern beaches have finally had their stay-at-home orders lifted. 'I want to thank the Northern Beaches community for what they have gone through,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'For being so compliant, and for making sacrifices which have ensured that the lines of transmission did not spread in a manner which was out of control for the rest of Greater Sydney and, in fact, the state.' Residents wearing face masks stroll the streets in the Sydney CBD on January 2 Health workers testing for coronavirus at Merrylands in southwest Sydney on Thursday The northern beaches had been placed into lockdown since December 19 with residents only allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping, work, exercise or healthcare reasons. The region was split into the Southern and Northern zones with residents divided over both sides of the Narrabeen bridge. Stay-at-home orders were lifted earlier for the Southern Zone with lockdown eased on January 2. The Northern Zone finally had its lockdown rolled back on Sunday, with residents making the most of the newfound freedom and enjoying a day out. Ms Berejiklian praised Sydneysiders for following the lockdown rules and coming out the other end of a tough period. 'The geographic significance of the northern beaches allowed us to have a localised response,' she said. 'The important thing during the pandemic is to appreciate and accept the response that we have to a particular outbreak.' Ms Berejiklian admitted a number of businesses, not just in the northern beaches, had been hurt by the lockdown. 'We deeply appreciate that businesses have been hurting, especially at a time of year when they expect to have more trade. 'We'll look very closely what we need to do and let me assure you that if we need to do direct support we will.' Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant added the new case in the northern beaches did not jeopardise the recent rollback of lockdown in the area. Customers are seen wearing face masks at Westfield Bondi Junction after they became mandatory in Sydney NEW VENUE ALERTS FOR NSW There were 86 separate health alerts for NSW venues on the NSW Health website and 27 for public transport routes on Saturday night. The public is urged to check the website here to see if you were at any of those places at the red-flagged dates and times. If you were, you may have come in contact with the virus: isolate and test. NEW SYDNEY VENUES EXPOSED Campsie: Big W, Sunday 3 January 1.20pm 1.40pm Campsie: Chemist Warehouse, Friday, 8 January 12pm 12.30pm Campsie: Campsie Medical and Dental, Friday 8 January 10.40am 11.30am Casula: Costco, Saturday, 2 January 4.45pm-6.15pm Bankstown: Myer, ground floor, Wednesday, 6 January 11.30am 12.40pm Advertisement 'The case I mentioned today was in the southern side. We do actually believe that case was an older case but we do wait for serology on that,' she said. 'We take a precautionary approach as you're aware.' There were 23,763 tests were carried out in the 24-hour period to 8pm on Saturday. 'We need to maintain those high rates of testing for at least 14 days and I would like to see them sustained beyond that,' Dr Chant said. On Saturday, Ms Berejiklian said more cases of the mutated United Kingdom and South African strains of Covid-19 will turn up in Australians returning home and spending time in hotel quarantine systems. She also believes mask usage will be mandatory for the foreseeable future. NSW recorded one new locally-acquired case of Covid-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday. Sydney residents wearing face masks step out onto the streets of the CBD to do some shopping The single local infection was a contact of a case linked to the Berala cluster, which now numbers 21, and came from more than 25,000 tests. There were also five new cases in travellers in hotel quarantine. Australia faces an anxious wait to see if the highly-contagious UK version of the virus has spread from Brisbane. Greater Brisbane is halfway through a three-day lockdown after a cleaner at a quarantine hotel was diagnosed with the more infectious British strain. The NSW government subsequently ordered anyone in the state who had been in Greater Brisbane since January 2 to adhere to the same regulations. Travellers from the area will only be able to leave their accommodation until 6pm on Monday to shop, exercise, work, perform care or seek medical help. Anyone already in transit from Greater Brisbane to NSW must abide by Queensland's isolation rules and act as if they had remained in Brisbane. Health care workers stationed at a Merrylands Covid-19 testing clinic, in western Sydney Ms Berejiklian on Saturday warned NSW residents the contagious UK and South African strains would likely become dominant in countries failing to suppress Covid-19 transmission. 'It's important for us to learn as much as we can during this time ... I also want to stress we shouldn't be attributing these variants to one country because the so-called UK strain now exists in 30 countries,' Ms Berejiklian said. 'We have to assume that this strain will become the dominant strain, and it is important to keep re-assessing our settings, keep staying vigilant.' Casual-contact alerts have been issued for the Artisaint Cafe at the Crowne Plaza Sydney Burwood and the Burwood Bing Lee on January 6. Those who attended Westfield Burwood and several shops inside the complex on January 6 and 7 have also been advised to monitor for symptoms, as have patrons of Costume clothes shop at Avalon Beach on New Year's Eve. A prior alert for Sydney Marina restaurant in Pendle Hill has also been upgraded to a casual-contact alert, meaning patrons must seek testing. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jan, 2021 ) :The Spokesman of National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) on Sunday said NTDC grid stations of 220kV and 500 kV and transmission system have been fully restored across the country. Sharing the updates, the spokesman said power supply to Karachi has also been restored through 500 kV Jamshroo-NKI-Karachi transmission line. Power supply to Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan has also be resumed from Guddu Power Plant, he said. He said Managing Director (MD) NTDC Dr Khawaja Raffat has personally been monitoring since Saturday night the situation from Lahore Data Centre. The MD lauded the general manger National Power Control Centre, GMs NTDC North and South, officers and all field staff for their untiring efforts to restore the power supply. WASHINGTON - Lawmakers who hunkered down together for safety while a pro-Trump mob attacked the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday may have been exposed to someone in the same room who was infected with the coronavirus, according to the Office of the Attending Physician. "On Wednesday January 6, many members of the House community were in protective isolation in room located in a large committee hearing space," Brian Monahan, the attending physician to Congress, wrote in an email that was sent to members of Congress on Sunday morning. "The time in this room was several hours for some and briefer for others. During this time, individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection." "Monahan did not specify how large the group of lawmakers in the room was. Two House aides confirmed to The Washington Post that Monahan was referring to a room where scores of House members were taken during the riot. Video first published by Punchbowl News on Friday showed maskless Republicans - including Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Michael Cloud of Texas, Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania - refusing masks offered by Democratic Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware while in the room. Monahan's email advised lawmakers who may have been exposed to continue monitoring for symptoms, wearing masks and social distancing. "Additionally, individuals should obtain an RT-PCR coronavirus test next week as a precaution," the email stated. One House member, Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kan., disclosed Thursday that he had received a positive coronavirus test on Wednesday evening. But Pat Adams, a spokesman for LaTurner, said Sunday that the congressman was not among the members who were taken to the lockdown area in question Wednesday afternoon. Blunt Rochester tweeted Friday that while she was "disappointed in my colleagues who refused to wear a mask, I was encouraged by those who did. My goal, in the midst of what I feared was a super spreader event, was to make the room at least a little safer." Separately, Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn., announced Sunday that he had tested positive. "Today, I learned that I have tested positive for COVID-19 after coming into contact with another infected Member of Congress, with whom I share a residence in D.C.," Fleischmann said in a statement. He said he has been in quarantine since Wednesday night, when he learned that the other lawmaker tested positive. A spokesman for Fleischmann said the congressman was not in the lockdown area Wednesday. Members of Congress qualified for priority access to the coronavirus vaccine, and many - but not all - have received at least the first shot of a two-dose regimen. Some congressional staffers have received the coronavirus vaccine as well. More than two million coronavirus cases have been reported in the United States so far this year, and for the first time, the seven-day average for new deaths has surpassed 3,000 deaths a day, according to a Washington Post analysis. The daily death toll for the first time surpassed 4,000 just one day after Wednesday's insurrection. Experts have warned the storming of the Capitol building could have contributed to the public health crisis as a potential superspreader event. "There's going to be chains of transmission that come out of that kind of mass gathering," former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Scott Gottlieb said during an interview on CBS News's "Face the Nation" on Sunday. "The crowd wasn't adhering to what we know are good practices in terms of mask-wearing and other things. I think they deliberately eschewed those things. So, yeah, we're going to see chains of transmission come out of that kind of a gathering, for sure. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told McClatchy on Friday that "you have to anticipate that this is another surge event." "Then these individuals all are going in cars and trains and planes going home all across the country right now," Redfield added. "So I do think this is an event that will probably lead to a significant spreading event." As the incoming Biden administration plans to take over the coronavirus response in days, the president-elect announced plans to expedite the vaccination process by releasing nearly all available doses of the vaccine. The announcement has prompted experts and state leaders to debate whether the approach is the best path forward. In an interview on CNN on Sunday, Ashish Jha, a physician and dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, backed the idea, and said "we've got to start getting people vaccinated far more quickly." Some public health experts have expressed concern that it could delay people in getting the second vaccine dose. The two coronavirus vaccines currently authorized for use in the United States require a two-dose regimen to be fully effective. In an interview Friday on "PBS NewsHour," Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the external advisory committee to the FDA, called Biden's plan a "big bet, and I think an unnecessary bet." "They're assuming that they're going to be able to mass-produce, mass-distribute, and mass-administer that second dose in a timely manner, where then you're still getting that second dose three or four weeks later, or maybe five weeks later, or six weeks later," Offit said. "What worries me is that it might not be then. It might be two months later, or three months later, or, worse, that some people wouldn't get a vaccine at all." Last week, Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and head of the U.S. pandemic response, talked about the idea of "stretching out" supply without reserving a second dose. "We don't think it's a good idea," Fauci said. "To stretch out and you don't get your second dose until maybe three or four months, there's no scientific data that proves that. And since we want to maintain our credibility and do things right according to the science, we want to do it exactly the way it was shown in the clinical trial." Asked by CNN about Fauci's recent remarks, Jha said he agreed that there's "no reason to wait three or four months for the second dose, people need the second dose." But he said he has no reason to believe manufacturing will slow down or prevent individuals from getting their second shots on time. "So I don't know that I disagree so much with Dr. Fauci as much as I would put emphasis on getting vaccines out quickly and count on that second dose showing up in plenty of time for people to get vaccinated with their second dose, which everybody needs," Jha said. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he's "not sure" what the best move is, but said he's in discussions with the Biden team, Trump administration officials and other governors about the path ahead. "We want to make sure we don't run out of that second dose so the people that got the first one, we have to have those," Hogan, a Republican, said Sunday during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union." "It's a gray area, so where can we ramp up the production? Right now we're not getting them out fast enough into people's arms." "I just want to make sure we get as many out as fast as possible without endangering people by not having that second dose," Hogan added. As a handful of chipmakers sprouted up in the Valley of Hearts Delight, the seeds of what would become Silicon Valley were planted. It was the heyday of organized labor, but unions were strong in San Francisco and the East Bay, not the South Bay or Peninsula. That suited the founders and backers of the new ventures just fine as well as the engineers who would flit from one startup to the next, rather than make a career at a single company. Technology and unions rarely mixed even though some of the companies would grow quite large and include factory operations churning out chips and other hardware. Over half a century later, the labor pool of Silicon Valley is still highly liquid, with skilled coders bouncing from Google to Facebook to Pinterest to Dropbox. But now, some of the Bay Areas knowledge workers historically hard to organize are embracing unions. It was remarkable when several hundred workers from Googles parent company, Alphabet, announced the formation of a union last week. Cafeteria workers, security guards and bus drivers serving tech companies have unionized, but a tech companys rank and file organizing itself was rare in the industrys heartland. Tech saw itself as a different type of corporate environment, said Margaret OMara, a professor at the University of Washington and historian of Silicon Valley. Instead of three-piece suits and corner offices, early chipmakers modeled workplaces on non-hierarchical engineering labs that saw unions as a sign that you were doing something wrong as a company, she said. Then as now, tech required rapid hiring and drastic cuts to the workforce as demand for products quickly shifted. Critics of unions say the labor organizations make such changes more difficult. To ward off unions, companies offered competitive pay and benefits, even to early workers assembling chips and devices on factory floors. That was the trade-off, OMara said. It was an approach that gave workers a shared stake in a companys success. Such practices have been largely effective in preventing large-scale unionization in the skilled tech workforce. What else was there to demand when good pay, free shuttle buses, catered meals and myriad other perks abounded, not to mention the promise of changing the world? The pandemic may well have unlocked employees grievances, with those perks an increasingly distant memory. It may also have made it easier for employees to organize discreetly using the kind of secure digital tools they build at their jobs. The new group at Alphabet, called the Alphabet Workers Union and affiliated with the Communication Workers of America, is a different sort of union. While most workers band together to demand better pay and working conditions, the Alphabet union instead seeks to organize workers around issues from fighting gender-based and racial discrimination to policing the ways they see the company as straying from its original Dont be evil slogan. Google did not respond to a request for comment for this story. In response to the unions formation earlier this week, the company said it had always strived to create a supportive workplace and respected workers labor rights. The communications union is attempting to make broader inroads in tech organizing. Companies in the technology and game industries have gotten away with avoiding accountability for far too long, CWA President Chris Shelton said in a statement. Other tech union efforts will likewise focus on workplace issues, the organization said. Workers typically organize a majority and ask their employers to voluntarily recognize the union. Failing that, they can ask the National Labor Relations Board to hold an election so they can bargain as a collective. Because the Alphabet Workers Union is a so-called minority union only a few hundred Alphabet workers have signed on it does not have the power to negotiate a contract. For now, workers hope to organize across the company to bring the culture of the company more in line with their values. There is no telling whether the model will take hold at other companies in the valley. But skilled workers have been ratcheting up pressure in other ways, from contentious question-and-answer sessions with top management to walking out the door. Unemployment in tech remains low, despite the broader economys doldrums. The organizing effort comes amid a rising swell of workplace unrest at Google and other companies. Reports of a generous exit package for an executive accused of sexual harassment led thousands of Google workers around the world to walk out in 2018. The union spoke out against YouTube, a Google subsidiary, on Thursday for not doing enough to fight misinformation posted by President Trump after a riot inside the Capitol on Wednesday left five dead. Facebook employees have increasingly pressured CEO Mark Zuckerberg to take action against abuse of the social network, including Trumps recent posts. Facebook did not respond to an emailed request for comment. San Francisco cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has been rocked by workers demanding the company take a stronger stance on the Black Lives Matter movement. Unions may be a new frontier for the coders and engineers of the tech world, but not for the other workers who make their campuses run. Many bus drivers, security guards and cafeteria workers are unionized. That as well as the generous continuation of pay and benefits by tech companies throughout the pandemic has kept some of those workers employed during the pandemic, even though the campuses where they work are almost entirely shuttered. Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available. Unite Here Local 19 has organized cafeteria workers across Silicon Valley for years, not always without a fight. Enrique Fernandez, the business manager for the chapter, said he got his start organizing IBM cafeteria workers in the early 1990s. Some of those efforts resulted in protests and battles with management, including at Intel when the union sought to organize cafeteria workers there. Intel pushed back, although workers eventually won recognition. Bay Area cafeteria workers at Google, Facebook, Cisco, Nvidia and Verizons Silicon Valley campus are all part of the union as well. Most of those workplaces are shut down because of the pandemic or barely operating. Yet most workers are still getting pay and benefits, with the exception of those at Verizon, who lost them in September, according to Unite Here. A Verizon spokesperson did not respond to an email seeking comment. A local Teamsters union chapter has organized many of the shuttle bus drivers who once crisscrossed the region carrying workers to the offices of Apple, Salesforce, Facebook, Genentech and others. About 35% to 40% of our employers are still paying our employees for being off, said Teamsters Local 665 President Tony Delorio. The employers themselves want to keep these folks employed because when the (work) comes back they dont want to lose these guys, Delorio said. He said biotech companies like Genentech have continued running routes to and from campuses on the peninsula although with fewer people on them. Apple has continued to run some shuttles as well, Delorio said. Salesforce, San Franciscos largest employer, stopped paying shuttle drivers and valets at Salesforce Tower in November, Delorio said. Salesforce did not respond to a request for comment. The Teamsters also recently organized workers at electric scooter company Spin and are looking to expand membership in the Bay Area, Delorio said. With increasing dissatisfaction among big techs workforce, the Alphabet union suggests the unrest may be entering a new phase. With each unionization in tech, the power shifts, said CWA communications director Beth Allen. Chase DiFeliciantonio is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: chase.difeliciantonio@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChaseDiFelice Egypt expressed its condolences to Indonesia over the victims of a Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed shortly after taking off from the capital Jakarta. In an official statement on Saturday, Egypts foreign ministry stressed its solidarity and support to the government and people of Indonesia over the tragic event. Head of Egypts Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb also extended is condolences to Indonesia over the deadly crash in a separate statement. On Saturday, a Sriwijaya Air jet, a Boeing 737-500 with 62 passengers and crew members, crashed into the sea nearly four minutes after takeoff from Jakarta as it was heading to Pontianak. Indonesia said on Sunday it detected signals believed to be from the jets flight recorder, with human body parts and suspected debris of the plane retrieved. We have detected signals in two points. This could be the black box, Bagus Puruhito, chief of Indonesias search and rescue agency, told journalists on Sunday. The crash is the first major airline disaster in Indonesia since a deadly crash of a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max in 2018 that killed all 189 passengers and crew on board. Short link: Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/10/2021 ADVERTISEMENT [ Spoiler Warning: This report contains spoilers on if Andrew and Amira have broken up or are still together and maybe even married]. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT So did Amira and Andrew get married and are they still together? What spoilers are out there about the couple? ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. couple Andrew Kenton and Amira Lollysa have hit a major obstacle on their path to reuniting as shown on Season 8 of , so what do spoilers reveal about if the couple is still together now?Andrew, a 32-year-old daycare owner and operator from Roseville, CA, and Amira, a 28-year-old from France, are currently starring on TLC's eighth season of .Andrew revealed on the show he worked 12-13 hours a day taking care of other people's children and so he often hung out by himself -- or his mother -- and didn't have a lot of friends.Andrew said he dated many wonderful women but none of the relationships turned into a long-term one. He said he wanted to have a family and settle down and nothing really developed or stuck when trying to meet women on a local dating app.Andrew therefore gave an international dating website a shot, and that's when he found Amira, a 28-year-old from Saumur, a small city in France that's surrounded by vineyards.Amira said she enjoys makeup and hanging out with friends and she's always dreamed about finding love and a perfect relationship. The half-French, half-Egyptian woman felt she didn't fit into the French lifestyle and so that's why she signed up for an international dating website.The pair began talking every day and then Andrew planned a trip to Las Vegas so they could meet. Andrew gushed about how Amira looked like a supermodel and they had an immediate connection and an "ease" with each other.After just three days, Andrew proposed marriage on their hotel balcony. Amira said Andrew was a very romantic and caring partner who made her feel like a princess and "would move heaven and earth" for her.Amira finally received her K-1 visa after more than one year of waiting. But once Amira received it, she couldn't travel to America due to the coronavirus pandemic. Her visa was also only good for five months, and she was running out of time."The same day I received my visa, President Trump set up a travel ban for anyone from a country that are in the European Union, like France," Amira explained in a confessional."So even though I could find a flight to the U.S., I would arrive in the American airport and they would not accept me."Andrew feared Amira wouldn't be able to use the K-1 visa, so he decided they should both travel to Mexico as a loophole, where they could quarantine for 14 days and then try to enter the United States together.Neither Andrew or Amira was thrilled about flying during a pandemic, and even Amira admitted their plan was "crazy," but both individuals were willing to take the risk for love.Andrew's sister Connie, however, thought Amira was "superficial" and didn't think the French beauty and her brother had much in common.And Andrew apparently had his own concerns. He said it seemed like Amira no longer wanted to have kids, and Andrew acknowledged it would be "very difficult" for him to give up the idea of having a family of his own."I think it's a conversation that reasonably needs to be had," Andrew said, adding that he hoped he could find common ground with Amira.Connie told Andrew that it's important to be on the same page with Amira about the future and he shouldn't be afraid to walk away from the relationship if they learned they're on different pages.Meanwhile, Amira visited with her father to say goodbye before her trip to Mexico.Amira confessed she wanted to stay patient until the U.S. opened its borders again but she was feeling pressure from Andrew to travel to Mexico, which appeared to bother her father."He said if I don't do the trip, he's going to resent me forever," Amira revealed."This is not love," Amira's father Hamdi replied.Amira said Andrew financially supported her and so she needed to do things for him to prove her love and commitment."He make you cry. I don't like him at all," Hamdi told his daughter.Hamdi said Andrew made his daughter sad all the time and Andrew clearly didn't have a big heart, which is what Amira and Hamdi had initially thought about Andrew.Hamdi wanted "a real man" for her daughter, but Amira said she was willing to fight for Andrew.Amira's K-1 visa was going to expire in August 2020, and she said she only had 42 days left until then.Amira was sad about having to leave her family, friends, culture and country behind, and she admitted she was scared but excited at the same time to turn a new page in life.Andrew just hoped Amira didn't harbor any negative emotions or feelings towards him about their trip to Mexico since there was a risk of contracting coronavirus.After Andrew landed in Mexico, Andrew apparently received a message from Amira's father that Amira had been detained in Mexico City. Andrew said he was "absolutely devastated at the news" he had just received.Andrew had no idea what was going on, and he said he had done a lot of research on this "loophole" that should have allowed Amira and himself to be together in Mexico before traveling to the United States together.Andrew didn't know how to figure out where Amira was, and he felt helpless. Andrew hoped to find out some information at his hotel, and he worried about Amira being held in a detention center with horrible conditions.It's not 100 percent clear whether Andrew and Amira are still together, but Andrew dropped a hint in November 2020 that they may still be in a relationship and have been traveling together.On November 26, Andrew posted a slideshow of photos of himself posing in front of a beautiful green landscape and river.And one of the photos featured a table with a bottle of champagne on it -- as well as TWO glasses filled with champagne."Traversing the beautiful hills and forests of this gorgeous country. Where do you think I am? #travel #hiking #woodcabin #forest #livingmybestlife," Andrew captioned his post, which clearly indicated he wasn't alone.One of Andrew's Instagram followers commented, "You're with your wife, so I'd say yall are on your honeymoon somewhere in South America.""You were the first to recognize Brazil! Great job!" Andrew responded."But no honeymoon here. You'll love this season and it's many unexpected surprises."Another Instagram user then wrote in the comments section, "Well that didn't spoil anything for the new season... we now know Andrew gets married."Andrew replied, "Haha maybe, maybe not, but this trip is not what you think, no spoiler here, you are going [to] love the trainwrecks this season!"Brazil would seem like an unlikely honeymoon spot considering Amira is from France and doesn't speak Portuguese. She also attempted to enter the United States by stopping in Mexico first, and Brazil is a far trip from both Mexico and America.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! The Telegraph France toughens rules for Britons arriving 'from Monday' Downing Street not ruling out local lockdowns to tackle Indian variant EU demands 10 a day for each vaccine dose delayed by AstraZeneca Biden demands follow-up investigation as Wuhan lab leak theory gains traction Checking facts vs Cummingss claims reveals major flaws in his evidence GPs cannot cope with a 'tsunami' of patients returning to surgeries after staying away during the multiple Covid lockdowns. An analysis of NHS data in England by the BBC found that between 2019-20 and 2020-21 the total number of appointments dropped by 10 percent, face-to-face consultation dropped from 70 percent to 54 percent and the number of patients referred by GPs for urgent cancer check-ups dropped by 15 percent, putting lives at risk. Now, rising numbers are looking for medical help, with more than 28million appointments booked in March - one of the highest on record - which risks crippling the system. Doncaster-based GP Dr Dean Eggitt told the corporation: "We have almost a tsunami of patients coming to us - it feels like the river has flooded the banks. "It just keeps coming and coming and coming in this one massive, endless wave of patients who all are ill and need help and input. They're sick, they're complex and we've got very few places to send them. I wouldn't want to be my patient right now." Follow the latest updates below. Expect plenty for Tesco shareholders to chew over in this weeks trading update after a baptism of fire for boss Ken Murphy, who had to contend with last-minute Covid restrictions during his first Christmas in charge. The good news is that Britains biggest retailer will likely report stonking sales thanks in part to the shutdown of restaurants driving shoppers to supermarkets. However, the lack of festive get-togethers and the latest lockdown is hurting Tescos Booker division, which supplies caterers. Any indications of annual profits will be examined after Tesco agreed last month to repay 585 million in business rates relief to the Government. Analysts at Barclays argue that, after an underwhelming year for the shares, Tesco has brighter prospects in 2021 Analysts at Barclays argue that, after an underwhelming year for the shares, Tesco has brighter prospects in 2021 with sales trends likely to improve and Brexit uncertainty lifted. Can Murphy make this the year Tescos stock finally begins to simmer? Admiral boss is swift to act The City gave a sharp salute to Admirals first female boss, Milena Mondini de Focatiis, who took over at the insurer this month. Shes quickly seen shares reach a record high after the 500 million sale of Confused.coms owner to Uswitch parent company ZPG, a deal struck by her predecessor David Stevens. Whats more, lockdowns have aided car insurers as claims have dropped with drivers staying home. But hedge funds including Brexit backer Sir Paul Marshalls Marshall Wace are betting against the stock with nearly 2 per cent of the shares out on loan. Marshall is estimated to be worth 630 million, so worth listening to if hes called the peak after a buoyant, decade-long run for the shares. Are investors right to buy British for better times after lockdown? It's probably been the gloomiest start to a year for as long as many can remember. So what happened? The UK stock market jumped, of course. Contrary as this may seem, there is some logic to investors buying into the hope that better times lie ahead. On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce and Simon Lambert look at what the fresh lockdown means for the economy and why investors are choosing to look straight through it and develop a new appetite for buying British. Press play above or listen (and please subscribe if you like the podcast) at Apple Podcasts, Acast, Spotify and Audioboom or visit our This is Money Podcast page Marshall Motor boss upbeat Marshall Motor chief Daksh Gupta is in an alarmingly chipper mood. The AIM-listed car seller, which runs 113 franchised dealerships, has had to shut showrooms in the lockdown. But Gupta says trade is surprisingly strong for servicing, repairs and click and collect sales. And the acquisition addict is ready to expand. Since taking charge in 2008 Gupta has struck 167 deals buying and selling small chains and large groups of forecourts. With 30 million of cash on its balance sheet, the firm looks well-oiled amid troubled peers. Gupta says: Businesses that went into this weak are in the weakest position. Were well positioned as an acquisitive business and keen to strengthen, particularly in the South-East. Next finance boss sells some shares It is testimony to Nexts popularity in the City that the retailers shares are now back above their pre-pandemic levels surging 124 per cent from April lows despite the Covid shutdown of its physical stores. Finance chief Amanda James has certainly noticed the stocks revival, selling 225,000 of shares for personal reasons. Time for some online shopping. Advertisement 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson has revealed that London could already have herd immunity against the coronavirus which will help life 'get back to normal' by autumn. Ferguson, whose grim predictions of 500,000 deaths in the UK convinced the government to implement the first lockdown, told The Sunday Times he believes there will soon be a slowdown in infection rates and perhaps a decline. He said: 'That may be slightly aided by the fact there is quite a lot of herd immunity in places like London. Maybe 25 per cent or 30 per cent of the population has now been infected in the first wave and second wave. 'So that adds to the reduction of transmission.' He also predicted that the Northwest of England - another area where large numbers have been infected - could be on its way to herd immunity too. A policy of herd immunity - allowing the virus to spread through the population so people develop an immunity to the virus - was initially touted by some senior government figures, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson. But when the potential cost to human life of following such a police was revealed, with Ferguson saying as many as 500,000 people could die as a result, the government changed their approach. Ferguson, whose grim predictions of 500,000 deaths in the UK convinced the government to implement the first lockdown, now says he is optimistic about the countrys future in 2021 as vaccines are rolled out Like many scientists, Ferguson believes herd immunity against Covid-19 should be achieved through the administration of vaccines to the population, and not by allowing the virus to spread. But due to the UK now being one of the worst-hit countries in the world in terms of number of cases, as well as now having three vaccines approved for use, herd immunity is edging closer, the professor believes. Saturday saw a further 59,937 cases reported, taking the UK's total number of cases reported to over 3 million. The number of patients in hospital being treated for Covid-19 surpassed 32,000 for the first time, while a further 1,035 people succumbed to the virus - taking the total to 81,000. But Ferguson says that things will only get worse in the months to come, saying it is 'highly likely' that the UK will hit 100,000 deaths. 'Even optimistically it will be quite difficult to avoid another 20,000 deaths,' he said. In order for the UK to achieve herd immunity, a high percentage of the population will have to be vaccinated against Covid-19, although the exact number is currently unknown. For herd immunity against measles, one of the world's most contagious diseases, around 95 percent of the population need to be immune, while in the case of polio, the threshold is around 80 percent. For measles, the final five percent are safeguarded by the fact that the diseases does not spread among people who have been vaccinated. Most scientists and experts believe that at least 80 percent of the population will need to vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity against Covid-19, but Ferguson admitted 'We don't know the extent to which immunity completely blocks infection neither natural immunity nor immunity you would get from vaccines.' The professor said that now, nine months into the pandemic, scientists have a clearer picture in terms of how long a person remains protected from the virus after being infected. 'If you get infected once, then at least for a year or more you will have quite a lot of protection against disease, a bit like a vaccine,' he said. Key Worker James Hutchinson receives the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Life Science Centre at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle upon Tyne, northeast England, on January 9. In order for the UK to achieve herd immunity, a high percentage of the population will have to be vaccinated against Covid-19, although the exact number is currently unknown Key Worker Russell Robson from Sunderland is briefed before he receives the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Life Science Centre at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle upon Tyne, northeast England, on January 9 'You're not necessarily protected against being infected again, or transmitting. You're just not very likely to get very sick. There are all of these caveats around immunity. It's true of the vaccine as well as natural infection.' Asked whether the latest lockdown will help the country get a grip on the virus, Ferguson said that it depends on how transmissible the new Covid-19 variant is. During the first lockdown in March, the R rate - that refers to the number of people an infected person can pass the virus to - dropped to 0.6. The new variant, that could have an R rate 50 percent higher than older variants, suggests the lockdown could bring the rate down to 0.9 - below the target of 1. However, Ferguson said experts are not certain the latest lockdown is as tough as the first, saying 'it's going to be quite a close-run thing,' and that the decline could be slower than in March and April. He added that had the current spike in cases been seen earlier in the year - before vaccines had begun to be rolled out - the picture would be much bleaker. 'We will be able to vaccinate a large proportion of the population by Easter,' he said. Even if we don't quite make the prime minister's timeline, it's highly likely we'll make those key groups by mid-March.' Mumbai: Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14 last year. January 14 will mark seven months of his demise. However, the case of his death is yet to be solved, reminds actor Shekhar Suman. "Every 14th of the month is a grim reminder that one more month has gone and we are still awaiting justice on Sushant's front. June 14th - jan14th," Shekhar Suman tweeted on Sunday along with the hashtag #JusticeForSushantSinghRajput. The actor has been constantly vocal on social media seeking justice for Sushant, a case which is being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). On January 1, Suman had tweeted: "I wish to also start the new year by hoping that Sushant gets justice as fast as possible." Meanwhile, Sushant's family lawyer Vikas Singh appeared for a hearing by the Bombay High Court last week in the case filed by the deceased actor's sisters, against an FIR filed by his girlfriend Rhea Chakraborty. The advocate tweeted saying he is hopeful that the FIR registered by Rhea will be quashed. In 1934 Hitler executed members of his paramilitary organization (the SA Sturmabteilung or Storm Troopers) to consolidate his power, claiming it was to prevent a planned coup. In like fashion, using the incursion into the Capitol building, the Lords of Silicon Valley used this is a cover to muzzle those whose views with which they disagree. Roger L. Simon details the events: Not only has Donald Trump -- still the president of the United States -- been permanently banned from Twitter, its rapidly growing, open-to-all substitute Parler has almost simultaneously been de-platformed by Google. You cant get their app for Android anymore. Apple threatens to be next, demanding Parler kowtow (by Saturday!) to Cupertinos vision of what the world should be. I suppose thats a social-justicey-politically-correct totalitarianism led by left-leaning or so they want us to believe tech billionaires. [snip] Josh Hawleys forthcoming book on Big Tech, no less is canceled by Simon & Schuster. Senator Hawley had been among the most outspoken about investigating the possibility of election fraud. Twitter permanently blocks General Flynn. I guess they dont think he has had enough already. Twitter permanently blocks Lin Wood, the well-known attorney working to unmask possible fraud. Ditto for the courageous Sidney Powell. Not to be outdone, Facebook blocks President Trumps account. (Not sure who was first -- Facebook or Twitter -- not that it matters.) More insidiously, Facebook starts to delete groups or forums of people who publicly stepped away from the Democratic Party because of its scandals. (Elsewhere its revealed that Facebook banned accounts at the behest of Hunter Biden.) YouTube announces it will no longer distribute videos investigating election fraud and that producers of such videos will be punished if they do. All this in a couple of days, the excuse being, in almost all cases, that the conservatives involved were instigating violence, the outrage that occurred at the Capitol. One observer, noting that Twitter still allows the Ayatollah to post his anti-American screeds there suggests a way out for him: Trump Sneaks Back On Twitter By Disguising Self As PR Rep For Chinese Communist Party The purge took place after Michelle Obama chimed in for them to do just that: Jeremy Carl @jeremycarl4 If you call yourself conservative you'd better decide quickly whether you side with Michelle Obama or @realDonaldTrump. NBC News @NBCNews JUST IN: Former first lady Michelle Obama calls on tech companies to permanently ban President Trump from their platforms and put policies in place to prevent their technology from being used by the nations leaders to fuel insurrection. People are abandoning Twitter in droves. By Friday night Twitter stock dropped 4% in after-hour trading. The Speech They Claim Caused an Insurrection The President, before a group described as mostly law-abiding people from all over the country with no plan or desire to cause damage, reiterated his belief that the election was tampered with, and said: Were going to have to fight much harder and Mike Pence is going to have to come through for us. If he doesnt, that will be a sad day for our country because youre sworn to uphold our Constitution. Now it is up to Congress to confront this egregious assault on our democracy. After this, were going to walk down and Ill be there with you. Were going to walk down. Were going to walk down any one you want, but I think right here. Were going 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. We have come to demand that Congress do the right thing and only count the electors who have been lawfully slated, lawfully slated. I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. Today we will see whether Republicans stand strong for integrity of our elections, but whether or not they stand strong for our country, our country. Our country has been under siege for a long time, far longer than this four-year period. Weve set it on a much straighter course.... [emphasis added] His detractors characterize this as a reflection of his narcissism. My friend Jeffrey Satinover, a psychiatrist who knows a bit about such things, has a different view I dont think we know to what extent it is personal pride and to what extent principle based on background information that most of us lack. His detractors of course are incapable of thinking his actions anything but base. And in support of this view, I note the long-delayed and underreported Ratcliffe assessment of foreign influence on the election was tardy because of members of the intelligence community feared it would assist the President: Politicization problems exist in U.S. spy agency assessments on foreign influence in the 2020 U.S. election, including analysts who appeared to hold back information on Chinese meddling efforts because they disagreed with the Trump administration's policies, according to an intelligence community inspector. Barry Zulauf, an analytic ombudsman and longtime intelligence official, issued a 14-page report obtained by the Washington Examiner to the Senate Intelligence Committee on Thursday, revealing his investigation was conducted in response to IC complaints regarding the election threat issue." In addition, he lamented the polarized atmosphere has threatened to undermine the foundations of our Republic, penetrating even into the Intelligence Community. The intelligence communitys classified assessment on foreign influence in the 2020 election, which will not focus on claims of mail-in fraud or unfounded allegations of voting machines flipping millions of votes, was also submitted to Congress on Thursday. Expected in December, the assessment was delayed as senior intelligence officials clashed over the role played by China, and as director of national intelligence, John Ratcliffe sought to include more viewpoints in the final analysis. Given analytic differences in the way Russia and China analysts examined their targets, China analysts appeared hesitant to assess Chinese actions as undue influence or interference. The analysts appeared reluctant to have their analysis on China brought forward because they tend to disagree with the administrations policies, saying in effect, I dont want our intelligence used to support those policies, Zulauf concluded, saying this behavior violated analytic standards requiring independence from political considerations. [emphasis added] The objections to the electoral votes are hardly uncommon either. As Congressman Matt Gaetz noted, its aptness is contemplated in the Constitution and Not since 1985 has a Republican president been sworn in absent some Democrat effort to object to the electors, but when we do it, its the new violation of all norms. When those things are said people get angry. The attacks on the Presidents speech to the crowd are of a piece with the descriptions of the events which followed. Is the Capitol Building Always Sacred Ground? Just two years ago, during the hearings on Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the media and left thought otherwise as his detractors swarmed the halls and sought to deny him confirmation. Women's March @womensmarch Oct 4, 2018 We were planning to shut down the Capitol Building but the authorities were so scared of this #WomensWave that they shut it down for us. 1000 -- women, survivors, and allies have gathered in the Hart Senate Building. Every hallway. Every floor. #CancelKanavaugh #BelieveSurvivors (That was when believe all women was the demand, a demand which seems to appear and disappear like the Cheshire Cat at the convenience of the media and Democratic women depending on who the accused is.) In any event the Capitol has been the scene of worse. It was set afire by the British in 1812. In 1915 a Harvard professor planted dynamite near the Senate Reception Room which went off as an exclamation point in my appeal for peace. In March 1954 four Puerto Rican nationalists in the visitors galley shot and wounded five members of Congress. President Carter later pardoned them. In March of 1971 the Weather Underground set off a bomb in the Senate side of the Capitol causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. (Bill Ayers was the leader of the group. He was a Chicago colleague of Barack Obama and is widely believed to have ghostwritten Dreams of My Father, improbably attributed to Barack. Ayers's wife Bernardine Dohrn, also a member of the group, is a retired professor of law at Northwestern University. The son of two other members of the group whom they raised while his mother was in prison, Chesa Boudin, is a George Soros-funded district attorney of San Francisco, where hes been successful in adopting policies causing significant increases in crime.) Twelve years after the Weather Underground bombing, a leftist group set off a bomb which blew off the door of Senator Byrds office. In contrast to those events, videos show the Capitol police removing the barriers to the building and ushering through the mostly obedient and respectful crowd. (A crowd which in such a multitude usually includes a number of attention seekers and neer-do-wells like this nonaffiliated man photographed with Pelosis lectern. The Capitol demonstration was far more peaceful than the ones outside the White House last summer, when Secret Service men were injured protecting the White House during the BLM/leftist rioting: The attacks near the White House were more violent than the one at the Capitol, which did not involve most of the forms of assault described above. Yet, media and Democrat outrage over these attacks was muted at best. At worst, it was directed at those like William Barr who tried to ensure the safety of the area. Crowds often attract outliers who use them as a cover for theft and mayhem, the reason I avoid large groups even at things like Black Friday at Walmart. Along with an election they believe was stolen without an adequate opportunity to prove it, the crowd was also rightly infuriated by our two-tier System of Justice. So far not a single member of the soft coup Russian Collusion plotters has been sentenced, to give but one example. Contrast the impassioned but not violence-inducing language of the President with just a few examples of these calls for violence by Democratic leaders. Just last year Congresswoman Ayanna Presley called for unrest in the streets: Maxine Waters regularly does. Indeed, there are 26 times the media and Democrats excused or endorsed violence committed by left-wing activists. Not only did they endorse and excuse the violence, Democratic supporters and donors paid to bail out any who were arrested. Mark Steyn details the outrageous double legal standards involving protests and protestors. He wonders why we should be surprised when a mass protest tactic which proved useful for one side is used by the other. Other resentments were at the boil as well. In the Wall Street Journal, Edward Luttwak also makes the point of the double standard: Given all these exclusions, only one description remains: a venting of accumulated resentments. Those who voted for President Trump saw his electoral victory denied in 2016 by numerous loud voices calling for resistance as if the president-elect were an invading foreign army. These voices were eagerly relayed and magnified by mass media, emphatically including pro-Trump media. Then they saw his victory sullied by constantly repeated accusations of collusion with Russia from chairmen of intelligence committees and ex-intelligence chiefs who habitually accused Mr. Trump of being Vladimir Putins agent, claiming they had secret information, which, alas, they could not disclose. They deplored Mr. Trumps subservience to Mr. Putin weekly for four years while refusing to entertain the possibility that in a confrontation with China, it might be a good idea to overlook Mr. Putins sins, as Nixon embraced Mao to counter the Soviet Union. It amused me to see the photograph in the Wall Street Journals James Freemans article urging the president to attend the inauguration. As you can see Trump is shaking the hand of Biden while the Obamas look on, barely hiding sneers. Both Biden and Obama had just the day before set off the Russian Collusion soft coup to tie up Trumps candidacy. As the Intelligence Community works to cover for China and the Silicon Billionaires strip dissenting voices from their platforms, leading Democrats join the overreach. Omar tweets shes drawing up articles of impeachment; Chuck Schumer, our new Senate Majority Leader, tweets This president must not hold office one day longer. Assistant House Speaker Katherine Clark says that if the Vice President and Cabinet dont remove him they will vote to impeach him by the middle of next week. Congresswoman Diana DeGette supports impeachment, tweeting, He is a real danger to our country. He must be removed from office immediately and barred from ever holding an elected office again. (Someone should explain the Bill of Attainder to these people.) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi went so far as to call the Pentagon Chief of Staff, ostensibly worried that he'll set up a nuclear war on his way out. Whos unhinged? James Freeman continues: Mr. Trump also ranted and raved at length claiming the election was fraudulent, and for this reason many Americans will be happy to see him depart on Jan. 20. But if the speaker wants to make an incitement case on political grounds and Mr. Trump is permitted to mount a defense, he will likely be able to cite plenty of quotations in which the impeachers made similarly inflammatory remarks. If on the other hand Mrs. Pelosi wants to argue the legal merits, just like last time she will have trouble defining how exactly Mr. Trump broke the law. He has First Amendment rights just like everybody else, and no doubt the manner in which he exercises them is a big reason why so many people voted against him in November. But did he meet the legal standard of incitement? UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh thinks not. The very brilliant Daniel Greenfield details why this trend of shutting off the views of about half the country is likely to become even more complete and onerous. Im old fashioned. From the days before -- to paraphrase one wag -- the party of JFK became the party of Lee Harvey Oswald. So old fashioned, I think the best way to determine policy and to understand events is open dialogue. Without it, its a thugs' and idiots paradise. So Ill keep writing online until my doubleplusungood thoughts get cancelled. Im too old to pass the exam for a ham radio license, but Im sure we'll figure out something. CarguyNish BHPian Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: IN Posts: 992 Thanked: 4,471 Times Re: Scoop! Honda India working on new Compact SUV Here's my take on this topic, While the SUV segment is hot at the moment, with many players missing, it does make us think that the ones which are present are dominating that segment. This has happened in other segments as well, In hatchback space, the segment was dominated by WagonR and Santro. Other brands were absent there. In sedans, it was the Accent and Esteem in lower segment and City in upper segment. Then you had cars like Accord, Sonata, Camry, etc to name a few. Rest of the other cars were of luxury brands. We didn't see Segments like Sub Compact Sedans, C-SUVs, etc. In last decade, we have seen these segments being created. Hence the same thing applies here to. Maruti doesn't have any car above Ciaz & S-Cross. Toyota is planning Creta Rival along with Maruti. Ford & Mahindra are also in line, VW & Skoda are launching their versions in next 6 months. Same with Honda and Fiat and Citroen etc. So, it's just Kia & Hyundai that have entered early and milking the segment. While I like both of these SUVs, the recent crash test result has totally dented my confidence on these brands. I know why Honda is taking time, they are balancing costs and profits. Something which don't blend well. Honda will definitely be thinking on lines of Magnite. Apart from Amaze and City, no other car is selling. Honda killed the Jazz (1st & 2nd Gen) themselves by not giving what market requires. WR-V came and is slowly on the verge of getting sidelined. How on earth does Honda not give it a Auto option when every rival has one. With this new Compact SUV, Honda needs to repeat what Kia has done with Sonet. Pack it with Gizmos and offer multiple powertrains. Honda knows how to make a spacious car, along with it they need to emphasize on safety and voila you have a very good car that is well rounded and will click even if it's a bit pricey. Their current 5th Gen City is the best example for it, they just need to repeat the same with different body styles. 2023 is long time away though, they need to bring in New HR-V ASAP after its global debut in Mid 2021. A young man has been stabbed to death in a late night-attack as two women watched on in horror. A homicide investigation was launched into his death in the North Queensland town of Ingham on Sunday night. Police said the 20-year-old local man was walking along Mcilwraith Street with two women about 11.30pm when the group were confronted by another man. Police have launched a homicide investigation into the stabbing death of a man in Ingham in North Queensland (stock image) An altercation erupted between the two men, which resulted in the 20-year-old being stabbed in the stomach. Police gave first aid to the man at the scene before he was rushed to Ingham Hospital in a critical condition, where he died an hour later. A crime scene was established and investigations are ongoing, but no one has been arrested. Police urge anyone who has information or CCTV or dash cam footage to call them. Boeing has agreed to pay a $2.5 billion fine to settle a criminal conspiracy charge, ending a roughly two-year investigation. The US Justice Department said Boeing employees concealed information about the aircrafts onboard software from regulators who had originally approved the planes. Two 737 Max planes crashed within five months of one another in 2018 and 2019, killing all 346 people on board. Boeing, a U.S.-based multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and sells commercial airplanes to airlines worldwide, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information filed in the Northern District of Texas. The criminal information charges the company with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Under the terms of the DPA, Boeing will pay a total criminal monetary amount of over $2.5 billion, composed of a criminal monetary penalty of $243.6 million, compensation payments to Boeings 737 MAX airline customers of $1.77 billion, and the establishment of a $500 million crash-victim beneficiaries fund to compensate the heirs, relatives, and legal beneficiaries of the 346 passengers who died in the Boeing 737 MAX crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. The tragic crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 exposed fraudulent and deceptive conduct by employees of one of the worlds leading commercial airplane manufacturers, said Acting Assistant Attorney General David P. Burns of the Justice Departments Criminal Division. Boeings 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. This resolution holds Boeing accountable for its employees criminal misconduct, addresses the financial impact to Boeings airline customers, and hopefully provides some measure of compensation to the crash-victims families and beneficiaries. 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, said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox for the Northern District of Texas. 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. Todays deferred prosecution agreement holds Boeing and its employees accountable for their lack of candor with the FAA regarding MCAS, said Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie Jr. of the FBIs Chicago Field Office. The substantial penalties and compensation Boeing will pay, demonstrate the consequences of failing to be fully transparent with government regulators. The public should be confident that government regulators are effectively doing their job, and those they regulate are being truthful and transparent. As Boeing admitted in court documents, Boeingthrough two of its 737 MAX Flight Technical Pilotsdeceived the FAA AEG about an important aircraft part called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) that impacted the flight control system of the Boeing 737 MAX. Because of their deception, a key document published by the FAA AEG lacked information about MCAS, and in turn, airplane manuals and pilot-training materials for U.S.-based airlines lacked information about MCAS. On Oct. 29, 2018, Lion Air Flight 610, a Boeing 737 MAX, crashed shortly after takeoff into the Java Sea near Indonesia. All 189 passengers and crew on board died. On March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a Boeing 737 MAX, crashed shortly after takeoff near Ejere, Ethiopia. All 157 passengers and crew on board died. Harry Potter star Jessie Cave shared a sweet snap of her son Abraham to Instagram on Sunday evening as he recovers from coronavirus. In the cute image, the three-month-old flashed a wide smile as he sported his mother's huge red sunglasses while relaxing on a changing mat. The actress' youngest child was discharged from Chelsea & Westminster Hospital earlier this week, two days after the thespian, 33, confirmed her baby's diagnosis. Recovery: Harry Potter star Jessie Cave shared a sweet snap of her son Abraham to Instagram on Sunday evening amid his coronavirus battle Little Abraham looked adorable in a white and grey bodysuit as he gazed at his doting parent. In another photo, the artist's daughter Margot, four, sweetly planted a kiss on her younger sibling's cheek. Cartoonist Jessie has Abraham, Margot and son Donnie, six with comedian partner Alfie Brown. Update: The actress' youngest child was discharged from Chelsea & Westminster Hospital earlier this week, two days after the thespian, 33, confirmed her baby's diagnosis Adorable: In the cute image, the three-month-old flashed a smile as he sported his mother's huge red sunglasses while relaxing on a changing mat Doting sister: In another photo, the artist's daughter Margot, four, sweetly planted a kiss on her younger sibling's cheek On Thursday, the London native revealed Abraham had been sent home as she shared a series of images from his 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'. The film star previously confirmed her baby was 'okay and doing well' having been stricken with the 'powerful and contagious' strain of the virus. 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. Home again: On Thursday, the London native expressed her gratitude towards the NHS for their help after her little one was released from hospital 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 contracted the new strain of the virus. Her strong boy: The media personality shared a series of images from his stay in hospital Temporary lodging: The film star also posted a picture of the bed she was given in the hospital next to her son Notes: Jessie kept a feeding diary 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... Tough times: The doodlist previously confirmed her baby was 'okay and doing well' having been stricken with the 'powerful and contagious' strain of the virus 'Please wish baby a speedy recovery': She asked for well wishes from her followers as she confirmed he tested positive for the virus '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. 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: Jessie famously became pregnant with her first child after a one-night stand with her on-off partner in 2014 (pictured with their kids Donnie, six, and Margot, four) 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 Margot 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 Margot 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. MONDAY THE WARD IS FULL BUT THE CASES JUST KEEP ON COMING Im a junior doctor at a city centre hospital in the North of England, but right now I feel more like a firefighter. Every day brings life-or-death decisions here where I work, on a Covid ward for the elderly. At todays morning meeting, were told that four more patients have died over the weekend. Its sad news, but it will free four beds although thats not enough for the terrible pressure were under. In fact, weve just been ordered to transfer five sick patients out of the ward to make space for even more new arrivals from A&E, which is full to the brim. How do we choose when theyre all so gravely ill? All around me people are fighting for breath, the colour drained from their faces, eyes staring out from behind oxygen masks. The junior doctor speaks of people fighting for breath, wards full to the brim with the sick and more waiting in A&E A specialist palliative care team is on hand to soothe patients and keep them comfortable. But their odds of survival are poor. You dont need to be a doctor to see that. Many are distressed and I am, too, though I try not to let it show. These are peoples grandmothers and grandfathers. I have particular responsibility for nine cases and spend the morning checking each one. We prone some of the patients, which means that a team of doctors and nurses turns them on to his or her front. Its hard work, made harder because many patients are worried or confused. Some complain theyre not comfortable on their fronts but its proven to aid breathing. One man, who speaks a rare dialect of Punjabi, doesnt understand and theres no one here who can explain. We turn him over anyway despite his protests. Fortunately, he calms down. The lack of oxygen leaves some patients delirious. One stuffs paper towels into the sink and turns the taps on, flooding his room. Nurses rush to mop up the mess. At 3pm I realise Ive not eaten anything all day. I normally survive on an apple but today I dont have even that. Im running on adrenaline. An hour later, two matrons appear and announce there are now 15 Covid patients in A&E with nowhere to go. They want us to take them. But our consultant takes a stand and says we wont be bullied into moving people when theyre still too sick. But this is a desperate situation. Ambulances are queuing up outside the hospital because theres no more room. Urgent cases Covid and others are getting no attention. And there are fewer ambulances to go back into the city. Rumours of a third lockdown zip around the ward. We know most of the country will be fatigued by the news but we are pleased. Itll make our lives easier. Im 30 and I know a lot of people who went to New Years Eve parties. Its exasperating. The day ends in tears those of a patients daughter who is crying to me down the phone. Her father died of Covid in early December and on the way to the funeral her mother had a stroke. She was admitted to hospital and released for rehab into a nursing home where she caught Covid herself. Now she will probably die too. TUESDAY DO WE LET A WOMAN DIE ALL ALONE? My first task is to find some PPE that fits. I spend ten minutes looking for a mask with a decent nose clip so my goggles dont fog up. We have what we call a safety huddle, a socially distanced meeting of our team three doctors, one consultant and several nurses. The news gets worse. Were warned that staff shortages mean we might have to take on responsibility for another ward on the other side of the hospital, a good ten-minute walk away. Its just not practical. The doctor talks of making nearly impossible decisions every day in the hospital Mid-morning brings one of many tough decisions. A sweet lady in her 90s is in a critical condition. But is she dying or not? And should we invite the family to say goodbye to their mother? Its a real ethical dilemma. We dont want to risk infecting relatives needlessly. In the end we decide they should wait. I feel uneasy, but theres no time to dwell. Today is even more stressful than normal because the ward consultant is isolating at home after a family member tested positive. So another consultant comes to help. This ones had Covid twice already but tells me that as soon as he gets home each day he strips off at the door, throws his clothes in the machine and gets straight in the shower because hes so worried about infecting his children. I havent had the vaccine yet, despite working on a Covid ward, and it makes my blood boil. Ive made a huge personal sacrifice to be here. My father is seriously ill. Yet my job means I havent been able to see him in nine months. WEDNESDAY I AM PLAYING GOD WITH PEOPLES LIVES The next two weeks could break the NHS. The wards are simply full so another hospital across the city will take some of our patients but the problem is this: most of them would not survive the journey. Once again Im playing God with peoples lives working out which ones wont die en route. Tensions bubble over and I vent at the matron: Why didnt we have a plan?! We knew this was coming. Couldnt we have discharged more non-Covid patients to make room? She says its not that simple. We had plenty of spare beds in the first wave but now, thanks to other illnesses circulating at this time of year, theyre occupied. The doctor was able to have the Covid vaccine thanks to a friendly GP with one to spare A new patient arrives on the ward with a severe head injury and a positive Covid test. Anyone who tests positive has to come to a Covid ward, regardless of other problems. Yet we dont have his records. All we know is that he waited 45 minutes for emergency help thanks to the backlog in A&E and the queue of ambulances outside. One patient died overnight and his room is being cleaned. So thats one bed free a terrible calculation but necessary. Another of my patients is refusing to eat or drink a problem we often see with elderly Covid patients. The loss of taste and smell puts them off. Today, I got my Covid vaccine thanks to a friendly GP. He rang me at the last minute and said he had one going spare. I leapt at the chance and he was able to fit me in after hours. Its a bit naughty but if a vaccine is going to go to waste then its up to the individual GP whom it goes to. He knew about my dad's condition and called me right away. In ten days, the vaccine will be 90 per cent effective. Thats pretty good. Im relieved. THURSDAY I CANT DO MORE IM AT BREAKING POINT My hands are already dry and cracked from all the washing. Today they start to bleed. There has been no hand cream on the ward for two weeks now. Things have got dramatically worse. Nine patients Im responsible for were moved out of the ward by a manager at night to make way for new cases without our agreement. I dont know where they went and I dont have time to find out. Its hard because I spoke to their relatives on the phone yesterday and assured them Id ring them again today to update them. That wont happen now, and even though its not my fault, I feel guilty. And the new people on the ward are even sicker. Theres a 70-year-old who tells me that he cycles 20 miles every week. Im concerned with what I see but try not to show it. His oxygen levels are dropping rapidly. We see this a lot with Covid patients: they seem to be fine but then fall off a cliff. Hes sitting up and talking. I suspect hell be in intensive care by tomorrow. At least its the beast we know this time and now there are treatments that work, such as the steroid dexamethasone. I get home and collapse on the sofa, barely able to speak to my partner. As I scroll mindlessly on my phone, an email comes in from the hospital manager who looks after the rota. Its an urgent plea for cover. Another Covid s***storm, he writes. Please text me if you can help. But I cant take on any more. I was nearly at breaking point today. There was so much to do that it started to feel unsafe. I know tomorrow will be worse. FRIDAY WERE USED TO DEATH, BUT NOT LIKE THIS I barely slept last night from worry. Thats the second night in a row Ive woken up at 4am, then tossed and turned until dawn. The pressure is starting to get to me. My only goal this week has been to get through it all, but theres only so long you can live life that way. I love my job but Im completely exhausted. Everyone is their nerves are fraying. One nurse tells me she goes home every night and cries. Some lower-paid staff have simply quit. A doctor friend in London has post-traumatic stress from the first wave and cant work this time round. Were used to seeing people die, but not so many, so routinely. Pre-Covid, I might have seen two or three deaths a week. Now its four or five a day. Then theres the physical toll its shattering the mounting chaos in the background and, of course, the lingering worry that this thing might mutate again and again. When I got into work, I found the 70-year-old cyclist had been rushed to intensive care overnight. He seemed fine yesterday to the untrained eye. Im sorry to say that the frail 90-year-old whose family we discussed on Tuesday has now reached the end. We have made her comfortable but there is nothing else we can do. Her two sons, both in their 60s, were allowed to say goodbye, both dressed in full PPE. Their mother didnt recognise them. Were starting to see the Christmas aftermath. We have a new patient who says she told her family not to visit but they ignored her and came anyway. She caught Covid, and now it is very likely she will die. Were seeing a lot of that. I find out some NHS staff working from home have been vaccinated before us on the front line. The ineptitude makes me blood boil. The whole week has been a blur. But I know the weekend will be plagued with worries about whether I made the right choices, whether I could have done things differently. I dont know how much longer we can keep up with this excruciating pressure. Please instead of going out, just watch a box set, do a home workout or read a book. So many people are dying and its making our job feel impossible. 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 recently divorced mother who plunged to her death along with her five-year-old daughter from the roof of a 12-story Manhattan building on Sunday had been weaning herself from antidepressants because she feared becoming addicted, the woman's distraught family and friends have revealed. The incident took place around 1.30pm where the woman, identified as 39-year-old Oksana Motyka Patchin, leaped off the rooftop at 540 West 53rd St near 11th Avenue in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen. Patchin and her daughter, Olivia, were able to access the roof after the woman asked her friend who lives in the building to borrow her key card so she could show her five-year-old the view from the top. Patchin's closest friend of 14 years told DailyMail.com in a phone interview on Monday that the divorced mom-of-one had been struggling with insomnia and panic attacks since the summer and sought psychiatric help. The friend, who asked to not be named, said that Patchin in short order was diagnosed with clinical depression, despite not having a prior history of mental health issues, and was prescribed antidepressants that purportedly made her feel worse. Oksana Motyka Patchin, 39, has been identified as the mother who jumped from the roof of a Manhattan building with her five-year-old daughter, Olivia (right), in her arms, killing both, on Sunday On Sunday afternoon a Oksana Patchin 39, holding her five-year-old daughter Olivia, jumped off the roof of a Manhattan building, killing them both. Police pictured at the scene at W 53rd and 11th Avenue 'She really regretted taking the pills because she didnt know how addictive they were,' said the woman. 'She referred to herself as a "drug addict."' The friend said that after Patchin started taking powerful medications for her depression, panic attacks and insomnia, including Klonopin, Trazadon and Clomipromine, she had begun having suicidal thoughts and spent a week in the hospital receiving mental health treatment in July. Patchin believed the pills were having an adverse effect on her, so she had begun reducing the dosages in consultation with her doctor, according to the friend. When asked what may have prompted Patchin to take her life and that of her daughter on Sunday, the friend said that the ramifications of her divorce, which she herself had initiated, weighed heavily on her. A family friend described the five-year-old Olivia as a kind girl who was beloved by her teachers She had a lot of time to process her divorce during the quarantine, explained the friend, adding that the thought of having her daughter grow up without her father in her life was a cause for concern. She must have felt that was the only thing that she could do, the friend said through tears, referring to Patchins suicide. All that she wanted was to get better she never wanted to hurt [Olivia]. The friend said she first met Patchin in 2006 when the two of them arrived in New York as au pairs. The friend added: 'She has never been addicted to anything before (I've known her for 14 years) and would have never sought out to take addictive drugs had it not been prescribed to her. She led a healthy lifestyle, shopped at Farmer's Market on Grand Army Plaza and exercised.' The two women fell out of touch while Patchin was married, but reconnected after her separation. 'She was a very happy person. People were drown to her,' said the friend, describing Patchin as someone who made friends easily. The friend characterized Olivia as a kind and caring girl who was loved by her teachers. She had just enrolled in a new school and was excited about starting dance lessons. Cops responded to the scene after receiving a call about two females laying on the pavement and found them 'unconscious and unresponsive with injuries consistent with a fall from an elevated height.' Patchin and her five-year-old daughter were rushed to St Luke's Roosevelt Hospital and died from their injuries, the New York Police Department shared with DailyMail.com. Olivia had just enrolled in a new school and was excited about starting dance lessons The woman did not live in the 12-story building but was visiting someone who did reside there, before she tragically jumped 'No criminality is suspected at this time,' Sergeant Edward Riley said. The investigation is ongoing. Patchin's friend said they would often visit their mutual friend who lives in Hell's Kitchen and go up to the roof to enjoy the sweeping views. On Sunday afternoon, Patchin took an Uber with Olivia, which was unusual, and arrived at the apartment on West 53rd Street ahead of her best friend, who texted her that she was running late. The friend told DailyMail.com that over the past two weeks, Patchin seemed to be getting better, but she had stopped sharing her mental health concerns with her. 'She had a great time over Christmas,' said the friend. 'She was planning for the future. She was excited.' According to the friend, it was Patchin who suggested that they meet up on Sunday at their friend's apartment in Manhattan, where she had gotten into the habit of going up to the roof, most recently by herself. 'It looked like she did have an intention [to kill herself],' said the friend. Speaking to the New York Post, Patchin's mother, Anna, said that her daughter was prescribed three different medications for her depression. But in recent months, Patchin began reducing her dosages by splitting the pills in an effort to wean herself off of the antidepressants. 'I said to her, "Oksana, February, March, you will be finished,''' the mother recounted to the paper. One of the medications was a sleep aid that Patchin had been taking since the summer, when she and her husband separated. Anna told the Post that nothing seemed amiss in the hours leading up to the tragedy. She said Patchin walked her dog in the morning, had breakfast with Olivia, and in the afternoon drove from their apartment in Brooklyn to Manhattan to see a friend on the eve of the woman's birthday on Monday. The friend who lives in the building on West 53rd Street told Anna that during the visit, Olivia asked Patchin to take her to the roof, which they often did. According to police sources cited by the New York Post, Patchin had asked the friend for her key card to access the rooftop so that Olivia could admire the view. Once on the roof, security cameras reportedly captured the mother pacing around for some time, then climbing over a safety gate with her child in her arms and leaping to their deaths. Anna insisted that Patchin, who was her only child, was 'not sad' when she last saw her. Just days earlier, she had enrolled Olivia in a Catholic school and took her to Brighton Beach in Brooklyn for dance lessons, which the girl enjoyed. Police said Patchin had asked a friend who lives in the building on West 53rd Street for her key card to access the roof, claiming she wanted to show her daughter the view. While there, she scooped up the girl, climbed over the safety gate and jumped Patchin and her husband (right) reportedly divorced last summer and she had been living with her mother in Brooklyn Patrick Patchin wrote in a comment on Facebook on Monday that he feels 'completely lost' After the jump, one tenant came out of the building in tears and told reporters on the scene that the woman had been 'very distraught.' 'It really shook me up that it happened. Its very, very disturbing,' one tenant said to the New York Post. Police said Patchin and her husband split up last summer, and the woman had been living with her mother in the Prospect Park section of Brooklyn. 'She led a healthy lifestyle, shopped at Farmer's Market on Grand Army Plaza, exercised,' wrote Patchin's friend in an email to DailyMail.com. 'She was an accountant, with a CPA certification, and has built a successful career. She loved her job, I actually found unusual how excited she was about her work before her anxiety and trouble sleeping began this late spring. 'She loved her daughter more than anything. I cannot imagine how confused her mind had to be to do what she did.' No suicide note has been recovered, but police seized pill bottles from Patchin's apartment in Brooklyn. Cops responded to the scene after receiving a call about two females laying on the pavement and found them 'unconscious and unresponsive with injuries consistent with a fall from an elevated height' Patchin, who jumped, is believed to have lived in Prospect Heights and its not immediately known who she was visiting. Sources say she was 'very distraught' According to Patchin's social media posts, she was a native of Kirovohrad, Ukraine, who earned a Bachelor's degree in accounting from Baruch College in 2013 and worked for the past two years as a financial officer at CIC, a French banking company. A Twitter account associated with Patchin has been dormant for more than five years, but in her final tweet from November 2015, she shared a link to a GoFundMe account, asking for donations for 'Baby Olivia's medical bills.' The online fundraiser is not longer active, and it is unclear what medical condition Patchin's daughter might have had. A neighbor told New York Daily News that Olivia was born prematurely, but was doing well. A man believed to be Patchin's ex-husband, Patrick, shared a link to a news story about her and Olivia's deaths on his Facebook page, and wrote in the comments section: 'I am completely lost.' Call the toll-free 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) 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. This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Karin Ellis, left, and Hendrika Layton fill harvest bags full of organic produce and eggs at the Colorado Springs School for families to purchase in Colorado Springs on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. The program works with Hunt or Gather, a local community organization that brings organic food from Colorado farmers to families at wholesale prices. The goal is to create awareness of local farmers, local produce and work to create more local sustainability in our community, said Ellis. (Chancey Bush/ The Gazette) Ten babies died after a fire broke out on Saturday at the Special Newborn Care Unit of the four-storeyed district hospital in Maharashtra's Bhandara district Bhandara: Many parents whose newborn babies were among those dead in the Bhandara hospital fire have blamed the staff there for dereliction of duty. Ten babies died after the fire broke out on Saturday at the Special Newborn Care Unit of the four-storeyed district hospital in Maharashtra's Bhandara district town, about 900 km from the state capital Mumbai. Kin of Geeta and Vishwanath Behere, whose two month- old daughter was among the 10 newborn babies who perished in the blaze, blamed the hospital authorities for dereliction of duty. They claimed that no doctor or nurse was present in the unit when fire broke out. They blamed the hospital administration for the tragedy and sought action against those responsible. Vandana Sidam from Ravanwadi in Bhandara district gave birth to a girl at Pahela primary health centre on January 3. The baby was shifted to the district hospital unit as its weight was below normal. Family members of Vandana, whose husband was working in Pune when the tragedy happened, have blamed the hospital authorities for the fire and sought action against officials who they claim ignored safety norms. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who has ordered a probe into the incident, is scheduled to visit Bhandara on Sunday and meet hospital officials and parents of the victims. A district official said the fire broke out around 1.30 am. At the time, there were two nurses and a helper in the childrens ward and they immediately raised an alarm. The fire brigade was called out and before it arrived, staffers tried to rescue the children and managed to save seven infants. Bhandara District Health Officer Prashant Uike said the SNCU is a 36-bed ward. The ages of the deceased children ranged between a few days to a few months. Civil Surgeon Pramod Khandate said most newborns died due to suffocation. "One baby had fatal burn injuries, and two others had minor burns injuries. The rest inhaled a lot of smoke," he said. Like Peter Pan, some cells never grow up. In cancer, undifferentiated stem cells may help tumors such as glioblastoma become more aggressive than other forms of the disease. Certain groups of genes are supposed to help cells along the path to maturity, leaving their youthful "stemness" behind. This requires sweeping changes in the microRNAome -- the world of small non-coding material, known as microRNAs, that control where and when genes are turned on and off. Many microRNAs are tumor-suppressive; in cancer, the microRNAome is distorted and disrupted. Recent work by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital pinpoints critical changes in an enzyme known as DICER, which create a cascade of effects on this microRNAome. The team identified primary actors circ2082, a circular RNA, and RBM3, an RNA-binding protein, which form a complex with DICER to trap it in the nucleus of glioblastoma cells, therefore disrupting the cytoplasmic microRNAome. Findings are published in Science Advances. We are always trying to find the magic bullet to fight cancer. The problem with the magic bullet is that it's only going to hit a few tumor cells, since the other tumor cells don't have that target. We are looking for the common vulnerability -- what is the common thing that we can target? With this discovery, we can target something way upstream: a very common target at the epigenetic level." Antonio Chiocca, MD, PhD, Chair of the Brigham's Department of Neurosurgery Prior research showed the number of microRNAs expressed in cancer cells to be low when compared to non-cancerous cells. In addressing this observation, primary researchers Jakub Godlewski, PhD, and Agnieszka Bronisz, PhD, both formerly at the Brigham and now based at the Mossakowski Medical Research Centre of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland, led a team that determined the absence of DICER enzyme is likely the cause of this cytoplasmic microRNA depletion. The team discovered DICER was being trapped in the nucleus by repressive interactions with RBM3 and circ2082. In order to characterize these new actors, researchers used patient-derived glioblastoma cells, which allowed them to study outcomes genetically and phenotypically similar to real patient outcomes. The cells were studied both in vitro and in vivo through implantation into the brains of lab mice. The level of microRNA expression in these mice changed their survival rates. If circ2082 was knocked down, the nuclear DICER complex of circ2082, DICER, and RBM3 was disrupted, more microRNAs were present in the cytoplasm, and the survival outcome was far greater. In these mice whose tumors had circ2082 knocked down, death by tumorigenesis never occurred, while their non-knockdown counterparts all experienced death by tumorigenesis. The downstream effect of this circ2082 expression also heavily influenced morbidity in human patients whose tissues were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with circ2082-dependent signature less widely expressed had overall longer lifespans after cancer diagnosis. "Targeting these upstream tumor proliferators has the potential to dramatically change the cancer treatment landscape," said Chiocca. "We look forward to clinical translation of this research as we search for the right inhibitors." DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa is making changes starting Tuesday as the state continues to grapple with a virus that is rising around the state at a rapid pace. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Monday the following measures will be put into place to fight a COVID-19 crisis that is worse than it has ever been." Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. AP image. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. AP image. When in an indoor public space where you cannot social distance, masks will be required. Indoor social gatherings or events are limited to 15 people Outdoor social gatherings or events are limited to 30 people. That includes weddings and family gatherings. With the exception of high school and college sports, all youth sports, including gymnastics and dance, are suspended. For high school sports, attendance is limited to two people per student. Restaurants and bars are required to close by 10 p.m., and masks must be worn by staff who have direct contact with customers. Reynolds said the state had more than 52,000 new cases last week, which is the same number the state had from the beginning of March to mid-August. "Mild cases led to people being complacent," she said. "Our healthcare system is being pushed to the brink." "If our healthcare system exceeds capacity, every Iowan who needs medical care will be put at risk." You can see the full press release below and see the full proclamation here. DES MOINES - Today, Gov. Reynolds signed a new Public Health Disaster proclamation that imposes a number of additional public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. These new measures will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17 and will continue until 11:59 p.m. on December 10, 2020. To view a summary of enhanced mitigation measures, click here. The proclamation requires that when people are in an indoor public space, and unable to social distance for 15 minutes or longer, masks are required to be worn. The same requirements apply to visitors and employees inside State buildings. Additional mask requirements are imposed for certain specific establishments and gatherings. The proclamation also limits indoor social, community, business and leisure gatherings or events to 15 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 30. This includes wedding and funeral receptions, family gatherings and conventions. But it does not restrict gatherings that occur in the workplace as part of normal daily business or government operations. With the exception of high school, collegiate and professional sports, all organized youth and adult sports activities of any size are suspended. This includes basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, swimming, dance, and group fitness classes at gyms. While high school sports and extracurricular activities are not prohibited, spectators at games or events are limited to 2 per student and are required to wear a mask. Restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, arcades, pool halls, bingo halls, and indoor playgrounds are required to close at 10 p.m. and cannot host private gatherings of more than 15 people. Masks must be worn by staff who have direct contact with customers, and customers must wear masks when they are not seated at their table to eat or drink. The proclamation also requires masks inside casinos. The proclamation also requires hospitals to ensure that inpatient elective procedures are reduced by 50%. Republic Day violence: Man who assaulted cop with spear among two arrested Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Suriname President likely to be chief guest at Republic Day parade India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Jan 10: Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the Indian-origin President of the South American nation of Suriname, likely be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade on January 26. Initially, India had invited British Prime Minister Boris Johnson as the chief guest. Johnson telephoned his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to express regrets for his inability to visit to New Delhi and take part in India's Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest later this month due to mounting covid-19 cases at home. News18 quoted PMO sources saying that Santokhi, who is of Indian origin, will be attending the Rajpath parade. However, an official confirmation has not been made yet. Santokhi on Saturday pitched for free movement of people between India and his country as he favoured greater bilateral trade and cultural ties. NSG commandos, CRPF tableau part of Republic Day parade 2021 In an address at the virtual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations, the Indian-origin president expressed readiness to take the first step to end visa permits for visitors from India to Suriname. "Suriname is prepared to take a first step in doing so by ending visa permits for visitors from India to Suriname," he said. Santokhi said there is scope to expand cooperation in areas of business, trade and tourism. Elaborating on historical links between the two countries, the president said the Suriname diaspora is part of India''s soft power and India is also part of Suriname''s soft power. Large numbers of Indian workers were taken to Suriname to work as indentured labourers in the 19th century. He said Suriname and India have historical connections going back 148 years, which has shaped the lives of many who travelled from India. "I also feel pride in being of Indian heritage, a heritage and culture which was passed on by my parents and grandparents, who 148 years ago, started this adventurous journey from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and sailed from Kolkata in search of their dreams for a better life in Suriname," he said. Santokhi was the Chief Guest at the 16th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas conclave. He also proposed creation of a special diaspora committee to identify opportunities for bilateral cooperation. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 23:30 [IST] Besides being a love letter to New York, Pretend It's a City is also an obituary to a certain kind of old-fashioned living. Martin Scorsese follows up his 3.5-hour-long meditation on growing old with another 3.5-hour-long meditation on growing old. Only, if The Irishman was a highlight reel of the themes and paint-jobs that defined his career, Pretend It's a City is a highlight reel of the aphoristic proclamations and crotchety rants that define Fran Lebowitz's. Divided into seven 30-minute episodes, the Netflix docuseries draws out anecdotes, opinions and one-liners aplenty from the always-happy-to-oblige cultural commentator. When you take stock of Scorseses documentary output, you realise just how prolific and versatile a storyteller he is. Aside from concert films (The Last Waltz, Shine a Light) and personal essays on cinema (My Voyage to Italy, A Letter to Elia), he has profiled celebrated musicians (No Direction Home: Bob Dylan, George Harrison: Living in the Material World) and his own parents (Italianamerican). If Public Speaking was a Fran Lebowitz profile and primer rolled into one, Pretend It's a City gives the raconteur a forum to spiel on everything New York at Netflix's expense. Scorsese and Lebowitz have both had lengthy love affairs with New York, which features heavily as a setting and ethos in both their works. Here, it's a threesome. Much like when he sat down with Steven Prince in American Boy, Scorsese allows his subject let loose in front of the camera. Even when he brings himself into the frame, he's usually out-of-focus and in the periphery, happy to play the role of a keen listener in awe of his subject. It would be advisable to approach Lebowitz's work on page before you watch this docuseries. Of course, she hasn't written a book for nearly three decades. Due to a well-documented (still ongoing) writer's block, she had to reinvent herself as a regular fixture on talk shows to pay the bills. Sounding off on urban matters with bon mots and retorts, she became a celebrity and an institution in her own right. The idea behind the docuseries is a simple one: each episode, Lebowitz rehashes anecdotes, old and new, over dinner at the Players Club in New York. Scorsese weaves together these conversations with Lebowitzs previous speaking engagements. To an appalled Spike Lee, she insists athletes are not artists. With Toni Morrison, she discusses the use of "we" vs "you" pronouns. In memorable anecdotes, she recalls a breakfast with jazz icons Charles Mingus and Duke Ellington, and refusing to go to a dinner party hosted in honour of Nazi propaganda filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl. When Scorsese directed her in The Wolf of Wall Street, she remembers Leonardo DiCaprio trying to get her to switch to e-cigarettes. With Scorsese, she also geeks out over cinema: discussing Cary Grant's least Cary Grant role, and going to a special screening of Luchino Visconti's The Leopard. Getting older brings fresh bite to Lebowitzs tirades as a disaffected malcontent living in New York. She hopscotches from topic to topic, condemning wellness culture one minute to eulogising the lost art of walking the next. When she complains about the high cost of living in a perennially smelly city, and constantly worrying over pickpockets in the subway, it echoes the trials and tribulations of every big-city dweller around the world. Like most of us, all she can do is complain: "If I could change it, I wouldn't be so angry. The anger is, I have no power, but I'm filled with opinions." And she's got an opinion on everything. On monetisation of art: We live in a world where we applaud the price, not the Picasso. On guilty pleasures: I have no guilty pleasures, because pleasure never makes me feel guilty. On the importance of gay people to a city's spirit: Nothing is better for a city than a dense population of angry homosexuals. On suffocating political correctness: Im breathing fine. On writing assignments: I loved to write, until the very first time I got an assignment to write for money. And then I hated to write. Scorsese's infectious chuckle acts as a virtual laugh track throughout. But it's unassuming, not overpowering like Rickey Gervais laughing at Karl Pilkington. Scorsese and Lebowitz obviously share a more "laughing with" dynamic on account of their similar sense of humour. The former is a lapsed Roman Catholic, the latter was raised Jewish. But having lived in New York for decades has put them in the same comedic wavelength. It's like when Lenny Bruce said, "It doesn't matter even if you're Catholic; if you live in New York, you're Jewish." New York Jewishness has less to do with racial identity, more to do with comic sensibility. It describes that blend of existential humour and self-deprecation which comes with its zip codes. Three and a half hours of this gabfest may prove daunting for the casual binge-watcher. There's an undercurrent of cheerful misanthropy, which can overwhelm the audience on occasion. So, it's best viewed in instalments. Some sections of the docuseries are geared towards a very specific, unapologetically New York, audience. They act as a manual on how to New York, as Lebowitz comments on subways, tourists, Times Square, real estate and libraries. Besides being a love letter to the city, the series is also an obituary to a certain kind of old-fashioned living. Lebowitz laments the changing public image of smoking and candies, and pedestrians treasuring their phones over plaques. A conscientious objector against technology, Lebowitz doesn't hide her contempt for those who let their iPhones and iPads intrude their day-to-day experiences. Theres a snobbery and entitledness to some of her grievances. They come with being a member of New York's gentry and Lebowitz does acknowledge them. What helps the show rise above a mere rant is Scorsese's lively presentation. Watching Lebowitz casually stroll through pre-COVID New York brings widescreen emotions even on a small screen. It makes you yearn for a return to normalcy: the noise, the stench, the drama and the opportunity to complain about every little problem in a big city. Pretend It's a City is now streaming on Netflix. Watch the trailer here ICMR to study effectiveness of Covishield, Covaxin in preventing progression of COVID into severe form UP CM says all eligible persons in state will be vaccinated While insisting on indemnity, Pfizer says its vaccine works on strain found in India PM Modi meets chief ministers over Covid-19 vaccine rollout India oi-Deepika S New Delhi, Jan 11: Ahead of the mega COVID-19 vaccine roll-out on January 16, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a meeting of the chief ministers of all states and union territories virtually to discuss the strategy and future course of action. This is Modi's first interaction with chief ministers following the recent approval of two coronavirus vaccines for restricted emergency use by India's drug regulator and the announcement of January 16 as the date for the rollout. The prime minister has often spoken with state chief ministers following the pandemic's outbreak in the country. India's drugs regulator has approved Oxford vaccine Covishield, being manufactured by the Serum Institute, and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country. At least seven other vaccines are being developed in India, while some others can be imported from abroad, including the one developed by global pharma giant Pfizer which has already applied for import and sale in India of its vaccine for emergency use authorisation. Vaccine transport from SII to start on Jan 11 or 12: Report Many countries have launched mass vaccination programmes to protect their people from the deadly virus, which was first detected in China in December 2019 and has killed nearly 20 lakh people globally and infected almost 9 crore people since then. SC SLAMS Centre: Stay farm laws or we will do it | Oneindia News The vaccination drive in India is starting almost one year after the first case was reported on January 30, 2020 in Kerala, though a wider outbreak began in March after a few people in Delhi and adjoining areas were tested positive after returning from abroad. In December 2020, the UK became the first country to start vaccination, followed by several other nations, including the US, Belarus, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Malta, Mexico, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE. In some countries, heads of the government have been the first to get the shot, while elsewhere healthcare workers, sanitation staff or elderly people have got vaccinated before anyone else. But shortly after the vaccination programme began in the UK, the country imposed strict lockdown conditions after a more contagious strain of the virus was found. This also led to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson cancelling his visit to India for being the chief guest for Republic Day parade on January 26. Portland police arrested a 31-year-old man under allegations that he shot numerous rounds into other apartment units of a Southeast Portland complex for no immediately explicable reason early Saturday morning. No one was injured, but police found multiple bullet holes from a .223-caliber rifle shot from inside a unit at the complex near Southeast 12th Avenue and Morrison Street in the Buckman neighborhood. Police didnt say how many shots were fired. They arrested David Yaron on accusations of 14 counts of reckless endangering and 15 counts of discharge of a firearm in the city, which likely gives an indication of the number of rounds fired. Yaron has no known history of criminal convictions, according to Oregon court records. A warrant had been issued for his arrest, however, based on a pending 2019 charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants. Police began receiving 911 calls at 5:39 a.m. After responding to the apartment building, police used a loudspeaker to order Yaron to step outside unarmed, police said. Yaron complied. Police found two inches of water on the floor of the unit Yaron had occupied. A sprinkler system pipe had been struck by one of the bullets. The buildings fire alarm was off sounding off. Officers discovered multiple rifles, handguns and body armor inside -- including the firearm they believe was used. It was staged in an elevated position to where officers outside were and a drum magazine that holds (50+) rounds was attached and loaded, police said. Its not clear what this suspect had planned, but the possibilities are chilling, said Chief Chuck Lovell, in a written statement. The officers who responded to this call worked seamlessly in a chaotic environment to resolve what could have been a tragic event. I thank them for their bravery and Im relieved that no one was hurt. -- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com; @o_aimee UPDATE: Malta official resigns after involvement in U.S. Capitol siege ROUND LAKE A Malta town board member is calling for the resignation of a zoning board member after photos showing her in the midst of the U.S. Capitol siege have been circulating online. Malta Town Board member Timothy Dunn, a Republican, told the Times Union he spoke with the town's GOP chairman after photos were shared on social media sites by Saratoga County Democrats over the weekend. One image shows a woman being led off the Capitol grounds by police with her hands behind her back. A GOP official in Saratoga County confirmed the pictures are of Sharon Pineo of Round Lake, a member of the Malta zoning board of appeals. The dispute in the GOP has been if Pineo was arrested or just escorted off Capitol grounds; there is no evidence the Times Union has found that she has been criminally charged in connection with the siege. The Times Union has called multiple phone numbers listed for Pineo, as well as sent her an email, with no success. Later Sunday night, after the Times Union published the story online, the Malta GOP Committee provided a statement that Pineo would be calling the town supervisor in the next 24 hours to resign from the zoning board. Pineo helped organize a charter bus trip that took Capital Region residents to Wednesday's "March on Congress," which eventually devolved into a violent criminal raid on the U.S. Capitol while Congress was meeting to certify the 2020 Electoral College vote. Pineo's bus was one of several that went down from the Capital Region to DC, former GOP Congressional candidate Liz Joy told the Times Union. Hundreds carrying flags in support of President Donald J. Trump stormed the Capitol, with some forcing their way past police in riot gear, as well as breaking doors and windows. Rioters were pictured with confederate flags inside the Capitol building, and gallows were constructed nearby with a hanging noose. A pipe bomb was found at the Republican party headquarters and another suspicious package at the Democratic counterpart. Five people died as a result of the siege, including a rioter who was shot and a Capitol police officer who was struck in the head with a heavy object; another Capitol police officer who responded to the incursion took his own life on Saturday. READ MORE: New York's Washington delegation responds to violence at the Capitol Ted Willette, the Malta GOP chairman, could not be reached for comment. Multiple calls to Saratoga County GOP chairman Carl Zeilman had not been returned this past weekend. Malta Supervisor Darren O'Connor said earlier Sunday he had received texts with photos alleging the woman is Pineo. But he said in a message to the Times Union Sunday that "I don't have confirmation (it's her), and I still lack enough info to commit to a particular course of action." A different photo taken by the Associated Press shows a woman being lifted up by Capitol police amongst the rioting, the same woman who seen in the other photo being taken away by police. "While my understanding is that this individual has not been charged with a crime, the actions and intentions of the group that stormed the Capitol are reprehensible and not consistent with the values of our community," Dunn wrote in a Facebook post Sunday afternoon. "I've spoken with both the town supervisor and the GOP chair and have requested they ask for the resignation of this resident from the zoning board of appeals." "I pray our community and our nation can start seeking paths to unity, not division. And for all of our sake, I hope this happens quickly," Dunn wrote. More for you News Malta official resigns after involvement in U.S. Capitol... A Dec. 22 Facebook post to the Upstate Conservative Coalition provides Pineo's email address for people to contact her to sign up for the bus trip to Washington. On Dec. 26, the same Facebook account that posted about the bus trip uploaded a photoshopped image of Donald Trump in despair in the arms of Jesus Christ. The profile picture on the account also shows a winged figure holding a sword with the statement, "Not all angels play the harp and sing, some are called to battle." Pineo has been involved in her village as well, having run for Round Lake trustee in 2018. Malta Town Board member Cynthia Young, the lone Democrat on the board, said Sunday the photos "are all anybody's talking about today." She said she "has no objection" to peaceful protesting, but that if Pineo participated in the siege on Capitol grounds, then the zoning board member should resign. "If she was there and part of the insurgency, then I think the acts that happened down there were reprehensible," Young said. The Afghan government has been demanding a halt in fighting and observing truce as peace talks continue in Doha amid increasing militancy and conflict in Afghanistan. Faridon Khwazoon, the spokesman for High Council of National Reconciliation, who is accompanying the Afghan government negotiating team in Doha, told the Afghan media on Sunday that the government negotiation team's priority is to cease fighting and observe a ceasefire to facilitate the talks to succeed. The second round of talks between the negotiating teams of the government and the Taliban outfit resumed on January 5 and since then they held talks twice, Khwazoon said. "The two sides held a meeting yesterday and would hold talks today," Khwazoon told Tolonews. He also noted that the prime aim of the government negotiating team is to "halt fighting and observe ceasefire" so as to create confidence in the peace talks. Khwazoon made the suggestion amid the rise in militancy and conflict as more than three dozen persons have been killed over the past 24 hours in the conflict-battered country. In the latest wave of violent incident, Taliban militants stormed a police checkpoint in Rawza area outside Ghazni city, the capital of eastern Ghazni province, in the wee hours of Sunday and captured three policemen, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Sirat said. Similarly, fighting between security forces and Taliban militants claimed the lives of eight militants and injured five others in Charkhab area on the outskirt of Kunduz city, the capital of northern Kunduz province, on Sunday, provincial government spokesman Esmatullah Muradi has confirmed. According to security officials, 38 fighters with a majority of them militants have been killed over the past 24 hours in Afghanistan. Expressing support to the peace talks and confirming the meeting between the two sides, the spokesman for the Taliban political office in Doha, Mohammad Naeem said in his twitter, "the meeting was held in a good atmosphere, discussed the unification and arrangement of the agenda of the talks, and it was decided to continue these meetings." Short link: 2 1 of 2 Alameda County Fire Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Alameda County Fire Drpartment / Alameda County Fire Drpartment Show More Show Less Firefighters in Emeryville and San Francisco battled four predawn blazes, one of which left three people homeless. In Emeryville, firefighters from the Oakland and Alameda County departments responded to a blaze at a single-family home in the 1000 block of 47th Street shortly after it broke out around 6:30 a.m. That blaze caused extensive damage to the dwelling. The week began with Apple's CEO making the following political statement on his Twitter account: "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." 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 Where was Mr. Cook's outrage this summer when Black Lives Matter and Antifa were burning down businesses, looting, and beating people, in New York, in Wisconsin, Minneapolis and elsewhere? Not a single word from Mr. Cook that those actions and murders were wrong and shouldn't have been part of a peaceful protest. Apple's CEO took his politics to the next level yesterday by ordering Parler to be banned in an effort to squash free speech in America. This was immediately condemned by the ACLU who warned of "Unchecked Power" after Facebook and Twitter suspended President Trump's account. Obviously this condemnation extends to all social media companies that banned President Trump from their platforms as well as to Apple for removing the Parler App. Kate Ruane, a senior legislative counsel at the ACLU, released a statement condemning Facebook and Twitters decision to suspend President Trump on their respective platforms, warning against "unchecked power" and the precedent that this sets for other activists. Ruane further stated that "We understand the desire to permanently suspend him now, but it should concern everyone when companies like Facebook and Twitter wield the unchecked power to remove people from platforms that have become indispensable for the speech of billions especially when political realities make those decisions easier." On Thursday, Mexicos president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador condemned the decision by social media platforms to block the accounts of U.S. President Donald Trump." I don't like anybody being censored or taking away from the the right to post a message on Twitter or Facebook. I don't agree with that, I don't accept that." "How can you censor someone: 'Let's see, I, as the judge of the Holy Inquisition, will punish you because I think what you're saying is harmful,'" Lopez Obrador said in an extensive, unprompted discourse on the subject. "Where is the law, where is the regulation, what are the norms? This is an issue of government, this is not an issue for private companies." And to top it off, Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny tweeted Saturday that he thought Trumps Twitter suspension was "an unacceptable act of censorship." Of course this extends to Apple's move to remove the Parler App from the App Store. Navalny reasoned in a thread that the ban was a decision based on "emotions" and "personal political preferences" as other accounts belonging to other controversial leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as well as COVID-19-deniers and other extremists have been not been banned. "And yet, it was Trump who got banned publicly and ostentatiously," wrote Navalny. "Such selectivity indicates that this was an act of censorship." According to Navalny, such a precedent would be exploited by the enemies of freedom of speech around the world and that whenever someone needed someone silenced, they would say this is just common practice, even Trump got blocked on Twitter.'" More could be read on this here and here. If the EU Commission ever needed a clear-cut case of American Tech companies wielding too much power, this is it. The EU Commission already has the Apple App Store in its crosshairs for being a gatekeeper and the act of censorship could be what they need to justify the App Store being separated from Apple. Only time will tell if Apple's action of removing Parler from the App Store will have any long-term consequences. The politics playing out in the U.S. at present is volatile; a tinderbox ready to ignite. Here's to hoping that cooler heads will prevail over time. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! A man who had an assault rifle was charged with threatening Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker, after he traveled to Washington for the pro-Trump rally on Wednesday and sent a text message saying he would put a bullet in her noggin on Live TV, the federal authorities said. Federal agents said the man, Cleveland Grover Meredith Jr., had been staying at a Holiday Inn in Washington and had weapons in his camper-style trailer, including a Glock handgun, a type of pistol; a Tavor X95 assault rifle; and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Mr. Meredith was charged with transmitting a threat in interstate commerce, possession of an unregistered firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition, according to court records. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer. The Department of Justice said on Friday that he was one of 13 people who had been charged in federal court after a violent pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol on Wednesday and disrupted Congress as it was certifying the results of the presidential election. People's Liberation Army soldier being dealt with as per procedures says Indian Army The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated. (Representational Image:AP) New Delhi: The Indian Army apprehended a Chinese soldier on Friday morning on the South bank of Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh where India and China are involved in a tense military stand-off from the last eight months. "The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area," said Indian Army on Saturday. "The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," the Indian Army said in a statement in which it also mentioned that troops from both sides are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops. Sources said the Chinese soldier is being questioned to know whether he accidentally crossed over or was trying to spy. Chinese state-owned media Global Times said that China has called for an immediate return of the soldier, who it claimed went missing due to "darkness and complicated geography". It further claimed that China had informed India as soon as the incident occurred, and sought help from the Indian side. The incident has happened at a time when there has been no breakthrough in talks on disengagement between India and China despite eight rounds of Corps Commanders meeting between the two sides. Due to differences, there has been no further rounds of Corps Commanders meeting since November 6. The soldier was caught near Gurung Hill, one of the peaks in Kailash range which Indian Army had pre-emptively occupied in August in tit-for-tat action against Chinese aggression on the North bank of Pangong Tso. The move meant that Indian soldiers dominated peaks in the area and had choked PLA movement in the sector. Earlier in October, the Indian Army had apprehended a Chinese soldier in Demchok sector of Eastern Ladakh, who was returned back. Abu Dhabi Ports has announced a freeze on rent escalation during 2021 for all businesses in its Industrial Cities and Free Zone cluster, in a move aimed at providing further relief to its customers in Khalifa Industrial Zones Abu Dhabi (Kizad) and ZonesCorp and boosting the Abu Dhabi economy in these challenging times. The effective freeze on rent increase for the entire year is in line with Abu Dhabi Ports core philosophy of enabling businesses to remain competitive within their target markets, and follows several measures taken throughout 2020 to provide relief to customers, a statement said. The rent escalation freeze will benefit more than 1,400 companies within Abu Dhabi Ports Industrial Cities and Free Zone cluster, the statement added. Abdullah Al Hameli, Head, Industrial Cities and Free Zone Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports said: Abu Dhabi Ports is taking steps to help its customers remain competitive during this exceptional economic climate and overcome the challenges brought on by COVID-19. We are working in line with the Abu Dhabi Governments efforts to extend relief to businesses by ensuring our customers retain their competitive advantage. The freeze in rent escalation we have announced reflects our commitment towards enhancing the growth and stability of our customers and tenants and falls in line with the government directives to stimulate future growth for the UAEs economy. We are confident that this measure will help fast track the robust economic recovery that the Government is making efforts to achieve, he added. Last year ZonesCorp customers were exempted from Musataha contract registration, utility payments based on actual consumption, and application and documentation fees. The company is also providing a 25 per cent price reduction for new investors. Simultaneously, Kizad announced last year relief packages with up to 36 per cent savings for Free Zone businesses and SMEs. The package offers both existing and prospective customers savings on new registrations and renewals, along with a waiver on security deposits. Abu Dhabi Ports, part of ADQ, one of the regions largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabis diversified economy, has extended relief measures to continue supporting businesses in Abu Dhabi and help the SME sector grow within the emirate. Several measures were previously mandated for customers, which include rent deferment, a freeze on late payment penalties, and an exemption from Tawtheeq fees. At the same time, new investors will be able to take advantage of new relief packages that include waiving of applications fees, a 25 per cent reduction in land lease rates for the first year, an exemption on Tawtheeq fees, and a relinquishing of land fixing fees. Kizad the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial hub in the region and ZonesCorp, the largest operator of purpose-built economic zones in the UAE, make up Abu Dhabi Ports Industrial Cities and Free Zone portfolio. Covering over 555 sqkm of industrial land and home to over 1,400 local, regional, and international investors, the portfolio of companies today includes key players within the food, logistics, automotive, polymers, metals, oil and gas, life sciences, and advanced technology industries. The Industrial Cities and free Zone portfolio at Abu Dhabi Ports has seen landmark developments in 2020. Recently Kizad won three fDi Global Free Zones of the Year 2020 awards. It was named winner of fDi Magazines Middle East Large Tenants category for its outstanding growth within its community of large companies. As well as that Kizad was awarded Free Zone of the Year, SMEs, for its innovative initiatives to support small and medium enterprises. Kizad was also awarded fDis Bespoke Award for Supplier Development.--TradeArabia News Service Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Parler CEO Prepared to Take Full Legal Action After Big Tech Companies Target Platform Parler founder and CEO John Matze said his company is prepared to take full legal action after several big tech companies suspended the social media network from their services, according to an email. John Matze, Parlers founder, told The Epoch Times in an email that he believes Apple, Google, and Amazon had acted in bad faith and that the social media platform is considering legal action. Responding to accusations that Parler was enabling threats of violence and illegal activity, Matze said these companies are using recent events to go after Parler, even though there is no evidence Parler was used to coordinate the events. Parler has no groups-style feature, and Facebook was the number one tool for coordinating meetups for that event, Matze said. The targeted moderation by these companies against Parler came after civil unrest and acts of violence marred a largely peaceful protest at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. A group of rioters and a minority of protesters waving American and Trump flags illegally stormed the Capitol building as lawmakers were counting electoral votes in a joint session of Congress. The mayhem on the day left five people dead, including one police officer, and dozens of officers injured. In response to the Capitol breach, a number of Silicon Valley technology companies ramped up their policing of statements and comments from President Donald Trump, conservatives, and other voices they say may cause harm. Twitter on Jan. 8 permanently removed Trumps account on its platform and justified its censorship by saying the president had violated its Glorification of Violence Policy after he posted a message urging protesters to remain peaceful and leave the Capitol. The Trump campaign Twitter account has also been removed. Parler, which has attracted a large following of classical liberal and conservative-leaning users, appeared to have been targeted for lacking a system to implement robust moderation for egregious content. Apple said in a statement to media outlets on Jan. 9 that they believe Parler had not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of threats of violence and illegal activity. We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues, the statement said. Apple didnt immediately respond to The Epoch Times questions about the ban. Similarly, Amazon told Parler that they would be shutting Parlers servers at midnight Jan. 10, over what it says is the platforms alleged lax approach to violent content posted by its users. Parler disputes this claim. Amazon also didnt immediately respond to The Epoch Times questions about the suspension. Matze said he believes these companies are also operating with a double standard. Twitter let Hang Mike Pence trend the same day Parler was banned from Google the double standard is obvious, he said. The big tech suspension came after Parler rose to become the number one application in Apples app store on Jan. 9, following Twitters suspension of Trumps personal account. Matze said his social media network had around 20 million accounts at the time the companies suspended them. Mobile app analytics company Sensor Tower told The Wrap in a statement that Parler saw approximately 182,000 first-time downloads in the United States on Jan. 8, which is up 355 percent on Jan. 7. The app saw about 268,000 installs across U.S. app stores since Jan. 6, the statement said. Matze said on his Parler account late Jan. 9 that he believes Amazon, Google, and Apple coordinated to try and ensure they dont have competition. They will NOT win! We are the worlds last hope for free speech and free information, he said. This is a battle against all of us. Liberals, conservatives, atheists, Christians, black, white, etc. They want to keep their monopoly over speech. They want us fighting. They dont want us working together. They dont want us working with each other, they want us hating one another. Unbalanced policing of user content and certain political views has raised concerns over First Amendment rights and the lack of checks and balances on decisions made by big tech companies. Discussions over limiting or eliminating liability protections under Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act for tech companies that have engaged in censoring or political conduct have been heavily discussed in the past year. Twitters move to remove Trumps account has received widespread scrutiny. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, State Secretary Mike Pompeo, and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley likened Twitters move to conduct by the communist regime in China. WATCH NEXT: What Happened Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol? Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. NEW DELHI: As India recovers from the covid-19 crisis, taking steps towards a new dawn, a host of envisioned and implemented reform measures taken during the pandemic could see tangible advances on ground in 2021. One among them is Indias vision of becoming a global toy hub to cater to domestic demand and tap the market that is estimated at $90 billion. Given that 26% of India's population is under the age of 15, the domestic toy market is slated to grow to $3.3 billion by 2024 from $1.75 billion in 2019. The New Education Policy which focuses on vocational education in schools along with enhancing cognitive and psycho-motor skills will also encourage the global toy market to look to India as a manufacturing destination and realign supply chains. A much-needed government boost to the global imprint of Indian toys is evident from its emphasis on bringing in transformative changes in the domestic toy industry by promoting Vocal for Local" and Make in India" under the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme. The industry which is labour intensive could effectively compete against China and generate lakhs of jobs supporting the MSME sector. The government has taken several steps in the direction - from raising duties on imported toys, issuing quality control order that adheres to global safety standards, and coming up with a National Action Plan for the industry that aims to involve 14 central ministries on need basis and develop 13 toy clusters across the country, giving a major boost to the economies of the respective regions. The Centre is also planning a National Toy Fair as a part of the initiative to give a encourage domestic toy manufacturing. Many state governments have already swung into action to help facilitate major toy making companies to set up manufacturing units in India. The country's first toy manufacturing cluster is coming up in Koppal across 400 acres of SEZ land, sanctioned by Karnataka government. The project is expected to attract 5,000 crore worth of investment and generate 40,000 jobs over the next five years. Uttar Pradesh government on the other hand expecting a 3,000 crore investment in the proposed 100-acre toy manufacturing hub in Greater Noida. Gujrat has written to global toy manufacturers across the US, Canada, Europe, Japan urging them to set up industry in the state assuring them best possible assistance. Maharashtra which contributes 32.6% of the countrys toy exports has also proposed to set up clusters at Khalapur, Shahapur, Nashik, Malegaon, Solapur, among other places. The West Bengal EXIM association has sought land from the state government to set up a toy park in the state. Incentives at every step from setting up a plant and facilitating key resources at subsidized rates to incentivizing running costs, governments across various states are taking ease of doing business a notch higher to woo investors in the spirit of competitive federalism. The Centre's support in the form of export subsidies, single window clearance, fiscal incentives, technology upgradation will help domestic toy manufacturing to grow swiftly. Another important aspect is re-skilling 4-5 lakh artisans in the country to help them catch up with evolving demands of the toy industry which is rapidly moving towards technology with AI (artificial intelligence) and IoT (internet of things)-enabled toys making major inroads. With more engagement, skill diversification, and entrepreneurial enthusiasm, a revival of the Indian toy industry looks imminent. Companies such as Aequs, Funskool have already shown interest in coming up with manufacturing units in the country and if things go as planned, we would see many more global names setting up shop in the country, creating a huge employment opportunities for countrys youth. (Rouhin Deb is an independent policy researcher and empirical economist.) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Ahead of the coronavirus vaccination drive from January 16, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said his government will attempt to cover each and every person in the state. "The vaccination drive will start from January 16 and we aim to cover each and every person under it. It will also be ensured that all guidelines of the Union government are followed during vaccination," Adityanath said while inaugurating a Mukhyamantri Arogya Mela at Sankisa in Farrukhabad. The chief minister also reviewed preparations for the drive, the UP government said in a statement issued here. Reiterating the commitment to provide better health care services to the poor, Adityanath said his government is doing it with all its resources and without any discrimination. "My government is striving hard to provide benefits of all welfare schemes to everyone without any discrimination of caste, creed and religion," he said. Inaugurating the Arogya Mela, Adityanath said it is just another platform to reach out to people and ensure that all medical facilities are made available to them under one roof. "Starting today, it will be organised every Sunday at 3,480 PHCs of the state. People will be getting all kind of medical consultancy, primary pathology testing facilities and medicines here," the CM said. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was quoted as saying by news agency ANI, "It will be given free of cost to the poor (in the state). It will be good if some people support us in subsidising it, as the expenses will be high." Taking a jibe at the Opposition, Adityanath said there will be no place for those who used to spread fear and terror in the state. "We have considered 24 crore people of the state as our family," he said. The CM said during the previous regime, government jobs were only meant for a specific community. "Our government does not discriminate between anyone," the CM added. Adityanath congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading the country in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. India's COVID-19 management has set an example for the world, he claimed, adding that India is the only country that has developed two vaccines. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., holds a news conference on the day after violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Congress, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021. File/J. Scott Applewhite/AP CHENGDU, China/SHANGHAI: Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio Inc is taking on conventional gasoline premium automakers from BMW to Audi further, launching on Saturday its first sedan model as it eyes a greater share of the worlds largest car market. The launch of the ET7, at an event in the western city of Chengdu, came as rival Tesla started selling its China-made Model Y sport-utility vehicle in the Chinese market. Nio is aiming to expand its product lineup to attract more customers. In Chinas passenger car market, sedans and SUVs each make up around 46% of overall sales. Chief Executive William Li said Nios new battery technology will give the ET7 a drive range of over 1,000 km (621 miles) between charges. The starting price will be 378,000 yuan ($58,378) for the car without the battery pack, one of the most expensive EV components, which can then be leased from the company. With the battery pack, the starting price is 448,000 yuan. Li said in an interview ET7s target rivals were BMWs 5-series, Audis A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-class sedans. It was reasonable" that Nio could sell similar amount of ET7 as BMWs 5-series sedans in China in the future, Li said, but gave no details of timeframe. The starting price for the BMW 5-series is 426,900 yuan and BMW sells over 10,000 of them each month in China. Li said the ET7 will be fitted with lidar sensors - which help the car perceive its surroundings, and are often found in autonomous cars - to assist drivers, a technology dismissed by Tesla Incs outspoken chief Elon Musk. The Californian automaker, which is selling Shanghai-made Model 3 sedans, has just started selling its Model Y vehicles at a starting price of 339,900 yuan. It uses cameras for driver assistance. Nio, which delivered 43,728 vehicles last year, has a market capitalisation of over $92 billion, surpassing conventional automakers Daimler AG and General Motors Co. Investors have poured billions of dollars into electric vehicle development. Li said it is not a bad thing" when asked about the high market value of the firm, but added Nio is still relatively a small company compared to established firms like BMW in terms of sales volume. It is currently selling three SUV models built at a car factory in Chinas eastern city of Hefei. On Thursday, Nios rival Xpeng Inc announced plans to roll out a new sedan model. It currently has a sedan and an SUV in its lineup. ($1 = 6.4750 Chinese yuan renminbi) A further 6,888 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed by officials at the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) this evening. A total of 147,613 cases has been recorded in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic, 45,770 of those in the last week alone. This equates to 31% of all Irish Covid cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The Department of Health has also confirmed a further eight coronavirus related deaths, bring the total number of people who have passed away with Covid-19 to 2,344. There are 1,452 people currently in Irish hospitals with the virus - 125 of whom are in intensive care units (ICUs). There were 100 new hospitalisations recorded in the last 24 hours. The national 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population now stands at 1291.2. Of the 6,888 cases notified today, the largest portion is located in Dublin with 2,088 cases in the capital. This is followed by 862 in Cork, 469 in Limerick, 405 in Wexford and 320 in Waterford. The remaining 2,744 cases are spread across all other counties. Of today's cases, 3,252 are men and 3,595 are women and 60% of cases are people under 45 years of age. The median age of positivity is 38-years-old. Read More Drop in Covid cases welcome but too early to say numbers have flattened NORTHERN IRELAND A further 17 people have died of coronavirus in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health confirmed. Another 1,112 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. People walking past the 2 metre social distancing sign on the Comber Greenway off Abbey Road in east Belfast, after the introduction of measures to bring the country out of lockdown. Two of the deaths reported occurred outside of the period. It brings the total number of people who died of the virus to 1,460 and the total confirmed cases to 88,700 since the pandemic began. Northern Irelands health system is under severe pressure hospitals are almost at full capacity and cancer surgery procedures are among the operations cancelled in Belfast. Read More Block all entry into Ireland without negative Covid test, says McDonald HOSPITALS Irelands health system is under increasing strain with a record 1,421 coronavirus patients being treated in hospitals, the HSE chief has warned. Paul Reid said the best support the public can now give to health workers is to avoid getting sick with Covid-19. Paul Reid said the best support the public can now give to health workers is to avoid getting sick with Covid-19. Mr Reid said: Theres now 1,421 people in hospital with #Covid19 (+136 today) & 120 in ICU. Our health system is under increasing strain. The best support we can all now give, is to avoid getting sick with Covid. This will help to get us out the other side of this. A sign at a bus stop shows people wanted by law enforcement, three days after a breach of the U.S. Capitol, in Washington on Jan. 9, 2021. (Jim Urquhart/Reuters) West Virginia Lawmaker Resigns After Being Charged for Involvement in Capitol Breach West Virginia Delegate Derrick Evans said on Jan. 9 that he was resigning after being charged for being involved in the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. In a letter to West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, Evans said he was resigning effective immediately, news outlets reported. Evans, also a Republican, issued a statement calling the past few days a difficult time for my family, colleagues and myself. So I feel its best at this point to resign my seat in the House and focus on my personal situation and those I love. I take full responsibility for my actions, and deeply regret any hurt, pain or embarrassment I may have caused my family, friends, constituents and fellow West Virginians, he stated. I hope this action I take today can remove any cloud of distraction from the state Legislature, so my colleagues can get to work in earnest building a brighter future for our state. And more importantly, I hope it helps to begin the healing process, so we can all move forward and come together as One Nation, Under God. Evans was one of three men charged in federal court on Jan. 9 for allegedly being involved in the breach of the Capitol. Protesters storm the Capitol Building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Ahmed Gaber/Reuters) The 35-year-old was charged with one count of knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. The first charge carries a prison term of up to one year. According to an affidavit submitted with the criminal complaint, Evans streamed live to his Facebook page on Jan. 6. The video showed him joining and encouraging the crowd that entered the Capitol. An FBI special agent wrote in the affidavit that the video, which Evans later deleted, showed him in the midst of a large crowd outside closed double doors at the Capitol. Evans soon starts to chant Our House! Our House! before relaying that police officers were trying to stop the group. About a minute later, the crowd begins to force their way into the entrance. Were going in! Evans said, according to the court document. When the group entered, he added: Were in, were in! Derrick Evans is in the Capitol! At one point, he fist-bumped a U.S. Capitol Police officer and said, We will respect you, all right! He also shouted: No destruction of anything! No vandalizing property, no vandalizing! After news of his involvement in the breach occurred, Evans told followers on Facebook that he was on a bus headed back to West Virginia. As many of you know, for the last few years, I have traveled across the country to film many different events. Today, I had the opportunity to film another event in DC, he wrote. 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. I was simply there as an independent member of the media to film history. Police officers patrol and check for entry permits to Victoria at a border checkpoint in Mallacoota, Australia on Dec. 29, 2020. (Diego Fedele/Getty Images) Australia Fights to Keep UK Strain at Bay As highly infectious mutant strains of COVID-19 spread globally, Australia is fighting hard to keep them at bay. Victoria, NSW and the Northern Territory all revealed positive cases of the virulent UK strain in hotel quarantine on January 9, while Brisbane and surrounding communities were in lockdown because of one locally acquired UK strain case. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Saturday Australians should assume mutated COVID-19 variants emanating from the United Kingdom and South Africa will become the worlds dominant strains due to their contagiousness. She also said mask usage is likely to be mandatory in her state for the foreseeable future. NSW Health on Saturday revealed a traveller who arrived in Sydney on December 21 tested positive with the UK strain and was discharged from quarantine on January 5. Genomic testing indicating they had the UK strain was received two days later on January 7, prompting a re-test. The person tested positive but results indicated they had low levels of infection. The individual was returned to special health accommodation as a precaution and the locations they have visited have been added to NSW Healths list of exposure sites. In Victoria, a woman who flew into Melbourne from London on December 26 tested positive for the UK strain and was released on day 10 after being medically cleared. She tested positive again on Friday in her home state of Queensland, but authorities say her infectiousness is low. You can continue to shed virus for up to 120 days after youre no longer infectious, Victorian health minister Martin Foley said. In the NT, a woman who arrived from London on December 30 tested positive for the UK strain and remains in quarantine. No fellow passengers or crew on her flight have tested positive. On Friday, the national cabinet made key decisions to guard Australia against mutant strains of the coronavirus now spreading globally. The cabinet adopted several new measures around flight travel, including the introduction of pre-flight testing of returning Australians, while masks will be mandatory on all domestic and international flights and at airports. International arrivals will be limited to NSW, Queensland and Western Australia until February 15, rather than blocking flights from certain countries. The closing off of international flights was considered at the meeting but Morrison said this was not recommended by the national cabinet because Australia still needs to function with vaccines and other critical supplies needed to be flown in. Greater Brisbane residents remain in lockdown until 6pm Monday, while other states and territories have placed restrictions on travel to and from Queenslands capital and surrounding areas. Northern beaches residents north of the Narrabeen Bridge will be freed from restrictions from Sunday. On Saturday there were 11 new virus cases recorded nationally six in NSW, three in SA and one each in Victoria and WA. All but one locally acquired case in Sydney are returned travellers in hotel quarantine. Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alison McMillan highlighted Australias suppression record on Saturday, citing 840,000 fresh coronavirus cases recorded worldwide in the past 24 hours. For Victoria, Saturday was the third consecutive day of no locally acquired cases and the government has said it is confident about ring-fencing the Black Rock cluster which numbers 27 cases. The Victorian government said 96 residents arrived from Queensland hot spots on Saturday in spite of the states Friday 11.59pm border closure to that region. The arrivals have been asked to quarantine at home until Monday 6pm. Andi Yu in Canberra Priyanka Chopra has spoken about overcoming cultural differences with her husband, Nick Jonas, whom she married in 2018. The couple famously held two ceremonies for their wedding, which took place over three days at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. One was based on Western traditions and another based on Hindu traditions to reflect Chopras Indian heritage. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Chopra, 38, was asked if the 10-year age gap between herself and Jonas, 28, was a bigger gap to bridge than any cultural differences. Neither was a hurdle, she replied. Nick took to India like a fish to water. But just like a normal couple, you have to understand each others habits and what each other likes. So its more of an adventure than trying to figure out hurdles. None of it was really that hard. The actor went on to say how the coronavirus pandemic had brought them closer as a couple. Quarantine gave us the ability to spend a lot of time together, which Im really blessed by. Because with both of our careers its hard to find that kind of time. The actors comments come after she denied breaking lockdown restrictions when she was seen attending a hair salon in Notting Hill, London. The actor and her mother were photographed leaving the Josh Wood Colour salon on Wednesday evening. However, they faced no action after Chopras representative said the appointment to have her hair coloured was for a film role. A spokesperson for the 38-year-old said: Following government guidance, Priyankas hair was coloured for the purpose of the film she is currently shooting in London. 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. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. BEREA, Ohio -- Emergency repairs to an earthen dam separating the south edge of Coe Lake from Baldwin Creek began Jan. 7 and should be completed sometime later this week. The dam, constructed with a sandstone base and capped with clay soil and rocks, had developed a significant breach that allowed water to flow between the lake and the creek. Director of Public Service Paul Anzalone told City Council at its Jan. 4 meeting that Coe Lakes current water level is draining slowly to accommodate the work. Expect the water level to go down until the project is at a point where we can start to refill it again, Anzalone said. City Engineer Tony Armagno told council last November that repairs were needed to preserve the water quality in Coe Lake. Council passed legislation on Nov. 16 authorizing a contract to be executed without public bidding to make the repairs, with Armagno recommending quick passage due to the nature of the emergency (being at) a detrimental level. A 100-foot section of the dam has eroded over time. Heavy rainfalls in recent years have caused the creek to rise and enter Coe Lake through one specific opening. After the rain stops, the water flows back into the creek from the lake, worsening the erosion. Coe Lake drains to a point where the water level drops approximately 14 inches from normal, Armagno explained. Its a big concern, because Coe Lake is the backup reservoir for our drinking water supply, Armagno said. Were estimating with these 14 inches of less water, its about 10 million gallons of capacity in Coe Lake thats not there. Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District community cost-share funds will cover the $50,000 to $100,000 cost. Berea residents regularly pay into the fund through their NEORSD stormwater fees. The citys account balance in November was $220,000. A more extensive repair to the larger, 100-foot eroded section of the dam will be done later. Read more stories from the News Sun. There have been more than 200,000 doses of the vaccine for the coronavirus administered in New Jersey as of Saturday in the more than three weeks since the first shots were given. Gov. Phil Murphy announced the milestone on Twitter, saying the current statewide total is 200,204 as the Garden State continues to roll out the vaccinations in phases. Of those, 156,021 were the first of two doses people will receive, while 44,183 were the second. Thats out of more than 572,250 doses the state has received from the U.S. government, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Were working strategically and efficiently to vaccinate our frontline health care workers, law enforcement and fire professionals, and long-term care center residents and staff, Murphy wrote in his tweet. BIG NEWS: We just exceeded 200,000 vaccinations statewide, with a current total of 200,204. Were working strategically and efficiently to vaccinate our frontline health care workers, law enforcement and fire professionals, and long-term care center residents and staff. Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 9, 2021 New Jersey has been slower than other states in administering the vaccines which officials are partially blaming on delays in reporting. Murphy said his administration believes more people have received shots than what has been reported to the state Department of Health. The first vaccines were administered Dec. 15 in New Jersey. The states total number has also nearly doubled over the last nine days. Currently, only those who work in health care and those in long-term care facilities and other congregant living settings, such as prisons, are eligible to be vaccinated in the group dubbed 1a. Police and fire professionals on Thursday became the first people in group 1b to be eligible. Officials have not announced when the eligibility in that group would expand. But the state is planning six mega-sites for vaccinations across New Jersey, in addition to more than 200 smaller satellite locations. The first two mega-sites opened Friday, in Morris and Gloucester counties. The states goal is to vaccinate 70% of its eligible population about 4.7 million people by the end of May, which officials admit is a large undertaking. New Jerseys phasing ensures the limited vaccines we have will be distributed in an equitable manner, state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli said Friday. There are about 650,000 health care workers and 55,000 police and fire personnel in the state to be vaccinated. Officials have said people at nursing homes should be fully inoculated by early February, while vaccines should be available for the general public by April or May. Officials stressed Friday that New Jersey, like other states, is at the mercy of the federal government for its vaccine supply and that more doses are needed to ramp up distribution. Asked if the states rollout is going as planned, Murphy said: We dont have the supply from the feds that we need. Within the context of a large supply/demand imbalance, I like everything were doing inside the state to get prepared. But they dont have the doses they could use at full capacity. This is gonna take some time. The governor said this has been complicated by the transition of power in Washington, as President-elect Joe Biden prepares to replace President Donald Trump on Jan. 20. I believe in the fullness of time, once we get the supply chain from Washington into a batter place, once we get a new administration and a hand-over has taken place, I believe well be in a meaningfully better place, Murphy said. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage Officials have announced the following vaccination totals in recent weeks: 46,217 on Dec. 28 62,901 on Dec. 30 101,417 on Jan. 1 137,829 on Jan. 6 200,204 on Jan. 9 New Jersey on Tuesday opened its online preregistration portal for residents to get the vaccine when the eligibility is expanded beyond health care workers and longterm care facilities. More than 450,000 people registered by Wednesday, which overwhelmed the system at times and resulted in error messages. That has increased to 650,000 pre-registrations by Friday, state officials said. New Jersey was awarded a little more than 400,000 vaccines in the month of December. Of that, approximately 120,000 doses have been reserved for long-term care facilities and 280,000 doses have been allocated to hospitals and community sites for front-line healthcare workers. The state was awarded an additional 106,000 for the first week of January, according to the states website. Approximately 53,000 of those doses have been reserved for long-term care facilities with another 53,000 being allocated to hospitals and community sites. 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. The Army Captain, who was involved in the alleged fake encounter in Shopian in July last year in which three youths were killed, had hatched a conspiracy along with two civilians with the motive for "grabbing" a reward money of Rs 20 lakh and also fired at the victims even before his men could lay a cordon of the area, according to a police charge sheet. Captain Bhoopinder Singh is currently in the custody of the Army, with informed sources saying he may face Court Martial proceedings. The case relates to the July 18, 2020 encounter at Amshipura here in which three youths of Rajouri district Imtiyaz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammed Ibrar were killed and branded as terrorists. The charge sheet submitted before the chief judicial magistrate of this district also details the role of the two civilians Tabish Nazir and Bilal Ahmed Lone in the case. Lone has since turned an approver and recorded his confession statement before a magistrate. After reports emerged on social media that the three youths were not associated with terrorism, the Army had ordered a Court of Inquiry which completed its probe earlier in September. It had found "prima facie" evidence that the troops had "exceeded" the powers granted under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Following this, the Army had initiated disciplinary proceedings. The identities of the three youths killed in Amshipura were confirmed through a DNA test and the bodies were handed over to their families in Baramulla in October. General officer in Command of the strategically-located XV Corps, Lt Gen B S Raju had said earlier the Summary of Evidence had been completed and the Army will take the next course of action as per law. Officials in know of the development said the Captain may face a Court Martial proceeding for violating the powers vested under the AFSPA 1990 and for not following the dos and don'ts of the Chief of Army Staff as approved by the Supreme Court. The charge sheet submitted by the Special Investigation Team of Jammu and Kashmir Police has listed 75 witnesses in support of its findings and has also provided technical evidence including call data records of the accused persons involved in the case. The charge sheet also has the statements of four army personnel Subedar Garu Ram, Lance Naik Ravi Kumar, Sepoys Ashwini Kumar and Yougesh who were part of Capt Singh's team at the time of the incident. They said that all of them along with the two civilians had left the Army camp together as there were reliable inputs that a contact with terrorists was possible, according to the charge sheet. On reaching the spot, all the four were asked to cordon off from different directions. "as they were approaching the spot on foot after disembarking from the vehicle they heard a few bursts of live ammunition even before they had laid the cordon," said the charge sheet, quoting the statements of the four. Later Capt. Singh told them that he had to fire as the hiding militants were trying to escape. "encounter," the charge sheet said, Capt. Singh and two other civilians also "purposefully destroyed evidence of real crime that they have committed and also have been purposefully projecting false information as part of a criminal conspiracy hatched between them with motive to grab prize money of Rs 20 lakh". It said the accused captain of 62 Rashtriya Rifles "furnished false information to mislead the senior officer and for getting" an FIR lodged to "tailor fit his motive for grabbing prize money in furtherance of criminal conspiracy". . Up until a certain point in my life, I always thought the trope of calling Disney home was weird. At best, cast members greeting guests with Welcome home! was a little strange. At worst, people counting down the days until they were going home sounded a little too much like brainwashing for my comfort. On a given day, Disneyland could have up to 50,000 people in it and you have to wear pants the entire time. How could a place so crowded, that required so much walking and so much outside clothing, that cost $25 just to get into the parking lot, feel like home? And then I left behind nearly everything that felt like home to me, and it started to make a little bit more sense. During that time, Disneyland became a touchstone, one of my only comforts in a year when I broke myself apart in the hopes that Id come back together better than before. A couple of years ago, I was in a bad place. More accurately, I had been in a bad place for a few years, and I finally decided it was time to make some changes in my life to try to feel better. I had these grand dreams that by leaving behind New England winters and moving to a place with ample sunshine and good vibes, Id feel better. I had been in therapy and doing the work, as they say, for years at that point. I had also tried a million holistic modalities, like an intensive 40 day "revolution" program of daily yoga and meditation with an accompanying nutritional overhaul. It all helped, but I was looking for a more dramatic move with more dramatic results. So I sold all my furniture, moved back in with my mom so I could save money, paid off my credit cards and took off for the West Coast. Determined to reinvent my career and become a full-time writer, I also quit the only job I had ever had in my adult life which was also the thing that I thought defined me as a person. At 24, I started working at a magazine in Providence, Rhode Island, which I loved, even when it was way too hard and much too demanding, which was pretty much all the time. I left at 36, burned out, knowing I needed a change but also fearing that all the toxic conditioning my bosses had instilled in me was true: that there was nowhere else to go, that I would never find another job like mine. By the time I left, I felt like a shell of myself but I also didnt know who that self was other than the editor of that magazine. That job gave me nearly all my friendships, dictated all my work and leisure time and kept me busy around the clock. So when I got in my car and headed towards the sunset, all I had in front of me was unanswered questions: whether Id be happier in California, whether Id be able to make it work as a self-employed writer, whether it was smart to separate myself geographically from my family and friends in pursuit of change, whether Id find the fresh start I was hoping for. It turns out the adage is true wherever you go, there you are. I showed up at my friends house where Id be staying with a trunk full of books and a ton of baggage, determined to shake it off, not knowing how I was going to do it. The first thing I did when I got to Los Angeles: spent a couple hundred dollars on the cheapest Disneyland pass they sold, and as soon as I could, went to the park. I felt sad and scared all the time, unsure what my next move was, feeling like my most strident efforts to establish a new career path werent working, my money running out much faster than I thought it would. (Turns out LA is really expensive.) It didnt make much sense, honestly. I had been on day trips to Disneyland twice before, and on a couple of family trips to Walt Disney World. I enjoyed myself, but I definitely would not call myself a Disney person. The appeal to me of those vacations I started going as an adult were in the challenge of learning Disneys complicated systems and figuring out the best ways to maximize our fun. The souvenirs I bought on those trips are mostly still wrapped in the paper they left the parks in. I hadn't even seen half the Disney movies. I think I was just attracted to the idea that their main product wasnt rides or shows or characters, it was making people feel happy. I loved my friends I was staying with, but not even they could really help me. I was a guest in their house, too broke to even think about getting my own place. What I was going through was messy and ugly, and it was hard to work through it living on their terms. When it all felt like too much, I could get in the car, and in an hour Id be in a place where they manufactured happiness as a commodity. Sometimes my friends would come with me, but more often that not, Id go alone, and just sit in the lobby of the Grand Californian listening to the piano player and watching families come and go. Id go on a few rides, maybe take a picture with Minnie, but mostly just clear my head of all the stress and anxiety I was carrying around. It really wasnt about the traditional Disney things at all. It was just about being in a place where people were filled with joy and happiness, where I could soak in some of that positivity when I needed it most. (I managed to mostly overlook the kids who were melting down from missing naps and eating too much sugar, and their stressed-out parents yelling at each other about who was supposed to get which Fast Pass.) I joked that Disneyland was situational Xanax: When I was at the park, I couldnt feel any of the negative emotions that plagued me the rest of the time. Up to a point, at least. After that, once I remembered what it was like to feel normal, Id just sit there and cry behind my sunglasses, exorcising all the awfulness I was carrying inside me. I did it into a glass of sparkling wine sitting in Cars Land in California Adventure, in the courtyard of the Disneyland Hotel, in line for Peter Pans Flight while watching little kids ride King Arthurs Carousel. It felt like my safe place, the only place that felt even close to the security and comfort of home that I was missing so much. It got better, incrementally. I started getting writing assignments, some of them about Disneyland. As long as I had enough in my account to cover parking, Id spend the day there taking photos and talking to strangers, half as interviews and half as a way to have some much-needed human connection. Some months later, I got a (non-Disney) book deal. I had work that was really going to pay my bills. I was going to be ok. I broke my life apart into the smallest pieces, and I put it back together in a way that gives me freedom to explore and the ability to focus on what I really love. I lost those friends, though. I had asked too much of them and eventually they couldnt give it anymore. By the time I was out of my fog enough to realize what was happening, it was too late to salvage things. Not so long after, I used the knowledge I got from all that time at the park to get what many would call a dream job, one that puts Disneyland editor in my email signature. Now it feels like my work is giving that experience to others to whom Disneyland also means something special, especially now, when they cant visit home or be with their extended families. But in a pandemic year, a year where everything is falling apart in the most awful ways, I still think a lot about the year Disneyland helped me get through, a year where it felt like the closest thing to a home that I had. Advertisement Chris Whitty has warned hospitals are facing 'the worst crisis in living memory' as Covid-19 cases continue to soar - with 46,000 medical workers now off sick. Britons who don't take the coronavirus lockdown seriously will cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door, Professor Chris Whitty warned in a scathing article for the Sunday Times. And almost 50,000 hospital workers are currently off sick with Covid-19, according to the chair of the British Medical Association, Chaand Nagpaul, meaning an already stretched workforce is under even more pressure, reported The Guardian. He said: 'It is only if the NHS workforce is kept fit and well that we will be able to meet the unprecedented surge in demand that the coming weeks and months will bring as well as delivering the vaccine programme that remains our only hope to end this dreadful pandemic.' Prof Whitty blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable. 'We must stay home except for work, exercise and necessary activities. Every unneccesary interaction you have could be the link in the chain of transmission which has a vulnerable person at the end,' he wrote. The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history. In other coronavirus developments today: Rishi Sunak could delay tax rises until next autumn because he reportedly believes it is the 'wrong time' for them but will end Stamp Duty holiday in March; Police vow to issue fines 'much quicker' as scientists blame the public for not following the rules as closely as they did in the first lockdown; Coronavirus outbreaks in care homes more than doubled in a fortnight over the New Year period, after it emerged that only ten per cent of residents had been vaccinated; Some schools are still more than half full as attendance soars much higher than the first lockdown and parents are urged to keep children at home where possible; Doctors in packed London hospitals 'have to choose who gets intensive care and prioritise young people with highest survival chances'; Police who fined two women 200 for socially-distanced country walk are slammed by ex-chief constable who says 'if police don't act fairly, public won't comply'; Dozens of anti-lockdown protesters are confronted by police as they march on Clapham Common chanting 'take your freedom back'. Britons not taking the coronavirus lockdown seriously could soon cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door, Professor Chris Whitty warned in a scathing article for the Sunday Times. Pictured, ambulances outside the Royal London Hospital on January 8 Prof Whitty (pictured) blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable Footage showed the inside of St George's Hospital as Covid cases soar in Britain. The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history A mother issued a harrowing plea while recovering from coronavirus in intensive care, after the virus 'floored' her on Christmas Day. Doctors told Allie Sherlock, had she not been put on a ventilator at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (pictured), she would have died Staff say they are exhausted and fearful as they are told that St George's Hospital will only get busier in the coming days But it's not just Britons with coronavirus who are at risk, as patients in need of treatment for other illnesses face 'unsafe' waiting times. NHS hospitals are treating half the usual number of cancer patients, according to The Sunday Telegraph, as London needs to treat 500 more cancer patients a week to stay on top of demand - but only 122 were treated in the capitals NHS hospitals this week. It could take the NHS six years of 1990-level waiting lists - meaning patients will be forced to wait years for operations - and more than 900million to get back to where healthcare was pre-Covid, according to Rob Findlay, an expert who produced software for nearly 20 NHS trusts. He told People the 168,000 patients who have waited a year for treatment will more than double by March after lockdown caused operations to be delayed. Professor Neil Ferguson said the number of patients with coronavirus in hospitals will sour by 20 per cent. 'It will be quite difficult to avoid another 20,000 deaths,' he added. 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I'd make it': Covid patients speak out from intensive care in footage that shows emotional medics inside packed London hospital One nurse at UCH, Ashleigh, revealed that they are being forced to prioritise their care which will inevitably lead to a lower standard of care Shocking footage from an intensive care unit has revealed the extent of the coronavirus crisis and the strain it is piling on the NHS. Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients. Operating theatres and some paediatric rooms have even been converted into intensive care units to deal with the ever-growing number of patients. The harrowing footage comes on the same day Britain breached 1,000 Covid-related deaths since the virus's peak in April. Department of Health figures revealed that a whopping 1,041 people have died as a result of coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Footage filmed by the BBC showed the alarming reality on hospital wards. One patient, Attila, 67, opened up about the trauma of suffering from the virus. He said: 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I would make it. There is no oxygen around. It's very frightening.' Advertisement Meanwhile, a further 1,035 people have died today in the deadliest Saturday since April 18, as the total Covid death toll since the pandemic began hit a grim 80,000. The total marked a 132.5 per cent rise on the 445 deaths recorded on Saturday last week and was the highest Saturday figure since April 18. But in a positive sign the upward curve in cases may be levelling out a further 59,937 people tested positive, up just 3.8 per cent on last Saturday. Most hospitals are struggling to cover the levels of staffing needed to properly treat desperately ill patients. In Kent, the origin of the UK Covid strain that quickly overwhelmed London and the south east, 25 per cent of clinical and administrative staff are reportedly off sick - making it more difficult to administer vaccinations. Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: 'There are enough right now to deliver the limited supplies that weve got. But we certainly havent got enough staff to deliver a much larger programme in two or three weeks time, while at the same time as continuing to deliver the flu vaccination programme and delivering normal business in general practice as well.' It comes after the scene in the packed intensive care ward of St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London was recorded in a series of photographs. Its doctors and nurses revealed the unit has now doubled in size. Shattered staff at London's largest hospital say they are working 'to the limit' of their ability, battling low morale, exhausting shift patterns, and the prospect that the worst is still to come. Medical Director at NHS London, Vin Diwakar, warned medics that even if coronavirus patients grew at the lowest likely rate and hospital capacity is increased - including opening the Nightingale at the ExCel Centre - the NHS would still be short 2,000 general, acute and ICU beds by January 19, the HSJ reports. Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain - and bosses fear that there will be an exodus of staff when the third lockdown ends at Easter. Staff at London's University College Hospital told the BBC they are having to make choices about which patients to prioritise after a surge in young people left fighting for their life and needing ventilators. St George's emergency department consultant Dr Mark Haden said: 'Everyone's stress levels are higher than usual. Everyone is working to the limit, to the threshold of what they're able to. The hospital bed occupancy is very, very high, it has lots of Covid patients as inpatients at the moment.' The Press Association was given access to the ICU where Ms Cooper said: 'There is very little joy in our work at the moment. It's hard to find that joy when you come into work - you're scared for your colleagues, your families and yourself.' She said some staff have had to be sent home to take time off due to the unprecedented pressures on the job, while others have battled on despite not being able to see family abroad for nearly a year. A consultant takes a moment to use his phone in the corridor of the Intensive Care Unit 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, Tooting, as their condition worsens A staff nurse treats patient Peter Watts, 64, in the Emergency Department at St George's Hospital in Tooting, London's largest hospital Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain sweeping the country St George's has been forced to double the size of its intensive care unit from 60 beds to 120 beds to cope with the number of Covid cases And Mrs Cooper said she was concerned about the coronavirus legacy on staff in the emergency department. 'There's only so much you can come in and see an unprecedented number of healthy people die before that affects you,' she said. 'There is going to be an impact on mental health for a long time for our staff. 'We're quite resilient and adaptable, that's part of being in the emergency department, that's what we love. But this is going to have a sustained impact on staff and that's what worries me because I can't see how we're going to help that, because it is an impact that can't be seen in someone but it is very much felt. Intensive care consultant Mohamed Ahmed said he had seen staff in tears at the end of their shift, while some decided they could no longer come to work. Intensive care consultant Mohamed Ahmed said he had seen staff in tears at the end of their shift, while some decided they could no longer come to work Staff nurses work in the corridor of the Acute Dependency Unit at St George's Hospital in Tooting Dr Ahmed, 40, said: 'After the first wave, we had quite a lot of staff who resigned. They couldn't cope. We had nurses who had all their family members abroad and of course they couldn't see them, so they couldn't get that support. It was extremely difficult. 'We have had a lot of sickness, so we've had situations where very good nurses are having to work on behalf of all of those who are unable to come in - it's one of these situations you never want to put your staff in.' Asked how much more staff could tolerate, Dr Ahmed said: 'The wiggle room, as you say, has been stretched so much. However, predominantly we're programmed in such a way as to deal with anything. But it would stretch us beyond our limit.' His intensive care colleague, matron Lindsey Izard, described how staff were 'really on the edge, they're exhausted and they're getting Covid themselves'. And Omome Etomi, a medical registrar on the hospital's Acute Medicine Unit, said she was 'shattered'. Dr Etomi, 28, said: 'I think psychologically more than anything, it's been months and months of this. Even in between waves, we never really went back to normal. For us it's been a really long few months. It's challenging.' Emergency department consultant Mark Haden paid tribute to the staff for stepping up to the challenge. Dr Haden, 36, said: 'We make it look like business as usual but it's very much not - it's very different to our usual pattern of work. 'Everyone's stress levels are higher than usual. Everyone is working to the limit, to the threshold of what they're able to. It is stretching us and we are having to find new ways of working in order to look after our patients. 'We will always find ways to cope - I have every faith that everyone in this trust will step up.' The PM pledged to vaccinate the most at-risk 13million Britons by mid-February with the ambition of easing restrictions but later conceded there would not be a 'big bang' release from the current national lockdown. A patient is brought into the Royal London Hospital, in London. Britain's National Health Service (NHS) is coming under severe pressure as COVID-19 hospital admissions continue to rise He revealed seven mass coronavirus vaccination centres will open next week to turbo-charge efforts to get jabs to millions of people, with the make-shift sites operated by NHS staff and volunteers. But politicians fear he may have over-promised with his pledge, with ministers already trying to shift the blame for disruptions to the initial supply of vaccines, with Boris Johnson first saying the hold-up was due to quality checks done by regulators and Matt Hancock trying to pin difficulties on limited manufacturing supply. Pharmacists have called for their shops to be used to dish out the jabs and asked the NHS to use its 'invisible army' of volunteers to ensure up to 3million are vaccinated each week. And Former prime minister Tony Blair published a 'blueprint' and urged No10 throw all its weight behind the vaccine programme, insisting scaling up the scheme 'is not complicated'. Defending England's third national lockdown, the Prime Minister told a recalled House of Commons that his hand had been forced after a new variant of the disease was found to be spreading with 'frightening ease'. Mr Johnson said No10's mass inoculation programme meant nearly one quarter of over-80s had already received jabs and England had vaccinated more people 'than in the rest of Europe combined'. 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 His national shutdown, which includes a strict stay at home message and the closure of schools, is due to be reviewed in the middle of February but the laws underpinning it are not due to expire until the end of March. Mr Johnson has said he hopes the rules can start to be lifted in the spring but he has failed to give a firm commitment, fuelling Tory fears that the restrictions could be in place far longer than the initial seven weeks. Mr Johnson stressed that when rules are eased there will be a 'gradual unwrapping' of lockdown rather than an immediate end as he dashed hopes of a swift return to normal life. Senior Tories accused the Prime Minister of launching an 'assault on liberty and livelihoods' as they warned lockdown will inevitably cause some people to 'break'. Mr Hancock ducked demands to give a firm end point for lockdown as he suggested that even if the vaccine rollout happens by mid-February, curbs might have to stay if deaths do not fall. The Health Secretary came under fire from his own side as he kicked off the debate on the regulations underpinning the brutal squeeze - which has already come into effect. Mr Johnson made clear that a successful roll-out of the vaccine programme will be key to determining when the lockdown measures can be lifted. He said: 'We have already vaccinated more people in this country than in the rest of Europe combined and we will give the House the maximum possible transparency about our acceleration of this effort, publishing daily updates online from Monday so that jab by jab honourable members can scrutinise the process being made every day. Above are the locations of the seven mass vaccination centres that will begin operating from next week. They were revealed by the Prime Minister 'Yet as we take this giant leap towards finally overcoming the virus and reclaiming our lives we have to contend with the new variant which is between 50 and 70 per cent more contagious. 'The tiers the House agreed last month, was working with the old variant but alas, this mutation spreading with frightening ease and speed in spite of the sterling work of the British public, this mutation has led to more cases than we have seen ever before, numbers that alas cannot be explained away by the meteoric rise in testing.' But fears are growing that the Prime Minister may have over-promised with his pledge to jab 13million Britons by mid-February. GP dishing out Covid jab says they have had NO doses despite being 'raring to go' A GP on the frontline of Britain's great coronavirus vaccine push has revealed doctors have still not received doses that were supposed to arrive last month, amid fears Boris Johnson has over-promised with his pledge to jab 13million Brits and end lockdown by March. Dr Rosemary Leonard, an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late. Dr Leonard, who also writes a column for the Daily Express newspaper, warned the vaccine roll out was becoming a 'postcode lottery for patients', and believes the delay is the result of 'central supply issues'. Despite being just days into the rollout of the Oxford vaccine, there has already been finger-pointing between the Government, regulators and the jab's manufacturer AstraZeneca over who is to blame for the delays. Matt Hancock and NHS bosses have suggested manufacturing has been too slow, while the Prime Minister has blamed the UK's stringent batch testing rules which mean every deliver of vaccine needs to be quality checked. It comes as independent pharmacists begged the Government to let small chains dish out vaccinations to help Number 10 fulfill its ambitious vaccine promises, which will require jabbing a mammoth 3million Brits a week. MailOnline has spoken to at least half a dozen membership bodies which claim there are 11,000 pharmacies 'ready, willing and able' to assist in the rollout of the programme. They say they are being held back by more Government red tape. Advertisement A GP on the frontline of Britain's great coronavirus vaccine push revealed doctors have still not received doses that were supposed to arrive last month. Dr Rosemary Leonard, an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late. Dr Leonard warned the vaccine roll out was becoming a 'postcode lottery for patients', and believes the delay is the result of 'central supply issues'. Despite being just days into the rollout of the Oxford vaccine, there has already been finger-pointing between the Government, regulators and the jab's manufacturer AstraZeneca over who is to blame for the delays. Matt Hancock and NHS bosses have suggested manufacturing has been too slow, while the Prime Minister has blamed the UK's stringent batch testing rules which mean every deliver of vaccine needs to be quality checked. It comes as independent pharmacists begged the Government to let small chains dish out vaccinations to help Number 10 fulfill its ambitious vaccine promises, which will require jabbing a mammoth 3million Brits a week. MailOnline has spoken to at least half a dozen membership bodies which claim there are 11,000 pharmacies 'ready, willing and able' to assist in the rollout of the programme. They say they are being held back by more Government red tape. Meanwhile shocking footage from an intensive care unit has revealed the extent of the coronavirus crisis and the strain it is piling on the NHS. Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients. Operating theatres and some paediatric rooms have even been converted into intensive care units to deal with the ever-growing number of patients. Footage filmed by the BBC showed the alarming reality on hospital wards. One patient, Attila, 67, opened up about the trauma of suffering from the virus. He said: 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I would make it. There is no oxygen around. It's very frightening.' A doctor went on to explain that if the hospital is forced to keep increasing its capacity at this rate it will only be able to last another week before it cannot provide intensive health care to all patients. The high street has also thrown its weight behind the rollout of the mass vaccination scheme to get life back to normal by spring. Bensons for Beds revealed it has written to the Government, offering all 250 of its stores across the UK to serve as temporary vaccination centres. And the owner of the London nightclub G-A-Y claimed this morning he'd written to Westminster Council putting forward his venue. So far only 1.3million people in the UK have been vaccinated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech jabs since the programme launched a month ago. There is a growing clamour today for the process to be ramped up dramatically - with concerns that local chemists and other facilities are not being used enough. In an attempt to justify the decision to send England into its third national lockdown, Mr Johnson also said an ONS report showing the extent of infections across the country as well as rising hospitalisations showed it was 'inescapable that the facts are changing and we must change our response'. Dr Rosemary Leonard (left), an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients Gavin Williamson confirms TEACHERS will decide GCSE and A-Level grades Teachers will decide school pupils' GCSE, A-level and AS-level grades this summer after exams were scrapped due to Covid-related school closures, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed. The exams that were due to be sat in May and June this year will be replaced by school-based assessments, he told the Commons in a statement this afternoon. The under-pressure minister finally faced MPs amid chaos over the decision to close schools during the new lockdown. He told MPs 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. Telling MPs that 'our schools have not suddenly become unsafe', he said they are 'much better prepared than last March' to implement home-learning. He said: '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.' He said the details of how the teacher assessments would work were being 'fine-turned' along with Ofsted, exam boards and teaching unions. Advertisement He told MPs: 'So we had no choice but to return to a national lockdown in England with similar measures being adopted by the devolved administrations so that we can control this new variant until we can take the most likely victims out of its path with vaccines.' When Mr Johnson announced the lockdown on Monday night he said the measures would be reviewed in the middle of February. But the regulations being voted on by MPs this afternoon are due to last in law until the end of March. Mr Johnson tried to assuage Tory fears that the measures could still be in place in April but also insisted the nation must be 'extremely cautious about the timetable ahead'. He said: 'As was the case last spring our emergence from the lockdown cocoon will not be a big bang but a gradual unwrapping. 'That is why the legislation this House will vote on later today runs until March 31, not because we expect the full national lockdown to continue until then but to allow a steady, controlled and evidence-led move down through the tiers on a regional basis, carefully brick-by-brick, as it were, breaking free of our confinement but without risking the hard won gains that our protections have given us.' Mr Johnson said schools will be the 'very first things to reopen' when lockdown measures can start to be eased. Sir Keir Starmer said Labour will support the new lockdown as he warned the UK is facing 'perhaps the darkest moment of the pandemic'. But he said the situation is not the result of 'bad luck' and that it 'follows a pattern' as he accused the Government of failing to heed the warnings of experts and of repeatedly failing to act swiftly enough. 'In the first wave of the pandemic the Government was repeatedly too slow to act and we ended 2020 with one of the highest death tolls in Europe and the worst-hit economy of major economies,' he said. 'In the early summer, a Government report called 'Preparing for a challenging winter' warned of the risk of a second wave, of the virus mutating and of the NHS being overwhelmed. 'It set out the preparations the Government needed to take, I put that report to the Prime Minister at PMQs in July. 'Throughout the autumn Track and Trace didn't work. Sage advised a circuit-break in September but the Prime Minister delayed for weeks before acting. 'We had a tiered system that didn't work and then we had the debacle of the delayed decision to change the rules on mixing at Christmas. 'The most recent advice about the situation we're now in was given on December 22 but no action was taken for two weeks until Monday of this week. 'These are the decisions that have led us to the position we're now in and the vaccine is now the only way out and we must all support the national effort to get it rolled out as quickly as possible.' There is growing anger on the Tory backbenches over the Government's handling of the pandemic. Please disable your ad blocker, and refresh the page to view this content. Syracuse, N.Y. -- The state reported another 15,000 coronavirus cases in the past day as 151 more people died from Covid-19, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomos office. The grim news comes as the state is preparing to allow more people -- including those 75 and older -- to get vaccinated. It also comes as hospitalizations dipped slightly statewide. Yet the percentage of positive tests returned across the state appear to be steady or dropping ever so slightly. New York state got 15,355 positive test results on Saturday, according to Cuomos office. Thats out of 246,836 tests --or a daily 6.22% positive rate. The state also tracks how many positive tests come back, on average, across the most recent seven days. Those percentage rates in the past day are either steady or slightly down, as this chart shows: This shows the average percentage of positive test results returned over the past seven days in each region of the state. Saturday, Jan. 9, is the most recent day for which data is available.Source: Gov. Andrew Cuomo The Mohawk Valley continues to have the highest rate of positive test results. As of Saturday, Oneida County had 6,093 active cases, according to the countys website. That means about 1 in 38 people there currently have the virus. Statewide, 8,484 people are hospitalized, down 43 from the previous day. Of those currently in the hospital, 1,436 are in intensive care. Since March, the state has reported 31,672 deaths. On Monday, the state plans to launch a website with information about how people 75 and older can get the vaccine. Later Monday, the state will open a call center with the same information. To date, the state hasnt released that website address or phone number. Please check back for updates. Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274. Damn, Vogue costs 7.99?? Send this cover back. It's weird. Reply Thread Link $7.99!? damn wtf sometimes it's 2 in the uk Reply Parent Thread Link The cover price of British Vogue in the UK is 3.99 Reply Parent Thread Link It's um... not great. Not just her outfit but the pink and green background is awful. Reply Thread Link I guess it's to highlight her sorority but eh...we could've done something a little different Reply Parent Thread Link NY Magazine is saying that the Harris team agreed to the blue suit pic. The Chucks one was never even presented to them, so they are blindsided. Which explains why it looks like it is a blurry outtake from her just standing on set.... Reply Parent Thread Link Everything about it looks like a test shot, it's so weird to see as a Vogue cover. Reply Parent Thread Link she looks very... Reply Thread Link it's the running shoes imo Reply Parent Thread Link I hate this. Was she an AKA? The background is giving me AKA energy. Reply Thread Link Whats an AKA in this context? Reply Parent Thread Link african american college sorority Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Alpha Kapa Alpha, a black sorority. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Lol, yes she was. Reply Parent Thread Link She is! Thats kinda cute. Her sorors will get a kick out of that. Reply Parent Thread Link Lol yes...its been a small focal point after her nomination Reply Parent Thread Link girl how did you miss that, that alphas were absolutely losing their minds all up and down social media when she was announced as biden's vp pick lol Reply Parent Thread Link yes she was and my mother won't shut up about it. Reply Parent Thread Link Yes and the Ks are riding this high lmao. My sorors are posting the cover non-stop. And I wish they would stop Reply Parent Thread Link Im triggered by the chucks (relatable queen!) and the fact vogue is so Fucking hell bent on making civil servants celebs Stop it. They work for us. And I dont particularly care to see the lady that works at the US embassy here on vogue. Reply Thread Link Did they rush this? It looks like a prom photo backdrop and she usually looks better dressed on an average day. Reply Thread Link Welp thats.... well... welp . Couldve been better Reply Thread Link I guess this wasnt the cover her or her team expected but it was changed last minute by Vogue? Thats what I read on Twitter at least lol The powder blue suit one looks a lot better imo! Edited at 2021-01-10 03:33 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I know covid and all but stylists and photographers can still give advise via zoom.. What is this cover?! Anna you're not giving us "relatable" you're giving us what a boomer thinks is relatable to the youths. Reply Thread Link The background looks messy :/ Reply Thread Link Wish I could say politicians went back to being politicians and not celebs, but this has always happened. The world is just full of fame seekers Reply Thread Link To throw more gas on the fire: I think it's possible, but extremely difficult, to appropriately photograph a female Vice-President for the cover of Vogue. I'm just not convinced you should. Tom and Lorenzo (@tomandlorenzo) January 10, 2021 Reply Thread Link I agree, but i'm interested in other opinions. Reply Parent Thread Link I mean, Vogue is really regressive and super racist, fatphobic, etc. So having the 2nd most powerful person in the country on the cover legitimizes it and normalizes it's bullshit. The magazine should no longer be a thing (imo) so to have her on the cover in expensive clothes goes against a lot of my ideology. I felt the same way with AOC's cover of Vanity Fair. Also, while I never watched Parks in Rec, in hindsight, Biden's cameos were also inappropriate imo. The push to idolize political leaders who are charismatic reinforces the idea of personality/charm over political commitments and platforms. Pulled an all-nighter so no idea if i'm making sense.... Edited at 2021-01-10 03:45 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I think its because were such a capitalist driven society that star power and charisma and the packaging of a person does to many outweigh the policy they hold. Theyre a product and were the consumer. Thats why while Trump the person may go away some young good looking Harvard educated republican will waltz right in with the same ideology and do serious damage. The packaging is better but the inside is still rotten. Its basically the halo effect Edited at 2021-01-10 03:55 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link "The push to idolize political leaders who are charismatic reinforces the idea of personality/charm over political commitments and platforms. Pulled an all-nighter so no idea if i'm making sense...." Makes perfect sense and I totally agree. We need the enthusiam and committment to the ideas, not people. People are so terrible and flawed, they can only carry the baton so far. Blind worship of a figurehead is what got Trump into power, and people want to replicate that so they have his kind of following. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yeah stan culture has seeped into politics and it's a huge problem starting with the KHive which has been especially toxic but fully embraced by Kamala herself. While Trump's supporters obsession with him is almost cult-like, liberals have a problem with viewing politicians like TV show characters or pop stars. Reply Parent Thread Link I don't think it's that, I just don't think they even tried. She looks like she's at at a bowling tournament after work. Reply Parent Thread Link I weirdly read the handle as "Tomi Lahren" at first and was like "whaaaa... a measured and thoughtful take?" I was so confused. Reply Parent Thread Link Because it's a women's magazine? Who asked these men for their thoughts lmao? Women's magazines can have some really good articles, and I think it makes sense to celebrate the first woman VP on a women's mag. Sucks that this cover sucks though. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I have no problem with the chucks, but the contrast with the floofy background is weird (I guess that's what they were going for? they didn't pull it off). And she looks mega uncomfortable in the face so odd choice of photo Reply Thread Link Her face is saying "Did you get it? Can I go?" Reply Parent Thread Link This thing turning politicians into celebrities is so tiring. Reply Thread Link I agree like when AOC did a makeup routine for Vogue lol Like the ones you see Kendall Jenner and Doja Cat doing on their youtube channel its just weird shes not a celebrity she works for the government lol Idk if Trump is to blame for the start of treating politicians like celebrities since that can kinda go all the way back to JFK. But its still just meh, theyre in charge of governance not hawking an album. Reply Parent Thread Link i actually loved aoc's vogue beauty routine. she spent the entire time talking about policies and questions about politics, and i think it was a really smart way to connect with a new demographic Reply Parent Thread Expand Link nah, she has the best make-up in Congress Reply Parent Thread Expand Link blame reagan Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Press Release January 9, 2021 ANGARA: PGH AND EAST AVENUE MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVE ADDITIONAL FUNDING UNDER THE 2021 GAA TO SERVE MORE FILIPINOS IN NEED OF MEDICAL ATTENTION To ensure that indigent patients would be able to avail of free medical services for the entire year, the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) was provided with an additional P1.54 billion in its budget under the P4.5 trillion General Appropriations Act for 2021, Senator Sonny Angara said today. As chairman of the Committee on Finance, Angara pushed for the increase in the budget of the PGH, which is under the University of the Philippines System, in recognition of the vital role that the facility provides to the poor and to every other patient in need of quality medical attention, especially now that the country is still battling with the COVID-19 pandemic. As one of the country's biggest modern government tertiary hospitals, PGH services over 600,000 patients annually and is the only national referral center for tertiary care, which is why Angara said it "needs a significant amount of financial support to cater to all those who are sick or need specialized care but could not afford to go to a private hospital." The additional budget for the PGH would also result in the accommodation of more patients who need to undergo heart surgery. "Heart diseases continue to be one of the leading causes of death among Filipinos and as such there are more people who need heart surgery. We are constantly looking for ways to capacitate our government hospitals to accommodate more patients with heart ailments and save lives," Angara said. Currently, the PGH is able to perform heart surgery on around 50 patients annually at an average cost of P170,000 each or P8.5 million a year. With the intervention introduced by Angara, the PGH would be able to perform life-saving heart surgeries on as many as 200 patients for 2021. Under the 2021 budget of the PGH, Angara noted that the hospital would also be able to undertake construction of a multi-specialty facility that will cater to patients who require specialists on renal care, psychology, dermatology, neuroscience and advance laboratory services. PGH would also be able to start construction of its microbial bank that will provide further support to the hospital's research and development activities. Angara said the 2021 budget would also provide funding support for the implementation of Republic Act No. 11358 or the National Vision Screening Act. RA 11358, of which Angara is the principal author, provides for a National Vision Screening Program (NVSP) covering all kindergarten pupils entering the school system at ages 5 or 6 in order to detect errors of refraction and amblyopia or lazy eye. The NVSP is spearheaded by the UP-Philippine Eye Research Institute, the Department of Health and the Department of Education. Another government hospital that received additional funding for 2021 is the East Avenue Medical Center to support its operations. Angara said the 2021 budget of the EAMC would pave the way for the construction of its radiation center where cancer patients would be able to get specialized care using the linear accelerator of the hospital. Some P37 million was provided for the establishment of a molecular diagnostic laboratory to allow the EAMC to conduct reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for COVID-19. Another P124 million was provided for the purchase of laboratory network commodities. Upon the request of the EAMC, Angara said funding was provided for the purchase of an additional 20 dialysis machines to augment the existing 15 it is using currently. "All of these interventions are consistent with one of the thrusts of the 2021 GAA, which is to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We must strengthen our country's health system so that it will be able to handle the current and future health crises better," Angara said. In the run-up to the US election of 2016, you would find people talking about fascism - about whether Trump and other "populists" were part of a larger movement against democracy, or whether they were just pushing back against political correctness gone mad and everything would be all right. I wrote a long article about that debate and associated issues, like the corporate culture which was demoralising so many of us, enabling these "populists" to gain traction. I concluded that there was no harm in fast-tracking the naming process, going straight to "fascism" without wasting too much time on the "populism", the "autocracy", the "authoritarianism". It wasn't just that Trump seemed constantly to be playing Mussolini in some hideous series of Stars in Their Eyes, it was his obvious command of one of the crucial techniques of fascism: the incessant propaganda. That is not just the lying, but the creation of an entire culture of lies. That is the stuff that breaks the spirit, that causes good people eventually to succumb to despair. That is how these bad actors get to do all the rest of the badness. As a natural-born con artist, Trump in this department could match any of his evil predecessors - who didn't have the internet as well. But by going straight for "fascism" rather than dallying with the more, shall we say, measured assessments, I felt there was a practical imperative: only by correctly identifying where this was going can you respond in the right way. The one thing we know about fascism is that it must be crushed. As soon as is humanly possible, these people have to be stopped - because they themselves will never stop. Indeed, the scenes in the Capitol last week were like a dramatic representation of the Trump regime itself, this hooligan breaking everything that he can, just because he can. Not that breaking things isn't sometimes an exhilarating and even a desirable thing, it's just that with Trumpists and their ilk there is never any good in it. They discover that these 'norms' which keep democracies afloat can just be swept away if you really go for it; that at times they are no stronger than the resistance of the police on Capitol Hill - some of whom seemed to regard the invasion of the citadel with the attitude of the security personnel at Electric Picnic trying to steer a few belligerent festival-goers off the property. Fascist leaders have an animal sense that the power is there for them if they just have the will to seize it. Indeed, even after the rioting there were commentators on CNN stating that Trump had incited insurrection, without drawing the seemingly obvious conclusion that by now he should be helping the police with their enquiries, rather than watching all this happening on Fox in his favourite chair in the White House. Not only was there little to stop the insurrection, there didn't seem to be an appropriate remedy even after it had taken place. There were only tedious ramblings through the arcane processes of impeachment and the 25th Amendment - along with the acceptance that it mightn't even be worth it, given that this president was nearly gone anyway. While the fascists impose themselves brutishly on every situation, the democrats seem determined to display the extent of their impotence, almost savouring it. One of the best insights into Trump was offered way back by Naomi Klein, who said that the Trump brand is Impunity. Here, even after he had incited insurrection on live television, somehow he was maintaining that brand. He was not in jail - how could he not be in jail, we wondered, if he had incited insurrection on live television? Maybe they didn't want to 'make a martyr' out of him - yet he and his mob have such pity for themselves, their sense of martyrdom is already complete. Or maybe the democratic politicians couldn't be seen to be taking shortcuts, like Trump would do - even when, at the risk of labouring the point here, he had incited insurrection on live television. Frankly, if you don't have a shortcut for dealing with that, you'd better find one very quickly. Moreover, it was only when Trump started to smell the extent of the legal jeopardy he might be in, that he started talking about an "orderly transition" - yes, these blackguards do respond to pressure, to a credible threat. The prospect of Trump spending quality time in an actual jail must remain a possibility, while America and the world gains an understanding of how close this has come to the abyss. It was just lucky that there wasn't more carnage at the Capitol, but a beautiful thing happened, too, in these tumultuous days. In Georgia they overcame an ancient system of voter suppression to flip the Senate. It has been unbelievable all round, the way that black voters in particular have stopped Trump - unbelievable literally for him, who cannot accept the fraudulence on his own side could be defeated by real votes. Democracy, with all its weaknesses, somehow stopped the fascist Trump. But he has to go to jail, too - for the rest of his disgraceful life. Brexit broadening Paddy's nouveau reach The report by RTE's excellent south-east correspondent Conor Kane was mainly about hauliers, and freight, and ferries and suchlike - not my areas of expertise. And yet for some of us it was possibly life-changing. It featured the new DFDS ferry service between Rosslare Europort and Dunkirk, a service aimed mainly at those who've been using the UK landbridge, but who now want to avoid the Brexity delays and paperwork. Along with expanded services from Stena Line, we will soon be looking at three times the number of crossings from Rosslare to 'the Continent' every week - and if humans are ever allowed to travel again, just for recreation, many of us could be enjoying these 24-hour journeys. It might seem like a long trip, though I recall a time when I would happily shorten it with a leisurely visit to the lounge for a few cold beers. But there is a much bigger voyage in store here, with this opening of a new window not just for exporters and importers, but for the Irish imagination. Because that is what it feels like, this notion that somehow never really occurred to us before, that a normal Irish person can just pop over from Wexford to France, as if visiting a next-door neighbour. Always for Paddy, the great overpowering presence of England in our thoughts and our deeds, made the land of France seem more 'foreign' than it ought to be. Now we are discovering that one of the side-effects of Brexit is this sense that there's not much there for us any more, because for reasons which seem important to them, the English have actually become more self-destructive than ourselves. We know this might not last forever, but it seems to us right now that they're better off left alone with this new and tremendously powerful variant of eejitry which is devouring them. No more does Paddy feel most of his 'foreign' needs will be met on the streets of London; instead he is just mesmerised to find they have somehow contracted an even more deadly dose of nationalism than the one we have been trying all our lives to recover from. Now in the mind's eye we no longer see ourselves in that happy place of old, drinking pints of lager-top and listening to Big Tom on the jukebox in Biddy Mulligan's of Kilburn. But we can certainly see ourselves driving off the ferry in Dunkirk to be in the more progressive company of our fellow Europeans. Freed from his old inhibitions, Paddy can see himself embracing a French friend - "ah Jean-Claude" - who will welcome him like the post-Brexit sophisticate that he is - "ah Paddy". It may be the single biggest shift in the Irish consciousness in about a thousand years. SPRINGFIELD - When the partially-built Macedonia Church of God in Christ went up in flames at the dawn of the 2008 presidential election, Bishop Bryant Robinson Jr. didnt take long to consider the cause. It was the same feeling he had growing up, listening to family stories of his Uncle Esau getting lynched in 1930s Alabama, after a dispute over a car battery. It was the same feeling he experienced watching Massachusetts grapple with desegregating public schools in the 1970s. It was reminiscent of fighting neighbors in Sixteen Acres who initially resisted his plan to build a new, primarily Black church on a large swath of his familys own land off Tinkham Road. That was in the early 2000s. It was all familiar. As a Black man of a certain age, Robinson says he instinctively identified the first spark that stoked the inferno in Springfield on Nov. 5, 2008. It was hatred. Those fellas who burned our church, he said, referring to three young white men eventually convicted of dousing the house of worship with gasoline and setting it on fire on the eve of the election of the nations first Black president, Barack Obama. They were upset that a Black man was elected president. They couldnt reach him, so they reached us to express their anger. In the waning days of 2020, Robinson watched the news of a smaller Black church just a few miles from his own, destroyed by fire. The Dec. 28 blaze coupled with a charged political climate triggered the same emotional response. Not again, Robinson thought, as he watched news reports showing parishioners of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church on Concord Terrace huddled outside the ruins of their own church. Bishop Bryant Robinson Jr. of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ, in the rebuilt church on Tinkham Road in Springfield in 2015.The Republican file Since the 1950s, Macedonia was the only Black church to have been torched in the Northeast. Depending on how the latest investigation shakes out, Springfield may hold the unfortunate title of being home to two such instances. A federal investigation of the MLK church fire, which officials have described as highly suspicious, is still in progress. Church burnings in America peaked during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s and rose again in the 1990s, prompting Congress to enact the Church Arson Prevention Act in 1996. The law triggers federal penalties for burning houses of worship, no matter the racial or ethnic composition of the congregation. The defendants convicted in the Macedonia fire received prison sentences ranging from four to 14 years. Ringleader Michael Jacques, now 36, was hit with the stiffest sentence after going to trial in U.S. District Court in Springfield. He is due to be released from prison in 2023 after a failed bid for early release. The alleged arson of the MLK church has thus far not seemed as clear-cut as the fire at Macedonia, according to law enforcement officials. Bulgarian native Dushko Vulchev has denied charges of having intentionally set three previous, small fires at the church and is not charged in connection with the Dec. 28 blaze. His attorney says the prosecutions case is built on mistaken identity. Vulchev has argued through his lawyer that he is a devout Christian, and would never burn a church. Law enforcement officials have said Vulchev has been caught on damning video footage that places him near the site at the time of the fires. Court records and news clippings paint a portrait of an educated man who has grappled with mental illness in the past, has shown violence against women, anger aimed at government officials and an erratic tendency toward destruction. Prosecutions in Springfield and Pittsfield accuse Vulchev in dozens of vehicle vandalism incidents. Vulchev is from Houlton, Maine, near the border of Canada and nearly six hours away from Western Massachusetts. It is yet unclear what brought him to Springfield. Unlike the defendants in the Macedonia fire, Vulchev is not charged with a hate crime. The Rev. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery, pastor at the Martin Luther King Jr. Church, says she, like Robinson, feels informed by history and instinct. I believe it was due to hate, Curry Avery says. You dont drive six hours to a city you dont know and randomly encounter a Black church to burn. You just dont. Church burnings have long been used to terrorize our community. Curry Avery, who holds a doctorate in psychology and has led the congregation for four years, first heard the news her church had burned from a parishioner. Shock settled over her like the news of a loved one who had died, she say. But, she quickly shifted to her role as spiritual leader and problem solver. The church is a building, Curry Avery told her members. We are the church. Curry Avery acknowledges, though, that the burning of the physical structure took with it cherished memories of weddings, baptisms and funeral services. Shes been allowed inside the remains only once, escorted by members of the Fire Department. When she entered the sanctuary, the pastor says she faced what appeared to be total devastation: walls were charred; ceiling tiles punctured; ash covered the pews; and the organ was destroyed, along with the piano. A native of Mississippi, Curry Avery still considers herself a Southerner, though she now lives in Connecticut. Her own childhood church was burned in the 1990s, she says, and police never made an arrest. Like Robinson, Curry Avery says she feels cloaked in disbelief. The prospect of the alleged arson being fueled by bigotry doesnt surprise her at all, however. People who think things like this dont happen in this part of the country have blinders on, she says. The reality is the mentality of people in the northeast is not much different from the mentality of the south, said the Rev. Talbert Swan, leader of his own Black Pentecostal congregation and president of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP. Like Malcom X said: Yall stop talking about the south as long as youre south of Canada, youre still in the south. Local faith leaders announced the rebuilding fund at a press conference outside the church on Jan. 4. (Don Treeger / The Republican) Curry Avery says her thoughts have turned to rebuilding the church. Still to be determined is whether the building will have to be razed or can be reconstructed with what remains. From psychological and public health standards, she is hoping for the former. She has been heartened by the outpouring of support from the religious community and civic leaders. A fund has been set up for the rebuilding effort. Longtime Martin Luther King Jr. church member James Watts Jr. received a text message around 5 a.m. on Dec. 29. I didnt want to believe it at first. My church, says Watts, a Pittsburg native who found the small church when he moved to Springfield more than 20 years ago, looking for spirituality and an outlet for social justice. My first instinct was to get dressed and go down there to see if I could salvage any artifacts. Like his pastor, this is not Watts first brush with a church arson, but the first time hes experienced it firsthand. In 1997, Watts was part of a group who traveled to Rosemary Baptist Church in Barnwell, South Carolina, to rebuild a church that had been torched a year earlier. He and other members of the Springfield congregation fashioned pieces of wood from the burned pews down South to create a cross and bring it back to his home church. He fears that symbol of solidarity is now among the losses of the fire. Referring to Vulchev, Watts says he, his pastor and fellow congregants are withholding judgment. And, praying. I pray that from this more good will come, he says. Sometimes in life tragedy makes people stronger. Our congregation is far from collapsing. The church has roughly 50 members, according to Curry Avery. While not a huge congregation, they are longtime members and plucky, she adds. She has been hosting virtual services during the pandemic. They havent missed one even though theyve not had regular access to the building for nearly a year, a situation that may actually ease the transition in the fires wake, Curry Avery says. She and Robinson plan to connect. Robinson recalls that the rebuilding of Macedonia brought 60 volunteers from other states to assist. The new church was dedicated in 2011, and Robinson remains pastor. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who bought the original church on King Street in the heart of the citys Black community. Robinson likens the fire at his church on the eve of the election to the actions of the pro-Trump protesters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. These people are storming the Capitol because they think theyre being imposed upon, that something is being taken from them. And this president has given them license. Robinson says. All of this stems from systemic racism. Weve never done it right. Weve never done it right Weve never purged that cancer out of our system. Related Content: * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Lafayette Fire Department held a funeral procession for Troy Trent today, January 9. Trent was a firefighter for the LFD. He was killed returning from work on New Year's Eve in a head-on car crash. A funeral was held for Trent today at the River City Church in Lafayette. Just after four p.m. a procession across town began. Residents lined the streets to pay respect to the late firefighter. The procession started at the church, crossed Sagamore Parkway, then returned to Lafayette Fire Station 3. Trent was 41 years old. TAIPEI, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan's exports to the mainland and Hong Kong totaled 151.45 billion U.S. dollars in 2020, the highest ever, according to the island's finance authority. The figure meant a 14.6-percent increase over that of 2019 and accounted for 43.9 percent of Taiwan's total exports in 2020, it said in a press release on Friday. In December alone, the island's exports to the mainland and Hong Kong stood at 14.72 billion U.S. dollars, setting a monthly record, and up by 20.5 percent year on year, it said. The number accounted for 44.6 percent of Taiwan's total exports in December. The island's imports from the mainland and Hong Kong in 2020 increased by 10.8 percent year on year to 64.78 billion U.S. dollars. In December, the island's imports from the mainland and Hong Kong increased by 16.7 percent year on year to 6.36 billion U.S. dollars. Taiwan's total exports in 2020 reached 345.28 billion U.S. dollars, up by 4.9 percent over that of 2019. Its total imports climbed by 0.3 percent year on year to 286.49 billion U.S. dollars. The island saw a trade surplus of 58.79 billion U.S. dollars, while its trade surplus with the mainland and Hong Kong totaled 86.67 billion. The authority attributed the increase of exports in December to the booming new technology industry, the New Year shopping season, and the gradual recovery of traditional export goods. Although a global economic recovery may be held back by the lingering COVID-19 pandemic, the island's exports in the first quarter of 2021 would probably maintain stable growth. It would be due to the Spring Festival shopping season in the mainland market and the continued demand for new communication and computer technologies, it said. 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. Trump has said he will not be at Biden's inauguration, but Pence will attend, a senior administration official said on Saturday. US Vice President Mike Pence will attend President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration, a senior administration official said on Saturday. On Friday, President Donald Trump said he would not attend the inauguration of his successor on January 20. Read More The intensifying effort to oust Trump has drawn scattered support from Republicans, whose party has been divided by the president's actions. Democrats have pressed Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment, but he has opposed the idea, an adviser said. CNN reported late Saturday that the vice president had not ruled out invoking the 25th Amendment, citing a source close to him, but that some in Pence's team worried any effort to remove Trump could provoke the president to more rash behavior that might put the country at risk. A Pence spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Saturday. Mitch McConnell, the Republican Senate majority leader, has suggested any trial would likely occur after Trump's term ends, when Democrats will take control of the Senate thanks to victories in two Georgia runoff elections last week. If found guilty after leaving office, Trump would still lose benefits enjoyed by ex-presidents, such as security and pension, and he would be barred from running for a second term. But a Senate conviction requires a two-third majority, which would take at least 17 Republican votes. Democratic President-elect Joe Biden has not taken a position on Trump's impeachment, saying he will leave it to Congress to decide. Since losing the Nov. 3 election, Trump has falsely claimed he was the victim of widespread fraud. The Trump administration's most sweeping set of asylum restrictions scheduled to take effect in a matter of days were blocked by a federal judge on Friday. The asylum restrictions were the administrations most ambitious efforts in restricting access to the U.S. asylum system by making procedural changes, said a report from CBS News. One of the changes made to the asylum restrictions was a policy requiring migrants to wait in Mexico during the duration of their court cases. These new asylum restrictions would have broadened the grounds for a judge to deem an application as "frivolous" and virtually prevents asylum protections for applicants in the U.S. But the Trump administration argued that these changes were necessary to prevent border-crossers from abusing the asylum system and overwhelming with unworthy claims. The newly proposed regulations were first introduced last summer and were finalized in December, reported ABC 7. New Asylum Restrictions Make It More Difficult for Asylum-Seekers The court's order prevented immediate impact on the asylum system as the government largely suspended it at the U.S.-Mexico border due to public health concerns from the coronavirus pandemic. However, if it does continue to take effect even after pandemic-related safety measures have been lifted, asylum-seekers would still face a difficult time in claiming, said a report from The Associated Press. As of Saturday, asylum officers were ordered not to "rely upon" the newly blocked rules when they interview migrants, an email obtained by CBS News read. Related Story: Honduran Woman Gives Birth on Mexico-U.S. Border Bridge Officers will continue to follow existing guidance in procedures when migrants claim asylum, said chief of the asylum division Andrew Davidson. Judge Believes Homeland Security Secretary Not Allowed to Impose Asylum Restrictions According to ABC 7, there were several issues raised by US District Court for the District of Columbia Judge James Donato. One of these issues was the 30 days allotted for public comment. Donato also disagreed with the appointment of the acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf. Donato sided with advocacy groups who sued for the restrictions, saying Wolf was not under the authority to put the rules into place. Wolf was put under criticism for allegedly filling in the role unlawfully. Donato wrote that Wolf's appointment process did not follow the established order of succession for the role. "This Court is now the fifth federal court to be asked to plow the same ground about Wolf's authority vel non to change the immigration regulations," Donato said in his ruling. He also likened the government's efforts with the asylum system to "crashing the same car into a gate, hoping that someday it might break through." He added that the government was only using "recycled" legal and factual claims that were already made in previous cases, "as if they had not been soundly rejected in well-reasoned opinions by several courts." Read Also: Record Heat Along Arizona Border Results in Rising Migrant Deaths The new ruling would apply all over the U.S. because putting a limit to it would "result in a fragmented and disjointed patchwork of immigration policy," Donato said. Donato was appointed to the bench in 2013 by former President Barack Obama. On the other hand, Wolf was tapped to lead the department in November 2019 after former acting secretary Kevin McAleenan departed the post. The demand outlook for offices has improved from the middle of the year," he said. Colliers International WA research and urban economics associate director Quyen Quach said its leasing team had noted deals were taking longer to complete in the current environment. "Likely due to uncertainty around how long the risk of lockdown will persist and I guess how sustainable working from home or hybrids of it will be in the long-run," he said. "Therefore office space requirements for some remain uncertain. "Tenants are seeking more flexible leasing arrangements with expansion and contraction clauses becoming popular due to the increased uncertainty. "Some tenants have or are looking to surrender or sublease unrequired space as a result of both weaker business activity and lower space requirement due to remote working." Mr Quach said it was still too early to tell how COVID-19 would impact work arrangements and fit-outs of office spaces. "Fit-out will likely incorporate social distancing, however most tenancies in Perth already have workspace ratios of over nine square metres per workstation, which is sufficient to meet social distancing guidance so unlikely to see increased space requirement from tenants to meet social distancing guidance," he said. "Certainly work from home or remotely will at least have a dampening impact on space demand in the Perth CBD in the long-run." Foot traffic in downtown Perth back to pre-pandemic levels Data recently released by the City of Perth has shown foot traffic levels in the CBD have returned to pre-lockdown figures. The lunch crowds around midday have also seen a 22 per cent jump from November to December while weekend night-time activity appears to have been stimulated by a free parking initiative across the city. Total public transport boarding numbers in Perth across trains, buses and ferries peaked in October at nine million after recovering from a massive drop to just 1.9 million in April. November figures dropped again, however, to 8.8 million which is well below the 11.9 million boardings in the same month in 2019 as less people use TransPerth services compared to pre-pandemic. Work-from-home on the rise post-pandemic Oil and gas giant Woodside has recorded an increasing number of requests from its employees for work flexibility. A company spokeswoman said its supported flexibility but balanced the concept with of having a workplace set-up to drive a culture of innovation and collaboration. "We do not set or track targets for remote working, we encourage every employee to consider how they can perform at their best, in whatever environment is best," she said. Woodside's office space requirements have not changed according to the spokeswoman thanks to the adaptability of its new Perth headquarters which staff moved into two years ago. "[It] was designed with progressive and future-focussed technology infrastructure capable of managing our operations today and supporting adaptive and remote ways of working for our entire workforce into the future," she said. Woodside is still using staggered start times which it says is core to its flexible working framework. Mr Quach said many multinational and national tenants were more likely to have staff working from home at a higher rate driven by mandates from head-offices that were not located in WA. "Mining and resources are largely back in the office, some are still offering employees flexibility to work from home or remotely," he said. "Although sub-contractors of resource and construction companies appear to be largely working from home or remotely, they may need to come into the office one or two days a week to get things done that cant be done at home." Fortescue chief executive Elizabeth Gaines. Credit:Philip Gostelow Fortescue chief executive Elizabeth Gaines said the miner had seen most of its Perth-based staff return to the office. "Feedback from our Perth based team has highlighted that most people missed the interaction with their colleagues," she said. "In light of this, the majority of our Perth based team members have returned to our offices, with the option of working flexibly. "At Fortescue, we have had the ability to quickly adapt our working arrangements through the use of technology and other measures, which in turn facilitates greater flexibility for our team members. "Like all businesses, we rapidly rolled out programs like Microsoft Teams and adjusted to taking meetings online." Office layouts at Fortescue have not changed and the company has recently renegotiated its lease at the Fortescue Centre to secure additional floor space. Staggered start times are still available as a working option at Fortescue in Perth but are not mandatory. The WA Department of Communities, one of the biggest government departments, was in the middle of its move to a new home in Fremantle for 1600 staff when COVID-19 struck. The technological overhaul required for staff to work from home has meant the organisation has made a big leap in terms of its workplace flexibility. Department of Communities chief people officer Kevin Hollingworth said its information technology department had been able to quickly enact plans to facilitate a large number of users in their homes. "A number of office staff have continued to work from home at least one day a week ... our utilisation of working from home has increased post-COVID," he said. "The policies around ergonomic assessments and formalised working from home agreements with managers were already underway for the Fremantle move, so these were just implemented for much larger numbers than was anticipated, in a short space of time during COVID." A state government spokeswoman said the majority of West Australians should be taking confidence in the easing of restrictions in WA and go back to the office. We are aware of reports that many large companies are still keeping large parts of their workforce home, imposing policies designed for places with community spread," she said. There could be specific and varying circumstances where employees and their employers have come to an agreement to continue to work from alternative venues. However, for the majority, we should all have the confidence to take advantage of the safely eased restrictions we have here in WA. Mental health challenges in a year like no other Companies adapted quickly to address the mental health challenges which came with staff isolated at home when tougher restrictions were in place in 2020. ADVERTISEMENT The Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Operation Amotekun, has spoken on the killing of some armed herders at Okebi village, Aiyede area in the Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state. The commandant of the local police, Olayinka Olayanju, who spoke at a press conference in Ibadan on Sunday, said his operatives went on a raid in four local government areas when the incident happened. He also confirmed that the Amotekun operatives killed three people in the process. PREMIUM TIMES reported that seven people were allegedly killed on Saturday morning when Amotekun operatives visited the village in search of suspected kidnappers in the axis. Sources within Amotekun in the state and in the community where the incident occurred spoke of seven persons being killed. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Olugbenga Fadeyi, did not respond to this newspapers calls and text messages on the incident. Meanwhile, the Amotekun commandant, Mr Olayanju, said Saturdays raid was in response to the incessant reports of killings and kidnapping in the area. According to him, suspected terrorists attacked the Amotekun team in the forest and three people were killed by the corps. What happened was that we launched clearance operations in different locations around the thick forests of the four local governments that have suffered kidnapping and wanton killings in recent times. When our men entered the forests at Aiyede, they were attacked and a gun battle ensued, which led to the death of three of the attackers. One of our men sustained injuries. The incessant kidnapping and wanton destruction of lives necessitated the planning of a clearance operation in Lanlate, Igbo Ora, Igangan, Iganna and Aiyegun general areas in Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North as well as Iwajowa Local Government Areas. There were six teams in all comprising members of Amotekun, vigilantes, hunters and Miyetti Allah Vigilante. All the six teams had elements of these groups (joint team). However, at Igbo Ora, one of the teams had an encounter with two armed men, effected their arrest and recovered one double barrel rifle. All suspects and weapons were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, DPO Magoro Police Station, Igbo Ora at about 9 am on Saturday. READ ALSO: Seven feared dead in fresh Amotekun raid in Oyo In a related development, another team was attacked at about 9.30am in Igangan forest, Ibarapa North, while on the clearance operations at a settlement. The attack was repelled, resulting in serious injury to one member of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and three other suspects. Two dane guns were recovered at the scene. In Iwajowa LGA, one of the teams also arrested a kidnap kingpin operating around Aiyegun axis. He was arrested with a locally made pistol and cartridges. The operation was suspended at about 12 noon on Saturday to allow for further stock-taking, the statement read. 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. 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. 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. Strapped to the back of Chioma Munachi on a recent evening along Asolo-Isawo road, Lagos, where she sells bananas and groundnuts, was eight-month-old Ada. As she tucked a bunch of bananas into a plastic bag, a trailer pulled up behind her, puffing pungent blackish fumes. Some commuters ducked, but that was none of her worries. Surrounding her were vehicles plying the dusty, congested road and hordes of head squirming to evade the late evening rush typical of the area. It is routine for her to roast groundnuts in the day and sell them with bananas in the evening at the middle of the busy road, demarcated by a slab which serves as a brace for her wares. It is normal. I don become baba, she said, when asked how she copes, suggesting that she is immune to the inhalation of the fumes. We have to sell and make money, and as for my baby, I have no choice, she added, and this was the same sentiment shared by another trader, Precious. But Chekwube Ojiodu, who lectures at the chemical science department of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), said the fumes Mrs Manuchi inhales daily put her at risk, and Baby Ada, due to her frail immunity, at a greater risk. At risk For years, Omobolanle Olanrewaju, 57, complained to her children of having chest and throat pains. Although she had not been to the hospital to diagnose what really was the problem, she said each time her neighbours ignited their generators, she developed allergies. She took her complaints to the Lagos State mediation centre, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Neighborhood Safety Corps, but nothing changed. Crestfallen, she gave up, and kept taking self-made precautions. Her condition, she said, has since improved since the said neighbours moved out. I kept telling them (her children) that the smoke was affecting me. I complained to the authorities but they did nothing. Thank God now that they have left. I breathe better now. Those days, in the middle of the night, I am often forced to dip my head inside water because I feel choked. Mrs Olanrewaju was lucky. In 2008, 17 persons reportedly died from generator fumes in Abia. In 2015, a family of three reportedly died of the same cause in Bayelsa. By 2019, six people died in a similar circumstance in Rivers. Last year, seven died of the same suspected cause in Niger. The medical director of Peace Hospital, Kogi State, Joel Iheanocho, said the impurities released by generators and vehicles cause obstructive airway diseases, which could start as allergies then become a permanent attack. Weve had people complain of this (in our hospital). It is very common for us to admit patients who complain of the allergies caused by fumes, especially during dry seasons and when they travel often, he said. Complications can occur due to the allergies coming and going, and it becomes a more disturbing condition. Mmes Munachi and Olanrewaju are among an estimated 200 million Nigerians at the risk of health threat posed by unregulated emissions from generators and vehicles, which are compounded by aging vehicles, fueled by high-sulfur diesel and petrol that clog Nigerias roadways and sprawling metropolis. Behind Serbia and the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria was the third highest destination of used light duty vehicles in the world in 2018, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (Fumes from) bad fuels, irrespective of the source, are always very toxic to the respiratory tracts, the chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Kogi State branch, Simeon Oyiguh, said. When there is concentration of the fumes in an area without proper aeration, it is dangerous. In the long run, it gathers in the throat and can cause bad effects and affect respiration, he added. Dying by installment For one, due to population explosion and under-utilized waterways, Lagos gridlocked roads ensure that its over 5 million cars and 200,000 commercial vehicles get stuck in the same spot for an average of 30 hours weekly, according to a research by JCDecaux Grace Lake Nigeria, thereby risking commuters to inhale trapped polluted air. ADVERTISEMENT Scene of vehicles emitting fumes without caution Scene of vehicles emitting fumes without caution Scene of vehicles emitting fumes without caution On the average daily, Lagos records an average of 227 vehicles per kilometer of road, more than the national average of about 11. As of Q4 2018, Nigeria had over 11.8 million licensed cars, statistics bureau, NBS, said. Anderson Champion, a driver in the Elepe area of Lagos, believes the frequency of the inhalation of the fumes is the reason most of his colleagues and other commuters fall sick. He said he gets around this every night by sniffing a mint gifted to him by his in-laws after having a hot bath. Every night, I make sure I dont sleep until I have cleared my nose and throat with the mint, Mr Champion who is from Akwa Ibom but has lived in Lagos for decades, said. I dont joke with it because I know how dangerous what we inhale daily is, in smoke and dust. Abdulrasak Isiaka, another driver, in Ibadan, does not take such precautions and sometimes during a long day work, it becomes hard for him to breathe well if his windows are down, with his eyes getting peppered and watery. Sometimes when we buy those fuels, we notice how they burn and the smoke our cars emit. It peppers our eyes, he said as he fuelled his car in December. But we cannot leave the car even though our passengers get angry, and it is because of where we bought the fuels. Sometimes, we dont work because of this, Mr Isiaka, a senior driver that controls over 20 vehicles, added. This was corroborated by at least three other drivers, two in Abuja, and another in Ibadan. All three said they take roadside herbs and concoction to stay healthy when they notice any allergy. They all complained about the variation in the colour of the petrol they buy, and claimed the petrol burn at varying rate. Among other things, the colour of petrol is determined by the additives in it, its storage duration, and the dyes added to differentiate it from water during distillation, two experts told PREMIUM TIMES. What matters is the chemical properties of the petrol (or octane rating) which determines the combustion point of the fuel, a Lagos-based project analyst with an energy firm, Stedy Engineering, Sumaila Omaga, said. Sulphur-high fuels risking lives Mr Ojiodu said because the fuels imported into the country are sulphur-laden beyond international standard, when they burn, they release poisonous sulphuric gases, unburnt cyclic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere, which may reduce the lifespan of Nigerians, cause respiratory problems and even cancer. You hear that people have cancer all of a sudden. At times, it is because they have inhaled these fumes for too long, he said. There were over 100,000 cancer cases in Nigeria in 2018, according to WHO. The sulphur-content affects the functioning of the engine, Mr Ojiodu added. The bad fuels increase the sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere, and when it rains, it causes acid rain, which is very harmful to agriculture, infrastructure and natural environments. When the sulphur burns in the atmosphere, they go into gases and they affect the mechanical operations of the engines that are being used. Messrs Isiaka and Adepoju said they have experienced this on many occasions. In an unused state, Mr Ojiodu added that fuel attendants in fuel stations are at risk too as they may be dying by installment. They are supposed to be paying them hazard allowance, he opined. However, Samson and Muiz, two fuel attendants in Ojo, Ibadan, brushed the submission aside, saying other than their N15,000 monthly salary, hazard allowance has never been in the equation. Wealth above health Nigeria has made several promises to ensure its fuels sulphur content peaks at 50 parts per million (ppm). But till date, petrol and kerosene are over 20 times (1000ppm) and diesel 30 times what they should be. Of Nigerias 2.5 million low sulphur content and high API gravity daily barrels of crude drilled from the Niger Delta by Shell, Chevron, Exxon and other energy giants, little is refined in state-owned refineries, which for decades have continued to rot despite draining billions of naira. As an alternative, Nigeria turns to European refineries, from where refined fuels, though unsafe, but cheaper, are exported back to Nigeria, all at the peril of human health, environmental safety and optimality of engine performance. In 2019 alone, Nigeria imported 20.89 billion litres of petrol, up from 20.14 billion litres in 2018 and 17.3 billion litres in 2017, per the NBS. Petroleum imports cost the country N289.46 billion in Q1 2019, jumping to N837.67 billion by Q2. Nigerians spent 5 per cent, or some 2 trillion, of their income on fuel and light in 2019. But despite these huge outlays, Nigeria barely gets value for its money. Scourge A recent laboratory analysis by the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), an independent watchdog group, found that imported European fuels are more toxic than stolen fuels refined in makeshift refineries hidden in the Niger delta creeks and swamps. The study found that these imported fuels average 40 times Nigeria safe limits and 204 times European Union standard. At 1,523ppm, the illegally refined fuels contain 152 times higher concentration of sulphur than the EUs legal limit. At accepted standard, petrol contains about 150 chemicals, including hydrocarbons, which when even small quantities enter the bloodstream can reduce the functioning of the central nervou system (CNS) and cause organ damage. The SDN report is sequel to a June 2018 report by the Dutch government which found that, while the petrol sold in Europe may contain only 1 per cent of benzene, those sold to West Africa by Europeans contain manganese, a banned substance in Europe; more than 40 per cent of benzene; 300 times more sulphur and twice as many cancer-causing hydrocarbons than is permitted in the EU. Similar findings were established by a Swiss-based investigative team, Public Eye, which said Swiss commodity trading companies take advantage of weak fuel standards in Africa to produce, deliver and sell diesel and gasoline, which is damaging to peoples health. Their business model relies on an illegitimate strategy of deliberately lowering the quality of fuels in order to increase their profits. Europe is Nigerias largest crude oil export partner with countries there importing more than 800,000 barrels per day of crude oil and condensate from Nigeria, accounting for 41 per cent of the countrys export more than Asias 28 per cent, the Americas 16 per cent, and Africas 15 per cent. An European Unions spokesman, Daniel Holtgen, declined comment. World Bank figures show that of the 46.9 million metric tons of crude oil and natural gas liquids imported into the UK in 2019, over 2.8 million metric tonnes came from Nigeria. Nigeria spent about $260.71 million on importing refined fuel products from the UK in 2018. A UK government spokesperson told PREMIUM TIMES that the quality of fuels sold to Nigeria are set independently by local authorities and this depends on Nigerias preference, processing capability, blending infrastructure and economics. Fuel specifications in the UK are some of the most stringent in the world and include limits on environmental parameters, a Downing Street spokesperson said in an emailed response. Export fuel qualities are set by purchaser requirements and will vary in accordance with destination country specifications and use. The spokesperson of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Bola Fashina, said it is the job of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to implement the standard set by SON, but the spokesman of the latter, Paul Osuh, declined comment on fuel standard set for the UK government. So did NNPC spokesman, Kennie Obateru, who requested that a text be sent but did not reply. Minister for state on environment, Sharon Ikpeazu, also declined comment. Implications While Nigerias Eurpoeans oil-trade partners have met the target set by the 1985 Protocol on the Reduction of Sulphur Emissions in the 1979 Geneva Convention on Long-range Trans-boundary Air Pollution, Nigeria still lags behind. Also a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Nigeria, in large part, has not fulfilled its side of the pact. The 2018 World Air Quality Report ranked Nigeria the 10th most polluted country in the world, with an estimated average PM2.5 concentration of 44.8g/m over four times WHOs annual guideline of 10g/m for outdoor air quality. PM2.5s are microscopic particles which can clog human lungs and are linked to heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. The higher they are, the more dangerous. This comes at a huge cost: around 114,000 people die due to air pollution-related causes every year in Nigeria more than in South Africa, Kenya and Angola combined. A recent annual State of the Global Air Report published by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) showed that in 2016, Nigeria recorded 150 deaths per 100,000 people attributable to air pollution high quality more deaths per 100,000 people in industrialised countries like China, 117; Russia, 62; Germany, 22; United Kingdom, 21; the United States, 21; Japan 13; and Canada, 12. Way forward Switching to low-sulphur fuels would result in yearly savings in health costs of about $6 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa, the UNEP, Economic Communities of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Commission, and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), have said. This is why nations in the East African sub-region (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda) and Ghana have completed their transition to low-sulphur diesel fuels 50ppm, same as European standards. Mr Ojiodu said Nigeria needs to move swiftly in this direction. He added that Nigeria also needs to refine its own crude oil in order to cut costs and save lives. Nonetheless, there may be reprieve underway as Nigerias move to become more self-sufficient in fuel could receive a boost when the Dangote-owned 650,000 bpd refinery in Lagos is completed this year. There is also the possibility of another 200,000 bpd refinery owned by BUA to be built in Akwa Ibom. Meanwhile, last November, the government commissioned the first phase of a 5,000 bpd modular refinery in Ibigwe, Imo State, expected to produce 271 million litres of kerosene, diesel, naphtha and HFO annually. Also, because it burns cleaner, experts said the Compressed Natural Gas is a superior alternative fuel to petrol and diesel. Ranked ninth in the world, Nigeria has a proven gas reserves of over 203 trillion cubic feet and an additional upside of 600 TCF. Despite this vast natural gas potential, only about 5,000 vehicles have been converted to use CNG in the country. But Nigerias public oil company, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), hopes to change this. In December, it launched an initiative to convert 40 per cent of the nations fleet to gas-powered within 10 years, setting a target of 1 million cars this year. GMD @MKKyari: ""#NNPC is also expanding this initiative to all #NNPC Retail Filling Stations across the Nation, while assuring motorists of steady availability of Autogas at competitive prices."#NGEP #NigeriaGoGas #YearOfGas NNPC Group (@NNPCgroup) December 1, 2020 Also, over 20 countries with a combined population of 1.7 billion people have achieved low sulphur fuel standards (50ppm or below) and unleaded fuels for vehicles under the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles, a global public-private initiative launched in 2002. The Global Strategy initiative of the CCAC is also expected to prevent a global estimated 100,000 premature deaths per year by 2030, increasing to 500,000 per year by 2050. This is expected to return $18 trillion in health gains by providing $16 in benefits for each dollar invested in cleaner diesel fuels and engines. To save lives, that is the way to go, Mr Ojiodu noted. Support for this report was provided by the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), through funding support from Ford Foundation. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is now searching the California man who fatally shot and killed his ex-girlfriend in front of her three-year-old daughter on Wednesday. California Man Fatally Shots Her Ex-Girlfriend Los Angeles Police Department authorities are now searching for a California man identified as Herbert Nixon Flores, 46 years old, for allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend in front of their three-year-old daughter. The shocking attack was caught on surveillance tape, according to a report in Crime Online. Copy of the tape was released by the Los Angeles Police Department which showed Karen Ruiz, 35 years old, getting out of a car screaming as her ex-boyfriend and father of her daughter pulls up behind her. The California man was seen chasing her up a driveway and then firing at her multiple times with a semi-automatic handgun. Read more: Mexican Girl Abused by Parents Dies in ICU After Begging Doctors Not to Heal Her After it, he runs back to his car and drives off leaving the crime scene to avoid being captured. According to a report in the news outlet People, it was found out that Ruiz's daughter was sitting in the nearby car when the shooting happened. It can also be heard that the child was screaming. Police claimed the fatal attack and shooting happened at around 9:35 a.m. on Jan. 6, Wednesday, at 9000 block of Bartee Avenue in Pacoima. The LAPD also said that Karen Ruiz was pronounced dead when the paramedics arrived. Ruiz Filed a Restraining Order Before the Incident The Los Angeles Police Department did an in-depth investigation into the motive of Herbert Nixon Flores for committing the crime. Acording to LAPD Detective Sharon Kim, Ruiz filed several reports against her ex-boyfriend over the years and most recently she took out a restraining order against him due to some violent acts he committed against her. Flores still remain at large and police authorities are still searching for him. Authorities described the California man as a 6'1" Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes and are approximately 220 pounds. Until now, there are no reports about his whereabouts. Read also: Mexican Father Beats 3 Children to Death as 'Revenge' Against His Wife Police also considered the suspect armed and dangerous. They advised not to confront him if anyone sees him in public. Instead, everyone is encouraged to call and report immediately to police authorities for the immediate capture of the suspect. Anyone who has information about Herbert Nixon Flores or his whereabouts is asked to contact Valley Bureau Homicide Detective Sharon Kim at 818-374-9550. Meanwhile, during non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). However, due to the severity of the crime, anyone who wished not to be identified should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to Lacrimestoppers.org. As of this time, there are no developing reports about the status of their three-year-old child who witnessed the fatal attack and shooting that led to the death of her mother. WASHINGTON On Wednesday, locked in a secure, undisclosed location while protestors invaded the nation's Capitol, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell congratulated Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer for the first time on becoming the chamber's next majority leader, a source familiar with the conversation said. Schumer, D-N.Y., learned he would become majority leader on arguably the darkest day the U.S. Capitol has seen. Now, many political hurdles lie ahead when the 70-year-old New York senator takes the helm of a 50-50 Senate. Just hours before he was locked-down with McConnell, R-Ky., it became clear that two Democratic candidates in Georgia, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, would win their run-off elections. After President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are inaugurated on Jan. 20 and Warnock and Ossoff are sworn in Schumer will assume the title of majority leader. Democrats will then have 50 senators plus one tie-breaking vote from Harris. With the title of majority leader, Schumer will shoulder the responsibility of ushering the Democratic agenda through the Senate, handicapped by the realities of working in the narrowest possible majority. Nevertheless, Schumer on Wednesday said he and his caucus are committed to finding the "best ways for big bold change." "Mitch and Chuck are going to need to work together but its going to be a challenge for them and for the Senate," said former Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., who was majority leader during another rare 50-50 Senate for several months in 2001. Democrats, jubilant to take a Senate majority for the first time in six years, will likely have high expectations when their party runs the Congress and White House, but under current rules, Schumer will require Republican votes for every bill he wants to pass. Schumer will be able to confirm Biden's cabinet and judges with only Democratic votes. As majority leader, Schumer will have two new powers: he'll be able to decide what legislation comes to the floor; during Senate debates, he'll have the right to make the first comments or motions, said Richard Arenberg, a professor at Brown University and former chief of staff to former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell. Arenberg has written two books about Senate rules. "Although the majority leader is a very powerful position in the Senate, it is nothing like the speakership in the House," Arenberg said. "The speaker as long as she can hold her Democratic caucus together really controls the House very strongly. ... The majority leader has to be thought of in a different way. The majority leader is very powerful as we've seen with McConnell, but you can think of the majority leader as the first among equals." Schumer's first task as majority leader will be developing with McConnell what will be, in part, a power-sharing agreement with Republicans: a Senate organizing resolution that will lay out matters like committee membership, staff budgets, who gets which offices and other rules. The resolution needs 60 votes to pass, so Republicans are likely to negotiate more privileges than a usual minority would have. I look forward to sitting down with Leader McConnell, Schumer said Wednesday, before chaos enveloped the Capitol. Certainly, well have to talk. Schumer and McConnell have a template they could follow: the organizing resolution from 2001. In that year, while the Supreme Court handled the disputed election between Republican George W. Bush and Al Gore, a 50-50 senate was sworn in that January. For the first 17 days of the new Congress, Democrats had a majority in the chamber based on the tie-breaking vote of Gore, who was the outgoing vice president. Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D., was majority leader then. But when the presidential election was decided and Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney were sworn in, Republicans took the majority and Lott lead the chamber. Then after several months, Sen. "Jumpin' Jim Jeffords" of Vermont, as Lott described him, left the Republican party and joined the Democratic caucus, giving Democrats a 51-49 majority. Lott and Daschle said it took them three weeks to develop an organizing resolution, the playbook for how the Senate would function when divided 50-50. Daschle said the document "drives virtually everything." Lott and Daschle decided to award the majority party committee chairmanships, but divide the committee membership equally between the two parties forcing bipartisan compromise even at the committee level. Schumer and McConnell may do the same. When the organizing resolution was done, close cooperation between Lott and Daschle was still needed. Lott described the red phone he had on his desk at the time, which was a direct line to Daschle, a phone only two of them ever used. Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell are going to have to talk," Lott said. Daschle described he and Lott as "close friends." Meanwhile, McConnell and Schumer are cooperative but not very friendly, said James Wallner, a professor at American University and former executive director of the Senate Steering Committee. Theyre kind of like oil and water, they dont mix very well," Lott said. "Chuck is a city guy and McConnell was born in Alabama and represents conservative Kentucky. Their styles are very different. The increasing polarization of politics have driven Schumer, McConnell and their parties apart since 2001, Daschle said. "Things have changed dramatically in two decades: social media has been a big reason why," Daschle said. "Ideological cable news has also been catalytic in changing the environment. The money chase is so much worse now than it's ever been." Party control is now more important than ever, Wallner said. "What's really hard for Schumer and the challenge he's going to have to confront is between 2000 and now the Senate has become more centralized, the majority party leader has become more important and the expectations as to what you do when you're in the majority have grown," Wallner said. "It's harder to blame the minority when you're the majority." If McConnell, whom Lott described as a "world champion blocker," wants to throw up obstructions to Democrats, he'll still be able to in some ways. And both McConnell and Schumer will as they do now have to deal with their own diverse and at times fractious caucuses, keeping progressives, moderates and conservatives united to get anything done. One 'no' vote from any Democratic senator could sink a bill, giving each one notable power. But Daschle observed that Wednesday's violence at the Capitol could help foster more bipartisan cooperation at least for a time, as has emerged in the wake of other national emergencies like the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "I do think that events like 9/11 and what happened tragically at the Capitol this week can be transformational," Daschle said. "I think you saw a little bit of that as a result of the desecration of the Capitol, several people on the Republican side changed their position on challenging the certification of the Electoral College. ... It certainly has had an effect. Whether it has a lasting effect is still to be determined." Then again, Democrats are now considering impeaching President Donald Trump over the Capitol siege, something unlikely to win broad Republican support, although a few have backed removing him. "That's the kind of thing Chuck Schumer needs to cool down the rhetoric," Lott said. "That doesn't help either." Some areas that are likely sources of bipartisan agreement are further COVID-19 relief, an infrastructure package and possibly some climate reforms, Arenberg said. Schumer said Wednesday one of his first priorities will be to send Americans $2000 stimulus checks, an idea that has some bipartisan support, including from Trump. Neighbours living in a development in Manchester face bills of up to 40k each In the wake of Grenfell disaster, dangerous cladding was found on five blocks The young professionals are stuck in a fire traps and cannot sell their homes Now, The Daily Mail is campaigning to end the nationwide cladding scandal The sales brochure called it an exceptional development for modern living. The Green Quarter, a seven-block development in central Manchester, was once a pin-up for 21st-century regeneration. ADVERTISEMENT A hub of bars and restaurants just north of Manchester Victoria station, it was perfect for young professionals. But the Green Quarter is now an inescapable urban nightmare, encapsulating Britains shameful building safety scandal. Lives on hold: From left, standing: Damian Taylor and Rebecca Rowlands; John Kerr; Evad Ould-Okojie; Jamie Pratt; Nicky Lewis and Danielle Williamson; Ben Griffiths and Brad Hester; Jessica Pigg; Kieran Kelly and Millie Cordingley. Kneeling: Dasvini Mistry; Stephen Squires; Rebekah Turner and Charlotte Jones In the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster, which killed 72 people in June 2017, all seven buildings there have been deemed unsafe. Dangerous cladding has been found on five blocks. Two more have missing fire breaks. The total bill to fix it could hit 40million. Many of the developments 1,346 leaseholders face bills of up to 40,000 each. None can sell or remortgage their homes. The Daily Mail is campaigning to end the scandal, which nationwide has left hundreds of thousands stuck in fire traps facing bills of up to 115,000 to pay for repairs. Just 202 out of an estimated 11,760 unsafe buildings have been fixed since Grenfell. Experts believe it will take another ten years to complete work at the current rate. Ministers have set aside 1.6billion to fix the problem, but MPs expect the total cost to be closer to 15billion. Today, Green Quarter residents demand the Government acts now to end their misery. The teacher Danielle Williamson thought she had found her perfect first home in 2009, paying 135,000 for the brand-new flat, completed the year before. Danielle Williamson, 36, desperately wants a bigger home with her boyfriend, Nicky Lewis, 34, an NHS worker But one month after Grenfell, the 122 leaseholders at Vallea Court were told that the building had dangerous cladding and they would have to pay about 21,000 each to replace it. Residents launched a campaign and after 20 months of relentless pressure freeholder Pemberstone said the cladding bill and costs of hiring fire wardens to patrol the building 24 hours a day would be paid by a private consortium. ADVERTISEMENT Work began in July 2019 and was completed in May last year. But residents were then told their homes still needed to pass a test known as EWS1 before they could sell or remortgage. A shortage of qualified engineers, means that could take up to ten years. And the test looks for other fire safety defects, meaning even more work could be required. Miss Williamson, now 36, desperately wants a bigger home with her boyfriend, Nicky Lewis, 34, an NHS worker. We feel physically and mentally trapped, she says. Weve outgrown this place. There is no way Id want to have a child in a two-bedroom flat. The HR manager John Kerr, 32, wants to move back to his native Northern Ireland to be closer to his family Click here to resize this module John Kerr, 32, is also trapped at Vallea Court. He cant even rent out his flat because he is now stuck with his lender, which doesnt offer buy-to-let mortgages. Mr Kerr, who bought his flat for 140,000 in 2012, wants to move back to his native Northern Ireland to be closer to his family and has considered finding a cash buyer. But he is unwilling to purge all the equity he has built up by accepting a huge discount. Im starting to get those pangs to move home, particularly as my parents are getting a bit older, he says. Its scary to think I cant. The charity worker Rebekah Turner says she lived in constant fear after Grenfell-style cladding was found on her building just weeks after the blaze in west London. Rebekah Turner, 34, (left) lives with her partner Charlotte Jones and fears potential costs of fixing other defects She waited almost three years for the material to be replaced, but now more tests are needed. ADVERTISEMENT Miss Turner, 34, lives in Cypress Place, a 220-flat building completed four years after Vallea Court, with her partner Charlotte Jones. She bought the one-bedroom flat, for 135,000 in 2015. She fears potential costs of fixing other defects may eclipse the 20,000 they faced paying to replace their cladding. A Government fund covers only the replacement of dangerous cladding, so if other problems are found then leaseholders have to pay for repairs themselves. There has been a slow realisation that the cladding is almost the cheapest part, she says. My partner and I are due to get married this year and want to move into a bigger place. Our life plans are on hold. The solicitor Jessica Pigg, 29, says she would lose her job as a solicitor if she is made bankrupt and faces a bill of at least 30,000 to fix fire safety defects discovered last year Jessica Pigg, 29, says she would lose her job as a solicitor if she is made bankrupt. She bought her flat at Britton House for 201,000 in September 2017, three months after Grenfell, but surveys gave the building a clean bill of health. Now she faces a bill of at least 30,000 to fix fire safety defects discovered last year. The 165-flat building, completed in 2008, is the only block in the Green Quarter that requires a 24-hour fire patrol after it was found to have six types of unsafe cladding. Missing fire breaks could create a chimney effect, with flames tearing up a building via voids in exterior walls. Flat owners were told in September that they would have to pay 7,500 a month between them for a fire warden to patrol the building 24 hours a day. After they claimed he had gone awol, the number of wardens was increased to three and individual bills rose from 60 to 180 per month. The service charge could increase from 150 to 2,700 a month if the freehold owners Adriatic Land use it to collect payments for fixing the cladding and fire breaks. She says: How can the Government let this happen? I didnt know it had these defects when I bought it. The facilities manager Stephen Squires, 43, faces a bill of 30,000 to fix dangerous cladding and missing fire breaks in his building Stephen Squires, 43, who also lives in Britton House, faces a bill of 30,000 to fix dangerous cladding and missing fire breaks in his building and is paying 180 a month for the fire patrol. He says: Its not a suitable method for mitigating the risk of fire. It wouldnt matter if ten people did it. Were worried about reporting any more issues in case the bills go up. 'The financial burden is terrifying. The young couple Evad Ould-Okojie, 30, and Luke Hatfield, 35, had an offer accepted on a three-bedroom house, their forever home, in Marple, Greater Manchester, for 220,000 in 2019. Evad Ould-Okojie, 30, who works in an art gallery, had an offer accepted on a three-bedroom housebut the deal collapsed when their buyers lender asked for a certificate to prove the property was safe But the deal collapsed when their buyers lender asked for a certificate to prove the property was safe. It took a year to carry out the tests, which showed their building didnt have enough fire breaks. Miss Ould-Okojie bought the flat in Melia Court for 167,000 in February 2017. She says that because it is brick, she thought there wouldnt be fire safety issues. Now the couple dont know how long it will take to fix and or how much it will cost. Miss Ould-Okojie, who works in an art gallery, says: We worry over whether we will be made bankrupt from doing something we thought was a really good idea a few years ago. The advertising executive Kieran Kelly, 30, faces a bill of at least 20,000 and says the the cladding has torpedoed their dream of a home Kieran Kelly, 30, moved into his 156,000 flat in 2016. Last November, a survey revealed the 165 flats at Barton Place had combustible cladding, wooden balconies and missing fire breaks. The fire engineer who completed the test said the building should never have been signed off as safe. Residents have no idea how long it will take to fix but do know they are liable to pick up the tab. Mr Kelly faces a bill of at least 20,000. He and girlfriend Millie Cordingley, 31, were due to marry this year and buy a house. Now the pandemic has put paid to a wedding and the cladding has torpedoed their dream of a home. Weve had to totally change our plans, Mr Kelly says. The consultant Dasvini Mistry, 39, says she will be saddled with lifelong debt if she is forced to pay 20,000 to fix safety defects at her flat Dasvini Mistry, 39, says she will be saddled with lifelong debt if she is forced to pay 20,000 to fix safety defects at her flat. She bought her two-bedroom apartment in Barton Place for 182,000 in 2016. She says: During the pandemic, were all spending 24 hours a day at home and its really scary to know that this apartment is basically a tinderbox. When you buy a leasehold you dont expect to be paying for historical remediation costs or the safety of the building. 'Thats why you pay for a survey before you buy it. Now my flat is unsellable. The financial worker Jamie Pratt, 39, wants to return home to New Zealand with his wife, but faces paying at least 20,000 to fix defects Jamie Pratt, 39, bought his flat in Barton Place for 180,000 in 2015. He now wants to return home to New Zealand with his wife, but faces paying at least 20,000 to fix defects. Mr Pratt accuses politicians of kicking the can down the road. What they dont get is that people are getting billed for this right now and going bankrupt. 'Its not a theoretical thing that is happening in the future that needs to be debated. 'If I get sent a bill tomorrow, Ill have to make arrangements to pay or Ill get taken to court and lose. The accountant Damian Taylor, 26, was hit with a bill of 40,000 to fix cladding and missing fire breaks just 12 months after he bought his flat Damian Taylor, 26, was hit with a bill of 40,000 to fix cladding and missing fire breaks just 12 months after he bought his flat in Jefferson Place, a 309-apartment building, for 170,000. Five fire safety defects were found last year, but only two of those are likely to be covered by the Government fund. His insurance bill has already shot up by 150 per cent. Mr Taylor, whose girlfriend Rebecca Rowlands, 22, recently moved into the one-bed flat, says: It puts your whole life on hold. All my savings went into the deposit and I had built up a bit more, earmarked for moving out and starting a family in 18 months time. But these bills would wipe that out. I felt proud of getting on the property ladder at 24, but its all been downhill since then. The friends Brad Hester, 28, faces a 30,000 bill to repair defects Brad Hester, pictured, and Ben Griffiths bought their flat in Britton House in 2016 for about 200,000. Now they are paying for a fire patrol and face hikes to their service charge, as well as a 30,000 bill to repair defects. Mr Griffiths, 28, a sales engineer, also saw his dreams of buying a new place with his fiancee collapse because the flat is unsellable. He says: We trusted in the laws of this country to protect us. We never expected that if we were to invest 200,000 into a property that within two years it would be valued as worthless. Last night a Government spokesman said: Building owners should make all buildings safe without passing on costs to leaseholders where possible. We are considering options to fund future remediation and we will set out further details in due course. ADVERTISEMENT Email cladding@dailymail.co.uk if this scandal has affected you Apartment complexes are seen behind a visitor to N Seoul Tower on Jan. 7. Yonhap By Lee Min-hyung Easing looming social unrest over the ongoing asset market bubble should stand at the center of the government's financial policy drive in 2021, as public worries over the overheating market will keep pushing up most asset prices here. With the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, the government and financial authorities introduced toughened sets of regulations to curb household sentiment for investment. One key measure was to force banks to cut down the credit line for most households. The step was aimed at temporarily stopping personal capital from flowing into the stock and real estate markets, and thereby helping relieve the market frenzy. But this only ended up hiking prices further to a record high level. The benchmark KOSPI rewrote history by closing at a new high of 3,152.18 points on Friday. Most housing prices have already surged to such a worrying level that a growing number of young people here are giving up on marriage amid frustration over a greater sense of deprivation. Of much more concern is that authorities are showing little sign of making drastic changes in their financial policy drive. Market pundits argue delivering a message of warning to the market does not stabilize that market at all. "Introducing more regulations will keep destabilizing the market and raise apartment prices in Seoul and its surrounding cities," Kwon Dae-jung, real estate professor at Myongji University, said. "Even if the government is taking steps to increase housing supply, it will take some time. The real estate market has frozen due to tight regulations without which the market could stabilize soon." Despite the unprecedentedly tight regulations, Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki remained optimistic Sunday, saying that the government's tax benefits and housing supply measure will stabilize the market. But the public widely believes that housing prices will continue to rise this year, with consumers' real estate sentiment index hitting a record high in December, according to data from the Bank of Korea. The fear sentiment reached its peak among non-homeowners, some of whom continuously inject capital into the stock market, as most of them have de facto given up on purchasing apartments in major cities due to the regulations-induced price bubble. It appears to be desirable for the government to refrain from creating a climate of fear in the market this year by issuing new regulations, and instead, focus more on achieving a faster economic recovery and signaling its willingness to do this. Roseburg, OR (97470) Today Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 68F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 43F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph. The market ended the first week of 2021 on a new high, rising 2 percent for the second week in a row. The Sensex rallied 913.53 points to 48,782.51 and the Nifty jumped 328.75 points to 14,347.25. IDFC First Bank | The stock price added 18 percent after the lender reported a 100 percent rise in retail deposits YoY and 18 percent QoQ. The bank reported a 41 percent rise in customer deposits in the third quarter of the fiscal to Rs 77,289 crore as on December 31, 2020 from Rs 54,631 crore on December 31, 2019, it said in a regulatory filing. Retail Deposits (CASA and term deposits) increased 100 percent YoY to Rs 58,435 crore on December 31, 2020 from Rs 29,267 crore in the year-ago period and 18 percent QoQ from 49,610 crore as on September 30, 2020. Shriram Transport Finance | The share price gained 21 percent after the company approved the issuance of Senior Secured Notes (Social Bonds) due 2024 aggregating $500 million at a coupon rate of 4.4 percent. The issue price of the notes, which mature on March 13, 2024, is "99.99 percent of the Aggregate Nominal Amount", the company said in a regulatory filing. The issue date of the notes, which will be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading, will be January 13, 2021. Polycab India | The share was up over 20 percent. The company informed the exchanges that it had allotted in aggregate 21,050 equity shares of face value of Rs10 each to its employees. The employees who had exercised their options under the ESOP schemes namely, Polycab Employee Stock Option Performance Scheme 2018 and Polycab Employee Stock Option Privilege Scheme 2018, were allotted 18,800 and 2,250 shares, respectively. Alkyl Amines | The stock jumped over 24 percent after the company said its board would consider a stock split and setting up a new project including amines in its February 2 meeting. The board will also declare an interim dividend. "The board of directors of the company is scheduled to meet on February 2 to consider the proposal of sub-division of equity shares of the company from the face value of Rs 5 to a lower denomination. The board will also consider the proposal for setting up of new project(s) including Amines," the firm said. RBL Bank | The share was up 14 percent last week. Global research firm CLSA initiated coverage on the stock with a 'buy' rating and target of Rs 330. CLSA is bullish as the bank looks to shift focus away from corporate loans to retail loans. The brokerage firm expects the private sector bank to report a 13 percent return on equity by 2022-23, especially as credit costs normalise with the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ashok Leyland | The stock gained over 13 percent last week. Japanese brokerage firm Nomura has retained the 'buy' call on the stock with the target raised to Rs 134 per share. It is of the view that stronger M&HCV recovery is likely, adding the company would benefit from its higher share in high tonnage trucks. It believes that the new LCV range is an added upside and valuation is attractive at the current level. The Hinduja flagship firm reported a 14 percent increase in its commercial vehicle sales at 12,762 units in December 2020. Vedanta | The stock price rose 13 percent. The promoters of the mining conglomerate have made an open offer for up to 37.2 crore shares. According to CNBCTV18 reports, the promoters made an open offer for up to 37.2 crore shares (10 percent equity) at Rs 160 per share, which is over a 12 percent discount to the current market price. Dixon Tech | The share gained over 12 percent after the company said it had entered into an agreement with boAt for manufacturing twin wireless speakers. "Dixon Technologies (India) Limited and boAt have entered into an agreement for manufacturing of twin wireless speakers. Dixon shall be manufacturing the said products from its manufacturing facility located at Noida, Uttar Pradesh," the company said in a statement on January 6. Ruchit Jain, Senior Analyst - Technical and Derivatives at Angel Broking, recommends holding the stock for further up move. Since, it is in unchartered territory, following a trailing stop loss method would be the best way to ride this trend. Suzlon Energy | The stock added over 14 percent after the company announced it has approved allotment of over 2 crore equity shares with a face value of Rs 2 on the conversion of $3,125 denominated convertible bonds due 2032 with a face value of $320. The bonds were converted at a price of Rs 2.61 per share. "Post aforesaid allotment, the paid-up capital of the company is Rs 1672,93,34,764 divided into 836,46,67,382 equity shares of Rs 2 each," the company said in a regulatory filing. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri). Graeme Jennings-Pool/Getty Images GOP Sen. Roy Blunt on Sunday rejected calls for President Donald Trump to resign, insisting that the president should complete his term in office. On the CBS program "Face the Nation," Blunt said, "No," when asked if he would call on Trump to resign. "Well, it would be up to him, but my view would be is what the president should do is finish the last 10 days of his presidency," Blunt added. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. GOP Sen. Roy Blunt on Sunday threw cold water on calls for President Donald Trump to resign, insisting that the president should complete his term in office after a tumultuous week that saw legions of pro-Trump rioters storm the US Capitol. Blunt, who did not join his fellow Missourian, Sen. Josh Hawley, or Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, in challenging Arizona or Pennsylvania's Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, said on the CBS program "Face the Nation" that he would not join Republican colleagues including Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, who have called on Trump to resign. Read more: Secret Service experts are speculating in group chats about how Trump might be hauled out of the White House if he won't budge on Inauguration Day "Well, it would be up to him, but my view would be is what the president should do is finish the last 10 days of his presidency," Blunt said. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. In the weeks after the November election, Blunt raised objections to calling Joe Biden the president-elect, saying that he wanted Trump's legal efforts to overturn the election results play out in court. "Well, the president-elect will be the president-elect when the electors vote for him," Blunt said at the time. "There is no official job of president-elect." Shortly after the Jan. 6 riots, Blunt released a statement stating that "there is not sufficient evidence to sustain the objections" to Biden's 306-232 Electoral College vote win. Story continues He also sought to move on from the tumultuous incident. "Today's outrageous attack on the Capitol was a sad day for America," he said. "But we will move forward and we will continue living up to the example of democracy we have long set for the world." Read the original article on Business Insider Researchers have been studying the orbital evolution of the blue planet Neptune and the dynamical structure of the Kuiper belt that helped the gigantic planet survive the bumpy childhood. An unknown fifth planet may have bumped Neptune during its migration away from the sun four billion years ago, a new study has found. Neptune is known for surviving the gladiatorial period of planetary clashes. A planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute, David Nesvorny, has been conducting research into the wide radial spacing and orbital eccentricities of giant planets that went missing in the early Solar System. Neptune, meanwhile, evolved through the dynamical instability, emerging victorious. Scientists believe that the early solar system consisted of five giant planets initially and one ice giant with an extremely large transplanetary disk of planetesimals and with a mass that was equivalent to that of Uranus and Neptune. But they were ejected into interstellar space, beyond the Kuiper Belt, and the scientists are now studying the smooth migration of Neptune to understand what depleted the other planetary bodies that planet Neptune solely jumped. In a study published in the Astronomical Journal and by the University of Cornell, scientists explained that the effects of outward migration of Neptune can actually explain the prominent populations of Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs). Read: NASA Detects Human-made Nuclear Bubble Protecting Earth From Radiation; Read Read: Solar System's Largest Canyon Is 10 Times The Size Of The Grand Canyon, Claims NASA [Neptune. Credit: NASA] Neptune's link with Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) The eccentric orbit of Neptune survived the planetary scuffle which implies that at least one extra planet that was revolving around the sun to scatter off Neptune nearly 4 a half billion years ago, a planetary scientist at the University of Oklahoma Nathan Kaib explained. Neptunes orbit, like Pluto, has close links with the Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), but while Pluto disintegrated, Neptune lived through the dynamic instability when these planetary encounters happened. Scientists, meanwhile, believe that there is a possibility that Kuiper belt observations have been lacking, and the orbital region beyond Neptune is in fact populated by bodies that so far avoided detection. This mystery can be resolved by knowing more about Neptune's early orbital history when it bumped with the mystery planet scattering a cluster of its satellites into the Kuiper belt in the outer solar system. [Kuiper Belt. Credit: NASA] Read: Turn It Up: NASA Shares music Of Spheres As It Digitally Converts Bullet Cluster Image Read: NASA's New Telescope Will Unlock Big Bang Clues And Other Space Mysteries Jodie Whittaker reportedly quit her role as the 13th Time Lord on Doctor Who, telling bosses of the sci-fi drama that she will not return after the upcoming series. And Whoopi Goldberg has now revealed that she has set her sights on stepping into the TARDIS as the next Doctor. The Sister Act star, 65, said she wanted to be the first female Doctor, before Jodie, 38, claimed the role in July 2017, and now hopes to be the first American Time Lord. Next Doctor? Whoopi Goldberg has revealed that she has set her sights on being cast as the 14th Doctor - and the first ever American Time Lord (pictured in October 2019) She admitted that she has even spoken about her big plans to Doctor Who alum Tom Baker, who was fan-favourite as the fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981. She told SFX Magazine: 'I wanted to be the first female Doctor, but they have one. 'I said to him, "I love the idea of an American Doctor Who" I'm still trying to do it.' Whoopi admitted that although she thinks the younger Doctors, including portrayals by David Tennant and Matt Smith, her favourite of the 'older' Time Lords was Tom. Farewell! Jodie Whittaker reportedly quit her role as the 13th Time Lord on Doctor Who, telling bosses of the sci-fi drama that she will not return after the upcoming series Representatives for the BBC declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. The Ghost star is no stranger to appearing in a sci-fi cult favourite, as she previously played Guinan in Star Trek: The Next Generation. It is the third time that the Oscar winner has revealed her ambitions to join the popular Doctor Who franchise. In 2019, Whoopi revealed that she was turned down by BBC bosses when she offered to take on the role of the first female Doctor Who. Speaking on David Tennant's podcast, the Hollywoods star admitted she asked to play the role before Jodie Whittaker landed the job, but producers sadly declined. Support: Whoopi, 65, admitted that she has even spoken about her big plans to Doctor Who alum Tom Baker, who was fan-favourite as the fourth Doctor from 1974 to 1981 Whoopi told David: 'I wanted to be the first female Doctor,' before adding that she thought the series could show 'the American version of Doctor Who ends up in New York and it's me'. She continued: 'We don't have a Doctor Who. We don't have that character who is travelling through dimension and time, and being an observer sometimes a hindrance, sometimes a help. The idea of that just so made me happy.' Whoopi then went on to admit that her offer was declined by Who bosses, saying: 'But they were like, ''Um, no.'' So I was like, ''OK, I'm cool. I understand.''' Going on to explain her love for science fiction, Whoopi added: 'I always felt like science fiction movies predicted the future. 'They told you what was coming, and how to prepare for it. Whether it was climate change, hand computers or being able to move around in different dimensions.' Pick me! In 2019, Whoopi revealed that she was turned down by BBC bosses when she offered to take on the role of the first female Doctor Who (pictured in November 2018) Whoopi also shared her desire to land a role in Doctor Who in 2017, telling Radio Times: 'I always hope when I come to England the BBC will say, "Hey we want you to do something [on Doctor Who]". I would love that. 'You have a different quality now on television. The way you guys have always done shows has always been the smartest and we've finally just figured it out. 'I like the idea of doing things the way y'all do them. You do some really fun stuff like Black Mirror or, you know, I'm still dying to do Doctor Who.' Whoopi's latest comments come as Doctor Who fans lauded Jodie for showing 'women can be heroes too' amid claims the actress is quitting the show. The actress, is said to have told bosses of the BBC adventure show that she won't return after the upcoming season, so they'll need to start thinking about recasting the role of the Time Lord. End of an era: Jodie is said to have told bosses of the BBC show that she won't return after the upcoming season, so they'll need to start thinking about recasting the role of the Time Lord The news of Jodie's alleged departure left fans emotional with viewers praising the 'inspiring' star for making them 'fall in love with the show again' during her tenure as the 13th Doctor. One fan wrote: 'Jodie Whittaker was always there for fans, inspiring the younger generation that women can be heroes too. 'They have someone to look up to. She's truly a remarkable person.' Speaking of Jodie's reported departure from the show, a source told The Daily Mirror: 'It's all very hush-hush but it is known on set that Jodie is leaving and they are gearing up for a regeneration. 'Her departure is top secret but at some point over the coming months the arrival of the 14th Doctor will need to be filmed. It's very exciting. Second female doctor? Michaela Coel and Richard Ayoade have now emerged as the bookies' favourites to replace Jodie Whittaker as the 14th Doctor Who (pictured in I May Destroy You) A BBC spokesman told Digital Spy: 'We won't be commenting on any speculation around Jodie's future on the show.' And Michaela Coel and Richard Ayoade have now emerged as the bookies' favourites to replace Jodie Whittaker as the 14th Doctor Who. The Chewing Gum actress, 33, and the IT Crowd actor, 43, lead the odds for the coveted role with Ladbrokes at 5/1 and 6/1 respectively. Michaela has won acclaim for her BAFTA-winning role in Chewing Gum and more recently in the BBC /HBO drama, I May Destroy You - making her the hot favourite. Death In Paradise star Kris Marshall, 47, is the third favourite at 6/1. Kris was widely rumoured to be the 13th Doctor back in 2017 with mounting speculation he could finally step into the Tardis in 2021. Doctor You? The Chewing Gum actress, 33, and the IT Crowd actor, 43, lead the odds for the coveted role with Ladbrokes at 5/1 and 6/1 respectively Fleabag and Killing Eve mastermind Phoebe Waller-Bridge, 35, has odds of 8/1, while Killing Eve star Jodie Comer, 27, and Star Wars actor John Boyega are at 10/1. Rounding off the favourites are The League of Gentleman star Reece Shearsmith at 12/1. Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: 'It really is a case of Doctor 'Who?' at the moment following Jodie Whittaker's announcement, and while Michaela Coel leads the betting, Richard Ayoade is close behind as a popular second-favourite.' Other names in the frame include Line of Duty star Vicky McClure, Game Of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer, Maxine Peake, James Norton and Tom Rosenthal. New companion: John Bishop is the latest famous face who is set join the cast of Doctor Who for the beloved sci-fi show's upcoming series 13 - taking on the role of Dan John Bishop is the latest famous face who is set join the cast of Doctor Who for the beloved sci-fi show's upcoming series 13. The comedian, 54, will take on the role of Dan as he boards the TARDIS alongside The Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and Yaz (Mandip Gill). Talking about the new role, the comedian said: 'If I could tell my younger self that one day I would be asked to step on board the TARDIS, I would never have believed it. 'It's an absolute dream come true to be joining Doctor Who and I couldn't wish for better company than Jodie and Mandip.' Filming for series 13 began earlier this year in November and John is set to make his first appearance later in 2021. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun leaves for Iran from Incheon International Airport on Sunday to negotiate with the country for release of South Korean tanker MT Hankuk Chemi seized by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps on Jan. 4. Yonhap First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun left for Iran on Sunday to negotiate an early release of the South Korean oil tanker and its crew seized by Iranian authorities last week. Choi boarded a plane early Sunday and is set to arrive in Iran via Qatar, officials said. He is expected to meet his counterpart and other high-level officials at the Iranian foreign ministry, joined by the South Korean delegation that arrived earlier in Tehran. On Monday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) seized the MT Hankuk Chemi carrying 20 crew members, including five South Koreans, on allegations of environmental pollution. The ship is currently at a port in Bandar Abbas, a city on Iran's southern coast. The South Korean Embassy in Tehran confirmed the safety and health of all 20 sailors Wednesday. "I'm a little relieved to know that the crew is safe, but the situation is serious," Choi told reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. "We hope to hold in-depth talks with key officials whether it is a consular issue or other major issues between South Korea and Iran," he added. In this photo released by Tasnim News Agency, MT Hankuk Chemi is being detained by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps in Strait of Hormuz on Jan. 4. Yonhap Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on November 30, 2020. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick) Canada Joins Allies in Condemning Latest Hong Kong Arrests by China OTTAWACanadas foreign affairs minister is joining counterparts from the U.S., Britain and Australia in condemning last weeks mass arrest of politicians and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Fifty-five people were arrested last week under a security law that China first imposed on the former British colony in the spring. In a joint statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and his American, British and Australian counterparts say they had serious concern about the arrests. They add that the National Security Law, which Chinese and Hong Kong authorities argue is necessary to maintain order in the city, is actually being used to crackdown on dissent and opposing political views. The four foreign ministers go on to say the security law violates the promises China made to uphold democratic rights and freedoms in Hong Kong when it took ownership of the city back from Britain in 1997. Most of those arrested last week had taken part in an unofficial primary for a legislative election that was later postponed. Authorities allege the primary was part of a plot to seize control of the legislature in order to paralyze government and force the citys leader to resign. The 55 have not been charged, and all but three have been released on bail pending further investigation. Convictions could disqualify them from running for office. The four foreign ministers said the next legislative election should include candidates representing a range of political opinions. Only half the citys legislature is elected by popular vote. We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention, they wrote. The statement was signed by Champagne, Marise Payne of Australia, Dominic Raab of the U.K. and Mike Pompeo of the United States. Separately, Pompeo announced Saturday that the U.S. is voiding longstanding restrictions on how its diplomats and others have contact with their counterparts in Taiwan, a self-governing island that China says should be under its rule. The actions on Taiwan and Hong Kong will undoubtedly anger China, which views such moves as foreign interference in its internal affairs. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which is in its final days, is also sending United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft to Taiwan later this week. China has sharply criticized the upcoming visit, while Taiwans government has welcomed it. By Lee Berthiaume With files from The Associated Press MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Foreign ministers from the United States, Canada, Britain and Australia condemned last week's arrest of over 50 democracy activists in Hong Kong in a joint statement on Sunday, calling on China to respect the freedom of the people on the island. Hong Kong police made the arrests on Wednesday in dawn raids, the biggest crackdown since China imposed a security law in 2020, which opponents say is aimed at quashing dissent in the former British colony. "It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views," the foreign ministers said in the joint statement issued by Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne. "We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention." Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy advocates were arrested as authorities said last year's unofficial vote to choose opposition candidates in city elections was part of a plan to "overthrow" the government. On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington may sanction those involved in the arrests and will send the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations to visit Taiwan. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da Costa) .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... The images Wednesday were unforgettable. An unruly mob scaling the walls of the U.S. Capitol building and crowding its halls; a man casually seated with his foot on the desk of the speaker of the House; police with handguns drawn barricaded behind furniture at the main entrance to the U.S. House of Representatives; a woman mortally shot by a police officer while climbing through a window; a Capitol Police officer mortally wounded while protecting the Peoples House. All are blights on our history and cause for celebration only among Americas enemies. The tens of thousands who showed up on the White House ellipse on Wednesday to protest Congress certification of the presidential election results were loud, angry, taunting and convinced the election had been stolen from them. They were wrong. But a defiant President Donald Trump had fueled the flames for months, and on Wednesday repeated those lies and went so far as to urge protesters to march on the Capitol. They did, with pro-Trump extremists storming the Peoples House, vandalizing, looting and attacking law enforcement officers and threatening members of Congress. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Its a moment history wont forget an assault on the very heart of Americas democracy. And history wont and shouldnt forget Trumps role. If Trump were to do the right thing, he would resign. If he were to put the country first for a change instead of his own self interests he would step down immediately. But as much as Donald Trump deserves to be removed from office, efforts to do so with impeachment or by invoking the 25th Amendment would be all but impossible with only 10 days left in his term. It appears an article of impeachment could be introduced as early as Monday, and a House vote possible by the end of the week. But that is just one step. And President-elect Joe Biden, while condemning Trumps actions, has not joined Democratic leaders in the call for his impeachment. On Friday Biden sidestepped calls for Trumps impeachment and took the view that Congress time could be better spent tackling his agenda. Our incoming president is right. Rule of law binds us At this point, picking up the pieces and knitting America back together will be a Herculean task one that must be Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris top priority. Biden has pledged to be a healer America is depending on it. After Wednesdays chaos, some form of calm and common sense returned by late evening. Lawmakers should be commended for insisting on returning to their chambers to certify that Trump lost the presidency and Biden won. Americas first move forward will come with the peaceful transition of presidential power, something weve been able to accomplish as a nation since the 1860s. While many will rightfully say it came much too late, Trump grudgingly issued a statement early Thursday committing to 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, he said. We earnestly hope he follows through on that pledge. And Trump has also announced that he will not stain the inauguration with his presence. But many of Trumps supporters remain angry and maintain their freedoms are under attack and that the country is moving toward socialism. Theyve shown unwavering loyalty to the 45th president despite his lies, divisive rhetoric and unpresidential actions for four years. Its crucial that to move forward the nation accept the election results for what they are that voters elected Democrat Joe Biden as their next president. Our judicial, legislative and electoral processes have confirmed the results. This is the rule of law, and acceptance of the rule of law is what binds us. Those who flagrantly disregard the rule of law with destructive or violent activities must be held accountable, regardless of their politics. Every person who broke into the Capitol Wednesday and can be identified should be prosecuted. More than 70 people have been arrested so far. Thats a good start. Investigate what went wrong But much work also is needed to figure out what went wrong Wednesday in terms of security. It is clear from the images and videos that Capitol Police were not prepared for the onslaught. The mayor of Washington, D.C., had mobilized the District of Columbia National Guard in advance of Wednesdays Save America March and every city police officer was scheduled to be on duty Tuesday and Wednesday. But the overall police presence at the Capitol was clearly lacking early Wednesday. Its shameful that the Peoples House and its elected leaders were left vulnerable to mob violence, and it mustnt be allowed to happen again. Given the hype before Wednesdays protest, the lack of security was inexcusable. And the ease in which the Capitol was entered sends a frightening message to potential terrorists around the world. The Capitol and the White House should be the most protected buildings on this globe and the whole world should recognize it. And lessons learned should be put into effect going forward especially over the next 10 days. Pro-Trump extremists continue to urge armed marches. Those in charge of the White House and Capitols security must be on high alert, and mobilize whatever resources are necessary to ensure a peaceful transition of power. Unification a job for all Obviously the job of restoring unity and civility to our nation cant fall on our next president alone. It will take cooperation from all quarters, from individuals regardless of their political persuasions, from both major political parties, from responsible reporting by media outlets. And law enforcement needs to be consistent in its efforts to maintain order at all future protests and demonstrations. Americans with deep convictions need not be expected to change their values and beliefs. But they should be expected to treat each other with decency. We are all Americans, and as such, we share a belief in civility and democracy. Trump/Pence lost. Biden/Harris won. Lets move forward, lets heal, lets keep the flame of freedom lit, and lets keep America the beacon of democracy. 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. Apple's next iPhone lineup, the iPhone 13 series (name unconfirmed) might come with a smaller notch but with a slightly thicker body. According to Japanese publication, MacOtakara, the iPhone 13 lineup will retain the iPhone 12's chassis with the flat edges but will be roughly 0.26mm thicker. The report adds that the camera bump will be just as thick with a small change in the appearance. It further indicates that the base iPhone 13 models would retain dual rear camera setup, while the Pro models might pack triple rear cameras and the LiDAr sensor - similar to the current iPhone lineup that includes the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. All the current information from the Japanese publication are in line with previous iPhone 13 rumours. Korean publication ETNews in December 2020 had suggested that the size of the notch on the next iPhone models would be reduced. Analyst Ming Chi Kuo has also made some predictions about the cameras in the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models that may arrive in 2022. The analyst recently claimed that the iPhone 13 and 14 models would retain the seven-element lens system from the iPhone 12 till 2022. The iPhone 13 series is also said to come with 120Hz LTPO OLED display. The Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxid (LTPO) tech is more power-efficient than its Low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) counterparts, and the former can support an adaptive refresh rate without additional hardware. Another report suggests that the next iPhone lineup would come with Wi-Fi 6E support for better connectivity to the internet with lower latency. The Wi-Fi 6E that was first announced in January 2020, uses the 6GHz spectrum and aims to overcome the hurdles faced by Wi-Fi 6. Qualcomm had also announced that Apple will use its Snapdragon modems to improve 5G connectivity on next smartphones till at least 2024. NASA's Hubble Space Telescope recently shared a fascinating image of the volatile 'fireworks galaxy, which is known to have frequent supernovae. The image was captured using NASA's Hubble telescope and shared on the official handle of Hubble Telescope on Friday with the hashtag #HubbleFriday. NASA/Instagram "In the last century alone, the Fireworks Galaxy (or NGC 6946) has experienced 10 observed supernovae. For context, our Milky Way Galaxy averages just one to two supernova events per century! The Fireworks Galaxy resides 25.2 million light-years away from us, along the border of the northern constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus," reads the text which was shared alongside the photograph. Also Read: NASA Hubble Clicks Amazing 'Molten Einstein Ring' 60 Million Light-Years Away See the post below: "We are able to marvel at NGC 6946 as it is a face-on galaxy, which means that we see the galaxy facing us, rather than seeing it from the side (known as edge-on). The Fireworks Galaxy is further classified as an intermediate spiral galaxy and as a starburst galaxy. The former means the structure of NGC 6946 sits between a full spiral and a barred spiral galaxy, with only a slight bar in its center, and the latter means it has an exceptionally high rate of star formation." Also Read: No Wheels: NASA Sending A Spider Rover With Legs To Moon By 2021 Summer "The galaxy resides 25.2 million light-years away, along the border of the northern constellations of Cepheus and Cygnus (The Swan)," NASA wrote on their official website. Last year, NASA released 30 previously unseen images of beautiful celestial objects showing stunning cosmic sights from the Caldwell Catalog inspired by the Messier Catalog. Security has been stepped up at Germany's Bundestag (lower house of parliament) after the storming of the Capitol in Washington by rioters last week, Bundestag President Wolfgang Schaeuble has told lawmakers, Bild am Sonntag weekly reported. "Berlin state police have arranged for a reinforcement of their forces around the Reichstag building," it quoted Schaueble as saying in a letter to lawmakers. A spokeswoman for the Bundestag confirmed that Schaeuble had written to lawmakers about the current situation but declined to give details of the content of the letter. Bild am Sonntag also reported that Schaeuble had asked the Foreign Ministry for a report on the Washington violence and would "clarify with the federal government and the state of Berlin what conclusions should be drawn for Bundestag security". Angry supporters of US President Donald Trump, voted out of office in a November election, broke into the Washington Capitol, seat of the US House of Representatives and Senate, on Wednesday. Five people died, including a police officer. In Berlin, protesters against coronavirus restrictions stormed the steps of the parliament building during a demonstration in August. Some were waving the far-right Reichsflagge flag. Short link: 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. Russia will supply gas to Belarus at $128.5 per 1,000 cubic meters in 2021 under the new deal, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko told the Rossiya 1 channel, Sputnik reports. "$128.5. But I will round it up, $130," Lukashenko said in an interview, when asked about the gas price for 2021. In late December, Gazprom announced that its CEO Alexey Miller and Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich had signed a protocol on the price-setting mechanism for gas supplies to the republic in 2021. The Russian energy giant did not specify the price. The Belarusian Energy Ministry later said that the price would remain practically unchanged. Russia supplied gas to Belarus at $127 per 1,000 cubic meters in 2020, but Minsk insisted on reducing it. During his daily briefing on Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear implored Kentuckians to follow red zone and school recommendations as cases continue to rise across the commonwealth. PHOTO:Governor Andy Beshear, Facebook Lawmakers Complete Bills to Limit Beshear's Powers By The Associated Press FRANKFORT - Republican lawmakers in Kentucky have given final approval to bills rebuking the Democratic governor's response to COVID-19.The measures would limit Gov. Andy Beshear's emergency powers to impose restrictions meant to contain the coronavirus. GOP lawmakers completed fast-track work on the measures Saturday.The bills now head to Beshear, but GOP lawmakers have the numbers to override any veto.The looming changes in Kentuckys response to the pandemic come amid a record-breaking wave of virus cases in the post-holiday period. A worker sprays disinfectant at body bags containing human remains recovered from the waters where Sriwijaya Air passenger jet crashed, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. AP-Yonhap Indonesia detected signals on Sunday that could come from a flight recorder of a Sriwijaya Air jet that crashed into the sea soon after taking off from the capital Jakarta, as human body parts and suspected pieces of the plane were retrieved. The Boeing 737-500 with 62 passengers and crew was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan before it disappeared on Saturday from radar screens four minutes after takeoff. The crash is the first major airline incident in Indonesia since the crash of a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max in 2018 that killed all 189 passengers and crew. That plane also plunged into the Java Sea soon after takeoff from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. "We have detected signals in two points. This could be the black box," Bagus Puruhito, chief of Indonesia's search and rescue agency, told reporters aboard a military ship. Indonesian Navy official Wahyudin Arif told iNEWS they had found suspected pieces of the plane fuselage of about one metre (three feet) in length, part of a tyre and human body parts. Media reports said body parts had been taken to a police hospital for identification. Rescuers carry body bags containing human remains recovered from the waters where Sriwijaya Air passenger jet crashed, at Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. AP-Yonhap Flight SJ 182 had 12 crew and 50 passengers on board, all Indonesians and including seven children and three babies. "I am optimistic we will find (the plane) soon," Henri Alfiandi, an assistant to the chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, told a news briefing. President Joko Widodo, speaking at the palace in Bogor, expressed "deep condolences" over the disaster and urged the public to pray the missing people could be found. The search is focussing on the outer ring of the Laki and Lancang islands off the Jakarta coast. The sea in this area is about 20 to 23 metres (65-75 feet) deep. Indonesian rescue members handle a pink T-shirt during the recovery of the Sriwijaya Air Flight SJ182 plane which crashed into the sea, at International Container Terminal port in Jakarta, Indonesia, January 10, 2021. REUTERS-Yonhap "WE FEEL POWERLESS" With a massive search and rescue mission underway, there were no immediate clues on what may have caused the jet's sudden descent. Safety experts stress most air accidents are caused by a cocktail of factors that can take months to establish. Tracking service Flightradar24 said the aircraft took off at 2:36 p.m. local time (0736 GMT) and climbed to reach 10,900 feet within four minutes. It then began a steep descent and stopped transmitting data 21 seconds later. A transport ministry spokeswoman said air traffic control had asked the pilot why the plane was heading northwest instead of on its expected flight path just seconds before it disappeared. The pilots had decades of experience between them with the flight captain reported to be a former air force pilot and his co-pilot had been at Sriwijaya Air since 2013, according to his Linkedin profile. The Sriwijaya Air plane was a nearly 27-year-old Boeing 737-500, much older than Boeing's problem-plagued 737 MAX model. Older 737 models are widely flown and do not have the stall-prevention system implicated in the MAX safety crisis. This aerial shot taken from an Indonesian Air Force plane shows rescuers during the search for the wreckage of a Sriwijaya Air passenger jet that crashed into the sea near Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. AP-Yonhap Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. Childhood Services Ireland Director, Darragh Whelan has welcomed the announcement from Government that emergency funding for childcare providers has been secured. Mr Whelan stated, "We have been working extremely closely with the Department over the past few days to secure this sustainability funding. This will be a huge relief to parents and providers alike." He continued, "This sustainability fund will enable the childcare sector to continue to provide services to the children of frontline and essential workers and vulnerable children. We are utterly committed to playing our part in dealing with this national emergency and our focus is to continue operating safely and responsibly. "There are still a few details to be worked out, such as the timing of the funding, and full details will be announced as soon as possible. Childhood Services Ireland is the Ibec trade association representing childcare providers across Ireland. Jordan's Minister of Health Nathir Obeidat on Sunday said the country is ready to begin a national coronavirus vaccination program starting Wednesday morning. Obeidat confirmed the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration has approved the COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech as well as Chinese company Sinopharm. The first batch of the Chinese vaccine arrived in Jordan late Saturday, while the first delivery of the Pfizer shots will arrive on Monday. During the joint press conference with the Jordan Health Ministry's head of the coronavirus portfolio Wael Hayajneh, Obeidat said the orders were sufficient to vaccinate 20% of people in the country. Hayajneh added the vaccines will be distributed to all people, refugees and residents without discrimination. Jordan, with a population of 10.5 million, has recorded 4,024 deaths and 307,209 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic. (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) I get a fair number of books in the mail, but I generally dont read them, especially if they are political. But a few days ago I got a copy of The Man In Milan, by Vito Racanelli. Vito is a Power Line fan, and the book was inscribed to me and accompanied by a nice letter. So I gave it a try. Racanelli, to begin with, is a knowledgeable guy, a writer for Barrons whom we have linked to in that capacity, and formerly the Associated Press/Wall Street Journal Bureau Chief in Italy. The Man In Milan has much to do with Italy, but it begins in New York City, in the year 2002, when an Italian national is murdered and NYPD detectives Paul Rossi, the books narrator, and Hamilton P. Turner are assigned to investigate. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that Rossi and Turner are up against something far more substantial than the usual run of homicides. There are more murders, and the investigation ultimately takes Rossi and Turner to Italyin particular, to the small island of Ustica, off the coast of Sicily. In Italy, the New York cops struggle to figure out who is on the side of justice and who is dirtyin that country, apparently, a populous group. The plot involves a real incident, the destruction of an Italian airliner in 1980, a mystery that is still unsolved. In The Man In Milan, the ultimate villain is a shadowy cabal of bankers and politicians. I would say that the plot, if implausible, is not unusually so. The main protagonist, Paul Rossi, is a likable character, divorced and a recovering alcoholic. He is of Italian heritage and speaks Italian, which becomes important. The story includes a nice bit of romance along with the usual thriller elements. The Amazon write-up likens Racanelli to Daniel Silva and David Baldacci. I havent read Baldacci, but in my opinion The Man In Milan bears little resemblance to Silva. Despite not infrequent episodes of violence, the book has a light, enjoyable touch. I would liken the narrative voice not to Silva, but to my friend Roger Simon. Mostly, The Man In Milan is highly entertaining. I devoured the book in two or three days. I am pretty sure that if you start The Man In Milan, you will finish the book, and enjoy it. And you may look forward to a sequel, to which the conclusion leaves the door open. You can buy The Man In Milan here. Syracuse, N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing changes he says would give patients more telehealth options and more quickly investigate complaints about doctors. The emphasis on expanding telehealth services comes after many providers and patients switched to online appointments during the coronavirus pandemic. Cuomo signed executive orders that made these video or phone call sessions that allowed people to seek care especially counseling without leaving their homes. Now the laws governing insurance reimbursements and other health care regulations need updating, Cuomo says. That includes some changes to Medicaid, the government health care plan for the poor and people with disabilities. At the same time, Cuomo is proposing to require physicians who move out of state to renew their medical licenses. Currently, doctors licensed in New York remain licensed for life, even if they move out-of-state. And hes proposing to give nurses priority access to all state-run universities. Four years ago, Cuomo signed a law requiring nurses with two-year degrees to get a four-year degree within a decade of becoming a nurse. The proposals come a day before Cuomo will deliver his annual State of the State message at 11:30 a.m. Monday. The governors proposals include: Requiring Medicaid to offer telehealth reimbursement for services, regardless of where the patient or provider is Developing interstate licensing reciprocity with nearby states in case of staff shortages Allowing some unlicensed staff, such as credential alcohol and drug counselors, to deliver services for people with addictions and mental health conditions. Requiring commercial health insurers to offer a telehealth program to members, and provide Medicaid coverage, subject to federal approval, to cover services furnished over telephones when appropriate Reset reimbursement rates to incentivize telehealth when medically appropriate Requiring insurers to offer online triage or virtual emergency room coverage for symptom assessments Got a story idea or news tip youd like to share? Please contact me through email, Twitter, Facebook or at 315-470-2274. 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. Cameroon admits soldiers, 'vigilantes' killed 10 kids, 3 women in massacre Human Rights Watch identifies the 'vigilantes' as suspected armed ethnic Fulani herdsmen Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Authorities in Cameroon have admitted that soldiers were involved in the killing of three women and 10 children in a mid-February attack in the civil war-stricken Northwest province in which 21 people were killed and several homes were pillaged. After initially claiming that allegations of soldiers being complicit in the massacre in Ngarbuh village on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14 were false, the Cameroonian government announced last Tuesday that three soldiers are on trial for their role in the killing of innocent civilians and burning of homes in the majority Christian Anglophone region. The government released the findings of a joint commission of inquiry investigation launched following reports that soldiers teamed up with Fulani militants in a nighttime attack that was said to have claimed the lives of at least 13 children and one pregnant woman. Following an exchange of gunfire, during which five terrorists were killed, and many weapons seized, the detachment discovered that three women and 10 children had died because of its actions, a lengthy statement released by President Paul Biyas communication unit reads. According to the statement, Major Nyiangono Ze Charles Eric of the 52nd Motorized Infantry Battalion in Nkambe ordered a reconnaissance mission on Feb. 12 to Ngarbuh, a village of the Ndu subdivision of the don Mantung area that is known to be where secessionist terrorists regrouped. Throughout the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions, some farming communities are supportive of rebel groups that began fighting for independence in 2017 because they feel underrepresented by the French-speaking central government. Over the last few years, fighting has spread across the Anglophone regions with thousands being killed and some churches seized. In Ngarbuh, the government claimed that rebels were engaged in all sorts of abuses against the local population, such as cattle rustling, rape, assaults. The government claims that such abuses warranted intervention by the military. On Feb. 13 around 10 p.m., a team of soldiers headed by Sgt. Baba Guida left for their base for Ngarbuh. But according to the government, the men stopped along the way to enlist 17 members of a local vigilante committee. While the local vigilante committee has not been identified, a Human Rights Watch investigation suggests that armed ethnic Fulani were involved in the attack. The Christian Post reported on allegations last year that government actors have encouraged and even armed ethnic Fulani to carry out attacks against separatist-supporting farming communities. Such attacks claimed the lives of two Bible translators last year. In Ngarbuh, the team split up once they entered the village. The governments report said that Guida, along with Gendarme Sanding Cyrille, Pfc. Haranga and 10 members of the vigilante group launched an attack in Ngarbhu neighborhood No. 3 based on information provided by a repented terrorist and farmer from the area. After engaging in gunfire, the government claims that the soldiers tried to conceal the facts that they had killed innocent women and children by starting fires. Upon returning to the military base, Guida was accused of filing a deliberately biased report to superiors. According to the investigations findings, it was Guidas initial report on which the government had previously issued a statement calling the allegations against the soldiers false. The government said there will be disciplinary proceedings against Eric and all soldiers involved. Arrests orders have been issued for Guida, Cyrille and Haranga, who will be subject to the Yaounde military tribunal. The government's statement claims that the members of the vigilante community involved in the attack are being tracked down and have not been identified. In addition to filing false reports, the government accuses Guida of involving armed civilians in a military operation, failing to control his troops and ordering the destruction of homes. Eric is accused of failing to properly supervise the operation despite knowing how sensitive the Ngarbuh area is. Arrests have been ordered for Guida, Cyrille, Haranga and 10 members of the vigilante community who have not been identified and need to be tracked down. Biya ordered the corpses of the victims to be exhumed and given a proper burial at the cost of the state. The presidency also ordered the state to pay compensation and indemnities to the families of the victims. [The president] reiterates his firm instructions to the relevant officials and the various levels of the hierarchy of the Defense and Security Forces to ensure, with increased determination, that they always perform their duty with professionalism, they particularly ensure the protection of civilians and see to it that allegations of any exactions are systematically investigated and where necessary properly punished, the statement adds. Human Rights Watch said in a statement that the governments findings are the first step in establishing the truth around the killings of civilians by government forces. However, HRW notes that the governments release diverges in significant detail from the facts of the events at Ngarbuh established by Human Rights Watch and corroborated by others, including the U.N. HRW found that members of the Rapid Intervention Battalion and armed ethnic Fulani killed 21 civilians in addition to burning five homes, beating residents and pillaging "scores of other properties." "The armed Fulani may be the 'local vigilance groups' referred to in the government news release," a HRW update contends. HRW believes that the governments report at least establishes that Cameroonian soldiers attempted to cover up the truth around the killings and includes a government pledge to work with human rights organizations. The commissions findings into the Ngarbuh massacre, while flawed, are an important first step toward justice for these serious crimes, HRW Central Africa Director Lewis Mudge said in a statement. But this report should not be a stand-alone action. A more in-depth investigation is needed to establish a clear timeline of events and to identify all those responsible, including anyone further up the chain of command, for the purposes of prosecuting them. The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde tweeted that it's pleased to see Cameroon take steps toward transparency. We welcome the news it plans to hold to account those suspected of carrying out this action and trying to cover it up, the tweet reads. The Ambazonia Governing Council, a separatist group that has declared independence, is not so pleased with the findings. Accepting culpability in Ngarbuh while presenting false justification of the systematic killing of civilians is a political masquerade, Ambazonia Governing Council leader Ayaba Cho Lucas said, according to Radio France Internationale. Cameroon was added to Open Doors USAs annual World Watch List of 50 countries where Christians are most persecuted in 2020. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday received a second dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech anti-coronavirus vaccine, along with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, CNN reported. "Receives the second shot in the "Returning to Life" campaign - all Israeli citizens will be vaccinated within 2-3 months and we will be able to open our economy," Netanyahu wrote in a tweet. "I agreed with Pfizer on more huge shipments of vaccines to Israel that will allow us to vaccinate all Israeli citizens until mid-March. We can open up our whole economy and come back to life. We entered Corona together and with the help of the name we will leave it together, first in the world and stronger than ever," Netanyahu wrote in another tweet. Benjamin Netanyahu became the first Israeli to receive the vaccine on December 20 and he pledged that millions of doses will arrive by the end of the month and urged all Israelis to be vaccinated. "I asked to be first to be vaccinated, along with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, to serve as a personal example and encourage you to get vaccinated," Netanyahu said before receiving the first dose of vaccine. Israel has so far reported 485,434 COVID-19 cases, while the death toll in the country stands at 3,645, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. (ANI) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-11 00:07:27|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close The street is decorated with lights, slogans and flags in front of the Presidential Palace in Vientiane, capital of Laos, Jan. 8, 2021. Preparations are complete for the Eleventh Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) to be held this week in mid-January, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Sunday. The Eleventh LPRP Party Congress will take place in Lao capital Vientiane from the coming Wednesday to Friday. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua) VIENTIANE, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Preparations are complete for the Eleventh Congress of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) to be held this week in mid-January, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Sunday. The Eleventh LPRP Party Congress will take place in Lao capital Vientiane from the coming Wednesday to Friday. When receiving the report from the sub-committees responsible for organizing the congress on the preparations last week, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and Investment Sonexay Siphandone, who also heads a sub-committee on the management of finances and preparation, praised the work done by all sub-committees preparing for the congress, with a focus on safety, security, and social order. He advised the sub-committees to comply with COVID-19 prevention measures, saying everyone should have their temperature checked, wear a face mask, and maintain social distancing. The final preparations are being carried out by the sub-committee on advertising and campaigning, which instructed the Vientiane City Office of Management and Service to ensure the city was appropriately decorated and cleaned, said the report on Sunday. Last Friday, the President of the Lao Front for National Development, Xaysomphone Phomvihane, who is head of the congress's sub-committee on advertising and campaigning, led officials from relevant sectors to inspect the progress made in decorating the city for the congress. Last Saturday, thousands of residents in Vientiane joined forces to clean streets and beautify the city. Vientiane is now adorned with lights, flowers and flags in the lead-up to the Party Congress this week. Visitors to Vientiane will find how the city is decorated, with the streets lined with the Lao and Party flags and other flags fluttering alongside red banners bearing messages exhorting people to maintain solidarity, praising the Party leadership, and supporting the mission of national defence and development. The focus of the Party Congress is reflected in the slogans appearing around the city: Long Live the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Long Live the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, Congratulate the Success of the Implementation of the Tenth Party Congress Resolution, All Efforts for People's Wellbeing and Prosperity of the Nation, President Kaysone Phomvihane is Alive in the Revolutionary Mission, Mind of the Lao People, Deepening the Party's Comprehensive Renovation Policy, and Enhancing the Great Solidarity of the Entire Nation under Party Leadership, the daily report noted. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 19:19:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Indian police Sunday dispersed scores of protesting farmers, who stormed the venue and vandalized the stage, where Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar was scheduled to address a group of farmers and highlight the benefits of three contentious farm laws. The clashes which broke out at Kaimla village near Karnal district of the state triggered chaos at the venue, forcing officials to cancel the chief minister's visit. "With the chaos, the chief minister's visit to the village stands cancelled," a local government official said. "The chief minister was scheduled to attend the gathering of farmers at the village and speak on the benefits of the three farm laws passed by the federal government in September last year." Police said scores of protesting farmers defying police barricades stormed the helipad and took control of the stage ahead of the visit. The farmers braved tear gas shelling and water cannons. Reports said the protesters shouted slogans and threw down chairs besides tearing up posters. Authorities anticipating trouble had made adequate security arrangements ahead of the meeting. Farmers were seen carrying black flags and shouting slogans against the government, demanding the repeal of three contentious farm laws. Harayana is a Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled state. Sunday's interaction of Haryana chief minister in the village was part of the federal government's outreach program to dispel "misconceptions" about the three farm laws. Thousands of farmers have been protesting for over a month in and around New Delhi, occupying roads and demanding the withdrawal of the three contentious farm laws. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been strongly defending the three laws, ever since the protest broke out in last November. So far eight rounds of talks between protesting farmers and the Indian government have failed to end the ongoing deadlock. The protesting farmers have threatened to hold a rally on India's Republic Day which falls on Jan. 26 if their demands are not met. Enditem The Grand Tortue Ahmeyim gas field development, straddling the offshore waters of Mauritania and Senegal, is expected to produce its first gas in 2023 following delays related to the coronavirus pandemic, according to Senegals Oil Minister Sophie Gladima. The two countries and international oil companies BP and Kosmos Energy are collaborating on the $4.8 billion project set to produce 2.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas annually and 70 million cu ft of natural gas a day in its first phase, to be equally shared between Senegal and Mauritania, Gladima said. The start of the pandemic coincided with a key period corresponding to the development of the oil and gas fields, she said. Many development-related activities, such as the mobilisation of resources and people, the construction phases on various sites around the world and installations were affected. The delay from a planned 2022 start has denied Senegal much-needed oil and gas revenues as its economy seeks to recover from the impact of the pandemic, which pushed down its 2020 economic growth target to 0.7 per cent. Between 2014 and 2017, reserves of more than 1 billion barrels of oil and 40,000 billion cu ft of gas were found in Senegal -- most of them shared with Mauritania, according to the International Monetary Fund. Thats prompted Senegal to be hailed as one of the regions most promising new producers and a possible future member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Any talk of joining any international organization or not is premature, said Gladima. Senegal is focused on the development of its oil projects to meet its objective of starting production from 2023, she said. The resources will be used to build an economy thats connected and competitive, through the reduction of electricity costs, the development of local content, and industrialisation. CHEAPER POWER Power plants run by the state-owned Senelec and independent producers such as Turkeys Karpowership are expected to switch from heavy fuel to gas after gas-to-power projects are completed, President Macky Sall said las year. Theres a lot resting on gas-to-power, said Kissy Agyemang-Togobo, a Managing Partner at Songhai Advisory Group. Electricity is expensive in Senegal -- the cost of production is high, with many plants running on imported fuel, she said. Senegals Sangomar project, developed by Perth, Australia-based Woodside Energy, with an estimated production capacity of 75,000 to 100,000 barrels of oil per day, is also set to start production in 2023, Gladima said. The $4.2-billion project will receive 18 per cent of its funding from state-owned oil company Petrosen, she said. The country had already started to reap benefits from its discoveries when the pandemic hit. The governments revenues from the hydrocarbons sector reached 22.8 billion CFA francs ($42.5 million) in 2019, a 37 per cent increase from 2018, according to a report by the National Committee of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. The rise that year was driven by a tax adjustment of 5.21 billion CFA francs paid by Kosmos Energy. Another gas field, Yakaar-Teranga, a resource of 15 to 20 trillion cubic feet, seeks to start production in 2023 or 2024, she said. Tradearabia News Service Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A mostly clear sky. Low 46F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Vasco : , Jan 10 (IANS) Kerala Blasters beat Jamshedpur FC 3-2 despite going down to 10 men in a dramatic Indian Super League (ISL) fixture at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Sunday. Costa Nhamoinesu gave Kerala the lead in the 22nd minute but his opener was neutralised by Nerijus Valskis in the 36th minute. Jordan Murray then scored a brace in the 79th and 82nd minute which gave Kerala a two-goal lead despite Lalruatthara receiving a red card in the 67th minute. Valskis scored in the 84th minute but Kerala held on for the rest of regulation time and six added minutes to secure the win. Both sides went into the first half break locked in a stalemate, after testing each other and creating a flurry of chances in the first half. Jamshedpur started strong and should have bagged the lead as early as the 4th minute after some delightful build-up play. Valskis did well to hold the ball and found Mobashir Rahman, whose cross found Jadhav. But the youngster's effort deflected off the post. Seven minutes later, Kerala fashioned a gilt-edged opportunity which was the best chance of the opening half. Gary Hooper put Murray through on goal with a decisive pass that split open the Jamshedpur backline. But with only the keeper to beat, the Australian skewed his shot over the bar. However, Kerala soon made amends for the early miss as they broke the deadlock from a set-piece. Facundo Pereyra swung a delicious cross in the box for Costa, who got ahead of Jamshedpur keeper T.P. Rehenesh and headed home. Jamshedpur rallied back soon after conceding and would go on to restore parity from a set-piece after Lalruatthara fouled Alexandre Lima in a dangerous area outside the box. Valskis curled his free-kick over the wall and into the top bottom corner past Kerala custodian Albino Gomes, ending his three-match goalless streak. Jamshedpur dominated proceedings after the restart, making constant raids into the opposition box but couldn't find a way. The best chances fell for Jackichand Singh, who struck the woodwork twice. Kerala were reduced to ten men just after the hour mark after Lalruatthara was shown a second yellow card for a rash tackle. But despite being a man down, two defensive errors from Jamshedpur helped Kerala gain an advantage. They took the lead from a set-piece. After Jessel Carneiro's throw-in was cleared away poorly by Stephen Eze, Pereyra won the ball and tested Rehnesh from close range. The ball fell to Murray on the rebound and he scored a tap-in. A decisive blunder from Rehenesh three minutes later allowed Murray to score again, seeing the shoulders drop in the Jamshedpur dugout. Valskis got on the scoresheet again to revive Jamshedpur's hopes of a comeback. The striker buried his header into the net from Mobashir's cross to cut short his side's deficit. But in the end, his goal came a little too late as Kerala went home with the three points. A Biden transition official said Mr. Biden remained committed to the One China policy, as well as the Taiwan Relations Act, which ensures ties, and arm sales, between Taipei and Washington. Mr. Biden believes support for Taiwan should be strong and bipartisan, the official said. China views Taiwan as its sovereign territory, and Taipei has never declared independence. The U.S. policy acknowledges that Beijing makes a claim to Taiwan but does not recognize the claim. Beijing has long reacted negatively to any efforts by Taipei to normalize or regularize relations with Washington. It has denounced trips to the United States by officials from Taiwan and criticized meetings with American officials. The opposition from Beijing, and the State Departments complex rules, have ensured that most interactions between the United States and Taiwan take place at a relatively low level. Kelly Craft, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, is scheduled to travel to Taiwan this week for a three-day visit aimed at bolstering support for the self-governed islands expanded participation in international organizations. As cross-strait relations have soured in recent years, China has wielded its growing economic and political clout to chip away at Taiwans international status, including by blocking any attempt by the island to join international organizations like the United Nations. Over the past year, Taiwan has sought to capitalize on its incredible success in controlling the coronavirus to lobby for its participation in the World Health Organization. The island of 23 million people has so far had only 828 cases and seven deaths from the virus, despite its proximity to the mainland. The Trump administration has taken up the issue as well, and it was prominently highlighted during a trip to the island last August by Alex M. Azar II, the secretary of health and human services, the highest-level American visit to Taiwan in decades. China responded to Mr. Azars visit by sending two fighter jets toward Taiwan, part of a more aggressive stance from Beijing over the past year that has seen Peoples Liberation Army aircraft fly toward the island almost daily. China, which vehemently opposes any diplomatic gesture that they see as validating Taiwans official status, condemned news of Ms. Crafts upcoming visit and vowed to retaliate. Joe Barrera, Ph.D., is the former director of the Ethnic Studies Program at UCCS and a longtime community activist. He is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Bill Cosby insists hes innocent in the sexual assault crimes hes been found guilty of. But not everyone is convinced. Fellow actor, John Amos, once revealed he witnessed a different side of Cosby when working with him during an episode of The Cosby Show. Now, another actor, Michael Jai White, says he personally knows four women who accuse Cosby of sexual misconduct who wont come forward with their accounts. Bill Cosby | Time Life Pictures/DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images Michael Jai White says he knows additional Bill Cosby accusers who wont come forward In a recent interview with Vlad TV, the topic of Cosby and his accusers came up. While Vlad admits he straddles the fence with who to believe Cosby or his accusers, due to many of the women not coming forward with their accounts until years later, Whites stance is clear. So 50 women lied on him on one of the most powerful people on the planet, White asks Vlad. As Vlad tried to make the case that anyone can be lied on, White did not back down. Ive never had 50 people lie on me. 50 people say I did something to them? Source: YouTube Related: Bill Cosby: Disturbing New Details About His Possible Prison Sentence, Revealed Vlad continued with playing devils advocate, trying to make the case that Cosbys accusers could have been after his money. Thats very specific, theres a lot of people with a ton of moneyI know four people that never came forward [against Cosby], White shot back. I know four women who are personal friends that have had issues with Bill Cosbythis was well before any of this stuff came out. To clarify, White says all four women are not accusing Cosby of rape. He does say that the women allege they were drugged, had non-consensual sexual contact, or had issues related to sexual harassment with Cosby. Furthermore, White says Cosbys personal reputation behind the scenes was known to be one of a sexual predator. Bill Cosby is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence Cosby is currently in a Pennsylvania prison for various sex crimes. In 2018, a Montgomery County judge found him guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting a Temple University employee in 2004. Cosby has appealed his conviction multiple times. Per USA Today, hes cited a number of errors by the trial judge in his case. The publication also says Cosby will willingly serve the full 10-year sentence as he refuses to admit guilt or offer an apology to his accusers. Source: YouTube I have eight years and nine months left, Cosby told a reporter during a jailhouse phone interview. When I come up for parole, theyre not going to hear me say that I have remorse. Cosby believes hes being unfairly punished and considers himself to be a political prisoner. his legal team, as well as his supporters, say hes being unfairly persecuted because of his position in Hollywood. There were rumors of a conspiracy to take Cosby down due to him potentially buying NBC right before his sexual assault scandal broke. Cosbys team hints to believing such. Cosbys reputation of being a serial predator was brought to light after fellow comedian Hannibal Buress referenced Cosby allegedly drugging and raping women during a stand-up comedy set. Months later, New York Magazine dedicated a cover story to 35 women accusing Cosby of assault, dating back to the 1970s. Human rights activists have resounded warning to the government over militarizing the police. The warning comes from the Executive Director Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana, following deployments of army men into police by the command in Chief Yoweri Museveni. Ssewanyana warns that this likely causes turmoil in the country. Ssewanyana was responding to the army deployments made, ahead of the January 14th Polls. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Nurses temporarily assigned to Winnipeg personal care homes are warning the danger of redeployment has left staff shuffling from home to home, risking COVID-19 transmission between facilities, compromising care for residents and overworking staff. Nurses temporarily assigned to Winnipeg personal care homes are warning the "danger of redeployment" has left staff shuffling from home to home, risking COVID-19 transmission between facilities, compromising care for residents and overworking staff. Jamie and Mackenzie not their real names were part of a crowd of nurses redeployed from regular duties to the citys long-term care facilities at the beginning of December. Originally told they would help cover one or two care homes in their catchment areas, the nurses said they were soon asked to cover several different homes for just days at a time with assignments changing rapidly, often on short notice. "I was digesting the idea of having to learn how to work in a PCH, and I could probably wrap my head around one or two places, getting to know it and being there to help," Jamie said in an interview Friday. "But when reality started to set in, weve been pulled from PCH to PCH, being told the needs have changed and theyre moving resources." Anxiety set in quickly for the nurses as new care home assignments every few days brought new uncertainties to each shift. "They dont tell you if youre going into a red zone or a green zone, you dont know whether you need to come home and decontaminate. Is there going to be PPE at the door waiting for you or are you going to need to fight for it?" said Jamie. "It makes you feel at times like youre a burden, because you dont know the facility and you dont know a lot of what comes naturally when youve been in a place for more than one or two days." The nurses said the workloads at each home have been "impossible," even unsafe, to manage as they are tasked with covering entire units on each shift, caring for 20 to 30 residents at a time. Night shifts can be even more dire: some care homes will leave one night nurse responsible for several floors, each housing several dozens of residents. "Theres really a severe understaffing. To give good care and to respect the elders that staffing baseline has to be re-evaluated, and how we care for them needs to be reworked," Mackenzie said. They noted long-term care is a specialty, not a task every nurse is trained for. While they understand the "unprecedented" situation calls for some sacrifices, Mackenzie said the constant reassignment with little training is severely "missing the mark." "Theyve dropped us into those assignments... when we are under the impression were there to help. But it turns out were not there to help, were there to take a full assignment with next to no training," Jamie added. "Its extremely dangerous and unsafe and its not fair; its not fair to those residents, its not fair to their families." The constant movement also presents a dire infection risk both to residents and to staff, who are moved between facilities or units with outbreaks to those without outbreaks on a regular basis, the pair said. In the spring, the province implemented a single-site staffing rule for personal care homes to help prevent the infection risks of constant staff shuffling. According to a spokeswoman for Shared Health, that order is still in place but personal care homes are able to apply for temporary exemptions "should a facility experience a significant impact on their ability to staff appropriately." "Exemptions may be granted in situations such as staff being isolated due to testing positive for COVID, or a close contact requiring isolation, or a high number of COVID positive residents who require a higher level of nursing care," the spokeswoman said in an email Friday. Currently, nine care homes in Winnipeg alone have been granted exemptions, she said. Now, a month into the redeployment, the two say communication from management has been scant, and nurses who inquire about the frequent transfers are told the health-care system is "moving resources" a term that leaves staff feeling neglected. "Theyre dehumanizing the experience and theyre not acknowledging the caregiving that goes into our work," said Mackenzie. "So much is being expected of us without much consideration of the impact on us." According to Shared Health there are currently 31 nurses redeployed to personal care homes in Winnipeg. They are entitled to premiums set out in a memorandum of understanding between the province and the Manitoba Nurses Union. The nurses, however, say they are required to submit their own timesheets, using personal time to consolidate hours worked across several facilities, sometimes having their compensation denied through "loopholes." On top of complicated remuneration processes, some have felt "pressure" to give up vacation time and "pitch in," said Mackenzie. It remains unclear, as the impacts of the pandemic continue in care homes and the health-care system at-large, when the redeployment situation will be re-evaluated. In the meantime, the present situation is dangerous, draining and detrimental to the health of all affected, the nurses said. "Its just been so upsetting to feel like you dont have any control at all, youre being yanked from one spot to another, youre expected to be a caregiver but it feels as though the care for the givers is gone," Jamie said. Mackenzie added: "This is not sustainable." julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @jsrutgers Around 500 New Jersey-based National Guard soldiers and airmen have deployed to Washington, D.C., to aid security after a violent mob stormed the Capitol building Wednesday. They are expected to remain in the city at least through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. Around 90 citizen soldiers from Troop B, 102nd Cavalry Regiment left from the West Orange armory Sunday morning, according to a spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs The 500 citizen soldiers and airmen from around the state deployed to D.C. between Friday and Sunday. That number includes approximately the 90 from West Orange, 90 from Mount Holly and 100 from Blackwood. The rest came from the 508th Military Police Company in Teaneck and airmen from the 108th Wing and 177th Fighter Wing in Egg Harbor Township. Due to recent events down in Washington D.C. and civil unrest, that definitely changed the picture for the New Jersey National Guard and our citizen soldiers were called up to help respond, Ryan Harty, operations officer of the states National Guard, said previously. The National Guard, which includes police and corrections officers, began deploying Friday and continued throughout the weekend. The New Jersey National Guard also deployed to the capital in May to aid officers during civil unrest surrounding the Black Lives Matter protests in May. New Jersey is among several states, including New York and Virginia, sending help to Washington D.C. Gov. Phil Murphy announced the deployment Thursday, the day after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building while Congress met to certify the election results. The violent clashes resulted in the death of five people, including Brian Sicknick, a 42-year-old Capitol Police officer originally from Middlesex County. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 73F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Rain likely. Low 49F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Imperial Valley News Center Vivint Smart Homes Inc. to Pay $3.2 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Statements to Federally Insured Bank Provo, Utah - Vivint Smart Home Inc. (Vivint), based in Provo, Utah, has agreed to pay the United States $3.2 million to resolve allegations under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) that Vivint employees made false statements to secure financing for customers purchases of Vivints home monitoring products, the Justice Department announced today. FIRREA imposes civil penalties on any person or entity that violates certain predicate federal statutes. Vivint is a provider of smart home monitoring services and frequently obtains new customers through door-to-door sales by Vivint sales representatives. The United States contended that, from 2017 to 2020, certain Vivint sales representatives used their personal funds to cover the cost of initial financing payments on behalf of Vivint customers who sought financing to purchase Vivints products, while making false and misleading statements to the federally insured financial institution providing the financing that made it appear as if the borrowers had funded the initial payments. Making false statements about the creditworthiness of borrowers undermines the integrity of our banking system and puts at risk the taxpayer dollars that help to support it, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Departments Civil Division. We will pursue those who fail to provide truthful information needed by federally insured financial institutions to make appropriate lending decisions. American business should be based on truthful disclosures, and false and misleading statements should never be part of dealings with federally insured financial institutions, said U.S. Attorney John W. Huber for the District of Utah. This resolution should send a strong message to corporations that using fraudulent tactics to secure consumer sales will not be tolerated. The allegations resolved by the settlement were initially provided to the United States in a declaration submitted under the Financial Institutions Anti-Fraud Enforcement Act, which provides for rewards to eligible declarants who provide information about potential FIRREA violations. The declarants share of the recovery in this matter has not yet been determined. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Utah and the Civil Divisions Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section). Investigative assistance was provided by the FBI. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Saudi Arabia has announced its decision to lift the temporary travel ban and resume all international flights, starting in March, said a report in Saudi Press Agency citing a statement from the Ministry of Interior. The move, which will come into force on March 31, includes the following measures: 1. Citizens will be allowed to travel outside thekKingdom and come back. 2. The temporary ban on international flights will be lifted. 3. All air, sea, and land borders will reopen. The implementation of the measures will be done in accordance with the procedures and precautions laid down by the concerned committee amid all necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the kingdom, the statement added. Ew Reply Thread Link i always wanted kids, but the idea of having them terrifies me. the bio clock is no joke though. Reply Thread Link Same, I dont want to push one out or have a C-section. It legit scares me. Reply Parent Thread Link Same. I always wanted children but doubt my ability to be a good parent. I feel like Ive missed my window. Reply Parent Thread Link I know I'd be a terrible parent, I'm too selfish. If something changes I'd adopt an older child. Reply Parent Thread Link Meh, Id be angrier if most didnt seem to view them as a OHW with a stupid song that no one knows the words to. Mmm bop, dip dab ba do wop, doo doo ba, do bop, dip dab ba doooo yeeeeah.... Edited at 2021-01-09 11:57 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link mmmnope Reply Thread Link My millennial heart breaks to learn just how awful my teen crushes turned out to be. Reply Thread Link Same. If they werent such shits, they could ride that 90s nostalgia wave. But, theyre just awful. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm glad I was never a huge fan of Hanson or BSB. They've been known to be trash for awhile, but recent events have really made them show themselves. Too bad a lot of hardcore fans don't care and will continue to stan. Reply Parent Thread Link The only time Ill listen to BSB is if a song of theirs pops up on the radio, but otherwise, I cant bring myself to listen to their old CDs anymore. Thankfully, Darren Hayes(Savage Garden) is not a completely garbage person and I can at least get some of my 90s nostalgia fixes. And most of the female artists are decent. Guess it tracks that hetero white men only disappoint. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link BTLittrell come find me... hahah like wheres Waldo Join me on Parler Social Media! https://t.co/QyHNCHhd5x Brian Littrell (@brian_littrell) January 9, 2021 brian tweeted last night to tell everyone they should join parlor. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Same. And I still like their new music. Why can't we have nice things!? Reply Parent Thread Link i wonder how many qanon conspiracists are in that photo Reply Thread Link Taylors wife looks so happy holding baby #87. Reply Thread Link I definitely dont feel bad being the one of my friends who hated Hanson. I just found them so whiny and unattractive. Teenage me knew. All of my old favs havent *yet* been outed as horrible humans. Now dont disappoint me, JC Chasez. Edited at 2021-01-09 11:36 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link I feel vindicated for hating them Reply Parent Thread Link Same, I fucking dispised Mmmbop and couldn't stand them. Also, I was more of an NSync fan than BSB (with Lance being my fav from the beginning). Reply Parent Thread Link When "Penny & Me" came out, Taylor's entire aesthetic was exactly like several gay men I knew at the time, and it became a question among them, "Is he gay?" Apparently just a homophobe. Reply Thread Link Taylor strikes me as a homophobic bi who feels smug about choosing the right sex. Reply Parent Thread Link I thought he was gay too and this was like 20+ years ago when I was NOT even a teen yet lol. Hes homophobic because hes in the closet and insecure- internal homophobia. Reply Parent Thread Link After this Hansongate exploded, a lot of (former) fans said Taylor and Zac, the ones who got called "gay" or "girls" the most back in the day, internalized all that hence the homophobia (besides being from OK and from a super conservative family ofc). Still not justified. Reply Parent Thread Link I definitely think it's something internalised, that they were told they were 'gay' when they were younger and they've distorted it in their heads. I may be giving them too much credit. Reply Parent Thread Link I guess Hilaria's next husband will be one of them. Reply Thread Link I dunno. They dont seem the type to marry a foreigner to me. Reply Parent Thread Link Underrated comment. Reply Parent Thread Link Whoever's in the dotted sweater in the middle pic looks like she's regretting life Reply Thread Link Im pretty sure thats Taylors wife with their newborn. Kid #7, I think. Edited at 2021-01-09 11:44 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link So is the lil red head kid under her. They look so exhausted from this family. Reply Parent Thread Link she must be exhausted lol Reply Parent Thread Link When I was 14, I wanted to marry Taylor Hanson. I dodged a bullet there - jfc that is a giant family. Like, Covid aside, it kind of makes me anxious, there are just TOO MANY PEOPLE. Reply Thread Link Same...I was in 10th grade when MMMBop came out and I hate to say it but they are good musicians. Just suck as decent human beings. Reply Parent Thread Link I loved all three of them but I was definitely a Zac stan. Dodging a bullet is an understatement. Reply Parent Thread Link i was also a zac stan and dear god, i'd kill him while he slept now. Reply Parent Thread Link And they all met their wives at concerts. You really did. Reply Parent Thread Link Hard same, but that was back when he looked like a beautiful lady. I hadn't quite figured myself out @ that point lbr Reply Parent Thread Link So glad I never got into Hansen. Turns out they're all nutcases with 1950s views of the world. Log out, bye bitches, you is done Reply Thread Link These people and their little armies of god warriors, I can't. Reply Thread Link right? I'm surprised they don't have a reality tv show on TLC yet. Reply Parent Thread Link Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence officiate as a joint session of the House and Senate reconvenes to confirm the electoral college votes, (Associated Press) Citing President Trumps assault on our democracy, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Sunday for the first time that the House would move to impeach him in the wake of last weeks ransacking of the U.S. Capitol, unless Vice President Mike Pence and the Cabinet agree to remove him under the 25th Amendment. Pelosis plan, disclosed in a letter to colleagues, came as a second Republican senator called on Trump to resign over his incitement of the mob that attacked the seat of Congress on Wednesday, marking an intensifying push by lawmakers to force Trump from power before his term ends at noon on Jan. 20. "We are calling on the vice president to respond within 24 hours," Pelosi wrote. "Next, we will proceed with bringing impeachment legislation to the floor. In protecting our Constitution and our democracy, we will act with urgency, because this president represents an imminent threat to both." With administration officials showing little appetite to remove Trump by invoking the 25th Amendment and more than 210 Democrats already signed on to proposed articles of impeachment Trump appears more likely to be impeached by the House for the second time, potentially making him the first U.S. president to hold that unwelcome distinction. He was impeached in 2019 for pressuring Ukrainian government officials to investigate then-presidential rival Joe Biden but later acquitted by the Senate. Pelosi's letter provided no timetable for an impeachment vote. Articles of impeachment are expected to be introduced in the House on Monday, with a vote possible as early as Wednesday. That would make it one of the fastest presidential impeachments ever conducted. Pelosi last week had called on Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment which sets out the procedure for removing an unfit president and raised the prospect of impeachment, but the new deadline for action aims to force the vice president's hand. Earlier Sunday, Republican Sen. Patrick J. Toomey of Pennsylvania told NBC's "Meet the Press" that the president should "resign and go away as soon as possible." He became the second GOP senator, after Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), to tell the president that it was time to go. Story continues But although Toomey agreed that the presidents actions were impeachable, he demurred when asked whether he would vote to convict Trump in the Senate. I don't know, as a practical matter, that it is actually even possible to do an impeachment in the number, in the handful, of days that are left, the senator said on CNN. With Trumps term ending in just 10 days, Toomey and several other Republicans argued that if the House impeached the president, a Senate trial would not occur until after Trump had already left office and was a private citizen. Outgoing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said all 100 senators would have to consent to fast-tracking a trial or any business of substance before Inauguration Day, an unlikely prospect. Democrats say impeachment is still vital because it signals that Trump's behavior is deeply unacceptable, and could also result in barring him from running for office again, as he has hinted he might. Before voting on impeachment, Pelosi said that the House would try on Monday to pass by unanimous consent a resolution calling for administration officials to invoke the 25th Amendment. It is unlikely that measure will pass, so Pelosi said she would then bring the resolution to a vote on Tuesday. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) said the resolution votes provide Trump and the GOP with a chance to avoid another impeachment drama. "This sequencing by @SpeakerPelosi is correct," he tweeted. "Impeachment is one of the gravest powers of Congress. It should always be our last option. If @POTUS doesnt resign or if @VP doesnt invoke the 25th Amendment, then we will Impeach." In response to concerns that pursuing impeachment would distract the new Congress and the nation from coping with the pandemic and supporting President-elect Biden's agenda, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn of South Carolina raised the possibility of delaying the Senate trial for up to several months. He said even that if the House impeached Trump this week, Pelosi (D-San Francisco) could refrain from immediately sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial. That would allow Biden to deal with crucial early business, such as securing confirmation for key Cabinet nominees and taking steps to rein in the coronavirus that is killing Americans at a record pace. Last week, the number of daily deaths from COVID-19 reached 4,000 for the first time, pushing the national toll to nearly 375,000. Let's give President-elect Biden the 100 days he needs to get his agenda off and running, Clyburn said on CNNs State of the Union. Four days after the Capitol was broken into and ransacked, many lawmakers still seemed to struggle for words to describe an event unprecedented in modern American history. The violence which left five dead, including a Capitol police officer forced lawmakers to flee and temporarily delayed their formal counting and announcement of electoral votes in Biden's victory, as required by the Constitution. With redoubled focus on securing Bidens inauguration, senior Democrats called on law enforcement to address the continuing threat posed by Trump-supporting extremists. Incoming Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Sunday he had urged FBI Director Christopher Wray a day earlier to relentlessly pursue the Capitol attackers, about 100 of whom have been arrested and charged. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) appearing Sunday on CBS Face the Nation, urged authorities to flood the zone around the Capitol with federal resources for the inauguration. Although the president has yet to publicly express any remorse over Wednesdays mob attack, his most ardent defenders, including Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), pivoted swiftly to grievances over the permanent termination of Trump's personal account on Twitter, his favorite social media platform. Republicans have no way to communicate, Nunes complained on a nationally televised cable program, Foxs Sunday Morning Futures. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) suggested as some other senators did after Trump's first impeachment last year that the president had learned his lesson. My personal view is that the president touched the hot stove on Wednesday and is unlikely to touch it again, said Blunt, interviewed on Face the Nation. He said Trump should serve out the remainder of his term. Democrats disagreed. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), the chair of the Democratic caucus, said Trumps remaining days in power represented peril for the country. Every second, every minute, every hour that Donald Trump remains in office presents a danger to the American people, Jeffries said on Meet the Press. Trump, he said, may be in the Twitter penalty box, but he still has access to the nuclear codes. Many Democrats have characterized the Capitol attack as a logical culmination of Trumps years of hateful rhetoric, demonizing opponents and undermining democratic principles. But although some longtime Trump loyalists broke with him over the violent episode, many insisted at the same time that it was a departure from the overall trajectory of his presidency. Wednesday was a fundamental threat to the United States, former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, who resigned his position as a special envoy to Northern Ireland in the aftermath of the Capitol attack, said on NBC. But he defended Trumps previous record, as did Toomey. Policy differences are different. Stylized, stylistic differences are different. Things you don't like about a person's personality are different than what happened on Wednesday, Mulvaney said. A few elected Republicans, including Marylands Gov. Larry Hogan, faulted both Trump and the members of Congress who backed his falsehood that the election was stolen. There is no question in my mind that he was responsible for inciting this riotous mob, Hogan, interviewed on CNN, said of Trump. He also said he was embarrassed and ashamed of lawmakers who voted to contest the election results even after the attack, though he declined to call explicitly for their expulsion. I think history will decide how theyre remembered, he said. Times staff writer Jennifer Haberkorn in Washington contributed to this report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Advertisement Sick patients in need of an ambulance may not be able to get one at their time of need if pressures on the NHS continue to increase, a leading paramedic has today warned. Tracy Nicholls, the head of professional body the College of Paramedics, says ambulance services are under 'unprecedented pressure' with handover delays at a scale never seen before. She said some ambulance crews have reported waiting up to ten hours to transfer a patient to hospital staff in areas where there is increased pressure on NHS services. And in a stark warning, she said there was a 'potential risk' that patients would not be able to access an ambulance if such pressures continue to increase. The caution comes as England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty today said hospitals face 'the worst crisis in living memory' as Covid-19 cases continue to soar - with 46,000 medical workers now off sick. And he warned that Britons who do not take the coronavirus lockdown seriously will cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door. His scathing comments, made in an article in the Sunday Times, came as Briton recorded a further 1,035 Covid deaths on the deadliest Saturday since April 18 - bringing the total number since the start of the pandemic to 80,000. But while the death figures continues to climb, hospitals face an ever-increasing struggle to deal with the added pressure of Covid patients. And Ms Nicholls said the pressure was being filtered down to paramedics. She told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: 'It (the ambulance service) is under unprecedented pressure. 'We are very used to seeing ambulance services take some strain over the winter months due to the normal pressures we would see any particular year. 'But this year particularly has seen incredible pressure because of the clinical presentation of the patients our members are seeing. They are sicker.' She added that the delay for category three calls, where a patient may have fallen, has been 'up to 10 hours' in high-pressure areas. Asked if there was a risk people might not be able to get an ambulance if the pressure on the NHS continues, Ms Nicholls said: 'I think it is a potential risk. In other coronavirus developments today: Rishi Sunak could delay tax rises until next autumn because he reportedly believes it is the 'wrong time' for them but will end Stamp Duty holiday in March; Police vow to issue fines 'much quicker' as scientists blame the public for not following the rules as closely as they did in the first lockdown; Coronavirus outbreaks in care homes more than doubled in a fortnight over the New Year period, after it emerged that only ten per cent of residents had been vaccinated; Some schools are still more than half full as attendance soars much higher than the first lockdown and parents are urged to keep children at home where possible; Doctors in packed London hospitals 'have to choose who gets intensive care and prioritise young people with highest survival chances'; Police who fined two women 200 for socially-distanced country walk are slammed by ex-chief constable who says 'if police don't act fairly, public won't comply'; Dozens of anti-lockdown protesters are confronted by police as they march on Clapham Common chanting 'take your freedom back'. Tracey Nicholls (pictured), the head of professional body the College of Paramedics, says ambulance services are under 'unprecedented pressure' with handover delays at a scale never seen before Britons not taking the coronavirus lockdown seriously could soon cause 'avoidable deaths' when critically ill patients are turned away at the hospital door, Professor Chris Whitty warned in a scathing article for the Sunday Times. Pictured, ambulances outside the Royal London Hospital on January 8 Footage showed the inside of St George's Hospital as Covid cases soar in Britain. The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history A mother issued a harrowing plea while recovering from coronavirus in intensive care, after the virus 'floored' her on Christmas Day. Doctors told Allie Sherlock, had she not been put on a ventilator at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (pictured), she would have died Staff say they are exhausted and fearful as they are told that St George's Hospital will only get busier in the coming days Prof Whitty (pictured) blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable 'We are open for business, as is all the NHS. The ambulance services are doing an amazing job under difficult circumstances.' She added: 'But I'm sure it's frightening for people to think that because of the pressures from Covid-19 they may somehow not get an ambulance in the same way.' The warning comes as it was revealed almost 50,000 hospital workers are currently off sick with Covid-19, according to the chair of the British Medical Association, Chaand Nagpaul, meaning an already stretched workforce is under even more pressure, The Guardian reports. Mr Nagpaul said: 'It is only if the NHS workforce is kept fit and well that we will be able to meet the unprecedented surge in demand that the coming weeks and months will bring as well as delivering the vaccine programme that remains our only hope to end this dreadful pandemic.' Meanwhile, Prof Whitty today blasted coronavirus rulebreakers for being the 'link in a chain' that will allow the deadly virus to infect a and kill the elderly and vulnerable. 'We must stay home except for work, exercise and necessary activities. Every unneccesary interaction you have could be the link in the chain of transmission which has a vulnerable person at the end,' he wrote. 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I'd make it': Covid patients speak out from intensive care in footage that shows emotional medics inside packed London hospital One nurse at UCH, Ashleigh, revealed that they are being forced to prioritise their care which will inevitably lead to a lower standard of care Shocking footage from an intensive care unit has revealed the extent of the coronavirus crisis and the strain it is piling on the NHS. Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients. Operating theatres and some paediatric rooms have even been converted into intensive care units to deal with the ever-growing number of patients. The harrowing footage comes on the same day Britain breached 1,000 Covid-related deaths since the virus's peak in April. Department of Health figures revealed that a whopping 1,041 people have died as a result of coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Footage filmed by the BBC showed the alarming reality on hospital wards. One patient, Attila, 67, opened up about the trauma of suffering from the virus. He said: 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I would make it. There is no oxygen around. It's very frightening.' Advertisement The country has two weeks before hospitals are likely to be completely overwhelmed, Prof Whitty added, as the nation is plunged into the 'most dangerous situation' in living history. But it's not just Britons with coronavirus who are at risk, as patients in need of treatment for other illnesses face 'unsafe' waiting times. NHS hospitals are treating half the usual number of cancer patients, according to The Sunday Telegraph, as London needs to treat 500 more cancer patients a week to stay on top of demand - but only 122 were treated in the capitals NHS hospitals this week. It could take the NHS six years of 1990-level waiting lists - meaning patients will be forced to wait years for operations - and more than 900million to get back to where healthcare was pre-Covid, according to Rob Findlay, an expert who produced software for nearly 20 NHS trusts. He told People the 168,000 patients who have waited a year for treatment will more than double by March after lockdown caused operations to be delayed. Professor Neil Ferguson said the number of patients with coronavirus in hospitals will sour by 20 per cent. 'It will be quite difficult to avoid another 20,000 deaths,' he added. Meanwhile, a further 1,035 people have died today in the deadliest Saturday since April 18, as the total Covid death toll since the pandemic began hit a grim 80,000. The total marked a 132.5 per cent rise on the 445 deaths recorded on Saturday last week and was the highest Saturday figure since April 18. But in a positive sign the upward curve in cases may be levelling out a further 59,937 people tested positive, up just 3.8 per cent on last Saturday. Most hospitals are struggling to cover the levels of staffing needed to properly treat desperately ill patients. In Kent, the origin of the UK Covid strain that quickly overwhelmed London and the south east, 25 per cent of clinical and administrative staff are reportedly off sick - making it more difficult to administer vaccinations. Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: 'There are enough right now to deliver the limited supplies that we've got. But we certainly haven't got enough staff to deliver a much larger programme in two or three weeks' time, while at the same time as continuing to deliver the flu vaccination programme and delivering normal business in general practice as well.' It comes after the scene in the packed intensive care ward of St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London was recorded in a series of photographs. Its doctors and nurses revealed the unit has now doubled in size. Shattered staff at London's largest hospital say they are working 'to the limit' of their ability, battling low morale, exhausting shift patterns, and the prospect that the worst is still to come. Medical Director at NHS London, Vin Diwakar, warned medics that even if coronavirus patients grew at the lowest likely rate and hospital capacity is increased - including opening the Nightingale at the ExCel Centre - the NHS would still be short 2,000 general, acute and ICU beds by January 19, the HSJ reports. Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain - and bosses fear that there will be an exodus of staff when the third lockdown ends at Easter. Staff at London's University College Hospital told the BBC they are having to make choices about which patients to prioritise after a surge in young people left fighting for their life and needing ventilators. St George's emergency department consultant Dr Mark Haden said: 'Everyone's stress levels are higher than usual. Everyone is working to the limit, to the threshold of what they're able to. The hospital bed occupancy is very, very high, it has lots of Covid patients as inpatients at the moment.' The Press Association was given access to the ICU where Ms Cooper said: 'There is very little joy in our work at the moment. It's hard to find that joy when you come into work - you're scared for your colleagues, your families and yourself.' She said some staff have had to be sent home to take time off due to the unprecedented pressures on the job, while others have battled on despite not being able to see family abroad for nearly a year. A consultant takes a moment to use his phone in the corridor of the Intensive Care Unit 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, Tooting, as their condition worsens A staff nurse treats patient Peter Watts, 64, in the Emergency Department at St George's Hospital in Tooting, London's largest hospital Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain sweeping the country St George's has been forced to double the size of its intensive care unit from 60 beds to 120 beds to cope with the number of Covid cases And Mrs Cooper said she was concerned about the coronavirus legacy on staff in the emergency department. 'There's only so much you can come in and see an unprecedented number of healthy people die before that affects you,' she said. 'There is going to be an impact on mental health for a long time for our staff. 'We're quite resilient and adaptable, that's part of being in the emergency department, that's what we love. But this is going to have a sustained impact on staff and that's what worries me because I can't see how we're going to help that, because it is an impact that can't be seen in someone but it is very much felt. Intensive care consultant Mohamed Ahmed said he had seen staff in tears at the end of their shift, while some decided they could no longer come to work. Intensive care consultant Mohamed Ahmed said he had seen staff in tears at the end of their shift, while some decided they could no longer come to work Staff nurses work in the corridor of the Acute Dependency Unit at St George's Hospital in Tooting Dr Ahmed, 40, said: 'After the first wave, we had quite a lot of staff who resigned. They couldn't cope. We had nurses who had all their family members abroad and of course they couldn't see them, so they couldn't get that support. It was extremely difficult. 'We have had a lot of sickness, so we've had situations where very good nurses are having to work on behalf of all of those who are unable to come in - it's one of these situations you never want to put your staff in.' Asked how much more staff could tolerate, Dr Ahmed said: 'The wiggle room, as you say, has been stretched so much. However, predominantly we're programmed in such a way as to deal with anything. But it would stretch us beyond our limit.' His intensive care colleague, matron Lindsey Izard, described how staff were 'really on the edge, they're exhausted and they're getting Covid themselves'. And Omome Etomi, a medical registrar on the hospital's Acute Medicine Unit, said she was 'shattered'. Dr Etomi, 28, said: 'I think psychologically more than anything, it's been months and months of this. Even in between waves, we never really went back to normal. For us it's been a really long few months. It's challenging.' Emergency department consultant Mark Haden paid tribute to the staff for stepping up to the challenge. Dr Haden, 36, said: 'We make it look like business as usual but it's very much not - it's very different to our usual pattern of work. 'Everyone's stress levels are higher than usual. Everyone is working to the limit, to the threshold of what they're able to. It is stretching us and we are having to find new ways of working in order to look after our patients. 'We will always find ways to cope - I have every faith that everyone in this trust will step up.' The PM pledged to vaccinate the most at-risk 13million Britons by mid-February with the ambition of easing restrictions but later conceded there would not be a 'big bang' release from the current national lockdown. A patient is brought into the Royal London Hospital, in London. Britain's National Health Service (NHS) is coming under severe pressure as COVID-19 hospital admissions continue to rise He revealed seven mass coronavirus vaccination centres will open next week to turbo-charge efforts to get jabs to millions of people, with the make-shift sites operated by NHS staff and volunteers. But politicians fear he may have over-promised with his pledge, with ministers already trying to shift the blame for disruptions to the initial supply of vaccines, with Boris Johnson first saying the hold-up was due to quality checks done by regulators and Matt Hancock trying to pin difficulties on limited manufacturing supply. Pharmacists have called for their shops to be used to dish out the jabs and asked the NHS to use its 'invisible army' of volunteers to ensure up to 3million are vaccinated each week. And Former prime minister Tony Blair published a 'blueprint' and urged No10 throw all its weight behind the vaccine programme, insisting scaling up the scheme 'is not complicated'. Defending England's third national lockdown, the Prime Minister told a recalled House of Commons that his hand had been forced after a new variant of the disease was found to be spreading with 'frightening ease'. Mr Johnson said No10's mass inoculation programme meant nearly one quarter of over-80s had already received jabs and England had vaccinated more people 'than in the rest of Europe combined'. 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 His national shutdown, which includes a strict stay at home message and the closure of schools, is due to be reviewed in the middle of February but the laws underpinning it are not due to expire until the end of March. Mr Johnson has said he hopes the rules can start to be lifted in the spring but he has failed to give a firm commitment, fuelling Tory fears that the restrictions could be in place far longer than the initial seven weeks. Mr Johnson stressed that when rules are eased there will be a 'gradual unwrapping' of lockdown rather than an immediate end as he dashed hopes of a swift return to normal life. Senior Tories accused the Prime Minister of launching an 'assault on liberty and livelihoods' as they warned lockdown will inevitably cause some people to 'break'. Mr Hancock ducked demands to give a firm end point for lockdown as he suggested that even if the vaccine rollout happens by mid-February, curbs might have to stay if deaths do not fall. The Health Secretary came under fire from his own side as he kicked off the debate on the regulations underpinning the brutal squeeze - which has already come into effect. Mr Johnson made clear that a successful roll-out of the vaccine programme will be key to determining when the lockdown measures can be lifted. He said: 'We have already vaccinated more people in this country than in the rest of Europe combined and we will give the House the maximum possible transparency about our acceleration of this effort, publishing daily updates online from Monday so that jab by jab honourable members can scrutinise the process being made every day. Above are the locations of the seven mass vaccination centres that will begin operating from next week. They were revealed by the Prime Minister 'Yet as we take this giant leap towards finally overcoming the virus and reclaiming our lives we have to contend with the new variant which is between 50 and 70 per cent more contagious. 'The tiers the House agreed last month, was working with the old variant but alas, this mutation spreading with frightening ease and speed in spite of the sterling work of the British public, this mutation has led to more cases than we have seen ever before, numbers that alas cannot be explained away by the meteoric rise in testing.' But fears are growing that the Prime Minister may have over-promised with his pledge to jab 13million Britons by mid-February. GP dishing out Covid jab says they have had NO doses despite being 'raring to go' A GP on the frontline of Britain's great coronavirus vaccine push has revealed doctors have still not received doses that were supposed to arrive last month, amid fears Boris Johnson has over-promised with his pledge to jab 13million Brits and end lockdown by March. Dr Rosemary Leonard, an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late. Dr Leonard, who also writes a column for the Daily Express newspaper, warned the vaccine roll out was becoming a 'postcode lottery for patients', and believes the delay is the result of 'central supply issues'. Despite being just days into the rollout of the Oxford vaccine, there has already been finger-pointing between the Government, regulators and the jab's manufacturer AstraZeneca over who is to blame for the delays. Matt Hancock and NHS bosses have suggested manufacturing has been too slow, while the Prime Minister has blamed the UK's stringent batch testing rules which mean every deliver of vaccine needs to be quality checked. It comes as independent pharmacists begged the Government to let small chains dish out vaccinations to help Number 10 fulfill its ambitious vaccine promises, which will require jabbing a mammoth 3million Brits a week. MailOnline has spoken to at least half a dozen membership bodies which claim there are 11,000 pharmacies 'ready, willing and able' to assist in the rollout of the programme. They say they are being held back by more Government red tape. Advertisement A GP on the frontline of Britain's great coronavirus vaccine push revealed doctors have still not received doses that were supposed to arrive last month. Dr Rosemary Leonard, an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late. Dr Leonard warned the vaccine roll out was becoming a 'postcode lottery for patients', and believes the delay is the result of 'central supply issues'. Despite being just days into the rollout of the Oxford vaccine, there has already been finger-pointing between the Government, regulators and the jab's manufacturer AstraZeneca over who is to blame for the delays. Matt Hancock and NHS bosses have suggested manufacturing has been too slow, while the Prime Minister has blamed the UK's stringent batch testing rules which mean every deliver of vaccine needs to be quality checked. It comes as independent pharmacists begged the Government to let small chains dish out vaccinations to help Number 10 fulfill its ambitious vaccine promises, which will require jabbing a mammoth 3million Brits a week. MailOnline has spoken to at least half a dozen membership bodies which claim there are 11,000 pharmacies 'ready, willing and able' to assist in the rollout of the programme. They say they are being held back by more Government red tape. Meanwhile shocking footage from an intensive care unit has revealed the extent of the coronavirus crisis and the strain it is piling on the NHS. Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients. Operating theatres and some paediatric rooms have even been converted into intensive care units to deal with the ever-growing number of patients. Footage filmed by the BBC showed the alarming reality on hospital wards. One patient, Attila, 67, opened up about the trauma of suffering from the virus. He said: 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I would make it. There is no oxygen around. It's very frightening.' A doctor went on to explain that if the hospital is forced to keep increasing its capacity at this rate it will only be able to last another week before it cannot provide intensive health care to all patients. The high street has also thrown its weight behind the rollout of the mass vaccination scheme to get life back to normal by spring. Bensons for Beds revealed it has written to the Government, offering all 250 of its stores across the UK to serve as temporary vaccination centres. And the owner of the London nightclub G-A-Y claimed this morning he'd written to Westminster Council putting forward his venue. So far only 1.3million people in the UK have been vaccinated with the Oxford/AstraZeneca or Pfizer/BioNTech jabs since the programme launched a month ago. There is a growing clamour today for the process to be ramped up dramatically - with concerns that local chemists and other facilities are not being used enough. In an attempt to justify the decision to send England into its third national lockdown, Mr Johnson also said an ONS report showing the extent of infections across the country as well as rising hospitalisations showed it was 'inescapable that the facts are changing and we must change our response'. Dr Rosemary Leonard (left), an NHS family doctor who works in South London, said her practices were 'raring to go' and had been waiting on their first batch of vaccinations since December 28. But she claimed the delivery date has been pushed back three times already, with the first doses now not due to arrive until January 15, more than a fortnight late Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients Gavin Williamson confirms TEACHERS will decide GCSE and A-Level grades Teachers will decide school pupils' GCSE, A-level and AS-level grades this summer after exams were scrapped due to Covid-related school closures, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed. The exams that were due to be sat in May and June this year will be replaced by school-based assessments, he told the Commons in a statement this afternoon. The under-pressure minister finally faced MPs amid chaos over the decision to close schools during the new lockdown. He told MPs 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. Telling MPs that 'our schools have not suddenly become unsafe', he said they are 'much better prepared than last March' to implement home-learning. He said: '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.' He said the details of how the teacher assessments would work were being 'fine-turned' along with Ofsted, exam boards and teaching unions. Advertisement He told MPs: 'So we had no choice but to return to a national lockdown in England with similar measures being adopted by the devolved administrations so that we can control this new variant until we can take the most likely victims out of its path with vaccines.' When Mr Johnson announced the lockdown on Monday night he said the measures would be reviewed in the middle of February. But the regulations being voted on by MPs this afternoon are due to last in law until the end of March. Mr Johnson tried to assuage Tory fears that the measures could still be in place in April but also insisted the nation must be 'extremely cautious about the timetable ahead'. He said: 'As was the case last spring our emergence from the lockdown cocoon will not be a big bang but a gradual unwrapping. 'That is why the legislation this House will vote on later today runs until March 31, not because we expect the full national lockdown to continue until then but to allow a steady, controlled and evidence-led move down through the tiers on a regional basis, carefully brick-by-brick, as it were, breaking free of our confinement but without risking the hard won gains that our protections have given us.' Mr Johnson said schools will be the 'very first things to reopen' when lockdown measures can start to be eased. Sir Keir Starmer said Labour will support the new lockdown as he warned the UK is facing 'perhaps the darkest moment of the pandemic'. But he said the situation is not the result of 'bad luck' and that it 'follows a pattern' as he accused the Government of failing to heed the warnings of experts and of repeatedly failing to act swiftly enough. 'In the first wave of the pandemic the Government was repeatedly too slow to act and we ended 2020 with one of the highest death tolls in Europe and the worst-hit economy of major economies,' he said. 'In the early summer, a Government report called 'Preparing for a challenging winter' warned of the risk of a second wave, of the virus mutating and of the NHS being overwhelmed. 'It set out the preparations the Government needed to take, I put that report to the Prime Minister at PMQs in July. 'Throughout the autumn Track and Trace didn't work. Sage advised a circuit-break in September but the Prime Minister delayed for weeks before acting. 'We had a tiered system that didn't work and then we had the debacle of the delayed decision to change the rules on mixing at Christmas. 'The most recent advice about the situation we're now in was given on December 22 but no action was taken for two weeks until Monday of this week. 'These are the decisions that have led us to the position we're now in and the vaccine is now the only way out and we must all support the national effort to get it rolled out as quickly as possible.' There is growing anger on the Tory backbenches over the Government's handling of the pandemic. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday said he was lifting restrictions on contacts between US officials and their Taiwanese counterparts, a move likely to anger China and increase tensions between Beijing and Washington in the waning days of President Donald Trump's presidency. China claims democratic and separately ruled Taiwan as its own territory, and regularly describes Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in its ties with the United States. While the United States, like most countries, has no official relations with Taiwan, the Trump administration has ramped up backing for the island country, with arms sales and laws to help Taiwan deal with pressure from China. In a statement, Pompeo said that for several decades the State Department had created complex internal restrictions on interactions with Taiwanese counterparts by American diplomats, service members and other officials. "The United States government took these actions unilaterally, in an attempt to appease the Communist regime in Beijing," Pompeo said in a statement. "Today I am announcing that I am lifting all of these self-imposed restrictions," he added. The move appeared to be another part of an effort by Pompeo and Trump's Republican administration to lock in a tough approach to China before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden takes office on January 20. Bonnie Glaser, an Asia expert at Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said examples of the restrictions included Taiwanese officials not being able to enter the State Department, but instead having to meet at hotels. "The Biden administration will rightly be unhappy that a policy decision like this was made in the final days of the Trump administration," Glaser said. An official with Biden's transition said that once Biden was in office he would continue to support "a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues consistent with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan." "DECADE OF DISCRIMINATION, REMOVED" Taiwan's government welcomed the move. "Decades of discrimination, removed. A huge day in our bilateral relationship. I will cherish every opportunity," Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan's de facto ambassador in Washington, tweeted. A senior Taiwanese official familiar with the island's security planning told Reuters this was the largest adjustment by the United States in its policy toward the island in recent years, saying both main US political parties have always strongly supported exchanges between the United States and Taiwan. "It reflects the current situation of closer cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on regional and global issues," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Pompeo, who has taken an increasingly hard-line stance toward China and identified it as the principal long-term threat faced by the United States, has repeatedly used the red-button Taiwan issue to push back against Beijing. In November, he appeared to call into question the long-standing US "one-China policy" by stating in a radio interview that Taiwan "has not been a part of China," causing Beijing to warn that behavior that undermined "China's core interests and interferes with China's domestic affairs will be met with a resolute counterattack." The US ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, will visit Taiwan next week for meetings with senior Taiwanese leaders, prompting China to warn on Thursday they were playing with fire. Chinese fighter jets approached the island in August and September during the last two visits: by US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and US Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Keith Krach, respectively. The United States is Taiwan's strongest international backer and arms supplier, and is obliged to help provide it with the means to defend itself under the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act. "The United States government maintains relationships with unofficial partners around the world, and Taiwan is no exception. ... Todays statement recognizes that the US-Taiwan relationship need not, and should not, be shackled by self-imposed restrictions of our permanent bureaucracy," Pompeo said. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Photo: Facebook Former Pickton murder trial prosecutor Mike Petrie has died of COVID-related illness The lawyer who led the prosecution of Canadas worst serial killer has died of COVID-19-related pneumonia. Mike Petrie is remembered by colleagues and friends as a skilled lawyer, a dogged champion and a compassionate man. He died January 5, weeks before his 67th birthday. After completing education at Vancouvers Killarney High School, Petrie graduated from the University of British Columbia law school in 1978 and became a Crown lawyer in the East Kootenay the following year. A decade later, he moved to the Fraser Valley where he worked mainly on major crime prosecutions. Although he prosecuted many cases, arguably the biggest was that of Port Coquitlam serial killer Robert William Pickton, who was charged with the murders of 26 women and convicted of second-degree murder on six counts in 2007. Petrie was appointed Queens counsel in 2006 by then attorney general Wally Oppal. He retired in 2014. Oppal, who headed the inquiry into the Pickton investigation, said Petrie was a prosecutors prosecutor. He was a hell of a guy, Oppal said. He was never afraid of a tough case. And, Oppal said, Pickton was one of the toughest. It was a really difficult time Mike had to put all of that together, Oppal said. I dont think lawyers even understand how difficult it is to put together a case like that and he did it. Oppal said as attorney general he wrote to Petrie after the case and expressed his pride in the prosecutors work and the debt the province owed. He was just highly respected within the profession, Oppal said. The defence liked him because he was fair. The judges respected him. Its a loss to the province. Pickton was found guilty in the death of Marnie Frey, one of six second-degree murder convictions in the case of Vancouvers murdered and missing women, most of them drug-addicted sex workers from the citys Downtown Eastside. Marnies father Rick Frey said Petrie helped take the victims families through some hard times. Frey said Petrie took time to assist the families in understanding the court process. He would come out and talk and joke with us, Frey said. He was a real good guy, a guy-next-door kind of guy. He kind took the edge off all that horror. Petrie is survived by two sons, a grandson, two nieces and a great-niece. Petrie had survived strokes only to succumb to COVID-related pneumonia. Oppal said Petrie was lucid until the end and had been in a home. The son of a radical Indonesian cleric suspected to be the mastermind of the 2002 Bali bombings has stepped in to defend his father after his release from jail stirred condemnation from the Australia. Abu Bakar Bashir, 82, was given his first taste of freedom on Friday after serving three-quarters of a 15-year sentence in a Bogor prison in West Java, Indonesia. He was serving a sentence in relation to funding for a terrorist training camp in Aceh, on the northwest tip of Sumatra Island. Bashir is also widely believed to have been the spiritual leader of terror group Jemaah Islamiyah at the time it orchestrated the Bali bombings and killed 202 people - including 88 Australians. Indonesian police and Western intelligence agencies say Bashir was linked to the Bali attack, but he was never convicted of direct responsibility and denied those ties. Australian families of the victims were quick to call out Bashir's release while prime minister Scott Morrison said it was 'very distressing' and 'gut-wrenching'. Bashir's 44-year-old son Abdul Rochim told Daily Telegraph the response from Australians 'means that they are sick, their soul is sick'. Abu Bakar Bashir, 82, (pictured, following his release) was given his first taste of freedom on Friday after serving three-quarters of a 15-year sentence in a Bogor prison in West Java, in Indonesia Bashir is also widely believed to have been the spiritual leader of terror group Jemaah Islamiyah at the time it orchestrated the Bali bombings and killed 202 people Survivors of the Bali Bombings say they do not want Bashir released (pictured, nightclub strip in Kuta following 2002 Bali bombings) 'It means they are paranoid and are constantly fearful without any reason,' he said. 'They were worried when my father was in jail, now they are worried that he is free.' Mr Rochim argued his father's conviction in relation to the Bali bombings had been overturned and that Australians needed to 'go to psychiatrist'. 'What do the Australians want? If I kill my father, they will still be afraid,' he said. Bashir's other son Abdul Rochim Bashir said his father was now so old he had to be carried up the family stairs and that he would no longer return to preaching or teaching the Islamic faith. His release has come as a blow for the friends and families of the victims of the Bali bombings. Sydney's Coogee Dolphins amateur rugby club member Albert Talarico spoke out against the release, after the club lost its former president Clint Thompson and five other members in the attack. 'Some will never forgive, there will be others who will be just angry today,' he said. 'Others will stay silent because they don't wish to have the old wounds opened again.' Phil Britten, who was badly burned across 40 per cent of his body, is concerned Bashir will be 'going back into society and doing what he's always done', radicalise others. 'Over the years you have to learn to let go and let people deal with those matters,' Britten told Sydney Morning Herald. Bashir was released from prison on Friday when locals waited for his arrival at his Sukoharjo home Police on motorcycles patrol the street on the day Bashir was released from his Bogor prison, in West Java More than 200 people were killed, including 88 Australians, in the Bali Bombings in October 2002 (pictured, wreckage following 2002 Bali bombings) 'If I waste my time, anger and emotions on things that I can't change, I'm not living my best life for my family.' Mr Morrison said he had made clear through the Australian embassy in Jakarta about the concerns of Bashir's release. 'We have always called for those who were involved - not just I as prime minister, my predecessors of all political persuasions - to face tougher, proportionate and just sentences in these cases,' he said. 'Decisions on sentences, though, as we know, are a matter for the Indonesian justice system. We have to respect the decisions that they take.' Zulkarnaen, a man believed to be one of the most senior members of JI and involved in making the bombs for the Bali attacks, was arrested in Indonesia last month. The 2002 Bali bombings happened in the tourist district of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali. The bombs were detonated in busy nightclubs killing 202 people, including 88 Australians, and injuring several hundreds more. Indonesian police and Western intelligence agencies say Bashir (pictured, in 2011) was linked to the Bali attack, but he was never convicted of direct responsibility and denied those ties Several cities and towns across Pakistan plunged into darkness late on Saturday night following a huge blackout due to a fault in the power distribution system, according to media reports. The power outage was reported shortly before midnight almost simultaneously in many cities. Residents of Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and others faced the blackout, the reports stated. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat tweeted that the National Transmission Despatch Company's lines have tripped, causing outage. "It will take sometime before everything gets back to normal," he added. Power Minister Omar Ayub Khan said the frequency in the power distribution system suddenly dropped from 50 to zero, causing the blackout. "We are trying to ascertain what caused the drop in frequency, Ayub said. Initial reports suggest there was a fault in the Guddu power plant in Sindh province at 11.41 pm, the Energy Ministry tweeted. The fault tripped the high transmission lines and this resulted in the system frequency to drop from 50 to zero in less than a second, causing power plants to shut down, according to the ministry. It added that Khan was overseeing the restoration work at the National Power Control Center. The minister appealed to people to maintain restraint and said power restoration was being carried out with caution and teams were on the ground. Later, Khan posted a series of tweets regarding restoration of power in several grids. PTI HMB Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. GROTON A small house sits tucked behind some trees along busy Route 117 that cuts through the center of town. No one answered the door Friday at the address listed in the Washington Metropolitan Police records for the 40-year-old Groton residents who were among the dozens of people arrested Wednesday in the aftermath of a mob storming the U.S. Capitol building. Victoria Bergeson and Maurcio Mendez, the only Connecticut residents listed in the arrests logs in connection with the protest, have each pleaded not guilty to curfew violation and unlawful entry. While there was a car parked in their driveway, the only sounds came from dogs barking from inside the home. Outside, there were no signs supporting President Donald Trump. One neighbor said he knew Bergeson and Mendez went to Washington to attend the demonstration, but he declined to say anything more about them. Others who lived nearby either declined to comment or said they didnt know Bergeson and Mendez. Facebook and LinkedIn accounts associated with Bergeson appeared to have been taken down by Friday evening. In an email Friday evening, Bergeson declined to comment and referred questions to her attorney. Bergeson and Mendez were arrested after the Washington mayor set a 6 p.m. curfew Wednesday to help disperse the thousands who protested the certification of Joe Biden as the next president. Police said Bergeson and Mendez were each taken into custody around 7:15 p.m. in the 100 block of First Street Northwest less than five minutes from the Capitol building. Court records show the Metropolitan police chief issued at least three warnings for the individuals to disperse and go inside, according to court documents regarding their arrests. Those warnings were given at 7:15 p.m., 7:16 p.m. and 7:17 p.m., more than an hour after the curfew went into effect. The listed individuals did not obey the warnings, the documents stated. They were stopped and placed under arrest for violation of mayors curfew order. The documents said that while Metropolitan police were issuing warnings, the Capitol police through audio-amplification devices around the U.S. Capitol grounds broadcasted numerous warnings related to the closing of the Capitol grounds to unauthorized persons. Bergesons attorney, Samuel Bogash, said his client and others may not have heard the police announcements to disperse. He said his client may also not have realized she was on Capitol grounds. It remains unknown what role Bergeson and Mendez, who are each due back in court on June 10, played in the protest. An attorney listed for Mendez has not responded to requests for comment. Metropolitan police said its agency only made two arrests of people from Connecticut. Roughly 40 people have been charged in Superior Court where Mendez and Bergesons cases are being heard in connection with the demonstration, according to the Department of Justice. Those cases include unlawful entry, curfew violations, and firearms-related crimes, among others, according to a press release. As of Friday, another 13 people have been charged in Federal Court, according to the Department of Justice. Those arrests include 60-year-old Richard Barnett, of Gravette, Ark., who authorities say was photographed with his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosis desk in her office. The Metropolitan Transit Authority has also suspended one of its employees, Will Pepe, of Beacon, N.Y., the New York Post reported. The FBI is investigating Pepes role in the protest, the Post reported. A spokesman for the MTA confirmed the suspension in a tweet Friday. Effective immediately, this individual has been suspended from Metro-North without pay and will be disciplined in accordance with his collective bargaining agreement pending an investigation, spokesman Ken Lovett said. This alleged conduct is abhorrent and goes against the values of MNR, NY and the nation. Local elections due to go ahead in May could now be pushed back to autumn because of the coronavirus. The elections, initially planned for May 6, were discussed by mayors last week after they were approached by civil servants about safeguarding issues. Almost 40million people are entitled to vote in the upcoming elections - which No10 hope will only be pushed back by one month. The elections will include those that were postponed last year because of the pandemic. Local elections due to go ahead in May could now be pushed back to autumn because of the coronavirus The elections, initially planned for May 6, were discussed by mayors last week after they were approached by civil servants about safeguarding issues The cabinet office is now working on different plans to hold the votes either in June, July or September. Conservative candidates have requested polls be held in October if they are delayed until past July because they fear it will be hard to find activists willing to go door to door in August. Tory party co-chairwoman, Amanda Milling, signalled last week that a delay is very likely. Scotland has already introduced a law to make it possible to delay assembly elections and Wales is planning on doing something similar. Tory party co-chairwoman, Amanda Milling (pictured), signalled last week that a delay is very likely A senior Whitehall source told The Sunday Times: 'Local government leaders have had a suggestion from government that the elections are moved to June or July, but many think that's too soon to ensure polling booths are safe so have mooted the idea of September. Holding the elections with postal votes only has been ruled out.' Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was consulted on the delays and he reportedly believes that a postponement is inevitable. Concerns over social-distancing at polling stations have been raised and politicians fear door-to-door campaigning may not go ahead due to potential spread of the virus. This years polls, the biggest for years, will see seats free in more than 140 councils - including 118 that should have been voted on last year. Some 13 mayoral contests are also due to take place including in Greater Manchester and London. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: 'Primary legislation states that the elections will go ahead in May 2021. 'We continue to work closely with the electoral community and public health bodies to resolve challenges and ensure everyone will be able to cast their vote safely and securely - and in a way of their choosing. 'Measures are planned to support absent voting at short notice. Guidance will be published in good time ahead of the polls and this matter will be kept under review.' Food, Wine, & Dining, Local News By Long Island Published: January 10 2021 In celebration of National Bagel Day, Long Island-based Bagel Boss is offering bagel fans a chance to win 1 dozen bagels a month for a year. In celebration of National Bagel Day, Long Island-based Bagel Boss is offering bagel fans a chance to win 1 dozen bagels a month for a year. We want bagel fans and foodies across the country to experience authentic New York bagels made by 5th & 6th generation bagel bakers said 5th generation bagel baker Adam Rosner, Chairman of Bagel Boss. To enter to win a dozen bagels a month for a year simply go to www.BagelBoss.com and enter your email address; thats it! No purchase is necessary. Six winners will be announced on the evening of National Bagel Day, which is this Friday January 15th. In addition, Bagel Boss is donating at least 45 dozen bagels to food pantries on Long Island. From everything bagels and cinnamon raisin swirl bagels to bialys, babkas and beyond theres nothing like my familys old-world recipes from Bialystock, Poland, adds Alex Rosner, COO and 6th generation bagel baker, and to prove that, Bagel Boss has shipped more than 500,000 fresh New York bagels across the country. Bagel Boss has 13 locations in New York and has been family owned and operated since 1975. Enter to Win Free Bagels for a Year at BagelBoss.com Spain's minister for transport, Jose Luis Abalos, has laid the responsibility for Real Madrid's travel to Pamplona with the pilot of the plane that flew them there. Zinedine Zidane's squad spent five hours in the plane as they waited for it to take off for Pamplona ahead of Saturday's match against Osasuna. Storm Filomena has seen some of the heaviest snowfall in Spanish history, causing havoc across the country in terms of travel. After Saturday's game, Zidane criticised the authorities for allowing the match to go ahead. "The fact that Real Madrid travelled to Pamplona was the pilot's decision," Abalos said at a press conference on Sunday. Monday's session finds the Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate maintaining the long-term downtrend, quoted at 1.7484, 0.15pct lower on the day. With little on the economic calendar for both the UK and Australia, near-term movement will remain focused on coronavirus and the next BoE monetary policy decision where many analysts suspect negative rates on the cards. The GBP/AUD spot rate at time of writing: -0.15% at 1.7484 on 11.01.2021 The AUD/GBP spot rate at time of writing: 0.57233 on 10.01.2021 Find out how to secure the best exchange rates on your money transfers here GBP/AUD Exchange Rate Slumps as UK Goes Back Into Lockdown The Pound (GBP) fell sharply against the Australian Dollar (AUD) and the majority of its other peers this week, as a new strict lockdown was imposed on England and Scotland following a worrying surge in coronavirus cases in recent weeks. The announcement on Monday cast a long shadow over Sterling this week, amidst concerns over the potential economic fallout of the new measures. Kallum Pickering, senior economist at Berenberg, said: Following the new lockdown, the near-term outlook now looks much worse than before. On an annual basis, we now project an 11.5% decline in 2020 followed by gains of 6.0% in 2021 and a 6.5% gain in 2022 (previously -11.6%, 7.3% and 4.9%, respectively). Making things worse in mid-week trade were warnings from Boris Johnson and his ministers that the new lockdown could last into March unless the governments ambitious vaccine rollout is successful. On top of this, the lockdown stoked speculation that the Bank of England (BoE) would also need to implement more monetary easing, further denting the appeal of Sterling. Pickering, continued: To support confidence, the BoE may announce an increase in the pace of ongoing asset purchases it has plenty of scope to achieve this within its current plan to buy 150bn of gilts until the end of 2021. Australian Dollar (AUD) Bolstered by Risk-On Trade Meanwhile, the Australian Dollar (AUD) enjoyed some notable support this week as the appeal of the risk-sensitive currency was bolstered by an upbeat market mood. After an initial setback due to renewed coronavirus concerns over the new strains in the UK and South Africa, the Aussie rode high on a wave of US stimulus optimism. This came as it became clear that the Democrats won both seats in Georgias Senate runoffs, granting the party a narrow majority in the Senate and handing control of the Senate to the incoming administration, which could pave the way for Biden o push through more stimulus as well increasing government investment.. Speaking as the results came in, Stuart Clark, portfolio manager at Quilter Investors, said: With early votes leaning more heavily Democrat than might have been expected it would seem likely, but not yet confirmed, that the Senate may indeed swing blue via the two Georgian seats. Of course, as we have seen with recent US elections there is a long way to go before we get official results, but for now it appears like President-elect Biden will be able to enact much of his agenda in his first four years in office. GBP/AUD Currency Forecast: Coronavirus Woes to Continue to Drag on Sterling? Turning to next weeks session, its likely we will see UK coronavirus developments continue to act as a key catalyst of movement in the Pound to Australian Dollar (GBP/AUD) exchange rate. This could see GBP exchange rates remain on the defensive if cases continue to surge putting more pressure on the NHS and dampening the chances of the UK government easing the lockdown before March. Also of note to GBP investors will be the publication of the UKs latest month GDP figures. In light of the UKs second lockdown, Novembers release is expected to report a notable slump in growth, piling more pressure on Sterling. Meanwhile, the only AUD data of note next week will be the publication of Australias latest retail sales figures, with Novembers finalised figures expected to confirm a surge in sales growth, and potentially bolster the Aussie at the start of the session. Otherwise, movement in the Australian Dollar is likely to be mostly driven by market sentiment, with AUD exchange rates continuing to rally so long as the risk-on tone remains in place. Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community. Submit here ADVERTISEMENT The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi, has advised fleet operators, commercial drivers and private vehicle owners against taking night journeys. Mr Oyeyemi, through a statement by the agencys spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem, Sunday, lamented rising cases of road traffic crashes and fatalities being recorded at night. The FRSC boss noted a January 5 fatal crash in Kabba, Kogi State, where two vehicles had a head-on collision. He said the accident was caused by one of the drivers sleeping on the wheel from fatigue. He said night trips are made dangerous by poor visibility, fatigue, sleeping on the wheel and excessive speeding. On the January 5 crash, he said: The crash involved the driver of a white Toyota Hiace bus ( MSA 942 XA) that contravened COVID-19 protocols on physical distancing by overloading the bus with 18 passengers instead of the prescribed 8 passengers, and a green Iveco trailer ( AKA 788 XC) carrying 07 passengers. Out of the 25 passengers on board the two vehicles, 08 were killed while 17 sustained various injuries. Mr Oyeyemi stressed that crashes at night are more fatal than others in day time. He recalled another accident on January 9 involving a Sienna (KUG 538 BJ) and a Sharon bus without a number plate on the Akwanga-Keffi road in Nasarawa State in which all 17 passengers were burnt beyond recognition. The Corps Marshal said intelligence report revealed that most fleet operators and other vehicle owners, including private vehicle owners, embark on night journeys to avid arrest by FRSC patrol officers for overloading of vehicles with passengers and goods and for ignoring physical distancing. He said while the corps does not have the powers to ban night trips, it was advising travellers against it. Mr Oyeyemi said when a crash occurs far from FRSC rescue points at night, it is difficult to access help. On our part, the corps will continue to double its efforts by constantly engaging the motoring public nationwide, through aggressive awareness and sensitisation campaign, until the desired result is achieved, he said. Newark Police officers did not fire a single shot during the calendar year 2020, and the city didnt pay a single dime to settle police brutality cases. Thats never happened, at least in the citys modern history. At the same time, crime is dropping, and police recovered almost 500 illegal guns from the street during the year. This is significant, says Aqeela Sherills, head of the Newark Community Street Team, a group of mostly former offenders who work to defuse violence in the citys most violent wards. It speaks to how reform has really taken hold in the city. Larry Hamm, the godfather of police protests in Newark as head of the Peoples Organization for Progress, agreed. Police brutality is still a problem, he says. But its fair to say the consent decree has had a real impact. The reforms are the results of a federal consent decree, the billy club used by the Department of Justice after a long investigation concluded in 2014 revealed the rot that had infested the department for decades. It found a rogue department that tolerated widespread brutality and racism, with no accountability, and zero training on how to de-escalate confrontations with civilians. You had a law enforcement agency with no training about how to enforce the law, says Peter Harvey, the former state attorney general who is overseeing the implementation of the consent decree. When Paul Fishman, the former U.S. Attorney, began his investigation in 2011, he found the departments culture was broken in almost every way. A reflexive resort to violence. Racial bias in stops and enforcement. And an internal affairs bureau so corrupted that it sustained just one complaint of police brutality over five years. The use of force was too high, and the reporting of it was too low, Fishman says. This is a remarkable success story, all done at a time when serious crime in Newark has dropped by 40 percent in the last five years. Both Harvey and Fishman say the key to that success is that Mayor Ras Baraka and Police Director Anthony Ambrose took the mission to heart. They hired more Black and brown officers, began training programs based on best-practices, required any officer who uses force in any way to report it in detail, and for the supervisor to review it. The bad cops were suddenly outed. Former Gov. Christie Whitman fought like a wildcat to keep the DOJ away from the State Police during the racial-profiling scandal, a defensive reaction that is more commonplace. But the DOJ came anyway, and it succeeded. Baraka welcomed this intervention. He himself was a leading campaigner against police brutality before he became mayor. And Ambrose, who looks like a stereotypical old Italian beat cop, turned out to be a progressive at heart, a guy who took a knee during local demonstrations over the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis. Ive been around a long time, and that was outright murder, Ambrose says. Most of the officers and the rank-and-file I speak with say the same thing. The work to reshape the departments warped culture is painstaking, and even after five years, people like Hamm worry that it could all collapse if the DOJ leaves. Even this success stories is tentative. On Jan. 1, a Newark officer fatally shot Carl Dorsey III, of South Orange, during a confrontation in the South Ward, a case thats being investigated by Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, who moved investigations of fatal police shootings out of local hands to ensure an impartial investigation. Grewal calls Newarks progress nothing short of remarkable and says his own ambitious statewide police reforms drew partly on that that success, and a similar turnaround in Camden. The work to fix a dysfunctional department is painstaking. A big part is community outreach, with endless public meetings between police and civilians to work out grievances, engagement of local clergy and neighborhood leaders, and relying on civilian groups to settle differences where possible, rather than police. During the George Floyd protests, it was the Street Team that saved the day when a group of protesters besieged the city police precinct where the 1967 riots began, throwing bottles and agitating for a clash. The cops stayed inside, and Sherrills group engaged. There were a bunch of folks from outside the city who were determined to create havoc, Sherrills said. We followed them all day. We saw the kids in back throwing bottles, so folks engaged the community. Folks literally stopped them and said Enough of that. Training is critical, too, especially on de-escalating violence. Brian OHara, the deputy chief overseeing training, said the old-fashioned version was to show officers how to win a confrontation, when to make the move. It was a paramilitary kind of training, just focused on stopping the threat, he said. Now, the model is to calm things down, engage the threatening person, while creating distance or taking cover, and buying time until reinforcements arrive, he says. Newark officers view videos presenting challenging scenarios, offer responses, then discuss it with supervisors. Its not about resolving the situation as quickly as you can, OHara says. Its about protecting the sanctity of every life. During the Trump administration, the DOJ stopped intervening like this in state and local departments, which should surprise no one. State and local rights, you know. And its mostly Black and brown people getting killed anyway. So, count this as another blessing of the changeover to Joe Biden: Based on his history, hes going to give a damn. Newark wont be the last city to get this forced make-over. Progress, of course, is always fragile, and the entire effort can be poisoned by one spectacularly unjustified shooting. Hamm notes that training doesnt always work, and that Minneapolis police had de-escalation training before Officer Derek Chauvin snuffed the life out of George Floyd, knowing he was on film, and that his fellow officers wouldnt think of intervening. He didnt have a concern in the world, Hamm says. In the end, its not just about training and policy, but about the hearts and minds of police officers, and the relationships they have with the people they are charged to protect. In Newark over the last five years, the evidence of progress on all that is now beyond dispute. More: Tom Moran columns Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. WASHINGTON - One waved as he carried off the lectern of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The other flexed his bare, tattoo-covered torso and as he stood in front of Vice President Mike Pence's chair in the Senate chamber. Two men seen in some of the most memorable images of Wednesday's assault on the Capitol have been charged and arrested, as federal prosecutors in the District of Columbia target high-profile figures from the pro-Trump riot. Jacob Anthony Chansley, of Arizona, who also goes by Jake Angeli, is accused of trespassing on Capitol grounds, entering violently and committing disorderly conduct while there. Adam Johnson, 36, of Bradenton, Fla., faces the same charges as well as theft of government property in connection with the lectern. Prosecutors also detailed charges against a man accused of threatening to kill Pelosi, D-Calif., and against a West Virginia state lawmaker who resigned his office Saturday. Sixteen people have been charged in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with crimes related to the storming of the Capitol, including a man who admitted to stealing a document from Pelosi's office. Forty others face charges in District Superior Court. The federal cases charged so far involve the low-hanging fruit of the investigation - people who either identified themselves in online postings or were quickly identified by others who saw the images and recognized the individuals. The acting U.S. attorney in the District, Michael Sherwin, said a broader investigation into who did what at the Capitol, and what their intentions were, could take until at least the end of this year. "This is just the beginning," he said Friday. The most common charge, unlawful entry into a restricted building, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison. People who carried weapons or engaged in violence could face up to 10 years in prison. Making interstate threats is a felony punishable by up to five years. Most federal sentences fall far below statutory maximums. The nation's capital is one of the most secure cities on the planet, and federal law enforcement agencies, particularly the Capitol Police, have faced blistering criticism from the public and politicians that they were unprepared for the mob that invaded the building. Law enforcement agencies are scrambling to prove that they can quickly investigate, arrest and prosecute those responsible, particularly with the added pressure of talk already circulating online of additional unrest or confrontations on Jan. 17 and Inauguration Day, Jan. 20. A number of right-wing politicians and advocates have suggested that the mob at the Capitol contained far-left provocateurs, and blamed antifa, a shorthand term for antifascists. But FBI officials said they have seen no evidence that antifa activists were there or involved. Cleveland Meredith was charged Thursday with threatening Pelosi, one day after arriving in the capital from Colorado. He told law enforcement he got to Washington too late for the protest or the attack on the Capitol. But on his way there, according to court documents, he texted a friend to say he was "Thinking about heading over to Pelosi . . . speech and putting a bullet in her noggin on Live TV," a remark that was followed by purple devil emoji. While prosecutors do not allege that Meredith ever got near Pelosi, they say he was carrying a 9mm Glock 19 pistol, an Israeli army standard-issue Tavor X95 assault rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. In these early arrests, authorities relied heavily on open-source information, including news reports and the participants' own social media posts. Former West Virginia state representative Derrick Evans, a Republican, who is charged with unlawful entry and disorderly conduct, live-streamed himself barging into the Capitol building with the mob. An FBI special agent wrote in an affidavit that though Evans later deleted the video, it is still available on Reddit, and that though Evans later described himself as "an independent member of the media," on Facebook he says he is a "political candidate" who would attend the rally in support of President Donald Trump. In his resignation letter, Evans said he took "full responsibility for my actions." A "widely circulated" Getty Images photograph led investigators to Johnson, FBI Special Agent Michael Jeng wrote in an affidavit. The image showed a red-haired man in a ski hat carrying Pelosi's lectern and waving. The lectern, which is worth over $1,000, was found a day later in a corridor on the other side of the Capitol building, according to Jeng. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Jeng noted, subsequently reported that the same man posted pictures under the name Adam Johnson from inside the Capitol. In one, he is pictured next to a sign saying the building is "Closed to all tours." "The caption accompanying the photograph, seemingly in response to the sign, says 'No,' " Jeng wrote. Florida documentary photographer Allan Mestel told The Washington Post that he had planned to travel to the event himself as an observer, but his wife deemed it too dangerous. Then, watching the news, he saw a friend's neighbor carrying Pelosi's lectern. Mestel said that though he had never met Johnson, he "knew him by sight" and from social media, where the fellow Floridian expressed "extreme right-wing views and pro-conspiracy theory views." The Bradenton Herald reported that hours before the riot, Johnson posted on Facebook that he had joined a crowd the previous evening chanting expletives dismissive of the Black Lives Matter movement. It was "pretty amazing," his post said. About 200 Trump supporters converged on Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House on Tuesday night; a woman and two District police officers were taken to a hospital with minor injuries in connection with that demonstration. Mestel said he called the FBI to identify Johnson. He said he was "impressed and surprised by how quickly they responded." Prosecutors identified Chansley as the man wearing fur-lined headdress and face paint who stood on the dais in the Senate chamber next to Pence's chair in widely distributed photographs of the chaos inside the Capitol. Chansley, who also goes by Jake Angeli and is associated with QAnon, was charged Friday with entering restricted grounds and disrupting Capitol business in Washington. A Capitol Police arrest affidavit said an agent confirmed Chansley's identification by media reports, citing his "unique attire and extensive tattoos" seen in photographs Chansley posted on a Facebook page. The defendant also was identified by law enforcement through public databases, including his Arizona driver's license photo, said Capitol Police Special Agent James Soltes. Chansley called the FBI on Thursday to speak to law enforcement, Soltes wrote, and confirmed that he was the man wearing the headdress on the dais. He "stated that he came as a part of a group effort, with other 'patriots' from Arizona, at the request of the President that all 'patriots' come to D.C. on January 6, 2021," Soltes wrote. Chansley could not be reached Saturday. In a lengthy telephone call Friday, he told The Post he was "not at all" afraid of arrest and believed himself innocent. "I didn't do anything wrong," he said, although he acknowledged that he entered the Capitol with other protesters, wearing the distinctive costume with horns and fur. "[B]ut isn't that a public building? Didn't our tax dollars pay for that building?" Using the name Angeli, Chansley has been repeatedly photographed and interviewed in his distinctive garb at pro-Trump rallies over the past year. He often carried a sign saying "Q sent me." "When you really do enough research, it all ties together," he told the Arizona Republic about QAnon, which holds that Trump is fighting an alliance of Democratic politicians and Hollywood liberals involved in child sex trafficking. The woman who was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer Wednesday also was an adherent of the conspiracy theory, which is heavily influenced by anti-Semitic tropes. Information about attorneys for Chansley, Johnson and Meredith was not immediately available. - - - The Washington Post's Fredrick Kunkle contributed to this report. Flags at the US Capitol fly at half-mast to honor US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, in Washington on Jan. 8, 2021. (Brendon Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Orders Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Capitol Police Officers, Law Enforcement President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags across the nation and abroad to be flown at half-staff until Jan. 13 in honor of the service and sacrifice of law enforcement, the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), and the two USCP officers who died in the wake of protests at the Capitol on Jan. 6. As a sign of respect for the service and sacrifice of United States Capitol Police Officers Brian D. Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and all Capitol Police Officers and law enforcement across this great Nation, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 13, 2021, the president said in a proclamation. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. The U.S. Capitol Police has confirmed the off-duty death of officer Liebengood on Jan. 9. He was assigned to the Senate Division, and has been with the Department since April 2005. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. We ask that his family, and other USCP officers and their families privacy be respected during this profoundly difficult time, according to the office. The cause of Liebengoods death hasnt been released. Its unclear if the death is related to the unrest on Jan. 6, during which the other officer, Sicknick, suffered injuries. Sicknick died at about 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 7, according to the department. Sicknick was injured while physically engaging with protesters, according to the USCP. He returned to this division office and collapsed, the departments announcement states. He was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Sicknicks father said Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the family on Jan. 8 to offer their condolences. During the call, Pelosi invited the family to the Capitol to pick out a spot for a plaque in Sicknicks honor. Funeral services also will be held at the Capitol, according to his father. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a member of the Senates Republican leadership, said that he will be interested in finding out if there was a connection with Officer Liebengood. U.S. Air Force veteran Ashley Babbitt (also spelt Ashli) was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer amid the chaos inside the Capitol on Jan. 6. Videos from the scene suggest a lack of communication between the officers, said Mark Lomax, a former director of the National Tactical Officers Association. There were police on the protesters side, engaged and embedded with these individuals, Lomax said. It did not seem like a threatening situation for the officers. Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips, The Associated Press, and Reuters contributed to this report. Beware of what you wish for Ive long complained about the lack of police around here, then one lunchtime last week my 25-year-old son was driving our little Fiat 500 when he was pulled over by a flashing unmarked car. Out leapt four plainclothes officers, screaming at him to keep his hands where they could see them as he leant across to roll down the passenger window. They ordered him to get out of the vehicle immediately, handcuffed him and read out some kind of arrest jargon. None of them wore a mask as they shouted into his face up close and very personal. Where have you been? Where are you going? Whose car is this? Beware of what you wish for Ive long complained about the lack of police around here, then one lunchtime last week my 25-year-old son was driving our little Fiat 500 when he was pulled over by a flashing unmarked car [File photo] He had no idea why he had been stopped, let alone why he was being treated so aggressively. With racing heart but trying to keep calm, he asked what was going on. Weve been deployed as a special task force to counter gang activity in the area. And theres been a report of someone driving a car like this. If you dont mind my saying, sir, these cars are usually driven by women, was the peculiar answer. Weve handcuffed you because you have a weapon in the car and appeared to be leaning over to grab the weapon. Weapon? There was nothing in the car but a box of old CDs and a scraper for morning frosts. Have you got anything you shouldnt have? Well, Sam replied, Ive got a bottle of hand sanitiser. What weapon? The weapon turned out to be a miniature screwdriver, scarcely larger than a cracker gift, located near the gear stick. After discovering the car was registered to me and my son was a legal driver, they finally unhandcuffed him and let him go, although one of the officers was unable to resist pointing out that she was correct. You see? These cars are usually driven by women. Drug-related crime is on the rise in our area and Ive often lamented the lack of a visible police presence. But I didnt imagine for a minute that would mean terrorising my son on a drive back from an errand. To stop him might have been reasonable it was the aggressive presumption of guilt that rankles. Sams long lockdown hair and beard which on a bad day makes him look a cross between Jesus and Charlie Manson might not be to everyones taste. And with the polices bizarre preconceptions about the gender of Fiat 500 owners, I suppose they might have been surprised to discover that the long-haired driver turned out to be male. But their response still seems wildly over-the-top and leads inevitably to a further thought. If this sort of random and totally unwarranted invasion can happen to a young white man from a well-off family, what must it be like for young black men in far less privileged positions? Punchy Emmas knockout start As a regular listener to Womens Hour for many years, Ive been looking forward to hearing what the punchy Emma Barnett would do with the flagship show. Ive also appeared on it several times. The long-time hosts Jenni Murray and Jane Garvey were always a bit cool and I sensed not that keen on the editor of what they might consider a frivolous and elitist glossy like Vogue, but their team of researchers and assistants were welcoming and warm invariably sharing the same trusty and uncontroversial ice-breaker greeting employed by Royals: Have you come far? With no green room pleasantries allowed at present, how appropriate that the first controversy of Barnetts tenure should be caused by a technological mishap. Actress Kelechi Okafor pulled out of the show last week, minutes before going live on air, after hearing Barnett saying something negative about her without realising her Zoom mic was on. It may not have been the most professional start to Barnetts reign but its got a lot of people talking about it, which is never a bad thing. And imagine the delight of the old guard at seeing such a spectacular cock-up as soon as they were out of the door of Broadcasting House. A slur made in the worst possible taste Incidentally, Barnetts comments were over a tweet Kelechi had previously supported, claiming the music biz was run by random, fat Jewish guys from north west London. It made me remember, years back, hearing a colleague describe a pair of wealthy socialites as very North London. At the time I had no idea this was an antisemitic slur (even though I am technically half-Jewish) and thought it was a snobby reference to over-the-top taste in interior decoration. Jewish Emma would never be so ignorant. Glastos about to turn into a Saga holiday... The vaccine rollout is the last hurrah of the Baby Boomers, the generation thats enjoyed cheap property and free university education and kept its hold on many of the biggest jobs in town for decades. Look at the US, with an incoming President aged 78. And now theyve notched up yet another privilege. Within a few months, many boomers and this could include me will have had the jabs and be free to roam. As the country opens up, it will be boomers who can flood into theatres, cinemas, planes, restaurants and gyms in the glorious knowledge that they are no longer under threat from this virus. The young are going to be stuck with a degree of uncertainty for ages. Glasto, if it goes ahead, could end up looking like a Saga cruise. Agony that can hit even the most gifted The news that the delightful Stella Tennant committed suicide is yet another ghastly example of how no matter how blessed somebody can appear, nobody is insulated from the agony of extreme depression. Her loss is a reminder of how important it is that we learn more effective and accessible ways of preventing it taking hold. Its sofa so good for lockdown thrills Lockdown gloom is even more virulent than the virus. My advice is to rearrange the furniture. After the Christmas tree was chucked out, the sitting room looked a mess and I decided to shift everything around. It is perhaps a marker of the times that moving the odd sofa could be so cheering but, in our current confinement, even changing the position of the coffee table provokes a certain thrill. 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. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has welcomed the news that the state recorded zero new COVID-19 cases on the second day of a Greater Brisbane lockdown. Authorities have been racing to trace all close contacts of a Brisbane quarantine hotel cleaner who tested positive to the more infectious UK variant of the virus earlier in the week, prompting Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young to enact the three-day lockdown, which will expire on Monday at 6pm. A lone man walks in an otherwise empty Queen Street Mall in Brisbane's CBD on Saturday. Credit:Tertius Pickard On Sunday morning, the Premier said more than 19,000 tests had been conducted, with no cases detected in the community or in hotel quarantine. "I can also confirm that 147 close contacts of the cleaner the hotel cleaner have now been identified, and 112 of those have tested negative. Once again, some really good news," Ms Palaszczuk said. The violent mob that stormed the United States Capitol on Wednesday demonstrated their criminal contempt for the law. They were not the only ones who disrespected this country and its enduring principles. 147 members of Congress, including Congresswoman Nicolle Malliotakis, also showed their contempt for the rule of law by voting to disallow the electoral votes of Arizona and Pennsylvania, based on claims conclusively rejected by every court in which the President or his surrogates filed their challenges. For a member of Congress to sustain challenges to the electoral vote in two states after recounts and lawsuits confirmed the accuracy of the result undermines the rule of law. In its 2016 Platform, re-adopted in 2020 as a continuing statement of its principles, the Republican Party called the rule of law the foundation of our Republic. A key component of the rule of law is accepting the outcome of judicial decisions on the merits. By voting to sustain the challenges to the Electoral College result, Congresswoman Malliotakis betrayed the principles of her party and one of the bedrock tenets of our representative democracy. Shame on her. (Rabbi Michael Howald is a St. George resident.) The Central bank of New Zealand said Sunday that its third-party file sharing service used to share and store some sensitive information has been breached by an unidentified hacker and a probe is on. The breach comes about four months after cyberattacks forced New Zealand's stock exchange to halt trading for four straight days. Governor Adrian Orr said in a statement Sunday, while the breach has been contained, the nature and extent of the information that potentially had been accessed is being determined and may have included some commercially and personally sensitive data However, the Governor assured the banks core functions remain sound and operational." We are working closely with domestic and international cybersecurity experts and other relevant authorities as part of our investigation and response to this malicious attack," Orr further said. The system had been secured and taken offline until the bank completes its initial investigations. It will take time to understand the full implications of this breach and we are working with system users whose information may have been accessed," Orr said. The back-to-back attack on the financial system raised security concerns in the country. The NXZ breach In a similar attack on the New Zealand Stock Exchange, which happened in August last year, trading was halted for four consecutive days. NZX statement later revealed the stock exchange was the target of distributed-denial-of-service attacks that overwhelmed its website and forced trading halts. New Zealand called in its spy agency and activated security crisis plans to help defend the stock exchange after the attacks persisted for four days. Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks involve disrupting computer networks by flooding them with traffic. Speaking about the Reserve Bank data hack, Dave Parry, professor of computer science at Auckland University, told Radio New Zealand that another government was likely behind the bank data breach. Ultimately if you were coming from a sort of like criminal perspective, the government agencies arent going to pay your ransom or whatever, so youd be more interested probably coming in from a government-to-government level," Parry said. (With inputs from agencies) Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. DURING a presentation on planned housing developments for the Newcastle West municipal district the debate turned to Irish Water. Cllr Liam Galvin said there needed to be investment by Irish Water in sewerage capacity so more houses can be built. You cant build a cubby house not to mind a proper house due to lack of sewerage capacity. There needs to be investment. Irish Water needs to come on board, said Cllr Liam Galvin. Aoife Duke, director of housing, gave the presentation on the Rebuilding Ireland Programme for the Newcastle West municipal district at last months meeting. She told councillors that they were coming to the end of the line of sites we own as a council. She said they were supportive of AHB (Authorised Housing Bodies) applications to build once they have demonstrated there was a need. The meeting heard the council will build four units in Mountcollins and four in Colbert Terrace, Abbeyfeale to be completed in December, 2021; 21 units in Sycamore Crescent in Newcastle West and 18 in Broadford will be finished in 2022. It was also outlined that Athea Voluntary Housing have plans for four abodes and Cluid (an AHB) have 30 units to come on stream in Woodfield, Newcaste West, later this year. See next weeks Limerick Leader for more on the Woodfield development. The meeting also heard that the council purchased five house in 2020 four in Newcastle West and one in Abbeyfeale. Cllr Jerome Scanlan called for more houses to be built in the villages in the municipal district instead of focusing on Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. Cllr Galvin said the housing list is not an accurate assessment of where people want to live. People are not going to put down a place as their first choice when they know there are no houses there. Give people an opportunity to live in their own village, then their children go to the local school, join the local GAA club and build up that community, said Cllr Galvin. Cllr Scanlan said it was a chicken and egg situation. Do you put houses there and people come or do you wait until people put that place down on the housing list. If you have a plan for eight houses in a development in a village do four first it should be done on a phased basis, said Cllr Scanlan. Cllr John Sheahan said when you build houses the demand will come. Cllr Tom Ruddle said if houses are built people will go for them. Cllr Francis Foley, cathaoirleach, said it is important that we lead the way and diversify our housing stock. Mayor of Limerick, Michael Collins suggested writing to existing applicants on the housing list and asking them where they would like to live? That would give us a clearer picture, said Mayor Collins. Cllr Sheahan said if we can build the Opera Site in the city then surely we can build a few houses in locations in west Limerick. It is all city, city, city based. We need more houses built in the county, said Cllr Sheahan. Cllr Galvin said, Were at crisis point. It is very difficult to get planning in rural Ireland. There are elderly people who want to move from rural Ireland into villages. That sheltered housing for the elderly would release their houses in the countryside. It is a win win but there needs to be an investment by Irish Water in sewerage. You cant build a cubby house not to mind a proper house due to lack of sewerage capacity, said Cllr Galvin. 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 View Results The founder and CEO of Mirror Trading International (MTI), Johann Steynberg, is in the wind with the keys to the kingdom. So said a Mirror Trading International statement issued on 22 December purporting to be from the remaining leadership and management of the organisation. This sudden unravelling of a scheme which produced a constant stream of weekly profits for its members evokes several comparisons to another such failed bitcoin trading pool BTC Global. BTC Global imploded at the start of 2018, prompting an investigation by the Hawks. If this investigation yielded any results, they have not been disclosed to the public in the past three years. Much like MTI, BTC Global promised too-good-to-be-true returns on your investment. It also used a multilevel marketing scheme to rapidly recruit new members. When the money finally dried up, BTC Globals alleged founder vanished and the failure of the scheme was blamed on him. The same thing is now happening with MTI. Another interesting similarity between the two schemes is the number of key people that were part of BTC Global and MTI. As summarised in the table below, a number of the key people in MTI were also involved in BTC Global. Based on publicly available information, these people are Clynton Marks, Cheri Marks, Russel Jerrard, Andrew Caw, Liz Malton, Johan van Wyk, Willie Breedt, and Johann Steynberg. In addition to BTC Global, many of the founders, leaders, and management of MTI have also been involved in several other schemes. Johann Steynberg was involved with Cryptogold, Ker-ching, Kipi, Syntek, DevotedInvestments.com, and Dragon Mining. Cheri and Clynton Marks were both involved with My Daily Choice, Syntek, and MMM. Willie Breedt was CEO of VaultAge Solutions, which is currently undergoing liquidation following accusations earlier this year that Breedt scammed around 2,000 investors out of an estimated R227 million. According to the MTILeaks, Breedt opened his MTI account using a Gmail address that was used in the ticketing system for the 2017 launch of Thrive International, another get-rich-quick scheme. The launch event for Thrive was held at Solid Rock Church, the congregation of the late Johan van Wyk. Breedt also spoke about Thrive International in videos on YouTube dating back to 2017. These videos mention Clynton Marks and Johan van Wyk as members of the global team of Thrive International. The collapse of MTI When members started struggling to withdraw their funds from MTI, it blamed the raid that the FSCA conducted at MTIs offices and the homes of Steynberg and Marks on 26 October. MTI claimed that as a result of the raid, its unregulated broker had lowered its daily withdrawal limit as a security measure. When withdrawal problems persisted, the companys leaders blamed it on various technical issues. On 17 December, the FSCA issued a media statement regarding its investigation into MTI. The FSCA stated that it has opened a criminal case against MTI, and that the unregulated broker MTI claimed to be using was a smokescreen set up by Steynberg. That same day, Cheri Marks sent WhatsApp voice notes to MTI members stating that the FSCA was lying about the fact that a criminal case was opened. MyBroadband contacted the Stellenbosch SAPS to confirm whether a case had been opened against MTI, and the officer on duty confirmed that a case of fraud was opened against the company on 12 November. The case number is 245/11/2020. On 19 December, a message signed MTI Management informed members that Johann Steynberg allegedly disappeared on 14 or 15 December while travelling in Brazil. The message assures MTI members that a contingency plan has been activated for the company to continue operating without Johann. On 22 December, a group claiming to represent MTIs leadership and management issued a statement saying that Steynberg is alive, but that he was not responding to messages. They also claimed that during contingency planning Steynberg refused to hand over control of technical operations of the company to anyone other than his wife, Nerina. The collapse of BTC Global The collapse of BTC Global in 2018 was also embroiled in drama. After missing a payment of the 14% bonus to members of the scheme, a message posted by someone else to Steven Twains Facebook wall claimed that his spouse had just given birth to twins. However, this was contradicted and the official version from BTC Globals communications coordinator Cheri Ward (now Cheri Marks), was that Twain was brutally attacked in his home and his computers stolen. Later that month BTC Global missed another payment day, and the schemes leadership claimed that Twain had disappeared and that his Facebook account was hacked. Twain was allegedly never heard from again. MTI and BTC Global compared The table below compares the promises that BTC Global and MTI lured members in with, what happened when the schemes ultimately collapsed, and some of the key people in each scheme. Attributes BTC Global MTI BTC Global and MTI Date founded July 2017 30 April 2019 (CIPC registration date) Investment promise Regular returns on bitcoin investment (minimum $1,000) 14% per week plus bonuses for multilevel marketing referrals. Regular returns on bitcoin investment (minimum $100; $200 to unlock multilevel marketing bonuses). MTIs stated average profits changed from 10% per month, to 1.5% per day, to 0.5% per day. Investment strategy Profits generated by hotshot trader Steven Twain. No evidence that Steven Twain existed. Profits generated by a revolutionary automated trading program (bot). No evidence that the bot existed. Scheme size: Money Estimated 4,500+ BTC (over $50 million in 2018) Estimated 23,000+ BTC (over R6.44 billion @ R280,000/bitcoin, now over R14 billion) Scheme size: membership Over 27,000 (not correcting for multiple accounts from individual members) Over 170,000 (not correcting for multiple accounts from individual members) The Collapse Blamed the founder. When payments started to dry up, the official story was that Steven Twain had been burgled and brutally attacked. Later that month he completely disappeared. Afterwards, the BTC Global leadership team did damage control. Blamed the founder and cast aspersions on his wife. MTI CEO Johann Steynberg allegedly went missing in mid-December. Following his alleged disappearance, the official story was that he and his wife were the only ones with control over MTIs finances. The MTI leadership team is now doing damage control. Prominent management and investors Steven Twain (CEO) Clynton Marks Cheri Marks (nee Ward) Johan van Wyk Willie Breedt Russel Jerrard Andrew Caw Liz Malton A few others Johann Steynberg (CEO) Clynton Marks Cheri Marks (nee Ward) Johan van Wyk Willie Breedt Russel Jerrard Andrew Caw Liz Malton Vince Ward Charlie Ward Joel Santiago Rich Simmonds A few others Right of reply MyBroadband contacted Johann Steynberg, Clynton Marks, Cheri Marks, Russel Jerrard, Andrew Caw, Liz Malton, Willie Breedt, Monica Coetzee, Vince Ward, Charlie Ward, Romano Samuel, Leonard Gray, Joel Santiago, Rich Simmonds, Ignatius & Minette Bell, and Marinus Bell for comment. Madelyn Roose and Johan van Wyk reportedly passed away. MyBroadband contacted the church that Johan van Wyk founded, Solid Rock Church, for comment. Leonard Gray responded and said that he is a member of MTI with a small amount of bitcoin in his account, and that he is not a founder or investor of any relevance. Gray said that he was employed at MTI under contract as a legal advisor. He said that he has not been paid his December salary and that he is helping the relevant liquidators in their enquiry into the affairs of MTI. Andrew Caw told MyBroadband he was only an investor in BTC Global and lost a significant amount of money when it collapsed. He said that he was a relative late-comer to MTI and funded his account with the bare minimum amount required. Caw explained that he was dubious about the fact that you dont hold the private keys to the bitcoin you have invested in MTI. I always tell anyone that asks that any time you give someone else control of your bitcoin you are taking a risk Not your private keys, Not your Bitcoin as they say, Caw told MyBroadband. The safest thing to do with Bitcoin is to hold it in a wallet only you have access to. Caw said that he was invited to the MTI StratCom leadership conference in August 2020 where he declined to be a part of the management team. Unfortunately, a photograph of the StratCom attendees, including several consultants, was mistakenly published as a management photo. My only major contribution following this event was a proposal I drafted which would enable MTI to deliver cryptographic proof of their actual holdings of Bitcoin, Caw stated. While this proposal was well received by the MTI management team it was never implemented due to security concerns from MTIs broker the broker that we now believe may be one of Johann Steynbergs aliases. MyBroadband asked Caw about a screenshot posted to the MyBroadband forum showing a link to Mirror Trading International from the website of Coin Buyers Club, Caws cryptocurrency brokerage business. Caw did not respond by the time of publication, but in an earlier statement he said that as a Bitcoin broker, in a non-advisory role, he did have several other clients including family who put funds into MTI. While the majority of our clients had no exposure to MTI, it seems clear now that those that did have lost whatever Bitcoin they had with MTI, Caw said. At the end of the day though each person needs to decide for themselves what their risk appetite is and make their own decisions accordingly. On the topic of BTC Global, Caw said that the scheme was represented locally in South Africa by an independent team of affiliates called Team on Fire. The Team on Fire name has been linked to Clynton and Cheri Marks. I had been working with [Team on Fire] in Syntek, a previous MLM company, Caw said. Because he had some limited experience with websites, Caw said he helped Team on Fire put up a quick landing page on Squarespace for the Team On Fire affiliates to use. This website was later adopted for the main business. Unfortunately, my name remained in the backend as the original author. I was however neither a founder nor leader in BTC Global, although I was later accused of being both, Caw stated. The Hawks also falsely linked my Bitcoin brokerage company to BTC Global in a media release in 2018. Their statement was retracted five days later after we pointed out their error. MyBroadband contacted the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation to allow them to comment on Caws statement, but they did not respond by the time of publication. Caw said that after the collapse of BTC Global, he realised that the best investment anyone he knew had ever made was simply buying and holding bitcoin. That was why I launched Coin Buyers Club. The Clubs goal is to teach people to buy and hold bitcoin in their own wallets where they control their private keys. We have operated as a Bitcoin brokerage and education facility, consulting to businesses, and high net worth individuals since then, Caw stated. The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) records for Coin Buyers Club shows that Caw registered the business on 25 August 2016, with him and Cheri Marks (then Cheri Gray) listed as directors. According to the CIPC, Marks was removed as director on 11 June 2018. Looking at the history of the domain for Coin Buyers Club (via Archive.org, SecurityTrails, and WHOIS), and Caws Facebook profile, the business seemed to become operational some time in July 2018. MyBroadband asked Caw about Cheri Marks being one of the original directors of Coin Buyers Club, but he did not respond by the time of publication. Now read: High Court grants provisional liquidation order against Mirror Trading International STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The city Fire Department (FDNY) has informed the FBI that there were either active or retired firefighters present at the pro-Trump attack on the Capitol building on Wednesday that left five people dead, including a police officer. The FDNY issued the statement on Saturday after a photo of a man wearing a jacket marked FDNY Squad 252 -- a Special Operations Command in Brooklyn -- surfaced on Twitter. The photo depicted the man standing near the entrance to the Capitol and carrying an American flag. The Department received anonymous allegations that active or retired members were present at the events at the United States Capitol on January 6 and, as required, has provided that information to the FBI, said Frank Dwyer, FDNYs deputy commissioner, Public Information and External Affairs. NYC firefighters spotted at Capitol during siege: FDNY https://t.co/e1aiHJUmzB Mike Walker (@New_Narrative) January 10, 2021 As of Saturday, MSNBC reported that 16 people were charged with federal crimes, and 40 with lower-level crimes as a result of the riot that erupted at the Capitol building. Metropolitan Police issued the following statement: The Metropolitan Police Department is conducting an investigation into the officer involved shooting that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. This is routine, standard procedure whenever an officer deploys lethal force. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia is overseeing the investigation. FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER (Photo : Youtube/Austin Talks) Playstation 5 black matte restock If you wish to pick up a black PS5, there is a chance that you might still be able to get one. Although the first batch of stocks of black PS5 consoles sold out, the SUP3R5 website says that people can check back soon, and speculation spreads that it may be available soon. Just earlier this week, there was a range of limited edition PS5 consoles, with a custom design modeled after the PS2. The consoles are designed by SUP3R5 and it comes in black, which is something fans have been asking for since Sony unveiled the PS5 last year. They went on sale on January 8 and it sold out instantly. Black PS5 on SUP3R5 SUP3R5 will only have 304 custom PS5 and PS5 Digital Editions available for sale for $649. It will also only have 500 custom black DualSense controllers. It is best to get this now while you can and if the site does not allow you to make a purchase, you can try again in a few minutes. Also Read: Sony PS5 2021 Software: 5 Features to Add for Better Usage and User-Oriented Platform So why are the custom-made consoles so few? The PS5 is very difficult to get, which limits the number of consoles that can be modified. It is also a throwback to the PS2's original Japanese release date which is March 3, 2000 or 03/04. If you wish to have a disc drive, the PS5 and PS5 Digital Editions will cost you $749. If you will bring a normal console at retail, then you will be paying $399 for PS5 and $499 for Digital Editions PS5. Likewise, the DualSense controllers are set to cost $99 each, and since the customization process involves complete disassembly of the controllers, your Sony warranty for the controllers will be void. Fortunately the console won't have this issue because only the external plates will be removed. It is also worth noting that you will be purchasing it at your own risk. Sony has already proved that it does not approved third-party companies offering customized PS5 products, which is why it went after PlateStation, a custom plate maker. Little is known about SUP3R5, so proceed with caution. It also looks like the images SUP3R5 have used to market their custom consoles original came from the site Reddit. This means that the custom consoles that do arrive has a chance to look different, though SUP3R5 does say that the final design may vary. Where to purchase PS5 While people do know where to purchase a PS5, getting one is very difficult. That is because the consoles is sold out across the United States, according to CNET. PS5 restocks are coming in and out this month, retailers are looking to replenish for a new year of PlayStation gaming. GameStop had a burst on new PS5 stock this week but after 15 minutes, it was all sold out. It is some indication that stock levels might be rising up to a level where Sony's console is not that difficult to purchase unlike last year. Fans are asked to keep an eye on Sony's website, Walmart, Best Buy, GameStop and Amazon for console updates. Related Article: PS5 Restock Dates January 2021: Tracker Claims Huge Stock Drops Next Week This article is owned by Tech Times Written by Sieeka Khan 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Popular Australian medical drama All Saints ran for an impressive 12 years, before its final episode aired on 27 October 2009. And now, Erik Thomson who played medical registrar Mitch Stevens, and Georgie Parker, who brought lovable character nurse Terri Sullivan to life, have reunited. In an interview with TV Week, both stars opened up about their characters and their iconic Australian love story. Together again? Georgie Parker and Erik Thomson [both pictured] have shared their memories about their time on beloved Australia drama All Saints, with TV Week 'l loved Mitch and Terri's relationship,' Georgie, 52, told the publication. '... We had enormous fun playing them, because we trusted each other physically and we got along so well.' Fans would remember one of the show's most iconic scenes, when Mitch was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which played out on screen, shortly after he tied the knot with Terry in an intimate ceremony. Heartbreaking ending: Despite more than a decade after shooting the scene where Mitch died, Erik, 53, admitted, 'I get emotional thinking about it, because it was so powerful' More than a decade after shooting the scene where Mitch died, Erik, 53, admitted, 'I get emotional thinking about it, because it was so powerful.' Fans have long hoped for Channel 7 to reboot the show, and Home and Away actress Georgie has revealed she's open to the idea. 'I'd do it, absolutely... Where do I sign up? I'd love to see what Terri is like now.' Is a reboot on the way? Georgie Parker, who played Terri Sullivan on the hit Channel 7 drama, has revealed she would be happy to take part in an All Saints reunion Eagle-eyed fans were last treated to a reunion between the stars of the show in November 2017. At the time, Georgie captioned the snap, 'Then this happened. FaceTime with @tassone.paul . With Josh , Erik and beautiful Tammy. All Saints reunion of sorts.' Three boroughs in and around London have become the UK's Covid hot-spots for infection rates - with as many as 1 in 15 people having had the virus in one area alone. London's Barking and Dagenham, the neighbouring borough of Redbridge, and the commuter area of Thurrock, in Essex, are all in the grips of a serious outbreak of the new mutant Covid strain, figures reveal. Eye-opening data shows that Barking and Dagenham is the country's worst hit area for infection rates, with 1,708 cases per 100,000 people. Redbridge is the second worst hit area it terms of infection rate, with 1,571 cases per 100,000 people, while Thurrock is third on the list with a rate of 1,566 cases per 100,000, according to the Government's latest figures. It comes as separate data from the Office of National Statistics' infection survey - which is taken from private households only - shows around 1 in 15 people in the Redbridge borough have had Covid in the last week. Nationally, one in 50 people across England are thought to have had Covid-19 last week, the Government previously revealed. Health chiefs and MPs in the east of London have now warned hospital services risk being overrun due to the increase in Covid patients One medic told the Sunday Times the situation was worst last week than at any other point in the pandemic so far. The fresh figures also reveal that while Barking and Dagenham, Thurrock and Redbridge make up the three worst hit areas of Covid infection rates, several other neighbouring boroughs are also among the top 10. Newham and Havering, in east London, are also among the worst hit, with case per 100,000 rates above 1,400. Epping Forest, Castle Point and Harlow, in Essex, and Broxbourne, over the border in Hetfordshire, also feature, again all with case per 100,000 rates above 1,400. In a worrying sign of how fast the virus is spreading, figures for Barking and Dagenham show the area had 300 cases per 100,000 people four weeks ago. Public health officials say the outbreaks in areas such as Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham could be being driven by a combination of factors. The 10 worst hit areas for Covid in England in terms of infection rates per 100,000 as of Sunday, January 10 Barking and Dagenham: 1,708.3 Redbridge: 1,571 Thurrock: 1,566.5 Harlow: 1,524.1 Epping Forest: 1,519.5 Broxbourne: 1,499.8 Newham: 1,491.8 Castle Point: 1,449.5 Rushmoor: 1,433.4 Havering: 1,416.7 Advertisement But they say high-density housing could be one of the key reasons. Redbridge is one of the most deprived and ethnically diverse regions in the country. A Government study earlier this year found black, Asian, and minority groups had a higher risk of catching and dying from Covid than white people due to their jobs and where they live. The spike in cases has sparked warnings from health chiefs over the added pressure on health services in the areas. According to the Sunday Times, bosses at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, in London's East End, told staff it was going into 'disaster medicine' mode. Barking MP Dame Margaret Hodge warned the Prime Minister this week that 'demand for oxygen is running at 100 per cent or more of the supply available' at Queen's Hospital in Romford, east London. Dr Simon Tavabie, who works at a main east London hospital, told the paper that his colleagues were 'exhausted'. He said: 'I specialise in palliative medicine, so I'm fairly used to caring for people who are coming towards the end of their lives, and even I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume who are dying of this illness.' The figures come as today 'Professor Lockdown' Neil Ferguson has revealed that London could already have herd immunity against the coronavirus which will help life 'get back to normal' by autumn. Ferguson, whose grim predictions of 500,000 deaths in the UK convinced the government to implement the first lockdown, told The Sunday Times he believes there will soon be a slowdown in infection rates and perhaps a decline. He said: 'That may be slightly aided by the fact there is quite a lot of herd immunity in places like London. Maybe 25 per cent or 30 per cent of the population has now been infected in the first wave and second wave. 'So that adds to the reduction of transmission.' He also predicted that the Northwest of England - another area where large numbers have been infected - could be on its way to herd immunity too. A policy of herd immunity - allowing the virus to spread through the population so people develop an immunity to the virus - was initially touted by some senior government figures, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Ferguson, whose grim predictions of 500,000 deaths in the UK convinced the government to implement the first lockdown, now says he is optimistic about the countrys future in 2021 as vaccines are rolled out But when the potential cost to human life of following such a police was revealed, with Ferguson saying as many as 500,000 people could die as a result, the government changed their approach. Like many scientists, Ferguson believes herd immunity against Covid-19 should be achieved through the administration of vaccines to the population, and not by allowing the virus to spread. But due to the UK now being one of the worst-hit countries in the world in terms of number of cases, as well as now having three vaccines approved for use, herd immunity is edging closer, the professor believes. His comments came as Chris Whitty today warned hospitals are facing 'the worst crisis in living memory' as Covid-19 cases continue to soar. In a scathing article for the Sunday Times, he warned those who don't take the lockdown seriously will cause 'avoidable deaths'. Meanwhile, almost 50,000 hospital workers are currently off sick with Covid-19, according to the chair of the British Medical Association, Chaand Nagpaul. And in a grim warning, Professor Ferguson said the number of patients with coronavirus in hospitals will sour by 20 per cent. 'It will be quite difficult to avoid another 20,000 deaths,' he added. Meanwhile, a further 1,035 people were recorded yesterday as having died from Covid, in the deadliest Saturday since April 18. The total Covid death toll since the pandemic began yesterday hit 80,000 - making the UK the fifth worst country in the world for Covid deaths, behind the US, Brazil, India and Mexico. The total marked a 132.5 per cent rise on the 445 deaths recorded on Saturday last week and was the highest Saturday figure since April 18. 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I'd make it': Covid patients speak out from intensive care in footage that shows emotional medics inside packed London hospital One nurse at UCH, Ashleigh, revealed that they are being forced to prioritise their care which will inevitably lead to a lower standard of care Shocking footage from an intensive care unit has revealed the extent of the coronavirus crisis and the strain it is piling on the NHS. Emotional doctors and nurses were seen struggling at London's University College Hospital while caring for the growing amount of coronavirus patients. Operating theatres and some paediatric rooms have even been converted into intensive care units to deal with the ever-growing number of patients. The harrowing footage comes on the same day Britain breached 1,000 Covid-related deaths since the virus's peak in April. Department of Health figures revealed that a whopping 1,041 people have died as a result of coronavirus in the past 24 hours. Footage filmed by the BBC showed the alarming reality on hospital wards. One patient, Attila, 67, opened up about the trauma of suffering from the virus. He said: 'It knocked me out. I didn't think I would make it. There is no oxygen around. It's very frightening.' Advertisement But in a positive sign the upward curve in cases may be levelling out a further 59,937 people tested positive, up just 3.8 per cent on last Saturday. Most hospitals are struggling to cover the levels of staffing needed to properly treat desperately ill patients. In Kent, the origin of the UK Covid strain that quickly overwhelmed London and the south east, 25 per cent of clinical and administrative staff are reportedly off sick - making it more difficult to administer vaccinations. Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said: 'There are enough right now to deliver the limited supplies that weve got. 'But we certainly havent got enough staff to deliver a much larger programme in two or three weeks time, while at the same time as continuing to deliver the flu vaccination programme and delivering normal business in general practice as well.' It comes after the scene in the packed intensive care ward of St George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London was recorded in a series of photographs. Its doctors and nurses revealed the unit has now doubled in size. Shattered staff at London's largest hospital say they are working 'to the limit' of their ability, battling low morale, exhausting shift patterns, and the prospect that the worst is still to come. Medical Director at NHS London, Vin Diwakar, warned medics that even if coronavirus patients grew at the lowest likely rate and hospital capacity is increased - including opening the Nightingale at the ExCel Centre - the NHS would still be short 2,000 general, acute and ICU beds by January 19, the HSJ reports. Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain - and bosses fear that there will be an exodus of staff when the third lockdown ends at Easter. Staff at London's University College Hospital told the BBC they are having to make choices about which patients to prioritise after a surge in young people left fighting for their life and needing ventilators. St George's emergency department consultant Dr Mark Haden said: 'Everyone's stress levels are higher than usual. Everyone is working to the limit, to the threshold of what they're able to. The hospital bed occupancy is very, very high, it has lots of Covid patients as inpatients at the moment.' The Press Association was given access to the ICU where Ms Cooper said: 'There is very little joy in our work at the moment. 'It's hard to find that joy when you come into work - you're scared for your colleagues, your families and yourself.' Inside St George's they are seeing seriously ill patients in their twenties because of the new Covid strain sweeping the country A staff nurse treats patient Peter Watts, 64, in the Emergency Department at St George's Hospital in Tooting, London's largest hospital 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 She said some staff have had to be sent home to take time off due to the unprecedented pressures on the job, while others have battled on despite not being able to see family abroad for nearly a year. And Mrs Cooper said she was concerned about the coronavirus legacy on staff in the emergency department. 'There's only so much you can come in and see an unprecedented number of healthy people die before that affects you,' she said. 'There is going to be an impact on mental health for a long time for our staff. 'We're quite resilient and adaptable, that's part of being in the emergency department, that's what we love. But this is going to have a sustained impact on staff and that's what worries me because I can't see how we're going to help that, because it is an impact that can't be seen in someone but it is very much felt. Intensive care consultant Mohamed Ahmed said he had seen staff in tears at the end of their shift, while some decided they could no longer come to work. Dr Ahmed, 40, said: 'After the first wave, we had quite a lot of staff who resigned. They couldn't cope. 'We had nurses who had all their family members abroad and of course they couldn't see them, so they couldn't get that support. It was extremely difficult. 'We have had a lot of sickness, so we've had situations where very good nurses are having to work on behalf of all of those who are unable to come in - it's one of these situations you never want to put your staff in.' Asked how much more staff could tolerate, Dr Ahmed said: 'The wiggle room, as you say, has been stretched so much. However, predominantly we're programmed in such a way as to deal with anything. But it would stretch us beyond our limit.' . Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Comedian Ash Williams, currently appearing in Im a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here is facing a charge of intentionally recording an intimate image without consent. has vowed to fight a charge of recording an intimate image without consent when he faces a Sydney court next month. In November 2020, officers from Inner West Police Area Command received a report of an offence allegedly committed by a 38-year-old man, NSW Police said in a statement. Following further investigations, the man was charged with intentionally record intimate image without consent on Friday, 18 December, 2020. Williams told News Corp he was completely blindsided by the claims of an unnamed woman and will fight the charge. He is due to appear at Newtown Local Court on Monday, 1 February. Related The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. "The hotline is useless because they just read exactly what's on the website." Nathan, an engineer, and Zoe, a medical student, travelled to the Gold Coast to see Zoe's family for the first time in a year, stopping in Brisbane for a day to see friends. They said they could not get any solid information on Friday, when the lockdowns were announced, before the borders were closed at midnight. The couple said they received mixed advice from Victoria and Queensland's COVID hotlines and airlines. "It's just being able to get more clear advice on what to do. Most people want to do the right thing, but they just don't know what that is and they get scared and they just want to get home, which is fair enough," Zoe said. She said given what happened in NSW with the border closure, which left thousands of Victorians stuck for weeks, that the Queensland border closure could last far longer than three days. "I won't travel interstate again for a long time until they can give us some sort of guarantee and clarity." Mr Weimar said Victoria's Chief Health Officer would review the state's restrictions "over the coming day or two to assess performance here on the Victorian side of the border". COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar. He praised the efforts of health authorities in NSW and Queensland who are, respectively, containing an outbreak and tracing the contacts of a hotel quarantine cleaner who tested positive to the highly infectious UK strain of the virus. Victoria's success in suppressing community transmission, as well as the unfolding coronavirus situation in NSW and Queensland, would influence Professor Sutton's decision on easing border restrictions, Mr Weimar said. However, the Andrews government has so far not revealed what criteria both states would need to meet to satisfy Victoria's public health team. Tensions between the Andrews government and NSW have risen over the hard border restrictions, with Victoria insisting it told its northern neighbour it planned to close the border as soon as it received health advice to do so. In a veiled swipe at Victoria, Ms Berejiklian said on Sunday that states and territories should have waited longer in monitoring Sydney's northern beaches outbreak before making such a significant decision. "Please talk to us": NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Credit:Christopher Pearce "I would simply say to other state leaders, firstly, please talk to us in NSW before you close the border because we can explain to you the situation that's going on and, secondly, that we have demonstrated our capacity," she said. The northern beaches area ended on Sunday a lockdown that had lasted three weeks for some residents. Victorian health authorities told a federal health committee meeting, held at midday on December 31 and attended by the NSW Chief Health Officer, that it was planning to shut the border to NSW, the meeting's minutes show. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley also spoke to NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard throughout the day about the Andrews' government's plan to shut the border, while acting Premier Jacinta Allan called and texted Ms Berejiklian about their intentions, according to a senior Victorian government source. At a press conference on Sunday, after Ms Berejiklian spoke, Mr Foley said it had "not come as a shock to my NSW colleagues that after some two weeks of community transmission across NSW ... Victoria was prepared to make the hard decision to keep Victorians safe". He said there were phone conversations every day and when the decision to close the border was taken, he alerted his interstate colleagues. There are currently 28 active cases linked to Melbourne's Black Rock cluster, and about 2600 primary and secondary contacts are isolating. Contact tracers were yet to identify the cluster's first case but were investigating potential leads, Mr Weimar said. Mr Foley said that while "things were looking positive" in Queensland, Victorians needed to stay put in the Sunshine State. He said Victorian health authorities would receive a final report from their Queensland counterparts on Monday afternoon. Ninety-six Victorians who flew into Melbourne Airport after border restrictions came into effect on Friday night are in breach of Queensland authorities' rules and have been directed to get tested and isolate at home for 14 days. The DHHS will not fine, or pursue any penalties, against people who flew into Melbourne. However, Mr Weimar said Victorian authorities had been urging their Queensland counterparts and domestic airlines to prevent people boarding flights from Brisbane. Loading "The domestic border issue is quite challenging," he said. "We can see looking ahead that there are likely to be more sporadic outbreaks, like the ones we've lived through over the last few weeks." He said a "clear and simple system" was needed to give people "as much clarity as possible about how to manage travel over the coming months" while coronavirus cases popped up around the country. Liberal frontbench MP Matthew Guy accused the Andrews government of abandoning Victorian residents in NSW. He said border closures should be a last resort, not a first resort. How can it be in 2021 that there are more than 4000 Victorians in NSW and the Victorian government is locking those people out of their own state? Mr Guy said. Some of their kids will miss the first day of school the way its going Theres no plan, theres a shambolic and panicked response by the Victorian government as to how were going to get these people home. Victoria reported six new cases on Sunday, all of them in hotel quarantine, including one person who is an international flight crew member. All states and territories will close a "loophole" and begin testing international air crew following a decision adopted by national cabinet on Friday, after Victoria expressed increasing concern about the high rates of virus being detected among flight staff. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Flight attendant Christine Angelica Dacera was laid to rest on Sunday, more than a week after her controversial death on New Years Day. Daceras family and friends gathered at the Forest Lake Memorial Park in General Santos City on Sunday morning for one final view. The 23-year-old was found unconscious in the bathtub of her hotel room in Makati City following a New Years Eve revelry. TIMELINE: The Christine Dacera case Three individuals who were with Dacera during the night were earlier detained and were slapped with rape with homicide complaints. But they were released on Wednesday following an order from the Makati City Prosecutors Office, which noted that more evidence is needed to establish the nature of the incident. DOJ Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento also labeled the initial complaints as premature. READ: We are just starting: DOJ stresses Dacera case not dismissed as search for more evidence continues The respondents tagged in the case have also denied the allegations against them. An initial medico-legal report listed "ruptured aortic aneurysm as Daceras cause of death, but her family sought a second autopsy, as they believe she did not die of natural causes. The family, however, decided to keep its results confidential for the meantime. Press Release January 9, 2021 De Lima asks Court to junk second drug case, cites lack of evidence vs her A day after seeking to dismiss one of the three trumped-up drug cases against her, Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has asked the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 to junk her second drug case citing failure of the Prosecution to present sufficient competent evidence against her. De Lima, through her lawyers, filed a Demurrer to Evidence for Criminal Case 17-165 last Jan. 8 where she is facing a conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading with her former aide and co-accused Ronnie Dayan. "After more than three years of prolonged trial, the records of the case show that all of the witnesses failed to adduce sufficient proof that will "sustain a judgment of conviction beyond reasonable doubt,'" she said. It can be recalled that the Prosecution filed an Amended Information that changed the crime imputed against De Lima from "illegal drug trading" to "conspiracy to trade illegal drugs," fully realizing that they had no proof of any of illegal drugs allegedly traded. In this case, the Prosecution accused De Lima for allegedly receiving two payments of P5 million on Nov. 24, 2012 and another P5 million on Dec. 15, 2012 purportedly coming from New Bilibid Prison (NBP) drug trade proceeds to raise funds for her senatorial bid. In filing her Demurrer, De Lima said the sole alleged witness who purportedly testified that he delivered money to her is her former co-accused, then Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos, but the latter fell short of proving that she accepted any delivery at all. The alleged deliveries of money to her house is firmly denied by De Lima, as these "NEVER HAPPENED" or "pure concoction". Note that Ragos was earlier tagged as an accused in the case, but the Prosecutors dropped him as De Lima's co-accused in order to use him as a witness against her. "In fact, even if Ragos were to be given credence - which the Honorable Court is cautioned not to - he himself negated the entire case of the Prosecution, when he allegedly explained one of the deliveries to the Accused as 'campaign contribution,'" she added. Thus, De Lima continued, if there had actually been any delivery, which she consistently denies, she maintained that "it was not in the course of any alleged conspiracy to engage in illegal drug trading." De Lima stressed that Ragos is the weakest link in the Prosecution's case because he "has a well-documented, opportunistic tendency to change his testimony to better suit his personal interests at any given time." De Lima said Ragos's credibility is made even weaker by the Prosecution's own evidence, citing the testimonies of Prosecution witnesses including NBI intelligence agent Jovencio Ablen, Jr., former PNP Intel Chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and convicts Hans Anton Tan, Vicente Sy and Peter Co. She said that they all testified that Ragos "has a derogatory record for being 'dirty,'" and that he was the one to "whom moneys were delivered at times that suspiciously coincided with his official actions as BuCor OIC." Moreover, De Lima noted that none of the witnesses presented by the Prosecution testified to having personal knowledge of the sources of the funds and, aside from Ragos, none testified to having personal knowledge of the alleged delivery to Dayan or De Lima. "Conveniently, the person who was consistently singled out as the person who would have had personal knowledge thereof, as he is allegedly the one who collected the money, is the one who can no longer defend and testify on his own behalf, i.e., Tony Co, who died back in September 26, 2016 in a staged prison riot that targeted inmates who initially refused to testify against me before the House Justice Committee hearing on the Bilibid drug trade," De Lima said. In fact, De Lima said the Prosecution negated their own claim of conspiracy, saying that if Tan, Sy, Co and Ragos are to be believed, the deliveries were "contributions" for a supposed Senatorial Run (for the 2013 elections whereat De Lima never filed a certificate of candidacy), in exchange for the alleged implicit promise that they will continue to enjoy privileges and benefits while inside the NBP. "In other words, going by the Prosecution's own purported evidence, Accused De Lima had a purpose completely independent of the persons who allegedly provided the money - which is the antithesis of a charge of conspiracy," the document read. Ultimately, De Lima said the entirety of the Prosecution's evidence more credibly and reasonably makes out a narrative that she is innocent, and that the case is about the corruption at the helm of BuCor, not illegal drugs or De Lima. It can be noted that Magalong and some NBI officials cleared De Lima of any involvement in any investigation on the illegal drug trade. Halle Berry is opening up about the fact that to this day, she remains the only actress of color to have ever won a Best Lead Actress Oscar. The Introducing Dorothy Dandridge star, 54, opened up to the Mirror on Saturday, expressing her 'heartbreak' over the fact that her victory in 2002 for the brilliant film Monsters Ball remains the only such win for a black actress. 'The heartbreak I have is because I really thought that night meant that very soon after that, other women of color, black women, would stand beside me,' she said. 'Heartbreaking': Halle Berry is opening up about the fact that to this day, she remains the only actress of color to have won a Best Lead Actress Oscar; seen winning her award in 2002 'Now its been 20 years and no one has, and so every time Oscar time comes around, I get very reflective and I think, "Well maybe this year, maybe this year." 'It has become heartbreaking that no one else has stood there,' the X-Men actress added. Berry won her Academy Award for her searing performance as the ill-fated Leticia Musgrove in 2001's Monster's Ball, opposite Billy Bob Thornton. The entire film hinged on her portrayal of an impoverished and put-upon mother and widow, up until the very last frame. Brilliant and powerful: Berry won her Academy Award for her searing performance as the ill-fated Leticia Musgrove in 2001's Monster's Ball, opposite Billy Bob Thornton While Halle broke the record for being the first and (so far) only actress of color to clinch the Best Lead Actress Academy Award, the Supporting Actress category has been somewhat more inclusive in that regard. Whoopi Goldberg won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the 1990 film Ghost, becoming the first female black performer to do so since Hattie McDaniels win for 1939s Gone With The Wind. And while several other actresses of color have since won that same award, including Lupita Nyongo, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, the argument could be made that relegating black actresses to continually win only for supporting roles keeps minority actresses firmly planted in that supporting category with little room for forward progression. While Halle broke the record for being the only actress of color to clinch the Best Lead Actress Academy Award, the Supporting Actress category has been more inclusive in that regard: Whoopi Goldberg is one of several black actresses to have won a Supporting Actress Oscar 'Arguably there could have been other women who deserve to have been there [winning a Best Lead Actress Oscar] that havent been there and I would have hoped that in 20 years, there would have been others that would be beside me,' Halle reflected, thinking back on her win. At the time of her victory in March 2002, a shocked and elated Halle exclaimed during her acceptance speech, 'This moment is so much bigger than me. This award is for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because this door tonight has been opened.' Now, almost 20 years later, the former Bond girl is disappointed more has not changed. At the time of her win in 2002, a shocked Halle exclaimed: 'This moment is so much bigger than me. This award is for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance' 'That moment mattered because so many people have come up to me over the years and told me how that moment shifted their thinking about what they could achieve, what they aspire to do or what they believed they could do,' she said over the weekend. 'That they were touched by that moment. That is the value that I know is real.' The Oscars have long battled accusations of racist and sexist tendencies, with recent hashtag campaigns such as #OscarsSoWhite, but the issues go much further back. Remember The Color Purple shutout: The Oscars have long battled accusations of racist and sexist tendencies, with recent hashtag campaigns such as #OscarsSoWhite, but the issues go much further back Another Whoopi Goldberg film, 1985's The Color Purple directed by Steven Spielberg, was nominated for a whopping 11 Academy Awards and failed to claim even one of the statuettes on Oscar night. Black actors have fared slightly better over the years, with performers such as Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali even nabbing two Oscars. But comparatively, both actors and actresses of color have been favored far less than their caucasian counterparts. Black actors have fared slightly better over the years: Performers such as Denzel Washington even nabbed two Oscars, but the inequality still remains vast This year, Berry will be debuting her first directorial feature effort, the Netflix film Bruised. She also stars in the film, in which she portrays a washed-up cage fighter, and feels encouraged by the fact that she was able to put the movie together. 'Im inspired to see so many women of color writing, producing, directing, telling our own stories from our own guise, our own lands, daring to do so. 'And Im also inspired by those who arent of color who are supporting those of color and helping them realize these opportunities and supporting them along the way,' she added. 'So its starting to feel better.' Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. CAIRO (AP) Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia failed to achieve a breakthrough in the African Union-led talks to revolve their years-long dispute over the controversial dam that Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the three countries announced on Sunday. Foreign and irrigation ministers of the three nations met online for the second time in a week in efforts to find an agreed approach to resume their talks focused on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam. Sundays meeting, held over videoconference, failed to find common ground to more forward, "because of differences over how to resume the talks and procedural aspects related to the negotiating process, Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement. Cairo and Addis Ababa rejected the Sudanese proposal, Egypts foreign ministry said. Ethiopias foreign ministry also said Sudan on Sunday rejected a proposal by South African to meet separately with AU experts, insisting on expanding the role of the experts first. Sudans Irrigation Minister Yasser Abbas said his government insists on maximizing the role of AU experts to have them facilitate the negotiations and bridge the gaps between the three countries, according to Sudans state-run SUNA news agency. In November, Sudan boycotted talks called by South African, the current chairman of the African Union, and argued that the negotiating approach to resolve the dispute proved unfruitful. Key questions in the negotiations remain on how much water Ethiopia will release downstream if a multi-year drought occurs and how the three countries would settle any future disputes. Egypt and Sudan call for a legally binding agreement on the dams filling and operation, while Ethiopia insists on guidelines. Ethiopia is building the dam on the Blue Nile, which joins the White Nile in Sudan to become the Nile River, and about 85% of the rivers flow originates from Ethiopia. Officials hope the dam, now more than three-quarters complete, will reach full power-generating capacity in 2023, helping pull millions of its people out of poverty. Egypt, the Arab worlds most populous country with over 100 million people, called the dam an existential threat and worries that it would reduce its share of Nile waters. The country relies almost entirely on the Nile to supply water for agriculture and its people. Sudan, in the middle between Ethiopia and Egypt, warries that the dam would affect its own dams, though it stands to benefit from access to possible cheap electricity. 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. New Delhi: After eight round of talks between the Centre and the farmer unions to end agitation against the new farm laws remained inconclusive, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court which is going to hear on a clutch of petitions related to the protests on Monday (January 11, 2021). The hearing on the pleas by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde comes ahead of Centre's meeting with the farmer leaders on January 15 to break the deadlock. Earlier on December 17, 2020, the apex court had acknowledged the right of farmers to non-violent protests and suggested the idea of putting on hold the new farm laws to enable negotiations with agitating farmers. The Centre on the other hand had said that agriculturists would then not come forward for the talks. The top court had said, "It will not interfere with the farmers' protest against the three farms laws. We are of the view at this stage that the farmers' protest should be allowed to continue without impediment and without any breach of peace either by the protesters or police." It also said that the court was of the view that the farmers' right to protest should not infringe the fundamental rights of others to move freely and in getting essential food and other supplies as the right to protest cannot mean blockade of the entire city. The Supreme Court was told by both the Centre and one of the farmers union that the negotiations are not happening at the moment. It also said that farmers cannot keep on protesting without talking to the government. The top court said it would pass an order on constituting a committee only after hearing all the parties including the protesting farmer unions and putting on hold the implementation of new agri laws by the Centre would enable negotiations with farmers. Attorney General KK Venugopal, however, opposed the suggestion and said if the implementation of the farm laws is put on hold, then farmers would not come forward for negotiations. Thousands of farmers have camped at the Delhi borders since late November in 2020 and have been protesting against the three laws that were enacted in September - The Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act. These laws have been projected by the Centre as major reforms in the agriculture sector that will remove the middlemen and allow farmers to sell anywhere in the country. On the other hand, the agitating farmers have expressed apprehension that the new laws would pave the way for eliminating the safety cushion of Minimum Support Price and do away with the mandi system, leaving them at the mercy of big corporates. The 8th round of talks with the representatives of 41 farmers' unions was held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on January 8, which was attended by Union Minister for Agriculture Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Railways, Commerce and Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal and Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Som Prakash. Tomar had again reiterated that the farm laws have been made keeping in mind the benefits of farmers throughout the country and that the Centre is concerned about farmers and wants the agitation to end. The Agriculture Minister had also expressed that the farmers' unions have kept the agitation disciplined which was praiseworthy and said that the government is willing to continue discussions with an open mind. Live TV The Minister also said that within the next December 16, they will finalise the list of members of the 'Razakars', 'Al-Badr', 'Al-Shams', the auxiliary forces of Pakistan Army then. A gazette notification was issued on January 5 cancelling their certificates, Huq told IANS, adding that the notification is available on the ministry's website. The Liberation War Affairs ministry had issued a notification as per the recommendation of 70th meeting of National Freedom Fighters Council, under the National Freedom Fighters Council Act 2002, more than seven months after the publication of the new list of freedom fighters. As per the notification, Khan, one of the fugitive killers of Bangabandhu, is among the 52 people who were stripped of titles. On June 7 last year, the Bangladesh government issued a notification cancelling the certificates of 1,181 freedom fighters following the recommendation of the 66th meeting of the National Freedom Fighters Council. On June 2, 2020, it formally included 1,256 more people in the list of freedom fighters after scrutinising around 150,000 applications following the decision of the meeting. Moslehuddin Khan, a key conspirator convicted for assassinating Bangladesh's founding father most of his family members, reportedly died in his dwelling at North 24 Parganas of India on January 10 last year. According to the media, he was living there with the family of Parosh Chandra Adhikari for long disguising his identity. He was going under the name 'Samir Kumar Dutta' alias 'Dutta Doctor'. Talking with Mamata Adhikari of the family, media confirmed that he was living with them till his death. Earlier, there were reports in some sections of Indian media that he had been handed over to Bangladesh. --IANS sumi/sdr/ Kailynn Cross, 13, a 7th grader at Mount Anthony Union Middle School, has been described as a super reader. She is pictured here with her familys book collection at their home in Bennington on Saturday. Andre Emot kept checking his phone, anxiously waiting for an update. The delivery was coming. It was finally coming. The first shipment of the new COVID-19 vaccine was in transit, and the director of the University Hospital pharmacy was eager for its arrival at the Newark facility. It was mid-December, the beginning of the nations massive vaccine rollout. And University was among the first hospitals in the state to receive doses. It was exciting the first time around you follow the trackers, like getting a UPS tracking statement at home, and youre looking for a delivery, Emot said. A frenzied race among pharmaceutical companies has resulted in two vaccines designed to end a pandemic that has killed nearly 20,000 people in New Jersey and 2 million worldwide. Hope has arrived a year into the scourge in the form of two-dose shots by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, the only vaccines approved thus far in the United States. But the vaccine supply chain is a complex, interconnected web of manufacturing, shipping and precise preparation. The process begins at pharmaceutical plants around the country and ends with a needle in the arms of New Jersey residents. In between, there are medical-grade refrigerators, ultra-cold freezers, advanced tracking software and security guards. Security protocols are so sensitive, in fact, University would not discuss them. Hospital officials gave NJ Advance Media a detailed look into the massive effort as the coronavirus vaccine rollout extends from front line medical workers and nursing home residents to police officers and firefighters. Emot is in charge of receiving the vaccines from manufacturers and properly storing them. Robert Baker, operations director for the COVID-19 Center at University Hospital, takes it from there, ultimately responsible for getting them into the arms of recipients. Andys compulsive, joked Bob Iannaccone, executive vice president at University. You want your pharmacist to be compulsive. But even Emot does not always know where the vaccines are being shipped from. It might be from Michigan, Iannaccone said, or it might not. All hospital officials need to know is how much of the vaccine they will be getting and when it will be arriving. The process is a delicate and meticulous one. The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra-cold storage, while Modernas version can be stored at more traditional freezer temperatures. Both involve two doses a priming shot and a booster a few weeks later, which necessitate separate visits. The weekly shipments of vaccine add to the complexity. New Jersey receives its supply incrementally instead of in one large stockpile. Thus the supply chain encompasses computer systems such as Tiberius, the federal governments central COVID-19 vaccine tracking system, and daily monitoring to ensure the vials reach their destinations securely and on time. The vaccine is kept in special coolers and tracked. Picture the process like any other shipment, Emot said. The product is created in a pharmaceutical plant, packaged and then transported via FedEx or UPS yes, just like Christmas presents or online shopping purchases and delivered to the doorstep of hospitals, vaccination mega-sites and other facilities. But these are no regular packages, of course. Inside are some of the most valuable assets in the nation right now: the key to stopping the worst pandemic in a century and restoring life to something resembling normality. Boxes containing the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine are prepared to be shipped at the Pfizer Global Supply Kalamazoo manufacturing plant in Portage, Mich., Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020. AP Local success, national frustration University Hospitals initial round of vaccines came from Pfizer/BioNTech, the first authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It was delivered to the hospitals loading dock, then immediately stored in special freezers. University has received three shipments so far, full of hundreds of vials that contain thousands of doses. Right now, the facility is conducting 300 to 400 vaccinations a day. Escorted by a security guard, hospital personnel carry the vials in special coolers from the storage area to the COVID-19 vaccine center a short walk away to give to patients. Its basically a two-minute walk, Emot said. But it doesnt matter, we still transport it in the appropriate means. Managing a hospitals COVID-19 vaccine supply requires a slightly obsessive attitude, Iannaccone said. Shipments must be tracked, logged and delivered. Then every dose and every person receiving the vaccine, or the follow-up booster, is checked and logged. So far, the vaccine rollout at University has been smooth, hospital officials said. But there have been hiccups on the national level. Experts say distribution is way behind schedule, and at this pace, it will take years to get the necessary number of people vaccinated to create the herd immunity needed to halt the spread of the disease. The Pfizer Global Supply Kalamazoo manufacturing plant in Portage, Mich. AP State officials have expressed frustration with the federal governments handling of the rollout, especially the weekly delivery system that is part of Operation Warp Speed, the national initiative to accelerate vaccine development. On Friday, President-elect Joe Biden said he would go further, releasing a much larger supply to states to boost immunizations, according to The New York Times. New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said the state has gotten the hang of the process since the rollout began in December. But managing the weekly deliveries has been difficult at times, she admitted. Difficult is a good [word], she told NJ Advance Media on Friday, chuckling slightly. Every Monday, the state inventories how many doses of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccine have been administered. Who got doses? ... How many doses have they actually delivered? Their actual inventory? she explained. Theres frequent monitoring of supply levels in the federal computer system, prioritizing long-term care facilities and putting aside doses the state knows its going to need for the next week. The system checks go on constantly. But the piecemeal delivery approach slows the dispersion of vaccine, state officials said. Obviously, if we get it all at once, we could allocate based on population density, disease burden and start perhaps vaccinating more individuals, Persichilli said. Sometimes the state gets fewer doses than it requested. A few weeks ago, the state received 20% less than expected. For its next shipment, Persichilli said she anticipates a small shortfall. In December, we projected based on the percentage of our population vis-a-vis the rest of the nation that we would get a certain amount, and [what] we actually got, I think, was about 20% less, she said. In the first two weeks in January, it looks like we again, we project it looks like we are getting about 2% less. Its an improvement, she said, but its still not predictable. New Jersey has received more than 572,000 doses of coronavirus vaccine and has administered 200,204 as of Saturday evening, Gov. Phil Murphy said in a tweet. Hospitals like University are in constant contact with the state. So they know about how many doses weve given, and the state knows that, OK, they need their next shipment, Baker said. Were on phone calls with them every day. A shipment of Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines being unpacked after delivery. OHSU/Fritz Liedtke Stay chill Keeping the Pfizer vaccine under ultra-cold temperatures requires precision and monitoring throughout the process. Theyre packed in temperature-controlled packaging, with trackers and loggers to ensure that there is no temperature variations, Emot said. From there, they are delivered via either UPS, FedEx, to the hospital doorstep, to the loading dock, or I get tracking information, letting me know exactly where that package is (and) when its going to get here, he added. The thermal containers are then brought to the hospitals ultra-cold freezers. The Pfizer vaccine is stored between minus 80 degrees Celsius and minus 60 degrees Celsius (minus 112 Fahrenheit and minus 76 Fahrenheit). The Moderna vaccine doesnt need to be stored quite so cold between minus 25 degrees Celsius to minus 15 degrees Celsius. Once the Pfizer vaccines come out of the freezer, they can be stored in a refrigerator for only five days. If you want to immediately use them, you can take them out then and let them thaw for about 30 minutes at room temperature for no more than two hours, Emot explained. The Moderna vaccines offer a little more wiggle room. The process remains challenging, even for scientists. [Operation] Warp Speed delivered vaccines, but they went heavy in the direction of new technologies oblivious to a reality that we dont have a health system in place to deliver them high throughput, tweeted Dr. Peter Hotez, a vaccine scientist and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Were opening 40 million IKEA boxes, just now reading the assembly required stickers. Each Pfizer vial contains five doses. Each Moderna vial contains 10. But since the rollout began, University Hospital workers administering the vaccine and other facilities nationwide have noticed a little extra in some of the vials. Once the FDA said it was OK, we started using the extra dose that may be available in the vial, Iannaccone said. Having a quick, easy transfer from the freezer to the COVID-19 vaccination center is critical, Baker said. When the clinic closes at night, we dont leave any vaccines there, he said. We actually put them back in that same cooler, take them back to the pharmacy where theyre stored and supervised overnight as well for the digital data logger. University declined to discuss its overnight supervision methods. Its all part of the procedural labyrinth that hospitals have had to adjust to. Because we had to experience (the) COVID virus in the hospital and that had such an impact on so many people here that the overwhelming response to get the vaccine was probably tenfold what I initially would have thought, Baker said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Radio DJ Andy Baird has been suspended from his weekly slot on Cool FM over controversial social media posts about Donald Trump, the US election and recent violence in Washington DC. The presenter, described as the "superhero of the station" on Cool FM's website, hosts the weekend breakfast show every Sunday morning. He was suspended from his role yesterday after dozens of controversial tweets emerged in which he appears to support the violence witnessed at the US Capitol building last week, spreads coronavirus conspiracy theories and mocks the 'Clap for Carers' initiative. Cool FM is owned and run by Bauer Media UK who said in a statement: "Andy Baird is a freelance presenter with a Sunday Show on Cool FM. "His views and opinions on social media are his own and not representative of Bauer Media. At the present time, Andy will not be presenting his show while we look into this." In dozens of posts to his Twitter account Mr Baird rails against what he calls the coronavirus "scamdemic" and repeats widely debunked and baseless claims of fraud in the recent US election won by president-elect Joe Biden. Responding to a tweet from media personality Piers Morgan imploring Donald Trump to help stop the violence in Washington DC last week, Mr Baird said: "Suck it Piers Morgan, fraud bought it die by the sword!!" Posting about the coronavirus pandemic he also said: "If you still think this is about a virus you need to wake up," as well as "how many more people have to blow the whistle on this nonsense? #ScamdemicIsOver". Mr Baird also mocked the return of the Clap For Carers initiative, now called Clap For Heroes, by responding to a talkRADIO tweet on the subject saying: "Clap for me I have put up with this BS for a year." Following the storming of the US Capitol building last week by Donald Trump supporters the president was permanently banned by Twitter on Friday. The tech company cited a risk of "further incitement to violence" after the rioting at the Capitol Building on Wednesday which left five people dead. "After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them - specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter - we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence," the company said in a statement about the account which had 88.7million followers. Earlier on Friday former national security adviser Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell - two Trump loyalists -were also permanently banned by Twitter. Following his ban the president continued to attempt to use the platform using a number of different accounts including the official presidential account. Tweets from the @POTUS account, which were deleted within minutes, saw the outgoing president claim he was now in talks to set up his own social media platform following his ban as well as accusing Twitter of limiting free speech. The official Trump 2020 campaign Twitter account was the next to receive a suspension after it tweeted the president's message amid his increasingly desperate efforts to reach his following. Digital director for the Trump campaign, Gary Coby, was the next account on the chopping block after he appeared to change his username to Donald J. Trump and offered the account to the president's Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino. The New York Times Parler, a social network that pitches itself as a free speech alternative to Twitter and Facebook, is suffering from whiplash. Over the past several months, Parler has become one of the fastest-growing apps in the United States. Millions of President Donald Trumps supporters have flocked to it as Facebook and Twitter increasingly cracked down on posts that spread misinformation and incited violence, including muzzling Trump by removing his accounts this past week. By Saturday morning, Apple listed Parler as the No. 1 free app for its iPhones. But hours later, Apple said it had removed Parler from its app store. Google had made a similar move a day earlier. The companies both said that Parler had not sufficiently policed the conversation on its app, allowing too many posts that encouraged violence and crime. We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity, Apple said in a statement late Saturday. Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to peoples safety. The dual removals were a major blow to Parler, sharply limiting its ability to find new users and throwing its future into question, just as it appeared poised to capitalise on growing anger at Silicon Valley in conservative circles. With Trump now banned on Twitter and Facebook, Parler had been a logical choice to become his next megaphone. This is very huge, Amy Peikoff, Parlers policy chief, told Fox News on Friday, when Apple first threatened to remove the app. Without access to the app store, she said, were toast. John Matze, Parlers CEO, said in a text message early Saturday that Twitter had recently promoted the phrase Hang Mike Pence as a trending topic. (The majority of the discussion on Twitter was about rioters chanting the phrase about the vice president Wednesday.) I have seen no evidence Apple is going after them, Matze said. This would appear to be an unfair double standard as every other social media site has the same issues, arguably on a worse scale. He added, But we are taking this very seriously. As to Googles action, Matze said in a statement that Parler had first heard of it in the press. The moves by Apple and Google against Parler were part of a wider crackdown by tech companies on Trump and some of his most extreme supporters after Wednesdays deadly riot in Washington. But unlike Twitter and Facebook, which make decisions about the content that appears on their own sites, Apple and Google weighed in on how other companies are operating. Apple and Google make the operating systems that back nearly all of the worlds smartphones. Now that the two companies have made it clear that they will take action against apps that dont sufficiently police what their users post, it could have significant side effects. Several upstarts have courted Trumps supporters with promises of unbiased and free speech social networks, which have proved to be, in effect, free-for-all digital town squares where users hardly have to worry about getting banned for spreading conspiracy theories, making threats or posting hate speech. Apple and Googles tougher enforcement could preclude such apps from becoming realistic alternatives to the mainstream social networks. They now face the choice of either stepping up their policing of posts undercutting their main feature in the process or losing their ability to reach a wide audience. That may reinforce the primacy of the social media incumbents, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It also gives those companies decisions more teeth. If they ban a pundit for violating their rules, that person will lack a strong alternative. Apple and Googles moves could also spur other apps to strengthen their enforcement. DLive, a livestreaming site that rioters storming the Capitol used to broadcast the moment, said Friday that it had indefinitely suspended seven channels and permanently removed over 100 previous broadcasts of the mob. It added that the lemons, a DLive currency that can be converted into real money, sent to the suspended channels would be refunded to donors in the next few days. Other platforms that host posts by right-wing influencers, including CloutHub and MyMilitia a forum for militia groups adjusted their terms of service recently to ban threats of violence. DLive was also pressured by Tipalti, a payment company that helps it operate. Tipalti said in a statement that it had suspended its service until DLive removed the accounts that had broadcast the riots Wednesday. Such third-party companies that help apps and websites function, from payment processors to cloud-technology providers to cybersecurity firms, have also used their positions to influence how their customers handle extremist or criminal activity. In 2019, Cloudflare, a company that protects sites from cyberattacks, effectively delivered the death knell to 8chan, an anonymous online message board that hosted the manifesto of a mass shooter, by halting its protections for the site. Amazon helps Parler operate by hosting its web traffic on its servers, according to a group of Amazon employees. Those employees and at least one member of Congress have called on Amazon to cut Parler off from that service, which could threaten its ability to survive. Amazon didnt respond to a request for comment. Apples action is more of a problem for Parler than Googles because Apple requires all iPhone apps to go through its app store. Google cut Parler out of its flagship Android app store, but it also allows apps to be downloaded from elsewhere, meaning Android users can still find the Parler app, just with a bit more work. Parler is also still available via web browsers on phones and computers. Before blocking Parler on Saturday, Apple had given the company 24 hours to improve its moderation to avoid removal from the app store. Over that period, it appeared that Parler had tried to remove some posts that seemed to call for violence. For instance, L Lin Wood, a lawyer who had sued to overturn Trumps election loss, posted on Parler on Thursday morning: Get the firing squad ready. Pence goes FIRST. The post was viewed at least 788,000 times, according to a screenshot on the Internet Archive. By Saturday morning, the post had been removed. In a text message, Matze said the post had been removed in compliance with Parlers terms of service and rules against incitement of violence. He said he wasnt sure if Apple knew that Parler had removed the post. In a notice to Parler on Saturday, Apple said that it had continued to find direct threats of violence and calls to incite lawless action on the app. Apple told the company its app would not be allowed on the app store until you have demonstrated your ability to effectively moderate and filter the dangerous and harmful content on your service. In an interview, Jeffrey Wernick, Parlers chief operating officer, blamed a cancel culture at Apple for his companys dimming prospects. He said he would advise other platforms not to try to compete on Apples app store. Because if you raise money and get investors and end up like Parler, whats the point? he said. Jack Nicas and Davey Alba c.2021 The New York Times Company Melanie Griffith looked as youthful as ever on Saturday when she got in some light exercise with a stroll in Beverly Hills. The 63-year-old actress was bundled up for Southern California's modest winter temperatures with a flowing all-black ensemble, though she stripped down to cool off later in the day. The Body Double star had on a black sweater with long, loose sleeves that swallowed up her hands. Scroll down for video Out for fresh air: Melanie Griffith, 63, looked as youthful as ever in a sporty all-black ensemble while going for a walk Saturday in Beverly Hills Griffith paired the top with a baggy set of black track pants and sporty black trainers to match. She had her phone at the ready thanks to a black and white patterned strap that slung over her shoulder and attached to her case. The 5ft8in member of Hollywood royalty had her blonde tresses tied back in a messy bun, and she a pair of black cat-eye sunglasses to block out the sun. She wore AirPods to soundtrack her walk while keeping a black mask around her neck in case she passed by others. Cooling down: She stripped off her black sweater to reveal her black tank top underneath after heating up Later, Griffith got too hot in her thick sweater and draped it over her shoulders, revealing her black tank top underneath. Although the actress is best known for her on-screen roles, she recently tried something new with a guest appearance on the fictional podcast Dirty Diana, which stars Demi Moore. Moore produces and stars in the series as a corporate executive who begins recording women talking about their sexual fantasies as an escape from her mundane domestic life with her husband, whom she hasn't slept with in a year. Griffith guest starred on the third episode as one of the women revealing her darkest secrets. Raunchy detour: Griffith departed form her screen work earlier this year for a guest role on Demi Moore's fictional podcast Dirty Diana, about a corporate executive in a sexless marriage who records other women's sexual fantasies Griffith began her Hollywood career in the 1970s with acclaimed roles in Arthur Penn's neo-noir mystery Night Moves and the Paul Newmanstarring mystery The Drowning Pool, both from 1975. The 1980s saw her receiving renewed acclaim for Brian De Palma's thriller Body Double (1984), Jonathan Demme's Something Wilde (1986) and Mike Nichols' Working Girl (1988), among other films. The actress followed in the footsteps of her mother Tippi Hedren, who famously starred in Alfred Hitchcock's classics The Birds (1963) and Marnie (1964). Her daughter Dakota Johnson, 31, whom she shares with her ex-husband Don Johnson, has gone on to have similar success as an actress. Following a small but pivotal role in David Fincher's The Social Network (2010), she landed the lead role in the Fifty Shades Of Gray Trilogy and Luca Guadagnino's epic horror remake Suspiria (2018). Hollywood dynasty: Griffith first made a name for herself on screen in the 1970s, following on the success of her mother Tippi Hedren, who starred in The Birds for director Alfred Hitchcock These are undoubtedly worrying times. Our hearts go out to the skilled and dedicated doctors, nurses and technicians striving to save the lives of those laid low by Covid and also to the sufferers themselves and their families, enduring fear and worry in alarming circumstances. They may be sure that the whole country is doing what it can to help and support the NHS in its battle. And so it should. This moment may at first sight seem as bad as the first outbreak in March. But this time much hope is at hand. When the time is right, there should be honours for the scientists and health care workers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak Professor Andrew Pollard, pictured, is the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group whose jab will be going into the arms of thousands of Britons every day for the next several months The vaccine is rapidly becoming available and it should not be long before the most vulnerable have received its protection. Doctors have also learned much about the treatment of Covid since then, and have more and better equipment and drugs for doing so. The advances made in coping with its effects have been quite astonishing in such a short time and are a tribute to medical staff ready and open-minded enough to learn new techniques and discover the characteristics of a new illness, while incredibly busy at the bedside. So much has been achieved from simple dedication to courage miles beyond the call of duty, and stunning scientific advance that when the time is right there should be a special Honours List for the heroes and heroines of the pandemic. Seldom have such compassion, bravery and determination been shown in a peacetime struggle. Those involved deserve more than verbal thanks, and we are sure the Prime Minister realises this. In these events we have seen just how powerful scientific knowledge and endeavour can be in doing good, and defeating disease and pain. We should always celebrate that. But science can have another more worrying side, as The Mail on Sunday shows today in a disturbing report by Ian Birrell. What has been going on in Wuhan, the Chinese city where the Covid outbreak began and which also contains a highly controversial viral research facility? Perhaps it is a coincidence. But wise people examine such coincidences with care, in case they are not quite as they seem. Some fear that unwise experiments can lead to the creation of a virus that can pass from animals to humans, not a science-fiction nightmare but a perfectly possible outcome. Scientists argue fiercely about whether the benefits of this research to medical knowledge outweigh the risks of something going wrong. Laboratories have leaks and accidents. There is a strong case for leaving such things well alone. British scientist Peter Daszak and his EcoHealth Alliance are at the centre of a major controversy resulting from this dispute. EcoHealth is already in trouble with the US National Institutes of Health, who have blocked funds to the organisation, while it probes its activities in Wuhan. Yet despite this involvement, Dr Daszak is a member of two vital inquiries into the origin of the Covid virus, one set up by the prestigious UK medical journal The Lancet and the other by the World Health Organisation. Does he have conflicts of interest which make it unwise for him to stay on those bodies? Why in any case was he chosen? Certainly one leading bio-security expert, Professor Richard Ebright, is ready to state openly that Peter Daszak has conflicts of interest that unequivocally disqualify him from being part of an investigation of the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is at least a serious charge, and The Lancet and the WHO should now answer it. By Su Xincheng, KYODO NEWS - Jan 10, 2021 - 14:57 | Feature, All, Japan, Coronavirus Sitting in front of an iPad with a lineup of herbal sore throat remedies behind him, Ryuta Fujii, president of pharmaceutical company Ryukakusan Co., is listening to Chinese customers' questions over a livestream. From Ryukakusan's headquarters in Tokyo, Fujii broadcasts his "live e-commerce" production, picking up products and explaining details about them, with everything simultaneously interpreted into Chinese by colleagues seated next to him. He responds directly to questions from viewers who can immediately purchase products they desire with a click on his store hosted by a platform owned by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., which also provides the livestream service. Through the showcase, sellers can introduce their products and answer questions from shoppers in real time. Ryukakusan has begun reaching out to consumers in China, where e-commerce is big business, with the number of inbound tourists to Japan having nosedived due to travel restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic. "It was a refreshingly new experience. I didn't know so many Chinese customers knew our products," said Fujii, the eighth president of the more than century-old family-run drugmaker. "I was happy to directly hear that they said our products are good and they want to buy more." Live e-commerce is "a highly effective marketing tool" to capture Chinese customers at a time when travel bans are still in place in many parts of the world because of the virus outbreak, as well as to learn what they think of Ryukakusan products, he added. The company's mainstay, Ryukakusan finely powdered herbal remedies for sore throats, coughs, and other throat ailments, are among the most popular items that Chinese tourists buy when visiting Japan, an attractive destination for shoppers who typically view products in the country as safe and of superior quality. Ryukakusan last year set up its first flagship shop on Alibaba's cross-border e-commerce platform Tmall Global and has sometimes found China's top beauty influencers including Li Jiaqi, known as the "King of Lipstick," to help promote its products. To spice things up, Fujii sometimes even breaks out his flute during events to serenade his customers. Live e-commerce, an online TV shopping channel-like livestream often hosted by product-promoting influencers or internet celebrities, has become increasingly popular in China over the past four years. Citing data compiled by international accounting company KPMG and Alibaba's research arm AliResearch, the Japan External Trade Organization, a government-backed organization that promotes trade, said in October that China's live e-commerce market is estimated to grow to 2 trillion yuan ($309 billion) in 2021. With inbound demand having evaporated due to COVID-19 entry bans on foreign tourists, and domestic demand remaining sluggish as people stay at home, other Japanese companies have started to sell products to Chinese consumers via livestreaming to plug their revenue hole and to drive future growth. For example, cosmetics maker Shiseido Co. is expanding its e-commerce presence in China after makeup demand tanked at home as many women began teleworking and wearing masks when out of their home. The company conducted its first overseas livestream via Tmall Global for Alibaba's Singles Day sale, usually held on Nov. 11 and known as "Double 11," one of the world's largest annual 24-hour online shopping evnts, which generated 498.2 billion yuan in total sales last year. More than 300,000 viewers tuned into Shiseido's livestream for its total makeup brand "Maquillage," ranking first among companies that did livestream in the same time slot and opened online flagship stores in 2020, according to Shiseido. Japanese companies are also hoping to pitch live e-commerce to domestic customers. However, few Japanese consumers are familiar enough with the shopping method, prompting some major e-commerce companies, such as flea market app operator Mercari Inc., to end their expensive live e-commerce service. "The number of domestic companies using livestreaming is increasing due to the virus outbreak, but most of them initially aim to strengthen their brand image rather than growing sales," said Kazunori Kawai of the Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting. But Kawai said he thinks live e-commerce will eventually become popular and the market will expand long term. "I don't think Japanese people are unsuited to watching videos and buying. However, when it comes to live e-commerce, awareness among people is still not very high," he said, adding that the method may be considered a poor substitute for TV home shopping while people tend to hesitate in buying products touted by unfamiliar influencers. "It will become popular when it becomes more widespread and people can find influencers (with products) that fit their needs," Kawai said. As part of efforts to encourage the spread of live e-commerce, Dentsu Tec Inc., a subsidiary of Japan's biggest advertising agency Dentsu Inc., launched in October the "Influencer Commerce Solution" service. It supports the expansion of sales through live e-commerce by using influencers in place of marketers who struggle to promote long-term sales, and brand awareness and loyalty, in the long run. Shiseido also launched live e-commerce for domestic consumers last year when people's lives and shopping habits were drastically changed by the pandemic. It is expected the company will focus on expanding the service in the future. "We will continue to work on live e-commerce in Japan and overseas to meet the purchasing needs of our customers and to locate new customers," said Mana Koide, a Shiseido spokeswoman. Hideki Tanaka of the Fujitsu Future Studies Center said the Japanese live e-commerce market's challenge is getting more people involved and creating content that can keep them engaged. "If you only speak in a one-sided manner, that would be no different from TV shopping," Tanaka said. "Using the internet means you can communicate, so you need to do such things as responding quickly if you receive questions." Ryukakusan's Fujii also stressed the importance of interactivity in selling products to consumers. "I think we should always be on the lookout for new business development," he said. "I see significant growth potential in live e-commerce as it enables us to interact with actual customers so quickly and directly." Related coverage: Japan to lose trillions of yen in consumption with virus emergency FOCUS: Japan economy to notch sharp recovery from pandemic toward end-2021 FOCUS: Japan's fiscal discipline to loosen even after record annual budget Police officers in riot gear walks towards the U.S. Capitol as a group protesters breached the Capitol building in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) US Capitol Police Announce Death of Off-Duty Officer The U.S. Capitol Police has confirmed the off-duty death of one of its officers on Jan. 9. The department said in a statement that the Capitol Police is deeply saddened by the off-duty death on January 9, 2021, of Officer Howard Liebengood, age 51. He was assigned to the Senate Division, and has been with the Department since April 2005. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. We ask that his family, and other USCP officers and their families privacy be respected during this profoundly difficult time, according to the office. The cause of death has not been released. The death follows days after a Capitol Police officer died Jan. 7 due to injuries while on duty as officers responded to unrest at the Capitol a day earlier. The officer, Brian Sicknick, died at about 9:30 p.m., according to the department, adding that it expresses its deepest sympathies to Officer Sicknicks family and friends on their loss, and mourns the loss of a friend and colleague. He was injured while physically engaging with protesters, according to the USCP. He returned to this division office and collapsed, the departments announcement reads. He was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Sicknicks father said Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the family on Jan. 8 to offer their condolences. During the call, Pelosi invited the family to the Capitol to pick out a spot for a plaque in Sicknicks honor. Funeral services also will be held at the Capitol, according to his father. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), a member of the Senates Republican leadership, said that he will be interested in finding out if there was a connection with Officer Liebengood. But mostly Im interested in reaching out to both of these families. These are people we saw every day, particularly Officer Liebengood, who was very much assigned to the Senate side of the building. And, you know, you have that loss. You have four other deaths of people who got involved in something that they absolutely should not have gotten involved in, Blunt told CBS News on Jan. 10. Meanwhile, a U.S. Air Force veteran, Ashley Babbitt (also spelt Ashli), was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer amid the chaos. The videos suggest a lack of communication between the officers, said Mark Lomax, who was executive director of the National Tactical Officers Association and is CEO of the consulting firm Lancer Cobbs. There were police on the protesters side, engaged and embedded with these individuals, he said. It did not seem like a threatening situation for the officers. Reuters and AP contributed to this report. For seniors, isolation and loneliness have always been challenging. But the pandemic has made it worse for them, and for their caregivers. For seniors, isolation and loneliness have always been challenging. But the pandemic has made it worse for them, and for their caregivers. "It is taking a toll on older adults, and on everyone who is providing support for them," Julie Turenne-Maynard, executive director of the Catholic Health Association of Manitoba, said. With people separated because of the virus, "we need to find ways to provide holistic care for older adults," she said, whether thats by phone, online or, when possible, in person. "We need to provide them with a sense of self-worth and value at this time, to help them realize we will get through it." The impact of the pandemic is one reason why the association is offering an eight-week online interfaith course for caregivers about supporting older adults. The course Join the Journey: Body, Mind & Spirit is designed to help develop a deeper understanding of how to accompany older adults in every aspect of their journey, whether they are living at home, in supportive housing or in long-term care. The course, which begins Tuesday, is intended for anyone caring for seniors family members, clergy, health-care workers or those who work in personal care homes. Topics covered include understanding the aging journey, spirituality, communication, dementia, the power of storytelling, moving into assisted living and dealing with loss, death and grief. As people get older, many look for meaning, Turenne-Maynard said. For that reason, caregivers need to "be in tune with their spiritual needs," whatever form that might take. This requires "making space for conversations," she said, and assuring older adults "their lives are meaningful, no matter where they are at in their lifes journey... their lives are meaningful right to the very end." Claudette Moquin, a retired psychiatric nurse who serves seniors through St. Bernadettes parish, has taken the course before. It affirmed and enhanced what she knew through her career, she said that its important to spend time with people and listen to them. This includes around issues of spirituality. "When people are isolated and lonely, it can be made worse when they cant go to church," she said. "They miss that part of their life." Thats why churches should be actively involved in visiting seniors, talking and praying with them, and providing communion, Moquin said. "This is an important ministry of the church that has too often been neglected," she said. Moquin is doing her visiting with seniors by phone because of the pandemic. "I try to give them hope, help them stay connected, check on their health issues," she said of the regular calls. Turenne-Maynard, who leads the course, said she wishes the program had existed when she was caring for her parents. "I would have communicated with them better and taken better care of myself," she said. Cost of the course, which can be taken Tuesday evenings or Wednesday afternoons, is $100. For more information, or to register, call 204-235-3136 or visit joininthejourney.eventcreate.com. faith@freepress.mb.ca The Victorian government insists it told NSW of its plans to close the border as soon as receiving health advice after Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it acted too quickly and without consultation. As Sydney's northern beaches emerged from its lockdown - the COVID-19 outbreak which prompted Victoria's border closure on January 1 - Ms Berejiklian urged other state premiers to not make hasty decisions. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has pleaded with the other states to consult NSW before closing borders. Credit:SMH In a veiled swipe at Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Ms Berejiklian said states needed to "talk to us in NSW before you close the border because we can explain to you the situation that's going on". Her comments come as Victorians stranded in NSW hope to learn in the next day or two when they will be allowed to return home. The man allegedly jumped from the ship into WA waters before swimming to shore. Credit:WA Police A man on board a carrier ship berthed off a West Australian port has allegedly tried to escape quarantine by jumping off the vessel into waters before swimming ashore and making his way to a backpackers. The 37-year-old man, Ho Anh Dung, was a crew member aboard a bulk carrier ship that anchored at Albany Port, in the state's Great Southern region, on Thursday. Crew members were not permitted ashore onto West Australian land. The Vietnamese man allegedly jumped into the water on Saturday and swam ashore against state COVID-19 rules, according to WA Police. 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. The farmers have turned a stretch of highway into the site of a well-organised community. Many of the farmers are Sikh, and they said their beliefs and sense of tradition had helped them make the sacrifices to sustain the protests. The protesters, which one leader estimated at about 50,000, have organised a rotation to ensure their numbers do not shrink. When protesters tire or fall sick, they often arrange for replacements from their village before they leave the site. People line up for free food at the farmers protest in Singhu on the border with Delhi. Credit:Saumya Khandelwal/The New York Times Singh said about 5000 people alone from his village of 14,500 in the Faridkot district of Punjab had joined the protest, nearly 1000 of them women. Asked if he was nervous about his grandfather falling sick or getting infected with the coronavirus, he smiled. "My grandfather doesn't fear corona," he said. "He fears for our future." The protests have laid bare the dire reality of inequality across much of the country. More than 60 per cent of the 1.3 billion population still primarily depend on agriculture for their livelihood, though the sector accounts for only about 15 per cent of the country's economic output. Their reliance has only increased after COVID-19 badly struck the urban economy and sent millions of labourers back to their villages. For years now, debts and bankruptcies have been driving farmers to high rates of suicide. An aerial view of the farmers protest camp on the Singhu border with Delhi, India, on Friday. Credit:Saumya Khandelwal/The New York Times Government support to farmers, and regulation of the market, with guaranteed minimum prices for certain essential crops, helped the country move past the dire hunger of the 1960s to producing a surplus of grain in recent years. But with the economy being liberalised in recent decades, Modi who wants to see it to nearly double in size by 2024 sees such a large role for the government as no longer sustainable. Farmers, however, say they are struggling even with the existing protections. They believe market-friendly laws will eventually eliminate regulatory support and leave them bereft. India's weakened economy offers them little chance at a different livelihood. "The laws are a shoddy attempt at liberalisation. You just enacted them without thinking of farmers," said Vikas Rawal, a professor of economics at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi who studies agrarian distress. "What you have to do is make farming remunerative for farmers by achieving a balance between public support, private investment and ecological concerns." Loading At first, Modi's government tried to paint the protesters as misguided, stoked by bitter opposition or even foreign hands a tactic used against previous waves of demonstrations. More recently, the administration's willingness to negotiate suggests it finds itself against a highly organised and motivated movement. As several rounds of talks failed, the farmers have threatened to drive their tractors into the capital. Modi's ministers have offered concessions on some issues, such as exempting farmers from penalties under a new air pollution law. But the farmers insist on nothing short of repealing the laws and enshrining minimum prices. With each passing week, the farmers said, they are growing embittered against a government that is holding fast while protesters gather in the elements amid a pandemic. Protest leaders say about 60 of their ranks have died from illness or suicide, though an exact figure could not be determined. "I have just one message for him," Harjinder Singh, 48, a ninth-generation farmer, said of Modi: "'Fear God'." Despite the difficulties, the protesters have found ways to rally support. Some have built elaborate stages, big and small, throughout the tent city in Singhu, where farm leaders and politicians can hold rallies. During breaks in the speeches, organisers read the list of the latest donations from across India and the world. There were also gifts sent by farmers from other parts of the country, from pineapples to almonds. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs the groundbreaking ceremony of a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Ram in Ayodhya, India, last year. Modi wants to see the Indian economy double in size by 2024. Credit:AP Tech-savvy protesters disseminate videos and photos across social media to keep the crowds back in the villages energised and to keep the donations coming. Up and down the protest row, music blares from the sound systems installed on the tractors and seeps from the openings of the many tents. In one corner, a makeshift gym was established before it was turned into a "farmers mall" by an aid group offering free essentials like toothpaste, thermal underwear and soap for bathing and for laundry. In several spots, there are even laundry stalls with washing machines. Volunteers at medical tents take care of minor illnesses paracetamol for headaches, amlodipine for blood pressure. "Diabetes is the worst," said Manisha Sharma, 27, a paramedic who attended one medical tent. Despite the size of the crowd and the chaos of so many people surviving in the cold and mud, the protesters try to stay calm, wary of provocations that might give the government a pretext to discredit the movement or crack down in the name of law and order. "Last night, we caught a young local who had stolen a mobile phone," said Harjot Singh, a protester who was helping serve rice at one of the food tents. They let him go without punishment, he added. In interviews, many of the Sikh protesters portrayed farming and their fight for justice as a duty, and the sacrifice and organising that has made the protests possible as religious service. "It's cold, and it's hard to arrange water every morning for a bath," said Shabek Singh, who was dressed in a deep blue robe and a big round turban. "But we're not going anywhere. We will make this our temple." Trainer Eric Guillot can no longer enter race horses or have stalls on the New York Racing Association's circuit or for the Stronach Group The fallout stems from a horse he named Grape Soda in an apparent attempt to racially abuse black TVG commentator Ken Rudulph last week Grape soda is considered a racial slur and discriminatory trope as the drink is often stereotypically associated with black people Guillot said 'if Chris Rock or Dave Chappelle' had named the horse he believes it wouldn't have been deemed offensive, adding that his 'skin is too light' He had tweeted on New Year's Day he was giving a three-year-old colt a unique name in honor of a TVG analyst and accompanied the post with a black fist emoji Rudulph. the only black analyst for TVG, called the incident emblematic of what he says is a deep-rooted issue of racism in the horse racing world The horse has since been sold and its new owner renamed it Respect for All Eric Guillot can no longer enter race horses or have stalls on the New York Racing Association's circuit, it was determined over the weekend A prominent New York race horse trainer has been banned from competing in the state and elsewhere in the country after he changed the name of one of his horses to a racial slur to taunt a black commentator. ADVERTISEMENT Trainer Eric Guillot can no longer enter race horses or have stalls on the New York Racing Association's (NYRA) circuit after entering a horse named Grape Soda in a race at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens on Friday, officials have confirmed. The horse, which took first place, had reportedly been named to torment Ken Rudulph, who is an analyst for TVG and is black. Grape soda is considered a racial slur and derogatory trope as the drink is often stereotypically associated with black people. Racism is completely unacceptable in all forms, David ORourke, president and chief executive of the NYRA, said in a statement. NYRA rejects Eric Guillots toxic words and divisive behavior in the strongest terms. He added, Our racing community is diverse, and we stand for inclusion. The Stronach Group, which owns racetracks in Maryland, Florida and California, also said over the weekend that it would no longer be allowing horses trained by Guillot to race at its tracks. The controversy stemmed from a New Year's Day post, in which Guillot wrote that he had named a horse in honor of a TVG analyst, which was accompanied by a black fist emoji Responding to a message from a follower asking him to confirm the colts name, Guillot wrote: GRAPE SODA The fallout stems from a tweet Guillot posted on New Years Day, in which he wrote that he was giving a three-year-old colt a unique name in honor of a TVG analyst. He ended the post with a black fist emoji. Responding to a message from a follower asking him to confirm the colts name, Guillot wrote: GRAPE SODA. The next day, Guillot tweeted again about the horse, characterizing its workout as a menthol Kool, a post this time accompanied with a black thumbs-up emoji. For decades, menthol cigarettes were targeted towards primarily black consumers in the US. ADVERTISEMENT The horse had originally been named Kirksetter, but it was changed to the offensive term on December 29, according to records obtained by the Times. Click here to resize this module Guillot and Rudulph - the only black analyst at TVG - were reportedly embroiled in a feud, though its currently unclear on what the source of trainers apparent ire is. After the horse won his debut race at Aqueduct on Friday, social media came alive with criticism of Guillot and the slur. In the days since, Guillot has offered a series of contradictory statements regarding the origins of the horses name. On Twitter he said the name Grape Soda had actually been chosen for his love of the drink as a child. However, in an interview with the Paulick report, he later said: I did nothing wrong but be a common comedian, and my skins a little too light to be joking about grape sodas, thats all. If Chris Rock or David Chappelle had said it, it would be OK, he bizarrely added. Guillot shown above The horse, which took first place, had reportedly been named to torment Ken Rudulph (above), who is an analyst for TVG and is black. Grape soda is considered a racial slur as the drink is often stereotypically associated with black people The horse took first place in its debut race at the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens on Friday A post to Guillot's Twitter page on Sunday appeared to reference the dispute, showing him reaching for a bottle of grape soda, with the caption, 'Oh no I DIDN't' Guillot also attempted to claim he was just teasing and didnt mean to cause Rudulph any harm. However, any such sentiments were immediately contradicted when he continued: [Rudulph] plays the 180-degree Black Lives Matter racist card and is as condescending as you get. It has nothing to do with me being racist. This is what he wanted; I just fueled the fire is what I did. Despite his insistence that he has done nothing wrong, Guillot posted a message to Twitter Saturday that appeared to imply he has not retired. ADVERTISEMENT Rudulph, meanwhile, said the entire episode is emblematic of the wider issue of systemic racism thats embedded deeply in horse racing. The winner in race #1 from Aqueduct is the perfect example of my issue with horse racing. The winning trainer is a disgusting and racist man, he blasted Friday. After Guillot was banned from the NYRA, Rudulph wrote: I am not a victim so you can miss me with that performative sympathy bulls*** that you all are sending me. What happened Saturday in New York is not about a horse with a name. Its about a culture that has been cultivated and covered up in this industry since day number one. The controversially named horse was sold after the race for $25,000 and renamed Respect for All The controversially named horse was sold after the race for $25,000 and renamed Respect for All. Lawrence Roman, who made the purchase, told the New York Times he had had no idea the name was a slur until the Jockey Club contacted him on Saturday morning and asked him to change it. In addition to renaming the horse Respect for All, he is also pledging 10 percent of the horses purse earnings to a fund to help New Yorks backstretch workers. I wanted to make a positive out of a negative situation, Roman told the outlet. This is a great sport that I have really enjoyed, and the people on the backstretch are from all over and they love and take care of these athletes. We dont want racism in this sport. ADVERTISEMENT Prior to his apparent retirement, Guillot won 295 races during his career and his horses earned combined winnings in excess of $13 million. Ramjya said last year too livestock of another farmer was killed by strays. DC Image HYDERABAD: A pack of around six stray dogs killed a herd of 50 sheep in Medigadda village of Amangal mandal in Ranga Reddy district Friday night. They were all in a dairy shed of Nenavath Ramjya. It was only in the morning when Ramjya, who lives at least five kms away, returned to his shed for work that his sheep maimed, and reported it to village authorities. He said he has suffered a loss of around Rs 5-6 lakh. Incidentally, this is not the first time that such an incident has occurred in the village. Ramjya said last year too livestock of another farmer was killed by strays. There is moreover a scare of leopards in the area as well. The sarpanch, along with officials analysed the situation on Saturday morning but no compensation has been announced for Ramjya. Let us know what you're seeing and hearing around the community. Submit here The Western Trust has appealed for all available staff to report to the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) as Northern Ireland's health service struggles to cope with Covid-19. In a message on social media the trust urged all staff in the vicinity to report to the Enniskillen hospital for work. It is understood the staff are being called in to help the Southern Trust deal with extreme pressures. "Attention all off-duty staff in the vicinity of SWAH. Due to increasing pressures this evening on the NI Healthcare System we are appealing to you to contact or go directly to the hospital. Thank You," the message read. On Sunday night the Southern Trust said that Craigavon and Daisy Hill Hospitals were "extremely busy". "Our staff have responded superbly and we have been able to open additional beds to support the high numbers of Covid-19 positive patients needing hospital care," a spokesperson said on social media. "Thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer help and support. The situation is currently very difficult but stable and we expect this high level of demand to continue over the next few weeks." It comes after a number of ambulances were pictured queued up outside Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry on Saturday night. Expand Close The scene at Daisy Hill Hospital on Saturday night. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The scene at Daisy Hill Hospital on Saturday night. According to the Department of Health there are currently 703 Covid-19 inpatients in Northern Ireland's hospitals, with 53 in an intensive care unit. Hospital bed occupancy currently stands at 94%, while 15 intensive care unit beds remain free. On Sunday evening the chief executives of Northern Ireland's six health and social care trusts spelled out the stark situation they are dealing with in a joint statement. They described the current situation in hospitals as "very serious" with modelling indicating that in the third week of January the health system will be dealing with double the number of Covid positive patients they are currently treating. This is not a simple matter of putting up more beds. We need the staff to care for the increased number of patients. Pre-existing staffing pressures and staff absence because of Covid, and other reasons, mean that those staff simply arent there," the statement said. They pledged to do everything they can "to deal with the situation that is unfolding". "Our staff, although exhausted, will once more go above and beyond to do the best they can for as many people as possible, and we thank them for it. It will definitely not be easy and the care that we are able to provide will at times fall short of the high standards we normally deliver but we will do our very best. Desperately ill patients whether Covid or non-Covid will always be the ones being prioritised," the statement said. The chief executive's said that nobody should attend an emergency department (ED) at any time unless they require emergency care and warned that those who do attend face long waits. "Patients arriving by ambulance will also wait at times, sometimes for many hours before space is available in an already over-stretched ED. This has a direct impact on the ability of the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to respond, in a timely manner, to life threatening emergencies in the community," the statement said. A further 17 people in Northern Ireland died after contracting Covid-19, the Department of Health confirmed on Sunday. Of the deaths, 15 occurred in the past 24 hours, while two went previously unreported. It brings the death toll in the region from the virus to 1,460. Another 1,112 cases of Covid-19 have also been confirmed after 7,377 tests were carried on 3,480 people on Saturday. It brings the total number of cases to 88,700 in Northern Ireland since the pandemic began. Read More Here's how Sunday unfolded: Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 11:21:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Navy special force show debris of the crashed Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 in the waters of Lancang Island, Jan. 10, 2021. Indonesian authorities said on Sunday that they have found body parts and stuffs suspected to belong to passengers of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed into waters off Jakarta. Ships and aircraft from various Indonesian agencies have been involved in the search for the Boeing 737-500 plane which crashed shortly after takeoff with 62 people aboard on Saturday. (Xinhua/Veri Sanovri) JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian authorities said on Sunday that they have found body parts and stuffs suspected to belong to passengers of Indonesia's Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed into waters off Jakarta. "As of this morning, we have received two (body) bags, one with passenger belongings and the other with body parts," Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus told local TV. Rescuers searching for the plane wreckage have pulled debris and cables suspected to belong to the ill-fated plane. Ships and aircraft from various Indonesian agencies have been involved in the search for the Boeing 737-500 plane which crashed shortly after takeoff with 62 people aboard on Saturday. The 26-year-old aircraft, which was flying to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province, was carrying 50 passengers, including seven children and three babies, and 12 crew members. Enditem The government is facing pressure to rethink the decision to keep nursery and special needs schools open. Health fears among staff were raised during a series of meetings with the Department of Education and the Public Health Agency by an all-union delegation. Further meetings are scheduled for tomorrow and Tuesday when unions hope to persuade the executive to relax the rules to protect teachers and support staff. Special and nursery schools returned as normal on Monday morning, while primary and secondary schools moved to remote learning. Other teachers were brought into schools and colleges to cater for the children of key workers. Staff concerns include fears of being exposed to the virus by young children who can't social distance as well as a lack of PPE. Unison spokesperson Anne Speed said: "The key message delivered was that for these schools to remain open, it could not and should not, be business as usual. "Numbers attending have to be manageable on a daily basis to allow all safety protocols to be maintained. "The delegation asked the Department of Education to ensure ministerial support to allow local school leadership teams to make the call on what staff can safely sustain. "We have further meetings lined up for Monday and Tuesday and all the main unions are involved. We need to get back to basics and get the Executive to agree to the flexible interpretation of the rules." Expand Close Union spokeswoman Anne Speed / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Union spokeswoman Anne Speed Unions point out that while the two-metre social distance rule is expected in school environments it is unrealistic in special schools, preschools and nurseries. And they want attendance numbers reduced to ensure the safety of staff and pupils. Unison is also demanding that staff in early-years, special schools and those open for the children of key workers should be made a priority for vaccination and mass testing. Ms Speed added: "We need to get some kind of system in place where staff feel more at ease and more confident. "We know that key workers need the support and how important it is to have special schools and nurseries open but our argument is that it can't be business as usual and numbers need to be significantly reduced." China has called for the immediate return of one of its soldiers who "went astray in the China-India border areas and was apprehended by the Indian Army. The soldier was apprehended by the Indian Army at the southern bank of Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh on Friday after he transgressed across the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The capture of the soldier came amid months-long border standoff between the Indian Army and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in eastern Ladakh following a clash in the Pangong lake area in early May. In Beijing, the Chinese military confirmed that one of its soldiers "went astray" along the China-India border areas. "Due to darkness and complicated geography, a soldier of the Chinese People's Liberation Army frontier defence force went astray in the China-India border early Friday morning," China military online, an official website of the PLA, said. The PLA frontier defence force notified the Indian side of the information the first time, hoping the Indian side could assist in search and rescue of the lost Chinese soldier, it said. Nearly two hours later, the response from the Indian side came, confirming that the missing soldier had been found and would be returned to the Chinese side after receiving instructions from the superior authority, it said. The Indian side should strictly adhere to relevant agreements reached by the two countries and waste no time to return the lost soldier to the Chinese side, so as to add positive factors for de-escalating the border tensions between the two countries and jointly maintaining peace and tranquility in the China-India border areas, it said. "The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area. Troops from either side are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops," the Indian Army said in a statement in New Delhi. "The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated," it said. On October 19 last year, Indian troops had captured a Chinese soldier after he "strayed" across the LAC in the Demchok sector of Ladakh. Corporal Wang Ya Long of the PLA was handed back to China at Chushul-Moldo border point in eastern Ladakh following laid down protocols. 'Local doctors' protectionism to blame for shortage' Tommy Cheung says Hong Kong should look at other ways to assess whether overseas doctors can work in the city. Photo: RTHK Liberal Party lawmaker Tommy Cheung has blamed Hong Kong's acute shortage of doctors on what he calls the "protectionist attitude" of local doctors and the Medical Council. Speaking on RTHK's Letter to Hong Kong, Cheung, who's also an executive councillor, said there were two doctors per 1,000 people in Hong Kong in 2018 compared to 2.4 per thousand in Singapore, and short of the 3.4-per-thousand average of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) member countries. He said fewer than half of the city's doctors work in the public medical system, which provides around nine-tenths of in-patient services. "That is to say, we have one doctor for 900 Hong Kong people who need public healthcare," Cheung said. "Insufficient manpower is putting tremendous stress on doctors and our healthcare, and with ageing population, the queuing time for public medical services is extremely long." Cheung said the Department of Health and frontline staff should be commended for "holding the fort" during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, but he was pained by daily news report of the stress they were under. He said the "protectionist attitude" of the Medical Council and local doctors is the main reason for the shortages. "The failure to reform the Medical Council the body that licenses local doctors boils down to one thing: doctors self-interests," he said. "They are aware that our public hospitals are insufficiently staffed, yet they have been barring the import passage of doctors to contrive a situation of 'lack-of-supply' to keep their level of consultation fees up, and with all kinds of means to keep competition out." He called on Hong Kong to adopt policies used in Singapore and Australia, which uses supervision-based systems to assess doctors rather than an entrance exam. "The consideration on hand is not on the discussion of exemption of exams, but on how to develop a mechanism to admit doctors and specialists trained overseas to practice in Hong Kong with stringent quality assurance as quality is definitely our primary concern," Cheung said. He also said there were a lot of talented doctors on the mainland. "Demonising mainland-trained doctors is [an] old tale from a quarter of [a] century ago," he said. "Ridiculing China-trained practitioners is shutting out not only the mainlanders, but the whole world's pool of medical talents." Irelands health system is under increasing strain with a record 1,421 coronavirus patients being treated in hospitals, the HSE chief has warned. Paul Reid said the best support the public can now give to health workers is to avoid getting sick with Covid-19. There's now 1,421 people in hospital with #COVID19 (+136 today) & 120 in ICU. Our health system is under increasing strain.The best support we can all now give, is to avoid getting sick with Covid.This will help to get us out the other side of this. #StayHome #StaySafe @HSELive Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) January 10, 2021 Mr Reid said: Theres now 1,421 people in hospital with #Covid19 (+136 today) & 120 in ICU. Our health system is under increasing strain. The best support we can all now give, is to avoid getting sick with Covid. This will help to get us out the other side of this. The number of people hospitalised due to the virus has more than quadrupled in the past two weeks, as 321 people were in hospital with the virus on December 27. There were 136 additional admissions to hospitals in the past 24 hours. Some 121 people are being treated for the virus in intensive care units (ICUs) with 17 admissions in the last 24 hours. It comes as nine further deaths and an additional 4,842 new cases of the virus were confirmed on Saturday. Hospital staff are bracing themselves for a surge in coronavirus patients as the number of cases escalate. Irelands 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 population now stands at 1,162. The reproduction number of the virus is now between 2.4 and 3, the highest level seen throughout the pandemic. Saudi Arabia has announced its decision to lift the temporary travel ban and resume all international flights, starting in March, said a report in Saudi Press Agency citing a statement from the Ministry of Interior. The move, which will come into force on March 31, includes the following measures: 1. Citizens will be allowed to travel outside thekKingdom and come back. 2. The temporary ban on international flights will be lifted. 3. All air, sea, and land borders will reopen. The implementation of the measures will be done in accordance with the procedures and precautions laid down by the concerned committee amid all necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the kingdom, the statement added. Liam Hemsworth is reportedly so in love with Gabriella Brooks and it's not just him. His whole family loves his new GF and thinks she's essentially the one for him. Liam Hemsworth Thinks Gabriella Brooks is 'Perfect' While both Miley Cyrus and Gabriella Brooks get along with Liam Hemsworth's family anyway, Brooks can offer Hemsworth something the former Disney star seemingly cannot - stability and privacy. According to Hollywood Life, Liam Hemsworth, 30, and those closest to him are absolutely in love with Gabriella Brooks. They all think of her wonderful, believing she's the perfect person for the actor. A source reveals that Hemsworth "feels like he found the perfect woman in Gabby and they're only growing closer as time goes on." What makes the whole relationship sweeter is that no one in Liam's side of friends and family has issues with the model. "Gabby gets along amazing with Liam's family and she spends so much time with them including joining along on girls' only outings and parties with his loved ones," the source explained. What Gabriella Brooks Can Offer than Miley Cyrus Cannot In the course of explaining why Liam Hemsworth loves Gabriella Brooks so much, the source let out that the new GF can do something that Miley Cyrus and other girls ever attached to Liam cannot. "Liam spends almost all of his free time with Gabby and he really couldn't ask for anything more in a girlfriend," the source explained. "They made the decision to not follow each other on social media at this point because they enjoy staying out of the public eye. That was one thing Liam couldn't avoid in his past relationship and one of the key factors he's enjoying about dating Gabby," he added. The source further detailed that with Gabby, Liam can experience the kind and pace of life that he always wanted - steady and slow in Byron Bay along with the rest of the family. Gabriella spent New Year's Eve with Liam Hemsworth's family and that is quite telling of how close she has become with them. Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus broke up after eight months of marriage in 2019. He was then first spotted with GF Gabriella in December of the same year. Ever since, Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks have been spotted on various occasions and have been deemed by witnesses as inseparable. Whether or not Hemsworth confirmed that she is his new girlfriend seems irrelevant now, given how much time they spend together. According to a source, things are so good that Liam Hemsworth's family even think she's the one that the actor should settle down with. READ MORE: Lamar Odom Drops Savage Comments on Ex-Girlfriend Sabrina Parr - Did the Former Lakers Star Call Her 'Trash'? See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles The government has identified eight hospitals for the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination in the coastal state where around 18,000 health care workers will receive the doses, an official said on Sunday. As many as 100 vaccinations would be done at each of these eight facilities in a day, which amounts to 800 inoculations per day, state immunisation officer Dr Rajendra Borkar told PTI. "The state government has identified five government- run hospitals and three private facilities where vaccine would be administered to health care workers," he said. The short-listed government hospitals are - Medical College (near Panaji), Hospicio Hospital (Margao), Asilo Hospital (Mapusa), Chicalim Health Centre (Vasco), Sub District Hospital (Ponda). The private facilities identified for the task are - Manipal Hospital (near Panaji), Healthway Hospital (Old Goa) and Victor Hospital (Margao), he said. The state task force for immunisation headed by health secretary Amit Satija has also identified 18,000-odd health workers who will receive doses during the first phase, the official said. The central government on Saturday said will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16, with priority to be given to nearly three crore health care and frontline workers. Borkar said along with the rest of country, will also roll out its vaccination programme on January 16. All the health care workers who will be given the vaccine would be monitored for side-effects, Borkar said. The task force has called for a review meeting on Monday with nodal officers and representatives of the eight hospitals to discuss the immunisation provess, he said. Goa has already conducted two dry runs to assess its preparedness for the vaccination drive. On Saturday, Goa's caseload went up by 81 and reached 51,790, while the death toll rose to 746 with two more people succumbing to the infection. So far, 50,177 people have recovered from COVID-19, leaving the state with 867 active cases, as per official figures. (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.) Severe fire dangers are expected for states such as Tasmania and Victoria Extreme heat to sweep over Melbourne, Adelaide and parts of Western Australia Australians flocked to the beach this weekend to soak up the sun after weeks of miserable weather. Beaches across Australia's east coast were packed as the temperature nudged 30C in Sydney and Brisbane with highs of 37C in Adelaide. The weather is set to take a turn for the worse from Monday, with extreme heatwaves set to sweep across Melbourne, Adelaide and parts of Western Australia for at least three days, with severe fire dangers also expected for Tasmania and Victoria. Forecasters at the Bureau of Meteorology predict temperatures will hit the high 30s across Victoria on Monday, rising as high as the low 40s in the state's northwest. Extreme heatwaves will be sweeping over Melbourne, Adelaide and parts of Western Australia for at least three days. Pictured: Mona Vale Beach in Sydney on Sunday Thousands flooded beaches across Sydney (Bondi) on Sunday to soak up the first real taste of summer weather Fire danger warnings will be issued for the Mallee, Wimmera and Northern Country districts in Victoria on Monday. 'The fire agencies will look at that information and make a decision on whether to declare a total fire ban for those areas,' senior forecaster Domenic Panuccio said on Sunday. Northerly winds and an outside risk of thunderstorms in Victoria will also push up the risk of fires. 'It is a combination of a little bit of wind, very hot conditions, that wind change and relatively dry conditions as well,' Mr Panuccio said. 'There could be a couple of spots of shower activity, but only a fraction of a millimetre if anything with those storms. 'There is a possibility of even seeing a little bit of dry lightning, which is not ideal at all for a fire danger day.' Victoria, Adelaide and parts of Western Australia are set to swelter through extreme heatwaves from Monday (pictured is national forecast for Tuesday) Jonathan How, Bureau of Meteorology forecaster said that this scorching weather will reach its highest on Monday midday in Adelaide and will reach Melbourne only hours later, as told by news.com.au. 'The temperature spike stems from the northern regions of WA where temperatures have climbed to 45C in the Pilbara,' Mr How said. Monday will be the warmest day for Victoria and this weather will not stop for the north and northwest of the state for the upcoming days. The temperature spike stems from the northern regions of WA where temperatures have climbed to 45C in the Pilbara. Pictured: Cottlesloe Beach, Perth According to Mr How, there could potentially be a break from the scorching temperature in Melbourne and Adelaide, but the heat will continue in Pilbara in West Australia. 'So mid next week, there are going to be places get into the high 40s where it's getting up to 46, 47 and 48,' he said. The northerly winds will push down hot air to Tasmania, lifting maximum temperatures 10 to 15C above the January average. New Norfolk and Richmond in Tasmania are tipped to experience Monday's most extreme maximums of 37C, two degrees hotter than Hobart's forecast maximum. The fire-friendly conditions are being made more complex by 30 to 40km/h winds and possible afternoon dry thunderstorms over southern Tasmania with little or no rainfall expected. Meteorologist Luke Johnston expects the conditions to lift fire danger ratings in the South East and Upper Derwent Valley to severe, with the risk still very high for most other parts of Tasmania. 'That would include the Western district, Central Plateau, the Midlands and the East Coast,' Mr Johnston said. There will be a brief reprieve from the sweltering heat for southern Victoria and Tasmania on Tuesday before the mercury climbs again on Wednesday. However, for the southeast of Australia it 'looks like a week-long pattern of cooler conditions' after the heat goes. 'It will be cooler than average for Victoria, Tasmania and SA into next week,' Mr How said. The southeast of Australia is set to return to a week-long pattern of cooler conditions. Pictured: Avalon Beach in Sydney on January 10 The hot weather comes as two major weather systems in the south-east, one over South Australia and one over NSW, brought heavy downpours over the Christmas Break to much of Australia. The unique La Nina weather patterns have continued to cause havoc over Australia as just last week NSW experienced flash flooding and heavy rains in the New Year. For now, Australians in NSW and Queensland only have this week to soak up the sun as cooler conditions are set to come back. 'For eastern NSW, into Queensland, there will be showers and thunderstorms developing again later this week with cooler conditions remaining south of Queensland,' said Mr How. Last week NSW experienced flash flooding and heavy rains in the New Year as a result of the La Nina weather patterns. Pictured: Park in Wauchope, NSW in the first week of 2021 Baghdad, Jan 10 : The Iraqi Ministry of Health has warned of reimposing a nationwide curfew if there was an increase in new coronavirus infections due to the non-compliance of citizens with the protective measures. Health teams have spotted non-compliance and resumption of social customs such as shaking hands, hugging, and kissing like situation before the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry said in a statement on Saturday. "These indicators are very dangerous and warn of an increase in infections again, especially after the emergence of new strains of coronavirus in many countries," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying. The Ministry said that the continuous decline of Covid-19 infections and deaths would not keep Iraq from danger. Therefore, the Ministry called on citizens to adhere to health-protective measures to prevent the increase of infections again, "otherwise, we will be forced to take strict restrictive measures such as a nationwide full curfew and closure of all vital facilities with human gatherings", according to the statement. Also on Saturday, the Ministry reported 907 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total nationwide infection tally to 602,331. It also registered four new fatalities, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 12,881, and 1,965 more recovered cases, bringing the total recoveries to 554,990. A total of 4,836,843 tests have been carried out across the country since the outbreak of the disease in February 2020, with 29,611 done during the day, according to the statement. As vice president, Kamala Harris was never going to be a potted plant. Now, with the victories of Democrats Jon Ossoff and the Rev. Raphael Warnock in the Senate runoffs in Georgia on Jan. 5, Harris stands to become one of the most consequential people to ever hold the position of vice president. With the Senate split 50-50, Harris will, by law, cast tie-breaking votes. While past vice presidents have served as tie-breakers, Harris likely will be in the position for at least two years. The symbolism alone will be remarkable: A woman, a woman of color, and the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica will become the face of the U.S. Senate as it passes judgment on many of the most important issues of the day. Each will be firsts, as they were when she was elected San Francisco district attorney in 2003 and California attorney general in 2010, and will be again when she takes the oath of office on Jan. 20 to become the nations 49th vice president. The significance goes beyond the surface. President-elect Joe Biden has made clear that Harris would be his partner, or, as he has said, the last person in the room when he must make the tough and important decisions, just like Biden became during his time as Barack Obamas vice president. In our partisan times, the Senate will be split on many issues in the months ahead. That will mean Harris will cast the final vote on any confirmation battles over Bidens nominees and judges, and any Supreme Court selections. As a U.S. senator, Harris showed more interest in the partisan spectacle, and not on some of the issues relevant to California such as the delivery of water to the Central Valley and Southern California. But after four years in the Senate, she does know the ways of the institution and its personalities, and that cannot help but come in handy. As the tiebreaker, Harris could shape legislation on the Biden-Harris administrations 100-day agenda, and have an outsize hand on the expansion of health care, reforming the criminal justice system and, importantly for California, creating a stimulus package with significant aid for the states. No one can know the answer for certain how Harris will function in her role as vice president. She has never been someones wing person. But in the course of reporting a biography about Harris, I came to certain conclusions about her. She is smart, politically savvy, and she makes few mistakes. If she doesnt fully understand an issue, she is not shy about asking questions. Shes also strategic, thinking many steps ahead, and doesnt take stands without considering the implications. All that will serve Biden and the nation well. Like others who wrote about Harris as attorney general, I characterized her in columns and editorials for the Sacramento Bee as overly cautious. In retrospect, Im not sure caution is the rsight word, though caution is an important trait in any leader, especially a prosecutor, whose decisions can result in people losing their liberty and their property. Certainly, there were stands Harris should have taken. Voters might have benefited from knowing the attorney generals position on the 2012 initiative that rolled back Californias overly harsh 1994 three strikes sentencing law. In other instances, she took stands on issues that are core to her values. Expect her to do the same as vice president. Gun control is one example. Civil rights and a fairer immigration system are others, as is womens health care. That includes abortion rights, an issue on which she will not bend. Its also true that Harris has been a woman in a hurry. She announced her candidacy for California attorney general in 2008, 11 months after being sworn in for her second term at San Francisco district attorney. She announced her candidacy for U.S. Senate in the week following her inauguration for her second term as attorney general in 2015. She began her ill-fated presidential run in 2019, two years after entering the Senate. On Jan. 5, 2011, the day she was sworn in first as California attorney general, her old friend, former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, was in the audience, dressed as always to the nines and wearing a silver fedora. The thinking back then was that her next step would be governor. I was a columnist for the Sacramento Bee and asked Brown what he thought. He was quick to say that, yes, she was a likely future governor, but first things first. She must be the best attorney general ever and she has to not evidence any interest in being governor, Brown told me then. The words that applied then are apt now. Harris almost certainly will run for president again. But her success depends on Bidens success. Importantly, she cannot show any signs of making plans for that candidacy. Then again, she wont need to do anything other than her job. Given the partisan times in which we live and the 50-50 split in the Senate, Harris wont be like some plant shoved in a corner. She stands to be front-and-center, likely the most consequential vice president in anyones memory. Dan Morain, who has covered Sacramento for 30 years, is author of Kamalas Way: An American Life, available from Simon & Schuster on Tuesday. WASHINGTON : Democrats' momentum for a fresh drive to quickly impeach outgoing President Donald Trump has gained support, and a top Republican said the president's role in the deadly riot at the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters was worthy of rebuke. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said Saturday he believed Trump had committed impeachable offenses." But he did not explicitly say whether he would vote to remove the president from office at the conclusion of a Senate trial if the House sent over articles of impeachment. I dont know what they are going to send over and one of the things that Im concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicize something," Toomey said Saturday on Fox News Channel, speaking of the Democratic-controlled House. I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, but I dont know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything," Toomey said. Late Saturday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to her Democratic colleagues reiterating that Trump must be held accountable but stopped short of committing to an impeachment vote. Still, she told her caucus, I urge you to be prepared to return to Washington this week." It is absolutely essential that those who perpetrated the assault on our democracy be held accountable," Pelosi wrote. There must be a recognition that this desecration was instigated by the President." Pelosi said House Democrats will be proceeding with meetings with Members and Constitutional experts and others." The new Democratic effort to stamp Trump's presidential record for the second time and days before his term ends with the indelible mark of impeachment gained more supporters Saturday. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I, a leader of the House effort to draft impeachment articles or charges accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, said his group had grown to include 185 co-sponsors. Lawmakers plan to formally introduce the proposal on Monday in the House, where articles of impeachment must originate. If Democrats decide to move forward, a vote could be possible by Wednesday exactly one week before Democrat Joe Biden becomes president at noon on Jan. 20. The articles, if passed by the House, could then be transmitted to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Trump. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office and succeeded by the vice president. Earlier Saturday, Pelosi told her San Francisco constituents during an online video conference that it is "a decision that we have to make." Potentially complicating that decision is what it means for Biden and the beginning of his presidency. While reiterating that he has long viewed Trump as unfit for office, Biden on Friday sidestepped a question about impeachment, saying what Congress does is for them to decide." If the House decided to impeach, the soonest the Senate could begin an impeachment trial under the current calendar would be Jan. 20, Inauguration Day. A violent and largely white mob of Trump supporters overpowered police, broke through security lines and rampaged through the Capitol on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were putting the final, formal touches on Bidens victory over Trump in the Electoral College. The crowd surged to the domed symbol of American democracy following a rally near the White House, where Trump repeated his bogus claims that the election was stolen from him and urged his supporters to march in force toward the Capitol. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the siege. It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their whiteness over democracy," Pelosi said of the attack. She added: This cannot be exaggerated. The complicity, not only the complicity, the instigation of the president of United States, must and will be addressed." No. 4 House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York reiterated support for moving against what he deemed an act of sedition that was incited and encouraged by Donald Trump." Speaking of Trump, Jeffries said Saturday: He should be impeached, convicted and thrown out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and forever banished to the dustbin of history." Outrage over the attack and Trump's role in egging it on capped a divisive, chaotic presidency like few others in the nations history. There are less than two weeks until Trump is out of office but Democrats have made clear they don't want to wait that long. Trump, meanwhile, has few fellow Republicans speaking out in his defense. He's become increasingly isolated, holed up in the White House as he has been abandoned in the aftermath of the riot by many aides, leading Republicans and, so far, two Cabinet members both women. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who has long voiced her exasperation with Trump's conduct in office, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that he simply needs to get out." Sen. Ben Sasse, another Trump critic, said more important than what happens to Trump is what happens to the United States people and this union 12 days and beyond." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. As Pat Kaczmarek walked through Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Washington County recently, she was startled to see a COVID-19 vaccination clinic underway. She said she saw only clinic workers standing idly by. No one, it appeared, was in line to receive the vaccine. Kaczmarek works at a grocery store and is at greater risk of coronavirus complications due to her age, 66. Kaczmarek said she tried to make a vaccination appointment but was told no: Only healthcare workers none of them in sight were eligible. The rejection stung even more knowing the state had most of last year to plan for the rollout of the vaccine, yet only about 25% to 30% of the sought-after vaccines shipped to Oregon by the federal government have made it into the arms of eligible recipients with the rest sitting unused in industrial freezers and refrigerators across the state. Providence Health & Services defended its progress, saying more than 600 were vaccinated the day of Kaczmareks visit and staff may have been on a break at the time or she couldnt see beyond the reception area to where vaccinations were taking place. I just feel like its an opportunity for more people to die, Kaczmarek said. Weve been waiting for nine months for someone, anyone to get this. For there to be this backlog, its just ridiculous. Im incensed. Kaczmarek is among the ranks of Oregonians whove grown increasingly angry as hospitals, health systems, pharmacies and other recipients of vaccine shipments struggle to inoculate the first wave of up to 400,000 residents eligible in Phase 1a, which mostly includes healthcare workers and people living in long-term-care facilities. The state is already well behind its vaccination schedule outlined last month, and Oregons initial rollout has been plagued with ineffective planning, inconsistencies about who is eligible and infighting among some about who should be next and how to speed up inoculations. Those on the outside wonder if the weeks-long delays today will turn to months-long delays later as the rest of the states population waits its turn in line. With an average of 12 Oregonians, and more than 3,000 Americans across the nation, dying daily from the disease, time is precious. The initial elation and excitement of the vaccines Dec. 14 arrival has transformed into worry and uncertainty as numerous cracks in the system emerged. Among them: Some large hospitals and health systems say they moved slowly from the start because they received virtually no training or support from the state on how to roll out highly complicated vaccination drives for their workers, with shipments essentially dropped off and staff left to figure it out on their own. Inoculation rates vary widely by hospital system, and state officials are only now beginning to fine-tune shipment schedules to ensure that some institutions arent receiving much more than they can currently use. Oregon Health & Science University has used more than 70% of its available vaccines and Providence nearly 60%, while Legacy Health and Kaiser Permanente are at only 26% and 31% respectively. At least one health system, Salem Health, received more vaccine than it needed to inoculate its entire staff with a two-dose regimen. Hospital systems have interpreted the states eligibility guidelines unevenly, with some offering vaccines to healthcare administrators, IT technicians or marketing employees who work from home while counterparts at other institutions, including Kaiser and Legacy, were left seething because they hadnt been vaccinated yet. Some of those still waiting were frontline healthcare workers. Health care providers in many smaller clinics, medical or dental offices have been given no vaccine even though their staff regularly interact with members of the public or directly treat COVID-19 patients. The state has been slow to roll out vaccination sites where doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists and first responders not associated with major hospitals or health systems can get inoculated, and one that popped up late last week in Salem has been turning away workers who dont live in Marion County. State leaders say theyve never planned such a massive and complicated vaccination campaign but are learning rapidly. Theyve acknowledged an initial decision to only allow frontline healthcare workers and residents of nursing homes to receive the vaccines was too restrictive and was slowing down the process, and theyve since authorized vaccinations for anyone in the wider Phase 1a wave. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown has set a daily goal of 12,000 injections by mid-January -- nearly triple the roughly 4,300 doses averaged each day over the past week. Shell tap the Oregon National Guard to help starting next week. Were working as hard as we can, Brown said Friday. We are using every single tool in the toolbox. And its certainly an all-hands-on-deck moment for Oregon to get as many vaccinations completed as quickly as possible. Frustrations boil over Both inside the healthcare system and out, many workers and residents interviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive said theyve seen firsthand how the states inadequate planning and direction led to a system of haves and have-nots. Problems began in December soon after hospitals received their first shipments of vaccines. A registered nurse at OHSU said the rollout at the facility was mired with confusion. She said that the unit where she works, where she comes into contact with multiple patients a day for extended periods of time, was initially overlooked for vaccinations and workers had to press for transparency about the timeline. The nurse received her first shot but has lingering concerns over what will happen when the vaccine becomes available to people beyond the healthcare system. If this is how its going to be when they go to the public, its going to be a nightmare, said the nurse, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. OHSU later faced scrutiny on the opposite end of the spectrum as some grumbled the hospital system had vaccinated people with little to no risk of exposure ahead of people who reported to campus every day. A top executive reminded workers they were not owed a vaccination by the hospital. For many of us, it is an extraordinary privilege to be vaccinated far ahead of others who really need it, Peter Barr-Gillespie, an executive vice president, wrote in a Jan. 5 email obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Think of teachers, transit workers, grocery store clerks, or those working in close quarters in manufacturing plants. Dr. Maureen Mays, a private primary care doctor with a small practice in Northwest Portland, is among those who havent been vaccinated. She said shes currently treating two COVID-19 patients and has no idea when she or her staff will get inoculated. I basically dont count. Because Im tiny, she said of her 165-patient practice. Mays said shes dismayed and frustrated by news that administrative staff, billing representatives and people who dont treat any patients but work for large hospitals or health systems have been immunized. Like Mays, other professionals such as mental health counselors, dermatologists and dentists also have been waiting. One Hillsboro dentist found irony in the states decision to stage a choreographed event Dec. 16 at OHSU celebrating the first coronavirus vaccine administered by a dental resident, for the first time in U.S. history, due to newly granted powers by the state. Thats fantastic, said the dentist, who sees about 100 patients per week and asked for anonymity out of fear of retaliation from the large hospital networks that provide dental supplies. Yet our profession is not prioritized enough to get the vaccine early, and you want us to help administer it. Ryan Thrower, D.M.D., orthodontics resident, administers the first COVID-19 shot at OHSU to Ansu Drammeh, a registered nurse on Dec. 16, 2020. The lack of coordination and consistency has puzzled even people whove successfully obtained the vaccine. After a Portland-area lawyer learned last week that his healthcare provider authorized vaccinations for anyone in Phase 1a -- which includes not only healthcare workers and nursing home residents but also staff who work with jail and prison inmates -- the lawyer made an appointment and got vaccinated two hours later. The lawyer, who requested anonymity for fear of retribution, said he only had to provide his name and insurance information no photo ID or proof of his occupation. He also told them he has contact with jail inmates he represents. After returning to the office, he shared his experience with coworkers and one told him that employees at a dialysis center had yet to receive their vaccinations. While I deceived nobody, and everything is on the up and up, he said, theres something there that doesnt seem right. What went wrong? Many critics say the federal government failed to develop the infrastructure to administer the vaccines and instead left the monumental task up to states and their overwhelmed public health departments, reminiscent of the nations testing and contact tracing woes earlier in the pandemic. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal governments top infectious disease expert, noted the rollout of the vaccines just before the holidays also was unfortunate timing. In Oregon, only 13 people were pricked on Dec. 25, compared to the several thousand on most of the days before and after. Employees of some hospitals and health systems say a big part of the problem has been the lack of instruction, training and support from the state -- that each of them had to build a system from the ground up. And with staffing already stretched thin because so many employees are consumed with d aily duties of treating a surge in COVID-19 patients, finding enough employees to run their vaccination clinics has been taxing. Several hospitals or health systems declined to comment. Becky Hultberg, president of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, said became clear about two weeks ago that everyone from first responders to in-home caregivers and doctors and nurses in private practice had little to no access to vaccinations and that hospitals and health systems would need to fill the gap. We dont know yet how were going to pay for this, but its too important to wait, Hultberg said. Hultberg said hospital systems arent focused on placing blame, rather they only have one mission right now: Increasing vaccinations. We will have plenty of time to go back and debrief on this to figure out how we could have made decisions differently, Hultberg said. State officials concede that they didnt adequately plan vaccination clinics where healthcare workers who arent associated with hospitals or health systems could go to get immunized. Dr. Dana Hargunani, chief medical officer of the Oregon Health Authority, announced last week that the state plans to fix that by asking pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, to start vaccinating independently practicing healthcare workers who havent had anywhere else to go. Shipments are scheduled to start arriving this week. Were making adjustments and adaptations as we learn, Hargunani said. When asked how he thought the states vaccination rollout could have been improved, Patrick Allen, director of the Oregon Health Authority, said the state was too stringent in directing hospitals and health systems to only offer doses to a very limited group of frontline healthcare workers at first. That made filling all available appointments -- and swiftly administering shots -- challenging. Last week, he lifted the restriction, saying all healthcare workers and others in Phase 1a are now eligible for COVID-19 immunizations. Allen, however, doesnt fault his agency for poor planning. He said the Oregon Health Authority expected complications but could only identify precisely what they were once the vaccination effort launched. Im not sure I want to buy the premise that were behind, Allen told The Oregonian/OregonLive. Allen also disputed that hed set a goal of reaching 100,000 inoculations by Dec. 31. But in a recorded, live-streamed news conference on Dec. 22, Allen said: In total, by the end of this month ... we continue to remain hopeful our hospitals and other partners can administer first doses to approximately 100,000 people in Oregon. By the time Dec. 31 had passed, only about 44,000 Oregonians had received their first dose of a two-dose regimen. Oregon not alone States across the country have struggled to vaccinate Americans swiftly. The federal government estimated 20 million inoculations coast-to-coast by the end of the year. But the number Jan. 1 was estimated at only 2.8 million. According to figures provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oregon ranks 40th in the number of residents vaccinated per capita, slightly ahead of California but behind Washington. About 29% of available vaccines in Oregon had been administered as of Friday -- or roughly 75,000 of 262,000 doses, according to figures provided by the state and CDC. But several states have performed much better. Among them are South Dakota and North Dakota, which at points last week led the nation by using up to 70% of their vaccines on hand, according to a tracking site by Bloomberg. Dr. Tim Ridgway, dean of the University of South Dakotas Sanford School of Medicine, attributes South Dakotas performance to good planning and communication by the states public health department. The states major hospitals and health systems werent left to figure out a myriad of details on their own, he said. They have just been phenomenal in education and leading the charge, Ridgway said. Both Dakotas led the nation in positivity rates this fall, and Ridgway wonders if a sense of urgency also pushed his state and its health systems to develop an effective vaccination campaign. I think it shocked the whole country, he said. Although the populations of South Dakota and North Dakota are a fraction of the size of Oregons, Tennessees is larger. Most days last week, officials there used more than 50% of available vaccines. Dr. Scott Strome, executive dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, said he thinks his state did a little bit better than terrible in vaccinating its first wave of healthcare workers. Thats in part because of a well-planned effort that included tapping a volunteer workforce of medical, pharmacy and nursing students to administer injections, he said. The first wave has gone so smoothly that Tennessee has opened up immunizations to the next group, people age 75 and older. Thats six weeks ahead of the Oregon Health Authoritys current estimate for when the next phase of Oregonians will get their turn in line: mid- to late February. Where does Oregon go from here? Oregons governors office has said K-12 school employees and prison inmates will all be a part of that next group, but its possible she could add other residents to the list based on the recommendations of the states Vaccine Advisory Committee. It held its first meeting Thursday and is expected to send recommendations to the governor by mid-February. Meanwhile, Washingtons Department of Health has already announced that residents age 70 and older -- as well as people age 50 and older living in multigenerational households -- should be able to start receiving their vaccinations by the end of January. Essential workers age 50 and older who work in high-risk settings such as grocery stores and K-12 schools could start vaccinations in February and people with underlying health conditions in March. Younger essential workers are expected to be eligible in April. But Allen, the Oregon Health Authority director, said the timeline for Oregonians is still very uncertain. Hes uncomfortable with national estimates that the general healthy population of Americans could start getting the vaccines in April and herd immunity could be reached by June. Allen thinks Oregon wont reach herd immunity, or the point that a critical mass of people become immune and the virus can no longer freely spread, until fall. This is going to take a while, Allen said. I think its been challenging to hear that messaging from us when the federal government has been much more optimistic about its messaging. But welcome signs of progress began popping up last week. At the Oregon State Fairgrounds Thursday, Salem Health opened what might be the first large community vaccination site in the state -- offering drop-in inoculations for anyone in Phase 1a who lives or works in Marion County. The state plans to shuttle 10,000 doses to the site later this week. Saturday, OHSU started its first vaccination clinic for 2,000 home health care workers and others who arent OHSU employees. And the governor said the National Guard will play a key role in staffing some of these new vaccination sites, which eventually are expected to start offering immunizations to new waves of Oregonians as they become eligible. One Portland woman, who asked that her name not be used citing her prominent role with a healthcare organization, said she feels privileged to have made use of Salem Healths vaccination site. She said she had been at wits end trying to find out when her parents, who live at a long-term care facility in Marion County, would get vaccinated as part of the states push prioritizing them as part of Phase 1a. She hurriedly ferried her 89-year-old mother and 95-year-old father, a World War II veteran, to the pop-up clinic on the first day it opened. The sad part though is that my parents are fortunate, she said. They have me and my sister looking out for them. I am concerned for all the other people in long-term care that are just waiting. Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter UPDATE Sunday 12:55 p.m.: This story has been updated to include a response by Providence about its St. Vincent vaccination clinic. Brad Schmidt, Andrew Theen, Kale Williams and Fedor Zarkhin contributed to this report. -- Aimee Green; agreen@oregonian.com Nigeria recorded 1,585 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday as the second wave of the virus continues to spread in the country. The new cases, one of the highest daily figures, were reported from 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This week, Nigeria has been smashing previous records of highest daily tallies to indicate how swift the officially declared second wave of COVID-19 is spreading. On Monday, Nigeria recorded 1,204 new cases as the countrys highest daily figure, a record smashed by the 1,354 infections reported from 21 states on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the country recorded yet another highest daily tally ever with 1,664 cases. The 1,585 new cases on Saturday pushed the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic in the country to 99,063. This is according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). In Africa, Nigeria is the 9th most affected country by the coronavirus after South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Libya, Kenya and Algeria. The federal government recently warned that a significant increase in coronavirus infections in Nigeria appears imminent this January due to continued violation of safety protocols during the Christmas period. Active cases in the country rose sharply from about 3,000 about a month ago to over 17,000 due to a rise in new infections. Of the over 99,000 cases so far, 79, 417 patients have been discharged from hospitals after treatment. Deaths More people are dying from the disease as infections continue to spread. Eight people died from the virus on Saturday, taking the death toll to 1,350. Nigeria recorded one of its highest coronavirus-related deaths on Friday, with 12 people dying from the virus. In the past 22 days, there have been 138 fatalities as a result of COVID-19 complications in Nigeria. The government has blamed the increasing deaths on late referral of COVID-19 patients to treatment centres. The Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, speaking at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday said caregivers are holding on to suspected cases for too long before presenting them for treatment. Specifics The 1,585 new cases were reported from 26 states Lagos (573), FCT (182), Plateau (162), Gombe (81), Oyo (75), Rivers (68), Sokoto (58), Ondo (55), Ogun (42), Nasarawa (40), Akwa Ibom (36), Edo (31), Kaduna (27), Anambra (22), Delta (19), Kano (17), Osun (17), Ebonyi (16), Katsina (14), Niger (14), Bayelsa (9), EKiti (8), Borno (7), Jigawa (5), Abia (4), and Bauchi (3). ADVERTISEMENT Lagos led with 573 new cases on Saturday. The commercial city is Nigerias coronavirus epicenter with a total of over 35,000 confirmed cases and about 252 deaths. The Minister of State for Health, Mr Mamora, warned Nigerians against complacency in containing the COVID-19 pandemic as the much awaited vaccines may not arrive the country as soon as expected. So far, Nigeria has conducted over a million COVID-19 tests. As the oil and gas industry regains its footing in 2021, companies will have to accommodate a trend that has been intensifying over the last several years. Amy Stutzman, managing director at Opportune, the energy consulting firm, says ESG Environmental, Social and Governance investing has become one of the industrys most visible and durable megatrends. Efforts to promote renewable energy, sustainability ad the energy transition are building the momentum behind the trend, she explained. It is an integral part of the landscape, she told the Reporter-Telegram by email. Since it is an investor focus, it is also a main focus of boards and executives. We are seeing executive compensation linked to achieving ESG metrics, such as reduction of methane emissions. For examples, look at the executive compensation at Cimarex, Occidental and Devon. I think this underscores the importance of achieving ESC initiatives. Steve Melzer of Melzer Consulting told the Reporter-Telegram in a telephone interview that investors reluctance to invest in energy companies unless ESG initiatives are met is already beginning to pinch companies bottom lines. The companies Stutzman noted are large companies with additional resources to meet ESG initiatives. But she stressed that there are resources to help smaller companies address ESG initiatives as well. I am seeing peer groups come together to collectively address ESG issues and collaborate on disclosures, she said. Private equity firms are sharing knowledge and best practices across their portfolio companies. Also, several industry trade groups are spearheading efforts to standardize disclosures across the industry sectors and provide resources to their members. Among those trade groups are the American Petroleum Institute, International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association and International Association of Oil & Gas Producers, who have teamed on sustainability reporting guidance; the Energy Infrastructure Council and the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association, which has established a Center of Excellence. For those smaller companies being asked about ESG initiatives, she advised being proactive and looking at what their peers have done. She also suggested having conversations with investors and other stakeholders and the community about their priorities and how they can be addressed. Start small and scale up over time, she advised. I think that this is an opportunity for oil and gas companies to tell their stories and positively impact the market perception of the industry because the industry already does so much for the environment and is already giving back to the communities that they work in. Its just maybe not something thats been tracked or reported, so I think theres a gap in market perception to some extent on whats happening, she said. Above all, she said, companies large and small should be transparent and proactive not only in telling their stories but in their reporting on their ESG initiatives. As an example of investors driving energy industry ESG efforts, Stutzman said the private equity firm Kimmeridge, which is focused on the upstream sector, recently published a whitepaper outlining five specific principles they feel should be adopted by the companies they invest in Those principles included eliminating flaring, reducing and monitoring methane emissions and ESG reporting. For environmental, she said investors, shareholders and consumers are focused on reducing flaring and emissions. On social, she said the focus is on employee safety and giving back to the communities they work in. On governance, she said theres a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as ensuring that ESG is embedded in the corporate culture. As 2021 unfolds, she said she expects more companies to focus on net-zero emissions targets as well as more investment in natural gas, which is expected to play significant long-term role in the energy transition and clean energy. I think its clear that ESG is here to stay, and I think it will continue to become an ever-increasing part of the conversation that companies are having with their investors, she said. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. New Delhi: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday blamed a farmer leader for the chaos that led to cancellation of an event in the state's Karnal district. "Administration had spoken to their (protesting farmers) people yesterday. They had agreed to hold a symbolic protest but no agitation. Trusting them, administration had made all preparations. Over 5,000 people were present at the event today. But some youth failed to keep their promise," said Khattar about the cancellation of 'kisan mahapanchayat'. "Our nation has a strong democracy where everyone has freedom of expression. We never stopped statements of these alleged farmers & leaders. Their agitation is going on. Despite Covid, we made arrangements for them. It's not right to obstruct anyone who wants to speak. I don't think people will tolerate violation of provisions given by Dr B.R. Ambedkar. Congress had attempted to finish democracy in 1975. At that time people identified their disgusting work and threw them out of power They are getting exposed. I think Congress and Communist parties have a major role behind these agitations," he added. Protesting farmers on Sunday vandalised the venue of a 'kisan mahapanchayat' programme at Kaimla village here where Khattar was to address people to highlight the benefits" of the Centre's three agriculture laws. The Haryana Police used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent the farmers from marching towards the village. The farmers, however, reached the venue and damaged the makeshift helipad where Khattar's chopper was to land despite elaborate security arrangements made by the police. They later took control of the helipad and squatted on it. Some protesters also uprooted the tiles of the helipad. The farmers disrupted the kisan mahapanchayat programme by damaging the stage and breaking chairs, tables and flower pots at the venue. In the melee, stones were also pelted as police personnel ran for cover. "If I have to hold someone responsible for this (chaos at the event), then a video of Gurnam Singh Chaduni (Bharatiya Kisan Union chief) has been circulating since day before yesterday wherein he had tried to instigate people," said Khattar. "Today's incident gave a message to people, bigger than what I'd intended to give. These people have defamed the farmers because a farmer doesn't have such nature. A farmer can be less educated or simple but he's sensible," said Khattar. Angry farmers, mainly comprising youths, damaged the stage, tent and speakers at the venue. They also tore BJP hoardings and uprooted banners in the presence of policemen. Under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), farmers, who have been demanding that the laws be repealed, had earlier announced to oppose the 'kisan mahapanchayat'. Haryana ministers Kanwar Pal Gujjar, Krishan Lal Panwar, Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia and Gharaunda MLA Harvinder Kalyan were part of the programme before the agitating farmers took control of the venue. The programme was cancelled due to an unruly act by farmers at the behest of BKU leader Gurnam Singh Charuni," BJP leader Raman Mallik said. While speaking about Covid-19 vaccination in the state, Khattar said, "It will be given free of cost to the poor (in the state). It will be good if some people support us in subsidising it, as the expenses will be high." With PTI inputs Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Pakistan's Foreign Office has reacted angrily to a U.S. State Department statement asking the country to do more to hold an extremist leader accountable. Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, leader of the banned Lashkar-e Taiba (LeT), was arrested in the eastern city of Lahore on charges of terror financing on January 2. An anti-terrorism court sentenced him to five years in prison and a fine of 300,000 rupees ($1,866) on January 8. Lakhvi was a prominent figure in the Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD) charity, which is believed to be a front for LeT, the group blamed by the United States and India for a siege in Mumbai in 2008 in which at least 166 people were killed. While the United States welcomed the conviction, it said Lakhvi's alleged crimes "go far beyond financing terrorism." "Pakistan should further hold him accountable for his involvement in terrorist attacks, including the Mumbai attacks," the State Department said on Twitter on January 9. Reacting to the U.S. statement, Pakistans Foreign Office said on January 10 that Pakistan "is fully abiding by its own statutes and fulfilment of its international obligations. The investigations, prosecutions and subsequent convictions, through due process, are a reflection of effectiveness of Pakistan's legal system. The Foreign Office said on Twitter that "the State Department is encouraged to reserve its concern for the active aiding, abetting, planning, promoting, financing, and execution of terrorist activities by India for which sufficient irrefutable evidence has already been provided." Lakhvi is accused both by India and the United States in connection with the Mumbai attacks. Lakhvi is also named by the UN Security Council's sanctions committee for his alleged involvement in militant activity in several other regions, including Chechnya, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 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. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. At the start of this evening, another murder on local streets pushes quotient of cowtown violence forward. Already Kansas City is catching up to last year's record breaking homicide pace. Today's murder was the 3rd so far in 2021 compared to 4 at this time last year. Some readers note that the local rate of killing should actually be higher given New Year's Day violence that was tacked on to last year's count. A victim who succumbed to gunshot injuries and a lady cut to death who died on January 1st were added to the 2020 death toll. Today, here's a glimpse at the continued urban carnage along with national perspectives . . . KSHB: 1 man dies after KCMO shooting at E. 55th Street, Cypress Avenue KMBC: Officers at the scene say a man was found dead inside a vehicle. KCTV5: There's no immediate information about the suspect or suspects in the case. Fox News: Coronavirus pandemic has police solving fewer murders - WSJ Security: U.S. homicide rates skyrocket in 2020; exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic And here's the tragic punchline . . . THERE'S NO NEW PLAN FOR 2021 AS KANSAS CITY IS LIKELY TO ENDURE ANOTHER YEAR OF TRAGICALLY HIGH HOMICIDE STATS!!! Moreover . . . Local excitement over the streetcar or a potential Chiefs Super Bowl repeat has garnered more headlines and public interest than any initiative to curb this deadly trend. In fact, KCPD recently noted that their 2020 performance outpaced colleagues across the nation. The mayor also seems mum on the local rate of killing given the political heat he took for promising to keep the count blow 100 instead of the record breaking 176 number that concluded 2020. Accordingly, locals can't be faulted for expecting the 2021 homicide count to remain stable given that elected officials, law enforcement and the community don't seem very interested in curbing this number. And all of this inspires our playlist for tonight . . . As always, thanks for reading this week and have a safe and fun Saturday night. Abu Bakar Bashir, 82, was released from Bogor prison in Indonesia on Friday Indonesian and Western intelligence say he was linked to 2002 Bali bombings Bashir denied those ties and has not been convicted of direct responsibility Australian families and friends of victims expressed concern of his release Bashir's son Abdul Rochim said they were 'sick' in soul and needed psychiatrist 88 Australians died in the horrific attack on October 12 2002 on the island The son of a radical Indonesian cleric suspected to be the mastermind of the 2002 Bali bombings has stepped in to defend his father after his release from jail stirred condemnation from the Australia. Abu Bakar Bashir, 82, was given his first taste of freedom on Friday after serving three-quarters of a 15-year sentence in a Bogor prison in West Java, Indonesia. ADVERTISEMENT He was serving a sentence in relation to funding for a terrorist training camp in Aceh, on the northwest tip of Sumatra Island. Bashir is also widely believed to have been the spiritual leader of terror group Jemaah Islamiyah at the time it orchestrated the Bali bombings and killed 202 people - including 88 Australians. Indonesian police and Western intelligence agencies say Bashir was linked to the Bali attack, but he was never convicted of direct responsibility and denied those ties. Australian families of the victims were quick to call out Bashir's release while prime minister Scott Morrison said it was 'very distressing' and 'gut-wrenching'. Bashir's 44-year-old son Abdul Rochim told Daily Telegraph the response from Australians 'means that they are sick, their soul is sick'. Abu Bakar Bashir, 82, (pictured, following his release) was given his first taste of freedom on Friday after serving three-quarters of a 15-year sentence in a Bogor prison in West Java, in Indonesia Bashir is also widely believed to have been the spiritual leader of terror group Jemaah Islamiyah at the time it orchestrated the Bali bombings and killed 202 people Survivors of the Bali Bombings say they do not want Bashir released (pictured, nightclub strip in Kuta following 2002 Bali bombings) 'It means they are paranoid and are constantly fearful without any reason,' he said. 'They were worried when my father was in jail, now they are worried that he is free.' Mr Rochim argued his father's conviction in relation to the Bali bombings had been overturned and that Australians needed to 'go to psychiatrist'. 'What do the Australians want? If I kill my father, they will still be afraid,' he said. Bashir's other son Abdul Rochim Bashir said his father was now so old he had to be carried up the family stairs and that he would no longer return to preaching or teaching the Islamic faith. Click here to resize this module His release has come as a blow for the friends and families of the victims of the Bali bombings. ADVERTISEMENT Sydney's Coogee Dolphins amateur rugby club member Albert Talarico spoke out against the release, after the club lost its former president Clint Thompson and five other members in the attack. 'Some will never forgive, there will be others who will be just angry today,' he said. 'Others will stay silent because they don't wish to have the old wounds opened again.' Phil Britten, who was badly burned across 40 per cent of his body, is concerned Bashir will be 'going back into society and doing what he's always done', radicalise others. 'Over the years you have to learn to let go and let people deal with those matters,' Britten told Sydney Morning Herald. Bashir was released from prison on Friday when locals waited for his arrival at his Sukoharjo home Police on motorcycles patrol the street on the day Bashir was released from his Bogor prison, in West Java More than 200 people were killed, including 88 Australians, in the Bali Bombings in October 2002 (pictured, wreckage following 2002 Bali bombings) 'If I waste my time, anger and emotions on things that I can't change, I'm not living my best life for my family.' Mr Morrison said he had made clear through the Australian embassy in Jakarta about the concerns of Bashir's release. 'We have always called for those who were involved - not just I as prime minister, my predecessors of all political persuasions - to face tougher, proportionate and just sentences in these cases,' he said. 'Decisions on sentences, though, as we know, are a matter for the Indonesian justice system. We have to respect the decisions that they take.' Zulkarnaen, a man believed to be one of the most senior members of JI and involved in making the bombs for the Bali attacks, was arrested in Indonesia last month. The 2002 Bali bombings happened in the tourist district of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali. ADVERTISEMENT The bombs were detonated in busy nightclubs killing 202 people, including 88 Australians, and injuring several hundreds more. Indonesian police and Western intelligence agencies say Bashir (pictured, in 2011) was linked to the Bali attack, but he was never convicted of direct responsibility and denied those ties The Egyptian Medical Syndicate reported on Saturday the death of the health ministers secretary in Qalyubia due to COVID-19, raising the coronavirus-related deaths among medical staff to 290. Mourning the death of Hamdy El-Tabbakh, Health Minister Hala Zayed said Egypt has lost a loyal leader who served the country with sincerity and dedication and contributed to saving millions of lives amid the pandemic, a statement by the ministry read. Zayed also referred to El-Tabbakhs efforts within the framework of the presidential health initiative to detect and treat Hepatitis C patients. We offer our condolences on the death of Dr. Hamdi El-Tabakh, who was infected with COVID-19 while working with all seriousness and dedication to save the lives of patients until his death, the statement cited Zayed as saying. He will remain a symbol of the patriotic person who was dedicated to his work and who lived as a noble knight in the face of the epidemic until he died, Zayed added. On Saturday, the medical syndicate reported three other deaths among medical staff due to coronavirus. The deceased included Osama Abdullah, a surgeon at Menoufia governorate; Mohsen Agwa, former head of Gamal Abdel-Nasser hospital in Alexandria; and Osama Rabea, a pediatrician in Sharqia. This comes while Egypt is experiencing a second wave of the pandemic, amid efforts to start vaccinating priority groups. A report by the World Health Organizations (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean region last week said Egypt is among the countries with the highest reported number of coronavirus-related deaths in the region. Egypts Presidential Adviser for Health Affairs Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din said on Friday that Egypt officially contracted with the Vaccine Alliance (GAVI) to secure for Egypt 20 million doses of a coronavirus vaccine. Egypt already received the first 50,000-dose batch of a coronavirus vaccine developed by Chinas Sinopharm on 10 December. Short link: Sir Keir Starmer sparked Remainer fury today by ruling out trying to reintroduce freedom of movement for EU citizens if Labour wins the next general election. Sir Keir ran his leadership campaign last year on a pledge to bring back the same movement rules as were in place before the UK quit the block. But today he appeared to do a screeching U-turn, saying that the public would expect a 2024 Labour government to honour Boris Johnson's Brexit treaty with Brussels. Appearing on the BBC's Andrew Marr show he said: 'I don't think there is an argument for reopening those aspects of the treaty. 'We have a treaty, it's a thin treaty, it is not what was promised, but I'm very conscious of the fact that everything I am doing, everything the Labour Party is doing is geared up to focus on winning in a general election in 2024. 'If we win that election and a Labour government comes in we would inherit that treaty and the British people would expect us to make it work and the EU 27 will expect us to make it work.' His comments could prove embarrassing to the heavily pro-EU Labour MPs. Last week Canterbury's Rosie Duffield told HuffPo that the majority of the parliamentary party was 'desperate' to rejoin the EU if it took power. Hardcore Remainers lashed out at his pragmatic comments today. Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said: 'Disappointing to watch Keir Starmer justify voting for what he acknowledges is a very damaging Brexit deal - and saddening that Labour leader will no longer argue for the principle of free movement.' Sir Keir ran his leadership campaign last year on a pledge to bring back the same movement rules as were in place before the UK quit the block. But today he appeared to do a screeching U-turn, saying that the public would expect a 2024 Labour government to honour Boris Johnson's Brexit treaty with Brussels. Hardcore Remainers lashed out at his pragmatic comments today John Nicolson, whose SNP Government in Edinburgh wants an independent Scotland to rejoin the EU, added: 'Keir Starmer telling Marr he's changed his mind on free movement. So sad to see the extent to which Brexit has pushed the Labour Party to the right. 'Keir was once - admirably - an outspoken champion of free movement.' The Labour leader went further than ruling out free movement and said he does not think there is a case for rejoining the EU. He told Marr: 'Whether we like it or not that is going to be the treaty that an incoming Labour government inherits and has to make work. 'It is not being straight with the British public to say you come into office in 2024 and operate some other treaty. We have to make that treaty work.' He added: 'I don't think there is a case for rejoining the EU, I've said that before, I think on your (Andrew Marr) programme. 'But I think pretending to the British public that somehow after four years' negotiation the treaty that has just been secured is going to be up for the grabs and that the EU are going to start saying 'let's start all over again', that is not realistic.' Last week Canterbury's Labour MP Rosie Duffield told HuffPo that the majority of the parliamentary party was 'desperate' to rejoin the EU if it took power However, he did suggests that parts of the EU/UK trade deal could be up for change, amid during at increase problems for exporters in the first 10 days past Brexit. 'We voted for the deal because the choices before us were to vote for the deal - a thin deal, a deal that isn't a good deal for manufacturers, for the service sector certainly - but the alternative was no deal,' he said. 'There are bits already that need to be improved on. If you look at the creative industries and how they are going to operate across borders, there are huge gaps for them. The service sector of course has largely been left out. 'But I don't think that there's scope for major renegotiation. We've just had four years of negotiation. We've arrived at a treaty and now we've got to make that treaty work. 'It is thin, it isn't what the Government promised, but it is better than no-deal and we need to make it work.' Sugar is sweet but the reaction a Menlo Park candy store owner received after a photo of her attending President Trumps rally in Washington appeared on social media has been intensely bitter. Sugar Shack, a pink and white striped candy shop in downtown Menlo Park, was closed Friday after owner Suzi Tinsley came under attack on social media when a photo of her attending the rally that preceded the assault on the U.S. Capitol was posted on Twitter. Since then, a boycott has been launched, hundreds of comments have appeared on a variety of social media sites particularly Nextdoor and so many negative comments appeared on Yelp that the review website shut down reviews, saying they appeared to be more related to news events than to the business itself. On Friday, the lights were out at Sugar Shack, and the phone was temporarily disabled along with the Facebook page. The stores website was offline, showing only a message saying it was overwhelmed by people attempting to access the site. Tinsley said she did not post the photo, which shows her in a Make America Great Again T-shirt and cap, draped in a Trump flag and standing in a crowd with the Capitol in the background, but sent it to friends. She acknowledged that she attended the rally because it was Trumps last but said she did not enter the Capitol and was appalled by the violence. I never imagined a peaceful protest would turn into complete chaos, she said in an email to The Chronicle on Friday evening. As you might imagine, the social media reaction has been extremely hurtful. I was not part of that mob that committed the deplorable attack at the Capitol building. I was back in my hotel room when the attack began, and along with the rest of America, watched in horror as the events unfolded on TV. Henry Shane, 18, a senior at Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto who says hes a political activist, said he didnt launch the call for a boycott but has been active in promoting it. Hes been patronizing the candy store since he was young, he said, and was appalled that Tinsley would participate in what he considers an antidemocratic activity. While he welcomes differences of political opinion, he thinks attending Trumps ill-fated rally was going too far. Here in Menlo Park, we should not be tolerating anti-democracy or trying to overturn a fair and legal election, he said. That is where the line needs to be drawn. Sugar Shack, a popular place among Peninsula folks with a sweet tooth, has been getting trashed online. If you have a sweet tooth for racism, arrogance & ounces and ounces of blind audacity, this is your spot, wrote Perla A., a Pleasant Hill reviewer who left a one-star rating on Yelp. A steady stream of people traipsed up to Sugar Shacks locked door Friday afternoon, many of them to express support for Tinsleys business or right to free expression if not her political views. Carey Mitchell, who owns Yellow Dog real estate, left a jar full of flowers and a couple of yellow signs. God Bless Sugar Shack, read one. Shes just a local lady, a local businesswoman who had nothing to do with what happened, she said. Just like Black Lives Matters protesters had nothing to do with the looting and rioting after their protests. I just want to support her. Scott Lohmann, 59, lives in Menlo Park and was moved to come down and buy some candy and lend a little support after reading hundreds of messages attacking Tinsley on Nextdoor, a neighborhood-based social media site. Id look at it and see a few comments and close it and come back three minutes later and there would be more, he said. Im not hard-core or anything. Im just in support of people doing business. If she went in and was breaking things, that would be one thing. But she gets to speak her side. Tinsley said shes grateful for the support but understands the intensity of the social media reaction. She said she closed the business early Thursday and kept it closed Friday out of concern for her employees but didnt say when the Sugar Shack, open since 2007, would reopen. Shane said he wants to speak with Tinsley, understand why she went to Washington and let her know why he finds it so distressing, he said, but he hadnt been able to get in touch by Friday afternoon. He said he had no idea how the boycott effort and social media campaign would take off but still supports the boycott. The goal here was a boycott, nothing more, he said. Not any people doing damage to her business or holding a protest outside. Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan Angola, IN (46703) Today Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 73F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Periods of rain. Low 48F. Winds E at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch. [January 10, 2021] Lenovo Introduces the ThinkReality A3 - The Most Versatile Smart Glasses Ever Designed for the Enterprise Today, during the Consumer Electronics Show ( CES (News - Alert) ), Lenovo introduced the ThinkReality A3 lightweight smart glasses. One of the most advanced and versatile enterprise smart glasses to come to market, the ThinkReality A3 is part of a comprehensive digital solutions offering to deliver intelligent transformation in business and bring smarter technology to more people. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210110005011/en/ Lenovo (News - Alert) Introduces the ThinkReality A3 - The Most Versatile Smart Glasses Ever Designed for the Enterprise (Photo: Business Wire) As increasingly distributed workforces and hybrid work models become the reality of a new normal, small and large businesses around the world are looking to adopt new technologies for smart collaboration, increased efficiency, and lower downtimes. From customized virtual monitors and 3D visualization to Augmented Reality (AR) assisted workflows and immersive training, the ThinkReality A3 helps transforms work across many levels of the enterprise. The ThinkReality A3 tethers to a PC or select Motorola (News - Alert) smartphones1 via a USB-C cable depending on the needs of smart workers anywhere. Versatile, portable, and comfortable, the ThinkReality A3 fits like sunglasses and can be enhanced with industrial frame options for safer and more durable use. Immersive but not isolating, the AR smart glasses are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 Platform for high-quality performance and feature stereoscopic 1080p displays presenting the user with up to 5 virtual displays. An 8MP RGB camera provides 1080p video for remote expert use cases while the dual fish-eye cameras provide room-scale tracking. "The A3 is a next generation augmented reality solution - light, powerful and versatile. The smart glasses are part of a comprehensive integrated digital solution from Lenovo that includes the advanced AR device, ThinkReality software, and Motorola mobile phones. Whether working in virtual spaces or supporting remote assistance, the ThinkReality A3 enhances workers' abilities to do more wherever they are," said Jon Pershke, Lenovo Vice President of Strategy and Emerging Business, Intelligent Device Group. PC Edition for Virtual Monitors The ThinkReality A3 PC Edition tethers to a laptop or mobile workstation to enable users to position multiple, large virtual monitors in their field of view and use Windows software tools and applications. Virtual monitors expand the value of PCs, creating more productivity, privacy, and immersive experiences for industries like finance, architecture and engineering, as well as for any remote and mobile worker where space and privacy are limited. Virtual monitors are optimized and compatible with Lenovo's leading ThinkPad laptops and mobile workstations powered by Intel (News - Alert) and AMD Ryzen processors. Industrial Edition for Enhanced Decision Making in Complex Environments The ThinkReality A3 Industrial Edition tethers to select Motorola smartphones1 for hands-free, AR-supported tasks in complex work environments. The Industrial Edition is supported by the ThinkReality software platform, which enables commercial customers to build, deploy, and manage mixed reality applications and content on a global scale, with global support. For use in scenarios from factory floors and laboratories to busy retail and hospitality spaces, certified turnkey applications on the ThinkReality platform powers emote assistance, guided workflows, and 3D visualization. Now, industrial workers have a light, flexible and scalable set of smart glasses to increase productivity and safety while decreasing error rates in daily tasks. ThinkReality Ecosystem of AR/VR Solutions Lenovo's ThinkReality platform is helping accelerate adoption of the next generation of wearable computing - offering smarter technology to enable smarter workers. With the growing ThinkReality cloud-agnostic ecosystem of hardware and software solutions, enterprises have more choices in building and deploying mixed reality technologies to improve business. Lenovo AR devices include the ThinkReality A3 smart glasses and A6 headset. The ThinkReality A6 features a full-featured sensor array, expandable memory, 1080p resolution waveguide optics, and a removable battery for extended use of the head mounted display. VR use cases in the enterprise are rapidly expanding from training and simulations to immersive experiences for sales and marketing, as well as other applications. The Lenovo Mirage VR S3 all-in-one headset is specifically designed for enterprise and is ready to scale for global operations and is ideal for soft-skill training solutions. For advanced, high-performance mixed reality and virtual reality applications, Lenovo offers a portfolio of workstations certified to work with various Varjo XR/VR headsets and is a reseller of Varjo's human-eye resolution solutions. Availability The Lenovo ThinkReality A3 smart glasses will be available in select markets worldwide starting mid-2021. Visit the ThinkReality A3 web page to find out more, or contact your local Lenovo sales representative. Visit the Lenovo StoryHub newsroom for images and full specs and Lenovo's CES homepage for more details. About Lenovo Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a $50 billion Fortune Global 500 company, with 63,000 employees and operating in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are developing world-changing technologies that create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society. By designing, engineering and building the world's most complete portfolio of smart devices and infrastructure, we are also leading an Intelligent Transformation - to create better experiences and opportunities for millions of customers around the world. To find out more, visit https://www.lenovo.com, follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Weibo and read about the latest news via our StoryHub. 1 Compatible with Motorola smartphones using a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 series processor or better, and DisplayPort capability. LENOVO, THINKREALITY and LENOVO MIRAGE are trademarks of Lenovo. MOTOROLA, the Stylized M Logo, MOTO and the MOTO family of marks are trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC. Qualcomm and Snapdragon are trademarks of Qualcomm Technologies Inc. Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. AMD and Ryzen are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices (News - Alert) , Inc. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. USB Type-C and USB-C are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2020, Lenovo Group Limited. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210110005011/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Bakari Sellers made history at just 22 years old. Thats when he because the youngest elected official in the South Carolina State Legislature and the youngest Black elected official in the U.S. Now, at age 35, hes a political commentator, lawyer and author. His recent memoir, My Vanishing Country, begins with a story about his fathers arrest after a civil rights protest, 16 years before his birth. He was pardoned decades later. Soledad OBrien spoke with Sellers about why he calls that the most important day of his life. These calls to action have bristled with violent talk and vows to bring guns to Washington in defiance of the city's strict weapons laws. A new analysis of such posts by Alethea Group, an organisation combating disinformation that draws its name from the Greek word for "truth," found abundant evidence of threatening plans on a range of platforms large and small. Loading The aggressive and often hateful chatter has appeared on both mainstream sites such as Twitter and Facebook and niche, conservative sites such as TheDonald.win and Parler. The specified locations include the US Capitol and the Mall in Washington, the Utah Capitol in Salt Lake City, and locations in Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio. Some events, including an "Armed March on All State Capitals," include localised events in all 50 states. "REFUSE TO BE SILENCED," said one online post cited by Alethea Group, calling for an "ARMED MARCH ON CAPITOL HILL & ALL STATE CAPITOLS" for January 17, the last Sunday of Trump's popularising presidency. Another post called for action at "DC & All State Capitols" and was signed by "common folk who are tired of being tread upon" declares: "We were warned!" Parler's chief operating officer, Jeffrey Wernick, declined to comment. An unnamed moderator for TheDonald wrote an accusatory email in response to a request for comment that used an obscenity but did not respond to the substance of the query. The bitterness and specificity of the posts cited by the Alethea Group resembles what was publicly reported ahead of Wednesday's assault. In addition to SITE, the Coalition for a Safer Web sent numerous dispatches warning of the trouble brewing, as did Advance Democracy. Online chatter was organised, in some cases, around hashtags such as #StormTheCapitol and included threats to kill Congressional leaders. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Numerous researchers cited a Trump tweet urging supporters to come to Washington on Wednesday, the day of the presidential vote certification in Congress, that said, "Be there, will be wild!" One poster responded on a pro-Trump forum, "He can't exactly openly tell you to revolt . . . This is the closest he'll ever get." Another poster, according to the SITE report, called for storming the building to "encircle" Congress and "go after the traitors directly." Another said, "Bring handcuffs and zip ties to DC" things that later showed up in numerous images of the riot. "It's not so much that the cops weren't aware of it. It's almost like they were willfully ignorant of the possibility of violence," said Marc Ginsberg, president of the coalition who personally shared his findings with government officials. "I felt like crawling into a hole after I saw what happened." Warnings even came from private citizens, including activists normally wary of the police. One activist, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of backlash from the far-right groups, said she spent her Christmas neck-deep in far-right death threats, wading through online forums that detailed plans to smuggle guns into the District, kidnap Democrat lawmakers and violently attack District of Columbia police and racial justice activists. What she read disturbed her so deeply that she decided to violate one of the cardinal rules of the District activist groups she has protested among since the summer: Call the police. She called the FBI's tip line on Monday, December 28 and told the woman on the other end of the phone about detailed threats and plans she had seen shared on forums including Parler, Telegram and threads on the website TheDonald. All proved to be major staging grounds for Wednesday's attack. "It was a very difficult decision for me to call the FBI, but who else can you tell? They're explicitly discussing committing federal crimes - attacking the Capitol, attacking the police, attacking us," said the activist. "I told them, 'Look, they're planning to kill members of Congress and they're openly discussing bringing guns over state lines.' I thought if that didn't get their attention nothing would." The FBI did not respond to a request for comment on Saturday. Federal, state and local law enforcement have been aggressively building their intelligence capabilities since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks caught the nation off guard. Subsequent investigation pointed to failures to shared pieces of information gathered by various agencies, prompting the creation of fusion centres and other means for transmitting intelligence in the future. The spread of social media in recent years and its widespread use as an organising tool for activists has made tracking threats that build online easier. "There's a big distance between having information and having a threat assessment," said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a think tank. "The question is what they did with the intelligence they had? Did they make a proper threat assessment? If not, why not?" Similar information is flowing freely to authorities now, as the same online forums light up with the same kind of violent chatter. Some event listings for the days ahead of the inauguration are openly discussing delivering "justice" for Ashli Babbitt, a rioter and Air Force veteran who was fatally shot by police inside the Capitol on Wednesday. Cindy Otis, vice-president of analysis at Alethea said, "So much of the conversation right now is the general making of threats. There's a risk of these particular dates leading to violence because that's the kind of amped-up conversation we're already seeing from people." WASHINGTON House lawmakers may have been exposed to someone testing positive for COVID-19 while they sheltered at an undisclosed location during the Capitol siege by a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump. The Capitol's attending physician notified all lawmakers Sunday of the virus exposure and urged them to be tested. The infected individual was not named. Dr. Brian Moynihan wrote that "many members of the House community were in protective isolation in the large room some for several hours" on Wednesday. He said "individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection." Dozens of lawmakers were whisked to the secure location after pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol that day, breaking through barricades to roam the halls and offices and ransacking the building. Some members of Congress huddled for hours in the large room, while others were there for a shorter period. No further details were provided on which person has tested positive for the virus. Some lawmakers and staff were furious after video surfaced of Republican lawmakers not wearing their masks in the room during lockdown. Newly elected Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a presidential ally aligned with a pro-Trump conspiracy group, was among those Republicans not wearing masks. Trump is now facing impeachment after having incited supporters who were rallying near the White House before they marched to the Capitol. The House could vote on impeachment in a matter of days, less than two weeks before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on Jan. 20. A Capitol Police officer died after he was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher as rioters descended on the building and many other officers were injured. A woman from California was shot to death by Capitol Police and three other people died after medical emergencies during the chaos. Authorities on Sunday announced the death of a 51-year-old Capitol Police officer. Two people familiar with the matter said the officer's death was an apparent suicide. Officer Howard Liebengood had been assigned to the Senate Division and was with the department since 2005. He is the son of a former Senate sergeant-at-arms. It was not clear whether his death was connected to Wednesday's events. The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Associated Press writers Colleen Long and Michael Balsamo contributed to this report. THE WOODLANDS The first time Nicholas Haffter Von Heide walked into The Candy House more than a decade ago, a set of pewter trinkets in a canister caught his attention as he looked through the shop. The set reminded the customer of a similar one that his parents had bought him as a child in the 1980s during a vacation in Galveston, although that one was a set of trains, he told the stores owner Donald Baker Sr. A few visits to the sugar wonderland later, Baker said he had tracked down the set of knick-knacks and wondered if Haffter Von Heide would like to buy it before he put it out for sale? Of course I did, Haffter Von Heide recounted this week, still awed at Bakers extra effort to find the set. His ability to acquire the details of someones life and make those moments and impact those in such a way that could really, Haffter Von Heide said, interrupting himself with a pause. I mean thats beyond customer service. Thats beyond the normality of what we accept as normal business practice today. Baker, 89, died Jan. 2 after more than 30 years of running the candy store in The Woodlands. His family, which announced his death in a statement, did not specify a cause of death. In November, longtime customers rallied to support the business after a social media post said the shop was struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic. He proudly served the community in The Woodlands and touched the lives of over three generations of customers, his family wrote in a statement posted on the Candy Houses Facebook page. His legacy will live forever in our hearts. In interviews, people who knew Baker described a Korea War veteran and cancer survivor who was always up for conversation and sincerely tried to get to know anyone who walked into his store. He served as a father and grandfather figure to many beyond his direct family. Sherrie Sturkie, owner of Pizza Tonight a couple storefronts away from the candy store, remembered how Baker would never charge her son for candy when he was growing up. Or more recently, at that, even though her son is now 23 years old. She and her husband visited him, too, for sweets and wisdom. He was just so loving, Sturkie said as she pulled a pizza pie out of the oven Thursday afternoon. Its going to leave a big hole in the shopping center. Nick Rama, a food photographer and writer, called Baker the unofficial Woodlands grandpa. Rama first started visiting the store as a high school student at its original location in Panther Creek in the late 1980s. Over the last few years, Rama took his own child to the store, where Baker would round down weighted candy, giving them a bit for free. We just lost a really good person and a community leader, he said. Old-timey store Walking into the store, which Baker owned with his wife Barbara, was like walking back in time, Rama added. Its big glass bowls filled with candy, including some unique offerings, popular fudge and flavored popcorn, evoked an era that included stores solely dedicated to sweets and treats. True to form, the store lacked an Internet connection. Baker accepted payment in the form of cash or credit card, the latter which was processed with a device that connected to a telephone landline. Its sense of charming antiquity remains etched itself in the memories of those who visited, like Haffter Von Heide. He recalled a jawbreaker bigger than a human fist behind the counter atop a shelf. It feels like my jaw is going to break just looking at it, he remembered. And nearby, above the register, was a Veterans Day article about Baker, Haffter Von Heide said. Oh, you served? he once asked Baker. As well? The question led to their first conversation about their time in the military. Baker served in the Navy during the Korean War, according to his familys statement. As Haffter Von Heide launched his own business ventures, the relationship between the two strengthened, with Baker offering advice based on the experiences hed had. He had one of the biggest hearts I ever met, Haffter Von Heide said. In November, a regular customer walked into the store and caught up with Baker, who mentioned the shop had experienced a bit of a slow October, usually one of its busiest months due to Halloween. The customer wrote about the conversation on Facebook, stating that Baker told them he was hoping for enough business to make it to the holidays. Or he might close. The post, as they tend to do on social media, took off. Customers rally to support shop A GoFundMe fundraiser was created. Dozens of people showed up to form a line stretching out of the shop. A TV news station chronicled the rallying to save the iconic community staple. Another local business offered the Candy House space on a new floor for free. So many people showed up that Sturkie was overwhelmed at her nearby pizza shop by the influx of people who ordered food while they waited to enter the candy store. Two former employees of Bakers returned to help out. Ive never seen anything like it, said Cindy Sackett, who started going to the store as a kid to wait for new shipments of Beanie Babies and worked for a few years, starting around 2006, when she was in high school and during breaks from college. Baker tried to pay her and her former coworker, she recalled. They werent there for the money, she said they told him. They just wanted to help him with the hundreds of customers, some of whom told her they had waited three hours to enter. Thats just how much he meant to us, Sackett said. After a chaotic day of business on the third night, a Saturday, Sturkie went to the candy shop. I said, Are yall opening tomorrow? Cause we have to know because we have to prep extra food, she recounted, laughing. No, they did not plan to open. Amid the support, Baker told The Woodlands Villager that the store was not in dire straits, as the Facebook post had suggested. But he had been concerned about its future. Everybody had good intentions, he told a reporter. It is mana from heaven. It was very fulfilling that so many people wanted to help. In addition to Barbara, his wife of 66 years, Baker left behind four children and three grandchildren, according to his familys statement. Several of the people interviewed for this story said they last saw or spoke to Baker weeks ago. True to his sweet character, they recalled, he had a smile on his face. Like the one Sackett remembers when he gave kids from an elementary school next door a hard time about not having enough spare change for a piece of candy. In the end, he wouldnt take their money and gave them the candy. But with his death, it became clear to those who adored him that their favorite part of The Candy House was gone. alejandro.serrano@chron.com BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 10th January, 2021) Serbian authorities are on the verge of completing the first phase of vaccinating around 720,000 people using both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Sputnik V vaccines, Health Ministry State Secretary Mirsad Djerelek said Sunday. "In the next seven to 10 days, the vaccination of health workers, employees and wards of elderly care centers will be completed... this will make it possible to complete the first phase - 720,000 vaccinated," Djerelek said at a briefing after a hospital visit in capital city Belgrade with Prime Minister Ana Brnabic. Djerelek said that the program would move over into the next phase where doses will be administered to all citizens over 75 years of age and people over 64 who suffer from comorbidities. Brnabic, on her part, said that Serbia was expecting another shipment of 500,000 Sputnik V vaccines as well as agreements in place with China's Sinopharm to preliminarily cover 4 million Serbs with 8 million doses. Over recent weeks, Serbian authorities have publicly taken shots from both Pfizer and Russia's Gamaleya Research Institute production in a campaign to raise public trust for the vaccine. Iran will expel United Nations nuclear watchdog inspectors unless U.S. sanctions are lifted by a Feb. 21 deadline set by the hardline-dominated parliament, a lawmaker said on Saturday, Reuters reported. Parliament passed a law in November that obliges the government to halt inspections of its nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency and step up uranium enrichment beyond the limit set under Tehrans 2015 nuclear deal if sanctions are not eased. Irans Guardian Council watchdog body approved the law on Dec. 2 and the government has said it will implement it. According to the law, if the Americans do not lift financial, banking and oil sanctions by Feb. 21, we will definitely expel the IAEA inspectors from the country and will definitely end the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol, said parliamentarian Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani. The comments, referring to texts governing the IAEAs mission and activities, were carried by several Iranian media outlets. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Iran had an obligation to allow the inspectors access. New Delhi: Two men barged into the CPI(M) head office and tried to manhandle CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday. Both men said that they were members of a group called the Hindu Sena. The CPI(M), whose workers thrashed the two men before handing them over to the police, blamed the RSS for the incident. Hindu Sena chief Vishnu Gupta said the men, who entered the CPI(M) office posing as journalists, wanted to express their anger against the Left partys alleged criticism of the Indian Army in an editorial in its mouthpiece Peoples Democracy. The CPI(M), however, has maintained that the editorial criticises Army Chief Bipin Rawat and not the force over his remarks defending the use of a human shield against stone throwers in Kashmir. Reacting to todays incident, the party said it would not be cowed down by the Sanghs goondagardi (hooliganism) aimed at silencing the party and would win the battle for the soul of India. Top opposition leaders including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, her party vice president and son Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, JD(U)s Sharad Yadav and CPI national secretary D Raja condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with Yechury. Also read: CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury not to contest for Rajya Sabha berth The incident took place when Yechury was about to enter the central committee hall on the first floor of the CPI(M) office to address the media on the conclusion of the partys two-day politburo meeting here. The two men, identified as Pawan Kumar Kaul (30) and Upender Kumar (24), tried to get close to Yechury as they shouted slogans that said, CPI(M) murdabad and Hindu Sena zindabad. Kaul is a driver with a city-based advocate, while Upender works as a cook in canteen at a private hospital, police said. They tried to manhandle Comrade Yechury, but we came in their way and he was safe, a party worker present at the spot said. Speaking to reporters about the incident, Yechury said the two men would have got adequate responses had they reached close enough to manhandle me. Without violence, without terror, the RSS has never been able to increase its political influence. And these tactics have been answered by the people of India in the past and we will be answering it again, he said in a video message. Also read: Sitaram Yechury meets Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to discuss upon presidential polls The Left leader also tweeted, We will not be cowed down by any attempts of Sanghs goondagardi to silence us. This is a battle for the soul of India, which we will win. According to police, the matter is being investigated and they have received a complaint from the CPI(M) about the incident. The police said they were probing the two mens claim that they were associated with the Hindu Sena. No case has been registered yet. The two men are currently detained at the Mandir Marg police station, said a senior police official. Reacting to the incident, JD(U)s Yadav said the opposition parties would not allow efforts (aimed at) shutting their voices. Raja described the incident as an attack on the countrys communist movement by right-wing forces, which he alleged, had become aggressive under the NDA regime. We now urge the police to take appropriate measures to get to the root of the matter as there could be a sinister design involved, he added. The Delhi Police had deployed heavy security in view of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans presence at the meeting, which began on Tuesday, anticipating protests by cow vigilante groups. Vijayan has been facing flak from some right-wing organisations over his criticism of the Centres recent notification relating to cattle slaughter. The southern state of Kerala has also seen many incidents of political violence in the recent past involving CPI(M) and RSS workers. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Insurance fraud seems like it might be an easy thing to do. Insurance companies are often so huge, one wonders how they might not even notic... 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. AN intensive care nurse has paid tribute to her husband who died from Covid-19 just days after her plea to take the virus seriously. Noeleen Henry said she wished she "could have Alan for even five more minutes" in a heartrending Facebook post ahead of his burial yesterday. She also hit out at people still refusing to wear masks even in the store where she was buying clothes for her beloved partner's funeral. The Ballymena man passed away on Wednesday while in intensive care in Antrim Area Hospital, where his wife works and where he was formerly a member of the rapid response team. The couple contracted Covid-19 last month and while Noeleen had mild symptoms Alan ended up critically ill. The father and grandfather died while on the same ward his wife was redeployed back to when the pandemic hit Northern Ireland last March. In her tribute, Noeleen said Alan was her "total rock" and that she didn't know how she was "going to go on on my own". "I went to work, came home and the housework was done, the dinner was made and the little messages sorted... Alan sorted everything, the kids had problems and dad sorted them out," she wrote. "Why had he to be taken? It's not fair, of all people the man that followed the rules. The man that knew he was at risk but still supported me to work in ICU. "I went to Tesco today to buy my funeral clothes. I could have cried, the amount of people not wearing masks, social distancing and carrying out life with no cares in the world. "I wish I had these people's foresight that they will never be in my position. They have no clue who will be infected, who will live and who will die." Noeleen went on to ask for prayers for her family and thanked those who had already offered their condolences. "My oldest grandson Jack has special needs and is continually asking where granda is," said Noeleen. "Alan and Jack were like a double act, where grandad went Jack went. I hope you never have to explain to a child that their grandad will not be coming home." Mr Henry was buried in Ballee Cemetery in Ballymena with the family asking that donations in lieu, if desired, to be made out to the Northern Trust via James Henry Funeral Services. After being apart this time, I started to see some things I had ignored before because I loved him so much. He is emotionally abusive at times, as we try to separate our items and as I try to purchase the house from him. He has said things like, If you dont drop this, I will take everything, and youll get nothing. Or throwing it in my face that hes glad we never got married. January 10, 2021 The MoA Week In Review - OT 2021-003 Last week's posts at Moon of Alabama: Alexey Navalny @navalny - 18:13 UTC Jan 9, 2021 1. I think that the ban of Donald Trump on Twitter is an unacceptable act of censorship (THREAD) Rania Khalek @RaniaKhalek - 10:33 UTC Jan 10, 2021 Entrusting Silicon Valley oligarchs to police speech on the social media platforms that dominate the exchange of information is gonna turn out great for the left for sure. No concerns here I remember when Instagram and Facebook removed leftist videos about the elections in Bolivia following last years fascist coup. Im sure that was just an accident and more of that wont happen. Also the many many many Palestinian posts and accounts that have been censored for challenging Israeli criminality surely isnt coordinated or intentional, no reason to be concerned, really. Daddy Zuck and Jack are just trying to protect our minds from bad ideas --- Other issues: Covid-19: We lost to SARS-CoV-2 in 2020. We can defeat B-117 in 2021 - STATnews The effect of the more contagious B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 is extreme. Other countries will soon see a similar explosion of cases as Britain and Ireland. Venezuela: Iran: ICYMI: Use as open thread ... Posted by b on January 10, 2021 at 14:26 UTC | Permalink Comments next page 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. Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Sunday that House Democrats will vote on impeaching Donald Trump this week as 195 lawmakers co-sponsor the article and AOC insists Trump must be held accountable for Capitol siege. Clyburn said that articles have already been drawn and he is expecting a vote in the lower chamber in the coming day. 'I think that will come probably Tuesday, and maybe Wednesday, but it will happen this week,' the No. 3 House Democrat told 'Fox News Sunday' when asked about the House taking action to impeach Trump. 'The rest of the articles have been drawn up.' 'If we are the people's House, let's do the people's work and vote to impeach this president,' Clyburn continued in his interview with Fox's Chris Wallace. 'And then we'll decide later or the Senate will decide later what to do with that impeachment.' Meanwhile, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said that half of the members of the House were at risk of dying during the Capitol protests last week. 'If another head of state came in and ordered an attack on the United States Congress, would we say that that should not be prosecuted? Would we say that there should be absolutely no response to that?' the New York congresswoman posed to ABC's 'This Week' host George Stephanopoulos. 'No,' Ocasio-Cortez asserted. 'It is an act of insurrection. It's an act of hostility. And we must have accountability, because, without it, it will happen again.' 'Perhaps my colleagues were not fully present for the events on Wednesday, but we came close to half of the House nearly dying on Wednesday,' she said. Hakeem Jeffries, a fellow New York Representative, agreed with AOC's points in an interview with NBC on Sunday, claiming: 'Donald Trump represents a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the American people, as well as our democracy' House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said Sunday that Democrats will vote on impeachment this week, but said the party might wait until after Joe Biden's first 100 days in office to move the articles to the Senate 'Perhaps my colleagues were not fully present for the events on Wednesday, but we came close to half of the House nearly dying on Wednesday,' Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Sunday of the pro-Trump mob descending on the Capitol The representative, as well as the handful of members of her progressive 'squad', are fully on board with plans to again impeach President Trump. Ocasio-Cortez said 'every minute' Trump is still in office, there is a looming threat. 'I absolutely believe that impeachment should be scheduled for several reasons,' she said on Sunday. 'Our main priority is to ensure the removal of Donald Trump as president of the United States,' AOC added. 'Every minute and every hour that he is in office represents a clear and present danger, not just to the United States Congress, but, frankly, to the country.' While Democrats pursue impeachment, many lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are calling for Trump to step down on his own volition to prevent Congress from having to intervene. Others are looking to Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment and take over office for the last 10 days of Trump's term. Lawmakers were forced to evacuate the House and Senate chambers and shelter in offices or other locations on Wednesday after thousands of Donald Trump's supporters breached the Capitol and rioted through the halls There are also talks of banning Trump from running for president again in the future as speculation mounts he will pursue another run for the White House in 2024. 'In addition to removal, we're also talking about complete barring of the president or, rather, of Donald Trump from running for office ever again,' AOC told ABC. 'And, in addition to that, the potential ability to prevent pardoning himself from those charges that he was impeached for.' Jeffries also wants immediate action against Trump, expressing concern that the president still has 'access to the nuclear coded.' 'The goal at the present moment is to address the existential threat that Donald Trump presents at this time. Every second, every minute, every hour that Donald Trump remains in office presents a danger to the American people,' the Democrat representative said on Sunday during an interview on 'Meet the Press'. 'You know, Donald Trump may be in the Twitter penalty box, but he still has access to the nuclear codes,' Jeffries said, referencing Trump's indefinite ban from Twitter. 'That's a frightening prospect.' He added: 'Donald Trump is completely and totally out of control, and even his longtime enablers have now come to that conclusion.' Clyburn, however, said Sunday that House Democrats are weighing if they should hold off on sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate until after Joe Biden's first 100 days in office. This way, Democrats would allow the new president to install key members of his team and would have a new 50-50 split Senate to work with. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said on Sunday that the threat from violent extremist groups remains high after the deadly storming of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday by supporters of President Donald Trump. In a statement, Schumer said he had spoken on Saturday with FBI Director Christopher Wray to urge him to "relentlessly pursue" the attackers. "The threat of violent extremist groups remains high and the next few weeks are critical in our democratic process with the upcoming inauguration at the U.S. Capitol to swear in President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris," Schumer said. (Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Vietnam aims to strengthen post-war toxic chemical consequence settlement Vietnam plans to step up efforts to clear post-war unexploded ordnance and toxic chemicals, aiming to remove about 800,000 hectares of bomb and mine-polluted land by 2025. Military officers searching for unexploded ordnance in Quang Tri Province, one of the heavily bombed region of Vietnam during the resistance war against America. VNA/VNS Photo Ho Cau The information was announced at a conference held yesterday by the National Steering Committee on the Settlement of Post-war Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences, or Committee 701, under the Ministry of National Defence. The ministry worked with authorities and agencies to handle post-war unexploded ordnance and toxic chemicals in 2016-20, successfully decontaminating two airports and handling some 260 tonnes of Chlorobenzylidenmalo (CS). In the five-year period, agencies and authorities removed toxic chemicals in a Nang Airport in central a Nang City and Phu Cat airport in Quy Nhon City, the central province of Binh inh, and also started work in Bien Hoa and Aso airports. They have also implemented projects to support victims in provinces hit hard by toxic chemicals while working with localities to seek international donors to implement projects. Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh requested the committee continue its work, noting that in the immediate future, it is necessary to finalise documents to ensure benefits and support for people who fought in the war and were affected by chemical toxics. Authorities needed to continue to focus on contaminated spots that have been detected, investigate and evaluate the level of toxic chemicals in areas sprayed with chemicals in the wartime and other suspected areas while monitoring the environment after settlement, the official said, adding that about 800,000 hectares of bomb and mine-polluted land is expected to be cleared by 2025. He also called on authorities to study the legal grounds and scientific basis to fight for justice for Agent Orange/Dioxin victims based on legal grounds and in accordance with Vietnam and the US' laws and international practice. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A weary sense of deja vu swept through the nation last week, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced another nationwide lockdown and urged us all to stay at home. In some ways it seemed like March 2020 all over again without the good weather. There are some major differences though, not least in construction. In spring, many builders' merchants and DIY chains responded to the lockdown announcement by closing outlets, while contractors remained unclear for weeks about whether or not they were allowed to work. This time around there is no confusion. Building work will continue and merchants can stay open. The news is welcome for thousands of businesses, including Grafton Group, which owns outlets such as Selco, Buildbase and Leyland SDM. Going up: Grafton should win out as families forced to stay indoors improve their homes and building suppliers benefit The group also owns Woodie's and Chadwicks in Ireland and several brands in the Netherlands too. Grafton is often lumped in with other large builders' merchants. In reality, it is rather different. Grafton shares have managed to claw back most of the ground lost in the coronavirus crash Its 17 businesses are decentralised, so each has a high degree of control. Chief executive Gavin Slark believes this encourages better relationships with their customers and suppliers and he should know. Having left school at 16, Slark entered the building trade straight away. He has now spent most of his career in the industry. In March, he will have been chief executive of Grafton for a decade, an unusually long tenure among quoted companies and one that means he understands the group better than most. In recent years, Slark has steered Grafton away from commoditised products, such as plasterboard, sand or cement, where volumes are high and margins are low. Instead, Grafton has been expanding into areas where pricing is less competitive and profits tend to be greater. Chains such as Buildbase still offer all the basics, but Grafton's other subsidiaries are more specialised. Selco is known for its extensive range, with more than 14,000 products, designed to allow jobbing builders to enter any store and find everything they need for daily work, from bathroom lights to loft insulation to letterboxes. In the Netherlands, Grafton has three divisions, each of which specialises in areas such as ironmongery or power tools. Recent acquisitions closer to home also highlight Slark's growing interest in niche sectors. Last month, Grafton made two purchases: StairBox, which makes bespoke wooden staircases, and Proline, which sells high-quality ironmongery. A family business based in Stoke-on-Trent, StairBox uses up-to-date technology so customers can design and visualise their new staircases online. Dublin-based Proline sells products from brass doorknobs to coat hooks, building on Grafton's market leading position in Ireland. Grafton's wide spread of businesses offers a degree of resilience in these uncertain times, and the geographical spread helps too. About half the group's profits come from outside the UK and Slark is actively looking for deals in Northern Europe, where the building trade tends to operate in a similar fashion to the British Isles. Grafton was not immune to the effects of Covid. When the March lockdown was announced, most of its stores closed and staff were put on furlough. The final dividend for the financial year ending on December 31, 2019 was cancelled and there was no interim payout with half-year results for 2020. Recovery in the second half of the year was fairly swift, however, and confidence within the business grew steadily in the final quarter. A year-end update on Tuesday should sound an upbeat note about recent trading. And brokers expect Slark to restore the dividend with a 19p payout when annual results are announced next month. Looking ahead, the latest lockdown edicts have caused some concern, especially in Ireland, where restrictions are even tighter than here. But the more time people spend at home the more they want to make their homes look good and Grafton's businesses help them to do just that. Midas verdict: Grafton is a well-run business with plenty of potential here and overseas. At 9.57, the shares are a good, long-term buy. Traded on: Main market Ticker: GFTU Contact: graftonplc.com or 00 353 216 0600 A further 17 people have died of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA) A further 17 people have died of coronavirus in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health confirmed. Another 1,112 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. Two of the deaths reported occurred outside of the period. It brings the total number of people who died of the virus to 1,460 and the total confirmed cases to 88,700 since the pandemic began. It comes as SDLP MLA Justin McNulty shared a video of ambulances lined up outside Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry on Saturday night. Daisy Hill Hospital tonight. This is so scary for patients and staff. God bless them all. pic.twitter.com/75g9FXZR0e Justin McNulty (@JustinMcNu1ty) January 9, 2021 He tweeted the footage saying: Daisy Hill Hospital tonight. This is so scary for patients and staff. God bless them all. Northern Irelands health system is under severe pressure hospitals are almost at full capacity and cancer surgery procedures are among the operations cancelled in Belfast. There are now 703 people with the virus in hospitals across the region and 53 in ICUs. Hospital occupancy is at 94%. There are 15 ICU beds available. The regions seven-day incidence rate per 100,000 of the population now stands at 556. Newry, Mourne and Down had the highest rate at 801 per 100,000 population, followed by Mid Ulster at 751 and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon at 722. In the past seven days 10,468 people tested positive. New lockdown restrictions preventing people from leaving home except for essential reasons came into effect on Friday. People can be ordered to return to their homes by police as part of measures. The strict rules will remain in place until February 6 but will be reviewed later this month. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Exiled Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has accused Twitter of "an unacceptable act of censorship" in a thread arguing against that powerhouse private social network's permanent ban on outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump after violence in Washington this week. The 44-year-old Kremlin foe warned in the 11-point thread that "this precedent will be exploited by enemies of freedom of speech around the world." Navalny, who is in Germany after being flown there for emergency medical care from a poisoning in Russia in August, said that during his four-year term Trump "has been writing and saying very irresponsible things...[a]nd paid for it by not getting re-elected for a second term." Critics say Trump has often used the platform to spread misinformation, hate, and incite violence, including unfounded accusations that the November election was "stolen." Public pressure mounted on social platforms to cut off Trump's access after deadly mob violence by Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6 to interrupt Congress's certification of President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory in November. Trump, who had personally addressed the crowd in the hours before the Capitol attack, had also egged followers on via social media. Facebook later banned Trump from its Facebook and Instagram platforms through at least the end of his presidency later this month. Then Twitter on January 8 cited "the risk of further incitement of violence" to impose a "permanent suspension" of his @realDonaldTrump account, which had more than 88 million followers. The company cited a "close review" of recent Trump tweets and cited its "glorification of violence policy" along with "the context of horrific events this week" and "additional violations" since the Capitol was stormed. Navalny has used Twitter, YouTube, and other social networks to great effect to skirt the Kremlin's stranglehold on traditional media during years of anti-corruption campaigns and bids to oppose Vladimir Putin's leadership and his perceived abuses. Navalny is thought to have been poisoned in August with a toxin from the Russian-made Novichok group of Soviet-era nerve agents. Russian authorities have rejected Western medical and intelligence information pointing to official involvement in Navalny's poisoning, while also resisting opening their own investigation. Navalny dismissed the argument that Trump was banned for violating Twitter's rules because "I get death threats here every day for many years, and Twitter doesn't ban anyone (not that I ask for it)." He suggested that Twitter "create some sort of a committee that can make...decisions" on such bans, along with a process for appeal. Many Trump supporters and some pro-Trump celebrities have publicly criticized the ban as politically motivated. Trump reportedly still has access to the official @WhiteHouse and @POTUS accounts, but will lose this when his presidential term ends on January 20. Twitter has a "public interest framework" that is aimed at curbing online abuses while it "enables people to be informed and to engage their leaders directly." The company suggested in the Trump context that it feared its platform might be used to incite further violence ahead of Biden's inauguration on January 20. "Plans for future armed protests have already begun proliferating on and off-Twitter, including a proposed secondary attack on the US Capitol and state capitol buildings on January 17, 2021," it said. On January 8, Google suspended Parler from its app store over continued postings that seek "to incite ongoing violence in the U.S." Parler, a relatively new platform that says it protects free speech and doesn't censor, has become increasingly popular among the president's supporters and conservatives. With reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters Chennai (Tamil Nadu): Chennai Police has permitted members of Rajinikanth fan club to stage a demonstration at Valluvar Kottam on Sunday to request the actor for taking back his decision not to enter politics. In December last year, Megastar Rajinikanth has announced that he won't be entering politics, citing health reasons. Rajinikanth was earlier expected to launch a political party in January 2021. SAVANNAH, Ga., Jan. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgians for the Arts presents the 2021 Georgia Arts Action Summit, which will be held virtually Sunday, February 7 and Monday, February 8, 2021, is a two-day digital event bringing together arts advocates from every corner of the State of Georgia. The event provides grassroots arts advocates training led by experienced advocates from throughout Georgia. Arts advocates from throughout Georgia convene to hear presentations about the state of Georgian arts and culture, the latest arts policies, and upcoming related legislation impacting Georgia. Arts Advocacy Week, scheduled from Monday, February 8 to Friday, February 12, 202, is dedicated time arts advocates from throughout Georgia schedule to meet with their elected Georgia legislative representatives to generate support for pro-arts issues. Arts Advocacy week is subject to change contingent upon the Georgia Legislature's schedule. Visit www.georgiansforthearts.org for registration information About Georgians for the Arts Georgians for the Arts, a 501c4 established in 2019, has a mission to provide vision, leadership, and resources that ensure the growth, prosperity, and sustainability of arts and culture in Georgia. It will assume the advocacy activities started and supported by ArtsGeorgia since 2013. Georgians for the Arts will advance its mission through year-round arts and culture advocacy activities, year-round programs for artists, and the networking of artists, arts educators, local arts organizations, and business leaders all working towards a better Georgia. www.georgiansforthearts.org Contact: Patrick Kelsey Georgians for the Arts (718) 689-0620 [email protected] SOURCE Georgians for the Arts Related Links http://www.georgiansforthearts.org A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Samaritan House Ministries Safe and Warm Shelter. Advertisement Advertise With Us A sign on Samaritan House Ministries' door indicates it has been closed. (Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun) A COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at Samaritan House Ministries Safe and Warm Shelter. The province announced the outbreak on Saturday, during which they classified the space level red on the Pandemic Response System. The building, at 820 Pacific Ave. in Brandon, has been closed until it can be safely reopened. "We are working under the advice of public health officials and in partnership with local agencies and services to ensure that staff, clients and the public are safe," said executive director Barbara McNish. Due to confidentiality issues, she was unable to share how many people have been infected, but said those required to self-isolate have been doing so. Samaritan House Ministries' Pacific Avenue location has been closed due to a COVID-19 outbreak. (Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun) "We are working with public health to ensure we can reopen safely," she said, adding that both the shelter and food hamper area have been affected. The food hamper effort will be operating out of their parking lot from 12 to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday beginning Monday. Those who missed their hamper appointment last week due to it shutting down Thursday can pick up their hamper this week. The Home Nutritions Program, which provides kids with breakfast, has been put on hold, and McNish said theyre currently "working on options." As for the shelter itself, McNish said its her understanding that nobody will be left out in the cold. "Were working with public health very closely and following their recommendations," she said. "Were doing the best we can working with everybody and trying to maintain staff safety, client safety and community safety." Staff will be available at the location every evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to provide information and support for clients who require it. Samaritan House Ministries has been taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 since the pandemic started. In early March, outgoing executive director John Jackson said they were already thinking about physically distancing people and limiting contacts alongside "vigilant" cleanliness. During a media briefing in Ottawa later that month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly commended the shelters efforts. At the time, shelter team lead Heather Bolech said they were "building a moat around our vulnerable people." In the months that followed, they reduced their shelter bed capacity from 25 to 17 in order to better space people out and undertook various other measures in an effort to keep people safe. Theyre hosting an ongoing fundraiser, for which donations are accepted online at samaritanhouse.net, to safely increase their capacity and further improve shelter conditions. McNish said she is thankful for public health and the communitys support throughout these trying times, and that their social media pages will continue to be updated with the latest information. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkerMB New Delhi: The Presidential polls will be held in July, which will be followed by elections for the post of Vice President in the same month, according to the Election Commision of India. Here's excerpts from the CEC's press Conference in New Delhi # Term of President Pranab Mukherjee will end on 24 July: CEC Nasim Zaidi # ECI is taking all necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections to the office of President of India: CEC # Polls for Vice President to be held next month: CEC Naseem Zaidi # The Presidential election to be conducted via secret ballot: EC # Article 53 provides Presidential Election shall be held in accordance with proportional representation: CEC # Notification for the President poll will be issued on June 14: CEC # Day of notification of nomination is June 20: CEC # June 28 is the last date for making nominations for Presidential Elections: CEC # Last date of Scrutiny of nomination paper: June 29 # Any violation of Voting Procedures will entail cancellation of ballot paper: CEC # July 1 is the last date for the withdrawal of candidature: CEC # Polling day: July 17 # Counting day: July 20 President Pranab Mukherjee is completing his tenure on July 24, while Vice President Hamid Ansari's second term ends on August 10. Though no consensus has emerged on the name, the parties are working on it. Among some prominent names doing the rounds are Gopal Krishan Gandhi, Sharad Yadav and Sharad Pawar, besides Meira Kumar. Sharad Pawar has, however, announced that he is not in the race. There is also talk of a second term for incumbent Pranab Mukherjee, as proposed by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, but that may not happen till the ruling dispensation proposes his name. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 10th Jan, 2021) Abu Dhabi Ports today announced a freeze on rent escalation during 2021 for all businesses in its Industrial Cities and Free Zone cluster, in a move aimed at providing further relief to its customers in KIZAD and ZonesCorp and boosting the Abu Dhabi economy in these challenging times. The effective freeze on rent increase for the entire year is in line with Abu Dhabi Ports core philosophy of enabling businesses to remain competitive within their target markets, and follows several measures taken throughout 2020 to provide relief to customers. The rent escalation freeze will benefit more than 1,400 companies within Abu Dhabi Ports Industrial Cities and Free Zone cluster. Abdullah Al Hameli, Head, Industrial Cities and Free Zone Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports said: "Abu Dhabi Ports is taking steps to help its customers remain competitive during this exceptional economic climate and overcome the challenges brought on by COVID-19. We are working in line with the Abu Dhabi Governments efforts to extend relief to businesses by ensuring our customers retain their competitive advantage. "The freeze in rent escalation we have announced reflects our commitment towards enhancing the growth and stability of our customers and tenants and falls in line with the government directives to stimulate future growth for the UAEs economy. We are confident that this measure will help fast track the robust economic recovery that the Government is making efforts to achieve," he added. Last year ZonesCorp customers were exempted from Musataha contract registration, utility payments based on actual consumption, and application and documentation fees. The company is also providing a 25 percent price reduction for new investors. Simultaneously, Khalifa Industrial Zones Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) announced last year relief packages with up to 36 percent savings for Free Zone businesses and SMEs. The package offers both existing and prospective customers savings on new registrations and renewals, along with a waiver on security deposits. Abu Dhabi Ports, part of ADQ, one of the regions largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabis diversified economy, has extended relief measures to continue supporting businesses in Abu Dhabi and help the SME sector grow within the emirate. Several measures were previously mandated for customers, which include rent deferment, a freeze on late payment penalties, and an exemption from Tawtheeq fees. At the same time, new investors will be able to take advantage of new relief packages that include waiving of applications fees, a 25 percent reduction in land lease rates for the first year, an exemption on Tawtheeq fees, and a relinquishing of land fixing fees. KIZAD the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial hub in the region and ZonesCorp, the largest operator of purpose-built economic zones in the UAE, make up Abu Dhabi Ports Industrial Cities and Free Zone portfolio. Covering over 555 sqkm of industrial land and home to over 1,400 local, regional, and international investors, the portfolio of companies today includes key players within the food, logistics, automotive, polymers, metals, oil and gas, life sciences, and advanced technology industries. The Industrial Cities and free Zone portfolio at Abu Dhabi Ports has seen landmark developments in 2020. Recently KIZAD won three fDi Global Free Zones of the Year 2020 awards. KIZAD was named winner of fDi Magazines middle East Large Tenants category for its outstanding growth within its community of large companies. As well as that KIZAD was awarded Free Zone of the Year, SMEs, for its innovative initiatives to support small and medium enterprises. KIZAD was also awarded fDis Bespoke Award for Supplier Development. It did not take long for U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace to decide who would be tasked with overseeing her new congressional office. Within moments of her victory getting called in the wee hours of election night, Mace turned to her campaign manager, Mara Mellstrom, and posed the question she had refrained from asking in the weeks leading up to that day, worried about jinxing the outcome of the race. "You're coming to D.C. with me, right?" said Mace, R-Daniel Island. Mellstrom spent the weeks after frantically building out Mace's new operation, flying back and forth to Washington for orientation, hiring a full staff, locking down office space, reaching out to seasoned congressional operatives for advice and finding her way through the maze of hallways that comprise the U.S. Capitol complex. At just 29 years old, Mellstrom is among the younger chiefs of staff on Capitol Hill. More than 80 percent of chiefs of staff and deputy chiefs of staff in the U.S. House are older than 32, according to a 2019 study, and a majority of them are men. But in an interview with The Post and Courier, Mellstrom said she's not intimidated by the work ahead. "There's a lot of good people supporting me and around me, and Nancy's the best boss I could ever ask for," Mellstrom said. "Everything will be OK." Mellstrom got her start in politics while a student at Boston University, when she interned on the Massachusetts reelection campaign of then-U.S. Sen. Scott Brown. She enjoyed the experience enough to go back to work for Brown again upon graduating for his Senate campaign in neighboring New Hampshire. While both races ended in losses, they hooked Mellstrom on campaigns and earned plaudits from Brown, who stayed in touch with her over the years. "She's just hard-charging, very personable, very direct, and I think what'll do her well is that she's exceedingly organized and has always worked in very high-pressure situations," Brown told The Post and Courier from New Zealand, where he is now the U.S. ambassador. "She's a no-nonsense type of person but also deferential to other people's suggestions." After a stint as the legislative manager for the Foundation for Government Accountability, a conservative think tank that flew her around the country to meet with state lawmakers, Mellstrom returned to New Hampshire to join former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's 2016 presidential campaign there. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! When that effort also ended in defeat, Mellstrom went west to Arizona, working on a pair of ballot initiative campaigns, one dealing with school funding and another opposing marijuana legalization. Given that Mace supports legalizing marijuana, Mellstrom said her work on that proposition shows "how big Nancy Mace's tent is," willing to bring in people with differing opinions. Mellstrom went on to work for Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, both on his campaign and in his office, and for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce before she decided that 2020 would be the cycle that she wanted to manage a campaign for the first time and started looking at some of the top races around the country. Her resume ended up in the hands of Mace, who leapt at the opportunity to hire a woman to lead her bid to become the first Republican woman elected to Congress from South Carolina in one of the country's most competitive U.S. House races. "When you're running a lean campaign, I wanted to make sure I had a jack of all trades someone who understands campaigns, understands policy and understands how important communication would be," Mace said. "She fulfilled all of those requirements." Mellstrom moved into an apartment above Mace's garage, and the two worked out of Mace's home together for much of the campaign, developing a tight bond along the way. That's the type of relationship that's critical for success on the Hill as a young chief of staff, said Justin Stokes, who transitioned from campaign manager to chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna, R-N.Y., at just 27 years old before later becoming the executive director of Audubon South Carolina. "There's a professional relationship but it's a really personal one, too, because these people are placing their careers in your hands," Stokes said. "People know that you're in a way speaking for that member of Congress, whether it's your staff or other people, so even at a young age you carry a lot of weight in that role." During congressional orientation, both Mace and Mellstrom were just trying to stay on top of the flurry of tutorials, meetings and interview requests. At one point during their first week, Mace had an interview with a national media outlet on one side of the Capitol followed by a meeting with a member of GOP leadership about committee assignments just nine minutes later on the other side. The two sprinted across the complex, and Mellstrom pulled out her phone to take a video for Mace's social media as they closed in on the destination. They made it to the meeting three minutes early. "We were out of breath and laughing ... and it was just so representative of what we just accomplished," Mace said. "We worked hard, but we do it with a smile on our faces, we enjoy the process, and we're going to do whatever it takes to be successful." 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. 7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account. Each time, Davis dredges up the painful stories from her family's past in a bid to set the record straight about a struggle stretching back more than a century. The debate over the history of slavery in Australia is one that resurfaces on a regular basis, much to the chagrin of the tens of thousands of Indigenous workers who have been fighting for decades to reclaim wages that were withheld from them under discriminatory laws until the 1970s. The comments in June 2020 , which the Prime Minister later apologised for and clarified, prompted a fresh examination of Australia's colonial history at the height of a reinvigorated global Black Lives Matter movement. Prime Minister Scott Morrison had just been on radio, her friend informed her, claiming there was no history of slavery in Australia. "Did you just hear this?" came her friend's voice down the line. Waskam Emelda Davis was sitting in her favourite orange armchair in her loungeroom on a cool winter's day when her phone rang. Article 1 of the United Nations Slavery Convention defines slavery as "the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised". So how did slavery operate in Australia? How long did the practices continue? And how has it made a lasting impact on the nation? "Slavery is slavery. You can't dress it up or dress it down," Davis says. "The kidnapping, the coercing, the stealing and the serious abuses that happened to our people ... this is something that's handed down through generations.'' The 58-year-old has spent her life advocating for the rights of Australian South Sea Islander people the descendants of men, women and children known as "sugar slaves" who were taken from the Pacific islands and forced into hard labour in Australia. She chairs the Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson organisation in Sydney. Emelda Davis says her grandfather was 12 when he went for a swim at the beach near his home on the island of Tanauta (formerly Tanna) in Vanuatu and never returned. "Nevertheless, employers exercised a high degree of control over 'their' Aboriginal workers who were, in some cases, bought and sold as chattels Employers exercised a form of 'legal coercion' over their workers in a manner consistent with the legal interpretation of slavery." "It is true that Australia was not a 'slave state' in the manner of the American South," writes Stephen Gray in the Australian Indigenous Law Review . As such, there was to be no slave trade in Australia. However numerous historians, legal experts and government officials have found that the controls imposed on Pacific Islander and First Nations peoples essentially amounted to slavery. Around the time of colonisation in Australia the First Fleet arrived in 1788 an anti-slavery movement was growing in Britain. The British Parliament abolished the Atlantic slave trade in 1807 and passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. "[Islanders] were legally indentured, but then you've got to ask, did they understand the indenture system? Often no, they wouldn't have had a clue what it really was ... therefore you might say the contract's invalid," he says. "Just think, you're a capitalist in the 1830s and 1840s and they've just abolished slavery and you want cheap labour, so you scratch your head and you say, 'Well, how can I get cheap labour?'. He says the indenture system has often been called "a new form of slavery". Those who chose to leave the islands signed three-year indenture agreements, explains University of Queensland historian Professor Clive Moore, but few knew what awaited them in Australia. The practice, known as blackbirding, was sanctioned by various Queensland laws from the mid-1860s to 1904. Several members of parliament grew wealthy through this system. At least 50,000 people, mostly men, from 80 Melanesian islands were brought by boat to work in Australia's agriculture, maritime and sugar industries. Some went voluntarily but many were coerced or kidnapped. Their wages were less than a third of other workers. He was kidnapped in the late 1800s, she says, and taken to Bundaberg, in north Queensland, where he was put to work in the cane fields. Those who remained were subject to racial discrimination and embarked on a long journey to carve out their own place in Australian society. Ultimately, around 5000 workers were forcibly deported. In a cruel twist of fate, their deportations were funded by the wages of deceased South Sea Islanders, whose estates were controlled by the government. When the White Australia policy was enacted in 1901, the government ordered the mass deportation of all South Sea Islander people, sparking outrage among those who had built lives on the mainland and wished to stay. "The mortality figures are horrific," he says. "The government must have known and yet it did absolutely nothing to try to stop it." Moore estimates 15,000 South Sea Islander people around a third of the workforce died from common diseases during their first year in Australia due to low immunity levels. It could be argued that what happened to South Sea Islander workers was a precursor to the systematic wage controls imposed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups from around the 1890s, notably in the pearling and cattle industries. In the late 19th century, every mainland state and the Northern Territory enacted laws, known as the protection acts, to control the lives of Indigenous people. Prior to this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers were routinely exploited. Historian Dr Ros Kidd says there is evidence that women were used as sex slaves, children were kidnapped and Aboriginal stockmen were encouraged to form opium addictions to make them reliant on their employers, who supplied the drug. Kidd says the protection acts were largely introduced to ensure industries remained profitable rather than to protect the welfare of Indigenous people. "Part of the problem, as the authorities saw it, was the rise of inter-racial children and the fact that we, as the whites, needed to assert some authority and regulation over all of this," she says. Under the protection acts, most Aboriginal people were removed from their homelands and forced to live on missions or reserves run by the church or government, respectively. Some South Sea Islander people were subjected to the same controls. Aboriginal people were forbidden from speaking their native languages or practising their cultures, and children were separated from their families and placed in dormitories. Employment laws varied from state to state but, for the most part, the wages of Aboriginal people were diverted to government-managed trust funds, while local protectors managed the residue as legal trustees. Official documents reveal protectors habitually defrauded Aboriginal workers for much of the 20th century. For most Queensland workers, the minimum monthly wage was set at five shillings (around $24), less than one-eighth of the non-Indigenous wage. Sometimes, the worker would receive a small portion of that amount as pocket money but, in many cases, they received nothing. Workers could, in theory, withdraw from their trust account for necessities but only with permission from the local protector. Requests were often refused, or workers were falsely told they had no money. Roy Savo, right, with another stockman. Roy Savo is a former stockman who spent a decade working on Queensland cattle stations from the age of 13. He says he didn't see physical money until he was almost 20. "When we wanted to go to the shop, they'd just write us a note and say, 'Take that to the shop'," he says. "That's how we got through life." The 80-year-old says the bosses would not call the Aboriginal workers by their names, referring to them only as "boy". "They made you feel so low. When I think back, we were just no one, nothing. We had no chance against the white people, they just ruled our lives. We were one step from being an animal. In some places you were told to sit out and eat with the animals anyway, out in the wood heap." When he was about 19, Savo ran away from his "job". Dodging authorities, he continued to work at various cattle stations and railways across far north Queensland and the Torres Strait, before meeting his wife and starting a family in Silkwood, south of Cairns. In Western Australia, most employers weren't legally required to pay Aboriginal workers at all until the 1940s, so long as they provided rations, clothing and blankets. Many workers in the Northern Territory died from starvation in the 1920s and '30s due to poor rations, records show. One anthropologist reported that on one station, only 10 children survived from 51 births during a five-year period. The government declined to intervene. The chief protector in the Northern Territory said in 1927 that Aboriginal pastoral workers were "kept in a servitude that is nothing short of slavery". Those who absconded from a work contract could be whipped, jailed or arrested and brought back in chains. Aboriginal children were routinely indentured to work, with boys sent to farms and pastoral stations and girls to domestic service for non-Indigenous families. Their wages were supposed to be administered similarly to the adults' but there was little to no regulation to ensure employers complied with the law. Protectors themselves described Queensland's Aboriginal wage system as a "farce" in the 1940s, says Kidd, with workers "entirely at the mercy of employers who simply doctored the books". She notes the broad lack of oversight prompted one protector in the Northern Territory to remark: "I think it is about time that slavery is put a stop to among the natives of Australia." South Sea Islander women planting sugar cane by hand at Bingera, Queensland, about 1897. Credit:State Library of Queensland When did this kind of slavery end? The protection acts were gradually amended and replaced throughout the second half of the 20th century but some controls endured until at least 1972 the year Gough Whitlam was elected prime minister. And yet when the laws were repealed, the money held in trust was never returned to Aboriginal workers. The unpaid funds have become known as the stolen wages. In Queensland, Aboriginal trust funds were used to cover government revenue shortfalls. Millions were spent on regional hospitals. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were used to facilitate the forcible removal of Aboriginal families from their traditional lands. In today's money, Kidd conservatively estimates the missing or misappropriated funds to total $500 million in Queensland alone. "The government made a lot of money exploiting the savings accounts for its own profit," she says. "This is while people were starving and dying in need of these payments." People lining up for flour rations at the Barambah Aboriginal Settlement (now known as Cherbourg) in Queensland in 1911. Credit:State Library of Queensland For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been fighting to get that money back. In Queensland, thousands joined a class action to sue the government. In 2019, the state government agreed to a landmark $190 million settlement. It was the largest settlement for Indigenous people outside native title and the fifth-largest class action settlement in Australian history. But it was less than half what the workers were owed and by the time the settlement was reached, more than half of the claimants had died. Similar class actions are being investigated in NSW and the NT while one has been launched in WA. Australian South Sea Islanders are also fighting for reparations for an estimated $38 million in misspent wages of deceased workers. A year after Queensland's class action was settled, Roy Savo still doesn't know when, or how much, he will be paid for a decade's hard labour. He fears it will be much less than he had hoped. "I wanted to buy a home," he says. "But looking at what I'm going to get now, I'm thinking it would be better putting it into some trust or something for my funeral. I come in with nothing, go out with nothing, I suppose." South Sea Islander labourers hoeing a field, Herbert River, Queensland, c. 1902. Credit:SLQ What is the legacy of slavery in Australia? As fate would have it, Emelda Davis' housing unit in the inner-Sydney suburb of Pyrmont looks out to the refinery where the raw sugar harvested by South Sea Islanders was once processed. It's widely acknowledged much of Australia's wealth across the sugar, pastoral and maritime industries was built on the backs of Indigenous and South Sea Islander labour. "The contribution of the 60-odd thousand [South Sea Islanders], coupled with our First Nations families, is quite significant in establishing what we call today the lucky country," Davis says. "Our legacy is what people are thriving off today." At the Redcliffe Hospital, north of Brisbane, there is a plaque to acknowledge that it was built, in part, with a $1.7 million loan from Aboriginal trust funds in the 1960s. Similar plaques have been installed across Queensland, at the recommendation of a 2016 taskforce, to recognise the labour and financial contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Yet many within these communities still live in poverty. Disparities in health, education and employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are well documented. Ros Kidd says this disadvantage is "inextricably linked" with historical practices. She says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were excluded from the capitalist society. "They trapped people in what I would call engineered disadvantage because it didn't happen by coincidence, it didn't happen through an unfortunate set of circumstances. All of these conditions and this poverty was specific government policy and practice." Australian South Sea Islanders, too, have inherited generations of trauma and disadvantage. The community was officially recognised as a distinct cultural group in 1994, but without targeted policies Davis says they often "fall through the cracks", missing out on support programs tailored for Indigenous Australians. "We're at a point where it's completely desperate. There's no hope in looking to our government for anything. It's just constant hoop-jumping and lining up against everybody else in the queues for rations," she says. The legacy of trauma is also felt in the Pacific Islands. On a beach in Vanuatu, there's a spot called Howling Rock, where mothers would mourn their husbands and children who disappeared. There are songs, passed through the generations, warning not to go to certain beaches for risk of being taken. But new generations in Australia have inherited something else from their ancestors, too: strength. Queensland artist Dylan Mooney, 24, has Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander heritage. His paternal great-great-grandparents were blackbirded from Vanuatu. His great-great-grandfather worked on sugar plantations in northern NSW while his great-great-grandmother, Fanny Togo, was sold as a house servant in Sydney. Mooney says knowing what his ancestors went through has only strengthened his sense of identity and pride. "I carry that with me every day that strength, that resilience, that story of survival." Jess Gale looked incredible as she turned up the heat for a series of sizzling pool side snaps posted to Instagram on Sunday. The Love Island star is currently enjoying a getaway in Dubai alongside a string of other reality stars amid the UKs third national lockdown. But while temperatures plummet back home, Jess, 21, donned a skimpy green bikini as she posed up a storm next to a swimming pool, showcasing her golden tan. Sizzling: Jess Gale looked incredible as she turned up the heat for a series of sizzling pool side snaps posted to Instagram on Sunday Letting her dripping wet hair trail down behind her, Jess opted for a slick of make-up to enhance her features. One photo saw her display a sultry look to the camera, while she could be seen gazing into the distance in another. At peace, she simply captioned the post. Poolside: The Love Island star, 21, donned a skimpy green bikini as she posed up a storm next to a swimming pool, showcasing her sunkissed skin Jess is currently in Dubai alongside her twin sister and fellow Love Islander Eve Gale, with both eagerly documenting their trip to social media. The star gave fans a glimpse of her relaxed day to her Instagram story, as she and Eve enjoyed a boat trip, taking in the breathtaking views that Dubai has to offer. Jess had previously displayed her peachy posterior in a tiny white bikini as she posed for the camera in the sea. She opted for a skimpy triangle top and high-waisted thong style bottoms for the sultry snap. Twins abroad: Jess is currently in Dubai alongside her twin sister and fellow Love Islander Eve Gale, with both eagerly documenting their trip to social media The star gave fans a glimpse of her relaxed day to her Instagram story, as she and Eve enjoyed a boat trip, taking in the breathtaking views that Dubai has to offer The TV personality later showed off her toned figure as she slipped into a tiny nude bikini while posing in her hotels mirror. Jess and Eve are just two of many celebrities who have jetted to the city in recent weeks, joining many other Love Islanders including Joanna Chimonides, Hayley Hughes and Francesca Allen. The city has been an ideal choice for many as visitors arent currently required to quarantine upon their return to the UK. Many stars have insisted their trips are for work purposes as the government currently asks UK residents living in high-risk areas to avoid unnecessary travel. Peachy; Jess had previously displayed her peachy posterior in a tiny white bikini as she posed for the camera in the sea 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. 2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning -- 4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS. We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover. We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come. Body parts, twisted wreckage and clothing were plucked from waters off the Indonesian capital Sunday after a passenger jet with 62 people aboard crashed shortly after take-off a day earlier. Authorities have yet to say why the Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 went into a steep dive about four minutes after it left Soekarno-Hatta international airport on Saturday afternoon. But, on Sunday, they said that they had pinpointed the location of its black boxes -- cockpit voice and flight data recorders -- that could be key to explaining why the plane slammed into the Java Sea off the sprawling city's coast. The search and rescue agency said it had collected body bags filled with human remains, as well as debris from the wreckage, in waters about 23 metres (75 feet) deep. Passengers Ihsan Adhlan Hakim and his new bride Putri were headed to Pontianak, the city on Indonesia's section of Borneo island which had been flight SJ182's destination, about 90 minutes away. "He called me to say that the flight was delayed due to bad weather," Hakim's brother Arwin said from Pontianak, where a wedding celebration had been planned for the newlyweds. "That was the last time I had contact with him." Steep dive Beben Sofian, 59, and her husband Dan Razanah, 58 were also on the doomed flight. "They took a selfie and sent it to their kids before taking off," the couple's nephew, Hendra, told AFP. DNA from relatives will be compared with discovered remains for identification. All 62 passengers and crew aboard the half-full flight were Indonesian. The count included 10 children. Distraught relatives waited nervously for news at Pontianak airport. "I have four family members on the flight -- my wife and three children," said a sobbing Yaman Zai. "(My wife) sent me a picture of the baby... How could my heart not be torn into pieces?" Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the airliner reached an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) before dropping suddenly to 250 feet. It then lost contact with air traffic control. The transport minister said Saturday that the jet appeared to deviate from its intended course just before it disappeared from radar. "The aircraft's final moments are... very concerning as the speed that (it) was flying at that altitude was much lower than expected," said Stephen Wright, professor of aircraft systems at Finland's Tampere University. "The last seconds saw the aircraft rapidly descend from 10,000 feet to the sea in a matter of 20 seconds, which implies a catastrophic event or something deliberate." But he added that the crash can "only be fully explained once the black boxes and wreckage can be properly analysed". Sriwijaya Air, which operates flights to destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, has said little so far about the 26-year-old plane, which was previously flown by US-based Continental Airlines and United Airlines. The Indonesian carrier has not recorded a fatal crash since it started operations in 2003, but this accident is the latest in a string of disasters for the country's aviation sector. The Southeast Asia nation's aviation sector has long been marred by safety concerns, and its airlines were once banned from entering US and European airspace. Safety concerns In October 2018, 189 people were killed when a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX jet crashed near Jakarta. That accident -- and another in Ethiopia -- saw Boeing hit with $2.5 billion in fines over claims it defrauded regulators overseeing the 737 MAX model, which was grounded worldwide following the accidents. The 737 that went down Saturday was not a MAX variant. "Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families," Boeing said in a statement. In 2014, an AirAsia plane headed from Surabaya to Singapore crashed with the loss of 162 lives. A final report said major factors included a chronically faulty component in a rudder control system, poor maintenance, and the pilots' inadequate response. A year later more than 140 people, including scores on the ground, were killed when a military plane crashed shortly after take-off in Medan on Sumatra island. Chinese Soldier Arrested on Indian Side of Disputed Border NEW DELHIThe Indian army has arrested a Chinese soldier who it says crossed to the Indian side of the disputed border in the area south of the Pangong Tso lake. The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC [line of actual control] and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area. Troops from either side are deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilization and forward concentration by Chinese troops, the Indian army said on Jan. 9, according to Indian news magazine India Today. The Indian army is investigating the situation, which is being dealt with according to protocols set between the two countries, Indian news outlet The Print reported. The transgression occurred amid an ongoing military buildup, which began in June with a bloody skirmish at the border, and as a harsh winter descends on the trans-Himalayan region. Military commanders on both sides are in communication about the detained Chinese soldier, who is likely to be handed back after the investigation is completed. This is the second time since October 2020 that a Chinese soldier was detained by the Indian side, The Hindustan Times reported; then, Cpl. Wang Ya Long was repatriated within a few days. Given the nature of terrain and topography, only a debriefing will reveal what actually happened, Bibhu Prasad Routray, a strategic affairs analyst and the director of the Goa, India-based think tank Mantraya, told The Epoch Times in an email. Chinas frontier forces confirmed on Jan. 9 that a Chinese soldier had gone missing because of darkness and complex geography and was found by the Indian army after two hours of searching, according to Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times. The Chinese statement said that India should return the soldier immediately to deescalate tensions and to maintain regional stability, the Global Times reported, citing the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Daily. Routray said this is Chinas way of pressuring India and that conduct and communication on such incidents is governed by protocols, and returning the soldier will take time. He said New Delhi wont be forced to act, and noted the Chinese would have responded the same way if Indian soldiers had crossed to the Chinese side. The incident shows India is keeping high vigilance on the border amid the ongoing tensions. Qian Feng, the director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told The Global Times. The Indian side may also interrogate Chinese soldiers and examine whether they have carried equipment, maps or other items that may lead to suspicions of prying into Indian military intelligence, Feng said. Qian blamed the Indian media for hyping the incident and comparing it to incidents of Indian sailors stranded in Chinese ports for months. He also warned about the consequences of delaying the return of the soldier. India may not detain the soldier for a long time, since it would be seen as destructive to the previous consensus on solving problems via diplomatic channels. Any incident would stimulate the already tense situation along the border, Qian said. Routray said this reflects the individual opinion of the Chinese expert. But under the circumstances, New Delhi will have to be careful about such incidents. It must make sure that this incident was only a mistake and not some sort of a recce or experiment by the PLA for a large scale incursion in the future, Routray said. He said the bilateral tensions between the two sides remain and progress hasnt been achieved to resolve the border standoff. The posture of China, which is the aggressor, has remained uncompromising. Under these circumstances, even small incidents can lead to the start of a military confrontation. Both sides need to be extremely careful about that possibility, he said. Stranded Indian Sailors Meanwhile, 23 Indian soldiers who were stranded on a merchants vessel in a Chinese port are set to return to India on Jan. 14 after months of efforts by Indias External Affairs Ministry. The merchant vessel MV Jag Anand was stranded since June at the Jingtang port in northern Chinas Hebei province. The sailors will sail to Chiba, Japan, and then fly to India. Another vessel, MV Anastasia, with 16 Indian sailors, is still stranded near Chinas Caofeidian port since Sept. 20. Talks are ongoing to help the sailors reach India, The Print reported. The ships were transporting coal from Australia to China and due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Chinese authorities refused to let them offload at the ports. Routray said these incidents are highly unfortunate and show how uncompromising Beijing can be on such matters. At the same time, the resolution also shows the triumph of diplomacy and on a broader scale, is a pointer at how to resolve the ongoing border standoff between the two countries. However, that will succeed only if Beijing is willing to give diplomacy a chance and gives up its expansionist mindset, he said. President Trump has been banned from Facebook and Twitter, news that set the social media networks ablaze with comments. (Photo: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) President Trump has been banned from Twitter and Facebook following a violent attack by his supporters on the U.S. Capitol, causing destruction of property, injury and death. On Saturday, celebrities and public figures, many of whom sparred publicly with Trump on the platforms, reacted to the news. While the Trump administration called the Wednesday security breach appalling and pledged an orderly transition of power going forward, many blame the president for dividing the country the riot was a failed attempt to disrupt Joe Bidens electoral college certification and a culmination of Trumps refusal to accept defeat in the Nov. 3 election. Related: Twitter bans Trump's personal account permanently On Friday, Twitter Safety tweeted, After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence. And Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote Thursday that Trumps decision to use his platform to condone rather than condemn the actions of his supporters at the Capitol building led to his indefinite ban on the social network (and Instagram) and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete. Chrissy Teigen, who was blocked by Trump in 2017 after she tweeted lol no one likes you, wrote AAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHA.... Tensions between the entrepreneur and president began growing in 2011 and last year, Trump referred to her as the filthy mouthed wife of John Legend after the singer gave a television interview on criminal justice reform. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg wrote Finally and colleague Meghan McCain added, He's gonna burn the White House to the ground. On Thursdays episode, McCain said of Trump, He is clearly a president who has turned into a mad king. And at this point, Im calling on all Republicans and conservatives who still have clout, we have to invoke the 25th Amendment. We cannot withstand this. Related: President Trump in the days since the Nov. 3 election This week, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would not rule out impeaching Trump for the second time if his administration does not invoke the 25th Amendment which authorizes the vice president to replace the commander-in-chief if he resigns or dies. The year is looking up again, tweeted Jameela Jamil. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen tweeted, Twitter finally banned Trump! We did it! While John Cusack wrote, This move by Twitter and Facebook are the biggest blows to his fascism. And Bette Midler, who in November called the president a bottomless pit of need after he refused to concede to Biden, celebrated by writing, CHURCH BELLS! RING THROUGHOUT THE LAND, SO EVERYONE KNOWS! IT'S OVER! TRUMP SUSPENDED FROM INCITING TO VIOLENCE ON TWITTER! This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. However, some celebs protested the Twitter ban Antonio Sabato Jr., who claims he was blacklisted from Hollywood after supporting Trump at the Republican National Convention in 2016, tweeted at Twitter founder Jack Dorsey: You evil dirtbags Twitter @jack ASSES! Just please suspend all of us who support The Greatest President in History @realDonaldTrump and cut to the chase. Have a good time adding #TrumpWon. Megyn Kelly tweeted, If youre on the right or not woke or want to raise Qs about the integrity of our electoral system, youre next. And Kirstie Alley, who in October shared plans to vote for Trump a second time, added, If we are going to agree that private businesses like twitter have a right to discriminate against anyone they want because of politics then we are laying the groundwork for businesses to discriminate against race, gender, religion, sexual persuasion etc..GIANT STEP BACKWARDS. She also shared a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that questioned the unchecked power of tech companies to silence users. Alley wrote, ALL people should be concerned is the KEY here. Its true, the average person will no longer have a platform to speak their views. This is called SLAVERY. This censorship proves BIG TECH now holds the keys to the chains. To which Patricia Arquette responded: No. This is a shocking minimization of the sheer vicious brutality of real slavery. Children were sold away out of their parents arms. People were worked and beaten to death. Shackled. Women were raped. Couples were separated and sold. Shame on you. Arquette added that the Cheers alum was incredibly spoiled if you think its equatable in any way and vowed to mute and block her account. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: BOSTON (AP) President Donald Trump has been kicked off of most mainstream social media platforms following his supporters siege on the U.S. Capitol. But it remains to be seen how fast or where if anywhere on the internet he will be able to reach his followers. The far right-friendly Parler had been the leading candidate, at least until Google and Apple removed it from their app stores and Amazon decided to boot it off its web hosting service by midnight Pacific time on Sunday. Parlers CEO said that could knock it offline for a week, though that might prove optimistic. And even if it finds a friendlier web-hosting service, without a smartphone app, it's hard to imagine Parler gaining mainstream success. The 2-year-old magnet for the far right claims more than 12 million users, though mobile app analytics firm Sensor Tower puts the number at 10 million worldwide, with 8 million in the U.S. That's a fraction of the 89 million followers Trump had on Twitter. Still, Parler might be attractive to Trump since it's where his sons Eric and Don Jr. are already active. Parler hit headwinds, though, on Friday as Google yanked its smartphone app from its app store for allowing postings that seek to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. Apple followed suit on Saturday evening after giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities. Public safety issues will need to be resolved before it is restored, Apple said. A message seeking comment from Parler was sent Sunday on whether the company plans to change its policies and enforcement around these issues. Amazon struck another blow Saturday, informing Parler it would need to look for a new web-hosting service effective midnight Sunday. It reminded Parler in a letter, first reported by Buzzfeed, that it had informed it in the past few weeks of 98 examples of posts that clearly encourage and incite violence and said the platform poses a very real risk to public safety. Parler CEO John Matze decried the punishments as a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the marketplace. We were too successful too fast, he said in a Saturday night post, saying it was possible Parler would be unavailable for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch. Earlier, Matze complained of being scapegoated. Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler. He said he wont cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech. Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones severely limits Parlers reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. Losing Amazon Web Services will mean Parler needs to scramble to find another web host, in addition to the re-engineering. Trump may also launch his own platform. But that won't happen overnight, and free speech experts anticipate growing pressure on all social media platforms to curb incendiary speech as Americans take stock of Wednesdays violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol by a Trump-incited mob. Twitter ended Trumps nearly 12-year run on Friday. In shuttering his account, it cited a tweet to his 89 million followers that he planned to skip President-elect Joe Bidens Jan. 20 inauguration, saying it gave rioters license to converge on Washington once again. Facebook and Instagram have suspended Trump at least until Inauguration Day. Twitch and Snapchat also disabled Trumps accounts, while Shopify took down online stores affiliated with the president and Reddit removed a Trump subgroup. Twitter also banned Trump loyalists including former national security advisor Michael Flynn in a sweeping purge of accounts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory and the Capitol insurrection. Some had hundreds of thousands of followers. In a statement Friday, Trump said: "We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future. Gab is another potential landing spot for Trump. But it, too, has had troubles with internet hosting. Google and Apple both booted it from their app stores in 2017 and it was left internet-homeless for a time the following year due to anti-Semitic posts attributed to the man accused of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Microsoft also terminated a web-hosting contract. Online speech experts expect social media companies led by Facebook, Twitter and Google's YouTube to more vigorously police hate speech and incitement in the wake of the Capitol rebellion, as Western democracies led by Nazism-haunted Germany already do. David Kaye, a University of California-Irvine law professor and former U.N. special rapporteur on free speech believes the Parlers of the world will also face pressure from the public and law enforcement as will little-known sites where further pre-inauguration disruption is now apparently being organized. They include MeWe, Wimkin, TheDonald.win and Stormfront, according to a report released Saturday by The Alethea Group, which tracks disinformation. Kaye rejects arguments by U.S. conservatives including the presidents former U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, that the Trump ban savaged the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from restricting free expression. Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country, Haley tweeted. Its not like the platforms rules are draconian. People dont get caught in violations unless they do something clearly against the rules, said Kaye. And not just individual citizens have free speech rights. The companies have their freedom of speech, too. While initially arguing their need to be neutral on speech, Twitter and Facebook gradually yielded to public pressure drawing the line especially when the so-called Plandemic video emerged early in the coronavirus pandemic urging people not to wear masks, noted civic media professor Ethan Zuckerman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Zuckerman expects the Trump de-platforming may spur important online shifts. First, there may be an accelerated splintering of the social media world along ideological lines. "Trump will pull a lot of audience wherever he goes, he said. That could mean more platforms with smaller, more ideologically isolated audiences. ___ Associated Press writers Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, California, and Amanda Seitz in Chicago contributed to this report. 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. Faithful fans of The Meadowlands product produced another huge night of action at mile oval on Jan. 9 as, for a third-consecutive Saturday, betting topped the $3.6-million mark. All-source wagering on the 15-race card totaled $3,646,603. Just like one week ago (Jan. 2), a big first-race guaranteed 20-cent Pick-5 pool set the tone for the night. The wager carried not only a $100,000 pool promise but had a $25,000 seed as well, which was provided by track management and the Standardbred Owners Association of New Jersey. In the end, the total P5 pool represented $195,759 of the $411,664 bet overall in the opener. Play was steady all night long, as three times single-race totals exceeded the $300,000 mark. The tracks Pick-4s were predictably popular with players, as a total of $180,909 was pushed through the windows on the two wagers. Over the last three Saturdays, betting has totaled $11,927,330, an average per card of $3,975,776. NO REGULAR JOE: Grizzled veteran Western Joe used a quick brush to grab the top before the half and flaunted his back class from there, crushing his foes in the featured $19,000 high-end conditioned pace. The seven-year-old gelding by Western Ideal-Ante Fay, who is trained by Chris Choate, stopped the clock in 1:50 with Dave Miller driving to win for the 30th time from 97 starts. His earnings now stand at $712,908. As the 2-5 favourite, he returned $2.80 to his backers. Paduka N was three-and-a-quarter lengths back to finish second. Rockin The Aces was third. THATS EIGHT, MATE: Driver Todd McCarthy capped a superb weekend with four winners on the card. The 27-year-old recent Australian transplant, who also won four times Friday night, was the key to the 20-cent Pick-5 payoff of $25,057, winning three times during the sequence, including a score at 29-1 with Effronte A in the fourth race. THATS A HALF-DOZEN, COUSIN: Dave Miller matched McCarthy by winning four times Saturday after recording a driving double Friday. Fans of The Buckeye will have to do without the Hall of Famers talents for a while, as Miller is now heading to Florida for the winter. He plans to do some driving at Pompano Park. A LITTLE MORE: There was something for everybody during the races, as seven favourites clicked during the night while four winners were sent to the gate at odds of 11-1 or more. Marcus Miller guided two of those, scoring at 11-1 and 39-1. Three of those long shots scored in the 12th, 13th and 14th races, leading to a $1 Pick-3 that returned $2,858.00. Free past performances for every race of every Meadowlands card are available at playmeadowlands.com. Racing resumes Friday (Jan. 15) at 6 p.m. (EST). (The Meadowlands) Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Sunday said the city government has finalised 89 sites to roll out the COVID-19 vaccination drive in the national capital from January 16. "The Centre has finalized around 5,000 sites across the country. As per the directions of the central government, we have finalized 89 hospitals as vaccination sites. The first phase of vaccination will start from January 16," he said. Jain said 40 government hospitals and 49 private ones will have a vaccination site each. "The first batch of vaccines will arrive by Tuesday or Wednesday. In the first phase, health care workers will be vaccinated. Thereafter, frontline workers and those aged above 50 will be given the doses," Jain told reporters. Teachers will be included as frontline workers, he said. There will be one COVID-19 vaccination centre each in every hospital. Around 10 health care staff will be deployed at each centre, he said. "We are fully prepared to roll out the vaccination programme. We will administer the vaccine as soon as the doses arrive," he said. The minister said the Delhi government has already requested the Centre to provide vaccines free of cost. Jain said the city has been witnessing less than thousand cases per day for the last 15 days. "The COVID-19 situation in Delhi has improved a lot and the situation is now under control," he said. Also read: 300 terrorists killed by India during 2019 Balakot air strike: Ex-Pakistani diplomat Shes joined a whole host of other reality stars and influencers currently in Dubai amid the UKs third national lockdown. And Francesca Allen cut a chic figure as she donned a blazer and faux-leather trousers for a series of snaps posted to Instagram on Sunday. The Love Island star, 25, looked stylish in the PrettyLittleThing checkered blazer, finishing her look with a buttoned-up white shirt. Smart: Francesca Allen cut a chic figure as she donned a blazer and leather trousers for a series of snaps posted to Instagram on Sunday Accessorising with a brown handbag, Francesca wore her brunette tresses down, while adding a nude palette of makeup to her face. Check up on it @prettylittlething, she captioned the post. Later sharing another shot to her Instagram story, Francesca wrote: This silky cream shirt makes such a good layer! Stylish: The Love Island star, 25, looked stylish in the PrettyLittleThing checkered blazer, finishing her look with a buttoned-up white shirt Good value: She also provided a shopping link to PrettyLittleThings website for any fans who wanted to purchase the blazer she was wearing She also provided a shopping link to PrettyLittleThings website for any fans who wanted to purchase the blazer she was wearing. Francesca has previously shown her love for blazers, after posing braless in a cropped ensemble for another social media photo. She paired her jacket, which also came from PrettyLittleThing, with light blue denim jeans and a gold bracelet. Francesca has previously shown her love for blazers, after posing braless in a cropped ensemble for another social media photo The star is currently enjoying a getaway in Dubai while the rest of the UK remains in lockdown, joining fellow Love Islanders including Joanna Chimonides and Hayley Hughes. She has been eagerly documenting her trip abroad with a number of snaps, while most of the UK is ordered to stay at home except for essential reasons to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On Tuesday, Francesca and Joanna went on a scenic boat trip in the city just hours after the UKs new national lockdown was announced on Monday. Trip abroad: The star is currently enjoying a getaway in Dubai while the rest of the UK remains in lockdown The reality stars donned bikinis in a clip Francesca shared to her Instagram story, showcasing her jaw-dropping figure in a beige two-piece while she also donned a crisp white shirt. Francesca wore a patterned bandana and added to her look with a pair of shades as she relaxed on the boat. Joanna, 24, put on an eye-catching display wearing a bright orange bikini alongside a multi-coloured bandana. Girls day out: On Tuesday, Francesca and Joanna went on a scenic boat trip in the city just hours after the UKs 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 alongside her pal. Dubai has been an ideal choice for many as visitors arent currently required to quarantine upon their return to the UK. Many stars have insisted their trips are for work purposes as the government currently asks UK residents living in high-risk areas to avoid unnecessary travel. People have shared hilarious memes about the dismal start to 2021, less than a fortnight after celebrating the New Year. Many had high hopes for this year after 2020, which was dominated by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, soaring Covid-19 rates across the world and the US Capitol riots sparked by pro-Trump supporters this week have seen many bemoan the fact 2021 feels like an extension of last year. Exhausted social media users shared memes on Bored Panda admitting they are already looking forward to 2022. People have shared hilarious memes bemoaning the start of 2021. One person from Tennessee compared 2020 and 2021 to the twins from The Shining movie by Stanley Kubrick A sci-fi meme shared on Instagram poked fun at what aliens would say if they could see what was happening on Earth in 2021 One Disney fan said 2020 and 2021 were just like the twins Ally and Annie from Disney's The Parent Trap One person compared 2020 to a big wave and 2021 to an even bigger wave about to fall onto a surfer A man from Los Angeles managed to find an artistic way to show how tired they were after only six days of 2021 One person compared the first week of 2021 to a free trial for a product they had no intention of using any longer One person from Australia said they are already looking forward to next year, just a week into 2021 One jokester compared 2020 and 2021 to the villain from the Joker movie starring Joachim Phoenix and the recent adaptation of Stephen King's It A Twitter user from the US said 2021 appears to be trying to emulate the spirit of 2020 by asking what that year would do A dog lover from Chicago humorously called a fluffy Pomeranian what they had hoped 2021 would be like and likened a wet, sad-looking Pomeranian to what 2021 is turning out to be One fan of the US show Friends quoted a moment from the series that they felt sums up the beginning of 2021 US-based trivia website Looper compared 2020 and 2021 to the two ends of Darth Maul's light saber in the Phantom Menace Star Wars movie from 1999 A man from Portland, Oregon joked about how people hoped 2021 would be different from 2020 Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 10:55:52|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea (PNG) James Marape (2nd R) and Chinese Ambassador to PNG Xue Bing (2nd L) attend a handover ceremony of 15 ventilators donated by the Chinese government in Port Moresby, PNG, Oct. 12, 2020. (Xinhua) BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has contributed its strength to tackling major global challenges and improving the global governance system, said a white paper issued by the State Council Information Office on Sunday. Public health risks, natural disasters, migrant and refugee crises, and many other humanitarian issues represent an ever greater threat to the whole world today, said the white paper titled "China's International Development Cooperation in the New Era." The white paper detailed China's international development cooperation efforts in providing emergency disaster relief, responding to public health emergencies, providing food aid to cope with famine, assisting post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, improving disaster preparation and mitigation, as well as easing migrant and refugee crises. NBC News - New research suggests that Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine can protect against a mutation found in two easier-to-spread variants of the coronavirus that erupted in Britain and South Africa. Those variants are causing global concern. They carry multiple mutations but share one in common that's believed to be the reason they are more contagious. Called N501Y, it is a slight alteration on one spot of the spike protein that coats the virus. Most of the vaccines being rolled out around the world train the body to recognize that spike protein and fight it. Pfizer teamed with researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston for laboratory tests to see if the mutation affected its vaccine's ability to do so. They used blood samples from 20 people who received the vaccine, made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, during a large study of the shots. Antibodies from those vaccine recipients successfully fended off the virus in lab dishes, according to the study posted late Thursday on an online site for researchers. The study is preliminary and has not yet been reviewed by experts, a key step for medical research. But it was a very reassuring finding that at least this mutation, which was one of the ones people are most concerned about, does not seem to be a problem for the vaccine, said Pfizer chief scientific officer Dr. Philip Dormitzer. A similar vaccine by Moderna is being rolled out in the U.S. and Europe, and on Friday was cleared in Britain. Moderna is doing similar testing to tell if its shot also works against the variants, as are makers of other types of COVID-19 vaccines. But Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, recently told The Associated Press that vaccines are designed to recognize multiple parts of the spike protein, making it unlikely a single mutation could be enough to block them. Still, testing is needed to be sure. Viruses constantly undergo minor changes as they spread from person to person. Scientists have used these slight modifications to track how the coronavirus has moved around the globe since it was first detected in China about a year ago. British scientists have said the variant found in the U.K. which has become the dominant type in parts of England still seemed to be susceptible to vaccines. That mutant has now been found in the U.S. and numerous other countries. But the variant first discovered in South Africa has an additional mutation that has scientists on edge, one named E484K. The Pfizer study found that the vaccine appeared to work against 15 additional possible virus mutations, but E484K wasnt among those tested. Dormitzer said it is next on the list. If the virus eventually mutates enough that the vaccine needs adjusting much like flu shots are adjusted most years that tweaking the recipe wouldnt be difficult for his company's shot and similar ones. Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are made with a piece of the virus genetic code, simple to switch, although its not clear what kind of additional testing regulators would require to make such a change. Dormitzer said this was only the beginning of ongoing monitoring of virus changes to see if any of them might impact on vaccine coverage. 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. As the mercury of the highland tourist hub of Sa Pa approaches zero, child street vendors of ethnic minorities were still seen roaming through the shivering cold to pursue the remaining tourists. Despite the effort of Sa Pa authorities to discourage purchasing goods from child street vendors, children of the upland city, the majority being Hmong, are still pushed to the streets to peddle in the cold. According to Ngoc Anh from the Sa Pa Town law enforcement, families seem to have cooperated and keep their children home after discussing with local authorities, but there is still a street vending group harassing tourists in the town. The group is organized by parents who gather their kids at specific spots and let the bigger children carry the smaller ones on their back to take advantage of tourists' pity. Officials use a loudspeaker to call for visitors not to buy goods from child vendors in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Video: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre If a tourist buys from one of them, the others will quickly swarm around and paster them to purchase more. We have imposed a penalty on many cases and led the kids to a social support center, but they jump the wall to escape and resume vending jobs the very next day, Anh said. The sight of children braving the cold to sell souvenirs is too heart-wrenching, said Tran Thinh, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City. I can do charity work at other places, not just situations like these. The parents are using these kids to sell stuff, which makes me feel like my goodwill is being abused, Thinh remarked. A child vendor sells souvenirs to tourists in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre Hoang Thi Vuong, head of Sa Pas bureau of culture and information, said local authorities have stepped in to address the issue of street vendors harassing tourists for several years, but their efforts have not paid off. According to Vuong, officials in the town have implemented a long-term strategy, with the promotion of sustainable business practices to ethnic minority communities being the bottom line. We are listening to the wishes of each household. If they want to do retail, we will provide them with locations and capacity training. We will also build policy to support other households who wish to get livelihoods from brocade weaving, artisanal crafts, and tourism, Vuong revealed. Child vendors surround a tourist to sell souvenirs in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre A child vendor sells souvenirs on a street of Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre A child vendor sells souvenirs to a tourist in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre Child vendors surround tourists to sell souvenirs in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre Parents of child vendors is pictured in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre Child vendors sell foods to tourists in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre Child vendors surround tourists to sell souvenirs in Sa Pa Town, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam. Photo: Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A medical worker injects COVID-19 vaccine to an inoculator at the vaccination point of the Shandong Provincial Third Hospital in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- China has administered more than 9 million doses of self-developed COVID-19 vaccines. A senior health official announced this at a press conference on Saturday. Starting Dec. 15, China officially launched the COVID-19 vaccination program for this winter-spring period targeting a number of key groups, including those engaged in handling imported cold-chain products, customs officers, medical workers, and people working in public transport and fresh markets. Since then, more than 7.5 million doses have been administered among these groups, said Zeng Yixin, deputy head of the National Health Commission (NHC). People wait in an observation area after receiving their COVID-19 vaccines at a temporary vaccination site in Haidian District of Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) With the previous 1.6 million doses targeting groups with high risks of infection, a total of over 9 million doses have been administered in China. It further proved the safety of self-developed COVID-19 vaccines, Zeng said. Zeng said that China would vaccinate the eligible population as widely as possible and gradually build an immune barrier in the whole population to control the epidemic. The vaccination would be administered in the order of key groups, high-risk groups, and the general population as the vaccine's production capacity increases, he said. Zeng noted that China has a variety of measures in place to ensure safe vaccinations, including proper vaccination procedures, strict vaccinator training, vaccine recipient screening, adverse reaction monitoring, emergency treatment, and expert consultations on adverse reactions, Zeng said. A medical worker asks about the physical condition of a man who is about to receive the COVID-19 vaccination at Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital in Nanchang, capital of east China's Jiangxi Province, Jan. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Peng Zhaozhi) A total of 25,392 vaccination sites are available nationwide. Nearly 140,000 people have been vaccinated so far in north China's Hebei Province, said Cui Gang, an official with NHC's disease control department. He demanded efforts to speed up vaccination among key groups in the province as soon as possible. The NHC has organized experts to work out eight detailed plans to guide the vaccinations, from vaccine transportation and distribution to adverse reaction prevention, Cui said. A traceability information system for the management of vaccines now operates in medical institutions at all levels, Cui added. A medical worker shows the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Beijing Biological Products Institute Co., Ltd. at the health management center in Panyu District of Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyi) Wang Huaqing, an expert from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said vaccination monitoring showed that most of the adverse reactions, including rashes and allergic reactions, are mild. Approximately one in a million encountered relatively serious adverse reactions. COVID-19 vaccinations costs, including vaccine expenses and inoculation fees, would be covered by medical insurance funds and government fiscal, rather than individuals, said Li Tao, deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration. He also noted that the administration's disbursement on COVID-19 vaccines would not affect the current revenue and expenditure of medical insurance funds or residents' medical treatment. Staff members work at a COVID-19 vaccine packaging plant of Sinovac Research and Development Co., Ltd. in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Zheng Zhongwei, head of the working group for vaccine development under the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19, said China has promised to make its COVID-19 vaccine a global public good when available, contributing to vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries. China's vaccine enterprises took consideration of this promise when laying out the vaccine production capacity, Zheng said. Sorry! This content is not available in your region Neal Schuerer resides in Colorado Springs, is a recognized leader in The National Article V Movement and Executive Director of Path to Reform.Org. Josh Dunn is Director of the Center for the Study of Government and the Individual (CSGI) and a professor of Political Science at the University of Colorado Springs. CSGI has just launched the Program on the American Constitution to increase understanding of America's civic and political traditions. Vice President Mike Pence will attend President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s inauguration on Jan. 20, an aide to the vice president said on Saturday, a split with President Trumps decision not to go. Mr. Pence and Mr. Trump have not spoken since Wednesday, an administration official said, before pro-Trump loyalists swarmed the Capitol as Congress convened to tally the Electoral College votes. As president of the Senate, Mr. Pence had the constitutionally designated task of opening and counting envelopes sent from all 50 states and announcing their electoral results. In the days leading to the joint session of Congress, Mr. Trump had publicly and privately pressured Mr. Pence to overturn the certifications and throw them back to the states so that Mr. Trump could try to undo results in states that he had lost. Mr. Trump confirmed on Friday that he would not be attending the inauguration. Mr. Biden said this week that he was happy not to have Mr. Trump there, but that Mr. Pence was welcome and that it would help with the transition. L: President Donald Trump at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on March 13, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) R: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) makes a statement about a coronavirus aid package, on Capitol Hill in Washington on March 13, 2020. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo) Turley: Quick New Impeachment Would Damage the Constitution Constitutional scholar Jonathan Turley said that the swift impeachment of President Donald Trump over his speech to protesterssome of whom later entered the U.S. Capitol building in the midst of chaoswould be unwise and damage precedent. With seeking his removal for incitement, Democrats would gut not only the impeachment standard but also free speech, all in a mad rush to remove Trump just days before his term ends, Turley, who himself was an impeachment inquiry witness months ago, wrote on The Hill. Before the Capitol incident, Trump delivered a speech to his supporters alleging election fraud and noted the irregularities during the Nov. 3 contest. Trump said the protest during the Jan. 6 Joint Session of Congress shows the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country. And he added to the crowd, Let us walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. The president did not tell the protesters to breach the Capitol or commit acts of violence, later condemning them. At one point, Trump told his supporters to peacefully and patriotically make your voices be heard. Turley said that he opposed Trumps electoral vote challenge and said some of his remarks were reckless and wrong on Jan. 6. President Donald Trump greets the crowd at the Stop The Steal Rally in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images) This address does not meet the definition for incitement under the criminal code. It would be viewed as protected speech by the Supreme Court, Turley wrote in the opinion article. When I testified in the impeachment hearings of Trump and Bill Clinton, I noted that an article of impeachment does not have to be based on any clear crime but that Congress has looked to the criminal code to weigh impeachment offenses, he said. For this controversy now, any such comparison would dispel claims of criminal incitement. Despite broad and justified condemnation of his words, Trump never actually called for violence or riots. But he urged his supporters to march on the Capitol to raise their opposition to the certification of electoral votes and to back the recent challenges made by a few members of Congress. The law professor further argued that, similar to many violent protests over the past several years, criminal conduct was carried out by a smaller group of instigators and that Capitol Police knew of the march but declined an offer from the National Guard since they did not view violence as likely. Going further, Turley said that with the impeachment push, House Democrats are moving to set a more extreme precedent. Under their theory, any president could be removed for rhetoric that is seen to have the natural tendency to encourage others to act in a riotous fashion. Even a call for supporters to protest peacefully could not be a defense, he said. Such a standard would allow for a type of vicarious impeachment that attributes conduct of third parties to any president for the purposes of removal. Food technology bosses have found a way to make milk stay fresh for 60 days, and it could be in Australian supermarkets by March. Jeff Hastings, the CEO of Sunshine Coast-based food technology company Naturo, said the six-year project to elongate the shelf-life of milk is in its final stages thanks to a $1million boost from the federal government. Details of the 'world-leading' patented technology have not been revealed, but Mr Hastings explained the multi-step process does not involve preservatives or additives. It also does not rely on heat and maintains the original nutritional value of milk. Milk that stays fresh for two months could be on Queensland supermarket shelves by March (stock image of a man shopping) After regulators deem the milk fit for human consumption at the end of February, the funding will help the company finalise the product and export the first batches. 'Queenslanders will drink our milk by March,' Mr Hastings told the ABC. He hopes dairy farmers will welcome the new technology and get a more profitable return on their product. Matthew Trace, Queensland Dairy Farmers organisation vice-president, said local farmers will show interest if it results in better pricing for milk. 'If it's Queensland milk going into this product, that would be great, but if it's Victorian milk being trucked up, that wouldn't be great for the local dairy industry,' he told the publication. Mr Hastings said the milk is being Matthew Trace, Queensland Dairy Farmers organisation vice-president, said local farmers will show interest if it results in better pricing for milk.sourced from Mary Valley in Queensland and processed at a plant in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast. Matthew Trace, Queensland Dairy Farmers organisation vice-president, said local farmers will show interest if it results in better pricing for milk (stock image of milk in a home fridge) After the milk hits supermarket shelves, the company is looking to build a larger plant - possibly in Tasmania - with an extra 30 workers. Mr Trace said the Queensland dairy industry would approach Naturo to see what opportunities were available for local farmers. Minister for Technology Karen Andrews hopes the technology will support growth in Australian and around the world. 'There are many countries that have limited access to fresh milk so we are keen to work with buyers and countries to provide them what appears to be an excellent product for them,' she said. This is the worst place in the world: US faith leaders meet victims of Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment American faith leaders met with representatives of Nigerian communities devastated by Boko Haram and Fulani tribesmen as well as key figures within the Buhari administration as part of a fact-finding mission to investigate reports of escalating insecurity in the West African country. Johnnie Moore, an evangelical communications executive and president of the Congress of Christian Leaders, and Rabbi Abraham Cooper of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Jewish human rights group, traveled to Abuja on Feb. 17 and met with dozens of victims of terrorism from five different Nigerian provinces for three days. After our journey there, we want the world to know that you havent heard half of it, the faith leaders said in a joint statement. The terrorists aim is to ethnically cleanse northern Nigeria of its Christians and to kill every Muslim who stands in their way. In addition to victims, the two met with the chiefs of staff for both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as part of their quest to determine the severity of the situation. They also met with four Muslim leaders. Their trip came as thousands have been killed by Boko Haram (an Islamic militant group in Nigerias northeast with a splinter faction that has claimed allegiance to the Islamic State) and radical Fulani herdsmen who have in recent years increasingly raided predominantly Christian farming villages in the countrys Middle Belt. Reports of barbaric overnight raids, attacks, abductions, executions and displacement of civilian communities have become more and more common. In Nigeria, over 2 million people have been displaced. Moore and Cooper stressed that if things do not change immediately, portions of Nigeria and the broader Lake Chad region may soon become the most dangerous place on the planet. This portion of Africa will be ground zero for the next generation's war on terrorism, and the humanitarian cost of letting these problems fester and multiply in the near term could result in disaster for much of Western Africa, they said. Moore, who also serves as a commissioner on the bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, made the trip in his private capacity. He has long traveled the world to advocate for persecuted believers. Cooper, a longtime Jewish human rights activist, is the associate dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and also the director of its global social action agenda. Although Moore had been to Nigeria several years ago, he was shocked by how much worse things have gotten there. People are dying every single day and they don't have to be. More can be done, Moore told The Christian Post. This is not a poor country. [It's] the wealthiest country on the continent. Considering Nigeria was placed on the U.S. State Departments special watch list for religious freedom over the governments inability to thwart attacks and hold perpetrators accountable, Moore and Cooper came to the conclusion after their meetings that the status quo is unacceptable. The scale is just incomprehensible. It seems very, very clear to us that for various reasons, the government is failing at its fundamental responsibility to protect its citizens, Moore said. That's not to say that there arent people in the government who are good people who are trying to do something about it. They were obviously willing to meet with us. They were willing to answer our direct questions that we asked them. But I can tell you, across every facet of Nigerian society, whether the religious leader was Muslim or Christian or whether the victim was describing something that happened to them in the center of the country or at the hands of ISIS or Boko Haram in the northeast, it was really clear that everyone felt like the government wasn't doing enough or wasn't able to do enough. Among the many people they met with was a girl who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram and was recently released. They also met with villagers whose entire villages had been razed, and a pastor whose church was destroyed twice. That pastor recently brokered a deal for the release of two of his parishioners kidnapped by Boko Haram. The faith leaders heard a 9-year-old girl talk about how she saw her parents and siblings killed with machetes. Moore and Cooper also met with about 20 people from one village victimized by Fulani herdsmen attacks in the Middle Belt. Some of the people they met with would be better served in a hospital because they were displaying signs for trauma, Moore said. Many have claimed that the violence in the Middle Belt is part of decades-long farmer-herder clashes, downplaying the religious element of the brutal Muslim Fulani attacks in recent years on predominantly Christian communities. While some have downplayed the religious elements baked into the violence in the Middle Belt, Moore and Cooper said the religious components cant be ignored. We invited the representative of a village who had been attacked. He brought with him the entire village. We had 20 people in that hotel room, Moore explained. These people absolutely felt that this wasn't just about what they had that the other guys wanted. This was about a certain type of religious community that was trying to ethnically cleanse their communities from their villages. In their meeting with the four Muslim leaders, Cooper and Moore explained that the imams did not downplay the religious factor behind attacks, especially those carried out by Boko Haram. Their statement didn't include: This isn't about religion. What it did include is what we often hear is that these are actors who are co-opting our religion who are invoking our faith in ways that are not authentic, Cooper explained. And the second point they make is that in their estimation, there have been many, many more Muslim victims of [Boko Haram] terrorism than there are Christian. I can't verify yet the veracity of that statement, but that's certainly their perception. They weren't saying, Hey, hold on! These people aren't operating as Muslim players, Cooper continued. They are Muslims who are inappropriately invoking Allahu akbar and the selection process when they come upon a mixed group. If you can't recite whatever you have to recite, you are going to be executed on the spot. They didn't deny any of that. They just said, Hey, our communities themselves are often victimized by the same forces and yes, they invoke Islam but they do so inappropriately. Moore and Cooper stressed that the problems of insecurity in Nigeria are only getting worse and is starting to impact the entire West African region, not just Nigeria. In recent years, there has been increased extremism seen in other countries in the region like Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Niger and Mali. In Nigeria, one of the most troubling statistics is that millions of children are out of school because of the violence. They are potential recruits for the alphabet soup of terrorism out there, Cooper said. You don't have to be a brain surgeon or Ph.D. or a DHS operative to know that. We've seen the script before. We're now in a whole different zip code in a different continent. The two men are calling on the Nigerian government to provide basic protections to its citizens and ensure that children can return to school. Otherwise, you're putting a Band-Aid on four or five different parts of the country, Cooper argued. And then when we all wake up, we have God forbid another Afghanistan. Instead of waiting for international governments and bodies to act on the situation, Cooper and Moore implored Christians in the U.S. and the West to figure out ways they can help protect their brothers and sisters in Nigeria. Churches are always targeted around Christmastime, Cooper said. There might be some things that can be done privately, from sister churches in the U.S. and elsewhere, to sort of take care of some basic security needs. It isnt that I'm writing off the international community. It is that there are certain things that just keep happening over and over again. Maybe if there's an initiative of faithful American Christians over there, that may wake up the dead in the government who might say, Hey, wait for a second, why are you guys coming over to help? We should be doing it. While the U.S. government placed Nigeria on its special watch list and added Nigeria to President Donald Trumps travel ban, Moore said he has been pleased with the U.S. response so far. However, he is disappointed in the responses of American churches. I am very, very disappointed in the silence of Christians for their brothers and sisters on that continent, he said. And I hope that all of this provokes some of these leaders not only to raise their voice louder but to do more themselves and not just wait for the governments of the world to act. I just cannot believe that Christian leaders and churches aren't talking about this in every congregation in every corner of the [United States]. Boko Haram killed more Christians than ISIS in the year of the height of ISIS. This is the worst place in the world, at least in the northeast, where these terrorists are. As I was working on this column last week, I received the news that one of our Zonta members, Monica Pierce, had passed away on Dec. 28 at the age of 93. Therefore, this column is being dedicated to her and her work in Zonta for 44 years. I first met Monica when I joined Zonta nine years ago, and often shared a table with her at our monthly dinner meetings and learned about some of her life. She came to the United States from Panama, and since she spoke fluent Spanish she worked in the export department at Guaranteed Parts in Seneca Falls until she retired. She also volunteered for years as a translator at the hospital for migrant workers, and she was involved in many other volunteer activities in the community. Monica had been a member of Zonta for 44 years. To put this into perspective, the Zonta Club of Auburn was chartered on Jan. 19, 1925, so the club had been in existence for 51 years when she joined. She chaired many of the Zonta committees and once served as president, helping to make Zonta what it is today. She attended several of the Zonta International Conventions, making friends around the world. Pennsylvania Republican Sen. Pat Toomey has become the second Republican senator to call for President Donald Trumps resignation following Wednesdays deadly insurrection on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters, while former GOP N.J. Gov. Chris Christie and Trump ally has called his incitement an impeachable offense. Toomey, who recently said Trump committed impeachable offenses, told CNNs Jake Tapper Sunday that he agrees with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R., Alaska), the first GOP senator to demand Trump resign. I think at this point, with just a few days left, its the best path forward, the best way to get this person in the rearview mirror for us, Toomey said on State of the Union. That could happen immediately. Im not optimistic it will, but I do think that would be the best way forward. Toomey, who does not plan to run for reelection next year, made similar comments to Chuck Todd, host of NBCs Meet the Press, on Sunday. Todd asked Toomeys thoughts on the most appropriate way for Trump to end his presidential term. I think the best way for our country, Chuck, is for the president to resign and go away, as soon as possible, he said. I acknowledge that may not be likely, but I think that would be best. Toomey said there may not be the will or the consensus to invoke the 25th Amendment, resulting in Vice President Mike Pence taking Trumps role during his final days in office. Toomey also said there may not be enough time for impeachment. He remarked that he doesnt think the unbelievable behavior of Wednesday ... couldve been reasonably expected, and that Trumps actions are wildly different from the offensive tweets that were common during his presidency. Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson took issue with the comments when appearing as a panelist following Toomeys interview. Ive written several op-eds over the last four years about how President Trumps rhetoric makes unacceptable behavior acceptable and violence inevitable, he said. My principle concern right now, Chuck, at this moment, is the domestic security situation, which is to say the least tense and should be on high alert. As outrage over Wednesdays events continued to build, Democrats moved forward with calling for Trumps second impeachment trial. If agreed upon by both the House and the Senate, he may also be prevented from running for president in 2024. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn says the House could vote this week to impeach Trump but delay sending the legislation to the Senate until after many of incoming President Joe Bidens cabinet secretaries are confirmed for their posts. The South Carolina Democrat says it may be Tuesday or Wednesday before action is taken, but I think it will be taken this week. Clyburn says hes concerned that a Senate trial could distract from the process of confirming Bidens nominees. READ MORE: What I saw inside the House chamber as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol closed in READ MORE: Storming the U.S. Capitol may be new to Americans, but the violence is a familiar theme While Toomey may be the second GOP senator to urge Trumps resignation, other Republican lawmakers have expressed support for removing the president from office, including Sen. Ben Sasse (R., Nebraska). While on ABCs This Week on Sunday, Christie told George Stephanopoulos that Trumps incitement ahead of Wednesdays insurrection was an impeachable offense. If inciting to insurrection isnt, then I dont really know what is, Christie said. Trumps term ends Jan. 20, when President-elect Joe Biden and Vice-President elect Kamala Harris will be sworn into office. Trump has said he will not be attending the inauguration. Twitter has also permanently banned Trump from using the social media platform in the wake of Wednesdays events, killing five, including a Capitol Police officer. The insurrection escalated after Trump told supporters Wednesday that he would never concede, and urged them to march toward the Capitol where lawmakers were meeting to certify election results. This story contains information from the Associated Press. Listen to article LAGOS, Saturday, January 9, 2021:Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today condemned a January 6, 2021 attack on three photojournalists by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Service (DSS) and called on the Federal Government to launch an independent investigation into the matter and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and the photojournalists adequately compensated for the injuries suffered and equipment destroyed. Officers of the NSCDC and DSS are reported to have beaten up the three photo-journalists on January 6 at the headquarters of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Abuja where they were covering the registration of Nigerians for the National Identification Number (NIN) following the ultimatum given to all Nigerians by the Federal Government to link to their mobile phone numbers to their NINs. The affected photojournalists are Mr. Olu Aremo of the Leadership newspaper; Mr. Olatunji Obasa of The Punch newspaper; and Mr. Mudashiru Atanda of The Sun newspaper. In addition to physically assaulting the photojournalists, the security operatives also deleted the pictures taken by Mr. Aremo. In a statement issued in Lagos by MRAs Programme Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, he said, I wonder how covering an exercise ordered by the government could have become an offence that could provoke such an attack on media professionals carrying out their legitimate duties. The photojournalists have a duty and a right to cover the exercise to enable both the government and other citizens know what is going on and evaluate the success or otherwise of the exercise. The attack on innocent journalists carrying out their legitimate duties was unwarranted, and constituted an unconscionable disregard for the rule of law. According to Mr. Longe, It is the responsibility of security and law enforcement agencies to protect journalists to enable them to carry out their professional duties without let or hindrance. It is therefore incomprehensible and unacceptable for officials and agents of the same security and law enforcement agencies to assault the very journalists that they are supposed to protect, especially where they have committed no offence. He called on the Commandant of the NSCDC and the Director of DSS to carry out thorough and independent investigations into these attacks; ensure that the erring officers are prosecuted and pay the affected journalists adequate compensations for the injuries they suffered, the traumatic experiences to which they were subjected as well as for all the professional equipment of the photojournalists that were destroyed by the officers. For further information, please contact: Idowu Adewale Communications Officer [email protected] Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment on Sunday said the central government has earmarked Rs 59,000 crore for scholarships to backward classes in over a period of five years. Reviewing implementation of various schemes of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with officials in Assam, he said the sum has been allocated under a scholarship scheme. "Out of this amount, 60 per cent will be from the Centre and 40 per cent from the state. Post this, every year, there will be an increase of five per cent of the Centre's share till the share reaches 80 per cent," Athawale said at a press conference. Asserting that his ministry is committed to providing scholarship to all eligible students on time, the minister said seven per cent of the state's population belong to the Scheduled Castes whereas tribals constitute 15 per cent. He also lauded the efforts of the government for its commitment towards the welfare of the SCs, STs, disabled and the elderly. "No atrocity has been recorded against the SC and ST communities in in 2020 and for which, the efforts of the state government under the leadership of (CM) Sarbananda Sonowal should be applauded," he said. Speaking about the schemes for the divyangs, Athawale said his ministry is working for providing opportunities and facilities to the disabled, in order to create an atmosphere that will guarantee them equality. "This can ensure the protection of their rights and enable their full participation in the society. Some of the schemes are like assistance to disabled persons by providing them with aids and appliances, and pensions," he said. The minister said 35.67 lakh cylinder connections have so far been provided in the state since 2016 under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Under the Jan Dhan Yojana, a total of 1.81 crore accounts have been opened in Assam, he said. Expressing satisfaction over the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the state, Athawale said around 7.3 lakh beneficiaries have got possession thus far. (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.) Another Republican senator is suggesting he could support an effort to impeach President Donald Trump. Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania said he believed Trump had committed impeachable offenses although he fell short of saying whether he would actually vote to impeach the commander in chief. I dont know what they are going to send over and one of the things that Im concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicize something, Toomey said in an interview with Fox News that aired Saturday. I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, but I dont know whats going to land on the Senate floor if anything. Advertisement Pat Toomey says he does think the President committed impeachable offenses but he also says that Trump only has eleven days left in office... pic.twitter.com/ao8t2OJlsM Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) January 9, 2021 Advertisement Advertisement Toomey, a two-term senator who has already said he will not run for reelection in 2022, had criticized his Republican colleagues who objected to certifying Electoral College results from certain states. I voted for President Trump and endorsed him for re-election. But, on Wednesday, I intend to vigorously defend our form of government by opposing this effort to disenfranchise millions of voters in my state and others, he said in a statement. Advertisement Republican Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska has blamed President Trump for the violent assault on the Capitol, calling it an "inevitable and ugly outcome."@SenSasse joins us now. pic.twitter.com/bZHDKuXEWx CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) January 8, 2021 Toomey became the third Republican senator to not outright dismiss the possibility of voting to impeach the president. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska said he would definitely consider any articles of impeachment against Trump. I believe the president has disregarded his oath of office, Sasse said. Sen. Lisa Murkowski from Alaska was more direct, saying she wants Trump to resign. I want him to resign. I want him out. He has caused enough damage, Murkowski said. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent a memo to his colleagues saying that the earliest there could be an impeachment trial in the Senate would be on Jan. 20, the day of Bidens inauguration. Voters in Kyrgyzstan were casting their ballots on Sunday in an early presidential election that will also determine how much power the next leader has. The vote follows the ousting of the previous president in October. The ex-Soviet Central Asian nation sank into turmoil after a parliamentary election that was a landslide for pro-government parties. Expand Close Sadyr Zhaparov, who spearheaded the removal of president Sooronbai Jeenbekov in October, is expected to win the election (Vladimir Voronin/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sadyr Zhaparov, who spearheaded the removal of president Sooronbai Jeenbekov in October, is expected to win the election (Vladimir Voronin/AP) Opposition supporters accused authorities of rigging the vote and forced president Sooronbai Jeenbekov to step down on October 15. Sadyr Zhaparov, a 52-year-old politician who was freed from jail by protesters and then spearheaded Mr Jeenbekovs removal from office, is widely expected to win the presidency. The unrest marked the third time in 15 years that a leader of the 6.5-million nation on the border with China had been forced out by a popular uprising. As on the previous occasions when presidents were toppled, in 2005 and 2010, the latest turmoil was driven by clan rivalries that shape the countrys politics. Mr Zhaparov, who had been in prison since 2017 after being convicted of kidnapping, became the countrys interim leader, but renounced that position to be able to run for president as required by law. However, he has continued to call the shots, relying on his allies in parliament, and is broadly expected to win the race against 16 other contenders. Expand Close Presidential candidate Sadyr Zhaparov casts his vote at a polling station in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Vladimir Voronin/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Presidential candidate Sadyr Zhaparov casts his vote at a polling station in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Vladimir Voronin/AP) He is also pushing for constitutional referendum that will determine whether the country should strengthen the powers of the presidency. Kyrgyzstan, which is a member of Russia-dominated economic and security alliances, hosts a Russian air base and depends on Moscows economic support. It formerly was the site of a US air base that served as a key transport hub for the war in Afghanistan. Russia has voiced concerns about the turmoil in Kyrgyzstan but refrained from supporting any of the presidential candidates. From the beginning we wanted the Voyant brand identity to be unique within the world of personal care and beauty contract manufacturers Arturo Bejarano, Voyant Beauty Creative Director Voyant Beauty is proud to announce that its rebranding efforts, led by valued partner 50,0000feet, earned a Bronze award for Best corporate rebrand following a merger or acquisition at this years Transform Awards North America. Following the acquisitions of VeePak, Aware Products LA, and CEI, 50,000feet helped Voyant stand apart as a full-service partner to leading beauty and personal care brands by developing a comprehensive corporate strategy, identity, and name, while also supporting brand communications. We are so pleased that the outstanding rebranding efforts led by 50000feet have been recognized with a Transform Award. From the beginning we wanted the Voyant brand identity to be unique within the world of personal care and beauty contract manufacturers truly bringing to life our positioning as an innovation solutions provider, not just a manufacturer. This award reconfirms that. Congratulations to all, said Voyant Creative Director Arturo Bejarano. Media Contact: Lorne Lucree, Voyant Beauty Phone: (732) 888-7788 Email: info@voyantbeauty.com ABOUT VOYANT BEAUTY Voyant Beauty is a leading, full-service partner to the personal care and beauty industry serving customers at every stage of the brand lifecycle. Voyant Beauty was formed in 2019 following the acquisitions of Vee Pak, Aware Products, and Cosmetic Essence Innovations. Headquartered outside of Chicago, Voyant Beauty's integrated network of innovation and 7 manufacturing facilities delivers responsive solutions and increased speed to market. Additional information about Voyant Beauty can be found at http://www.voyantbeauty.com ABOUT 50000FEET 50,000feet is a creative agency dedicated to helping brands and businesses soar. Working hand in hand with our clients we bring strategy and creative together to deliver messages that move markets. Our work is a direct result of the strategy that initiates it, providing valuable insight while offering inspiration for future creative flight. Because for us, its about enabling our clients to reach new heights. Onward and Upward. Learn more at http://www.50000feet.com ABOUT TRANFORM AWARDS NORTH AMERICA Since 2014, the Transform Awards North America has celebrated excellence in corporate brand strategy. The 2020 panel of judges spanned the branding, marketing, corporate communications, and advertising disciplines in organizations such as Pandora and IBM to provide a balanced and globally informed perspective on what trends and which leaders are shaping brands today. Imperial Valley News Center California Woman Pleads Guilty for Threatening to Bomb Catholic Prep School Washington, DC - The Justice Department announced Monday that Sonia Tabizada, age 36, of San Jacinto, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to intentionally obstructing persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs by threatening to bomb the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, D.C., in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 247. In May 2019, school officials announced that Visitation Prep, the oldest Catholic school for girls in the country, would begin publishing same-sex wedding announcements in its alumni magazine to advance its teaching that we are all children of God ... worthy of respect and love. According to the plea agreement, Tabizada learned of this announcement and made multiple calls threatening violence in response to the schools decision. On May 15, 2019, Tabizada left a voice message stating that she was going to burn and bomb the church. Tabizada also stated that she was going to kill school officials and students. Several minutes later, Tabizada left a second voice mail stating that she was going to blow up the school and warned that she would commit terrorism. The defendant made violent threats against high school students, religious leaders, and school officials based solely on her disagreement with a private schools application of religious doctrine, said Eric Drieband, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. Tolerance and religious freedom are cornerstone values in our society and the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute violent threats motivated by bias. The defendants violent threats were directed at the free exercise of a private school communitys religious beliefs. An attack upon the free exercise of any person or groups religious beliefs is an attack upon the civil rights of every citizen. Todays guilty plea is part of my offices commitment to ensuring that all District citizens can safely exercise their religious beliefs and that all of their civil rights are protected, said Michael R. Sherwin, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Tabizada used threats of violence to intimidate others because of differing religious views, said Steven M. DAntuono, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. Every citizen and community has the Constitutional right to exercise their own religious beliefs free from fear and discrimination. Defending civil rights is a top priority for the FBI and we will continue to work to protect the civil rights and freedoms granted to all Americans. Tabizada will be sentenced at a hearing scheduled for March 23, 2021. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendra Briggs of the District of Columbia and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Michael J. Songer. This article, Twitter bans Donald Trump, memes follow: 'And how is YOUR day going?', originally appeared on CNET.com. After Twitter permanently suspended President Donald Trump's account because of "the risk of further incitement of violence" on Friday, celebs, journalists, comedians, companies, political figures and others took to social media with a multitude of reactions. "It's now safe to turn off your computer," Microsoft tweeted. Its now safe to turn off your computer. Microsoft (@Microsoft) January 9, 2021 Mark Hamill tweeted a screenshot of the suspended account along with the text "And how is YOUR day going?" And how is YOUR day going? pic.twitter.com/56SHIiWCPB Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) January 8, 2021 The permanent suspension follows Wednesday's temporary lock on Trump's account, which had more than 88 million followers, for three tweets the social network said violated its rules against interfering in elections and civic processes. After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence.https://t.co/CBpE1I6j8Y Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 8, 2021 In a blog post on Friday, Twitter said two of Trump's tweets posted on Friday violated its rules against glorification of violence. Twitter's action comes after a violent mob stormed the US Capitol, which in turn left five people dead and delayed the certification of Joe Biden as the next US president. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Read more: Trump's impeachment process to start Monday? Here's where the situation stands Reactions to the move range from elated and snarky to angry Twitter made the move -- and angry it didn't make the move sooner. You love to not see it pic.twitter.com/bSJRfdrTOX The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) January 8, 2021 Twitter after banning Trump 1,449 days into his presidency pic.twitter.com/W5bRvkskcs philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) January 8, 2021 This is the first time a sitting president has been banned from Twitter going back to 1812 Dave Brown (@dave_brown24) January 8, 2021 There's even a fake Trump-in-disguise Twitter account already racking up the views. Hello I am brand new to Twitter, what are you guys up to John Barron (@barronjohn1946) January 9, 2021 Some joked about Trump attempting to sign in to Melania's account so he can keep tweeting. donald trump trying to tweet from melanias account #TrumpBanned pic.twitter.com/MZlRa1BECx Donald J Trump (@parodytrump93) January 9, 2021 And MySpace started to trend on Twitter thanks to people predicting Trump would try his luck at other social media outlets, no matter how arcane. DO YOU KNOW WHAT A MYSPACE IS? pic.twitter.com/le3LxB4joS Jon Ousky (@thejousky) January 8, 2021 Looks like Myspace Tom just got his first friend in a decade Nish Kumar (@MrNishKumar) January 8, 2021 WHATS MY MYSPACE PASSWORD pic.twitter.com/tk0PFwuzYM Flic Everett (@fliceverett) January 8, 2021 The (RBI) has expressed some concerns over zero-coupon bonds for the recapitalisation of public sector (PSBs) and discussion is on between the central bank and Ministry to find a solution, according to sources. The government resorted to recapitalisation bonds with a coupon rate for capital infusion into during 2017-18 and interest payment to for holding such bonds started from the next financial year. To save interest burden and ease the fiscal pressure, the government has decided to issue zero-coupon bonds for meeting the capital needs of the The first test case of the new mechanism was a capital infusion of Rs 5,500 crore into Punjab & Sind Bank by issuing zero-coupon bonds of six different maturities last year. These special securities with tenure of 10-15 years are non-interest bearing and valued at par. However, the RBI has raised some issues with regard to calculation of an effective capital infusion made in any bank through this instrument issued at par, the sources said. Since such bonds usually are non-interest bearing but issued at a deep discount to the face value, it is difficult to ascertain net present value, they added. The discount calculation may vary, which could lead to accounting adjustment, the sources said, adding both the Ministry and RBI are in discussion to resolve the issue. As these special bonds are non-interest bearing and issued at par to a bank, it would be an investment, which would not earn any return but rather depreciate with each passing year. Parliament had in September 2020 approved Rs 20,000 crore to be made available for the recapitalisation of Of this, Rs 5,500 crore was issued to Punjab & Sind Bank and the Ministry will take a call on the remaining Rs 14,500 crore during this quarter. This innovative mechanism will help ease the financial burden as the government has already spent Rs 22,086.54 crore as interest payment towards the recapitalisation bonds for in the last two financial years. During 2018-19, the government paid Rs 5,800.55 crore as interest on such bonds issued to public sector banks for pumping in the capital so that they could meet the regulatory norms under the Basel-III guidelines. In the subsequent year, according to the official document, the interest payment by the government surged three times to Rs 16,285.99 crore to PSBs as they have been holding these papers. Under this mechanism, the government issues recapitalisation bonds to a public sector bank which needs capital. The said bank subscribes to the paper against which the government receives the money. Now, the money received goes as equity capital of the bank. So the government doesn't have to pay anything from its pocket. However, the money invested by banks in recapitalisation bonds is classified as an investment which earns them an interest. In all, the government has issued about Rs 2.5 lakh crore recapitalisation in the last three financial years. In the first year, the government issued Rs 80,000 crore recapitalisation bonds, followed by Rs 1.06 lakh crore in 2018-19. During the last financial year, the capital infusion through bonds was Rs 65,443 crore. It was the first break in what turned out to be the biggest jailhouse scam in California history. It involved millions of dollars in fraudulent unemployment payments to prisoners and their co-conspirators on the outside. And it happened quite by accident at the San Mateo County Jail. It was just before July 4. I was listening to a recording of a call made by prisoner I had been monitoring. About an hour into the call they started talking about this scam, said Inspector Jordan Boyd, a nine-year veteran of the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office. As with all county jails, calls in and out of the San Mateo County lockup in Redwood City are monitored and recorded. The inmate whose call was being monitored this time was facing an armed robbery charge and had a history of directing outside crimes while in custody, Boyd said. At the time, the states Employment Development Department was being swamped with millions of unemployment claims from people put out of work by the coronavirus pandemic. He was talking with an associate on the outside, Boyd said. The guy was talking about how everyone was getting rich by submitting false unemployment claims and how easy it was to do. A couple of minutes later, another caller on the outside came on the line and offered to submit an unemployment claim for the inmate in return for a cut of the state-issued benefits. Thats when the red light started flashing in Boyds mind. I thought, This is only the beginning. If people on the outside are working this scam, its only a matter of time before inmates start devising their own schemes, he said. And thats just what happened. The San Mateo inmate contacted a friend doing life for murder at the California State Prison at Corcoran (Kings County). The Corcoran inmate had a contraband cell phone, Boyd said. They would do three-way calls between the inmate here, a person on the outside and the Corcoran inmate with the cell phone. They would exchange inmate personal information and personal information on people on the outside with the Corcoran inmate via Instagram, Boyd said. The Corcoran inmate would then use his smuggled cell phone to file false claims online with the state Employment Development Department. Boyd tipped state prison officials to the scheme. A search of the Corcoran inmates cell found a dozen pieces of lined paper filled with names, addresses, drivers license numbers and other personal information on various people. It was spreading like the virus itself, Boyd said. Prison authorities also found the inmates contraband cell phone. It was the third illegal phone prison officials had taken off the inmate that year, Boyd said. The San Mateo District Attorneys Office opened an investigation that led to fraud charges against 11 county inmates, two state prisoners and eight friends or family members on the outside. Most of the claims in the San Mateo case were backdated to March 1, 2020. EDD would mail out a Bank of America debit card preloaded with 39 weeks ($17,500) of back unemployment insurance benefits. The crook submitting the application would then get notified that a BofA account had been opened in his name. He would establish a PIN number and communicate that back to whomever the card was being mailed to so he could begin the withdrawals of $1,000 per day once the card arrived. As the scam spread throughout the prisons, even the names of Death Row inmates were used to file claims. The prison schemes were part of several fraud schemes that state officials estimate cost the state $4 billion in unemployment benefit losses. In an email, EDD spokeswoman Aubrey Henry estimated that 3.5 million of the claims filed during the pandemic have been deemed potentially fraudulent. Approximately 1.9 million of the suspect claims have been disqualified. EDD suspended payments for an additional 1.4 million claims Wednesday. The people whose names are attached to the suspended claims both real and fake are being notified about what information will be needed from them to verify identity or eligibility for payments to resume. If no official response is received, the claim will be canceled, Henry said. Henry said the department has also applied additional fraud detection screening to existing claims. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said his talks with other district attorneys showed that this criminal fraud has occurred in almost every state prison and county jail in California. That is a horrible fallout of the pandemic, Wagstaffe said. For investigative veteran Boyd, one of the most stunning parts of the story is the brazen attitude of the inmates. These guys knew they were likely being recorded, he said. The guy in Corcoran even talked about how they might be recorded. And they still talked about what a great scam it was. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Phil Matier appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KGO-TV morning and evening news and can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email pmatier@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @philmatier Correction: An earlier version of this column misstated how many suspect claims had been filed with the Employment Development Department and the cost of the fraud. Of the claims filed during the pandemic, 3.5 million were deemed potentially fraudulent; approximately 1.9 million of the suspect claims were disqualified and payments suspended for an additional 1.4 million. State officials estimate the fraud cost the state $4 billion. Two wrecks on Friday resulted in the deaths of three Irvington residents, according to information released Sunday by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The first was a single-vehicle crash at about 8 p.m. Jan. 8. According to information released by ALEA, Mathew Kirk Bryant, 44, was driving a 2011 Ford F150 on East Davenport Street, about a mile from Bayou La Batre, when the vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Bryant was pronounced dead at the scene. The second was a head-on collision at about 11:30 p.m. at the 6 mile marker on U.S. 90 west of Mobile. According to ALEA, a 1994 Ford F150 driven by James Bruce Veal, 65, crossed the center line and collided with a 2013 Chrysler minivan driven by Noralva Morin-Demontoya, 43. Both drivers, identified as Irvington residents by ALEA, were pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers continue to investigate both incidents, according to ALEA. Amid the WhatsApp-Facebook furore, the one app that has come out shining on top is Signal. As the outrage against WhatsApp's latest policy of sharing data with Facebook has grown fiercer, Signal continues to climb up the charts. In a tweet, the app said that it has become the No. 1 downloaded app in the free apps category on App Store. Not only India, it became the top downloaded app in Germany, France, Austria, Finland, Hong Kong, and Switzerland as well. Signal said it is seeing such a surge in new users that it is witnessing delays in phone number verifications of new accounts. Signal's jump in the charts has come due to Elon Musk's endorsement as well as the WhatsApp outrage. Musk had tweeted on January 7: "Use Signal" to his 41.5 million followers. The Tesla CEO has also been vocal in his criticism of Facebook. He recently tweeted an image of a man stacking dominoes. The first of the dominoes, referring to Facebook, read "a website to rate women on campus" and the last of the dominoes said "the Capitol seems to be under the control of a man in a viking hat". This is called the domino effect pic.twitter.com/qpbEW54RvM a Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2021 The app is available on Android and iOS and also on iPad. Windows, Linux and Mac users can also download the app. It is now being seen as a mobile messaging app as well as an alternative to the Facebook ecosystem. It is being used extensively by activists, journalists, lawyers, researchers, security experts as well as dissidents. It is backed by the likes of Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and American whistleblower Edward Snowden. Signal, that goes with the tagline "Say hello to privacy" has been around 2014. It was developed by Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC, a non-profit company. The Signal Foundation was created by WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton and Signal Messenger CEO Moxie Marlinspike. Acton left WhatsApp in 2017 and donated $50 million to help fund Signal. Also read: WhatsApp vs Signal vs Telegram: WhatsApp's new policy sparks concerns, Telegram, Signal roast Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. 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Digital Editor Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. President Donald Trump has been kicked off of most mainstream social media platforms following his supporters siege on the U.S. Capitol. But it remains to be seen how fast or where if anywhere on the internet he will be able to reach his followers. FILE - In this Thursday, June 18, 2020 file photo, President Donald Trump looks at his phone during a roundtable with governors on the reopening of America's small businesses, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Though stripped of his Twitter account for inciting rebellion, President Donald Trump does have alternative options of much smaller reach. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) President Donald Trump has been kicked off of most mainstream social media platforms following his supporters siege on the U.S. Capitol. But it remains to be seen how fast or where if anywhere on the internet he will be able to reach his followers. The far right-friendly Parler had been the leading candidate, at least until Google and Apple removed it from their app stores and Amazon decided to boot it off its web hosting service by midnight Pacific time on Sunday. Parlers CEO said that could knock it offline for a week, though that might prove optimistic. And even if it finds a friendlier web-hosting service, without a smartphone app, it's hard to imagine Parler gaining mainstream success. The 2-year-old magnet for the far right claims more than 12 million users, though mobile app analytics firm Sensor Tower puts the number at 10 million worldwide, with 8 million in the U.S. That's a fraction of the 89 million followers Trump had on Twitter. Still, Parler might be attractive to Trump since it's where his sons Eric and Don Jr. are already active. Parler hit headwinds, though, on Friday as Google yanked its smartphone app from its app store for allowing postings that seek to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. Apple followed suit on Saturday evening after giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities. Public safety issues will need to be resolved before it is restored, Apple said. A message seeking comment from Parler was sent Sunday on whether the company plans to change its policies and enforcement around these issues. Amazon struck another blow Saturday, informing Parler it would need to look for a new web-hosting service effective midnight Sunday. It reminded Parler in a letter, first reported by Buzzfeed, that it had informed it in the past few weeks of 98 examples of posts that clearly encourage and incite violence and said the platform poses a very real risk to public safety. Parler CEO John Matze decried the punishments as a co-ordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the marketplace. We were too successful too fast, he said in a Saturday night post, saying it was possible Parler would be unavailable for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch. Every vendor, from text message services, to email providers, to our lawyers all ditched us too on the same day, Matze said Sunday on Fox New Channels Sunday Morning Futures. He said while the company is trying to get back online as quickly as possible, its having a lot of trouble, because every vendor we talk to says they wont work with us, because, if Apple doesnt approve and Google doesnt approve, they wont. Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones severely limits Parlers reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. Losing Amazon Web Services will mean Parler needs to scramble to find another web host, in addition to the re-engineering. Trump may also launch his own platform. But that won't happen overnight, and free speech experts anticipate growing pressure on all social media platforms to curb incendiary speech as Americans take stock of Wednesdays violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol by a Trump-incited mob. While initially arguing their need to be neutral on speech, Twitter and Facebook gradually yielded to public pressure drawing the line especially when the so-called Plandemic video emerged early in the coronavirus pandemic urging people not to wear masks, noted civic media professor Ethan Zuckerman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Zuckerman expects the Trump de-platforming may spur important online shifts. First, there may be an accelerated splintering of the social media world along ideological lines. "Trump will pull a lot of audience wherever he goes, he said. That could mean more platforms with smaller, more ideologically isolated audiences. Associated Press writer Amanda Seitz in Chicago contributed to this report. Los Angeles, CA 01/09/21. The Westside Satellite of the Independent Writers of Southern California (IWOSC) will feature veteran literary agent Ken Sherman as their guest on Saturday, January 16, 12:30 pm. Sherman will be interviewed by Satellite Host Robin Quinn, a Los Angeles book editor. The program will be presented on Zoom. This informal interview will provide an opportunity to get an update on what's happening with representation for book authors, to become acquainted with this particular agent, and to hear his thoughts on craft and building a lasting career as an author. Ken Sherman is President of Ken Sherman & Associates, a Los Angeles based literary agency established in 1989. His literary agency handles film, TV and book writers and often sells film and TV rights to books. The agency is open to most adult fiction genres, including literary, romance, women's fiction, fantasy/SF, suspense/thriller/mystery, and horror, as well as nonfiction. He makes contact with most of his new writers through referrals. This event, which will focus mostly on books, is free to IWOSC members, $10 for non-members. To RSVP, go to: iwosc.org/los-angeles-westside-writers-group/ A long-time IWOSC member and LA Book Coach and Editor, Robin Quinn specializes in self-help, memoir and uplifting fiction. For questions about the Westside Satellite, contact Host Robin Quinn at robinkayquinn2 AT gmail DOT com. Learn more about her services at www.writingandediting.biz. I can hear the usual objections: "Why didnt you come home sooner? Youve had plenty of time to come back!" For the thousands of Australians in Britain who chose not to rush back in early 2020, there were a multitude of reasons for Why? In March, for days every part of me wanted to return. But ultimately, we made what felt like a sensible and adult decision. When you have a job, a roof over your head and bills to pay, you cant just uproot your life in a few days. But it also didnt feel right: to panic, pack up and flee a COVID hotspot to return to Australia when so much was unclear. Loading But now, not far off a year later, our circumstances have changed, as they have for many Australians overseas. I have a child on the way, a visa not far from expiring and we havent seen our family in years. Many have written about these issues before, and I know some of you are sick of hearing from us. Many Australians seem to view those in Britain or elsewhere as privileged or selfish, or think they are asking for government support. But most dont want any support to get home and are willing to quarantine to keep fellow Australians safe. The Australians I speak to simply want what was once a basic part of being Australian a fair go. They just want to be able to board a plane, which is far easier said than done due to the caps. Repatriation flights are few and far between and they cost about the same as the few exorbitant commercial ones. Plus, Bill's Message of the Day, have we become a nation of wimps? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices President Donald Trump urged a Georgia election investigator to "find the fraud" in a phone call last December as state officials verified signatures on absentee ballots in one metro-Atlanta county. This "find the fraud" phone call raised new questions about his effort to pressure state leaders into overturning the results of the November 3 polls. Trump's call to the Georgia election investigator was first reported by The Washington Post and is said to have happened shortly before Christmas. The Georgia election investigator who was told to "find the fraud" was not identified in the report. However, a local official spoke to USA Today on the condition of anonymity to confirm the details of the call. A report from The Associated Press also stated that the president told the investigator would be a national hero if they "found the fraud." Trump lost in the Georgia election to President-elect Joe Biden by 11,779 votes. He only has less than two weeks left in his term as the current president. 'Find the Fraud' Phone Call May Open New Legal Challenge for Trump Former prosecutors told USA Today that Trump could possibly face another legal challenge because of the phone call. Some cases may include obstruction of justice or other criminal violations, legal experts said. The only downside to this matter is that it would be difficult to prove. "Trump's efforts look criminal on their face, but proving his state of mind will be tricky because his state of mind is rather complicated," former prosecutor Renato Mariotti said. Mariotti added that a prosecution can be made depending on Trump's intentions and knowledge during the time of the call. Last week, a recording of Trump revealed he was telling Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" more than 11,000 votes to reverse his loss in the state. Related Story: Trump Urges Georgia Election Official To 'Find' Over 11,000 Ballots, Review Results It appeared that Trump wanted the Secretary of State to change the certified results as he insisted that he earned the votes. The "find the fraud" call was made after Raffensperger started an investigation into GOP claims that officials in Cobb County allowed improper signatures on mail ballots. The audit was completed in December where only two mismatched signatures were found, but no case of fraud was found. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Trump's Pressure Campaign for Georgia Election Extends Before Raffensperger Raffensperger was not the only known official in Trump's campaign of pressuring people to overturn the elections. The Wall Street Journal also said in a report that White House officials were urging a U.S. Attorney to resign in Georgia due to concerns that there was enough investigation of Trump's fraud claims. Georgia election officials have been subject to Trump's criticism as he blamed his loss on widespread voter fraud. However, the U.S. Department of Justice did not find these claims to be true and the president's efforts in different courts have repeatedly witnessed rejection. After months of refusing to concede, Trump acknowledged for the first time this week the he did indeed lose the election to Biden. Read Also: Trump Concedes Election To Biden, Condemns Capitol Riot He also assured that he would be leaving the White House on January 20, the day Biden would be inaugurated into office. However, these declarations may not absolve him from investigations linked to pressuring various officials, experts said. Tributes have been paid to a 'kind' and 'much-loved' restaurant owner who died after a carjacking in Stockport. Haji Mohammed Hedayatul Islam - known as Nowab Miah - was delivering a takeaway on Friday evening when thieves stole his silver Mercedes. It's thought he was run over as he tried to stop the vehicle being taken. Police were called to a report of a collision at the junction of Lyme Grove and Hazel Avenue, in Romiley, just after 9pm. Mr Miah, 53, from Hyde, Greater Manchester was taken to hospital in critical condition, where he died on Sunday afternoon. Tributes have been paid to 'kind' and 'much-loved' restaurant owner Nowab Miah who died after a carjacking in Stockport while he was delivering takeaway food to a customer Detectives have launched a murder investigation and a 14-year-old boy, who was arrested on suspicion of robbery, remains in custody. Mr Miah was the owner of Marple Spice, in Marple, and his son Shaf Nowab posted on the restaurant's Facebook page: 'Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return. Nowab Miah was taken to hospital in critical condition on Friday but sadly died on Sunday afternoon 'I am saddened to announce that my father, my mentor, my role model Haji Mohammed Hedayatul Islam known as Nowab Miah to his friends of Talbot Road, Hyde has sadly left this world surrounded by close family. 'Me and my family ask that you keep us in your prayers and allow my family to come to terms with this loss. Thank you.' Sheike Mohammad Zakaria posted: 'My Brother in laws younger brother Haji Mohammed Hedayatul Islam (Nowab Miah) has passed away today. 'To all our friends and family please keep him in your prayers, he did not deserve the fate that he had come to. He was a kind, loving man.' Hundreds of people also left messages for Mr Miah, who was an executive committee member for Hyde Jamia Mosque & Islamic Centre, describing him as a 'much loved man' and 'lovely, hard-working and kind-hearted'. Detectives have now launched a murder investigation and are continuing to look for the silver Mercedes which they believe was stolen in the incident, on the junction of Lyme Grove and Hazel Avenue. Police are investigating after a man was left fatally injured during a robbery. It's understood that as the victim was delivering food in Stockport, pictured, suspects jumped into his car Chief Inspector Liam Boden said: 'This is an extremely tragic case which has rocked the community and left a family utterly devastated. 'We believe there may have been others involved in the incident and a number of lines of inquiry are continuing to be carried out in order for us to find those responsible. 'We're still asking the public to come forward with any information that may assist us - even the smallest bit of information can prove vital. 'Anyone who may have seen a silver Mercedes in the area at the time or may have seen it in suspicious circumstances since is asked to get in touch - this vehicle could prove vital in our investigation. 'We're also keen for anyone with any CCTV or dash-cam footage to get in touch.; Eyewitnesses spoke of their shock following the incident. David Speed, 42, says the victim was delivering an Indian meal to his home when he saw his vehicle being taken. Mr Speed told the Manchester Evening News that he heard the doorbell ring at the home on Hazel Avenue in Romiley before he heard the victim shout 'no, no, no'. The victim ran to his car and tried to stop the thieves by clinging to the passenger window. A witness said five or six police cars arrived at the street, pictured, and an investigation is ongoing. Greater Manchester Police have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses Mr Speed, a builder, said: 'I saw him running to the passenger door. He must have had the window open. 'He grabbed hold of the car and the car reversed a little. Then it pulled out and sped off with him holding onto it. 'They then sped off, leaving the victim in the middle of the road.' Mr Speed said he grabbed some clothes and ran downstairs to help. Neighbours were out on the street helping the man who was seriously injured, with a woman holding him. He said: 'I phoned the takeaway company and got his registration. They phoned his son. 'He was bleeding everywhere. It was just horrible. I was just disgusted someone would do that.' Anyone with information should call 0161 856 9821 or 0161 856 9790, quoting log number 2499 of 08/01/2021, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The Louisiana Department of Health reported 4,515 more confirmed coronavirus cases and 40 more confirmed deaths in its noon update Sunday. Sunday's update reflects two days' worth of data; the state does not release coronavirus case counts on Saturdays. The number of hospitalizations decreased by 109, and the number of patients in need of ventilators increased by 5. There are also 35,872 total "probable" coronavirus cases in Louisiana, according to the agency's dashboard. These are another few key statewide statistics as of Sunday: Total confirmed cases: 310,957 Total "probable" cases: 35,872 Total confirmed deaths: 7,447 Currently hospitalized: 1,960 Currently on ventilators: 225 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. 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 Here are some of the parishes with the highest single-day increase in confirmed coronavirus cases, based on the Sunday report: Jefferson: 642 Caddo: 412 Orleans: 373 East Baton Rouge: 296 St. Tammany: 286 Bossier: 268 Lafayette: 200 Can't see chart below? Click here. 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. OTTAWA - Canada's foreign affairs minister is joining counterparts from the U.S., Britain and Australia in condemning last week's mass arrest of politicians and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne responds to a question during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on November 30, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - Canada's foreign affairs minister is joining counterparts from the U.S., Britain and Australia in condemning last week's mass arrest of politicians and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. Fifty-five people were arrested last week under a security law that China first imposed on the former British colony in the spring. In a joint statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and his American, British and Australian counterparts say they had "serious concern" about the arrests. They add that the National Security Law, which Chinese and Hong Kong authorities argue is necessary to maintain order in the city, is actually being used to crackdown on dissent and opposing political views. The four foreign ministers go on to say the security law violates the promises China made to uphold democratic rights and freedoms in Hong Kong when it took ownership of the city back from Britain in 1997. Most of those arrested last week had taken part in an unofficial primary for a legislative election that was later postponed. Authorities allege the primary was part of a plot to seize control of the legislature in order to paralyze government and force the city's leader to resign. The 55 have not been charged, and all but three have been released on bail pending further investigation. Convictions could disqualify them from running for office. The four foreign ministers said the next legislative election should include candidates representing a range of political opinions. Only half the city's legislature is elected by popular vote. "We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention," they wrote. The statement was signed by Champagne, Marise Payne of Australia, Dominic Raab of the U.K. and Mike Pompeo of the United States. Separately, Pompeo announced Saturday that the U.S. is voiding longstanding restrictions on how its diplomats and others have contact with their counterparts in Taiwan, a self-governing island that China says should be under its rule. The actions on Taiwan and Hong Kong will undoubtedly anger China, which views such moves as foreign interference in its internal affairs. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which is in its final days, is also sending United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft to Taiwan later this week. China has sharply criticized the upcoming visit, while Taiwan's government has welcomed it. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 10, 2021. With files from The Associated Press. New Delhi: Due to the border dispute between India and China at the eastern Ladakh, over 50,000 Indian troops are currently deployed in the region battling sub-zero conditions. In its effort to help the Army, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed multiple products such the Him-Taapak heating devices and snow melters to help keep the soldiers warm in the extremely low temperatures. DRDO's Defence Institute for Physiology and Allied Sciences Director Dr Rajeev Varshney said that the Him Tapak space heating device (Bukhari) has been developed for the Indian Army deployed in Eastern Ladakh, Siachen and high altitude areas and it has placed an order of more than Rs 420 crores for these appliances. "The Indian Army has placed orders worth Rs 420 crores to the manufacturers of this device and they would be deployed in all new habitats of Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), where the temperature is low," Varshney was quoted as saying by ANI. "We have developed one improved space heating device named Bukhari. It has three improvements. First is oil consumption in this device is almost half and as per our calculation, we will be able to save almost Rs 3,650 crore in a year. Very soon it will be deployed all the deployment point of Army," he said. "Second, as high altitudes with high wind speed there is a backblast. With this design, there is no backblast. Even if some air is coming to this, the device has three horizontal double-layered plates which can cut the air, so there be no blast. It is a blast-proof Bukhari. The third is that the device is 6 litres capacity device, and combustion is 100 per cent. So, there is no chance that it will produce carbon monoxide and other hazardous gas," he added. DIPAS, which conducts physiological and biomedical research to improve human performance in extreme and wartime environment has also developed `Alocal cream` that helps in preventing frostbite chilblains and other cold injuries to soldiers deployed in extremely cold areas. It has also developed a `flexible water bottle` and `Solar Snow Melter` Further, Dr Varshney said, "DRDO-developed `Alocal cream` that helps in preventing frostbite, chilblains and other cold injuries to soldiers deployed in extremely cold areas. Every year, Indian Army orders 3 to 3.5 lakh jars of this cream for troops in Eastern Ladakh, Siachen and other areas. Recently we got order of 2 crore jars from Northern command." Live TV Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. 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. France has offered to completely shift the assembly line of the Panther medium utility helicopters to India, in addition to 70 per cent of Dassault Rafale fighter jet's assembly line. This offer has come to India under the government's "Make in India" initiative, with full transfer of technology. In a significant development, France has offered to completely shift the assembly line of the Panther medium utility helicopters to India, in addition to 70 per cent of Dassault Rafale fighter jets assembly line. France has offered to move the assembly lines of the Panther choppers and Rafale fighter jets to India under the governments Make in India initiative, with full transfer of technology. Built by Airbus under the title AS565 MBe, Panther choppers are all-weather multi-role medium helicopters which have been designed for operations from the ship decks, offshore locations and land-based sites. The Panther helicopters can fulfill a wide range of military roles, including combat assault, fire support, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC). The offers were made to the Indian leaders by President Macrons Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne who was in India earlier this week to participate in the 34th India-France strategic dialogue. During the visit, Bonne held engagements with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and also with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi. Also read: US Capitol Violence: After Twitter ban, Trump hints at plan to launch his own platform India has also made it clear that the French defence technologies shared with the Indian military should not be given to its opponents, including its neighbor Pakistan. France has reportedly reassured that it will abide by the request, and also informed India regarding its lessening military ties with Pakistan, which have reached a new low after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan criticized President Macron over his views on Islam. This offer, to make the choppers in India works extremely well with the Indian government, which has been looking to acquire medium helicopters for the Indian Navy. Moreover, considering the deal to bring 70 percent of the Rafale fighters assembly line including local vendor development, there could be a possibility that India, which has a contract of 36 fighters, could end up purchasing more in the future. France has also offered help in the development of the engine for the twin-engine Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Also read: Bangladesh reminds Pak of 1971 Genocide; demands apology Warning: Electronics tycoon Julian Richer Electronics tycoon Julian Richer has warned shop work has become an 'abused profession' as he steps up a drive to improve the way big firms treat staff. The founder of the Richer Sounds chain known for his morale-boosting staff initiatives said the rise of 'giant retailers' has tarnished the reputation of what was once an attractive area to work in. He told The Mail on Sunday: 'Whoever wants to go into retail? It's an abused profession. No one wants to go into it.' He added: 'When you're employing hundreds of thousands of people, they look at it as a numbers game and labour is dehumanised. It drives costs down at the cost of employees, and a lot of them I'm sure feel exploited. 'Retail is one of the worst sectors for paying the real living wage, a lot of workers are vulnerable to having zero-hours contracts imposed on them and it offers little opportunity for career advancement.' Over the years, extra pay for working unsociable hours in shops has been drastically cut or scrapped as stores extended opening hours. Pensions have been diluted, paid breaks binned and the days when staff at some chains might enjoy clothing allowances are long gone. Richer, 61, who is advising Marks & Spencer on company culture, says he takes a different attitude to his own staff: 'We treat them as human beings, not as machines. It's particularly important for retail as staff on the shop floor are customer-facing and you want them to give their best and be positive and friendly. If they're downtrodden and bitter towards their bosses then they're not going to do that.' Richer is a self-styled 'ethical capitalist' and handed ownership of the 51-store chain to a staff trust last year. He still runs it but has also embarked on a 'responsible crusade' to change corporate Britain and launched his Good Business Charter last year. Designed to 'accredit' responsible companies, it demands strict compliance in areas such as diversity, the real living wage and ethical sourcing. TSB, Capita and Deloitte are among those accredited. Richer said his work at M&S with its CEO Steve Rowe had been hit by Covid-19 but they had been appearing as a 'double act' addressing staff on company culture. He began mentoring Rowe on workplace culture in 2018. The pair regularly meet in a windowless back room of a Mayfair cafe which they dub the 'naughty room'. Richer's parents met working at an M&S store in north London: '[M&S boss] Steve Rowe jokes that he's going to put a plaque up because he believes I was conceived in the changing room of the Kilburn store,' he laughs. He first advised Rowe's chairman Archie Norman during his time as Asda in the Nineties on customer service and staff motivation. Richer believes M&S' stiff, corporate image has changed: 'They were such an august, formal institution I remember they had three different types of carpet depending on what kind of grade executive you were and different dining rooms. Those days are over, Archie sits in the staff canteen now. He's a man of the people and he does get it.' Richer believes selling off its freehold properties has cost M&S but added: 'I do have confidence in them, I have shares in M&S that I haven't sold and I absolutely believe in the company. It's such a strong brand.' Richer's industry clout was underscored last year by a u-turn by Britain's supermarkets, which handed back 2 billion in funds weeks after he and others vented anger at their receiving a business rates tax break while enjoying a Covid trading boost. The launch of the Good Business Charter follows his efforts to improve corporate governance which has included the Zero Hours Justice campaign, Tax Watch to expose corporate tax abuse and now the Good Business Charter. He added: 'Everyone says they want to support the good companies but we don't know who they are. The problem is the bad companies don't advertise that they're bad. We know about the odd scumbag out there. 'Some companies appear to be good they have huge marketing budgets but you don't know if they're using slave labour, paying their taxes, you don't know if they're paying minimum wage. 'We needed a third party organisation to praise the good guys and signpost these companies for the public. It's never been more necessary than after Covid the state has supported so many companies as a blunt instrument very quickly, the government has spent the money on behalf of the public and the public don't want to hear that these companies don't pay their taxes and aren't good companies.' Richer founded his eponymous stereos-to-TVs retailer in 1978 and has built it into a national store chain, which turned over 171 million in its last published accounts. The retailer is deemed non-essential, forcing stores to close during the three English lockdowns. Richer also runs a string of charities and drums in a funk band called Ten Millennia. The children's minister is demanding an investigation into how details of the Mother and Baby Homes Report were leaked, as survivors describe the Government's mishandling of the publication as distressing and hurtful. The report of the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation will officially be published on Tuesday, and is set to reveal that up to 9,000 children died in the homes from the 1930s onwards, with one child in seven not surviving the institutions. It will include 1,000 pages of survivor testimony and will run to 3,000 pages. The Commission has worked on the report for five years. It is also understood that the Government will announce an interdepartmental group to explore a restorative justice programme, as well as legislation to protect the sites of the homes from redevelopment. Taoiseach Micheal Martin will make a full State apology to the women and children who suffered for decades. Taoiseach Micheal Martin will make a State apology to the survivors of mother-and-baby homes in the Dail next week, a spokesman for the Government has confirmed. | Read more: https://t.co/wAFamRyYHE pic.twitter.com/zemg22dlN2 RTE News (@rtenews) January 10, 2021 A Government spokesperson confirmed that the Taoiseach will make the apology and that Mr Martin and children's minister Roderic O'Gorman will brief survivors on the contents of the report on Tuesday. However, survivors were angered that they had not been made aware of the contents of the report before it was published in a Sunday newspaper on Sunday. Survivors said that seeing details being published in the newspaper before they had been briefed was "hurtful" and "distressing". Others said that the experience had been re-traumatising for them. Mr O'Gorman said that he was "deeply angered" about how details of the report were made public. He said: "I am deeply angered to see sensitive details of the Commission report leaked in a newspaper. It is completely unacceptable that the people affected by the report have found out elements in this way. Im seeking an investigation of how these sensitive details came into the public domain and will be raising it with Government colleagues." Sources said the minister had waited to brief survivors until early this week for fear that the report's contents would be leaked. He has written to survivors' networks to apologise for the manner in which the details of the report were made public. However, the Opposition roundly criticised the Government's handling of the situation. The Social Democrats spokesperson for children Jennifer Whitmore said: "Survivors were given clear assurances about how the release of the report would be handled. "Minister O'Gorman needs to set out how he will establish how the leak occurred." Sinn Fein spokesperson Kathleen Funchion described the leak as "appalling and insensitive". ADVERTISEMENT U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will attend President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration, a senior administration official said on Saturday. Mr Pence had refused to be blackmailed by President Donald Trump who wanted him to reject the congressional certification of the electoral victory of Mr Biden in the November 2020 election. Mr Pence, as Senate President, presided over the senate certification of the electoral college votes that handed Mr Biden victory over Mr Trump. The congressional certification came much more later after the Capitol Building had been secured by security operatives following a mob of Trump supporters who had earlier invaded the Capitol to prevent the lawmakers from sitting. In the ensuing violence that followed the invasion, four people died with several injured including police personnel. To prevent a further escalation of the crisis, a curfew was declared by the local police chief. Several of the perpetrators of the violence were also arrested. For inciting his supporters to invade the Capitol, Facebook and Twitter have suspended the accounts of Mr Trump indefinitely. His Instagram account was also blocked permanently. On Friday, Mr Trump said he would not attend the inauguration of his successor on January 20 after he had grudgingly said he would allow a smooth transition of power to Mr Biden. There are indications that lawmakers of the Democratic Party are also considering impeaching Mr Trump for the second time before the expiration of his tenure. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is reportedly said to be eager to have Mr Trump impeached again. Several world leaders condemned the invasion of the Capitol, American equivalent of Nigerias National Assembly. Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are turning their backs on social media after reportedly becoming disillusioned by the "hate" projected on the platforms. The couple mothballed their Instagram account "sussexroyal" nearly 10 months ago, having amassed more than 10 million followers on the platform. But they are understood to have said they will not be using any social media platform, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, to build and promote their work in the US, such as the new Archewell Foundation. UK newspapers are reporting that a source close to the couple said they were "very unlikely" to return to any platforms in a personal capacity. It marks a significant shift in their strategy as "progressive influencers", and will be interpreted as being part of a wider rejection of what many see as the dark side of the unprecedented reach offered by social media giants. Meghan has described her experience of online trolling as "almost unsurvivable". The couple has been increasingly willing to speak out about the negative aspect of social media since leaving Britain and moving to the US, with Meghan describing herself as being "the most trolled person in the world". It emerged in 2019 that she had been bombarded with more than 5,000 abusive and racist tweets in two months, was subjected to threats of violence, and even accused of faking her pregnancy. During a virtual summit for the American publication Fortune last year, Meghan compared social media users to "people addicted to drugs" and in an opinion piece for the American magazine Fast Company, her husband said: "The digital landscape is unwell." Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Apple on Saturday followed Google and removed the Parler app from its mobile store for allowing "threats of violence," after the deadly attack on the US Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump. The Parler social network has become a haven for conservatives who say they have been censored by other social media platforms. It had soared in popularity in recent months, becoming the No. 1 free app on Apple's App Store on Saturday after Twitter's decision hours earlier to permanently ban Trump from its platform. "We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity," Apple said in a statement. "Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people's safety. We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues." Apple's move came one day after Google pulled Parler from its app store for allowing "egregious content" that could incite deadly violence like that seen at the US Capitol on Wednesday. Angry Trump supporters swarmed the building as lawmakers met to certify Joe Biden's November 3 election win, leaving five people -- including a policeman -- dead. Other mainstream social media networks like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitch have also suspended Trump following the attack on the Capitol. Parler chief John Matze said in a post that the app will not be available in Apple's App Store "until we give up free speech, institute broad and invasive policies like Twitter and Facebook and we become a surveillance platform by pursuing guilt of those who use Parler before innocence." But the platform has "many options" for moving ahead, he said. Parler started in 2018 and was initially a home for the extreme right, but now it attracts more traditional conservative voices including Republican lawmakers. NEW DELHI : India's Future Group expects swift regulatory approval of its $3.4 billion deal to sell its retail assets, its chief executive said, even as its warring business partner Amazon.com Inc intensifies efforts to block the deal. Future and Amazon are at loggerheads over the Indian group's August deal with Reliance Industries Ltd. The U.S. giant alleges the deal breached some of its pre-existing contracts with Future. A New Delhi court in December dismissed Future's request to restrain Amazon's repeated attempts to get authorities to stall the deal. But the judge left the fate of the transaction with the regulators. "The court has already given their view that every institution can take a view" on the sale, Future Group founder and CEO Kishore Biyani told Reuters in an interview. "So there is no reason why things should be delayed." Amazon declined to comment on Biyani's remarks. Reliance did not respond to a request for comment. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the market regulator that has been reviewing the deal for months, did not respond to a request for comment. SEBI and India's stock exchanges could still reject or take more time in approving the deal, which is critical for the survival of Future Retail, whose more than 1,700 outlets were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Future Retail has warned that failure to close the deal could lead to the company's liquidation and job losses for more than 29,000 employees. "We have restored businesses to a certain extent, but there are challenges," said Biyani, dubbed India's retail king for transforming the country's retailing in recent decades. AMAZON PROTESTS The outcome of the dispute embroiling Future, Reliance and Amazon is seen shaping India's retail landscape, especially in deciding who will have an upper hand in the groceries market expected to be worth around $740 billion a year by 2024. Following Amazon's 2019 deal with a Future unit, the Indian retailer's groceries and fashion products are offered for sale on Amazon's website, while Future stores also act as local warehouses serving the U.S. giant's food supply chain. Biyani said he had no intention of changing his business ties with Amazon despite the souring relationship. Criticising Amazon, however, Biyani said he was confused what Amazon wanted to achieve by blocking his deal. "I am disappointed," he said. "What do they want? They want so many employees to suffer, business to go down?" Amazon also took Future to a Singapore arbitrator, which passed an interim order in October saying the Reliance deal should be halted. Although Future says that order is not binding, the U.S. e-commerce giant is continuing its efforts to block the deal. In a letter on Tuesday, Amazon asked Indian stock exchanges BSE and NSE to suspend their review of the deal in light of the ongoing Singapore arbitration. To buttress its case, Amazon on Dec. 30 shared with the exchanges a confidential 63-page legal opinion signed by a former chief justice of India, Dipak Misra. In the opinion, seen by Reuters, Misra said SEBI or any other statutory authority "cannot ignore" the interim order passed by the arbitrator. Misra and the NSE did not immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment. BSE declined to comment. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury will be a part of a chief celestial attraction as the three planets will come together into tight quarters. After 30 to 45 minutes post sundown, in the southwestern evening sky, viewers will be treated with a triple conjunction as three planets will come in a circle smaller than 5 degrees. According to reports by Space.com, the three planets will be contained in the circle from January 8 to January 12. However, they will appear closer on the evening on January 10. Triple conjunction To get a perfect view, binoculars are strongly suggested. Jupiter will appear to be at the top of the triangle while Mercury and Saturn will be forming base angles. The sides of the triangle each measure roughly 2 degrees. This might also mark the last evening view of Jupiter and Saturn. However, Mercury will rise over in the coming days. In the evenings after Sunday, Saturn will disappear into the bright twilight first. This will be followed by Jupiter around the middle of the month. Read: NASA Shares Image Of How The Great Conjunction Looked Like From Moon; Have A Look The great conjunction In a similar incident, on December 21, in a rare conjunction, the two planets came closer than they have ever been since the Middle Ages, which is more than 400 years. The agency said that over the recent days, Jupiter and Saturn were doing a planetary dance that led to this Great Conjunction. Earlier on that day, NASA suggested that one must find a spot with an open view of the sky like a field or park to view the great conjunction unfold. NASA said as both the planets are bright, they can be viewed from most cities. The agency told that an hour after the sunset, one must look to the southwestern sky. While Jupiter will look like a bright star, Saturn, on the other hand, will be slightly faster and will appear slightly above and to the left of Jupiter. Let's have a look at people's view of the conjunction. Read: Jupiter, Saturn Merging In Night Sky; Closest In Centuries Such a phenomenon occurs only when one of the earth's poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. This conjunction has also been termed as 'The Christmas Star'. It took place after sunset in the south-western sky and it was seen with naked eyes. The last such conjunction was seen in 1623, however, it was not visible from most of the Earth. Now, the next Great Conjunction will only happen 400 years later on November 4, 2040. Read: Cameraman Steals The Show During NZ Vs Pak; Captures Jupiter & Saturn's Rings In Night Sky Also Read: Saturn And Jupiter Come Cheek-to-cheek Above Burj Khalifa In Rare Celestial Dance | Watch (Image Credits: Pixabay) A stolen dog has been reunited with her family in Cork after she was tracked down in the UK following a social media appeal and a garda investigation. Gardai have returned springer spaniel Ruby to her family in Midleton, Co Cork after she was spotted up for sale on a UK website. After being stolen last summer, Ruby had her microchip removed and was in poor health when returned to her family. Today, she is back to her old self. Last June, detective gardai in Midleton received a report that a springer spaniel had been stolen from her kennel in the area. Detectives began investigating and an appeal was made via the Garda Southern Region Facebook page in an attempt to find her. The post was viewed by nearly 100,000 people and was spotted by a woman in the UK who had seen Ruby up for sale on a website. With the assistance of Somerset Police, Ruby was recovered and made the 500km journey via Rosslare back to Midleton in time for Christmas. Ruby's owners, Bernard and Liz Ahern said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have Ruby back home. We are so grateful to the lady who spotted Ruby for sale, the Somerset Police, and our Gardai here in Midleton." Superintendent of the Midleton District, Adrian Gamble said: "We are delighted to have been a part of Ruby's safe return to her loving family and appeal to all pet owners to take all extra security precautions and ensure their pets are microchipped. I especially wish to thank everyone for sharing the social media appeal to help find Ruby, and the lady in the UK who spotted Ruby for sale- these people are the real heroes of the investigation. The services of our Crime Prevention Officers and Community Garda are freely available upon request through any Garda Station across the country. The investigation into the theft of Ruby is still being actively investigated, a garda spokesman said. Sunday, January 10, 2021 Jim Garrison listed Thomas Beckham twice in his leads memo from November 1967. Here is the first: This is the only reference I have seen to Charles Spiesel identifying Beckham as being at the party in which Ferrie and Shaw discussed the assassination. There is no other memo that says this - it may well have been destroyed. See my earlier blog post on Garrison's files. In one of my earlier posts, I showed that Thomas Beckham was identified as being in Clinton with Shaw and Ferrie. Garrison's men were always showing the same group of photos to people - and this is why I think Beckham kept on being identified. You can see that anonymous letter here. Here is the second Beckham mention in the leads memo: As we have earlier written, Beckham was a con man. He dressed up as a priest to get people to donate money - he had a life-long habit of forging University diplomas and professional certifications. What I find interesting above is the mention of the "scar on his [Oswald's] left cheek." Was Beckham impersonating Oswald? Here is a Garrison notation on Beckham's rap sheet: Garrison documents are full of memos mentioning scars on people's cheek. Have a look at this document related to the Bolton Ford incident*: Garrison mentions this on pages 57-58 in his book, On The Trail Of The Assassins, He then adds: "After Lee Harvey Oswald returned to New Orleans and began handing out pro-Castro leaflets, this man with the scar was always present on the edge of the crowd. It is standing operating procedure for an intelligent agent engaged in a provocative activity to have a nearby bodyguard to protect him against a violent reaction from the crowd. It seems probably that this man with the scar was Oswald's bodyguard because of the regularity of his presence - invariably on the outer edge of the scene and invariably wearing sunglasses. The sunglasses were large, but they could not conceal the vertical scar that ran up through this man's left eyebrow. We learned of his consistent attendance from our questioning of persons present at the leaflet handout, many of whom we had identified from our copies of the news photos." A footnote claims that "these witness statements were also stolen." There is also a notation on the document above that says "double LHO." Here's an article from the New York Times that describes a Garrison lead. Note the last three paragraphs: And, here is what I believe is the underlying memo for that lead: Garrison's men were always on the look out for men with scars. Here is one such memo: *The Bolton Ford Incident is probably just mistaken identity. The "Oswald' who supposedly came in to buy trucks was never identified as Lee Harvey - the Oswald we know was in the Soviet Union at the time. The assistant manager of Bolton Ford, Oscar Deslatte, could not identify Lee Harvey Oswald as the person who came into the dealership. And, Deslatte denied the whole story when he talked to Garrison. This incident has become a staple for the second Oswald theory. A fledgling alliance of local officials, organizations and community members is working to address the issue of suicide in Lackawanna County. The Lackawanna County Suicide Prevention Alliance held its inaugural meeting in early December. Composed of county behavioral health and human services officials, suicide prevention advocates and other stakeholders, the group aims to bolster support for those bereaved by suicide and those struggling with suicidal ideations. It also aims to foster collaboration between support groups, mental health providers and other community partners to promote suicide prevention education and initiatives, among other goals. A presentation shared at the alliances inaugural meeting shows that 327 county residents died by suicide from 2011 through 2019. Kathy Wallace, past president of the nonprofit Northeast Suicide Prevention Initiative, said she approached Commissioner Chris Chermak about forming the alliance in September. He, Wallace, Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health Intellectual Disabilities Early Intervention Program Administrator Maryann Colbert, Coroner Tim Rowland and others have worked in the months since to lay the foundation for the budding group, which plans to meet again Jan. 12. The alliances first meeting was held both in person and via Zoom. Among others, representatives from Emergency Medical Services of Northeast Pennsylvania, the National Alliance for Mental Illness and Valhalla Veterans Services, as well as District Attorney Mark Powell, county Area Agency on Aging Director Jason Kavulich and a number of people who have lost loved ones to suicide also participated in the meeting, Wallace said. As the alliance continues to take shape, Wallace said members are working to identify additional resources and partners, as well as potential gaps in services. Coordination among various partners will allow officials to deploy resources strategically and effectively without duplicating efforts, Colbert said, noting a coordinated message is also important. The message should always be that hope and resources are available, Colbert said. An overarching goal of the alliance is to encourage openness among residents struggling with suicidal thoughts, Wallace said. One thing that we hope the coalition does, and I know well work on this, is to really try to decrease the stigma around telling someone and getting help if you are feeling suicidal, Wallace said, noting people experiencing suicidal thoughts often remain silent and get to a point where they think nothing is going to help. Noting the older adult population is statistically among the most at risk for suicide, Kavulich said stamping out the stigma is critical. Its important to help people recognize theyre not alone, he said. And they wont be stigmatized or they wont be pointed out as someone who accessed or felt the need to reach out to services. The alliance also plans to further engage people with lived experience, both suicide-attempt survivors and those who have lost someone close to them by suicide. They are among the best advocates for suicide prevention because theyre so committed to helping other people, Wallace said. Even if we save one life, it will make a difference, Chermak said. Organizations or individuals interested in working with the alliance can call Colbert at 570-346-5741. WASHINGTON (AP) Democrats' momentum for a fresh drive to quickly impeach outgoing President Donald Trump gained support Saturday, and a top Republican said the president's role in the deadly riot at the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters was worthy of rebuke. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said he believed Trump had committed impeachable offenses. But he did not explicitly say whether he would vote to remove the president from office at the conclusion of a Senate trial if the House sent over articles of impeachment. I dont know what they are going to send over and one of the things that Im concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicize something, Toomey said Saturday on Fox News Channel, speaking of the Democratic-controlled House. I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, but I dont know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything," Toomey said. Late Saturday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to her Democratic colleagues reiterating that Trump must be held accountable but stopped short of committing to an impeachment vote. Still, she told her caucus, I urge you to be prepared to return to Washington this week. It is absolutely essential that those who perpetrated the assault on our democracy be held accountable, Pelosi wrote. There must be a recognition that this desecration was instigated by the President. Pelosi said House Democrats will be proceeding with meetings with Members and Constitutional experts and others. The new Democratic effort to stamp Trump's presidential record for the second time and days before his term ends with the indelible mark of impeachment gained more supporters Saturday. Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I, a leader of the House effort to draft impeachment articles or charges accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, said his group had grown to include 185 co-sponsors. Lawmakers plan to formally introduce the proposal on Monday in the House, where articles of impeachment must originate. If Democrats decide to move forward, a vote could be possible by Wednesday exactly one week before Democrat Joe Biden becomes president at noon on Jan. 20. Story continues The articles, if passed by the House, could then be transmitted to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Trump. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office and succeeded by the vice president. Earlier Saturday, Pelosi told her San Francisco constituents during an online video conference that it is "a decision that we have to make. Potentially complicating that decision is what it means for Biden and the beginning of his presidency. While reiterating that he has long viewed Trump as unfit for office, Biden on Friday sidestepped a question about impeachment, saying what Congress does is for them to decide. If the House decided to impeach, the soonest the Senate could begin an impeachment trial under the current calendar would be Jan. 20, Inauguration Day. A violent and largely white mob of Trump supporters overpowered police, broke through security lines and rampaged through the Capitol on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were putting the final, formal touches on Bidens victory over Trump in the Electoral College. The crowd surged to the domed symbol of American democracy following a rally near the White House, where Trump repeated his bogus claims that the election was stolen from him and urged his supporters to march in force toward the Capitol. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the siege. It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their whiteness over democracy, Pelosi said of the attack. She added: This cannot be exaggerated. The complicity, not only the complicity, the instigation of the president of United States, must and will be addressed. No. 4 House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York reiterated support for moving against what he deemed an act of sedition that was incited and encouraged by Donald Trump. Speaking of Trump, Jeffries said Saturday: He should be impeached, convicted and thrown out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and forever banished to the dustbin of history." Outrage over the attack and Trump's role in egging it on capped a divisive, chaotic presidency like few others in the nations history. There are less than two weeks until Trump is out of office but Democrats have made clear they don't want to wait that long. Trump, meanwhile, has few fellow Republicans speaking out in his defense. He's become increasingly isolated, holed up in the White House as he has been abandoned in the aftermath of the riot by many aides, leading Republicans and, so far, two Cabinet members both women. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who has long voiced her exasperation with Trump's conduct in office, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that he simply needs to get out. Sen. Ben Sasse, another Trump critic, said more important than what happens to Trump is what happens to the United States people and this union 12 days and beyond. But the Nebraska Republican also told CBS This Morning on Friday that he will definitely consider whatever articles the House sends over because he believes Trump has disregarded his oath of office to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. After spending many weeks refusing to concede defeat in the November election, Trump promised after the Capitol riot to oversee a smooth transfer of power to Biden. He called for reconciliation and healing, but then announced he will not attend the inauguration the first such presidential snub since just after the Civil War. ___ Superville reported from Wilmington, Delaware. Associated Press writers Alexandra Jaffe, Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick and Zeke Miller contributed to this report. At least four NGOs working for the survivors of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy on Sunday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding that the ongoing clinical trials for Covaxin, an indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine, be stopped in the Madhya Pradesh capital in view of the "gross violation of laws and guidelines". In the letters addressed to the PM and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, these NGOs have also sought punishment for the "responsible parties who were negligent in ensuring the safety, well being and the rights of the trial participants". They also demanded monetary compensation for "damages caused during the Covaxin trial in Bhopal". These letters have been written by Rashida Bee of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, Nawab Khan of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha, Rachna Dhingra of Bhopal Group for Information and Action, and Nausheen Khan of Children Against Dow Carbide. Covaxin is developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). "We are writing to you to apprise you of the onground situation with regard to the conduct of the trial. Evidence has emerged that the trial in Bhopal is being conducted in gross violation of laws and guidelines governing clinical trials in India," the NGOs stated in the letters, copies of which were shared with media persons. "This is leading to exploitation and harm to a community of people that are not just economically and socially deprived, but whose health is compromised owing to the destructive impact and its consequences," they said. The NGOs alleged that vulnerable people were being misguided and herded to participate in the trials, and the consent procedure and other protocol of the testing is being flouted. "The (clinical) trial should be stopped immediately and an impartial probe be conducted," they demanded. Talking to reporters virtually, Rashida Bee said, "At least 700 of the 1,700 people on who this vaccine, with unknown efficacy, is being tested, are the people poisoned by Union Carbide (gas leak in 1984). "One gas victim has already died within 10 days of getting the trial shot and many continue to have health complaints of serious nature," Bee alleged. A 42-year-old man, who had taken part in the clinical trial for Covaxin in Bhopal on December 12, died nine days later, with doctors suspecting that poisoning could be the cause. Bharat Biotech had said in a statement that preliminary reviews indicated that the death was unrelated to Covaxin. Bee claimed that nobody was punished for the "death of 13 gas victims during the trials by pharma companies at the Bhopal Memorial Hospital & Research Centre some 12 years ago". She demanded compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the people "whohave diedduring the Covaxin trial, as being given in the case of deceased corona warriors". Alleging irregularities in the conduct of the Covaxin trials, Dhingra said, "People whose health is compromised due to Union Carbide's poisons are being given the Covaxin trial shots without their knowledge or consent". She said audio and video consent should be taken of allthevulnerable people (before allowing them to volunteer for this clinical trial). "No records are kept of the health problems the trial's participants have had following the shots and several have been turned away without tending to the adverse effects of the shots. Trial participants who leave or are excluded halfway are denied care and are not followed up," she alleged. Shehzadi Bee of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha said, "In addition to immediate stopping of the trial and awarding compensation for the gas victim who has died during this trial, we demand a thorough and impartial audit, criminal punishment to officials and institutions responsible for this public health disaster and compensation for injuries caused due to the trial vaccines". "ongoing criminal irregularities in the Covaxin trial in Bhopal, the Government is potentially unleashing a public health disaster on the 16th of this month," said Nousheen Khan of the Children Against Dow Carbide. The Drugs Controller General of India last week approved Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute, and Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country. The Central government on Saturday said India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16, with priority to be given to nearly three crore health care and frontline workers. Countless brides and grooms-to-be are cheering on the COVID-19 vaccine effort as they wait ever-so patiently to tie the knot in their dream ceremonies. The vendors who supply their venues, flowers, photos and food are rooting equally hard, as the massive wedding industry has been devastated during the nearly yearlong pandemic. Slowly, but surely, our industry will come back, said Boyd Bryan, director of Corinthian Houston, a classical wedding venue in downtown. Weddings are one of the most beautiful things in life, and we cant wait to be a part of that for our customers again. Bryan was among the vendors and engaged couples who flocked to the in-person Bridal Extravaganza Show at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Its one of the first times the largest wedding show in the U.S. has been held face-to-face in a year. More by Claire Goodman:Katy baker, 12, shows her stuff in Food Network competition Nadine Moon, owner of Who Made the Cake? in Houston, said the pandemic almost closed her custom wedding cake business. She secured a payroll protection program loan and loyal employees took some cuts as needed to keep the business solvent. She now she has to try to recoup those losses this year. Were a small business, and everything has come to a standstill, she said. Its so sad to think how close we came to losing everything weve worked so hard for. Her business suffered during the pandemic, but Moon feels fortunate that the 18-year-old Houston bakery survived. You get to know people in the industry, like photographers and DJs, who also rely on weddings for their livelihood, and Ive seen a lot of those people Ive connected with lose their businesses this year, she said.It just breaks my heart for them, and I truly consider us lucky. The bridal show was a beacon of hope for vendors a sign that their businesses will recover. Paul Scorry and Katy Merlet are co-owners of At the Shire, a wedding and events venue located in Huntsville., that opened its doors in March 2020, right at the onset of the pandemic. At first, couples simply delayed their wedding dates back, thinking the shutdown would be over in a couple months. As the pandemic raged on, clients began canceling en masse. Our first wedding was scheduled for March, but that got canceled, Scorry said. Then they pushed it back to October. And then they canceled altogether because their family wouldnt travel. Scorry and Merlet managed to keep their business afloat without taking out a PPP loan, but exhausted their savings. Paul invested his life savings in this, Merlet said. But the fact that were getting a lot of bookings gives us a lot of hope that well recover. Bryan lamented the loss of income to his industry and sympathized with the couples who saw plans for their dream weddings vanish. We had couples move their wedding dates back three or four times, he recalled. Whats even worse is that some people had to make some very difficult decisions, like whether or not they had to walk away from a hefty deposit. But if you lost your job, sometimes thats the decision you had to make. Melanie Chase had planned a May wedding. When the pandemic hit, she worked with her venue to move the date back to October. By August, she said, it was clear that the COVID-19 crisis wouldnt be over in time for her wedding. We kept thinking if we just moved it back, things would be back to normal in a few months, she said. That didnt happen. In some ways I feel like we had to start the planning all over again. Chase and her mother attended the show in the hopes of finding a new photographer and florist. Her previous one both went our of business during the pandemic. The florist we felt so bad for him. A lot of the farmers that grew the flowers lost their businesses, so (the florist) had trouble getting flowers, she said. And its not like flowers stay fresh during the shutdown. He lost a lot of inventory. On HoustonChronicle.com: Take an interactive tour of Houston's most beautiful homes Sabrina Witht and her fiance, Kendal Reed, got engaged just before Christmas. The couple is planning a wedding for late 2021. It feels overwhelming because Ive been in a couple weddings that were supposed to be 2020 weddings, and they had just like so many ups and downs, Witht said. So hopefully it's not like that. Were basing all our plans on the hope that this year is different. Witht and Reed are depending on the COVID-19 vaccine to make their wedding a reality. All of his family does not live in Texas, so were hoping that the vaccine will make travel safer again, Witht said. Bryan is also relying on the promise of a vaccine to help the industry recover. The big thing we hear from customers is that theyre ready to move forward and make plans again because the vaccine gives them hope, he said. claire.goodman@chron.com The Karate Kid franchise is surprisingly expansive. There's the original movie, its two sequels, a spin-off starring Hilary Swank as a young Karate star who gets paralyzed during a match (though we may be remembering that wrong), and of course, the Saturday morning cartoon series that features straight-up magic and a surprising number of loincloths. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Now there's Cobra Kai, the hit streaming show all about the existential angst of the characters from the classic '80s film that arguably ruined the modern world. The new season just hit Netflix, who acquired the series from YouTube Red, the defunct streaming service that apparently wasn't selling porn. This means that a lot of folks will probably be wanting to revisit the original film -- which, admittedly, may have worn thin after multiple viewings over more than three decades. So we found a whole new way for you to enjoy The Karate Kid ... Continue Reading Below Advertisement It seems that before filming began, director John Avildsen shot a rehearsal version of the entire film using a camcorder. Some scenes were set on an empty soundstage, others actually on-location and in costume. Avildsen posted the entire thing on YouTube, and it's kind of awesome, like a janky fan remake that inexplicably stars the original cast or some kind Karate Kid-themed video art project. Continue Reading Below Advertisement It also contains some deleted scenes that explain some of the movie's confusing plot-holes, such as why Daniel's mother relocated her entire family to the other side of the country for a new job that is, somewhat inexplicably, just the hostess of some crappy Chinese restaurant. You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter! And check out the podcast Rewatchability. Top Image: Columbia Pictures Henry Dufour, 42, co-owns Compucom Computers with Randy Chism. Their shop is located on the Ashman Circle between the Midland Furniture Garage and Ginis Goldsmith Custom Jeweler. They have one employee, Zac Anderson. Chism opened his first store in Saginaw in 1991, this is their 30th year in business. He later expanded to Midland and then moved to their current location 15 years ago. Theyve since closed the Saginaw store. They repair and sell computers. Dufour said, If its a computer, well find a way to fix it if its broke." Dufour started working for Compucom in 1999 and is now the co-owner. Hes originally from Fort Kent, Maine, where he graduated from Fort Kent Community High School and Northern Maine Technical College in Presque Isle, where he earned an associates in electronics. What brought him to Midland was his now wife, Sarah. Dufour said, We met on the internet back before it was the cool thing to do. Theyve been married for 17 years. Shes a customer service representative for Isabella Bank. 1. How long have you owned your business? Ive been a part-owner for four years. 2. What inspired you to own this business? I kind of fell into it. Been here for 20 years. Have a unique perspective working here. See young couples, who then have kids, their kid spills something on the computer and then we later help them get the kids graduation pictures off their computer. Its nice to have the relationships we have with our customers. I stay here because I love my customers. 3. What makes Midland a great place to own a business? Midland is very, very technically adept. They appreciate new technologies. Some folks struggle with technology, so we help people get more familiar with it. This town likes technology. 4. What are some ways your business is active in the community? We work with several businesses and non-profits. We help the community by helping others who help the community. We help Project 111. Their goal to teach students to put their technology down while they drive. Arrive alive! When driving, stop using technology. We want people to be responsible when they're using it. 5. What are some of your interests and hobbies? Lately, Ive taken up 3-D printing. Im still a good ol PC gamer. I also enjoy music and movies. 6. What are some local businesses you work with that help make your business a success? We cover all kinds of market segments. On the professional side, we work with attorneys and doctors, the Miller Insurance Group, Dr. Kay Gable. Also deal with manufacturers, Gable Lumber, Kays husband, Dan, does hardwood floors. East of town, theres Falcon Road Maintenance Equipment. They do hot patches for roads. In the automotive world, Pickering Auto and Dave over at Higher Standards Automotive on Eastman Road. We also help out hospitality: the Great Hall and Jets Pizza. Theres a whole lot of other folks. 7. Other thoughts? 2020 taught us a lot of lessons on so many levels. Please, please back up your data and know how to use those back-ups. Make three copies of your data with two different media and keep one off-site outside of your home or business. Thats the biggest thing I can tell folks, a lot of that you can do with an online back-up. Weve walked a lot of people through unpleasant situations. A good backup can get you going again. If you need a computer, were here to help. We custom build. 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. Marketplaces in the Kumarikata village of Assam's Baksa district which borders Bhutan mill with customers ahead of Magh Bihu -- a harvest festival celebrated in these parts. On Sundays, one can find an array of exotic delicacies in the local market, especially smoked and barbecued rat meat. The meat of the rodent fetches between Rs 150 and 200 a kilogram, while the smoked variant is priced at Rs 220 in markets in Kumarikata, Nayabasti, Dumuni and Musalpur. Exceeding the popularity of chicken or pork, rat meat is enjoyed in various preparations such as a spicy gravy or just nicely browned during winter in this part of the state. Justin, a local trader said, "We are Santhals, for us, rat meat is commonplace but the locals are very fond of it and come searching on Sundays." He explained that the rats are caught in paddy fields of the Barpeta and Nalbari districts. "I sell 10 to 20 kilograms of meat on a good Sunday," he added. In a time when the entire world's imagination is occupied by pestilence, Mubina Akhtar, a wildlife conservation activist, has some concerns over the sale of rat meat in these markets. "Although rodents are not protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, rats are nonetheless an important part of wildlife. Besides, you never know which protected animals are being sold in the name of rat meat," she said. "We are already experiencing what happened at a wet market in Wuhan. Now bird flu is spreading. Rats could be consuming bird droppings and spreading the infection. This should not be allowed under the nose of forest officials," she added. For traders, however, it is a lucrative business in a time when jobs are scarce. Making a case for the business, another trader said, "Magh Bihu is a feasting time. People come searching for rat meat from far off places. It has medicinal qualities and is used for treating diabetes. Moreover, farmers hunt down these rats weighing over a kilo each during the harvest season to prevent their crops from being damaged." "The pandemic has dried up our jobs. These days it is difficult to engage as daily wage labourers. We can somehow manage to run our houses by selling rat meat," he added. Although rich in protein, rats are vectors for various diseases. If not cooked well, their meat can be a potential carrier. The spread of bird flu and Covid-19 have also raised concerns over the sale of rat meat in the state. Despite the decision of the family of 16-year-old Barakat Melojuekun to drop charges against the suspended Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Abiodun Abdul-Balogun, who allegedly attempted to rape her, some groups have insisted that Governor Dapo Abiodun and the state police command must ensure that the matter is not covered up. The two groups the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN) and the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) made their position known in separate statements seen by PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday and Sunday respectively. This newspaper reported how the commissioner was accused of attempting to rape a secondary school student in his apartment on December 31, 2020. She escaped after screaming and later narrated her encounter with Mr Abdul-Balogun to the press. The state police command later invited the commissioner for interrogation and investigation is still ongoing into the case. In reaction to the allegations against its official, the Ogun State Government suspended Mr Abdul-Balogun. After alleged pressure on her family not to push the matter further, Miss Melojuekun in a short video last week said Nigerians should allow the matter to be laid to rest. She, however, did not retract the allegations. You can recall that I was the young lady in the viral video about sexual harassment by the Commissioner for the Environment in Ogun State. I am using this opportunity to thank all meaningful Nigerians that showed their support and love towards this matter. I want you to know that there are a few misconceptions and misunderstandings between I and the commissioner. I now want to use this opportunity to appeal to meaningful Nigerians to please allow this matter to rest. Thanks, she said then. Victim has no power to withdraw case Police Following the victims video, the police spokesperson in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, said the victim and her family cannot withdraw the case against Mr Abdul-Balogun because it is an offence committed against the state. He said that the commissioner of police had directed that the case be taken to the state CID for proper investigation. The victim cannot withdraw the case because she is underage. More so, the family are not directly involved, so cannot withdraw the matter as well. If our investigation proved that the commissioner is guilty, we will charge him to court. Groups want transparent investigation The Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation centre (WARDC), Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi in a statement said the government must provide psychological support for the victim to overcome the trauma. It is bewildering, to say the least, that a Commissioner in the same government that had taken novel and unprecedented steps in 2020 against Gender-Based Violence by inaugurating a Gender Based Violence Prohibition Committee to respond appropriately to any infraction of the law, as statutorily required by the Violence Against Women Prohibition Law of Ogun State, 2018. The state must give credence to its zero-tolerance commitment to sexual violence by handling these allegations against its Commissioner appropriately as this will send a clear message that no one is above the law and serve as a deterrent to potential defaulters no matter how highly placed, while at the same time, encouraging other victims to report incidents of sexual abuse. In the same vein, the President of Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN), Rolane Ogbonnaya, urged the police not to cover-up while investigating the case. We stand for the protection and promotion of the sexual wellbeing of women, girls and the vulnerable of which Barakat Melojuekun is one. The group said that as a media advocacy group on sexual and reproductive health and rights, the Network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria (NRHJN) is following this alleged case of sexual harassment against a minor. ADVERTISEMENT For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 17:59:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close 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. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Public health experts are concerned that the deadly Capitol unrest earlier this week may prove to be a "superspreader event" for the virus. Photos and videos showed many violent protesters shunning face coverings and social distancing, anti-pandemic measures recommended by the CDC. WASHINGTON, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The United States registered a record high of over 310,000 daily COVID-19 cases on Friday, whereas the country's total caseload surpassed 22 million on Saturday. A total of 314,093 new cases and 3,623 deaths were reported across the country on Friday, according to the latest data of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The new figures also brought the 7-day average daily increase of cases and deaths to a record high of nearly 249,000, and nearly 3,000, respectively, the data showed. Meanwhile, the real-time count kept by Johns Hopkins University showed that the United States had registered over 22.1 million cases and over 372,100 deaths as of Saturday night. More than 130,700 people had been hospitalized as of Saturday, said The COVID Tracking Project, noting that "average hospitalizations" in the country are "at their single-day record." The COVID Tracking Project is a volunteer organization launched from U.S. magazine The Atlantic and dedicated to collecting and publishing data on COVID-19 testing and patient outcomes. People wearing face masks are reflected in a window along the Fifth Avenue in New York, the United States, Jan. 5, 2021. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) "The past week had the most reported cases, average hospitalizations, and deaths of any week during the pandemic," said the organization, adding, "the average number of reported deaths is rising in all regions." In particular, California, one of the U.S. states hit the worst by the pandemic, reported 695 deaths on Saturday, the organization said. "The state is averaging more than 410 deaths and nearly 40,000 new cases a day." Public health experts are concerned that the deadly Capitol unrest earlier this week may prove to be a "superspreader event" for the virus. Photos and videos showed many violent protesters shunning face coverings and social distancing, anti-pandemic measures recommended by the CDC. Since it may take 4-14 days for the infected to develop symptoms, it will take several days to see how many new COVID-19 cases are linked to the unrest, Zhang Zuofeng, professor of epidemiology and associate dean for research with the School of Public Health at the University of California, Los Angeles, told Xinhua. "Rioters were in very close proximity for long periods of time, shouting, and exposed to chemical irritants, leading to coughing. Many of them were unmasked. These are all conditions that are very conducive to (COVID-19) transmission," Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Georgetown Center for Global Health Science and Security, told ABC News. Mumbai: The security cover of prominent opposition leaders from Maharashtra, including former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, MNS leader Raj Thackeray and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, has been reduced by the Maharashtra government. The decision comes after a review meeting which was held by the state government two days ago. "This is an ongoing process. From time to time, we take review of the security cover provided to the VIPs. The last review meeting was held in the year 2019. Due to Covid-19, we could not hold any meeting in 2020. There is threat perception to certain VIPs because of the positions they hold. Once they demit those offices, the threat perception changes," a senior government official responsible for the review, told CNN News18. News18 has learnt that NCP chief Sharad Pawar dialled Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Sunday and said he doesnt need as much security either. The move come amid BJP's criticism against the government for downgrading security of prominent leaders. Sources told News18 that even Ajit Pawar didn't have any security cover when their party was not in power. Devendra Fadnavis, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, had Z+ security cover. This included a bulletproof vehicle. Now the security cover has been downgraded to Y+, along with an escort. This means that the bullet proof vehicle will also be withdrawn. The security cover of Fadnavis' wife Amruta Fadnavis, and daughter Divija, has also been downgraded from Y + to X. Likewise, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena leader Raj Thackeray's security cover has been downgraded from Z to Y+ along with escort. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale security cover will be Y+ now. He was earlier provided Y+ and escort for security. Maharashtra BJP President Chandrakant Patil and ex-chief minister Narayan Rane's security covers have also been withdrawn. Other BJP leaders whose security covers have been withdrawn include Union Minister Raosaheb Danve, senior leader Sudhir Mungantiwar, Prasad Lad, Ram Kadam, Madhav Bhandari, Shobha Fadnavis. However, security covers of renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam and actor Shatrughan Sinha have been upgraded. While Nikam will get Z security now (he earlier had Y+with escort), Sinha will get Y + along with escort (he earlier had only Y+). Who's Got Security Now? BJPs leader of opposition, Pravin Darekar, has now been given Y security cover. Deputy speaker of Maharashtra Assembly, Narhari Zirwal, has also been given Y cover. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's wife Sunetra Pawar has been given X security cover. Yuva Sena Secretary and Aditya Thackeray's cousin Varun Sardesai has been given X security cover. Jonathan Weiss / TNS The man accused of transporting immigrants in a U-Haul box truck has been identified in a Laredo federal court, according to an arrest affidavit filed on Thursday. Davon Carson, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with transport, attempt to transport and conspiracy to transport immigrants who were in the country illegally. The foreign ministers of Australia, the United States, Great Britain and Canada issued a joint statement Sunday expressing ``serious concern'' about the arrest of 55 democracy activists and supporters in Hong Kong last week. The arrests were by far the largest such action taken under a national security law that China imposed on the semi-autonomous territory a little more than six months ago. ``It is clear that the National Security Law is being used to eliminate dissent and opposing political views,'' the four foreign ministers said. The Chinese and Hong Kong governments say the law is needed to restore order in a city that was rocked in 2019 by months of often violent anti-government protests demanding greater democracy. ``We are 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,'' the Hong Kong government said in response to the statement from the foreign ministers. Most of those arrested last week had taken part in an unofficial primary for a legislative election that was later postponed. Authorities allege the primary was part of a plot to take control of the legislature in order to paralyze government and force the city's leader to resign. The 55 have not been charged, and all but three have been released on bail pending further investigation. Convictions could disqualify them from running for office. The four foreign ministers said the next legislative election should include candidates representing a range of political opinions. Only half the city's legislature is elected by popular vote. ``We call on the Hong Kong and Chinese central authorities to respect the legally guaranteed rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong without fear of arrest and detention,'' they wrote. The statement was signed by Marise Payne of Australia, Francois-Philippe Champagne of Canada, Dominic Raab of the U.K. and Mike Pompeo of the United States. Separately, Pompeo announced Saturday that the U.S. is voiding longstanding restrictions on how its diplomats and others have contact with their counterparts in Taiwan, a self-governing island that China says should be under its rule. The actions on Taiwan and Hong Kong will undoubtedly anger China, which views such moves as foreign interference in its internal affairs. The Trump administration, which is in its final days, is also sending Kelly Craft, its ambassador to the United Nations, to Taiwan later this week. China has sharply criticized the upcoming visit, while Taiwan's government has welcomed it. Short link: Bloomberg (Bloomberg) -- Eric Lis factory making glass lampshades for companies including Home Depot Inc. is being stretched to its limits with sales doubling their pre-pandemic level.But like many Chinese manufacturers, he doesnt plan to expand operations -- a reticence that could slow the pace of Chinas economic growth this year and prolong a shortage of goods being felt around the world as demand picks up.Surging prices of raw materials means margins are compressed, explains Li, owner of Huizhou Baizhan Glass Co. Ltd., in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which makes about $30 million in annual revenue. With the global economic recovery still uneven, the future is very unclear, so there is not much push to expand capacity, he adds.The combination of higher input prices, uncertainty about export prospects and a weak recovery in domestic consumer demand meant Chinese manufacturing investment from January to April was 0.4% below the same period in 2019, according to official statistics (comparing to 2019 strips out the distortion of last years pandemic data).Due to the vast size of Chinas manufacturing sector, that poses a risk both to the nations growth -- which is currently predicted to reach 8.5% in 2021, according to a Bloomberg tally of economists estimates -- and to a global economy thats grappling with supply shortages and rising prices.Falling ProfitsWeaker-than-expected investment could have a sizable impact on GDP growth this year, said Citigroup Inc.s China economist, Li-gang Liu. Lower investment may dent imports of capital goods and equipment from developed economies like Japan and Germany, which in turn could drag their economic recovery and rebound as well, he added.AnHui HERO Electronic Sci & Tec Co. Ltd. is one of those companies feeling the squeeze. Based in the eastern province of Anhui, the company manufactures capacitors used to make electronic circuits, with sales mainly in the domestic market. Jing Yuan, the founder, says orders are up as much as 30% year-on-year, but profits are down 50% due to increasing materials costs that are not easily passed onto clients.The company is under huge cash pressure as it needs to pay half a month in advance of delivery in order to secure copper and other metals, which they previously paid for months after receiving, he said. The commodity issue has to be addressed by the government, he added.What Bloomberg Economics Says...Chinese industry is absorbing significant cost pressures from rising commodity prices -- damping the inflationary impact for the rest of the world. Will it last? Our analysis of gross margins suggests it could for a while longer: downstream industries -- where the cost crunch is most severe -- still have a small cushion.David Qu, China economistFor the full report, click here.Input shortages mean some manufacturers arent able to make use of their existing facilities, so expansion would be of little use. Chinese electric vehicle maker Nio Inc. suspended production at one of its factories last month, due to a shortage of microchips.Modern Casting Ltd., which makes iron and steel products in Guangdong, issued a note to clients this month saying it would not be able to meet its current orders due to high raw material costs. A member of staff who answered the phone at the companys office confirmed the note, but declined to give further details.Growth TransitionOn top of the higher input costs, Chinese companies face a bumpy transition toward domestic consumer spending to sustain its post-pandemic recovery.Exports, Chinas strong-suit last year, may begin to slow as vaccine roll-outs cause consumers in wealthy countries to shift spending back to services. Meanwhile, the growth rate of Chinese consumer spending has yet to fully recover.Investment sentiment among Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises is below levels seen even in 2018-9 when uncertainties from the U.S.-China trade war were a brake on expansion plans, according to a regular survey of more than 500 Chinese companies by Standard Chartered Plc.Demand is still mainly underpinned by exports, so domestic companies are aware that this is not sustainable, said Standard Chartereds China economist, Lan Shen.While some export-oriented sectors have been pushed to their limits, large amounts of slack remain for manufacturers targeting Chinese consumers due to subdued domestic demand.Retail sales growth was 4.3% in April on a two-year average basis, which strips out base effects from the pandemic, less than half pre-pandemic growth rates. Overall capacity use at Chinas manufacturers fell to 77.6% in the first quarter from 78.4% in the previous three months, with the automotive sector hit hardest by overcapacity following three years of declining sales volumes.Even for electric vehicles whose sales are surging, most companies have already built their capacity and will now focus on incremental upgrades. The majority of the investment has been done, said Jochen Siebert of JSC Automotive Consulting.China ordered state-owned companies to expand last year, with their investment growth of 5.3% in 2020 from the prior year easily outstripping the 1% increase in private investment. But for a sustainable pick-up in investment, the market, not the state, needs to feel confident.Carsten Holz, an expert on Chinese investment statistics at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, estimates that privately-owned companies have accounted for 87% of manufacturing investment in 2015, the most recent year of available data. They are more sensitive to input costs.There is a pandemic plus insecurity about future trade given a new U.S. administration, neither of which is conducive to investment that relies on long-term growth prospects, Holz said.Mixed PoliciesTransport bottlenecks are also a challenge for export-oriented manufacturers. Gordon Gao, who exports gardening products from China, said that he has had to reject 80% of orders this year due to port delays. In one case, an order placed before mid-February could only be shipped three months later when a client finally secured a container.Beijing has tried to improve conditions for private companies by ordering a crackdown on speculation to curb commodity prices and easing access to bank loans.Yet the government continues to gradually withdraw fiscal and monetary stimulus measures introduced amid the pandemic last year. It set a relatively unambitious target of above 6% growth for this year, and the Communist Partys Politburo signaled last month it would prioritize reforms to control house prices and debt growth.The policy stance has definitely shifted away from supporting growth and back toward de-risking the financial sector, said Adam Wolfe, an economist at London-based Absolute Strategy Research. The risks for economic growth seem tilted to the downside, especially for capital-intensive, construction-linked sectors.For manufacturers such as Li, a longer period of domestic growth and control over input prices will be needed before capacity expansion is on the cards. While his company of 200 workers took on new permanent staff before the pandemic, for now hed rather pass the risks of investment on to others.I wouldnt do that now, I would rather hire some temporary workers and outsource the rest, he said.More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P. At the same time, the Biden team was slow to get the generals financial disclosure forms to Capitol Hill for vetting, doing so only on Friday. Such delays caused the confirmations of many early Trump administration officials to linger. Many lawmakers from both parties have balked at having another former general leading the Pentagon in a nation that has a long tradition of civilian control of the military, one that has been severely tested under the Trump presidency. While Congress approved a similar measure four years ago for Mr. Trumps first defense secretary, Jim Mattis, a retired four-star Marine officer, many are loath to do it again. Civilian control of a nonpolitical military is a foundational principle, written into our Constitution, and absolutely essential to our democracy, announced Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, who announced on Friday that he would vote against a waiver. If a waiver for the rule that protects this principle is approved twice in four years, in both Republican and Democratic administrations, it starts to become a norm, not an exception. Several civil rights groups as well as many members of the Congressional Black Caucus have argued that even those members of Congress who declined to give Mr. Mattis the nod should not block what would be the first Black defense secretary in the nations history, and move swiftly to approve his waiver. As the first Black secretary of defense, General Austin, who has broken barriers throughout his career, would lead the most diverse military in our nations history, Representative Anthony G. Brown, Democrat of Maryland and the vice chairman of the House committee, said in an email. Our country faces immense national security challenges, he added. From a shocking assault on the Capitol and our democracy, an unprecedented cyberattack on government institutions and rising global threats, President-elect Biden will need a national security team in place ready to tackle these threats and renew American leadership. Secretary-designate Lloyd Austin will be instrumental to that effort. The House and Senate should move forward as quickly as possible to vet and debate a waiver for General Austin. Frankfort, KY (40601) Today Cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. Areas of patchy fog. High 86F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%. ADVERTISEMENT A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has welcomed his fifth son. The baby, who was born on Saturday, is by his girlfriend of many years, a Moroccan who works in the oil sector. Announcing the babys birth on Twitter, he wrote, Welcome to the world son! You are a great blessing. I am so happy and so proud of you. God bless and keep you now and always. You shall fulfill your purpose and achieve destiny. Mr Fani-Kayode also confirmed the development in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES but declined to reveal the identity of the babys mother. He said he did not want to subject her to unfair media scrutiny. He insisted the relationship with her is private. The former minister already has four sons (including a set of triplet) with his estranged ex-beauty queen wife, Precious Chikwendu. Welcome to the world son! You are a great blessing. I am so happy and so proud of you. God bless and keep you now and always. You shall fulfill your purpose and achieve destiny. pic.twitter.com/QX4ZPL4dom Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) January 9, 2021 Each time, Davis dredges up the painful stories from her family's past in a bid to set the record straight about a struggle stretching back more than a century. The debate over the history of slavery in Australia is one that resurfaces on a regular basis, much to the chagrin of the tens of thousands of Indigenous workers who have been fighting for decades to reclaim wages that were withheld from them under discriminatory laws until the 1970s. The comments in June 2020 , which the Prime Minister later apologised for and clarified, prompted a fresh examination of Australia's colonial history at the height of a reinvigorated global Black Lives Matter movement. Prime Minister Scott Morrison had just been on radio, her friend informed her, claiming there was no history of slavery in Australia. "Did you just hear this?" came her friend's voice down the line. Waskam Emelda Davis was sitting in her favourite orange armchair in her loungeroom on a cool winter's day when her phone rang. Article 1 of the United Nations Slavery Convention defines slavery as "the status or condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised". So how did slavery operate in Australia? How long did the practices continue? And how has it made a lasting impact on the nation? "Slavery is slavery. You can't dress it up or dress it down," Davis says. "The kidnapping, the coercing, the stealing and the serious abuses that happened to our people ... this is something that's handed down through generations.'' The 58-year-old has spent her life advocating for the rights of Australian South Sea Islander people the descendants of men, women and children known as "sugar slaves" who were taken from the Pacific islands and forced into hard labour in Australia. She chairs the Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson organisation in Sydney. Emelda Davis says her grandfather was 12 when he went for a swim at the beach near his home on the island of Tanauta (formerly Tanna) in Vanuatu and never returned. "Nevertheless, employers exercised a high degree of control over 'their' Aboriginal workers who were, in some cases, bought and sold as chattels Employers exercised a form of 'legal coercion' over their workers in a manner consistent with the legal interpretation of slavery." "It is true that Australia was not a 'slave state' in the manner of the American South," writes Stephen Gray in the Australian Indigenous Law Review . As such, there was to be no slave trade in Australia. However numerous historians, legal experts and government officials have found that the controls imposed on Pacific Islander and First Nations peoples essentially amounted to slavery. Around the time of colonisation in Australia the First Fleet arrived in 1788 an anti-slavery movement was growing in Britain. The British Parliament abolished the Atlantic slave trade in 1807 and passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. "[Islanders] were legally indentured, but then you've got to ask, did they understand the indenture system? Often no, they wouldn't have had a clue what it really was ... therefore you might say the contract's invalid," he says. "Just think, you're a capitalist in the 1830s and 1840s and they've just abolished slavery and you want cheap labour, so you scratch your head and you say, 'Well, how can I get cheap labour?'. He says the indenture system has often been called "a new form of slavery". Those who chose to leave the islands signed three-year indenture agreements, explains University of Queensland historian Professor Clive Moore, but few knew what awaited them in Australia. The practice, known as blackbirding, was sanctioned by various Queensland laws from the mid-1860s to 1904. Several members of parliament grew wealthy through this system. At least 50,000 people, mostly men, from 80 Melanesian islands were brought by boat to work in Australia's agriculture, maritime and sugar industries. Some went voluntarily but many were coerced or kidnapped. Their wages were less than a third of other workers. He was kidnapped in the late 1800s, she says, and taken to Bundaberg, in north Queensland, where he was put to work in the cane fields. Those who remained were subject to racial discrimination and embarked on a long journey to carve out their own place in Australian society. Ultimately, around 5000 workers were forcibly deported. In a cruel twist of fate, their deportations were funded by the wages of deceased South Sea Islanders, whose estates were controlled by the government. When the White Australia policy was enacted in 1901, the government ordered the mass deportation of all South Sea Islander people, sparking outrage among those who had built lives on the mainland and wished to stay. "The mortality figures are horrific," he says. "The government must have known and yet it did absolutely nothing to try to stop it." Moore estimates 15,000 South Sea Islander people around a third of the workforce died from common diseases during their first year in Australia due to low immunity levels. It could be argued that what happened to South Sea Islander workers was a precursor to the systematic wage controls imposed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups from around the 1890s, notably in the pearling and cattle industries. In the late 19th century, every mainland state and the Northern Territory enacted laws, known as the protection acts, to control the lives of Indigenous people. Prior to this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers were routinely exploited. Historian Dr Ros Kidd says there is evidence that women were used as sex slaves, children were kidnapped and Aboriginal stockmen were encouraged to form opium addictions to make them reliant on their employers, who supplied the drug. Kidd says the protection acts were largely introduced to ensure industries remained profitable rather than to protect the welfare of Indigenous people. "Part of the problem, as the authorities saw it, was the rise of inter-racial children and the fact that we, as the whites, needed to assert some authority and regulation over all of this," she says. Under the protection acts, most Aboriginal people were removed from their homelands and forced to live on missions or reserves run by the church or government, respectively. Some South Sea Islander people were subjected to the same controls. Aboriginal people were forbidden from speaking their native languages or practising their cultures, and children were separated from their families and placed in dormitories. Employment laws varied from state to state but, for the most part, the wages of Aboriginal people were diverted to government-managed trust funds, while local protectors managed the residue as legal trustees. Official documents reveal protectors habitually defrauded Aboriginal workers for much of the 20th century. For most Queensland workers, the minimum monthly wage was set at five shillings (around $24), less than one-eighth of the non-Indigenous wage. Sometimes, the worker would receive a small portion of that amount as pocket money but, in many cases, they received nothing. Workers could, in theory, withdraw from their trust account for necessities but only with permission from the local protector. Requests were often refused, or workers were falsely told they had no money. Roy Savo, right, with another stockman. Roy Savo is a former stockman who spent a decade working on Queensland cattle stations from the age of 13. He says he didn't see physical money until he was almost 20. "When we wanted to go to the shop, they'd just write us a note and say, 'Take that to the shop'," he says. "That's how we got through life." The 80-year-old says the bosses would not call the Aboriginal workers by their names, referring to them only as "boy". "They made you feel so low. When I think back, we were just no one, nothing. We had no chance against the white people, they just ruled our lives. We were one step from being an animal. In some places you were told to sit out and eat with the animals anyway, out in the wood heap." When he was about 19, Savo ran away from his "job". Dodging authorities, he continued to work at various cattle stations and railways across far north Queensland and the Torres Strait, before meeting his wife and starting a family in Silkwood, south of Cairns. In Western Australia, most employers weren't legally required to pay Aboriginal workers at all until the 1940s, so long as they provided rations, clothing and blankets. Many workers in the Northern Territory died from starvation in the 1920s and '30s due to poor rations, records show. One anthropologist reported that on one station, only 10 children survived from 51 births during a five-year period. The government declined to intervene. The chief protector in the Northern Territory said in 1927 that Aboriginal pastoral workers were "kept in a servitude that is nothing short of slavery". Those who absconded from a work contract could be whipped, jailed or arrested and brought back in chains. Aboriginal children were routinely indentured to work, with boys sent to farms and pastoral stations and girls to domestic service for non-Indigenous families. Their wages were supposed to be administered similarly to the adults' but there was little to no regulation to ensure employers complied with the law. Protectors themselves described Queensland's Aboriginal wage system as a "farce" in the 1940s, says Kidd, with workers "entirely at the mercy of employers who simply doctored the books". She notes the broad lack of oversight prompted one protector in the Northern Territory to remark: "I think it is about time that slavery is put a stop to among the natives of Australia." South Sea Islander women planting sugar cane by hand at Bingera, Queensland, about 1897. Credit:State Library of Queensland When did this kind of slavery end? The protection acts were gradually amended and replaced throughout the second half of the 20th century but some controls endured until at least 1972 the year Gough Whitlam was elected prime minister. And yet when the laws were repealed, the money held in trust was never returned to Aboriginal workers. The unpaid funds have become known as the stolen wages. In Queensland, Aboriginal trust funds were used to cover government revenue shortfalls. Millions were spent on regional hospitals. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were used to facilitate the forcible removal of Aboriginal families from their traditional lands. In today's money, Kidd conservatively estimates the missing or misappropriated funds to total $500 million in Queensland alone. "The government made a lot of money exploiting the savings accounts for its own profit," she says. "This is while people were starving and dying in need of these payments." People lining up for flour rations at the Barambah Aboriginal Settlement (now known as Cherbourg) in Queensland in 1911. Credit:State Library of Queensland For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been fighting to get that money back. In Queensland, thousands joined a class action to sue the government. In 2019, the state government agreed to a landmark $190 million settlement. It was the largest settlement for Indigenous people outside native title and the fifth-largest class action settlement in Australian history. But it was less than half what the workers were owed and by the time the settlement was reached, more than half of the claimants had died. Similar class actions are being investigated in NSW and the NT while one has been launched in WA. Australian South Sea Islanders are also fighting for reparations for an estimated $38 million in misspent wages of deceased workers. A year after Queensland's class action was settled, Roy Savo still doesn't know when, or how much, he will be paid for a decade's hard labour. He fears it will be much less than he had hoped. "I wanted to buy a home," he says. "But looking at what I'm going to get now, I'm thinking it would be better putting it into some trust or something for my funeral. I come in with nothing, go out with nothing, I suppose." South Sea Islander labourers hoeing a field, Herbert River, Queensland, c. 1902. Credit:SLQ What is the legacy of slavery in Australia? As fate would have it, Emelda Davis' housing unit in the inner-Sydney suburb of Pyrmont looks out to the refinery where the raw sugar harvested by South Sea Islanders was once processed. It's widely acknowledged much of Australia's wealth across the sugar, pastoral and maritime industries was built on the backs of Indigenous and South Sea Islander labour. "The contribution of the 60-odd thousand [South Sea Islanders], coupled with our First Nations families, is quite significant in establishing what we call today the lucky country," Davis says. "Our legacy is what people are thriving off today." At the Redcliffe Hospital, north of Brisbane, there is a plaque to acknowledge that it was built, in part, with a $1.7 million loan from Aboriginal trust funds in the 1960s. Similar plaques have been installed across Queensland, at the recommendation of a 2016 taskforce, to recognise the labour and financial contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Yet many within these communities still live in poverty. Disparities in health, education and employment between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are well documented. Ros Kidd says this disadvantage is "inextricably linked" with historical practices. She says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were excluded from the capitalist society. "They trapped people in what I would call engineered disadvantage because it didn't happen by coincidence, it didn't happen through an unfortunate set of circumstances. All of these conditions and this poverty was specific government policy and practice." Australian South Sea Islanders, too, have inherited generations of trauma and disadvantage. The community was officially recognised as a distinct cultural group in 1994, but without targeted policies Davis says they often "fall through the cracks", missing out on support programs tailored for Indigenous Australians. "We're at a point where it's completely desperate. There's no hope in looking to our government for anything. It's just constant hoop-jumping and lining up against everybody else in the queues for rations," she says. The legacy of trauma is also felt in the Pacific Islands. On a beach in Vanuatu, there's a spot called Howling Rock, where mothers would mourn their husbands and children who disappeared. There are songs, passed through the generations, warning not to go to certain beaches for risk of being taken. But new generations in Australia have inherited something else from their ancestors, too: strength. Queensland artist Dylan Mooney, 24, has Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander heritage. His paternal great-great-grandparents were blackbirded from Vanuatu. His great-great-grandfather worked on sugar plantations in northern NSW while his great-great-grandmother, Fanny Togo, was sold as a house servant in Sydney. Mooney says knowing what his ancestors went through has only strengthened his sense of identity and pride. "I carry that with me every day that strength, that resilience, that story of survival." Carlsbads airport could get a longer runway and other improvements under a master plan approved Wednesday by San Diego County supervisors after four years of studies, planning and community meetings. A group of North County residents strongly opposed the update of the McClellan-Palomar Master Plan, raising concerns that the proposed changes would increase noise, traffic and pollution. However, community and business leaders, along with county planners, said the changes are needed to safely accommodate the areas increasing population, growing economy and advances in aviation technology. Palomar airport is an extremely important asset to the entire county of San Diego, said Supervisor Bill Horn. Advertisement An economic analysis done for the plan showed that by 2030 the airport will support more than 4,600 jobs in the area, with an estimated $560.8 million in business revenue, $155.2 million in personal income, and $33.4 million in state and local tax revenue. The board voted 4-0 for the plan. Board chairman Kristin Gaspar excused herself from the discussion and the vote to avoid a possible conflict of interest because her family owns a business near the airport. The airport is owned and operated by the county at Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real in Carlsbad. The total number of annual flights there peaked in 1999 with nearly 300,000 takeoffs and landings. The number dropped to less than half that by 2007 with declines in the economy, tourism and domestic travel, before leveling off. For nearly 20 years, the airport has been transitioning from mostly private, single-engine planes to larger corporate and commercial aircraft. The newer planes are quieter, have longer wingspans, and land or take off at higher speeds. The larger aircraft need a longer runway and more space between the runway and the airports parallel taxiway. Ive always wanted the runway lengthened, said Horn, who added that he got his own pilots license when he was 14 years old. The longer runway also would allow aircraft to take off carrying more fuel, so they could travel greater distances without stopping. The airport master plan provides a framework for the development of the airport over the next 20 years. It replaces a previous plan completed in 1997. The D-III alternative supported by the supervisors Wednesday will eventually shift the airports only runway and its taxiway to the north, provide a greater separation between the two, and allow the runway to be extended by as much as 800 feet. It also allows the installation of safety systems that can stop aircraft in an emergency at both ends of the runway, similar to the run-away truck ramps at the bottom of steep grades. Advertisement Other options presented to the board included no runway extension, up to 200 feet, or up to 900 feet. Any runway extension remains years in the future. Nothing in the master plan commits the county to building any of the improvements, and so far the county has no money to pay for any of them. However, approval of the updated master plan allows the county to apply for grants and loans from the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies that would pay for the projects. Speakers in support of the plan Wednesday included Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ted Owen, Visa Chamber of Commerce CEO Bret Schanzenbach, Palomar Airport Advisory Committee Chairman Chuck Collins, and California Pacific Airlines President and CEO Paul Hook, who said his company plans to begin commercial service at the airport Nov. 1. Advertisement The airport is one of the largest employers in Carlsbad, Owen said. It reduces travel times for business people, and provides more flight choices for everyone in North County. Residents opposed to the plan have argued that any extension of the runway is an expansion of the airport, which would require the approval of Carlsbad voters. However, county officials and an independent legal consultant hired by the Carlsbad City Council disagreed, saying there is no expansion as long as the airport stays within its present boundaries. We oppose lengthening or moving the runway and any improvements that would make the airport more attractive to larger aircraft, Carlsbad resident Hope Nelson told the supervisors. She said the countys economic analysis is flawed because it fails to note that many of the expected economic benefits already exist. Advertisement Others said the runway extension would require building over a former landfill that releases methane and poses other environmental hazards. Additional environmental studies and approvals will be required before any of the improvement projects can proceed. Advertisement philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl It's not like Japan invented the TV, right? But they made them smaller and so thin that you can now slip one under the toilet door while it's showing all the messed-up scenes from the original The Witches to literally scare the crap out of your dad. It's like that with Robin Hood. Japan wasn't the first country to come up with a folktale about an outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor, but when they created their own version of it, they made sure to make it ten times better than anything England ever churned out. Then, to prove it wasn't a fluke, they did it again, giving us two crazy awesome Japanese Robin Hoods. These are their stories ... Ishikawa Goemon 1. His Origin Is Basically "Batman on Steroids" There are more retellings of the story of Ishikawa Goemon (1558 1594) than the number of dick diseases the Merry Men collectively must have had, though most are about as bloody. In most versions, Goemon was born to a high-ish ranking samurai family and lost his parents at 15 when they fell out of favor with the ruling government and were killed. Fleeing his home, he sought to learn the art of ninjutsu from legendary ninja master Sandayu Momochi. His training was apparently going well until, that is, he started practicing the art of disappearing his penis inside Sandayu's mistress' vagina. It's actually kind of refreshing that even in the midst of a revenge-fueled superhero training, Goemon still found the time to take a break and relax. It's called self-care, sweeties. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Unfortunately, his master did not see it that way and expelled Goemon, who also stole Sandayu's prized sword on his way out. And judging by how Goemon is depicted in most media, he probably took the sword off the wall in plain view of his master and walked out the door while maintaining eye contact with him. See, although Goemon is sometimes described as a sleek ninja figure, most sources portray him as an absolute unit, a towering, hulking giant with an afro to boot. We're just going to assume that there's already an anime out there where Goemon pulls out various ninja implements like shuriken etc. out of his hairdo. There just has to be. Anyway, after going freelance, Goemon started robbing the rich and giving to the poor, but it's the way he did it that's made him a total legend. Continue Reading Below Advertisement 2. Ishikawa Goemon Straight Up Had Magic Powers Robin Hood's legend is about 700 years old, and in all that time, the most the character ever did was become a slightly worse version of Hawkeye. Now let's look at Japan. History is like 95% sure that Ishikawa Goemon was a real person but, being the massive nerd that it is, history also reminds everyone that, at most, Goemon was a leader of a group of thieves and burglars who may have once or twice thrown money behind them as a distraction while running from the authorities. This most likely evolved over time into the legend of a noble outlaw who shared the spoils of his thieving with the peasants, instead of the much more realistic version of him and his men spending it all at local brothels. But screw reality. Reality blows. Reality killed all of our childhood dogs instead of letting them live on that nice farm upstate. Which is why Japan decided not to be burdened with reality when building up the legend of Ishikawa Goemon. Continue Reading Below Advertisement First of all, he can fly. Yup. He can just float in the air on a cloud of his own awesomeness. It's how he was able to get into so many well-guarded rich-guy mansions. What else? Oh, nothing, just little things like being able to teleport magically from one place to another in a puff of smoke (remember, ninja). Then again, why would he need to teleport when he could also turn invisible? Edo (old-timey Tokyo) probably started the whole magic bit, attributing nearly every crime committed against the rich and powerful to Goemon. Essentially, whenever someone who never had sleep for dinner as much as slipped in their own homes, the authorities would immediately charge Goemon with aggravated secret floor waxing. With time, that really revved up people's imagination, and they started immortalizing Goemon's superhuman exploits in stage plays, etc. Well, actually, what really got them going was how Goemon died. Convicted killer Michael Antonio White was sentenced to life in prison in 2003 White, now aged in his 50s, shot his victim six times in a drug deal gone wrong He has since received 93,555 in aid to fund his legal team including cost of trial Another three killers successfully deported received further 237k in legal aid A convicted murderer who dodged deportation to Jamaica with a last-minute appeal has been awarded 93,000 in legal aid, it can be disclosed. Michael Antonio White was taken off a Home Office flight last month after his lawyers submitted new claims shortly before take-off. ADVERTISEMENT Now in his 50s, he was sentenced to life in prison in 2003 after shooting his victim six times in a drug deal gone wrong. Since his crime he has received 93,555 to fund his legal team, including the cost of his trial. But data released by the Legal Aid Agency shows he received money right up until last year, when he was engaged in an immigration case fighting deportation. It is not known how the spending was broken down. Another three Jamaican killers who were successfully deported on the flight last month received a further 237,000 in legal aid, mainly for their criminal trials. Convicted killer Michael Antonio White, who was removed off a Home Office flight last month, received 93,555 in legal aid it has been revealed. Pictured: Anti-deportation protesters Fitzroy Daley, 44, was jailed for ten years for manslaughter after stabbing a man to death with a six-inch kitchen knife in a row outside a pub in 2012. He received 35,491 to hire lawyers between 2008 and 2018, figures show. Daley was initially due to be deported to Jamaica in February last year, but it was blocked by last-minute legal challenges. Murderer Paul Bingham, also from Jamaica, received 110,357 in legal funding at the taxpayers expense for his criminal trial between 2002 and 2004. Click here to resize this module The 49-year-old and his accomplice Ricardo Forbes were sent back to Jamaica last month nearly 18 years after being convicted of a brutal killing. The career criminals shot crack cocaine dealer Harrington Jack at point-blank range. The pair went to his flat in Tottenham, north London, to try to steal his drugs in 2002. They ordered him to turn out his pockets, and shot him in the chest when he refused. Another Jamaican three killers successfully deported received further 237k in legal aid Bingham was ordered to serve life with a minimum term of 18 years and ten months. Forbes, 52, was handed life with a minimum 16-year tariff. The legal aid bill for his trial ran to 91,986. It means in total the four killers legal aid bills ran to more than 331,000. ADVERTISEMENT The legal challenge, which saw White and 22 other criminals avoid deportation last month, was backed by Labour MPs and a host of celebrities among them model Naomi Campbell and actresses Thandie Newton and Naomie Harris. All the legal aid sums are paid direct to barristers and solicitors, and not to the offenders. All the figures include VAT and other expenditure such as disbursements for example, fees to expert witnesses. The total particularly the recent sums awarded to gunman White will raise new questions about the operation of the legal aid system. White was taken off flight after his lawyers submitted new claims shortly before take-off. Last month the Mail revealed how of millions of pounds of taxpayers money has been wrongly spent on legal aid, with huge sums of public cash siphoned off by dodgy lawyers and their clients. The Legal Aid Agency, which controls legal aid payments, wasted up to 20million on unjustified handouts last year, according to its own estimates. One law firm was paid an astonishing 793,000 in error, and went into liquidation before the mistake was finally uncovered. Another law firm is being investigated for fraud after concocting spurious legal aid claims totalling nearly 100,000. The activity was uncovered by the LAAs anti-corruption unit, and led to it writing off 6million in bad debts. Tory MP Natalie Elphicke said the shocking waste raised serious questions about how the 1.76billion annual legal aid budget is spent. ADVERTISEMENT A Legal Aid Agency spokesman said: These criminals did not receive a penny it went to lawyers who ensured justice was served so they could ultimately be imprisoned for their crimes. A new command centre aimed at catching people smugglers ferrying migrants across the English Channel has been set up by Priti Patel. The high-tech centre, which will be situated at a secret location in Dover, Kent, will see the British authorities collaborate with law enforcement in Calais to carry out increased air, land and sea surveillance. The command headquarters will be led by the government's small boats commander Dan O'Mahoney who was appointed to collaborate with the French to tackle Channel crossings in August last year. The move comes after 20 migrants were brought ashore in Dover this morning after being picked up on small boats by Border Force along the English Channel in two separate incidents, the Home Office said. The migrants, who made the treacherous journey along the Channel as temperatures plunged to a freezing -2C, were seen wrapped in blankets and wearing life jackets as they disembarked their lifeboats. Priti Patel has set up a new command hub in Dover to carry out increased air, land and sea surveillance across the English Channel The command centre, which will see the British authorities collaborate with law enforcement in Calais, will be led by the government's small boats commander Dan O'Mahoney (left with the Home Secretary) Migrants arrive in Dover today after being rescued by Border Force officials along the English Channel Speaking about the new centre Mr O'Mahoney said: 'Significant steps were taken last year, including increased surveillance and more patrols on beaches, which have made crossing the Channel in this dangerous and unnecessary way harder than ever. 'Improved intelligence sharing has meant that the French prevented more than 6,000 attempts last year, but we know that more needs to be done. 'By setting up the new command cell we are making the UK's and French law enforcement response more agile than it has ever been. 'It will ensure we have the right capability in the right place at the right time to stop boats from leaving French beaches and to deal with people who do make it into the water, protecting lives and bringing the criminals responsible to justice.' The move, which forms part of an enhanced Government operation under the codename Altair, comes as figures revealed that 8,417 migrants made the treacherous journey on small boats and dinghies to reach the UK's shores in 2020. Earlier today, migrants were rescued by Border Force officials in Dover after making their perilous journey across the Channel in freezing temperatures. Another 12 individuals and two further boats with 14 people onboard were stopped by French authorities before arriving to the UK. The scenes came just a day after Border Force officers detained 103 migrants including women and children who crossed the English Channel in small boats in thick freezing frog. Six boats were intercepted in the Channel by Border Force patrol boats and brought into the harbour at Dover through the day on Saturday amid low visibility and plummeting temperatures. A Border Force team escort the migrants ashore after they are rescued along the English Channel this morning A migrant wears a life jacket as they are brought ashore by officials in Dover, Kent, on Sunday morning A group of migrants are brought ashore by Border Force Officials in Dover after they are spotted along the English Channel The Home Office said 20 migrants arrived in Dover after being rescued by teams in two separate incidents Migrants are brought ashore by Border Force officials after making the dangerous crossing this morning Figures revealed that 8,417 migrants made the treacherous journey on small boats and dinghies to reach the UK's shores in 2020. Pictured: Rescue teams bring a group of migrants ashore on Dover A lifeboat carries a group of migrants in life jackets to the shore in Dover today A migrant is escorted by a Border Force official after disembarking a lifeboat this morning Yesterday lifeboats were launched to rescue up to 35 migrants from one boat near the Sussex coast, which was believed to have been carrying children and five injured people. Teams of coastguards and RNLI Lifeboats from Eastbourne and Newhaven, as well as Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teams were called to the rescue mission at around 12:45pm. They received reports of a vessel 'with approximately 30 people on board' in difficulty about 23 miles south of Beachy Head. HM Coastguard confirmed yesterday to the BBC that it was 'coordinating a search and rescue response' after receiving a report that the 'with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty'. The organisation said it was 'concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities'. Emergency service teams - including lifeguards and police offers - were seen helping people ashore, including children wrapped in blankets being carried to safety. Sussex Police told The Argus that Border Force were at the scene, and several people have been detained. Rescue teams pick up migrants making the treacherous journey along the English Channel The migrants arrive in Dover after being picked up on small boats by Border Force Migrants arrive at the Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne, East Sussex on Saturday, after a rescue operation was launched to save a boat 'in difficulty' Emergency services received reports of a vessel 'with approximately 30 people on board' in difficulty about 23 miles south of Beachy Head. Pictured: A person is helped ashore Pictured: A young migrant is carried by police officer. Teams of coastguards and RNLI Lifeboats from Eastbourne and Newhaven, as well as Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teamswere called to the rescue mission at around 12:45pm In its full statement to the MailOnline, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency said: 'HM Coastguard has been coordinating a search and rescue response to an incident 23 miles south of Beachy Head. 'A report was received just after midday that a vessel with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty. We sent Eastbourne and Newhaven RNLI lifeboats, and Bexhill, Eastbourne and Langdon Battery Coastguard Rescue Teams. 'HM Coastguard is only concerned with preservation of life, rescuing those in trouble and bringing them safely back to shore, where they will be handed over to the relevant partner emergency services or authorities.' Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts Chris Philp said: 'People should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach and not risk their lives making a dangerous and illegally-facilitated crossing. 'The Government has taken substantial steps to tackle this unacceptable problem of illegal migration. These efforts have contributed to a 70 per cent reduction in crossings since September on fair-weather days, by direct intervention on the French beaches. 'This means that we have been able to change the patterns of crossings that resulted in a surge of small boat activity 2018 and 2019. 'Post EU exit, this Government will work to fix the broken asylum system. Legislative changes to the law are being made to enable cases to be treated as inadmissible if they have travelled through a safe country. Pictured: Two young migrants are escorted by lifeguards after disembarking a lifeboat 35 migrants arrived including 5 who were injured. It comes after the first migrants crossed The Channel last week after the UK's exit from the EU Though Britain's new trade deal came into force on January 1, and new laws on asylum seekers along with it, the rules remain largely the same for those attempting the crossing HM Coastguard confirmed earlier today to the BBC that it was 'coordinating a search and rescue response' after receiving a report that the 'with approximately 30 people on board was in difficulty'. Pictured: An officer carries a person to shore One boat carrying around 10 people was intercepted and brought into Dover Marina, Kent, shortly before 5am on January 2. Pictured: Emergency workers escort young migrants 'The Government will continue to seek to return those with no legal right to remain in the UK.' On January 2, one boat carrying around ten people was intercepted and brought into Dover Marina, Kent shortly before 5am. Border Force towed the blue and white rigid hulled inflatable boat into the harbour before escorting the migrants up the gangway to be assessed. The men, wearing face masks, red lifejackets and wrapped in white blankets for warmth, appeared to be shivering from the bitter -1C temperature. Figures show a record 8,410 migrants made the treacherous Channel crossing by small boat last year - four times more than the 1,850 who made the journey in the whole of 2019. Pictured: A lifeguard helps a young migrant down a flight of steps off a lifeboat on Saturday Home Secretary Priti Patel signed a new deal with France at the end of November, after 757 people crossed, in an attempt to prevent crossings from disembarking from their shores A total of 211 people made it to UK shores in December following 33 arriving on New Year's Eve. September 2 saw the most migrants arrive in a single day ever as a record 416 made the dangerous journey on 28 boats. Though Britain's new trade deal came into force on January 1, and new laws on asylum seekers along with it, the rules remain largely the same for those attempting the crossing. Britain has said it will no longer accept asylum claims at sea, paving a way for those crossing The Channel to be returned to France. But the UK will not be permitted to do that until an agreement with France is reached. As Sunday evening approaches, don't let the panic over home schooling taking hold. Muinteoir Cliona, Muinteoir Ray, and Muinteoir John are all back on TV from this coming week to help you out. Home School Hub first aired in March 2020 to help parents out and it was a hit. Not only could us parents get to enjoy a few minutes of me-time or even get to catch up on work or chores. And all without the guilt of having the kids mindlessly watching TV. At least with this show, you felt like they were actually learning something. And just like back in spring, teachers, Muinteoir Cliona, Muinteoir Ray, and Muinteoir John, as well as many special guests, will be on hand to keep children engaged, and help teach them core curriculum in a fun and interesting way. From Monday, January 11th, Home School Hub will return to Irish screens for two hours every weekday, running from 10am to 12pm. As well as this, RTE will also air the After School Hub programme from 3.20pm until 4.20pm every weekday afternoon. Watch: Leitrim family in new Aldi TV Advert WASHINGTON When Simon & Schuster canceled its plans this week to publish Sen. Josh Hawleys book, he called the action a direct assault on the First Amendment. And when Twitter permanently banned President Donald Trumps account Friday, his family and his supporters said similar things. We are living Orwells 1984, Donald Trump Jr. said on Twitter. Free-speech no longer exists in America. The companies decisions may have been unwise, scholars who study the First Amendment said, but they were perfectly lawful. That is because the First Amendment prohibits government censorship and does not apply to decisions made by private businesses. It is certainly possible to violate the values embodied in the First Amendment without violating the First Amendment itself. But the basic legal question could hardly be more straightforward, said RonNell Andersen Jones, a law professor at the University of Utah. And, she said, it should not have been lost on Hawley, who graduated from Yale Law School and served as a law clerk to Chief Justice John Roberts. Its become popular even among those who plainly know better to label all matters restricting anyones speech as a First Amendment issue, she said. But the First Amendment limits only government actors, and neither a social media company nor a book publisher is the government. Indeed, they enjoy their own First Amendment rights not to have the government require them to associate with speech when they prefer not to do so. But many in the legal community were nonetheless uneasy about the developments, which underscored the enormous power of a handful of social media companies that are largely insulated from accountability and may change positions on what speech is acceptable as executives come and go. I want a wide range of ideas, even those I loathe, to be heard, and I think Twitter especially holds a concerning degree of power over public discourse, said Gregory Magarian, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis. But Magarian said the president and Hawley were in particularly poor positions to complain. The First Amendment doesnt require any private forum to publish anyones speech, he said. Neither Twitter nor Simon & Schuster has any obligations under the First Amendment. He added: Any suggestion that people like Trump and Hawley, and the viewpoints they espouse, will ever lack meaningful access to public attention is ludicrous. We should worry about private power over speech, but presidents and senators are the last speakers we need to worry about. The American Civil Liberties Union, too, said the free-speech interests involved in suspending Trumps Twitter account were complicated. We understand the desire to permanently suspend him now, but it should concern everyone when companies like Facebook and Twitter wield the unchecked power to remove people from platforms that have become indispensable for the speech of billions, said Kate Ruane, an ACLU lawyer. President Trump can turn to his press team or Fox News to communicate with the public, but others like the many Black, brown and LGBTQ activists who have been censored by social media companies will not have that luxury. Hawleys book, titled The Tyranny of Big Tech, was to have been published in June. In canceling it, Simon & Schuster said that it will always be our mission to amplify a variety of voices and viewpoints but that Hawley had crossed a line in light of the disturbing, deadly insurrection that took place on Wednesday in Washington. We take seriously our larger public responsibility as citizens, the company said, and cannot support Sen. Hawley after his role in what became a dangerous threat to our democracy and freedom. The publisher was free to make that decision, legal experts said, but that does not mean it was the right one. As it happens, the Supreme Court may decide as soon as Monday whether to hear a case about Trumps Twitter account, one that nicely illustrates some of the distinctions raised by the recent developments. Lower courts have ruled that Trump violated the First Amendment by blocking users from his account. Since Trump is a government official who used the account to conduct official business, a unanimous three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, in New York, ruled in 2019 that the account was a public forum from which he was powerless to exclude people based on their viewpoints. We conclude that the evidence of the official nature of the account is overwhelming, Judge Barrington Parker wrote for the court. We also conclude that once the president has chosen a platform and opened up its interactive space to millions of users and participants, he may not selectively exclude those whose views he disagrees with. Had the account been private, Parker wrote, Trump could have blocked whomever he wanted for instance, the user who observed that the same guy who doesnt proofread his Twitter handles the nuclear button. But since he used the account in his official role as a government official, he was subject to the First Amendment, which prohibits discrimination based on viewpoints. Jameel Jaffer, executive director at the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, which sued Trump over his handling of his account, explained the distinction. We sued the president, not Twitter, and this makes all the difference, legally, he said. Government actors have to comply with the First Amendment, but private corporations dont. As a result, Jaffer said, the president cant block people from his social media accounts based on their political views, but Twitter can ban people from its platform for pretty much whatever reasons it wants to. Reasonable people can disagree about whether Twitter was right to ban Trump, but theres no question it was legally entitled to do it. Internet platforms should voluntarily embrace First Amendment values, he said, and generally allow citizens to assess the statements of politicians for themselves. But there are limits, he said, and incitement to violence is among them. To take an account down in these circumstances is not an affront to free speech, as some have suggested, Jaffer said. To the contrary, its the responsible exercise of a First Amendment right. Twitters permanent suspension of Trump may make the pending case moot, leaving Supreme Court jurisprudence in this area a work in progress. In 2017, for instance, the court considered the constitutionality of a North Carolina law that barred registered sex offenders from using Facebook, Twitter and similar services in Packingham v. North Carolina. When the case was argued, the justices discussed just how thoroughly social media had transformed American civic discourse. Justice Elena Kagan said that Trump, every governor and every member of Congress had Twitter accounts. So this has become a crucially important channel of political communication, she said. And a person couldnt go onto those sites and find out what these members of our government are thinking or saying or doing. Justice Samuel Alito said, a little incredulously, I know there are people who think that life is not possible without Twitter and Facebook. In the end, the court unanimously struck down the law, though the justices could not agree on a rationale. Writing for the majority in his characteristically cryptic manner, Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired in 2018, said the internet was poised to transform First Amendment jurisprudence. While we now may be coming to the realization that the cyberage is a revolution of historic proportions, we cannot appreciate yet its full dimensions and vast potential to alter how we think, express ourselves and define who we want to be, he wrote. The forces and directions of the internet are so new, so protean and so far-reaching that courts must be conscious that what they say today might be obsolete tomorrow. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 04:46:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A man receives a COVID-19 vaccine at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, southern France, on Jan. 9, 2021. France on Saturday reported 20,177 new COVID-19 cases, bringing its accumulative tally to 2,767,312, according to the country's health authorities. (Photo by Serge Haouzi/Xinhua) PARIS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- France on Saturday reported 20,177 new COVID-19 cases, bringing its accumulative tally to 2,767,312, according to the country's health authorities. The COVID-19 death toll in the country rose by 168 in the past day to 67,599, the third highest in Europe after Britain and Italy, and the seventh in the world, showed data posted on the government's website on epidemic indicators. As of Saturday, a total of 24,273 COVID-19 patients remain hospitalized, down by 137 from the previous day, while 2,609 patients are in intensive care, 6 fewer than Friday's figure. Meanwhile, 21 cases of the coronavirus variant first detected in Britain were identified in a family cluster in the southern department of Bouches-du-Rhone, the region's prefecture announced earlier in the day. In a bid to contain the virus resurgence, local authorities imposed a curfew at 6 p.m., two hours earlier than a night-time ban already in force across French cities since mid-December. France has so far reported 40 cases of the highly contagious coronavirus variant first found in Britain and three cases of the variant found in South Africa. Health Minister Olivier Veran on Thursday said he was taking the threat of these two variants "very seriously," pledging to take all necessary measures "to avoid at all cost the spread of these variants in France." 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 But the Italians made their contribution to the war efforts of the Axis as well. As a nation known to have been involved with making cars pretty much since cars started being made, the country must have felt its a matter of national pride to make its own aerial fighters.The Fiat G.55 Centauro was perhaps the best they had in this respect. Introduced in 1943, after being benchmarked against the Messerschmitt Bf 109 , the plane (of which under 300 examples were ever made in several variants, making it one of the rarest such machines around) served with the Italian Regia Aeronautica, but it would also end up being deployed by the Argentine and Egyptian Air Forces. It faced off over serious opponents, including the British Spitfire or the American Mustang.The Centauro shown here is of the G.59 variety made in 1950, meaning instead of the stock engine fitted inside these planes, Daimler-made ones, it uses a Rolls-Royce powerplant. Centauro planes, obviously, started being converted this way after the war ended, in 1948 to be precise.There is no info on whether this particular Centauro saw any action during the war, but we do know it was restored and started flying again in 1992. Apparently one of just two of its kind to still be airworthy, the Centauro is for sale for 1.05 million euros, which would be close to $1.3 million at todays exchange rates. Columbia, MO (65201) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread and possibly severe this afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 51F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Renowned Egyptian actor Hadi El-Gayar has passed away early Sunday at the age of 71 at a quarantine hospital in Cairo, due to escalations of his late sustaining of the coronavirus. "Egyptian artists are giving reconciliation for the loss of the big actor," reads a statement issued by the actors' syndicate during the early hours of 10 January. Amid cautious safety measures, Hadi El-Gayar's family members are finalizing the funeral ceremony at their cemetery west Cairo this afternoon. Many artists, fans and entities, have emotionally written their reconciliations through various social media platforms with the upmost appraisal of his personality. Born on 15 October 1949, Hadi El-Gayar made fame early being among the five students of the 70s classic 'Madraset El-Moshaghebien', one of the most popular Egyptian comedies of all time, that boosted his five-decade fruitful career. With memorable appearances in over 200 films, plays, radio and TV series Hadi El-Gayar collaborated with the majority of the first-class crew of various generations with an outstanding success in TV. To name but a few; Hadi El-Gayar's TV works includes from Naguib Mahfouz's trilogy, 'El-Raya El-Beidah', 'Ana Wenta W Baba Fi El-Meshmesh', 'El-Maal W Al-Banoon, 'El-Seriah El-Hilaleya' and 'Al-Doo' El-Shared', to 'El-Malek Farouk', 'Selsal El-Damm', 'Weld El-Ghalaba' and 'Kafr Delhab', in addition to his latest featuring his old buddy Adel Emam in 'Valentino' and 'Awalem Khafiah'. Egypt reported 989 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, the first drop below the 1,000-case threshold since 24 December, according to a statement by the country's health ministry. 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 Short link: Charleston, WV (25301) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Big players in the steel and cement industry are indulging in cartelisation to jack-up prices, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has said, pitching to place a regulator for the sectors. It will be difficult to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of making India a $5 trillion economy if the steel and cement prices keep going up, Gadkari said, pointing out the target of investing Rs 111 lakh crore on infrastructure projects in the next five years to aid the economy. It can be noted that allegations of such cartelisation have been made in the past as well, especially by the real estate industry, which is impacted through higher input prices because of it. "Regarding steel and cement, this is really a problem for all of us... Actually, I feel this is a cartel by some big people are doing in cement and steel," Gadkari said while speaking at a virtual event organised by the Builders Association of India on Saturday. The minister said he has discussed the issue with the Prime Minister and had a lengthy discussion on it with the Principal Secretary in the PMO as well. Stating that all the players in the steel industry have their own iron ore mines, and do not have to face any hikes in labour or power rates, he wondered how the steel industry has been hiking prices. He said the cement industry is exploiting the situation by hiking up the prices, and underlined that the stance of both the industries is not in the national interest, given the infrastructure spends lined up. "We are in the process of finding out the solution for that. Your (BAI's) one of the recommendations is for a regulator for steel and cement, which is also a good suggestion. I will look into it," Gadkari said. The minister, however, conceded that having a regulator is not in his hands and promised to speak with the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister to get the proposal moving. "...It is also one of the important issues where I am also very much worried about," he reiterated. As per an official statement, BAI also requested for a mechanism for the early release of bills against the government contracts, streamlining in GST implementation, and royalty payment to be taken care by the state governments during the meeting with the minister. Also read: Sobha reports 29% rise in sales bookings in Oct-Dec 2020 due to festive season Also read: FMCG firms mull price hike to manage pressure on raw material inputs Covid-19, we are told, may have destroyed New York City as we knew it, but for many, the city was destroyed 25 years ago when, in response to impending bankruptcy, it was turned into a tourist theme park with an M&M store at its heart. Mayor Giuliani's '90s clean-up of the city may have removed the fleapit porno cinemas and streetwalkers from Times Square, but in doing so the city's febrile atmosphere was also sanitised and muted, and the writers and eccentrics who made Manhattan an artistic Mecca were made strangers in their own stomping ground. In the midst of this regrettable transformation, Fran Lebowitz has been a doughty survivor, a gangster relic from the days of Warhol's factory and a living emblem of New York as it used to be. Perhaps for this reason she has been a subject of particular fascination for that great chronicler of the city and of gangsters - Martin Scorsese. He has already made one film about her - 2010's Public Speaking - and this coming week Netflix premieres a new piece by him on the writer, the aptly titled Pretend It's A City. It's easy to see why Lebowitz makes such an irresistible subject for the great filmmaker, for she is a writer who barely writes, whose bon mots need an audience, and a camera. In the late 1970s she was a bold streak of colour across the cultural sky. She wrote two bestselling commentaries on life in New York, Metropolitan Life (1978) and Social Studies (1981) which bristled with acerbic wit and wisdom but, since then, despite clearly having plenty to say, she has barely published anything. Scorsese gets around what she calls her 'writer's blockade' by capturing her in the full flow of conversation, cantankerously cursing Manhattan's shiny new facades, deploring modern technology, and, in a precursor to one of the slogans of the pandemic, urging tourists to go home - and stay there. The problem, as with Public Speaking, is that it's all a little too self-satisfied. Lebowitz's opinions - she has one on everything, the documentary trumpets - have become ossified through chat show repetition and, at times, she gives the impression of reading from an autocue that is located inside her own head. Two documentaries later, she, as a person, still remains largely unknown. Is an androgynous woman of advanced age, living alone in a crowded metropolis from which she feels alienated, ever lonely, for instance? We never learn in this film, which brilliantly taps into her electric persona but neglects her human pulse. You would think that the smouldering bin fire that was 2020 would be squarely in the wheelhouse of Charlie Brooker, a writer who has chronicled, and sometimes preempted, our dystopian present like no other. And yet, as with Trump and the comedy writers of late-night TV, the far-fetched nature of the material seems to have thrown Brooker for a loop. How else to explain Death To 2020, a dog's dinner of a comedy review, which boasts an all-star cast - Hugh Grant, Samuel L Jackson and Lisa Kudrow among them - but hardly a single joke worthy of the name. In a year in which Olivia Colman once again channelled every subtle nuance of Elizabeth II in The Crown, Tracy Ullman seems like a knock-off monarch and not even Kudrow, whose comic timing borders on genius, can save this piece, which like the old year itself, is probably best forgotten. A major fire at the Port of Cork has been brought under control, officials have confirmed. There are no reports of any casualties. The fire broke out on Saturday morning at the R&H Hall animal grain facility on Ringaskiddy Deepwater Berth. The ports emergency plan was activated and emergency services responded. Large plumes of black smoke could be seen coming from the storage facility. We can confirm that a fire which broke out at a grain storage facility on the Ringaskiddy Deepwater Berth is now under control & there are no reports of any casualties. Emergency services remain on site to monitor the area. Ship operations in Ringaskiddy have been suspended. Port of Cork #Keepingtheshowontheroad (@PortofCork) January 9, 2021 Residents in the area were advised to stay indoors and keep their windows closed. The Port of Cork said: We can confirm that a fire which broke out at a grain storage facility on the Ringaskiddy Deepwater Berth is now under control & there are no reports of any casualties. Emergency services remain on site to monitor the area. Ship operations in Ringaskiddy have been suspended. Ringaskiddy & District Residents Association said on Facebook: The Port of Cork have advised that Cork County Fire Services have contained the fire and that all persons are accounted for with no injuries reported, however it is expected that the area may smoulder for some time yet. Earlier the association wrote: The Port of Cork have advised that all residents keep their windows and doors closed. Its not just Dr Tony Holohan thats telling us to stay at home this morning it is really important to stay in and keep windows/doors closed. London, Jan 11 : British Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned that flexing the Covid-19 lockdown rules "could be fatal," urging the general public to stay at home amid surging coronavirus infections. "Every time you try to flex the rules that could be fatal" and staying at home was the "most important thing we can do collectively as a society," Hancock told the BBC on Sunday. Hancock did not rule out strengthening restrictions amid calls from scientists that the current rules need to be stricter, admitting that the National Health Service (NHS) was under "very serious pressure", Xinhua news agency reported. "People need to not just follow the letter of the rules but follow the spirit as well and play their part," he said. Another 54,940 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 3,072,349, according to official figures released Sunday. Another 563 have died within 28 days of a positive test, bringing the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain to 81,431, the data showed. The latest figures were revealed one day after Britain surpassed the grim milestones of 3,000,000 cases and 80,000 deaths on Saturday. Scientists advising the British government warned that the current lockdown measures in England need to be "stricter" to achieve the same impact as the shutdown in March 2020. Robert West, who sits in the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours, which advises the British government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said Saturday that the current rules were "still allowing a lot of activity which is spreading the virus." West said due to the new variant of coronavirus, which is said to be up to 70 per cent more infectious, the lockdown measures need to be tougher. England is currently under the third national lockdown since the pandemic began in the country. 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. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Oregon U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader on Saturday added his voice to those calling for President Donald Trump to be removed from office. Schrader, a Democrat representing the Salem area, part of the coastline and the southern Portland suburbs, said he will vote to impeach the president, calling Trump a clear and present danger to our country. While I have pushed other remedies for his criminal conduct, impeachment is the tool before us and warranted for his seditious acts, Schrader said in a statement posted to social media Saturday. Schraders statement comes the day after he apologized for reportedly comparing possible impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump to a lynching. He made the comment on a call with other House Democrats, sources told ABC News. Schrader has faced political blowback for his reported lynching comment, including losing the support of a powerful political consultant group based in Portland. Effective immediately Winning Mark will no longer work with Congressman Kurt Schrader, the group tweeted Friday. Comparing the impeachment of a treasonous President who encouraged white supremacists to violently storm the Capitol to a lynching is shameful and indefensible. Schrader now joins a group of Democrats calling for the presidents removal following the siege of the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters Wednesday. The ... violent insurrection at the US Capitol was clearly and unequivocally orchestrated and promoted at the behest of President Trump with the purpose to subvert the constitutionally mandated process of the electoral college, the votes of the People, Schrader said in his statement. Congress must not allow any person who holds the office of the Presidency to ever again believe they can commit such a crime against this great nation and not be held accountable. Articles of impeachment are expected to be introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday, setting up a vote around the middle of the week. If the House votes to impeach Trump and the Senate votes to convict him prior to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20, Trump would be removed from office. An impeachment conviction might also mean Trump would be prevented from running for the presidency again in 2024 or from holding any public office again. Trump would be the first president to be impeached twice. The Oregonian/OregonLive Washington: The US said on Saturday that it was in excitement to pronounce the sentence of Lashkar-e-Taiba Operations Commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi in a Pakistan terror case. Pakistan is now going to be held responsible for other terror attacks including Mumbai in 2008. According to information received, Lakhvi was sentenced to 5 years in connection with the terror attacks on Friday by an anti-terrorism court in Pak. Lakhvi is the main mastermind of the Mumbai attack. But Lakhvi has been sentenced due to international pressure. Reports say that the South and Central Asia Bureau of the US State Ministry tweeted on it and said, "We are excited to pronounce the sentence to Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. But his crime is much more than funding terrorism. Pakistan should hold it responsible in other terrorist attacks including Mumbai." It has been revealed that Pakistan, which is all over the world, has finally bowed to India's pressure to help terrorists. The Lahore-based anti-terrorism court on Friday sentenced the mastermind of the Mumbai attack and Lashkar-e-Taiba's operation commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi to 15 years imprisonment in a terror funding case. After the judgement, an official of the court said that the Lahore-based Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) has convicted Lakhvi in a case registered under various sections of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 1997. Also Read- Israeli PM Netanyahu receives second dose of corona vaccine Sheikh Rashid says 'farmers' movement in India' responsible for power cut in Pakistan New Zealand identifies 31 new corona cases The quartet group, comprising the foreign ministers of Egypt, France, Germany, and Jordan, are set to convene in the Egyptian capital on Monday to discuss efforts to revive the frozen Israeli-Palestinian peace process. According to a statement by the German embassy in Cairo, Germany's Foreign Minister, Heiko Maas, is scheduled to arrive in Cairo on Sunday evening. The statement added that the meeting will focus on the peace process in the Middle East as well as ways to tap into the recently-signed normalisation agreements between Israel and the four Arab countries. The meeting will also deal with the possibility of reaching convergence between the Israeli and Palestinian sides, the statement added. The embassy added that Maas will hold bilateral discussions with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, on the sideline of the visit as well. Also, the Jordanian foreign ministry confirmed its participation in the quartet meeting, stating that the Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, is due to leave for the Egyptian capital on Sunday evening. On Wednesday, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement that the anticipated meeting, which has been under preparation since December, will include the foreign ministers of the quartet group and their Israeli and Palestinian counterparts. The statement was released after Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed in two phone calls with his Palestinian counterpart, Riyad Al-Maliki, and his Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi, means to coordinate the next meeting for the quartet group, to revive the peace process. Monday's gathering is the fourth for the quartet group, which was established on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference held in February 2020. The four countries met in the Jordanian capital of Amman in September, calling for the Israeli and the Palestinian sides to work on reviving the peace process that has been frozen for years. In July, the four countries warned Israel against annexing parts of the Palestinian territories, saying that doing so could have consequences on bilateral relations. Egypt has maintained its position of rejecting illegal settlements in Palestinian territories, as well as its full support for establishing a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital based on the borders of 1967. Short link: (Newser) Lawmakers who took refuge during the attack on the Capitol might have been in a room with a person infected with the coronavirus, Congress' attending physician warned Sunday. Some House members spent several hours in the committee hearing room, Dr. Brian Monahan wrote in an email to lawmakers. "During this time, individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection," he said. He recommended that the people in that room watch for symptoms to develop, as well as wear masks and practice social distancing. He also suggested they have a coronavirus test, the Washington Post reports. No information was given about the infected person. story continues below Video shows several Republican House members in the room declining masks offered by a Democratic member. Seeing the members without masks angered some congressional staff members, as well as lawmakers, per ABC. Health officials said the attack could well turn out to be a superspreader event. The building was flooded by people not wearing masks, "then these individuals all are going in cars and trains and planes going home all across the country," said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, per McClatchy. (Security is being increased for lawmakers' travel.) 5 hours ago Beyond comprehension why Hry govt has not convened all-party meet on Covid issue: Hooda Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 14:44:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close People have lunch outside a restaurant in Rawalpindi of Pakistan's Punjab province on Jan. 10, 2021. A total of 2,899 people have been tested positive of COVID-19 in Pakistan over the last 24 hours, taking the national tally of the virus-infected people to 502,416, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) of Pakistan said on Sunday. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal) ISLAMABAD, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 2,899 people have been tested positive of COVID-19 in Pakistan over the last 24 hours, taking the national tally of the virus-infected people to 502,416, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) of Pakistan said on Sunday. The country's southern Sindh province has been the worst-hit with 225,509 cases followed by east Punjab province where 144,909 people have been tested positive, the NCOC said in a statement. Forty-six people died across the country during the last 24 hours, raising the death toll to 10,644, the official statement said, adding that 2,804 patients are being treated in hospitals across Pakistan. The statement said 456,969 people have recovered so far. A total of 7,088,014 tests have been conducted at various state-owned and private laboratories across the country, and 623 hospitals are working with COVID-19 facilities. Several cases of a new variant of the coronavirus initially found in Britain have been reported in the country, and the relevant authorities are tracing their contacts, after quarantining them. 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. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Researchers from Oregon State University College of Engineering, with colleagues from Cornell University and the Argonne National Laboratory, have used advanced experimental tools to provide a clearer understanding of an electrochemical catalytic process thats cleaner and more sustainable than deriving hydrogen from natural gas. Their findings are published in an open-access paper in Science Advances. The United States produces most of its hydrogen from a methane source such as natural gas via steam-methane reforming. The process involves subjecting methane to pressurized steam in the presence of a catalyst, creating a reaction that produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide, as well as a small amount of carbon dioxide. The next stepthe water-gas shift reactionsees the carbon monoxide and steam reacted via a different catalyst, making carbon dioxide and additional hydrogen. In the last step, pressure-swing adsorption, carbon dioxide and other impurities are removed, leaving behind pure hydrogen. Compared to natural gas reforming, the use of electricity from renewable sources to split water for hydrogen is cleaner and more sustainable. However, the efficiency of water-splitting is low, mainly due to the high overpotentialthe difference between the actual potential and the theoretical potential of an electrochemical reactionof one key half-reaction in the process, the oxygen evolution reaction or OER. Oregon States Zhenxing Feng, a chemical engineering professor who led the study A half-reaction is either of the two parts of a redox, or reduction-oxidation, reaction in which electrons are transferred between two reactants; reduction refers to gaining electrons, oxidation means losing electrons. The concept of half-reactions is often used to describe what goes on in an electrochemical cell, and half-reactions are commonly used as a way to balance redox reactions. Overpotential is the margin between the theoretical voltage and the actual voltage necessary to cause electrolysisa chemical reaction driven by the application of electric current. Electrocatalysts are critical to promoting the water-splitting reaction by lowering the overpotential, but developing high-performance electrocatalysts is far from straightforward. One of the major hurdles is the lack of information regarding the evolving structure of the electrocatalysts during the electrochemical operations. Understanding the structural and chemical evolution of the electrocatalyst during the OER is essential to developing high-quality electrocatalyst materials and, in turn, energy sustainability. Zhenxing Feng Feng and collaborators used a set of advanced characterization tools to study the atomic structural evolution of a state-of-the art OER electrocatalyst, strontium iridate (SrIrO 3 ), in acid electrolyte. The observations led to a deep understanding of what was going on behind strontium iridates ability to work so well as a catalyst. Our detailed, atomic-scale finding explains how the active strontium iridate layer forms on strontium iridate and points to the critical role of the lattice oxygen activation and coupled ionic diffusion on the formation of the active OER units. Zhenxing Feng Feng added that the work provides insight into how applied potential facilitates the formation of the functional amorphous layers at the electrochemical interface and leads to possibilities for the design of better catalysts. Collaborating with Feng were chemical engineering professor Gregory Herman, who leads the National Science Foundation-funded Northwest Nanotechnology Infrastructure site at Oregon State, and Trey Diulus, a former Ph.D. student at OSU and now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. Also contributing to the study were researchers from Universite Catholique de Louvain in Belgium, the University of Science and Technology of China and the University of Houston. Along with the NSF, the Department of Energy supported this research. Resources Nicola Sturgeon's SNP have ordered Boris Johnson to pay billions of pounds in compensation to Scotland for 'economic vandalism' caused by Brexit. England and Wales voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum - but Scotland and Northern Ireland both voted to remain. The Scottish National Party - who are pushing for a second EU referendum and want independence for Scotland - say Scottish fishermen faced grave disruption due to Brexit. Ian Blackford, the SNP's leader in the British parliament, today ordered the Prime Minister to 'apologise to Scottish businesses and pay compensation to Scotland for the long-term damage they are doing to our economy'. Nicola Sturgeon's SNP have ordered Boris Johnson to pay billions of pounds in compensation to Scotland for 'economic vandalism' caused by Brexit. Pictured: Ms Sturgeon with Ian Blackford, the SNP's leader in the British parliament He said Brexit cost Scotland 'billions in lost trade and growth' and called it 'an unnecessary act of economic vandalism, which has been inflicted against Scotland's will'. Mr Blackford added: 'The UK government must now provide an urgent multi-billion package of compensation to Scotland to mitigate the lasting Brexit harm done to Scottish businesses, industries and communities'. Many Scottish fishermen have halted exports to European Union markets. They claim that post-Brexit bureaucracy shattered the system that used to put fresh langoustines and scallops in French shops just over a day after they were harvested. Mr Blackford today ordered the Prime Minister (pictured) to 'apologise to Scottish businesses and pay compensation to Scotland for the long-term damage they are doing to our economy' Fishermen across Britain have accused Prime Minister Boris Johnson of betrayal after he previously vowed to take back control of British waters. With little new control and little access to customer markets, many are in despair. Scotland voted 55 to 45 per cent against independence in a 2014 referendum, but Brexit and the British government's handling of the Covid-19 crisis have bolstered support for secession. Polls now show a majority favour breaking away. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Scotland voted 62 to 38 to stay in the European Union while the United Kingdom as a whole voted 52 to 48 to leave. Century Plyboards India-promoted Star Cement's two-million-tonne greenfield cement plant in West Bengal is ready and commercial production will begin soon, a top company official said on Sunday. The Rs 450 crore grinding unit has been set up in Jalpaiguri district in north Bengal. "The project is undergoing trials and can begin production anytime soon. This is our first greenfield cement project in West Bengal though we have plyboard manufacturing through Century Plyboards," Star Cement Managing Director Sanjay Agarwal told. "We will invite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to inaugurate the project. We received all-round support from the state government and the project was executed smoothly," he said. The state government has provided nine acres of the around 45 acres of land on which the plant is built. Star Cement currently has a manufacturing capacity of 4.3 million tonne, which would go up to 6.3 million tonne after production begins at the new facility. The company has a clinker capacity of 2.8 million tonne and 51 mw of captive power. The company will source clinkers from its integrated cement plant in Meghalaya that has mines nearby. Fly ash will be procured from West Bengal or Bihar. Star Cement is a major cement player in the Northeastern states and with the new greenfield plant in Jalpaiguri, the company is eyeing the north Bengal market, besides Bihar. The company has been producing some cement in Siliguri by way of lease a grinding unit, which will be discontinued in January-end, Agarwal said. Amid the crisis triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Agarwal said he was optimistic about the long-term prospects of the cement market in eastern India, which is at 20-25 million tonne and expected to grow by 8-9 per cent. Also read: Reliance Infrastructure sells stake worth Rs 900 crore to IndiGrid Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Chris Krebs, Trumps former chief of U.S. cybersecurity: there will be more bloodshed caused by Trump in the run-up to President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration on January 20. The former Trump chief of U.S. cybersecurity, Chris Krebs, told CNNs Don Lemon last night that in days leading up to January 6, 2021s Save America rally he had no questions in his mind that violence would erupt. Krebss worst fears were realized when the pro-Trump rally goers turned into a mob of sedition rioters and domestic terrorists after the president and his allies incited them. The traitorous mobs resulting scene stormed the U.S. Capitol , creating a full-fledged insurrection that shocked the world. Krebs cautioned during the CNN Don Lemon interview: Theres going to be more violence. There is going to be violence in the run-up to the inauguration. This is not over. There will be more. Various individuals can take some steps, and I hate using the passive voice there, so Im just going to call it out. The president has to declare that this was a free and fair election. He lost. He still has time to do whats right. It has to happen. There will be more bloodshed. Krebs, a lifelong Republican, was fired by Trump for telling the truth that there was no widespread fraud during the 2020 election. Krebs was appointed to lead the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in 2018. Like many before him was fired from his job by POTUS45 via tweet in November. Punishment for his agency is coming out publicly for debunking the presidents repeated bogus claims of election fraud in the aftermath of his election loss. The riotous chaos pained Krebs; the scenes that were caught by hundreds of cameras in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, insisting to Don Lemon it was not an America that I recognize. Krebs said and asked Call it what it is; this is an insurrection. What kind of example? Will, it set to other countries seeking to escape dictatorships? The warning from Chris Krebs has been echoed by a scholar of authoritarians Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a history professor at New York University and author of the book Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present who was quoted by Huffington Post saying about President Trump Hes going to be more unleashed and unhinged than ever. Ruth Ben-Ghiat went on to say this historic insurrection was the culmination of five years of fascist rhetoric from President Donald J. Trump, who now just 11 days left in his disastrous one term in the White House. Professor Ben Ghiat told HuffPost during her interview with the news organization that she thinks Trump might act once hes out of the office and how America could be headed for even more violence and political unrest. The most worrying thing about the insurrection on January 6, 2021, is that it may be the beginning of the MAGA insurrection and how the end of Trumps presidency might be the beginning of a phase of extremist violence that wont go away for many years. When asked by Huffington Post if the MAGA terrorist movement represents a real authoritarian or fascist insurgency and if she was still surprised to see what took place on Wednesday? Professor Ben Ghiat replied No, I wasnt surprised. I was extremely calm when it happened because I just kind of expected it. Of course, it was shocking to see then the lawmakers cowering, and then I became very angry at the arrogance and lawlessness, and the fact that the police didnt do anything and that these guys went out for drinks later, these insurgents. But no, this has been set up since Trumps presidential campaign, when he actively cultivated all of these various militias and far-right forces, so its that cultivation entwined with this victim cult. Because this doesnt work if you dont have the cult leader. And the leader is the victim. So the leader is the protector, hes going to save the nation, blah, blah, blah, but once they bonded to him, its very fascistic. Its very fascist. If hes in trouble, their duty is to save him. And so Trump has played them like a violin all these years, doing exactly what he needs to do to string them along and keep them loyal. Give them just enough crumbs of affirmation. And then he called on them because the other things that he was trying to do didnt work. Then Huffington Post asked the professor if this kind of leader-follower relationship is like a fascistic relationship. And how is that spell broken? How do people get out of that relationship? Unfortunately, they dont get out of that. What I mean is the other cases are, in some ways, not analogous, because, you know, when you have a real dictatorship, theres no opposing voice. In fact, in a way, it makes our case all the more scary and remarkable because he didnt have time to ruin democracy. You know, we had a very robust opposition press. But yet he still managed to have this huge mass of fanatically loyal people. And so once they bond with a leader, historically, the only thing that gets people out of it is direct experience with disaster. So its very Interesting that the coronavirus didnt, you know, cause more people to turn away from Trump. And again, hes very skillful at propaganda, so he knew how to present it all so that, you know, he wasnt touched the mismanagement wasnt blamed on him. But some people did, some people woke up and made videos, saying, I used to believe Trump and my wife died, you know, so thats the kind of thing that needs to happen at a mass level. And its been horrifying that it hasnt happened. Indeed he got more votes. In Italy and Germany and again, you had many, many years of total dictatorship but the only thing that ruined or started to dissipate the personality cult was when the Allies bombed Italy and Germany, and regular people had immense hardship. And in that sense, whats parallel is the shock of people seeing the Capitol, you know, breached, and lawmakers have to run for cover. That shocked some Trumplicans into resigning like it woke some people up. Read the full interview on Huffington Post here. 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. Over 1,200 birds were found dead across the country on Saturday, including 900 in a poultry farm in Maharashtra, with the Centre saying that the outbreak of avian influenza has been reported in Uttar Pradesh, taking the total number of affected states to seven. The Centre said confirmation of in Delhi, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra, is awaited as the samples have been sent for testing, it said. Besides Uttar Pradesh, the other six states where is confirmed are Kerala, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a ban on import of live birds in the capital and closure of Ghazipur poultry market, the biggest in the city, for the next 10 days in view of scare. Noting that there is no confirmed case of avian influenza in Delhi so far, the chief minister said samples have been sent to Jalandhar laboratory. He also said that a 24-hour helpline has been set up for assistance of people. He said the Delhi government is following all guidelines and directions issued by the central government with regards to bird flu. "Rapid response teams have been formed in every district to contain the spread and conduct proper surveillance, and they will function under the district magistrates. Our veterinary officers are conducting proper surveys in all bird markets, wildlife establishments and water bodies across Delhi. "The special focus of the teams are poultry market Ghazipur, Shakti Sthal Lake, Bhalswa Lake, Sanjay Lake, Delhi Zoo, DDA Parks, situated at Hauz Khas village, Pashchim Vihar and Dwarka," Kejriwal added. At least 24 crows have been found dead at a district park in south Delhi's Jasola in the past three days and 10 ducks have died at the famous Sanjay Lake, officials said. "The samples of ducks found dead have been taken by the veterinary department authorities to ascertain if the cause of death was bird flu or not," a senior DDA official said. On the death of crows, the DDA has informed the Delhi government's forest department, he said. Three recreational parks and famous Sanjay Lake in Delhi were closed by authorities amid an avian flu scare in the city as several birds were found dead on their premises in the last couple of days, officials said. Besides, the popular Hauz Khas Park in south Delhi, which is a huge water body and attracts a large number of crowd every day, has also been shut, they said. As many as 900 hens have died at a poultry farm in Murumba village in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, a senior official said. Their samples have been sent for investigation to identify the exact cause of the death, Parbhani district collector Deepak Mulgikar told PTI. He said the poultry farm where the death of birds was reported is run by a Self Help Group (SHG). Prima facie, the death of hens could be related to nutrition, the collector said, adding that the test results are awaited. Over 350 birds were reported dead in Rajasthan, taking the death count to 2,512, an official said. Of the 356 birds reported dead on Saturday, 257 were crows, 29 pigeons, 16 peacocks and 54 others. Even as Gujarat recorded its first confirmed cases of bird flu, four crows were found dead at a village in Mangrol taluka in the state's Junagadh district. The state on Friday recorded its first cases of bird flu after samples taken from two dead lapwings recovered in the district tested positive for the infection. "We found carcasses of four crows at Loej village on Friday evening. The remains will be sent to a laboratory in Bhopal to ascertain the cause of death," said Ashok Kumbhani, veterinary officer of Mangrol veterinary dispensary in the district. Out of 10 birds found in the area, four were dead at the spot and six are currently under treatment, the official said. Six crows were found dead in Dakshina Kannada, bordering Kerala and samples have been sent for testing to ascertain the cause of death. Five crows were found dead in a drain in the Sitabpur area in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district. Samples of the dead birds have been sent to a laboratory in Bhopal for testing, Veterinary Officer BM Gupta said. A response team headed by a doctor and four health workers has been formed at the district level to keep a track on the death of birds and chickens and taking the samples for testing, Chief Veterinary Officer in Pauri SK Bartwal said. A drive to cull over 1.60 lakh poultry birds at five poultry farms commenced in Haryana's Panchkula district on Saturday, officials said. The move comes after samples of some birds in two poultry farms at Kheri and Ganauli villages in Panchkula tested positive for the H5N8 strain of avian flu on Friday. "The process (to cull birds) started today by the state's animal husbandry department," Panchkula Deputy Commissioner M K Ahuja said. He said it will take around two to three days to complete the drive. The deputy commissioner further informed that a team of Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal would visit Panchkula next week. (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.) When people with experience of political corruption and repression warn Americans about danger signs in the current efforts to shut down dissidents, we should take note. The democratically elected leaders of 2 major Latin American countries are speaking up and warning Americans about the efforts to censor and repress skepticism about the legitimacy of an election. They are joined the leader of Russias opposition, the bete noire of Vladimir Putin, in whose pocket Donald Trump supposedly resides. Ryan Saavedra of The Daily Wire reports on the leader of Mexico, a country with a history of political corruption and questionable elections: Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador [AMLO, as he is called TL] condemned social media companies for censoring President Donald Trump this week, saying that he does not accept the move as being okay. I dont like anybody being censored or taking away from the the right to post a message on Twitter or Face(book). I dont agree with that, I dont accept that, Lopez Obrador said. How can you censor someone: Lets see, I, as the judge of the Holy Inquisition, will punish you because I think what youre saying is harmful, he continued. Where is the law, where is the regulation, what are the norms? This is an issue of government, this is not an issue for private companies. El Preisdente de Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) Photo credit: Luicheto CC BY-SA 4.0 license AMLO is not the sole Mexican official warning us: The Washington Post reported that presidential spokesman Jesus Ramirez doubled down on the message from Lopez Obrador, writing on social media: Facebooks decision to silence the current leader of the United States calls for a debate on freedom of expression, the free exchange of information on the web, democracy and the role of the companies that administer (social) networks. The leader of Latin Americas biggest nation, Brazil, also has been warning of the dangers of election fraud and the suppression of Trumps voice, as Reuters reports: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday reiterated baseless [Reuterss allegation-TL] allegations of U.S. election fraud and continued to back President Donald Trump, as the American leaders supporters invaded the U.S. Capitol building. (snip) On Wednesday, Bolsonaro said he had followed the storming of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters seeking to overturn the presidents election defeat. The breach forced lawmakers to evacuate and Congress to postpone a session that would have certified Bidens victory. (snip) There were lot of reports of fraud, a lot of reports of fraud, he added, in a video posted on social media, without providing evidence. Reuters also disagrees with his comparison of electoral fraud in Brazil to what might have happened in the US in November: Bolsonaro also took the opportunity to repeat a baseless complaint that his own 2018 election victory was tainted by fraud and he should have won without a runoff. While our Latin neighbors in the Western Hemisphere warn us, the leader of the Russian opposition to Putin, a man who survived an assassination attempt by poisoning, is also deeply concerned by what he sees going on here. Ryan Saavedra of The Daily Wire: Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, slammed Twitter on Saturday for its censorship of President Donald Trump, calling the move unacceptable. (snip) I think that the ban of Donald Trump on Twitter is an unacceptable act of censorship, Navalny said. Of course, during his time in the office, Trump has been writing and saying very irresponsible things. And paid for it by not getting re-elected for a second term. The election is a straightforward and competitive process. You can participate in it, you can appeal against the results, theyre being monitored by millions of people. The ban on Twitter is a decision of people we dont know in accordance with a procedure we dont know, he continued. In my opinion, the decision to ban Trump was based on emotions and personal political preferences. Dont tell me he was banned for violating Twitter rules. I get death threats here every day for many years, and Twitter doesnt ban anyone. Among the people who have Twitter accounts are cold-blooded murderers (Putin or Maduro) and liars and thieves (Medvedev). For many years, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have been used as a base for Putins troll factory and similar groups from other authoritarian countries, he continued. Those who denied COVID-19 exist freely and communicate on Twitter. Their words have cost thousands of lives. And yet, it was Trump who got banned publicly and ostentatiously. Such selectivity indicates that this was an act of censorship. Of course, Twitter is a private company, but we have seen many examples in Russian and China of such private companies becoming the states best friends and the enablers when it comes to censorship, he continued. If you replace Trump with Navalny in todays discussion, you will get an 80% accurate Kremlins answer as to why my name cant be mentioned on Russian TV and I shouldnt be allowed to participate in any elections. This precedent will be exploited by the enemies of freedom of speech around the world. In Russia as well. Every time when they need to silence someone, they will say: this is just common practice, even Trump got blocked on Twitter,' he concluded. If @twitter and @jack want to do things right, they need to create some sort of a committee that can make such decisions. We need to know the names of the members of this committee, understand how it works, how its members vote and how we can appeal against their decisions. When people who know tyranny first-hand warn us, it would be foolish to ignore them. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 22:09:53|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Mahmoud Fouly, Abdel-Meguid Kamal CAIRO, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The recent reconciliation agreement signed in Saudi Arabia by Qatar and the boycotting states is a "positive step" through which Egypt and Qatar showed good faith to resume bilateral relations, said Egyptian and Qatari experts. While Qatari analysts expect the deal to ease differences between Cairo and Doha and mark a new beginning for their ties based on mutual understanding and respect, Egyptian counterparts see that complete resumption of ties may take some time in light of "outstanding issues" to be addressed. Last week, Qatar and the Arab quartet comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt signed a Kuwaiti-sponsored reconciliation deal in Al-Ula city in northwestern Saudi Arabia during the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit. The four states jointly cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs, which Qatar has repeatedly denied. But tension between Cairo and Doha specifically soared following the removal in 2013 of former President Mohamed Morsi, an ally of Qatar who belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood group, which is currently blacklisted in Egypt as a terrorist organization. "I believe that what happened at Al-Ula summit is a positive step," said Egyptian political science professor Tarek Fahmy, yet adding that complete reconciliation will need "some time" dependent on Qatari response to Egyptian political and security requirements. He continued that the improvement of the Egyptian-Qatari relations requires Qatar to halt the alleged campaigns launched by Doha-based Muslim Brotherhood media against Egypt, "as well as giving up support for the Brotherhood terrorist group." Fahmy said that Egypt signed the reconciliation deal to maintain a united position of the quartet and its commitment to the Arab national security, ruling out the possibility that Egypt was pressured to sign the agreement. The same day when the deal was signed, Qatari finance minister flew to Cairo where he, along with his Egyptian and U.S. counterparts, inaugurated a hotel owned by a Qatari company. "The Qatari finance minister's visit to Cairo has a symbolic indication of good faith," the Egyptian professor told Xinhua, adding that everyone surely aspires for the achievement of Arab unity. For his part, Atef Saadawi, an expert at Cairo-based Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies (ACPSS), said that Egypt proved good intention and support for Arab unity through signing the reconciliation deal. He argued that it's a matter of commitment rather than signature. "The improvement of the Egyptian-Qatari relations certainly depends on Qatar's response to the Egyptian demands," the ACPSS expert told Xinhua, noting that the demands include stopping Doha's alleged interference in the Egyptian domestic affairs and support for the Muslim Brotherhood. In an interview with Al-Jazeera TV following the Gulf summit, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said that Al-Ula agreement was an initial document with stated principles, while relations will be dealt with bilaterally. "Egypt is a party in the crisis ... there will be bilateral discussions between concerned states and bilateral committees to deal with the differences ... we have the will to resolve these differences," said the Qatari top diplomat. Meanwhile, Qatari experts expected Al-Ula agreement to open "a new page" in bilateral relations between Doha and Cairo and put an end to their disagreements. Besides the governments of the states engaged in the reconciliation, the agreement was hailed by international and regional organizations including the United Nations and the Arab League. "The statements made after Al-Ula summit confirm that there is a real will to heal the rift," Qatari journalist and blogger Hamad Al-Buainain told Xinhua, emphasizing that relations have to be based on solid foundations and their difference in viewpoints is possible. "Qatar has demonstrated its good intentions, and I expect Al-Ula agreement to mark a new beginning for relations based on mutual understanding and respect," he added. With regards to full resumption of ties between Doha and Cairo, Al-Buainain quoted the Qatari foreign minister as saying that there will be mutual visits and meetings to discuss future solutions, and joint committees to address issues in detail on the basis of respect for the international law. Enditem Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) leaves the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Jan. 30, 2020. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) GOP Sen. Toomey Says Trump Committed Impeachable Offenses Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) said that President Donald Trump committed impeachable offenses in connection with the Jan. 6 breaching of the U.S. Capitol by protesters. I do think the president committed impeachable offenses. But I dont know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything, Toomey, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, said in a Jan. 9 interview on Fox News. Toomey, who isnt seeking reelection in 2022, isnt the first Republican to speak against the president in the aftermath of the breach of the U.S. Capitol. Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) said he would definitely consider any impeachment articles brought against Trump, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) called on the president to resign. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) urged her Democratic caucus in a letter on Jan. 8 to return to Washington as she appears poised to have the Democrats move forward with impeaching President Donald Trump for a second time. Pelosi and a number of prominent Democrats allege that Trump incited the protesters who breached the U.S. Capitol. In a speech to a massive crowd of supporters that day, the president asked them to march to protest near the Capitol and to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. The president didnt say anything about breaking into the building. The breach interrupted a joint session of Congress that was convened to count the Electoral College votes. After the building was secured, the session concluded with the certification of former Vice President Joe Biden as president-elect. A group of eight senators and 140 House members objected to the counting of one or more slates of electors who cast their votes for Biden. During the joint session, Toomey argued on behalf of counting Bidens electors from Pennsylvania, saying that the objection would overturn the results of the presidential election. Even if Congress did have the Constitutional responsibility to judge the worthiness of a states election process, which it does not, rejecting Pennsylvanias electoral votes would still be wildly out of proportion to the purported offenses and very damaging to our republic, Toomey said in a speech on the Senate floor. The White House didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Trumps term in office concludes at noon on Jan. 20. Should a House impeachment vote succeed, the move would send the articles of impeachment to the Senate, where the concurrence of two-thirds of the senators present would be required to convict and remove the president. If convicted, the president would be barred from holding federal office. Outgoing US President Donald Trump has destroyed any moderate case for Trumpism in the final days of his presidency. If the Republican Party is to have any future, principled conservatives must repudiate the Trumpian assault on democracy. Since entering the presidential primary race as a Republican candidate in 2016, Donald Trump has polarised the right. The harrumphing conservatives of the Grand Old Party, as the Republican Party is fondly referred to, were opposed to Trump from the outset. In January 2016, before Trump was confirmed as GOP presidential candidate, arch-conservative journal National Review devoted an issue to its anti-Trump manifesto, editorialising that Trump is a philosophically unmoored political opportunist who would trash the broad conservative ideological consensus within the GOP in favour of a free-floating populism with strong-man overtones and warned that Donald Trump is a menace to American conservatism who would take the work of generations and trample it underfoot on behalf of a populism as heedless and crude as the Donald himself. That editorial has aged remarkably well. Traditional conservatives were wary of Donald Trump from the outset of his quest for the presidency. Credit:EPA Trump won the Republican primaries and then the presidency without the support of many traditional conservatives by harnessing and nurturing a cultural movement that defined itself in contrast to the traditional right. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Nobody condones the storming of the U.S. Capitol building last week. President Donald Trump cannot escape responsibility for sparking the chaos. But were walking a scary line in America when we say lawmakers lodging perfectly legal objections to a presidential election are traitors who are suborning insurrection against our country. Given the chaos we saw last Wednesday, a lot of people have rushed to lump every election objector in the Senate and House in with the mob. They will tell you that every lawmaker who voted to object to certifying Joe Bidens presidential win was inciting a coup. Dont you believe it. It wasnt the lawmakers and their objections who were responsible for the chaos at the U.S. Capitol. It was the fault of Trump, for riling his supporters up and then returning to the White House to watch the conflagration on television as if he had nothing to do with it. The chaos was the fault of those protestors who breached the very seat of American democracy, leaving death, injury and vandalism in their wake. The Electoral Count Act of 1887 lays out the procedure for counting Electoral College votes and Congress role in settling any disputes. Senators and House members are allowed by law to lodge objections to slates of electors. The law came in response to one of the most corrupt presidential elections in American history, the 1876 contest that put Republican Rutherford B. Hayes in the White House over Democrat Samuel Tilden. Tilden won the popular vote and was one vote shy of prevailing in the Electoral College. But amid widespread fraud and voter intimidation, the results from Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina were in dispute. After much backroom wheeling and dealing, including a Hayes pledge to remove federal troops from the former Confederacy, Hayes got the backing of Southern Democrats, who turned on their own partys candidate, and was declared the winner. If you think the Florida recount of 2000 was hinky, just do some reading about 1876. So challenges are perfectly legal under the law. Democrats in the House in 2016 tried unsuccessfully to challenge Trumps election. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) challenged some of President George W. Bushs electoral votes in 2005. None of these challenges changed the outcome of a presidential election. And nothing was going to change the outcome of the 2020 race. Trump had exhausted his legal challenges and the electors had met to cast their votes. The counting in Congress was a mere formality, as it always is. And after the carnage we saw at the U.S. Capitol, it was even less likely that any electoral challenge would pass either house of Congress. You could argue that Republican objectors should have just stood down and bowed to the inevitable: Biden would be declared the winner of the White House. They should have counted themselves lucky to have escaped the mayhem and tabled their objections. I would have. It was more than plain that any high ground that had once existed, and it was very scant real estate to begin with, was utterly destroyed by the actions of the Capitol mob. But objections were lodged and voted upon. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Bklyn.) was among the 148 Republicans who voted in favor. You can question their wisdom in carrying on with any challenges given what had happened at the Capitol. You can accuse them of cravenly pandering to Trump voters back home. You can say they should be ashamed of themselves. You can work to defeat them when theyre up for re-election. You can call on them to resign. But you cant call them traitors. You cant put them on trial. What they did was perfectly legal. If you dont like the law, change the law. But dont get the pitchforks and torches out. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size A key Brisbane bridge linking the CBD to South Brisbane will close permanently to general car traffic on January 24 to make way for Brisbane Metro buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Victoria Bridge is one of the city's oldest bridges, and the closure to vehicles will be the latest development in the long saga of the Brisbane River crossing point. The first bridge in the location was announced by Brisbane council in 1861 to connect the rapidly growing city centre with its southern suburbs. Since the first timber bridge was agreed upon and built not without controversy numerous structures have straddled the river at the same location, leading to the existing bridge, built in the 1960s. In the 1860s, two bridges were built: one was a temporary timber bridge designed to act as a scaffold for the larger, iron bridge planned for the same location. Horse drawn carraiges and pedestrians at the northern approach of the first permanent Victoria Bridge, ca 1885. Credit:State Library of Queensland But the project ran into problems, not least of which was the temporary wooden bridge being so weakened by shipworm, it eventually collapsed and was washed away. Advertisement Political back-and-forth was a constant through the building of both bridges, as the state government wanted little to do with it and the town council first ran out of money, after the Bank of Queensland collapse, and then demanded the government take responsibility. Eventually the first permanent bridge, owned by the council, was opened in 1874 with much fanfare but it only lasted 19 years before being washed away in the floods of 1893. A report by the Telegraph detailed the terrible impact the 1893 floods, which spanned days following multiple cyclones, had on the fledgling Brisbane. Crowd gathered on the north bank of the Brisbane River, observing the floodwaters which washed away the Victoria Bridge, 1893 Credit:State Library of Queensland Entire houses, sheds, boats and livestock were swept down the river, colliding with the bridge for hours as a crowd watched, before the structure finally gave way under the torrential water pressure. "So continuous and terrible was the crashing of houses on Saturday night that many persons living near the bridge found it impossible to sleep ... no one can say with any certainty that some of them were not occupied by human beings, who were thus hurled to eternity without the power to make the slightest effort to save themselves," the Telegraph wrote at the time. The Indooroopilly Bridge was also washed away in the 1893 flood. Advertisement The front page of the Telegraph on February 8, 1893, when the Victoria Bridge washed away. Credit:Trove - National Library of Australia Yet another temporary bridge was destroyed by flood a few years later. Finally, a bridge built in 1897 survived until the 1960s, when the existing bridge was built and the old demolished. In the 1950s Brisbane City Council decided to replace the 1897 bridge, as it could not hold up to the demands of heavy modern traffic, with restrictions placed on the weight and type of vehicles that could use it. The Brisbane Telegraph in July 1953 described the planned replacement bridge as a "monster structure" with six lanes for traffic, two each way for vehicles and one each way for trams those lanes are now used for buses. But while most of the old bridge is gone, elements remain, after it was decided to retain the stone abutment on the South Brisbane side of the bridge, now a key tourist site on the walk across the bridge. Members of the Greek community in Brisbane at a wreath-laying ceremony on Anzac Day at Victoria Bridge, ca. 1936. Credit:State Library of Queensland The abutment is also home to a memorial plaque to a young Greek-Australian boy, who was killed by a swerving car in 1918 at a parade to welcome home Australian soldiers. Advertisement Over the decades, Victoria Bridge has seen numerous protests, events, and the ever-present conversation about congestion, traffic and the future of Brisbane's road network. A climate strike in 2019 saw more than 30,000 people march across the bridge, while a Black Lives Matter rally in 2020 saw protesters shut down the bridge. A Black Lives Matter rally in June 2020 spilled from the CBD across Victoria Bridge. Credit:Nine In 2011, Brisbane City Council touted the idea of a second bridge crossing close to the Victoria Bridge, dubbed the "Adelaide Street Bridge". It was suggested such a bridge would be a "green" bridge taking hundreds of buses off the Victoria Bridge every day. That proposal was gradually morphed into the Brisbane Metro, the council's $1.2 billion public transport project announced in 2016. The closure of the Victoria Bridge to general traffic was first flagged in 2016 and the final date for its closure announced in November 2020 by the council. Advertisement 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. Why has Gov. Mike DeWine left most Ohioans and health providers in the dark about how, when and where the states residents can go to get vaccinated against COVID-19? Neighboring Indiana already has a map of 150 vaccination sites posted on its primary coronavirus website. In Ohio -- despite more details DeWine announced last week, including a tentative timetable for providing the vaccine (supplies permitting) to those 65 and older and to school workers -- the mechanics of how this will work remain far from clear. That needs to change. Simply decentralizing oversight of the process to Ohios county emergency management agencies, as DeWines latest announcement suggests, is likely to add to the confusion and delays. Ohio does not need a patchwork of vaccination protocols. It needs a uniform plan so any Ohioan can easily determine, depending on age, occupation and other factors, when she or he may be vaccinated -- and where to turn for information. With due regard for DeWines commendable focus on fighting COVID-19, he had months to plan for this moment. Where are those plans? Where is the clarity that Ohioans need? Ohioans are realistic: Vaccinating nearly 12 million people in a state slightly larger than the country of Honduras barely a month after the first vaccine was approved for U.S. use is no simple task. But every resident of this state must understand when they can expect to be vaccinated, who will administer it, how they can sign up and where that will happen, especially in populous Greater Cleveland. The schedule DeWine offered Thursday on a phased, age-specific plan for vaccinating those Ohioans 65 and older and school employees was a start -- but an incomplete one, asterisked with warnings that the schedule is likely to slip because of a scarcity of the vaccine. How will Ohioans get these vaccinations, and where? Can they sign up, or is it every elderly person or educator for him or herself? Such vagaries ensure further sluggishness and confusion in rolling out the vaccines in Ohio -- delaying potentially life-saving vaccinations for everyone. To the city of Clevelands credit, it unveiled a vaccination plan last week that is detailed and transparent -- despite the lack of help and guidance from the state. Clevelands plan also includes the kind of public outreach and information campaign that is sorely needed statewide. Its urgent Ohio do better. As of Friday afternoon, the state was reporting that COVID-19 had taken the lives of 9,544 Ohioans. Of those, 937 were Cuyahoga County residents. Statewide, over the course of the pandemic, more than 762,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported, and more than 40,700 Ohioans hospitalized. Ohioans have been living with the ravages and restrictions of this virus for months now. DeWine declared the COVID-19 state of emergency ten months ago. To a remarkable degree, Ohioans have pulled together despite hurting financially, and emotionally. But they wouldnt be human if they didnt long for some light at the end of the tunnel were all in. For most everybody, the light at the end of the tunnel is knowing when and where and how they can be vaccinated against COVID-19. Ohio had nine months between Marchs COVID-19 emergency declaration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations approval of the first vaccine. That provided ample time to think about how a mass vaccination would best be handled. The absence of clear direction from Columbus is deeply troubling. With mass vaccination crucial to the defeat of COVID-19, Ohio seems to be moving very slowly. A Washington Post database as of Friday showed that Ohio had vaccinated only 19% of its prioritized population of front-line health care workers and staff in congregate settings, despite receiving enough doses to vaccinate 87% of them. If Ohio doesnt pick up the pace, the state could fall behind in the competition for additional doses. That must not happen. Meanwhile, Ohioans questions go unanswered. Who will vaccinate? Your pharmacy? Your physician? Your local health department? Your countys emergency management agency? Its in every Ohioans interest to have a clear, transparent and expeditious vaccination program. Toward that end, DeWine should consider appointing a statewide vaccination czar. To keep moving forward, Ohioans need to see and soon some light at the tunnels end. About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments or corrections on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. 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. Its almost the middle of January and the wait continues for the Yankees to do something significant this offseason besides tell the world that they hope to re-sign free agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu. GM Brian Cashmans isnt sitting around doing nothing. While the Yankees continue to negotiate with LeMahieu or are the sides at a standstill? much smaller additions have been commonplace. The Yankees latest minor addition occurred Sunday when they re-signed left-handed reliever Tyler Lyons to a minor-league contract. Introducing Yankees Insider: Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers Lyons, 32, spent parts of the last two seasons pitching for the Yankees, appearing in 12 games plus postseason action in 2019. Last year, he was up from the Yankees alternate site just three days in September and allowed four runs over 1 2/3 innings in his only outing. Lyons becomes the Yankees 11th minor-league free agent signing this winter with Major League experience. The group is highlighted by right-hander Jhoulys Chacin, a 15-game winner for the 2018 Milwaukee Brewers, and includes pitchers Adam Warren, Nestor Cortes, Luis Garcia, Matt Bowman and Lucas Luetge; outfielders Socrates Brito, and Ryan LaMarre; catcher Rob Brantly, and shortstop Andrew Velazquez. Last week, the Yanks also added outfield depth by acquiring speedy outfielder Greg Allen from the San Diego Padres for minor-league reliever James Reeves. Buy Gerrit Cole Yankees gear: Fanatics.com, MLBShop.com, Lids Lyons first joined the Yankees in August 2019 four days after he was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He impressed the Yanks that season pitching to a 4.15 ERA over 11 appearances with 12 strikeouts over 12 2/3 innings. In the 2019 playoffs, he made the Yankees Division Series and ALCS rosters and worked 1 2/3 perfect innings with four strikeouts over two appearances. Last year, Lyons was up with the Yankees for three days in September and allowed four runs over 1 2/3 innings in his only outing. He has a career 4.30 ERA over 162 outings, 20 as a starter, in eight seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals (2013-18), Pirates (2019) and Yankees (2019-20). Get Yankees text messages: Cut through the clutter of social media and text during games with beat writers and columnists. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day. Sign up now. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. NORWALK Residents looking to vote on a new policy for signs posted on a community fence in the heart of Rowayton will now be presented with three options instead of two when they head to the polls next week. Earlier this week, the Sixth Taxing District Commission relented to calls for a third option on the ballot after many residents complained that the other two options were inadequate in addressing the issue at hand. In November, the commission decided to allow the neighborhood to vote on revisions to a policy deciding what types of signs could be posted on the Old School Field fence following months of controversy after people posted Black Lives Matter sign and Back the Blue signs on the community bulletin board. For years, the district has allowed the community to post signs on the Old School Field fence, at the corner of Witch Lane and Rowayton Avenue, for a two-week period. Residents often leave messages there congratulating high school students on graduation, wishing children happy birthday and posting signs for neighborhood gatherings. Signs deemed to be political in nature, however, were not allowed under these rules. But when residents banded together to put a BLM sign on the fence, it raised questions of whether or not that sign was considered political. Residents will decide between three options on Jan. 13. The first option would keep the fences regulations as is, meaning signs would be allowed for a two-week period, the Sixth Taxing District would need to be alerted when a sign is hung, and the messages could not be political in nature. Signs promoting or targeting a specific candidate or party for any political office, or featuring any slogan associated with a candidate are not allowed, the option reads. A second option would allow residents to hang signs for local announcements, events, promotions and supportive statements or creative expressions of human rights. Under this option, human rights signs would require sponsorship of 100 residents before being eligible. These signs would be allowed to stay up for at least eight weeks, but they would not be allowed to depict slogans, imagery, persons or groups that seek the denial of equal rights and protections of any people. The newly introduced third option would keep the rules regulating signs the same as the first option, except it would also allow the BLM sign to remain on the fence for up to a year. Signs posted on the fence have been a controversial topic since June, when when the group of Rowayton residents hung their BLM banner on the fence. In less than a month, it was twice vandalized and once stolen. Then in July, the Sixth Taxing District Commission asked that the sign be taken down, citing complaints from residents claiming it was political and had been allowed to stay up for longer than two weeks. But in late October the commission reversed course and allowed the sign to return. Days later, a Back the Blue banner appeared feet away, sparking a second wave of controversy. Within a week, the Sixth Taxing District asked that all signs be removed from the fence as commissioners examined possible rules changes. Sixth Taxing District Commissioner Tammy Langalis said this move was prompted by a request from the community group behind the BLM sign. Residents are scheduled to vote in person on Jan. 13 in the courtyard of the Rowayton Community Center at 33 Highland Ave. Commissioners said the vote will be held in a socially distanced manner. All residents who wish to vote must be registered voters in Norwalk. Those who would prefer not to vote in person are asked to contact Andrea Woodworth, the Sixth Taxing District clerk, at awoodworth@rowayton6td.com. The police in Lagos have paraded 237 people allegedly arrested in nightclubs in the state in the early hours of Saturday. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Lagos police commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, led a raid of nightclubs in the state on Friday night, arresting many fun seekers. Clubbing has been suspended in the state as Lagos joins the rest of Nigeria to check the spread of COVID-19. The suspension of nightclubs and bars was announced about a fortnight ago by both the federal and Lagos State government as part of efforts to check the spread of COVID-19. The suspension did not, however, deter many fun seekers from attending clubs Friday night. Giving an update on the exercise Saturday afternoon, Mr Odumosu said clubs raided included Lounge 38, Bode Thomas Surulere, where 85 suspects were arrested and Club Victorias in VI, where 152 suspects were arrested. He said six other suspects were arrested for violating the federal government-imposed 12 midnight to 4 a.m. curfew in the state. During the parade of the suspects on Saturday, Mr Odumosu said there is a high disregard for COVID-19 protocols and government laws in the state. Generally, it has been observed that many Lagosians have disregard for compliance with COVID-19 protocols across the state which has been so worrisome due to the consequences of such lackadaisical attitudes on our health status and the spread of the rampaging pandemic in the Lagos State. In continuation of the vow and commitment of the command to enforce COVID-19 orders and protocols , the command has not relented on its oars in making sure that there is total compliance with covid-19 orders with a view to reducing or halting the spread of the pandemic. On Friday, 8th January, 2021, during a night operation, that was coordinated and commanded by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, the Command pounced on some deviant night clubs where two hundred and thirty seven (237) violators were arrested, he said. Mr Odumosu reiterated the commitment of the command to total enforcement of COVID-19 protocols and orders including the federal governments 12 midnight to 4 a.m. curfew, in Lagos State. The commissioner said police officers, with the help of other security agencies, will go after and arrest any violators, no matter how highly placed, and cause them to face the full wrath of the law. The position of the law is clear on the protocols being put in place to halt the spread of the pandemic and safety of all Lagosians in general. The suspects arrested so far by the command have been charged to court and this set, arrested over night, will be arraigned with immediate effect, he said. The police chief warned club owners to strictly comply with the state governments directive of immediate and total closure of clubs. He said erring club owners will not only be prosecuted but (I) may have to recommend to the State Government the stringent punishment of confiscation of the C of O of the club. He added that it has been observed that most of the club houses were not initially built and approved to be used as club houses by the Lagos State Government. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported the closure of many clubs in Lagos, including Cubana night club, for violating COVID-19 protocols. ADVERTISEMENT As Nigeria continues to battle with the second wave of COVID-19, Lagos remains the epicenter of the infection with several critical cases at isolation centres. As of Friday, Lagos recorded 739 new cases of COVID-19 infection, almost half of the total 1,544 recorded across Nigeria. The police emphasized its commitment to being violators of COVID-19 protocols to order. We wish to admonish Lagosians to observe the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols religiously as the pandemic is real, and a global reality which must be collectively tackled. The general public is also urged to be involved and assist the government in the ongoing advocacies to halt the spread of the pandemic in Lagos State and Nigeria at large, he said. The Lehigh River is among five finalists for the states 2021 River of the Year. The Wildlands Conservancy is calling on the public to cast votes for the river as their favorite Pennsylvania waterway. The nonprofit organization is the Lehigh Rivers water trail manager and nominated the waterway for the contest. The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the River of the Year program with funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The contest has been in existence annually since 1983. Voters can cast their picks online here until 5 p.m. Jan. 22. Voting is managed through the Woobox application, restricting each vote to a single email address. The winning river will be celebrated throughout the year during special events, promotions and community partnerships. Christopher Kocher, president of the Wildlands Conservancy, described the Lehigh River as the Lehigh Valleys most treasured natural resource. From recreation and respite that supports our local economy to drinking water and wildlife habitat -- our mighty Lehigh is undoubtedly the lifeblood of our beautiful region, Kocher said, noting the nonprofit is thrilled to have even more cause for the area to celebrate the local waterway. The accolade also raises awareness about the importance of the Lehigh River as a regional natural resource. The rivers selection as a finalist was based on its history of conservation success. The Lehigh River includes more than 100 scenic miles, winding through 10 statewide counties. From the headwaters of the Poconos in Gouldsboro, Wayne County, to its confluence with the Delaware River in Easton, the Lehigh River has long been the lifeblood of all the communities situated along its reach. It additionally played a role in the industrial growth of the country, moving anthracite coal from mine to market from the 1700s to well into the 20th century. The Lehigh River is said to run to black, and even today, it still bears the scars of its industrial past in the form of abandoned mine drainage -- the most widespread water pollution challenge in the state. Despite its legacy impacts, the Lehigh River remains a valuable natural resource and through the cooperative efforts of like-minded organizations, partnerships, agencies and concerned citizens over the past 40 years, the river is the cleanest it has ever been in more than a century. In 1982, a 32-mile section in the northern corridor of the river was designated a Pennsylvania scenic river. It additionally is a keystone of many local economies, serving as a backdrop for urban revitalization, as well as a growing outdoor recreation and tourism industry, offering whitewater rafting, fishing and boating. The Lehigh River is a source of drinking water for five municipalities, supports critical wildlife habitat, and colors both the natural character and sense of place for the hundreds of thousands of residents who live in connection with it, according to the Wildlands Conservancy. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. A Gucci collaboration with outdoor brand The North Face has been mocked for showing models hiking up mountains wearing skirts and heels teamed with giant puffer jackets. Mountaineers and hikers said they were horrified that the long-standing label, known for its no-nonsense climbing wear, had teamed up with the high end fashion house and branded it fashion for 'the Daddy's credit card brigade'. The North Face's Instagram account has suffered comment after comment questioning the 1970's-inspired tie-up, promotional pictures for which show camping models mixing patterned outerwear with sandals and smart leather bags. The collaboration has been plugged by Pixie Geldof, who was apparently paid to promote the range to her 194,000 Instagram followers. A collaboration between Italian fashion house Gucci and outdoor brand The North Face is being mocked online after adverts for the line showed models hiking in heels, skirts and puffer jackets Models can be seen frolicking in the woods wearing heels and leatherwear in a 70s inspired move by Gucci and The North Face that has received a largely negative reaction Many fans of The North Face were not impressed by the collaboration between the two brands, with some asking if it was an April fool On Wednesday the socialite posted a picture of herself in a green gilet with a huge North Face/Gucci logo, saying: 'In my head this is very Lady Di @gucci #thenorthfacexgucci #ad.' Her friend Daisy Lowe replied: 'Such a BABE I LOVE THIS SO MUCH.' Fashion designer Henry Holland also chipped in, saying: 'Never been more jealous.' But she too was criticised by some social media users, with Rebecca Jones commenting: 'This stuff is just expensive disposable fashion isn't it? No one who can afford this stuff will ever wear it for more than one season then....' In adverts for the line, models wearing puffer jackets, leather wear and heels are seen hiking in the woods Fans of The North Face were not impressed by the collaboration, calling it impractical and 'expensive disposable fashion' High socks, booties, puffer jackets and denim shorts; the collaboration between Gucci and The North Face did not land well with some consumers But for The North Face's Instagram account, things were looking far gloomier, with dozens of negative messages blasting the tie-up as a sell-out. 'Bro I swear if I ever see someone outdoors dressed like that,' one unimpressed user said. 'Rest In Peace to a once proud and respected outdoor company,' another wrote. One commenter said the collab showed people 'dressed impractically', adding: 'My issue is a brand that I used to love feeling the need to partner with an overpriced fashion brand and use overpaid and underskilled models in an advert wearing inadequate and ridiculous clothing whilst pretending to do #adventure.' 'Perfect time to release this collab since people are getting evicted from their homes. These tents are going to look (fire emoji) under all of the highway overpasses,' said another. Socialite Pixie Geldof promoted the line in a sponsored advert on her Instagram account, saying it made her feel like lady Di (pictured) 'Someone in marketing needs fired for this disaster,' quipped another. And one wrote: 'We need conservation not exploration. I'd love to see you promote your renewed and refurbished clothing store,' while one vowed: 'If this is real, I am legit never buying North Face again.' 'Gucci designed itself as status, opulence and fashion. North Face is breaking into the fashion arena now? Disappointed. Not gonna lie,' another commented. The two brands are running several pop-ups offering the high-priced gear. At London's Selfridges department store, staff are offering one-on-one video calls for potential buyers to check out the collection, with slots already sold out. A note on the store's website reads: 'What happens when one of the most revered fashion houses joins forces with the world's most iconic outdoors brand. Unimpressed social media users ridiculed the images of the collaboration, with one remarking that 'someone in marketing' needed to be fired 'An unexpected yet seriously covetable collection. Join us to explore the story behind the collaboration and shop the sought-after pieces exclusively at Selfridges with a one-to-one video call at home. 'Due to high demand, our video call appointments are currently fully booked - be the first to know when more slots become available by following @TheOfficialSelfridges and sign up to our newsletter below to hear about future exclusive-to-Selfridges launches.' It went on: 'Inspired by the 70s and packed with colour, pattern and planet-conscious credentials, the pioneering collaboration between The North Face and Gucci brings Alessandro Michele's playful, eclectic vision to The North Face's signature styles - an outdoors brand that has kitted out everyone from Himalayan explorers to inner-city commuters since it was founded in 1968. 'Available to shop exclusively from our Corner Shop at Selfridges London via a one-to-one video call while our store is temporarily closed, the collection celebrates self-discovery and frees up the lines between fashion and function. 'From hiking boots to puffer jackets, backpacks to sleeping bags, this is a collection that both speaks to our renewed appreciation of the outdoors and shows how collaboration can continue to break down boundaries and broaden fashion's horizons.' On Gucci's website, a description reads: 'A collaboration which connects two brands with similar history and values, The North Face x Gucci celebrates the spirit of exploration.' The North Face was founded in the US in 1968 to supply climbers and its distinctive logo celebrates a granite dome in Yosemite National Park. However in recent years it has become trendy and is now much-loved by British teenagers. 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. MAY IS a beautiful month with a hopeful sound to it (I may write a novel, I may take tango lessons, I may buy a schooner and sail the Atlantic, I may survive the journey), but here in Minnesota, snowfall is still a slim possibility, and I can imagine going out for a walk one morning and with Hospitals have been preparing for worst-case scenarios ahead of an expected influx of Covid-19 admissions in the coming days. One busy Dublin hospital asked staff to prepare 'ceiling of care' forms for all patients. The 'ceiling of care', which is agreed with patients and families, determines a threshold of medical intervention should a condition deteriorate. An email circulated by Beaumont Hospital in Dublin said it was critical that staff should complete such forms for all hospital patients before the weekend. Another email circulated to staff at Beaumont identified oxygen as an issue of critical importance, such that "oxygen needs to be conserved" and patient prescription for oxygen should be regularly reviewed". Read More The hospital has experienced the highest Covid-19 admissions in the country as the numbers have risen exponentially over the past week. In a statement Beaumont Hospital said its procedures in relation to clinical care pathways and Covid-19 patient management adhere to relevant national policies and practices, and it is not just Beaumont preparing for the worst, but the entire health sector. The Health Service Executive has recirculated guidance documents on treating critically ill patients outside of an intensive care setting in recent days. They include a document issued by Nphet in the first wave of the pandemic, following harrowing scenes in Italy of patients being administered oxygen in tents. It had lost its relevance in recent months. Expand Close BALANCING CARE: Dr Catherine McGorrian, an acute physician and cardiologist and the Maters clinical director for emergency and speciality medicine. Photo: David Conachy / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp BALANCING CARE: Dr Catherine McGorrian, an acute physician and cardiologist and the Maters clinical director for emergency and speciality medicine. Photo: David Conachy It reminded doctors that where ICU resources are limited because of increased demand, the continued provision of critical care will be "subject to the regular assessment of the patient's response to the treatment". "Each patient is different; their clinical status and care needs should be evaluated holistically, and interventions provided on a rational, evidence-based and ethical basis." Decisions The Medical Council has meanwhile reissued its pandemic advice that doctors may have to perform duties outside of their current scope of practice. Doctors are once again having to prepare for difficult decisions over who gets treatment as resources dwindle. There are 282 intensive care beds across the system with the capacity to increase to 350 intensive care beds. But in a worst-case scenario painted by the HSE, an estimated 400 critically ill Covid patients may need an ICU bed by mid-January. At one point on Friday, there were only 21 intensive care beds available across the country and none was available in 13 hospitals. Health officials hope case numbers and the numbers requiring hospital admission will start peaking towards the end of this week. But the drain on intensive care beds is likely to drag on. It can take some time for Covid-19 conditions to deteriorate to a point where the patient requires an ICU bed and once there, the average stay can be up to 14 days. Resources Most hospitals already have modified ward space from the first wave where they can treat patients on ventilators outside of the ICU. But Dr Colm Henry, chief clinical officer with the HSE, said last week that treating patients in need of ICU outside of the ICU setting is not desirable. He suggested that if the numbers of patients in ICU exceeded 350, that "staff will do what they can and try to make the maximum use of resources for those ... most likely to benefit." On Wednesday, HSE chief executive Paul Reid said 2,500 people could be hospitalised with Covid-19 by mid-January. This weekend the numbers are shy of those worst-case scenarios but they are climbing steadily. By 8pm on Friday night, 1,214 people were in hospital with Covid-19. Cork University Hospital shouldered the burden of admissions with 118 patients. There were 96 patients with Covid at University Hospital Limerick, followed by 94 at Beaumont hospital in Dublin. Hospitals are working around the clock to free up space for patients being admitted with Covid. Most already created extra capacity where they can treat patients on ventilators outside of the ICU. There are 1,800 ventilators across the healthcare system. But as Dr Henry said, treating patients outside of ICU is not desirable. The Mater hospital in Dublin has allocated 200 beds, including ICU beds, in the 700-bed hospital for Covid-19 patients. The figure is considerably higher than in the first wave of the pandemic when the number of Covid-19 patients in the hospital at any one time was 120. Alan Sharp, the chief executive of the Mater hospital, said that 200 is a "daunting number". If numbers go beyond that, the hospital teams will simply "reconfigure again", he said. "There is a limited number of beds in hospitals and you will get to a point where the hospitals will get overrun. That is the concern that I hear being communicated out by the health leaders in this country," he said. "We are coping but we are concerned. At the moment, for us the numbers are manageable. We have moved a lot of our elective activity into the private hospitals." The biggest issue for the hospital is balancing routine care for emergencies such as strokes or cardiac problems with Covid-19 patients. There are 36 ICU and 12 cardio ICU beds - bringing the total close to 50 but as of Thursday, 39 were occupied across both, mostly with non-Covid cases. In the A&E department, the number of very sick patients attending on a daily basis has been steadily increasing too. The numbers had been averaging eight to 12 in the early part of last week before rising to 16 on Wednesday. Shocking Dr Catherine McGorrian, an acute physician and cardiologist and the Mater's clinical director for emergency and speciality medicine, said: "The increase that we're seeing even over the last week is certainly very shocking. We anticipated that there would be an increase in cases, but the scale was unexpected." Despite these numbers, she added that it is "really important for people to know that the hospital is absolutely open for people with other non Covid-19 health concerns." The pressure on public hospitals will be marginally eased by a deal the HSE has agreed with 16 private hospitals to take cases. The deal, announced by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, on Friday will see private hospitals provide up to 30pc of their capacity for public work. This latest surge presents other worries for hospital workers beyond capacity. For those working on the frontline, in emergency departments and on Covid-19 wards, the new strains of the virus identified by the National Virus Reference Laboratory are a worry, health sources say. A UK-identified strain of the virus, that has been credited with an explosion of cases in that country, was identified in around 20pc of samples in Ireland. On Friday it emerged that three cases of the highly transmissible South African strain of the virus were also confirmed here. Dr Cillian De Gascun, director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory at UCD, said the South African variant was a big concern. Around 2,500 hospital workers are currently off work because they are sick or self-isolating due to Covid-19 The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has called on the HSE to implement new "critical emergency" protocols for the oncoming surge and the chronic staff shortages that are further disabling the health service. It is demanding plans that would reduce footfall in hospitals, ensure additional PPE and for senior managers to be on the ground. "It is time for the HSE to ramp up safety plans and introduce critical emergency protocols," INMO general secretary Phil Ni Sheaghdha said. "We have safety protocols that have been tweaked since March last year - the level of pandemic we face now means many need a total overhaul or serious upgrade." Hospitals and staff are braced for what is to come but some believe there is still room for optimism. "For me, the key to protecting the hospitals comes from the community. It will all stem from how the public follows the public health advice and adheres to the restrictions," said Alan Sharp. A Western Sydney mayor claims Australia Day celebrations havent been cancelled due to Covid-19 and instead has offered up a different explanation. Cumberland City Council Mayor Steve Christou told The Sydney Morning Herald its cheap and lazy for councils to blame coronavirus for the cancellation of Australia Day festivities. On Sunday, NSW reported three new locally transmitted cases, with two linked to Berala which is part of Cr Christous local government area. People celebrate Australia Day in Circular Quay. Source: Getty Images The Sydney Harbour day program, which included boat races, is one of many cancelled due to Covid-19 this year. Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool and The Hills have also cancelled events due to the virus. But Cr Christou told the SMH councils arent being pressured to cancel due to the virus and instead blamed political correctness. Its very sad that the bed-wetters and cancel-culture philosophers are dictating our agendas before a health directive has been issued, he told the paper. Cr Christous thoughts werent supported by Cumberland City Labor councillor George Campbell, who told the paper the mayor was going off on his own tangent. Thousands take to the streets to protest Australia Day in Sydney in 2018. Source: Getty Images Cr Campbell added council did not share Cr Christous views. Past Australia Days have been met with protests by people saying it disrespects Indigenous Australians. People packed streets in Sydney last January calling for Australia Day to be moved from January 26. January 26, 1788, marks the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet. Cumberland City Council Mayor Steve Christou has blamed Australia Day cancellations on political correctness. Source: Facebook/Steve Christou Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close The pilot issued an apology saying his tweets 'may have hurt sentiments'. A GoAir spokesperson said the airline has a zero tolerance policy on such matters New Delhi: GoAir has sacked a senior pilot who made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter on Thursday. "GoAir has terminated the services of the Captain with immediate effect," the airline's spokesperson said on Saturday when asked about the objectionable tweets by pilot Miki Malik. Captain Malik, who made the remarks about the prime minister on Thursday, has deleted the offensive tweets and locked his account on Twitter. A GoAir spokesperson said the airline has a zero tolerance policy on such matters and it is mandatory for its employees to comply with the company's employment rules, regulations and policies, including social media behaviour. "The airline does not associate itself with personal views expressed by any individual or an employee," the spokesperson noted The major roads of Malaga province were the scene of 28 deaths from traffic accidents in 2020 a decrease on the previous year and attributed mainly to the reduction in mobility during the pandemic. Spains General Traffic Department (DGT) and the Ministry of the Interior have, this Thursday, published the annual data collected which shows a "historical" decrease in fatalities on secondary roads and motorways, although the figures dont include local roads. On a regional basis there were 184 victims throughout Andalucia compared to the 197 in 2019. And at the national level, during 2020, there were 797 fatal accidents in which 870 people died. A total of 3,463 people required hospital admission after suffering an accident. These numbers represent a decrease of 21 per cent in the number of accidents and deaths, and a drop of 22 per cent in the number of injured. The DGT said, "It is the lowest death toll in history and the first time that the number of deaths on major roads is less than 1,000," attributing improved figures to the Covid-19 pandemic and the mobility limitations which saw a reduction in road traffic of 25 per cent. The Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, sad that despite the decrease in the road deaths, "they are unacceptable figures for society. "We all know that these deaths and serious injuries are mostly preventable and, therefore, we assume the obligation to avoid them." 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-11 00:26:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close JUBA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar on Sunday urged full implementation of the 2012 cooperation agreement signed with Sudan in order to boost trade and allow free movement of people between the two countries. Machar disclosed that the agreement signed in September 2012 grants South Sudanese and Sudanese the right to own property, free movement, residence and employment in both countries. "We want the four freedoms agreed upon with Sudan in 2012 to be revitalized, the agreement on four freedoms are the freedom of residence, freedom of movement, freedom of employment, freedom of ownership and acquisition of property," Machar said during the opening ceremony of the Sudan-South Sudan trade expo in Juba. The week-long trade expo will run until Jan. 15. The cooperation agreement signed during the administration of former Sudanese president Omar Al Bashir in Addis Ababa also includes oil fees, security and border demarcation. Machar said that the goods from Sudan are smuggled into South Sudan, adding that there is a need to use the buffer zones as free trade areas for the benefit of the two countries. "We want border buffer zones such as Joda, Heglig and Merem to be for free trade, to avoid smuggling, we must open the border. We want borders to open as soon as possible, we want all 10 border points be it road, rail or river transport to open," he said. Machar disclosed that the established security-political committee comprising officials from the two countries has been meeting over the past two months to resolve border issues. He added that opening the border between the two countries will boost trade, in addition to strengthening and diversifying the economies of both countries. "While Sudan and South Sudan are embarking on a peaceful path, it is important to bring along sustainable development through investment and economic activities," he said. Mohamed Hamdan Daglu, deputy chairman of Sudan's Sovereign Council said that improved relations between the two countries will help spur trade and accelerate business investments. "We need to build good relations and improve (business) investment in the two countries, we propose open borders with reduced custom duties," said Daglu. Enditem Representative image. My job it seems is safe, for now. Stringing together reasonably coherent sentences may not be a particularly testing task, but at least the threat from artificial intelligence (AI), the newest jobs-killer in town, isnt as potent as I feared. In a recent paper published in the Findings of Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing (EMNLP), Assistant Professor Xiang Ren and PhD student Yuchen Lin at the University of Southern California found that despite significant advances AI still doesn't have the common sense needed to generate plausible sentences. As Lin explained to Science Daily, Current machine text-generation models can write an article that may be convincing to many humans, but they're basically mimicking what they have seen in the training phase. Where these models failed was in describing everyday scenarios. Given the words dog, frisbee, throw, and catch, one model came up with the sentence Two dogs are throwing frisbees at each other. Nothing wrong in that except that it misses what we know through common sense, viz that a dog cant throw frisbees. AI-driven writing systems may be able to generate a basic report on a musical event or even the quarterly results of a company. These can be programmed and algos can pick out the relevant details like how many people attended, who were the main leads, etc. But creative fiction or even non-fiction may be beyond the skill of current AI models. Still, the day isnt far, warn the researchers, when AI agents will generate more commonsensical responses. Already media startups such as Knowhere and Patch have integrated AI into their working and even legacy newspapers are incorporating some elements of it into their daily working. But an opinion piece is still some way off. Indeed, five years ago when BuzzFeed created a Tom Friedman Sentence Generator using a statistical technique known as Markov chaining to generate what it called random (if only somewhat plausible) sentences, the results it threw up were not quite satisfactory, nor did they do justice to the well-known columnist. Heres a small sampling of what it generates: Why are so beaten down by the world, you fall behind faster than you think. and Many jobs at Google which is that I have been set back the Iraqi prime minister, and an imperfect but progressive soul, stood for. No wonder, Friedman still retains his column at The New York Times. While that may be some comfort to his and my generation of columnists, younger writers have been put on notice. They arent the only ones. According to a McKinsey Global Institute study, by 2030, intelligent agents and robots could replace 30 percent of the worlds current human labour. Effectively 375 million people will need to look for new jobs. In India, thousands of jobs, including those of call centre executives, translators, bank tellers and secretaries, could be lost. Also under threat, nannies and babysitters. With nanny robots and virtual babysitters, AI is increasingly playing a role in childcare. In fact, a new book titled Big Brain Revolution: Artificial Intelligence Spy or Saviour by Michelle Tempest predicts that in the next 30 years, parenting will become optional, and adults will only have to be present for the highlights of their offspring's childhood. Whats adding to the anxiety stemming from looming unemployment is the nature of some of the new jobs that the use of AI in areas like self-driving cars, surveillance systems and digital healthcare is creating. These include language specialists, surveyors and teachers of machines. While they dont involve technical wizardry, they also tend to be as monotonous and iterative as say taking customer complaints in a call centre. Cant say I am looking forward to an enforced change of profession. New Delhi, Jan 11 : The Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have agreed to attend the 47th convocation being held by the institute on Monday after the director, Dr Randeep Guleria, assured them of conducting a physical convocation in the future as well. "Dr Guleria promised that the batches called for the virtual convocation will also be invited to the physical convocation whenever it is organised. We agreed to his assurance and would now attend the convocation without any agitation," said Dr Adarsh Pratap Singh, president, AIIMS' RDA. The RDA had earlier opposed the administration's decision of conducting the 47th convocation virtually and had written to the institute's director demanding that the January 11 event be held physically in small batches with all Covid-19 precautions, outside the Jawahar Lal Nehru (JLN) Stadium. It had warned that if the demand was not met, the RDA members would be forced to boycott the convocation and hold a protest on the day of the event. The RDA had demanded the convocation should be organised to be participated physically as it was pending for more than two years and holds a profound importance in a student's life. "The resident doctors have been waiting for this convocation to happen for a very long time now. AIIMS has pass-out batches every six months, but they have to wait over a year for convocation. Residents doctors worked day and night throughout their residency and amidst Covid-19 pandemic, but when the time of convocation came we were being asked to attend it virtually which was very disappointing and disheartening," Singh had stated. The 47th convocation would be attended by the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, who is also president of the central government-run institute. Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director for South-East Asia, World Health Organisation (WHO), is invited as the chief guest to the event. Meanwhile, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State (MoS) for Ministry of Health & Family Welfare MoH&FW) would join there as the guest of honour. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 73F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A mostly clear sky. Low 46F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph. Mark Makela/Getty Images A 32-year-old man was killed in a shootout with Illinois police Saturday after he was identified as a suspect in a string of fatal shootings across Chicago and Evanston, according to multiple news reports. The Chicago Tribune reported Jason Nightengale was named as the suspect in a crime spree that took place at a parking garage, apartment building lobby, convenience store, and an IHOP. According to CNN, the incident is under investigation and a motive is unknown. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. A 32-year-old man was fatally shot by Illinois police after shooting multiple people and taking a woman hostage during a crime spree in Chicago and Evanston, according to multiple reports. The suspect in three deadly shootings that rang out early Saturday was identified as Jason Nightengale, who was killed after a shootout with police, The Chicago Tribune reported. Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said in a news conference the shootings began Saturday afternoon around 1:50 p.m, according to CNN. In a parking garage, Nightengale fatally shot a 30-year-old man who was sitting in a car, the outlet reported. The victim was a student at the University of Chicago, the Associated Press reported. The University of Chicago identified the man as Yiran Fan from China who was pursuing Ph.D. studies at the institution. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "This sudden and senseless loss of life causes us indescribable sorrow," the university said on Twitter Sunday."In the days ahead we will come together as a community to mourn, and to lift up fellow members of our community in this difficult time." The Chicago Tribune reported police believe minutes after the garage shooting, Nightengale continued on to a nearby apartment building where he "just randomly" fired his weapon, shooting a 46-year-old security guard and a 77-year-old-woman who was fetching her mail. The security guard died from her injuries at the hospital after being struck in the chest, according to the outlet, and the other woman is in critical condition at a local hospital after being struck in the head. Story continues Brown said Nightengale then went to another building where he saw a man he knew, obtained and took his car keys, and stole his car which a red Toyota. He continued his spree around 3 p.m. following the carjacking, Brown said, per WLS-TV. An hour later, Nightengale, "enters a convenience store, announces a robbery, and fires shots at a 20-year-old male in the head," Brown said, according to the outlet. An 81-year-old woman also "sustained gunshot wounds to the back and the neck" while in the convenience store and is in critical condition, Brown said. Next, around 5 p.m., the gunman shot a 15-year-old girl in the head while in the car with her mother. The teenager was taken to a local children's hospital in critical condition, according to WLS-TV. Nightengale returned to the convenience store and started shooting at officers. However, no officers were hit, according to the Chicago Tribune. About 40 minutes later in Evanston, Illinois, police received a report of a gunman shooting at a local CVS store, Chief Demitrous Cook of Evanston Police Department said at the press conference. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. "The offender fled across the street to an IHOP. We believe in there he took a woman hostage, he shot her, injuring her in a critical manner," Cook said, according to WLS-TV. Following that incident, after he left the IHOP, and went to a parking lot where he was met by police, and was "shot and killed," Cook added, according to the news station. "Thanks to the bravery of @EvanstonPD police officers and with the support of @Chicago_Police officers, a violent criminal and his murderous rampage was stopped," Superintendent Brown tweeted on Sunday night. As CNN reported, the incident is under investigation by law enforcement and a motive is currently unknown. Read the original article on Insider Stockholm, 10 January 2021 (SPS) - Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde called for (the organization) for a free self-determination referendum in Western Sahara, welcoming the recent statements by former US national security adviser, John Bolton in which he criticized the recognition of Morocco's alleged "sovereignty" over Western Sahara, in exchange for the normalization with Israel. The Swedish minister's statements came during a digital interview organized on Friday by the Swedish socialist youth party, on the Swedish foreign policy, international relations and political positions, and the country solidarity vis-a-vis certain causes of liberation, decolonization and human rights. Western Sahara question has been at the center of the debate moderated by the chief of the socialist youths external relations department. The questions of the speakers were mainly focused on Sweden position with regard to the latest developments. In her responses, the Swedish foreign minister said that her country "has always opposed any illegal agreement within the EU, such as the Fisheries Agreement, has insisted on the importance of allowing the Sahrawi people to access their human rights." The Western Sahara question has been inscribed by the United Nations for a long time, added Ann Linde, regretting that many countries put their relations with Morocco before this question. She also announced that next week she would meet with Moroccan foreign minister and express her concern over the Sahrawi question. (SPS) 062/090/700 BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) Noah Freidel had 25 points as South Dakota State easily beat Western Illinois 92-63 on Saturday night. Freidel made 5 of 7 3-pointers. He added eight rebounds. David Wingett had 15 points for South Dakota State (8-3, 4-1 Summit League). Douglas Wilson added 14 points. Baylor Scheierman had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Tamell Pearson had 13 points for the Leathernecks (2-9, 0-4), who have lost five straight games. Adam Anhold added 11 points and seven rebounds. The Jackrabbits improve to 2-0 against the Leathernecks for the season. South Dakota State defeated Western Illinois 83-77 on Friday. ___ For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25 ___ This was generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from STATS LLC, https://www.stats.com Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. ADVERTISEMENT The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Sunday cautioned Lagos residents to adhere to COVID-19 directives as the virus was not a hoax. Mr Sanwo-Olu said this while disclosing the activation of a new oxygen plant to help patients with severe condition of COVID-19 who are in need of oxygen. The number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Lagos continues to be on the rise with 573 new cases recorded on Saturday, out of the total 1585 cases recorded across the country. Lagosians, #COVID19 is not a glamorous disease, neither is it a hoax. You need to follow the safety guidelines to safeguard your friends and loved ones. In the midst of increasing #COVID19 cases, we have some good news from our Infectious Diseases Hospital. We have activated a new oxygen plant which will help by providing much needed oxygen to patients. The plant will supplement oxygen supply to about 300 cylinders per day and 6 cylinders per hour, Mr Sanwo-Olu wrote on his Twitter handle. The governor said the state was working to ensure patients receive the best care at all state facilities. The Lagos state government has increased awareness in the deadly nature of the variant of COVID-19 infection ravaging the state and country at large, with more deaths being recorded. PREMIUM TIMES reported how several persons have died from COVID-19 complications following the resurgence of the virus in Nigeria. During the week, the younger brother to the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, died of COVID-19. Announcing the demise of his 37-year-old brother, Mr Hamzat said the second wave of COVID-19 affects people across different age groups. The deceased, Haroun Hamzat, who worked as a medical doctor at Orile Agege, helped a lot of patients, the deputy governor disclosed. This week I lost my 37 years old younger brother, Dr. Haroun Hamzat to #COVID19. He was hardworking and well loved, helping a lot of patents at the Lagos primary healthcare centre in Orile, Agege. COVID19 does not respect anyone & this second wave is affecting across age groups. The first line of defence lies with you. Protect your friends and family by following our guidelines, he wrote in a tweet. WASHINGTON - The last chapter in the presidency of Donald Trump has come down to this: Under what circumstances will he leave office and how much will that departure further sully an already besmirched legacy. The end is coming in ways Trump could not have imagined before Wednesday's riot at the Capitol by his supporters. He is hearing calls for his resignation from conservative voices, among them Rupert Murdoch's Wall Street Journal editorial page. READ MORE: Democrats plan lightning Trump impeachment, want him out now Members of his Cabinet and White House staff are deserting him, though perhaps too late to escape the fallout from having stood by him for so long. Twitter and Facebook have banned him permanently due to the risk of further incitement of violence, denying him the favored platform for his incendiary messaging and attacks on rivals. More ominously, he faces the prospect of being impeached for a second time by House Democrats, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. Were that to happen, Trump would stand alone among the nation's presidents for such ignobility. Absent a resignation or a move by Vice President Mike Pence to lead a move to invoke the 25th Amendment, for which Pence shows no stomach, impeachment proceedings could be on a fast track. In just a few days, the idea of impeachment has gone from preliminary conversations to the prospect of possible floor action early next week, if Trump has not resigned. READ MORE: What I saw inside the House chamber as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol closed in Trump's role in whipping up the mob that invaded and then desecrated the U.S. Capitol, the most visible symbol of American democracy, has left the president with few defenders. There are the last bitter-enders of the nativist army that has provided aid and comfort to him for five years. There are the members of the Republican National Committee, who met and cheered the president in Florida on Friday. There are still some allies in Congress, though fewer than ever. Even before the Capitol was overrun, Trump had been abandoned by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who voted against objections to the electoral count and made his opposition clear in a stinging floor statement. The president's relationship with Pence has been ruptured because the vice president did the constitutionally limited - and correct - thing in presiding without interference over the counting of the electoral college votes that made official President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Trump apparently cannot understand why the vice president would stand with the Constitution. The absence of a commitment to the Constitution has been a persistent defect of Trump's presidency. The Post and others have drawn vivid portraits all week of a bunkered and embittered president, surrounded by only a few advisers. Under pressure, he sent out a video Thursday evening asking that "tempers be cooled" and acknowledging that there would be a new administration on Jan. 20. He said that his focus now would be on assuring a "smooth, orderly and seamless" transition. He did not mention Biden or offer congratulations. On Friday, before the permanent suspension from Twitter, he tweeted that the nearly 75 million people who voted for him will have "a giant voice" in the future and are not to be "disrespected" or treated unfairly. Later he tweeted that he would not attend Biden's inauguration, the first president in more than a century to skip a ceremony that would have signaled his admission that the election was fairly decided. Two issues lie behind the moves to force Trump from office. One is the issue of clear and present danger, or more simply, what further damage could be done by a temperamentally fragile president in the final days. Pelosi took the extraordinary step of publicly revealing that she had talked with Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss "available precautions for preventing an unstable president from initiating military hostilities or accessing the launch codes and ordering a nuclear strike." Pelosi's expressed fears were alarmingly direct in language, but this not the first time the issue of what Trump might do with his commander in chief powers in the final days had been raised by those who have served in government. Earlier, the 10 living former defense secretaries had warned Pentagon leaders not to involve the military in any election disputes and pointed to severe consequences for those leaders if they allowed that to happen. To some people, the easiest way out to alleviate worries about what Trump might do in his remaining days would be a quick presidential resignation and the elevation of Pence to the presidency until Biden is sworn in. Those who favor resignation see impeachment as prolonged and divisive and view the use of the 25th Amendment, in which Pence and a majority of the Cabinet would declare Trump unable to discharge his duties, as a far messier conclusion to his presidency. READ MORE: Capitol breach prompts urgent questions about security failures The other issue driving talk of impeachment is accountability for stoking the violence against the Capitol. The draft impeachment language prepared by House Democrats makes that role the basis for the charge against the president. Impeachment and conviction, were the Senate to take such action, would do something else: It would deny Trump the opportunity ever to run serve as president a second time. Trump closed his Thursday night video by telling his supporters that "our incredible journey is only just beginning." He has been dangling the possibility of another campaign for president in 2024, perhaps to be launched as he left office. Until Wednesday's attack on the Capitol, he was seen as capable of continuing his role as the most prominent and powerful leader of the Republican Party and able to freeze the field of 2024 GOP presidential aspirants for a possible run of his own or play kingmaker. His diminished status could lessen the likelihood that the party would turn to him again as its presidential nominee, though he has been counted out before and continues to enjoy support at the grass-roots level and among some party officials. Impeachment would take that question off the table permanently. Biden was asked about impeachment on Friday and tried to deflect. He said any such decision should be left to lawmakers in Congress and that he would continue to focus on preparations to become president. It was neither a rejection nor an endorsement, and he reiterated that he has long seen Trump as unfit for office. He said he believed the fastest way to have Trump removed is to let the Constitution work and await the end of Trump's term at noon Jan. 20. A possible impeachment trial could tie up the Senate just as Biden is beginning his presidency. That would delay such Biden priorities as confirmation of Cabinet members and action on a trillion-dollar covid relief package that he said would be his first legislative priority. These are hardly the ideal circumstances for the incoming president but not surprising given the history of Trump in office. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Friday that impeachment would only further divide a divided the nation at a time when, he argued, healing is needed. Democrats see those as hollow words, coming from someone who helped give support to the president's falsehoods about a stolen election and who voted in favor of objections to the counts in Arizona and Pennsylvania even after Trump's supporters ransacked the Capitol. McCarthy is not the only Republican now trying shamelessly to scramble to higher ground There will be consequences of acting to remove the president and consequences of not acting. Time is short and the presidents responsibility for what took place last Wednesday undeniable. However and whenever he leaves the White House, he will be forever marked by his final days in office. The Victorian government insists it told NSW of its plans to close the border as soon as receiving health advice after Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it acted too quickly and without consultation. As Sydney's northern beaches emerged from its lockdown - the COVID-19 outbreak which prompted Victoria's border closure on January 1 - Ms Berejiklian urged other state premiers to not make hasty decisions. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has pleaded with the other states to consult NSW before closing borders. Credit:SMH In a veiled swipe at Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Ms Berejiklian said states needed to "talk to us in NSW before you close the border because we can explain to you the situation that's going on". Her comments come as Victorians stranded in NSW hope to learn in the next day or two when they will be allowed to return home. Jeanne Marie McGowan, MSW, LCSW, 51, of Savannah, Ga., died unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. Born and raised in the Nativity section of Scranton, Pa., Jeanne was the daughter of the late Paul and Marian Flynn McGowan. She graduated from Scranton Central High School and Marywood University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. After graduating from Marywood, Jeanne moved to Conshohocken, Pa., where she was a mental health worker in the educational system. She also worked with both community-based agencies and private practices throughout the Philadelphia area. While holding multiple positions, Jeanne spent her time in Philadelphia furthering her education at Widener University where she earned her masters degree in social work and obtained a certification in school social work. After achieving this goal, Jeanne accepted a position as the director of counseling services at Gwynedd Mercy College, where she was employed for six years. In 2015, Jeanne moved to Savannah, where she accepted a position at Georgia Southern Universitys Armstrong Campus as the director of counseling. In 2017, Jeanne also spent time working as an applied skills intervention trainer, where she brought suicide prevention training to agencies throughout Georgia. While employed at Georgia Southern, Jeanne was in pursuit of her doctorate degree in higher education for leadership. She completed the four-year academic program and was working diligently to complete her dissertation before her passing. Jeanne was a fun-loving spirit who lit up every room she walked into. For those who knew her, knew that she was up for any adventure. She enjoyed traveling across the United States and Europe with all of her family and friends. Her last big adventure was traveling to Iceland to see the Northern Lights for her 50th birthday celebration. Jeanne enjoyed all genres of music and loved attending music festivals and concerts. For the last six years, she traveled to Tennessee to attend the Bonnaroo music festival where her friends and family were always radiating positivity. Jeanne loved her Dewey Beach life. She enjoyed all of the activities and highlights of living at the shore. Never missing an opportunity to meet new people, it was here that she developed close relationships with her beach house friends. Family was everything to Jeanne. Never missing a birthday, a holiday, or a special occasion, she was always sure to call, send a card, or a funny meme that put a smile on your face. Everyone knew that her nieces and nephews truly were some of the most important people in her life. From dance offs and jam out music sessions, to planned scavenger hunts, beach walks, and bar crawls, Jeanne was always up for something fun. She was not just an aunt, she was the cool aunt, a mentor, and the person you could tell anything to. She was a listening ear and the voice of reason. Her kind and genuine nature was admired by all. Jeanne is survived by her eight siblings, Meg Behrend, St. Simons Island, Ga.; Maura Foley and fiance, Jerry Gavin, Dunmore, Pa.; William McGowan and wife, Linda (Gavin), Scranton; Kathryn Droder and husband, Robert, Tyler, Texas; Erin Grant and husband, Anthony, Ashburn, Va.; Paul McGowan and wife, Christine (Lafferty), Blue Bell, Pa.; Patricia Lafferty and husband, Joseph, Scranton; Mark McGowan and wife Angela (Hudako), of New Cumberland, Pa.; 20 nieces and nephews, Kelsey and Connor Behrend; Erin, Kelly and Tara Foley; Elizabeth, Meghan, Gavin and William McGowan; Emily, Michael and Patrick Droder; Brian and Olivia Grant; Max McGowan; Andrew, Timothy and Jack Lafferty; and Violet and Flynn McGowan. Jeanne also was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, David Behrend Jr. Jeanne spent most of her career working within the collegiate setting where she focused on both her own education and the education of those around her. Her dedication stemmed from her compassion and drive to be an advocate for those struggling with mental illness. She was committed to developing innovative programs that ensured those in need felt heard and understood. Her energy, enthusiasm and leadership were noted by the community. Donations can be made to the Womens Resource Center of Northeast PA by visiting the link: www.wrcnepa.org. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 01:10:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A bus drives past an advertising board reading "Stay Home Save Lives" in London, Britain, Jan. 10, 2020. The coronavirus-related deaths in Britain surpassed 80,000 on Saturday with another 1,035 reported in the country. (Xinhua/Han Yan) LONDON, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Britain has reported more than 80,000 coronavirus-related deaths after another 1,035 were recorded, official figures showed Saturday. The total number of deaths within 28 days of a positive COVID-19 test now stands at 80,868, according to the latest official figures. Another 59,937 coronavirus cases have also been recorded on Saturday, compared to Friday's record of 68,053, the official data showed. The new cases on Saturday brought the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 3,017,409, the data showed. This means that Britain has hit another two grim milestones in the pandemic on Saturday as total coronavirus cases passed three million and total coronavirus-related deaths topped 80,000 overnight. The highest daily coronavirus-related death toll was posted with 1,325 on Friday. The new official figures were released just hours after the British government launched a new advertising campaign to urge Britons to stay at home and comply with lockdown rules. Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, said in a advert rolled out on radio, TV and social media: "COVID-19, especially the new variant, is spreading quickly across the country. This puts many people at risk of serious disease and is placing a lot of pressure on our NHS (National Health Service)." "Vaccines give clear hope for the future, but for now we must all stay home, protect the NHS and save lives," he added. Meanwhile, scientists advising the British government warned that the current lockdown measures in England need to be "stricter" to achieve the same impact as the March shutdown. Prof Robert West, who sits in the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours, which advises the government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), said the current rules were "still allowing a lot of activity which is spreading the virus". West said due to the new variant of coronavirus, which is said to be up to 70 percent more infectious, the lockdown measures need to be tougher. "That means that if we were to achieve the same result as we got in March we would have to have a stricter lockdown, and it's not stricter," he told the BBC. Earlier Saturday, Buckingham Palace announced that British Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, known as Prince Philip, have received the first doses of their COVID-19 jabs, joining more than a million people in Britain who have received the vaccination. At the same time, the Met Police has confirmed 12 people were arrested at an anti-lockdown protest in London on Saturday. They were detained following the demonstration at Clapham Common, a large urban park in south London, and all are in custody, the police said. The protest took place after London mayor Sadiq Khan declared a "major incident" on Friday as the spread of coronavirus threatens to "overwhelm" the British capital's hospitals. England is currently under the third national lockdown since the pandemic began in the country. 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. 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. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. A new mutant strain of coronavirus has been discovered in Japan which health official say has similarities to that of the highly-contagious variants in Britain and South Africa. The mutation, which has not been spotted before, was found in four people who arrived on a flight from Brazil. According to Nikkei Asia, the passengers landed at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on Saturday, January 2. The group, described as men and women aged from their teens to 40s, took tests at the airport which came back positive. Three of those who tested positive for the virus displayed symptoms including breathing difficulties, a fever and a sore throat. A new strain of coronavirus has been identified in Japan after four passengers who arrived on a flight from Brazil tested positive at the airport. Pictured: People wear face masks in Tokyo Three of those who tested positive for the virus displayed symptoms including breathing difficulties, a fever and a sore throat. Pictured: Haneda Airport in Tokyo According to Bloomberg, one man in his 40s had arrived in Japan without any symptoms but was later hospitalised as he struggled to breath. Their tested were taken to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases which confirmed it was the mutated variant. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reported the new strain to the World Health Organization. Available information about the new strain is currently restricted to its genetic make-up and it is not possible yet to determine how infectious it is. It is also not possible to know yet whether the vaccines which are being rolled out across the world will be effect in combating it. Japan has recently seen more than 7,000 new cases a day, with Tokyos daily cases topping 2,000. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare reported the new strain to the World Health Organization. Pictured: People wear masks in the street in Tokyo Overall, Japan has confirmed more than 270,000 cases, including over 3,900 deaths. Several regional governments in Japan have asked for a state of emergency declaration like the one issued by the prime minister to the Tokyo area to stem the surging rise in coronavirus cases. The heads of Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures in central Japan relayed their request to Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in charge of coronavirus measures, in an online conference call on Saturday, Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura told reporters. There was no immediate decision, but the government panel of medical experts will study the situation, Yoshimura said. Japan's state of emergency, which kicked in Friday for Tokyo and nearby Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba, centers around asking restaurants and bars to close at 8 p.m. It lasts for a month but can be extended. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 22:25:45|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DHAKA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- COVID-19 pandemic delivered a hammer blow to Bangladeshis seeking overseas employment last year. Fresh employment fell by 482,528 between January and December last year, according to the Bangladeshi government's Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training (BMET), the largest decrease in about a decade. This was the biggest decrease since 2002 when 225,256 Bangladeshis found overseas employment. BMET figures show that the number of Bangladeshis heading overseas to work plummeted by 68.92 percent last year. "217,631 Bangladeshis found jobs abroad in 2020, down from 700,159 during 2019," the BMET data showed. Of the total overseas employment in 2020, the BMET showed more than two-thirds of Bangladeshi workers secured jobs in the Middle East countries. According to the official data, 161,726 found jobs in Saudi Arabia, 21,164 in Oman, 3,608 in Qatar, 3,769 in Jordan and 1,743 in Kuwait. Md Shamsul Alam, director general of the BMET, told Xinhua Sunday that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on traditional overseas job markets for Bangladeshis. "Fresh employment opportunities have dried up in major job markets last year following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic," he said, adding cancellation of numerous flights following travel restrictions in parts of the world for months also hampered overseas employment last year. He predicted bleak future for overseas employment if the pandemic devastation continues with no signs of abatement in its second wave of infections during the winter here as well. Since March 8, the virus has spread to nearly every Bangladeshi district and the total number rose to 5,22,453 with 7,781 deaths so far. Bangladeshi Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam had earlier told journalists that "some 141,036 workers have returned home to Bangladesh following the outbreaks of the pandemic in the major hosting countries in Middle East, Asia and elsewhere in the world." According to the official, about 10 million Bangladeshis have currently been living and working abroad, keeping inflows of remittances still unaffected. Bangladesh's overall remittance inflow rose by 37.59 percent year on year to nearly 13 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of 2020-21 fiscal year (July 2020-June 2021), the latest central bank data showed. Enditem Sorry! This content is not available in your region Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Posted Sunday, January 10, 2021 10:21 am The Interstate 5 Toutle River rest area in Cowlitz County will close for maintenance next week, according to a press release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. The work includes repairs and cleaning out the septic systems. The northbound and southbound facilities will both close beginning 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and will reopen at 5 p.m. Thursday. The annual maintenance closure is happening earlier than usual this year, according to WSDOT, due to high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. ___ (c)2021 The Columbian (Vancouver, Wash.) Visit The Columbian (Vancouver, Wash.) at www.columbian.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The amount of apparel that can be shipped duty-free from Haiti to the United States over the next year is to fall by 10.3%. Under the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity Through Partnership for Encouragement (HOPE) Act, 337,967,087 square metres equivalent (SME) of apparel articles assembled in Haiti will be eligible for preferential treatment from 20 December 2020 through to 19 December 2021. This compares with 376,935,586 SME the year before. Apparel articles in excess of this amount will be subject to otherwise applicable tariffs. The quantitative limitation for duty-free treatment is an amount equivalent to 1.25% of the aggregate SME of all apparel articles imported into the United States in the most recent 12-month period for which data are available. US apparel imports have been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with demand slumping as retailers closed shops and cancelled or postponed orders. According to the latest figures from the Department of Commerce's Office of Textiles and Apparel (OTEXA), the volume of US apparel imports from all sources was down 18% in the year ending October 2020. HOPE provides for duty-free treatment for certain apparel articles imported directly from Haiti. To qualify for such treatment apparel articles must be wholly assembled or knit-to-shape in Haiti from any combination of fabrics, fabric components, components knit-to-shape, and yarns. However, the sum of the cost or value of materials produced in Haiti or one or more countries described in HOPE, or any combination thereof, plus the direct costs of processing operations performed in Haiti or one or more specified countries, or any combination thereof, may not be less than an applicable percentage of the declared customs value of such apparel articles. The applicable percentage for the period 20 December 2020 through 19 December 2021 is 60%. The limitation has been implemented under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), as amended by the HOPE Act. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor As the Centre on Saturday made an announcement of nationwide vaccination to begin from January 16, Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta has given a word of caution on Sunday, stating that the Central Government should adjudge the authenticity, relevance and utility of the vaccines before beginning the vaccination. He further said, "people of this country shouldn't be made lab rats". The Jharkhand health minister said that his government wouldn't bring in political differences and will stand with the Centre as far as the public and national welfare is concerned. I would just like to say that before using any vaccine, Central Government should adjudge its authenticity, relevance and utility. Its proper exercise is essential. People of this country should not be made lab rats: Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta (09.01.2021)#COVID19 https://t.co/WlSJWeC1yJ ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2021 READ | BSP Supremo Urges Centre To Vaccinate Poor People On Priority In Phase 1 And For Free READ | Rajasthan Health Minister Slams COVID Vaccine Politics; Says 'not The Time To Question It' Politics over vaccines The politics over the Coronavirus vaccines continues to intensify as Chhattisgarh Health Minister T S Singh Deo on Saturday said the use of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin must not be allowed in the state while citing that the vaccine is still in phase 3 trials. The Chhattisgarh minister said that he is "not confident of asking people to accept the vaccine". He opined that the Centre has "guessed the safety of the vaccine from phase 1 and 2 trials". Therefore the DCGI has approved the vaccine for 'restricted emergency use', he added. Politicising the vaccines, Samajwadi Party Chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had called it a BJP vaccine and refused to get himself inoculated. Thereafter the party member Ashutosh Sinha came forward with an even more bizarre claim saying that vaccines can "make someone impotent". Moreover, Congress leaders such as Jairam Ramesh and Shashi Tharoor also raised apprehension on the safety of the vaccine while raising questions as to why Covaxin has been approved while Phase-3 trials are still underway with the government modifying 'internationally accepted protocols'. In response, the AIIMS director Randeep Guleria clarified that Covaxin has been approved as a backup in case of a possible surge in Coronavirus due to the UK and the South African variant of the virus. Also, responding to the harsh criticisms and politicisation, Bharat Biotech CMD Dr Krishna Ella gave assurance about the safety of COVAXIN. In a virtual address, Ella explained in detail the process of the clinical trials and the data available in the public domain regarding COVAXIN. Comparing COVAXIN's publications to the other vaccines developed by Moderna, Pfizer, and other vaccine developers, Dr Ella said that Covaxin was not inferior in any manner. Moreover, Ecuador Ambassador to India Hector Cueva Jacome participated in the trials of Covaxin on Friday, while stating that he consulted researchers and experts from the US and Ecuador before taking the first shot of the vaccine. The researchers said Covaxin is a safe and convenient vaccine, Jacome added. READ | Chhattisgarh Health Minister Says COVAXIN Covid Vaccine Shouldn't Be Allowed In The State READ | Mamata Banerjee Announces Free COVID-19 Vaccine In West Bengal; BJP Calls It 'bogus Claim' Bengaluru, Jan 10 : Lakya Suryanarayana Tejasvi, better known as Tejasvi Surya, who is presently heading the ruling BJPs youth wing Bharatiya Yuva Morcha, is no novice in politics as from a very young age he had developed a taste for electioneering. Surya won his maiden Lok Sabha election from the Bengaluru South parliamentary constituency in 2019 at the age 28. He became the party's national youth wing president at the age of 29. His rise in politics has been phenomenal so far. His fiery speeches during elections have endeared his hardcore Hindutva followers. His campaign in West Bengal and Hyderabad are cases in point. Since 1991, Bengaluru South has always been a BJP bastion. Late Ananth Kumar, the former Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers and Parliamentary Affairs, was a sitting MP from the constituency for 22 years - from 1996 till his death in 2018. Before him, BJP's K.V. Gowda won the 1991 parliamentary election from the same seat, becoming Bengaluru South's first BJP MP. When IANS sought to know about Surya's rise in politics in such a short span of time, a senior RSS worker who had seen him growing, said that Surya took his school elections very seriously when he fought his first election for the post of an assistant head boy in Class VII. "Surya emerged victorious as he was the only one who took the campaign seriously - he printed pamphlets, did powerpoint presentations in the auditorium, and even had his own symbol, a lion," the RSS leader stated. Besides this, he also groomed himself in RSS shakha and imbibed everything it taught him. "He wears his nationalism on his sleeves. He showed glimpses of this by selling his own paintings on the pavements of Basavanagudi in 1998 to raise funds for the Kargil war victims. He did it when he was just nine years old and was studying in Class IV. I think at that time he must have raised more than Rs 1,000 which he handed over to his school principal. It was because of these characteristics that he has been able to achieve what his peers could not," another RSS functionary told IANS. The functionary added that the Karnataka RSS invested a lot of time with the aim to groom him as the Gen-X leader even much before anyone even thought about it. "A teacher may be willing to teach the students, but it is equally important that a student imbibes it thoroughly. That is where Surya has excelled so far. Anything that RSS taught him, he absorbed it as a litmus paper and groomed himself as an unabashed vocal proponent of the Hindutva ideology," the source explained. On many occasions and through his interviews, he has proved his point. His letter to the Bengaluru civic body, demanding it to overturn its decision to rename roads after Muslim personalities, is the latest case is point. Quite a few of his tweets have landed him in controversy, but he is not deterred; he has no qualms in calling himself a communal fanatic. One of his tweets from 2018 read, "Call me a bigot, communal fanatic or whatever. But the singular reason for BJP's defeat in Jayanagar is the complete consolidation of Muslim vote. Look at the below numbers from Gurappanapalya, a Muslim locality. BJP must 'really' become a Hindu party and not just be perceived as one." Such tweets have helped him garner his share of fans. A third RSS functionary added that his rise at the national level coincided with the BJP losing many top leaders, such as Sushma swaraj and Arun Jaitley, while several others like Uma Bharti and Murli Manohar Joshi faded from people's memory. "The BJP saw potential in Surya, who on the floor of the Lok Sabha spoke very well on a number of topics. His articulation of thought on the floor of House certainly attracted attention. Thus, the party's national leadership might have thought that he would be ideally suitable in their scheme of things. They wanted someone who can articulate in English. He reaches out to English speaking masses. Now he has also picked Hindi very well," the source added. Throwing more light on Surya's rise, BJP state executive committee member M.H. Sridhar said that Surya trained himself very well and mastered the art of articulation and presentation of ideology in a meticulous manner. "He became very active on social media platforms at a very young age and is able to connect with the youngsters. His phenomenal rise in politics is only because he has gone through the RSS grind, and not just because of his paternal uncle, Ravisubramanya, who is a four-time MLA from the Basavanagudi constituency," he explained. Former BJP media cell convenor S. Prakash said that the RSS grooming makes all the difference, besides, Surya is also a very fluent speaker in English. "He caught the eyes of the top leaders of the party when he became very popular during national debates on TV channels. He articulated our party's ideology properly. Add to this, his education as a law graduate has also contributed a lot to his rise. "He got a very early break in politics by becoming an MP from Bengaluru South following the sudden demise of one of the BJP's stalwart leaders, H.N. Ananth Kumar. The best thing about him is that he has not stopped at this poin... he is working hard to become one of the top rung leaders of our party in the future. He needs to work like this for at least another two to three decades to stay at the top for a longer period," Prakash said. A businessman who admits breaking coronavirus rules has denied throwing super-spreader parties at the rear of his shop. Marko Kolev says he is the victim of untrue rumours and there have been no illegal gatherings at his food store on Ballymena's Linenhall Street. "That's not true, there have been no parties here, look for yourself," said the 30-year-old pointing to a large room with a pool table. "I don't know why people say there have been parties because there have not been parties." However, he did admit attending a 50-strong New Year's Eve celebration on Kinhilt Street that flaunted Covid-19 regulations and which was held just yards away from Ballymena PSNI station. The scenes were criticised by politicians as was the poor police response time, with DUP MLA Mervyn Storey branding it "reckless". Expand Close Martin Kolev denies hosting illegal party in Kinhilt Street / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Martin Kolev denies hosting illegal party in Kinhilt Street In a video circulated on social media Kolev - who owns the Stara Planina food shop - is seen standing among a large group of Bulgarian Roma welcoming in the new year. The event breached strict pandemic protocol which, between December 26 and January 2, banned all indoor and outdoor gatherings between 8pm and 6am. Asked if he accepted that the rules were broken, Kolev shrugged his shoulders and said, "Yeah". Sitting behind the counter of his busy store, he added: "The party was on 'Gypsy Street' (Kinhilt Street). It was for new year. It's okay now." Kolev also confessed to being arrested by the PSNI last week after a self-recorded video emerged of him driving his Audi at speeds of 100mph while undertaking other vehicles. But he was freed without charge having claimed the incident occurred on a Bulgarian road. He insisted: "That wasn't here, that was in Bulgaria. They (PSNI) let me go." Expand Close Martin Kolev denies hosting illegal party in Kinhilt Street / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Martin Kolev denies hosting illegal party in Kinhilt Street After Kolev was arrested, a PSNI spokesman said: "Following a report to police regarding an online video depicting dangerous driving, a suspect has been identified and arrested. The 30-year-old male was detained in the Ballymena area on suspicion of a number of driving offences this afternoon." Police also confirmed an investigation into the Kinhilt Street New Year's Eve party which Kolev attended remains active. Two fixed penalty fines of 200 have been issued to revellers who were identified from a recording posted online. Officers' response time was criticised as the celebrations had broken up by the time they arrived on the street which is just 50 yards away from Ballymena PSNI station. Chief Inspector William Calderwood said: "We received a number of calls in relation to this gathering but upon arrival of officers, there were no reports of anyone in the area. "However, since viewing video footage we have issued two COV4 fines in relation to the gathering and our inquiries are ongoing in relation to the matter." Marko Kolev refused to reveal if he was one of the party-goers fined. The businessman has emerged as one of the most prominent members of the Bulgarian Roma community who live near Ballymena town centre, with many working in local food factories. He told Sunday Life that the area is known as 'Gypsy Street' because of the concentration of immigrants. Asked did he not regard this as an offensive or racist term, Kolev replied: "I don't care." cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk Chad Norvell has recently taken office as the new constable for Fort Bend County Precinct 3. Norvell plans to make several changes to the constables office, including reforming the patrolling procedures and ensuring that his deputies are approachable for residents. He has also braced back against newly appointed Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagans announcement that deputy constables will be responding to emergency calls to the sheriffs office. Norvell discussed his new plans as constable and how he plans to change protocol. Tell us about your law enforcement background. I have 28 years experience, all here in Fort Bend County. The last 16 years were at the command or executive level. The last eight years have been at the sheriffs office where I oversaw all of patrol and criminal investigations. Eight years before that, I was chief deputy for the Precinct 4 Constables Office in Sugar Land. Now that youve taken office, what are some of your main priorities. What kind of changes or improvements will you be focusing on? Obviously, at this point its in the early stage. Were still reviewing policies, reviewing our budget, reviewing operating procedures, and reviewing how deputies work and function. At our first full departmental meeting, I talked about my emphasis on courtesy, professionalism and accountability for those that work in neighborhood contracts, which is most of our employees here. Im ensuring they understand how contracts work and how theyre accountable to those neighborhoods. And as for the deputies that arent in neighborhoods, I want to ensure they understand what their duties are and how they are accountable to taxpayers. Were going to operate the office in a fiscally conservative manner. Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan has altered the way that emergency calls are going to be handled so that your deputies are going to be getting those dispatch calls. How is that going to impact the way that your office will do things versus the way that it has been done? Related: New 911 call policy will save lives, sheriff says It wont affect anything. His office didnt even contact us. We only saw the announcement from his Facebook post. It created a lot of confusion. Ive received phone calls from two different city area police departments over that. People were thinking that their city police were going to be dispatched to places in Fort Bend County outside the city. And the county sheriffs office cant do that, just like they cant just dispatch our contract deputies outside the contracts. So his message was actually very ambiguous and created more questions than it did answers. It wasnt done with discussion with any area law enforcement leaders, and therefore didnt really clarify anything. So how will the dispatch work, then? (Fagan) has no authority over anybody but his own deputies. So he cant instruct dispatch to just send deputies elsewhere. He based it on information he received during his campaign. He should understand that hes won the campaign and, beyond that, he should work with those that utilize the communication center, which does a great job. He needs to ensure that what hes putting out is clear, because what he put out really confused a lot of residents. You live in Katy. Whats that like, serving the area in which you live? Im excited to be the first Fort Bend County official to be elected with a Katy address. That hasnt happened before. And to be from this area and to have lived in this area now for 28 years makes me aware of the needs of the area. What are some of those needs that youve seen as a resident? Although Ive served Katy various capacities while living here, now Im really focused on impressing upon my deputies that its not your job to get out there and oversee the community so to speak. I want them to be part of it. I want them to be more engaging and to get out with there with the homeowners associations and with residents. Ive told my deputies, When you drive through a neighborhood, have your windows down. Say hi to people and stop to talk to them. I want us to be more engaging than weve been in the past. The deputies have received that instruction really well. Theyre excited to do these things. Im also changing the deputies patches and the look of some things, because I dont think the look was a very hospitable look. I dont think that a patrol officer needs to have a tactical appearance. While hes patrolling, he needs to look more approachable for residents. And that tactical look just didnt do it. On HoustonChronicle.com: What to know about the more contagious COVID variant in Houston What will the new uniforms look like? It will be a more friendly or approachable look. The existing uniform is black, and the patches are black and gray. The vehicles are black and gray. Its all very tactical-minded. With things going on in the country, law enforcement doesnt need to have that look thats not a very engaging, approachable look. We want people to feel like our deputies are part of the community, and they can approach and talk to them whenever they like. claire.goodman@chron.com Four organisations representing survivors of the Union Carbide gas disaster in Bhopal have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to immediately stop the ongoing clinical trials of Bharat Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin in Bhopal. The letter alleged irregularities and ethical violations in the conduct of the clinical trial of Covaxin by the People's College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bhopal. The hospital is one of the sites where Phase III clinical trials of the vaccine are currently underway. According to the organisations, many people from communities affected by the Union Carbide gas disaster in Bhopal and by contaminated water were recruited into the trial in violation of ethical procedures established under the law. Some of these individuals have faced adverse events since the dosage, and even a death has taken place, they alleged. "In early December, People's Hospital, a private medical college & hospital, sent vehicles into communities situated behind the abandoned Union Carbide factory -Gareeb Nagar, Shankar Nagar, Oriya Basta, Kainchi Chhola, JP Nagar and others - and announced that COVID-19 vaccine injections were available and everyone would be paid Rs 750 as well for getting each vaccination shot. The amount of Rs 750 meant to be reimbursement of travel expenses and loss of daily wages to trial participants is in fact a substantial sum for such poor communities and appears to have been used as an inducement to make people come forward. These vehicles were accompanied by staff of the hospital who recruited several hundred residents of these communities. In other cases, daily wage labourers were recruited from their peetha (gathering for daily wage labourers) for the trial," the letter said. The organisations allege that several of the trial participants were not told that they were being recruited for a trial but were under the belief that they were getting the vaccination to protect them from COVID-19. The letter states that the Hindi participant information sheet and consent form contains technical language that is beyond the comprehension of any layperson, let alone persons with minimal education. Further, they allege that in complete violation of statutory provisions, audio visual recordings of the informed consent process were not made. "The Participant Information Sheet and Informed Consent Form being used in the clinical trial contains a consent form for audio-visual recording. However, despite being included in the participant information document and consent form and being legally mandated, the same was not employed in the informed consent process," the letter said. The organisations have asked the government to immediately stop the clinical trial for Covaxin at People's College of Medical Sciences & Research,and sought the setting up of an independent body to conduct an impartial, transparent, thorough, and time-bound investigation to ascertain violations of ethics, protocols and legal requirements pertaining to conduct of the clinical trial. They also wanted the findings of the enquiry to be put in public domain. Stating that the principal investigator and the co-investigators of the clinical trial at the site have failed to adhere to the scientific and ethics standards, legal requirements, and have been insensitive and negligent in ensuring safety, well being and the rights of the participants of the trial, the organisations wanted all the responsible parties found to be negligent of their duties to be suspended from all research in addition to making them accountable for the violations and negligence. It wanted the registration of the People's College Institution Ethics Committee to be suspended and an audit and inspection of its functioning to be conducted by the drug regulatory authority. The organisations also sought details of the process and timelines through which the death of the trial participant is being investigated by the various parties - the PI, Ethics Committee, DSMB, and DCGI - and the findings when the final determination has been completed. The letter has been signed by representatives of Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmchari Sangh, Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha, Bhopal Group for Information and Action, Children Against Dow Carbide. Also read: Bharat Biotech seeks DCGI nod to conduct trials of nasal Covid-19 vaccine Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: How to register for vaccination in India? Former Union minister and Congress veteran Madhavsinh Solanki, who had served as chief minister of Gujarat on four occasions, was on Sunday cremated with full state honours in Ahmedabad. Solanki (93), a former external affairs minister, died on Saturday at his residence in Gandhinagar. His son Bharatsinh Solanki, a former Union minister, performed the rituals at a crematorium here after Solanki senior's mortal remains, wrapped in the Tricolour, were brought in a procession from Rajiv Bhavan, the headquarters of the state unit of the Congress. Among the several hundred people who joined the procession were Congress' Gujarat in charge Rajeev Satav, state unit party president Amit Chavda and Leader of the Opposition in Assembly Paresh Dhanani. Bharatsinh Solanki, who returned from the US on Sunday to perform the last rites, said his father was a "friend, philosopher and guide". "Wherever I am today is because of my father. He was my friend, philosopher and guide, always standing by my side like a rock. Gujarat knows him very well. In the six decades of his public life, he served the people," said Bharatsinh, a former president of the Congress in Gujarat. He said that the people of Gujarat had witnessed a "golden period" when his father, as a CM, implemented a slew of measures ranging from the mid-day meal scheme in schools to Kanya Kelavni (free education for girls in Gujarat), to taking the state's GDP to over 32 per cent, making it the highest in the country. "My father as a CM also ensured the state attains top position industrially. He managed to get environmental clearance for the Narmada Dam project, brought the Planning Commission to the taluka level and also led the party to a record 149-seat win in the Assembly elections (in 1985)," Bharatsinh added. Industry and Federal Government at Odds Over Quad Bikes Australias peak automotive body is urging the federal government to rethink plans to mandate rollover bars on ATVs or quad bikes, warning the move threatens the viability of dealers and could actually cost lives. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says the rules, to come into effect this year, also fly in the face of safety research and have little regard to recent coronial recommendations, which have backed a tougher approach to training and helmet compliance. The chambers concerns and moves by overseas manufacturers to possibly abandon the Australian market, come at a time when quad bike accidents claim an average of 16 lives in Australia each year. By mid-December the death toll in 2020 was 21, with about half of those the result of rollovers according to figures compiled by Safe Work Australia. In 2019 the federal government revamped regulations for quad bikes and similar all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, in a bid to reduce the number of injuries and deaths and bring safer products to the market. From October last year manufacturers have had to ensure all vehicles meet either European or US safety standards and include a rollover warning label. But from October 2021, they must meet stricter stability rules and must be fitted with an operator protection device (OPD), more commonly called a rollover bar. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says the purpose of an OPD is to hold the quad bike off the ground, helping to protect the rider from being crushed or pinned in the event of a rollover. Two devices have been suggested and while the cost could go as high as about $800 this is not considered an issue for the industry, with bikes retailing for between $12,000 and $25,000. The FCAI says of most concern to manufacturers is a lack of data to support improved safety claims. A study by US vehicle safety company Dynamic Research found that the risk of injury from the rollover bars was equal, and in some circumstances greater, than the safety benefits. They instead called for greater use of helmets. Helmets have significant and substantial net injury benefits and very low risks, the company said. Opponents of the devices also talk about the pogo effect when a bike flips and lands on the bar, which could then cause it to flip again, and say serious injuries are also possible from riders striking the bars. They instead want more training for owners, stricter rules on the wearing of helmets and a ban on young children using the bikes. FCAI spokesman Mark Collins said ATVs were essentially the modern-day horse. They need to be treated with the same respect. You wouldnt jump on a horse without some training, he said. Training was key in recommendations from Tasmanian coroner Simon Cooper, who investigated seven quad bike deaths in 2017. NSW deputy coroner Elizabeth Ryan, who investigated the 2019 death of a six-year-old girl who was a passenger on a bike when it struck a tree, pointed to previous inquests which had recommended the mandating of helmets and training, and called for a ban on children riding adult-sized bikes. Since those inquests, Tasmania has passed new laws to come into effect from July 2021 enforcing the use of helmets and requiring riders to undertake training. It has also outlawed the carrying of passengers on single-seat ATVs. The federal governments Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar told AAP that the government remained committed to improving the safety of quad bikes. The new standard will see improved safety information available to consumers, reduce the frequency of rollovers and provide increased protection to operators in the event of a rollover to reduce the risk of serious crush injuries and deaths, he said. As it stands, the FCAI said, the leading manufacturers of quad bikes are planning to withdraw from the Australian market rather than fit the new bars. It said that could have a major impact on the viability of dealerships, many in small regional centres, who currently sell about 15,000 bikes each year, largely to the farming sector. In turn, that could leave Australia with an ever-ageing fleet of bikes, with no requirement under the rules for them to be retrofitted with new safety devices. Tim Dornin in Adelaide Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly during a press conference in the Prime Ministers Courtyard at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on July 24, 2020. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images) Relief UK Virus Strain so Far Contained There were sighs of relief around the country that the highly-infectious UK COVID-19 strain found in a Brisbane cleaner has so far not taken hold among the community. Indeed, there were just three new locally acquired virus cases reported in the past 24 hours, and all linked to established clusters in NSW. In stark contrast, chief medical officer Paul Kelly pointed to the overseas toll where almost three-quarters of a million cases were recorded globally over the same period. There were also 12,000 deaths around the world, making a total of almost two million since the pandemic began. Weve not had a death from someone who was acutely sick with COVID-19 since October, Professor Kelly told reporters in Canberra on January 10. In many other countries, the hospitals and intensive care units are absolutely full and deaths are mind-boggling. The Greater Brisbane region will remain in lockdown until 6 pm on Monday as a result of the discovered UK variant, but a relieved Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 112 of the 147 close contacts to the cleaner have so far tested negative. The premier will reveal the states next steps on Monday. More than 19,000 Queenslanders have taken the COVID-19 test in the past 24 hours. Queensland chief medical officer Jeanette Young said there had been a fantastic response to the risks posed by the UK virus. This is the first time weve seen it in our community in Australia, we know what has been going on in the UK, but it is very hard to unravel, because they came from a different position to us, Young told reporters. So this is all about learning every single day, but taking the most precautionary approach possible, because we dont want this to get out there. Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said Queenslands results were reassuring as his state recorded zero local cases for a fourth straight day. However, he said 96 travellers from Queensland into Victoria breached restrictions put in place in line with the Greater Brisbane lockdown and are now in home isolation until at least Monday evening and are being tested. Victoria did record six cases among travellers returned from overseas who are already in isolation. NSW also reported three cases among quarantined returned travellers, along with the three new local infections two in the outstanding Berala cluster and one in the northern beaches even as restrictions were eased in the latter. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the main threat of her states clusters has subsided to some extent. Were still mopping up and thats why all of us have to be on high alert, Berejiklian told reporters. She thanked the northern beaches community for their sacrifices during the lockdown that began just before Christmas. Meanwhile, Western Australian police have charged a crew member of a bulk carrier ship for allegedly jumping into the water and swimming ashore in an attempt to avoid quarantine. Colin Brinsden in Canberra Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021. A seafarer has been charged for breaching quarantine directives after allegedly jumping from a vessel to swim to shore. WA Police said the 37-year-old man was a crew member on a bulk carrier which berthed at the Albany Port, on the state's southwest coast, on Thursday. It is alleged the Vietnamese national jumped into the water on Saturday, and swam ashore in contravention of border and maritime crew directions. A 37-year-old Vietnamese national has been charged with breaching quarantine directives after jumping from a cargo ship to swim to shore at Albany Port (pictured), on Western Australia's south coast Crew of ships are not permitted ashore onto WA land under the emergency management quarantine directions. The man was found by police shortly before 7pm on Saturday at an Albany backpackers lodge. He was tested for COVID-19, which was negative, and his health assessed. The man was charged with failing to comply with a direction and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday. Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session 140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt World oil prices falling Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 Seychelles' President Wavel Ramkalawan (R) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Victoria, Seychelles, Jan. 9, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Yan) VICTORIA, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday. Wang said that Seychelles is a pearl on the Indian Ocean, an important member of the big family of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, and a country that has long been friendly with China. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Seychelles. The two countries have always treated each other as equals and achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation, setting a good example of sincerity, friendship, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes between big and small countries, said Wang. China firmly supports Seychelles in taking a development path suited to its national conditions and in the governance efforts of the new Seychelles government, he said. "We believe that Seychelles will also continue to support China on issues concerning China's core interests. We are ready to take the opportunity of jointly building the Belt and Road and implementing the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit to take our cooperation to a new level and build a community with a shared future for both sides in light of the economic and social development needs of Seychelles," said Wang. Wang said that China is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with Seychelles in the three areas of green environmental protection, blue ocean and tourism. China fully understands the urgent desire of small island countries to cope with climate change. The two sides will sign the implementation agreement on the construction of low-carbon demonstration zones in South-South cooperation, he said. China is also a major maritime country and would like to deepen cooperation with Seychelles in the fields of seafood farming, marine scientific research and shipping transportation, he said. Seychelles is a country built on tourism. China is ready to encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Seychelles after the epidemic is brought under control, said Wang. Wang said China is ready to listen to the views of Seychelles, work with African countries to prepare for a new FOCAC session, align development strategies, deepen the Belt and Road international cooperation, promote Africa's development and revitalization as well as independent and sustainable development, and upgrade China-Africa cooperation. China regards Seychelles as an important member of the international community and stands ready to work with it to uphold multilateralism and international fairness and justice and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, said Wang. Ramkalawan warmly welcomed Wang's visit to Seychelles, saying that it shows China's support for Seychelles's fight against the epidemic. Ramkalawan stressed the traditional friendship between the two countries and that China was one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Seychelles. He thanked China for its long-term and valuable support for Seychelles' economic and social development. In particular, China provided several batches of anti-epidemic materials to Seychelles in time during the epidemic, which played an important role in Seychelles's fight against the epidemic. " I myself would like to take the lead in administering the Chinese vaccine," he said. Seychelles regards China as an important cooperative partner and fully agrees with the proposal of pragmatic cooperation put forward by China, which well meets its needs, said Ramkalawan. Seychelles will continue to adhere to the one-China principle, understand and support China's legitimate position, strengthen coordination with China in international affairs and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized countries, said Ramkalawan. Wang also held talks with his Seychellois counterpart Sylvestre Radegonde on Saturday. New Delhi: As India prepares for its countrywide COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold an online meeting with Chief Ministers of all states and UTs on Monday, January 11. India had conducted a dry run of the COVID-19 vaccination drive at 736 districts across 33 States/UTs on January 8. The objective of the mock drill is to ensure that the actual vaccine administration event takes place smoothly. The government announced on Saturday that India will begin its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16. The Centre informed that the healthcare and frontline workers nearly 3 crore in numbers are the top priority, followed by those above 50 years and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities which number to around 27 crore. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said, "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including 'Safai Karamcharis'." On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis. https://t.co/P5Arw64wVt Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2021 PM Modi had chaired a high-level review status meeting on Saturday to come to speed about the preparedness of the states and UTs for the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Health Secretary, and other senior officials concerned. The national drug regulator has approved two vaccines; the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, and the indigenously developed Covaxin for Emergency Use Authorisation as they established its safety and immunogenicity. KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday (January 10) announced free coronavirus vaccine for people of West Bengal. The announcement from the Chief Minister comes ahead of the state assembly election, which is scheduled to be held in coming months. In a letter to frontline workers, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the Trinamool Congress government will ensure COVID-19 vaccine reaches free of cost to everyone in the state. "Im happy to share that our govt will ensure Covid-19 vaccine reaches everyone in the state free of cost." It is to be noted that BJP, while campaigning for Bihar assembly election, had promised free COVID vaccination for people of the state. The Bihar general assembly election was held in the month of November. 'Free Covid vaccination for all' was one of the poll promises made by BJP in its manifesto during the Bihar assembly election. India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the world's largest inoculation programme with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers. The decision, the government said, was taken at a high-level meeting where Modi reviewed the status of COVID-19 and vaccine preparedness across states and union territories. "After the detailed review, it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc, the COVID-19 vaccination will start from 16th January 2021," it said. After healthcare and frontline workers, priority will be given to those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, together numbering around 27 crore, a government statement said. According to the Health Ministry guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination, the latest electoral roll for Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections will be used to identify the population aged 50 years or more. Live TV Shimla: Carcasses of 215 migratory birds were found in Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district on Sunday, taking the total number of such birds suspected to have died of avian influenza to 4,235, officials said. Each day, hundreds of migratory birds were found dead in the lake area since December 29. Last Monday, the samples tested positive for H5N1, they said. Also, for the fourth day in a row, a large number of dead poultry birds were found dumped by the side of the Chandigarh-Shimla highway in Solan district. The remains of the birds were buried according to safety protocol and their samples sent to a disease diagnostic laboratory in Jalandhar. Earlier, dead chickens were found dumped twice near Chakki Mor and once at Barog bypass near the district headquarters. A joint team of animal husbandry officials from the Centre and the state visited Siyal in Dhameta wildlife range and Guglara in Nagrota Surian range of the sanctuary on Sunday to assess the situation, Chief wildlife warden Archana Sharma said. A number of crows were also found dead in different parts of the state over the last few days. Carcasses of over 60 crows each were found at Pong Lake sanctuary in Kangra and Paonta Sahib in Sirmaur district while 12 were found dead at Taliara in Mandi district. Besides deaths of some crows were also reported in Bilaspur district. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. OnSceneTV Four people, including a 16-year-old boy who died, were shot early Saturday at a daiquiri shop in south Houston, officials said. Police responded about 1:30 a.m. to a reported shooting at Nawlins D-Shop on Martin Luther King Boulevard in the Greater OST/South Union neighborhood where they encountered a large crowd in the parking lot of the bar, said Lt. R. Willkens of the Houston Police Department. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 23:53:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HEFEI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- As his conversation in a mountain village museum proceeded, all the familiar laughs that Zimbabwean youth Albert Mhangami saw during his trip flashed into his mind, warmly and inspiringly. It was "a laugh that was shared by the people of that village, by the hundreds of millions of people that had been pulled out of destitution," as he wrote later. Also participating in the conversation were South African teacher Shaun Nish, his daughter Rebecca Nish and Malaysian media worker Michael Chick, which was the final part of their five-day trip to Jinzhai County, east China's Anhui Province. Michael Chick, Shaun Nish, Rebecca Nish, and Albert Mhangami dance with villagers at Dawan Village in Jinzhai County of Luan City, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang) In the once-impoverished county, the group of foreigners experienced rural life and saw China's poverty-alleviation efforts first-hand. At the end of 2020, all of China's nearly 100 million impoverished rural residents living below the current poverty line had shaken off poverty. All of the 832 poor counties, including Jinzhai, had been lifted out of poverty. JOURNEY OF SURPRISES Back at Tsinghua University where the 27-year-old studies, Mhangami has been a keen researcher of China's fight against poverty. Immersed in macro-level, theoretical studies, he finally got the chance to have real interactions with the people that he has been researching. "I was expecting to see a lot of old people and very few young people, less technology and the infrastructure more oriented toward getting business in rather than getting business out," Mhangami said. However, a series of surprises were in store for the group. In local villages, Mhangami met many young people working in various professions, including teachers, farmers, grocery store owners, doctors, grassroots civil servants and e-commerce entrepreneurs. One of the most impressive among them was Zhang Chuanfeng, an internet celebrity whose family used to be identified as an impoverished household. Zimbabwean postgraduate of Tsinghua University Albert Mhangami and Zhang Chuanfeng sell products via livestream broadcast in Jinzhai County of Luan City, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Dai Wei) Thanks to the government subsidization and favorable policies such as free rent accommodation, Zhang set up a store in 2017 that buys local specialties from many impoverished families and then sells them online to consumers across the country. "He has a massive online presence. I think he had around 50 million views for one of his videos," Mhangami said, after collaborating on two TikTok videos with Zhang to promote local goods like dried sweet potatoes and tea. Last year, the e-commerce store achieved total revenue of more than 5 million yuan (about 773,000 U.S. dollars), with a profit of about 500,000 yuan. China's development of internet infrastructure and booming digital economy in this rural area also surprised the rest of the group. Aerial photo taken on Sept. 28, 2020 shows the Hongling highway in Jinzhai County of Luan City in east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Chen Nuo) "The amount of infrastructure that is available is what really shocked me. I was expecting smaller roads and a lot less infrastructure than what there is here," Shaun Nish said. Shaun Nish and Rebecca Nish, who live in Anhui's capital of Hefei, were also delighted with the fact that there was easy access to wireless internet and TV service in the villages. "But it is not just wifi. It's internet connectivity. That's pretty much how this village is able to market its products," said Chick, who has traveled to many South East Asian countries for TV production. Aerial photo taken on Dec. 20, 2020 shows the Dawan Village of Jinzhai County of Luan City in east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Chen Nuo) BASIC NEEDS AND BEYOND While visiting local residences and tourist sites, Mhangami was greeted with a smile by village community cleaner Zhou Duanqiong. Zhou told him that her husband died many years ago, and she used to financially support the whole family by running a small shop, but the income was far from enough to live a comfortable life. But in 2016, things changed for Zhou. A new housing and infrastructure project was launched in her community, which gave her family a roof over their heads. As Mhangami learned, the government's project involved purchasing the residents' worn-down houses at a high price, building better-quality residences and then selling these new homes back to them at a lower price with additional subsidization. Besides that, the government also launched a tourism infrastructure project. The influx of tourists resulted in more income and more job openings, including Zhou's community cleaning position. In a village primary school, Mhangami talked with a class of students, whose topics ranged from the new infrastructure of the entire village to subsidized meals at school. An injured child with a sling on his arm told Mhangami how his medical bill was largely covered by the government. "There is the medical infrastructure that the government has put in a decent amount of work on," Mhangami said. "The subsidization and insurance were the guardians of the millions of jobs and assets the government had created for the people." Michael Chick takes a selfie with children at Dawan Primary School in Jinzhai County of Luan City, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Cao Li) Chick's observation in a village clinic corresponded with Mhangami's comments. Chick learned that on average, villagers from impoverished households can have 95 percent of their total medical costs reimbursed. Local residents infected with COVID-19 can also have free treatment. Another memorable moment for Mhangami in the primary school was when he asked the students about their future aspirations, one of them raised his hand and replied that he wanted to study abroad. "Poverty is ultimately a conversation about options," Mhangami commented. "When a child who only five years prior would have seen the provincial capital city as the goal, but now speaks of the international community as a space for his dreams, poverty has truly been alleviated," he added. In Shaun Nish's point of view, poverty alleviation efforts should not only cover people's basic needs but also their desire for a better life, such as internet services. "Wifi may not be a need, but it can help you a lot. And that's why I think the Chinese government is very good at doing that because it can help you to fulfill your wants like TV, the internet and online shopping," Shaun Nish said. INTERACTIONS AND JOINT EFFORTS During the trip, the group saw how the locals were enthusiastically working together with the government to improve their own lives. Wang Jian, a young villager who now runs a distribution center for express deliveries, shared his entrepreneurial story with Chick. Wang's store opened in 2017. He borrowed money from the bank and his relatives and was given a financial grant from the government. "It is 10,000 yuan seed money as opposed to 300,000 yuan in personal loans. That actually shows you how much he wants to get this business going," Chick said. South African Shaun Nish and his daughter Rebecca Nish touch tea leaves as they visit a tea factory in Jinzhai County of Luan City, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Bai Bin) In his conversation with the owner of a village inn where he stayed, Shaun Nish was told that her family used to be one of the poorest households in the village. Nevertheless, two years ago, she finally managed to get her own business up and running. "The government gave her some money, and she put in three times the amount the government did," Shaun Nish said. "And now she is doing quite well." The government has been constantly helping local communities and reevaluating its own work. If something does not work, then they will change it, he said. Xinhua journalist Miao Xiaojuan (1st R) interviews four foreigners Michael Chick, Shaun Nish, Rebecca Nish and Albert Mhangami (L to R) who are invited here to visit Dawan Village in Jinzhai County of Luan City, east China's Anhui Province, Dec. 20, 2020. (Xinhua/Guo Peiran) Mhangami believed that interactions and joint efforts by the people and the government are crucial to win the battle against poverty. "If your government has the political will to engage your people, to make getting people out of poverty a priority, it makes a massive difference," he said. Another important thing "is to be a part of the people. Make sure you are going there, asking them what is happening, sitting down with them and having these conversations. It immediately changes the dynamic," he added. For him, all the genuine laughs and smiles he witnessed on the journey have said a lot about China's excellent practice in that regard. It was "a laugh that showed confidence in a government that had prioritized the people in the global battle against poverty," he wrote. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Win McNamee/Getty ImagesBY: IVAN PEREIRA, ABC NEWS (WASHINGTON) Federal authorities say they've arrested two of the alleged Capitol rioters who went viral for their part in the siege of the building. Adam Johnson, 36, of Parrish, Florida, who was seen in a viral photograph carrying Speaker Nancy Pelosis lectern through the halls, is being held in Pinellas County Jail and pending charges after federal marshals picked him up Friday night, according to the United States Attorneys Office of the District of Columbia. Johnson is allegedly the man in the photo taken during Wednesday's raid of the U.S. Capitol by Donald Trump's supporters where he is waving to the camera while holding the lectern in his right arm, according to investigators. Johnson, who was clean shaven in his mugshot, appeared in the photo with a beard and a wool hat with "Trump" written on the top. "On or about January 7, 2021, the lectern was found by a member of the Senate staff in the Red corridor of the Senate wing off the Rotunda in the Capitol building," the arrest warrant said. "According to the House of Representatives curator, the Speakers lectern has a market value of more than $1,000." The warrant cited reporting from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune which found Johnson's social media posts and reported he was in the Capitol during the siege. Johnson has been charged with "one count of knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; one count of theft of government property; and one count of violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds," according to the U.S. Attorney's office. No attorney information for Johnson was immediately available. The U.S. Attorney's office also arrested Jacob Anthony Chansley, a.k.a. "Jake Angeli," Saturday. Investigators said he was the man seen in viral photos of the siege dressed in horns, a bearskin headdress, red, white and blue face paint, shirtless, and tan pants and carrying a 6-foot spear with an American flag tied below the blade. Chansley made his way to the dais of the Senate chamber during the siege where he was photographed by other rioters, according to investigators. On Jan. 7, Chansley, who investigators said has a large following on social media, voluntarily called the FBI, according to the U.S. Attorney's office. "Chansley stated that he came as a part of a group effort, with other 'patriots' from Arizona, at the request of the President that all 'patriots' come to D.C. on January 6, 2021," the U.S. Attorney's office said. He was charged with "knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds," according to investigators. No attorney information was immediately available. The FBI said it is still searching for more suspects in Wednesday's incident, which left Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick and four others dead. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Copyright 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. (Natural News) Israel will commence a third domestic coronavirus lockdown despite its successful coronavirus vaccination program. The countrys authorities are attributing the lockdown to a faster-spreading strain of the Wuhan coronavirus. First emerging in the United Kingdom in December 2020, Israeli authorities confirmed four cases of the B117 strain days after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reported the more infectious variant. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ministers in a Jan. 5 cabinet meeting that the country is in a state of emergency. Ministers agreed to a two-week lockdown set to commence Jan. 8 during the same meeting. The lockdown mandate orders schools and non-essential businesses to close, and limits residents within a one-kilometer radius from their homes. According to the lockdown rules, all schools will move to online teaching with special education centers and institutions for at-risk youth being exempted. Only workplaces considered essential will remain open as per the guidelines. The Israeli parliament later approved several exemptions to the one-kilometer radius limit for residents. Medical treatments, religious ceremonies and state-subsidized activities for senior citizens to assist their well-being during the pandemic were among the exemptions the Knesset approved. It also approved Christmas travel for Orthodox Christians: The Orthodox Church celebrates Christmas on Jan. 7. The country also announced new travel guidelines aimed at curbing the spread of the more infectious B117 Wuhan coronavirus strain. Anyone arriving from another country will be required to immediately get a coronavirus test and undergo a 14-day quarantine. All incoming travelers will be put in a state-run quarantine facility, and will only be allowed to leave if they test negative for the Wuhan coronavirus. Israeli ministers agreed that outbound travelers who bought an airline ticket before the new measures become effective will be permitted to fly. However, a special committee would be able to grant flight approvals in specific cases. Israel joins the list of countries with a widespread coronavirus vaccination program Israel announced the lockdown amid the countrys mass immunization program that rolled out smoothly. This contrasted with similar programs in the U.S. and other countries that had a slow vaccine rollout. A number of epidemiologists have said that Israels vaccination campaign has made it a potential model for the rest of the world due to its effectiveness. The countrys health officials have touted that the number of people vaccinated in the first nine days of the COVID-19 immunization program had exceeded Israels total number of COVID cases since the pandemics onset in March 2020. (Related: Health Ministry gives Israelis free movement waivers to convince them to take rushed coronavirus vaccine.) Israel had already vaccinated roughly seven percent of its more than 9.2 million population about 640,000 people since the last week of December 2020. Up to 90 percent of the at-risk population will receive their second coronavirus dose within the next 25 days, according to the Israel Ministry of Health. The first doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine arrived in Israel on Dec. 9, with the country expecting more shipments. It has also procured vaccine doses from drugmakers Moderna and AstraZeneca, but these have not yet been delivered. The country is also working on its own vaccine, but there have been no details on when it will be ready. During an exclusive CNBC interview, the health ministrys Associate Director-General Dr. Itamar Grotto said Israel had an early advantage. The official remarked: We have a national vaccination registry which was established a few years ago. The whole country is on one database. Originally, the vaccination registry was established to ensure that children completed their necessary shots. (Related: If you refuse coronavirus vaccine plans in Spain, youll be targeted and put on a government list.) An outbreak of wild poliovirus in 2013 prepared Israel for the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic seven years later. It managed to control the poliovirus outbreak through an intense immunization program leading to the current vaccine registrys development. The infrastructure allowed Israel to have an edge over other countries fighting the pandemic. According to Johns Hopkins University data, Israel currently has 463,448 COVID-19 cases with 398,368 recoveries and 3,529 deaths. Visit Pandemic.news to read more about lockdown mandates and vaccination campaigns against COVID-19. Sources include: CNBC.com Reuters.com Haaretz.com The Christian Council has condemned the chaotic contention among Members of Parliament (MPs) over the election of a Speaker, describing the behaviour as distasteful and disgraceful. Members of Parliament on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, commenced an exercise to elect a Speaker for the House. The Speakership position was keenly contested by Professor Aaron Mike Ocquaye of the NPP and Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin of the NDC. However, the exercise which saw Mr Bagbin emerging victorious with 138 votes out of 274, was characterized by drama of snatching of ballot papers and a ballot box among the MPs, a situation which a number of people described as disgraceful. The Most Reverend Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, Chairman of the Christian Council, who described the act in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said the misconduct did not create a good picture for Ghana, which was widely known across the globe as a beacon of democracy. He said the MPs should conduct themselves well and render a wholehearted apology to the citizenry and ensure that such misconduct did not repeat itself. Most Rev. Dr. Boafo who is also the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church, Ghana, said the Church also condemned the act and found it disappointing. He said: This is a new thing we are all experiencing. The best way is to build consensus among the Parties to prevent the nation from going back. Ghanaians voted for peace, development and unity, hence if they are representing us, they should think Ghana first and make it a priority in every decision they take on the floor of Parliament. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir's special powers and bifurcating the state into two union territories in August last year also evoked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has been unsuccessfully trying to rally international support against India on the Kashmir issue. (Photo:AFP) Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that no dialogue is possible with India until New Delhi restores the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir. Khan said this while responding to a question about any possibility of a dialogue with New Delhi during his interactions with the representatives of the digital media in Islamabad. No talks possible with India until they restore the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir, he said. We don't have adversarial relations with any country except India which is trying to destabilise Pakistan, he claimed. Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in Pakistan. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship. The relationship further dipped after India's warplanes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019, in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir's special powers and bifurcating the state into two union territories in August last year also evoked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has been unsuccessfully trying to rally international support against India on the Kashmir issue. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda. In Hong Kongs Kowloon area, the Roman Catholic Church operates an unofficial diplomatic mission. It is the only political presence the Vatican has in any part of China. The two religious leaders who work at the mission have no official position with China or the Hong Kong government. And they do not carry out official work, not even meeting with Hong Kong officials. All of these are signs of the uneasy position the Catholic Church in China finds itself in. Many Catholics in Hong Kong strongly support the citys democratic movement. Now the mission in Kowloon is getting growing pressure from the Chinese government. So is the Catholic Church in Hong Kong as a whole. The Chinese government has been attempting to quiet opposition voices in the city under a new national security law. In May, two Chinese nuns who work at the mission were arrested by mainland officials during a visit to Hebei state. That information comes from three Catholic clergy with knowledge of the matter. The nuns were detained for three weeks before being released into house arrest without charges. But they are not permitted to leave the mainland, one clergy member said. Western diplomats say Chinese security agents have been watching the Catholic mission more closely in recent months. Catholic religious leaders in Hong Kong and the Vatican see the arrests as a sign that Beijing wants to close the mission. It lacks official standing because the Holy See and China have not had official diplomatic ties. The Holy See is the universal government of the Catholic Church, which operates from the Vatican inside Rome, Italy. Priests are sometimes arrested in mainland China. But it is highly unusual for nuns to be detained, said one clergy member who has long-time contacts on the mainland. Pressure from China is also being felt by the leaders of Hong Kongs local Catholic community, called a diocese. Church officials in Hong Kong told Reuters news agency that China is trying to spread its control to the diocese. The Chinese government is doing this in part by influencing the choice of Hong Kongs next bishop. The position has been open since the last bishops death two years ago. China, they said, wants to start using in Hong Kong a two-year-old agreement the Chinese government made with the Holy See. The agreement permits Chinese officials to influence the choices of Catholic leaders on the mainland. Vatican officials say Hong Kong was not part of the deal because the city operates as a semi-independent state. But China has been pushing for greater control over Hong Kong. And mainland priests are telling priests in Hong Kong who the Communist Party wants for the bishop position, the clergy members said. Attempts to quiet activism As pressure rises, the acting leader of the local Church, Cardinal John Tong, has made attempts to quiet activism. That information comes from four people with knowledge of the matter. One target of this quieting has been the Justice and Peace Commission. It is a human rights body within the diocese that has supported political and religious freedom. In October, the four people said, Tongs committee of leaders censored a statement from the rights group on relations between China and the Holy See. The leaders removed information about James Su Zhimin. He was the Bishop of Baoding and was arrested by Chinese officials on the mainland more than 20 years ago. Su has not been seen or heard from since and has become a hero to many in the Church. Born in Hong Kong, 81-year-old Tong warned his priests to avoid language in their religious speeches that causes social disorder. We are at the bottom of the pit. There is no freedom of expression anymore, Cardinal Joseph Zen told Reuters in a written reply to questions. Zen served as the sixth Bishop of Hong Kong. Cardinal Zen, who is 88, was the only person who agreed to be named in the story. All other leaders and members asked not to. For any word you say, Zen told Reuters, the government can say youre offending the National Security Law. Activists arrested Pressure on the Catholic Church is building as China feeds a larger effort to crush independent political forces in Hong Kong. That push began early this year, after months of sometimes violent mass protests there. It intensified on June 30, when China announced the new national security law. The law makes many forms of free speech and activism illegal. Charges are punishable by up to life in prison. Since then, top pro-democracy activists have been arrested. Democratic lawmakers have been removed from their positions. Others have left their positions in protest. The Catholic Church is the latest major organization in Hong Kong to feel pressure from the Chinese government. For the Communist Party, Hong Kongs Catholics present a serious challenge to its power. On the mainland, a government religious bureaucracy and years of repression have contained religious practice and the power of the Vatican. That has pushed large parts of the Church underground. But in Hong Kong, it has largely operated openly. Political sermons In late August, Tong issued a letter to clergy members urging them to avoid politically loaded sermons. Last year, Tong did ask the city government to listen to the people of Hong Kong. But he is known for avoiding conflicts with China. Cardinal Zen, however, has long spoken freely about his support for democracy and civil rights. Some of Tongs critics say he gives in too easily to Chinese government pressure. But his defenders say he is just trying to keep the wolf from the door, one priest said. Worried parishioners The Hong Kong church has been so strong for us over the years, but now it seems so weak, said one Church member visiting the citys Eastern District. There is too much secrecy. The Hong Kong missions two Chinese nuns find themselves caught between China and the Holy See. After their three-week detention, they spent months under house arrest. And their families homes were under close watch. The restrictions were eased in November. The nuns are free to attend religious services in nearby churches but cannot leave the mainland or return to Hong Kong. A Vatican official in Rome said the arrests appeared to be an attempt by China to show its dislike for the Hong Kong missions presence. Cardinal Zen says efforts by the government to silence the Church in Hong Kong are unstoppable. So please pray for us, he wrote in a statement. Im Alice Bryant. Reuters news agency reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Bryan Lynn was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story mission n. a group of people sent to an area for a specific reason (such as to have discussions or to provide training or assistance) nun n. a woman who is a member of a religious community and who usually promises to separate from the rest of society in order to serve God clergy n. people (such as priests) who are the leaders of a religion and who perform religious services priest n. a person who has the authority to lead or perform ceremonies in some religions and especially in some Christian religions bishop n. an official in some Christian religions who is ranked higher than a priest and who is usually in charge of church matters in a specific geographical area censor n. to examine letters, books, movies and other things in order to remove things that are considered offensive or harmful to society pit n. a hole in the ground usually made by digging bureaucracy n. a system of government or business that has many complicated rules and ways of doing things sermon n. a speech about a moral or religious subject that is usually given by a religious leader wolf n. a large wild animal that is similar to a dog and that often hunts in groups Teen Muslim extremists attack church in Philippines, pepper building with bullets Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Muslim extremist group, primarily made up of teenagers, attacked a church in the Philippines, peppering the building and a statue of the patron saint with bullets. Persecution watchdog International Christian Concern reports that in December, the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a terrorist group based in the southern Philippines, attacked a parish church after conducting a raid on the towns military and police outposts. After a 15-minute firefight, both the church building and a statue of the patron saint bore bullet holes. Police and military authorities said the BIFF had also plotted to set ablaze Sta. Teresita parish church and the church-run Notre Dame of Dulawan high school in the area. However, their attempt to burn the two church facilities was foiled by policemen and soldiers. Just before the attack on the church, around 50 gunmen from BIFF laid siege to the police station of Datu Piang and burned a police patrol vehicle on December 3. The attack was carried out in response to the earlier arrest of two men with relatives in the BIFF. The terrorists also opened fire at local houses, sending residents running to safety or cowering in their homes. BIFF is an Islamic separatist organization that seeks an independent Islamic state for the Filipino Muslim minority, known as the Moro people, who live primarily in the Philippines Mindanao region. BIFF members pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2014. The Philippines is a Christian-majority country, with more than 86% of the population professing the Christian faith. However, the country has seen escalating violence in recent years at the hands of Muslim militants allied with ISIS. In August, pro-ISIS terrorists blew themselves up in attacks that killed at least 15 people including seven soldiers, six civilians and a policeman and injured 80 others in the city of Jolo, the capital of mainly Muslim Sulu province in the far south of the country, whose population is majority Roman Catholic. In 2019, terrorists set off two explosive devices at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, also known as the Jolo Cathedral, in the Mindanao region. The attack resulted in approximately 100 injuries and about 20 dead. In August 2019, pastor Ernesto Javier Estrella of the United Church of Christ in Antipas, Cotabato Province, was shot and killed on the Island of Mindanao. In June 2018, Catholic priest Richmond Nilo was gunned down in a chapel in Zaragoza town in Nueva Ecija province, at the altar where he was preparing to celebrate mass. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Will Facebook, Twitter, Instagram be blocked in India? New social media rules come into effect from today Will Facebook, Twitter, Instagram be banned in India? Check new IT Rules, Regulations and Penalties 2021 Will Facebook, Twitter be banned in India? What are the new rules and here is what the companies are saying Suspension of Trumps Twitter account dangerous say BJP leaders India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 10: BJP leaders expressed concern on Saturday over the permanent suspension of US President Donald Trump's Twitter account by the social media giant, saying it sets a dangerous precedent and is a wake-up call for democracies about the threat from unregulated big tech companies. Days after Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol and caused the deaths of four civilians and a police officer, Twitter suspended his account permanently on its platform due to the "risk of further incitement of violence". "If they can do this to the President of the US (POTUS), they can do this to anyone. Sooner India reviews intermediaries' regulations, better for our democracy," BJP's youth wing president Tejaswi Surya said in a tweet. He said the suspension of Trump's account is a wake-up call for those who do not yet understand the threat to democracies from unregulated big tech companies. Echoing similar sentiments, BJP's IT cell head Amit Malviya said "deplatforming Donald Trump, a sitting US president, sets a dangerous precedent. It has less to do with his views and more to do with intolerance for a differing point." He said those who claim to champion free speech are celebrating and dubbed big tech firms as "new oligarchs". Donald Trump permanently suspended from Twitter Pitching for regulating such firms, Surya said dissent is fundamental to democracy and the government welcomes it, but only constitutional authorities can decide on its reasonability. Lately, big tech companies have themselves assumed this role, he said, adding, "Time for us to regulate big tech companies." Surya, who is also a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, said Facebook and Twitter serve as platforms for expression and they should not curtail people's will. In a statement on Friday, Twitter said after a close review of recent tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around those -- specifically how those are being received and interpreted on and off the social media platform -- the account has been permanently suspended due to the risk of further incitement of violence. At the time of the permanent suspension, Trump had 88.7 million followers and followed 51 people. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Sunday, January 10, 2021, 9:13 [IST] Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) continued discussing Friday the various bills passed within the latest COVID-19 relief package. Cuellar commented on the Omnibus Appropriations and Emergency Coronavirus Relief package. According to the congressmans office, the bill helped secure language that will create a Latino museum in the nations capital, increase economic partnerships between the United States and Mexico, continue the Donations Acceptance Program for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, end surprise medical billing and expand universal charitable giving deduction for the tax year 2021. The partnership is to make sure that we work with Mexico with a focus on health, entrepreneurship and the education sectors, so this basically calls on the U.S. Department and of course working with Mexico to make sure that we work in energy, health, business and education sectors, Cuellar said. He said there are various community colleges and other educational institutions in the country that have already begun implementing programs where they work with Mexican students and that this helps the Republic of Mexico greatly. However, he hopes this bill helps foster even more economic partnerships. In terms of health, he believes the need to look for healthcare workers that come from distant areas such as Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries is something that could also be done with the Republic of Mexico. He said it could help both countries foster more ties while also having more easy access to the resources needed for medically underserved areas. In terms of vaccine distribution, he said this bill helps show how the federal government has done its part, but it is up to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and for individual states to modify how they will distribute the funds for vaccines. I only think that the State of Texas has only distributed about 44%, Cuellar said. I call on the state to find a way to look for more vaccination hubs to get them out there faster as I understand the CDC had certain guidelines such as Phase 1A and 1B, and under 1B that covered law enforcement, of course that was the federal government, and the state then changed it to the elderly and those who had preexisting conditions, so there is a low difference between there. Cuellar said the new policy also attempts to prevent people from receiving any surprise bills when seeking medical care. He said many people who seek medical assistance and get a procedure tend to get a bill that is surprisingly high, and this is often caused by the individual going out of their network. We now have language there that requires health plans to hold patients harmless from surprise medical bills, Cuellar said. This would be applied to everybody and make sure that patients are only required to pay the in-network cosign amount and deductible if they will be charged for out-of-network procedures. According to Cuellar, this has even happened to him where he has gotten large medical bills that do not match with the networks they have. Many people around the county and the district he represents have had this happen to them as well. Another focus of the omnibus bill is the construction of a Latino museum in the nations capital. Cuellar said this is needed as Hispanic and Latino influence has existed even before any other European influence in the United States as Spanish was the first European spoken language in the country. The first colony was also Spanish in Florida, and the way coins are made comes from Spain as well. We have put the authorization to make us look at the collection and the study and the research and the establishment of exhibitions whether it is Hispanic life, Latinos, history, culture, and now there will be a place in Washington D.C. just like the Native Americans and the African Americans, Cuellar said. Cuellar said the museum is needed as Latino influence in the area is often not highlighted or showcased as it is with other minorities. The fact that Hispanics are now the largest ethnic group in the country is another major reason why he believes this needed to be done. A program called the Donations Acceptance Program for CBP that he enacted in 2014 was another policy found within the authorized bill. The policy allows for the port of entries to take donations by various entities including private, public, city and even county governments to make sure that the personnel at the ports continue to have all the resources they need to continue their services. Cuellar said he worked with Texas Senator John Cornyn to ensure that this program could be put in place. Taxes, especially regarding the charitable tax dedications, was another topic put into the bill. We were able to put in our legislation, Chris Smith (NJ-4) and myself, to make sure that we continue to have a deduction, and its up to $300 for a qualifying nonprofit organization, or if its a married couple that will go up to $600 for them, Cuellar said. The bill also included language that makes much more feasible for parents and children to get federal aid assistance. Also, the Pell Grant, which is one of the main grants offered by the federal government for college students, will be increasing for the first time in 10 years. More information about these changes will soon be offered. We will certainly be working in expanding outreach and awareness, Cuellar said. Some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in the environmental sector have supported the call by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for an open and dispassionate conversation on the way forward in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey). They have, however, said for the effort to yield the desired results, the Minerals Commission and other mandated state institutions must be resourced and made more independent to lead the fight, instead of leaving it in the hands of partisan committees. The organisations, which include Arocha Ghana, Green Advocacy Ghana, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) and the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, claimed that although President Akufo-Addo had demonstrated enough commitment to fight the menace over the past four years, his political appointees who spearheaded the fight had failed him. In separate interviews with the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, the organisations unanimously called for the retooling of state institutions such as the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water Resource Commission (WRC) to effectively execute their respective mandates. They also said a multi-faceted governance strategy involving civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional rulers, technocrats in the mining sector and other stakeholders needed to be involved to support state institutions to fight the menace President's call In his last State of the Nation Address to Parliament to end his first four-year tenure in Accra last Tuesday, President Akufo-Addo said he was opened to frank and apolitical discussions on how to deal with the galamsey menace. He said the time had come to take the discourse on fighting galamsey beyond party politics, adding: "There is one subject about which I believe we, the people, need to have an open conversation about, and that is galamsey. "We have to talk about galamsey. We, who are leaders, owe it to the country to take the subject out of the party political arena and have an honest conversation about this menace," he said. Challenges The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Telecoms Chamber, Mr Kenneth Ashigbey, who was the convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, said although the galamsey fight started on a good note, some political actors "blackmailed the President and messed up the situation". "The call by the President is actually a concession that partisanship derailed the galamsey fight; so it is important that, going forward, we bring on board CSOs, chiefs and professional bodies to fight the menace," he said. According to Mr Ashigbey, regulatory bodies in the mining sector, especially the Minerals Commission, needed to be made more independent, aside from efforts to ensure transparency in the award of concessions to avoid politicians taking over the system. "There should be more transparency in the award of concessions because we need to know who owns which concession. "There are still unresolved issues, such as missing excavators and the Charles Bissiw and Ekow Ewusi case. These must be properly investigated and not swept under the carpet," he added. The deputy national director of Arocha Ghana, Mr Daryl Bonsu, said the call by President Akufo-Addo was a confirmation of a long-held claim by a section of the public that partisanship was the bane to winning the war against the menace. "The President put his Presidency on the line and made a firm commitment to fight galamsey. He started very well by setting up Operation Vanguard, the Interministerial committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) and other interventions, but from 2019, political interference, which became so evident, eroded the gains made. "We were very close to cutting the head of the dragon, but we are disappointed that, after spending so much resources, we failed to win the fight because of political interference," he said. Mr Bonsu cited what he called Executive interference in the work of the Minerals Commission and related agencies, as well as the setting up of the IMCIM without representation from CSOs, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, as the reason for the relatively low outcome in the galamsey fight. Opportunity The CEO of Green Advocacy Ghana, Mr Yaw Amofa-Osei, said although the government failed to leverage the goodwill of the people to fight the menace, there was still a window of opportunity to make amends. He said metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) were central to the fight against the menace. "MMDAs are crucial to environmental governance because they are on the ground to enforce local laws," Mr Amofa-Osei said. For his part, the General Secretary of GNASSM, Mr Godwin Armah, opined that the call by the President meant the strategy adopted by the government had failed, saying: "It was left in the hands of politicians, but now it is clear, from what the President said, that we need to look at local solutions to the problem at hand." "If half of the resources that were given to the IMCIM had been made available to the Minerals Commission, it would have done well and given us better results," he said. Source: Graphiconline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Decorated military commander, Brigadier-General Collin Moyo (Retired), who died in Harare last Friday, has been declared a National Hero. Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri announced the status at Brig-Gen Moyo (Rtd)s house in Harare yesterday. He has been declared a National Hero. We cannot tell you when he will be buried. We know that he did not die as a result of Covid-19. His burial is different from those who were Covid-19 positive. We are expected to have controlled numbers at the burial, so the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage will give us advice, she said. He fought gallantly for the freedom of this country. He fought so that we can now be Ministers of Defence, so that we can go to universities. It was as a result of his great sacrifices. They were the ones responsible for rescuing others even when it meant diving into rivers, they would do that. We celebrate the work he has done for this country, she said. Brig-Gen Moyo (Rtd), whose Chimurenga name was Rodwell Nyika, was a military stalwart who retired from the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) with nine medals in recognition of his gallantry and meritorious service. He died at the Haematology Centre in Harare aged 66. Brig-Gen Moyo (Rtd) was born on July 23, 1954 in Mberengwa, Midlands Province, under Chief Mapiravana. He was the second child in a family of 10 and attended several primary schools in Mberengwa before doing O-Level at Chegato Secondary School in the district. He grew up in a village environment and as a result of his upbringing, he became conscious of political injustices and that compelled him to join the liberation struggle at 18. In July 1972, the he joined the liberation struggle in Zambia after going through Botswana. In Zambia, he and others were met by Zipra leaders such as Cdes Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, Alfred Nikita Mangena, Elliot Maseko and Ambrose Mutinhiri who facilitated their movement to Morogoro in Tanzania for military training. In early 1973, he started training with 83 others under the commander of the training camp Cde Sam Mfakazi and instructors, Cdes Jevan Maseko, Gedi Dube, Dubu Nleya and Stanley Gagisa. They went through a six-month semi-commando course covering all aspects of guerrilla warfare. During the course, he was chosen to attend the Zipra Conference of Militants at Zambias Mwembeshi Camp. Brig-Gen Moyo (Rtd) was instrumental in the training of over 5 000 recruits at Morogoro Training Camp between 1973 and 1976. When the Zimbabwe Peoples Army (ZIPA) was formed in 1975, he was heavily involved in some joint training among Zipra, Zanla and ANC cadres and his contribution was invaluable. Zanla recruits and instructors were from Mgagao while some ANC recruits came from Mbagala and Dar-es-Salaam. During the joint training, he worked with Zanla instructors including current Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, former Commissioner of Police Augustine Chihuri and the late Major-General Amoth Chingombe, Comrade Dewetewe, Cde Mhuru, Cde Bastern Beta, Cde Liabizva Kuhondo, Cde Grey Tichatonga and others. He trained Zipra comrades such as current Commander Defence Forces General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, Major-General Diye, Major-General N Dube, Lieutenant-General Sibusiso Busi Moyo (Rtd) who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Major General Chiramba and others. The training team recorded successes up until some disturbances which led to the closure of Morogoro Camp and the setting up of the new training camp at Chakwenga area. In early 1976, Brig-Gen Moyo was selected to go on a special course in the Soviet Union leading a group of 200 combatants. He went to Moscow and later to Sinferopol in Ukraine for further training. Brig-Gen Moyo (Rtd) returned to Zambia at the end of 1976 and briefly stayed at Freedom Camp from where he was deployed to Feira Luwangwa area as a regional commander. He shared operations with Zanla forces in such areas as Kanyemba, Chidodo, Mashumbi Pools, Chikafa, Mahuwe and Bakasa north of Guruve. He also operated in Kachuta, Doma, Rafingora, Mhangura, Mutorashanga, Vhuti, Kazangarare, Mwami, Chindu and Karuru areas in Mashonaland West. His mission was to plan and conduct war operations and to destroy all enemy infrastructure in the area of responsibility. He later became a member of the Revolutionary Council (Dare reChimurenga) and half of the country was under his command. As Commander northern front, his area of responsibility covered Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North stretching along the Zambezi River from Kazungula, Victoria Falls, Kariba Dam, Chirundu up to Kanyemba. He commanded over 10 000 armed men and women from his headquarters at the town of Kapfuwe in Zambia. Under him were three regional commanders who waged the struggle until Independence. The late General commanded the Kavalamanja-Karoro Battle which the Zambians called Nkondoyamukwezvalamba. The battle took place at Kavalamanja village about 30km from Feira along the Zambezi River. The battle was carried out by a combination of ground troops, paratroopers and aircraft. The battle lasted for four days with casualties on both sides. He also masterminded the attack of Mana Pools Camp by Zipra forces. It was a well planned operation that was conducted by Zipra forces at night and the camp was overrun with many enemy casualties. At cease fire time Zipra created a reserve force of about a brigade which remained in Zambia. This brigade was part of a contingency plan against the Rhodesians in case things went wrong during the ceasefire period. The brigade however later went into Papa assembly point where he was the commander. At Independence, Brig-Gen Moyo was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army and was attached to Headquarters 4 Infantry Brigade as a green board officer together with Air Vice Marshal Henry Muchena, the late Air Chief Marshal Perrance Shiri and Brigadier Gen Abel Mazinyani, Lt Col M. Mpofu and Comrade Deny Murimo. He was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in 1982 and later rose to colonel being promoted to brigadier-general on retirement. During his career he was deployed in Mozambique in 1992 and Somalia in 1993 as a military observer and attended many military courses. Brig-Gen Moyo (Rtd) is survived by his wife and six children. Herald ROME - In a forthcoming television interview, Pope Francis says that he will soon receive a coronavirus vaccination, perhaps as early as next week, while calling the inoculation a duty for everyone. I believe that ethically everyone needs to receive the vaccine, Francis said in an interview with Italys TG5 that will air Sunday. Francis did not specify the exact timing of his inoculation, but the pontiff said the Vatican's vaccine rollout will begin next week and that he had already booked an appointment. Francis's plan sends a significant pro-vaccine signal to the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. But it also marks a crucial step in safeguarding an 84-year-old who is missing part of a lung, doesn't like to wear a mask and relishes face-to-face interaction. Vatican watchers had widely anticipated that Francis would be administered the jab, and he has spoken favorably for months about the international vaccine effort, calling it a light of hope in this time of darkness. Until now, though, the Vatican had remained vague on its vaccine plans for the pope. The Holy See only said that its campaign would first target the elderly, medical personnel, and those most in contact with the public. The Vatican's health director said the city-state will be using the vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech. READ MORE: Hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccines havent been used in Pa. and N.J. Heres why, and whats next In the upcoming interview, Francis suggested his own perspective on vaccines had been shaped by childhood memories of polio, when "so many kids ended up paralyzed because of this and there was a desperation to receive the vaccine." "I don't know why some will say, 'No, the vaccine is dangerous.' " Francis said. "But if doctors offer it to you as something that can work, that poses no special risk, why not take it? There is a suicidal denialism that I wouldn't know how to explain, but today you need to take the vaccine." The journalist who conducted the Friday interview of the pope, Fabio Marchese Ragona, shared a passage of the transcript with The Washington Post. Almost since the beginning of the pandemic, Francis has seemed to have the vaccine on his radar. In May, he said that the search for vaccines should be "transparent and selfless." And he has said several times that leaders must ensure that vaccines are provided to the poor, the sick and the vulnerable. Once fully vaccinated with the two doses, Francis - and the church - will still have to behave cautiously. Medical experts say even those vaccinated should wear a mask. But the pontiff can more easily resume some of the activities that have been on hold for nearly a year, such as international travel. Francis is planning a trip in early March to Iraq, what will be his first venture outside of Italy since the start of the pandemic. READ MORE: Are we at the beginning of the end of COVID-19? The tricky road to herd immunity, explained. Francis, who complained of feeling "caged" during Italy's initial spring lockdown, has made it clear that he does not want to be a Zoom-only pope. As that initial clampdown loosened, Francis tried to reclaim the parts of his papacy he seemed to miss the most, mixing to a greater degree with crowds and meeting with pilgrims. Even amid Europe's second wave, Francis has continued to host groups and hold in-person meetings. Francis's resistance to mask-wearing has perplexed some inside the church, and by forgoing masks in meetings, he is bucking the Vatican's own safety protocols. Neither he nor the Vatican has offered an explanation for his decision to generally go mask-free. The pope's inoculation will hardly mark the first instance of church vaccine endorsement. Last month, the Vatican's doctrinal watchdog said it was "morally acceptable" for Catholics to receive the vaccines that have used cell lines derived from aborted fetuses. Before that guidance, several U.S. bishops had suggested such vaccines were immoral. From the ethical point of view, the Vatican said, the morality of vaccination depends not only on the duty to protect ones own health, but also on the duty to pursue the common good. READ MORE: How to sign up for a Philly COVID-19 vaccine alert that will tell you its your turn The events at the Capitol prompted opinions that this is a low point for America. While the sentiment is understandable, this is one of our best moments. Since Joe Biden was declared the presidential winner, President Donald Trump has tried to change the results. This attempt has failed miserably. A main reason is that the courts rejected every lawsuit brought forward. Some of these rejections came from conservative judges that Trump appointed. They were loyal to the law and our system rather than the man who put them in their position. Think of the governments, some in place today, in nations where this would not have happened. The judges would have buckled at the behest of their leader. Our president is referred to as the most powerful person in the world. The Founding Fathers sought to minimize that power, and their limits worked. The response to the storming of the Capitol building also shows how the American people and our lawmakers will not bow down to a mob. What is the end result? We might see a president impeached on a nonpartisan basis for the first time. This is a good thing if Congress overwhelmingly agrees that Trump violated the oath of office. It will be a reminder to future presidents about the limits of their power. In the end, we will have a peaceful transition of power on Jan. 20, as always, whether or not Trump is still president. In his first inaugural speech, Ronald Reagan said, In the eyes of many in the world, this every-4-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle. That miracle will continue and it will be nothing but normal for the American people. Our system was tested like never before, and passed with flying colors. Eric Johnson, Point Pleasant Not so fast with early Trump removal The mob attack on our Capitol and democracy, inspired and promoted by President Donald Trump, was despicable. Understandably, many are now calling for Trump to be removed from office. This would be a mistake. As I write this, there are only 13 days left in Trumps term. It is unlikely that he will do any major harm in that short time. Invoking the 25th Amendment or impeachment are slow processes. It is unlikely that Vice President Mike Pence and the cabinet will initiate the former, which allows the president to time to rebut his removal, or that the current Republican-majority Senate would produce the necessary two-thirds vote for impeachment. If impeachment actions are not done on a strong bipartisan vote, they would be perceived as political, and Trump would claim he was a political victim. President-elect Joe Biden successfully campaigned to bring our nation together. Trying to remove Trump from office with so few days left in his term would not help to do that. Biden should act forcefully to cool his congressional allies, and allow Trump to finish his term, and move on. Donald Trump will live in infamy for what his has done and the American people will celebrate his quick exit from office. Lew Thurston, Lawrenceville Whos giving us death panels now? Talk about a judgement call. EMTs in California are now tasked with deciding whether or not a patient ill with COVID-19 can be expected to survive. If they decide that there is no hope, that patient will not go to the hospital but will be left at home to heal or die. In 2009, Republican Party members accused President Barack Obama of setting up death panels to decide who should live and who should die under the Affordable Care Act. This, of course, was a lie. Yet, now, due to the incompetent handling of the coronavirus by President Donald Trump and his Republican sycophants, that is exactly what is happening. The irony that it is the Republicans who are creating death panels is inescapable. Thankfully, it appears that the pro-Trump mobs desecration of our capitol in Washington, D.C., was the final straw in Trumps bag of tricks, causing a mass resignation of his cronies. At last he is fulfilling his promise to drain the swamp. Susan J. Waldman, Randolph From Fifth Ave. to Pennsylvania Ave. Donald Trump once told us he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and get away with it. He has now incited a riot on Pennsylvania Avenue, where five people have died including Capital Police Officer Brian Sicknick, a New Jersey native. We need to decide if what Trump said about getting away with murder is true. Mike Cullinane, Hillsborough Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. The Star-Ledger/NJ.com encourages submissions of opinion. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. Khattar earlier on Sunday was to address a 'kisan mahapanchayat' in Haryana's Karnal district and highlight the benefits of the Centre's three agriculture laws Speaking after he was forced to cancel an address in Karnal due to protesting farmers damaging the venue, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar said he did not feel that the Centre would withdraw the farm laws, according to several media reports. Discussion can be held on certain points, but I do not think government is going to withdraw these laws, Khattar told Indian Express. Referring to Sunday's events, Khattar said the protesters had defamed farmers, and that he believed Congress party and Communists have a major role to play in such incidents. Khattar earlier Sunday was to address a 'kisan mahapanchayat' in Haryana's Karnal district and highlight the benefits of the Centre's three agriculture laws. The Haryana Police used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent farmers from marching towards Kaimla village, where the programme was to be held. The farmers, however, reached the venue and damaged a makeshift helipad where Khattar's chopper was to land despite elaborate security arrangements made by police. Some protesters also uprooted its tiles. They damaged the programme stage, breaking chairs, tables and flower pots at the venue. Police personnel were also pelted with stones and had to run for cover. As per Financial Express, Khattar, later speaking at a press conference, said, Our nation has a very strong democratic setup. This allows everyone to express his or her view. We have never stopped anybody from doing this. These alleged farmers and leaders have been giving statements and were never stopped. Despite COVID-19 , we made arrangements for the safety and security of those protesting against the new agri laws. But it is not right to obstruct someone who wants to speak. As per PTI, Khattar also accused BKU (Charuni) president Gurnam Singh Charuni, under whose banner the farmers had announced their decision to oppose the programme, of "instigating" people. They cannot spread their wings through these agitations. I condemn todays incident, the Financial Express quoted the chief minister as saying. "The ones who have instigated (violence), they should not instigate. This agitation should end here so that the poor farmers who are sitting in the cold, who are losing their lives, if I have to blame someone, I will blame those who are instigating, the people who are using such language and not allowing this matter to be solved," he added. Meanwhile, Khattar said that he feels the Centre "will not repeal" the three new farm laws. "People had turned up. It is not like they were scared to come to the meeting but it is just some youngsters who created mischief on the helipad. I had almost arrived and would have addressed the gathering but it would have caused trouble," India Today further quoted Khattar as saying. As per PTI, the chief minister said whatever he wanted to say to people in the kisan mahapanchayat was said by party leaders present there. To a question, Khattar denied that there was any intelligence failure behind this incident. Farmers vandalise venue Earlier in the day, police had made elaborate security arrangements for the chief minister's visit to the village where he was to speak to people to highlight benefits of the new farm laws. Director-General of Police (Crime) Muhammad Akil was also present at the spot. The protesting farmers earlier carried black flags and shouted slogans against the BJP-led state government as they attempted to march towards Kaimla village. Police put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent them from reaching the programme venue. However, the farmers crossed the barricade put up at Gharaunda on the Kaimla road. Police had also parked several trucks carrying sand at one of the roads to prevent them from entering Kaimla village. Karnal Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia also tried to pacify the agitators, but in vain. All farmers are here to whom the CM 'sahib' intends to explain the farm laws. We will not allow the government to hold this programme, a protester said. The farmers criticised the state government, saying it was holding a programme over the laws at a time when farmers across the country protesting against these. The government is trying to rub salt into our wounds with this "kisan mahapanchayat", another protester added. Some local villagers and BJP workers also had a face-off with the protesters when they reached the venue. Police also resorted to mild cane charge to disperse them. Reacting to the incident, Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the government should avoid confrontation with farmers. "Farmers have certain apprehensions over the new farm Acts. The government should rather repeal these Acts as desired by farmers and avoid confrontation with them by holding functions like the mahapanchayat," he said. The former chief minister reiterated his demand of convening a session of the state Assembly. "This government has lost the faith of its legislators and people. The Congress wants to bring a no-confidence motion against the Khattar government," he said. Haryana Congress chief Kumari Selja said the mahapanchayat convened by Khattar did not get support from people. "The government has lost the trust of people," she said. AICC general secretary Randeep singh Surjewala said the proposed mahapanchayat was a "government-sponsored" event which has been shown "its true picture" by the protesters. Meanwhile, a purported video of BKU leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, making an appeal to end the arrogance of the CM by not allowing him to address the mahapanchayat, circulated on social media. On 6 January, the BKU (Charuni) had threatened to oppose the kisan mahapanchayat. Besides addressing the programme, the Haryana chief minister was also supposed to announce development works worth Rs 47 crore for Karnal. Amid a deadlock in the government's negotiations with protesting farmer unions, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear tomorrow a clutch of pleas challenging the new farm laws as well as the ones raising issues related to the ongoing agitation at Delhi borders. The eighth round of talks between the Centre and the farmer unions on 7 January appeared heading nowhere as the Centre ruled out repealing the contentious laws while the farmer leaders said they are ready to fight till death and their 'ghar waapsi' will happen only after 'law waapsi'. After the eighth round of talks, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar had said no decision could be reached as the farmer leaders did not present alternatives to their demand for the repeal of the laws. On Saturday, a farmers' body, Consortium of Indian Farmers Associations (CIFA), moved the top court in support of the three laws and sought impleadment in the matter. With inputs from PTI Argentinas Senate on January 9 announced that it will abolish criminal charges against women who got abortions at the hospitals while the activity was illegal after the South American countrys parliament legalized the procedure by 38 votes to 29 in 72 member senate with 1 abstention in December. In a historic verdict in favour of reproductive justice for the women, the Latin American nations government said that it will pardon all women, or anyone with the capacity to gestate, including LGBTQ+ and non-binary individuals who underwent the procedures within 14 weeks of pregnancy, according to a Guardian report. The Popes homeland country restored the reproductive rights for women as it stressed that the women who were previously charged for having an abortion will not be sent to prison. This comes as women in the conservative province of Tucuman, Belen, were reportedly held under detention for the pro-abortion choices with sentences for up to three years. Feminist lawyer Soledad Deza had been fighting for the rights of women for over several years, as she said that restricting women from exercising their right to abortions was in fact a cruel and degrading treatment of women by the lawmakers. "Safe, legal and free abortion is law. Now we're a better society that is increasing women's rights and safeguarding public health," President Alberto Fernandez, who sponsored the original bill, wrote on Twitter. Read: International Film Festival Of India: Argentina's Pablo Cesar To Enter As Jury Chairman Read: Brazilian Women March To Argentina In A Bid To Overturn Abortion Ban Illegal terminations now 'legal' The Pro-choice activists had pushed for the Latin American country to make the landmark reform and legalise the procedure in the nation of the Catholic Church. Senate president Cristina Kirchner confirmed the vote following twelve hours of debate that prompted revolts across the streets of capital Buenos Aires. Pro-choice and anti-abortion campaigners are expected to gather in the plaza near Buenos Aires congress building as the historic vote was awaited. Ultimately, the green camp pushed the bill with 33 senators in favour, surpassing their blue opponents. President Alberto Fernandez, the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina approved the bill into legislation, making the thousands of illegal terminations held annually across the nation, legal. President Alberto Fernandez called the law 'necessary to legislate for everyone. [Abortion-rights activists celebrate as Argentine lower house approves a bill that would legalize abortion. Credit: AP] [Bill has approved in countrys Senate after a debate. Credit: AP] [Pro-choice activists celebrate. Credit: AP] Read: Argentina: 1 Per Cent Of Those Vaccinated With Sputnik V Jabs Show Adverse Reactions Read: First Doses Of Russian Vaccine Sputink V Arrive In Argentina (Image Credit: AP) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered his condolences to the families of the deceased in the crash of a Sriwijaya Air flight in Indonesia . "Deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate plane crash in Indonesia," PM Modi wrote in a tweet. He added, "India stands with Indonesia in this hour of grief." Deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate plane crash in Indonesia. India stands with Indonesia in this hour of grief. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 10, 2021 The Sriwijaya Air Flight 182, a Boeing 737-500 plane, lost contact with the aviation authorities shortly after taking off in Jakarta. The flight was carrying 62 people and is feared to have crashed into the sea. Earlier today, Indonesian authorities said that the divers in the country found the debris of the crashed plane in Java Sea. The objects found included broken pieces of fuselage with aircraft registration parts. Rescuers also pulled out pieces of clothing, scraps of metal from the surface. Hopefully until this afternoon the current conditions and the view under the sea are still good so that we can continue the search," Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said today in a statement. Additionally, Indonesian President Joko Widodo also offered his condolences. I represent the government and all Indonesians in expressing my deep condolences for this tragedy," he said. We are doing our best to save the victims. We pray together so that the victims can be found," he said, adding that he had asked the National Transport Safety Committee to conduct an investigation. The plane took off from Soekarno-Hatta Airport and was on an estimated 90-minute flight from Jakarta to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province on Indonesias Borneo island. There were 56 passengers and six crew members onboard. FlightRadar24 data showed the plane was a Boeing 737-500 series. We are aware of media reports from Jakarta, and are closely monitoring the situation," Boeing spokeswoman Zoe Leong said in a statement. With inputs from AP Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Oakland police pledged to investigate allegations that officers have endorsed or been involved in social media accounts of Wednesdays Capitol takeover. We will not tolerate any form of hate speech, any expression that supports hate speech or any acts of subversion, whether in-person or on online platforms, the department said in a statement released Friday. The department said it learned that current employees may have been involved on social media accounts that contain objectionable or offensive content. OPD will not allow any members to engage in or support this ... and will root out this conduct, the statement said. Hate speech will not be tolerated. ... Whether on or off duty, employees of OPD are prohibited from affiliating with subversive groups. The police investigation follows accounts that former Oakland police Officer Jurell Snyder was part of the Capitol takeover mob and posted online about it. The website Oaklandside reported that several current officers liked the posts. In an interview he gave Wednesday evening on KPIX, Snyder defended the takeover, spouted right-wing conspiracy theories and suggested that police prodded Trump supporters at the Capitol to violence. According to his LinkedIn profile, Snyder served in the Oakland Police Department from December 2006 to August 2015. I wanted my friends and family to know what happened, Snyder wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday, in which he confirmed that he was at the Capitol. They call us terrorists in the media, but we know the truth. We must preserve our constitutional republic at all costs. In a statement posted Thursday afternoon on Facebook, the Oakland Police Department said they found Snyders comments reprehensible and that he was separated from his employment with the City of Oakland nearly six years ago. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF Looking good: Even on a wet day at the Hole in the Wall car park at Phoenix Park, the new Octavia stands out We were just coming back from our walk through the Furry Glen in Dublin's Phoenix Park when we saw a family group standing near our car. "We were just admiring it," said the more senior member. "It looks very good. I have the 192 model, but this seems more attractive. It's rather like a Volkswagen now, with those sweeping lines." Yes, the new Skoda Octavia is a head-turner, especially in the long-sweeping hatchback form I was driving over the Christmas. The Octavia is a serious player in the Irish market, both new and second-hand, and is a staple of the taxi fleet. Even the outgoing model was in seventh place in sales last year - OK, down from equal fourth in 2019, but still selling more than 2,000 units. Seven million Octavias have been produced so far and 65,000 have arrived in Ireland since 1998. It makes up 30pc of the Skoda volume here and contributed to the Czech marque - which is under the control of the VW group - being the fourth-biggest player behind Volkswagen, Toyota and Hyundai. It has been mainly a diesel workhorse and the new model is likely to continue that but the emphasis is slightly changing, with 54pc expected to be oil-burners and 40pc petrol, plus 6pc coming from the new plug-in hybrid. The admiring glances for the new Octavia hatchback are helped by it being 19mm longer and 15mm wider than the existing range. More startling is that its aerodynamics have radically altered, dropping to 0.24 from 0.28, which was only 0.03 less than the launch model in 1998. The extra dimensions mean more internal space and an extra 10 litres luggage capacity. We were grateful for this when inter-county travel restrictions were lifted just before Christmas. I'd been storing used newspapers since February, when we delivered a boot full of them to the Ash Animal Rescue Sanctuary in deepest Wicklow. A quick call to the sanctuary before Christmas ascertained they still needed more - so we packed 23 bags into the Octavia and rushed down the 71km. They do such great work at Ash and anything we can do to help feels worth it. There was a fox for our two dogs to admire at the sanctuary and a host of dogs waiting for kind homes. The car handled a lot lighter and faster on the return. The new Octavia comes with assistance systems, infotainment portals and well thought-out features. The starting price of 23,950 for the Octavia in Active trim is a price jump of 1,925 against the previous generation - but it includes an extra 3,200 of equipment. The Active trim isn't available in diesel form and the price for the six-speed manual 115bhp 2.0 TDi is 28,750 (Ambition) or 30,850 (Style). There is a 150bhp diesel automatic Style model at 35,250. The petrol models are better value, with the 1.0 TSi 110bhp six-speed manual going up to 27,850 (Style) and what looks like an especially tasty mild hybrid petrol version at 28,250 (Ambition) and 30,350 (Style). At this you are getting a very high-specced, roomy, solidly built car that will not only turn heads with its coupe-like profile but fulfil a normal family's needs in a very comfortable environment touching on luxury. The Combi versions are another 1,500. This fourth generation model shows a great depth of engineering innovation to give a real step up in quality. There are lovely touches, like ambient lighting inside, and excellent little extras. It may be a bit less Skoda than before, but is very acceptable as a totally confident drive with good consumption and plenty of agility. Going down to the Ash sanctuary we felt safe and cosseted on some pretty tough roads. There were two minor bugbears. One was the climate system. It had a total mind of its own and needed a lot of work to keep it in check - rather like our dogs! Secondly, the Octavia was a delight to drive, except for the fact that every time I got out, it took a while for my left foot to walk normally. For some reason, using the clutch in the Octavia meant my foot was at an awkward angle. I mentioned this to my Furry Glen acquaintance. He agreed it was a problem in his model as well. To be fair, it's not the only car I have the problem with. It's the same when driving my wife's Hyundai i10 and it's a legacy of some issues I have had for years with my left foot. All of which pushes me increasingly to automatic transmission - and I see that the country is moving that way, too. Just under 41pc of all new cars bought here last year were automatic. This is no doubt helped by the rise in sales of EVs, plug-in hybrids and full hybrids. Summing up the Octavia I would say it is a totally competent, attractive car with some very fine touches. It is well priced, the company comes out well in quality and reliability surveys, and the car will nicely bridge the gap until you have to buy an EV - of which Skoda has the very tasty Enyaq SUV coming later this year. I am pleased that due to the new lockdown I have got the Octavia for a bit longer and more exercise is being done to help the ankle and clutch have a better relationship. ******* As I was going into the Phoenix Park last Tuesday I saw my first 211 model - a Kia XCeed, looking particularly fine dressed in a tasty red. I couldn't make it out at first and thought it might be a Merc. It's a very good car and I have recommended the XCeed to a few people already. The plug-in hybrid version could make a lot of sense. The following day I was sent a link to the launch in Seoul, South Korea, involving thousands of fireworks and 303 pyrodrones of Kia's new logo and brand messaging: "Movement that inspires." The event is now in the Guinness Book of Records for the Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Launching Fireworks Simultaneously. Perhaps they can also fix ankles? Kevin Jean, 34, is being held on a $5 million bond for burning and mutilating three children Tuesday at a Panama City Beach hotel, according to his arrest affidavit. Jean is accused of taking an unidentified item, hot enough to cause severe burns, and placing it on the victims vaginal area. The victims needed medical treatment at a local hospital. Jean was arrested Jan. 7 and charged with sexual battery upon a child 11 years old or younger and three counts of aggravated child abuse. Each count of aggravated child abuse came with a $1 million bond and sexual battery came with a $2 million bond. Jean appeared in court Jan. 8. His first arraignment is set for Feb. 22. Based on the sensitivity of this case, the Panama City Beach Police Department wont release any more details. Police are still conducting interviews and are committed to solving this incident. ___ (c)2021 The News Herald (Panama City, Fla.) Visit The News Herald (Panama City, Fla.) at www.newsherald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Republican Nancy Mace and Democratic congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are at odds after the Charleston lawmaker accused both her and the media of inflating the New York lawmaker's personal experience during the Jan. 6 Capitol Hill riot. File/Staff Sorry! This content is not available in your region Inji, a 61-year-old female Sumatran orangutan who lived at the Oregon Zoo for more than half a century and was thought to be the oldest orangutan in the world, died Saturday. Zoo officials said Injis health had deteriorated in the past few weeks. She had difficult moving and rarely left her nest box. She also wasnt interested in eating her favorite foods, according to a statement. Staffers said she appeared not to benefit from pain medicine, so veterinary staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize her on Saturday. According to zoo officials, Inji is believed to be the worlds oldest orangutan. She was also the oldest animal at the Oregon Zoo. We knew she couldnt live forever, but this really hurts, and I know many visitors are grieving along with us, Bob Lee, who manages the zoos animal areas, said in a statement. Injis ability to connect with people was incredible. She inspired generations. Lee said she was active and inquisitive through her golden years. She seemed to study humans and enjoy watching them, especially children, he added. She lived more than two decades past the typical life span for wild orangutans. Injis precise birthday is unclear, but she arrived at the zoo Jan. 30, 1961 and was thought to be around one-year-old at the time.. Inji arrived in the United States through the wild animal trade, which was legal in that time. Were thankful that we were able to give Inji a good home, but its heartbreaking to think about the circumstances that brought her here, Asaba Mukobi, the zoos senior primate keeper, said in a statement. Even though the wild animal trade is illegal now, it still exists. It is considered a major threat to orangutans survival, along with human encroachment and habitat loss from palm oil plantations. Orangutans are at the brink of extinction especially in Sumatra, where Inji came from. There are thought to be just 15,000 Sumatra orangutans in the wild, with some 55,000 Bornean and fewer than 800 Tapanuli orangutan species remaining. The Oregon Zoo later this year will open its Primate Forest, an expanded facility funded by the Metro bond package approved by voters in 2008. The zoo plans to honor Inji when that facility is completed. -- Andrew Theen; atheen@oregonian.com; 503-294-4026; @andrewtheen Japan urged to accept landmark compensation ruling A local court has made a landmark ruling in favor of South Korean victims of Japan's wartime sex slavery. On Friday, the Seoul Central District Court ordered the Japanese government to pay 100 million won ($91,500) in compensation to each of 12 victims. This is the first time for former sex slaves to win a legal battle against Tokyo. The ruling is seen as a warning against Japan which has refused to make a sincere apology for and reflect on its atrocities committed before and during World War II. It should serve as an opportunity to uphold human rights and justice for those who endured untold suffering under Japan's colonialism and militarism. We hope the decision will help restore the honor and dignity of the victims who were forced into sexual enslavement for frontline Japanese soldiers during imperial Japan's ill-fated attempts to expand its territories from 1932 to 1945. Japan should humbly accept the ruling and do its best to heal the wounds of the victims. It must comply with the compensation order to atone for its past misdeeds. Japan's forced mobilization of South Korean women as sex slaves was a crime against humanity. That's why the court ruled that Japan committed such a crime willfully, systematically and extensively, violating international law and norms. Denying the brutal and barbarian act should not and cannot be condoned. It is also meaningful that the court rejected Japan's argument of "sovereign immunity" which allows a state to invoke immunity from a civil lawsuit in a foreign court. The domestic court set a precedent by excluding Japan from the shield of immunity. To be sure, the immunity principle should not be applied to war crimes or crimes against humanity such as sex trafficking and slavery. So it is hard to accept Japan's reaction to the court order Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga immediately said that his government would not accept it. He repeated Japan's position that the sex slavery issue had already been completely and definitely resolved under the 1965 treaty between the two countries and the 2015 bilateral agreement. The Japanese foreign ministry summoned Korean Ambassador to Japan Nam Gwan-pyo to lodge a protest over the ruling. However, the court concluded thatt the treaty and otherl agreements between Seoul and Tokyo did not override the victims' rights to seek compensation from Japan for their suffering. The ruling came after the Korean Supreme Court ordered Japanese firms in 2018 to pay compensation to surviving South Korean victims of wartime forced labor. The order worsened bilateral ties with Tokyo launching trade retaliation against its neighbor. The latest ruling is likely to further deteriorate relations between the two sides. It is also feared to negatively affect incoming U.S. President Joe Biden's efforts to strengthen trilateral cooperation with its Asian allies. In fact, Seoul and Tokyo have a lot of work to do together for security, defense and their economies. Japan can play a role in denuclearizing North Korea and settling peace on the Korean Peninsula. The problem is how to resolve historical disputes between the two countries. Now Seoul and Tokyo should make genuine efforts to narrow their differences and move forward toward reconciliation and cooperation. Most of all, Japan must face up to history squarely. It needs to respect the court ruling to ease indescribable pains of the wartime victims. Otherwise, the two countries cannot forge a future-oriented partnership. Ablaze: A burning car pictured above in central Paris (file photo) To the dismay of its citizens, France was lamentably slow over the New Year to roll out its Covid vaccination programme. But the country continues to be bizarrely efficient at torching cars, which has become an annual tradition, with vandals burning 861 vehicles across France on December 31. That figure is more than twice the number of people 352 inoculated between December 27 and 31. And its a startling statistic that hasnt escaped the notice of President Emmanuel Macrons critics. Now the President is seeking to put some fire under the rollout in an attempt to catch up with other countries. Much of the blame has been laid at the door of the EU, which was slow to pre-order vaccines. But the French government has also faced criticism for the volume of red tape facing doctors. For example, the first set of vaccines, which are restricted to elderly care-home residents, require a signed consent form and a doctors consultation before they can be administered. But Dr Eric Alamartine, from Saint-Etienne hospital in central France, was scathing about the bureaucracy. He told the BBC: Were dealing with a technocratic system which is not reactive enough. In his New Years address, Mr Macron said he would not let an unjustified slowness take hold. He added: Every French person who wants to must be able to get vaccinated. On Friday, Prime Minister Jean Castex admitted that France had lagged behind other countries but defended the decision to prioritise the most vulnerable. Mr Castex said that everyone over 75 will be able to have the coronavirus vaccine from January 18 as part of a new plan to speed up the process. France recorded 19,814 new Covid cases on Friday, taking its total to almost 2.75 million since the pandemic began, and a total death toll of 67,431. Britain, which declined the EUs invitation to join its procurement programme last July, is independently able to authorise vaccines, which allowed it to start its roll-out much faster. Now President Emmanuel Macron, pictured above, is seeking to put some fire under the rollout in an attempt to catch up with other countries The French craze for setting cars ablaze on New Years Eve started in the 1990s, mainly as a form of protest. However, it grew in popularity after the 2005 riots in the suburbs of Paris and elsewhere, and has since become an annual event. Meanwhile, in Germany, national pride that it was German scientists who developed the first effective Covid jab has been tempered by public anger that some of the hundreds of specially prepared vaccine centres are still not in use. Chancellor Angela Merkel has been accused of failing to secure enough doses. In Spain, more than 275,000 people have been vaccinated. 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. ADVERTISEMENT A former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, has tested negative for COVID-19 after previously testing positive for the disease on two occasions within one week. PREMIUM TIMES learnt that a repeat PCR COVID-19 test carried out on Mr Adoke at a laboratory of Emirates Specialty Hospital in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), turned out negative on Sunday. It will be recalled that Mr Adoke was on December 11, 2020 granted permission by the Federal High Court in Abuja where he is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on money laundering charges, to travel to UAE for medical check-up. The trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, directed the former Minister of Justice to return to Nigeria before the date scheduled for the continuation of his trial. Already, one of the criminal cases in which Mr Adoke is being prosecuted along with a businessman, Aliyu Abubakar, has been scheduled to resume Monday. But it was gathered that the former minister has not been able to return to the country as a result of his positive COVID-19 status which only turned negative after a repeat test on Sunday. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr Adoke had since January 2, 2021 undergone four COVID-19 tests. The first test carried out on January 2 was said to be negative. He was said to have subsequently tested positive on two occasions but remained asymptomatic. The former minister went through another test at the laboratory of Emirates Specialty Hospital in Dubai on Sunday and the result turned out to be negative. A copy of the last repeat test carried out on Sunday read in part, Not detected indicates that SARS-CoV-2 RNA is either not present in the specimen or is present at a concentration below the assays lower limit of detection. This result may be influenced by the stage of the infection and the quality of the specimen collected for testing. Nigerias COVID-19 protocol requires travelers flying into the country from other parts of the world to present a negative PCR COVID-19 test close to the day of traveling before boarding. The country is currently seeing a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in a second wave which has forced the Federal Government to reintroduce some restrictions in public places in order to contain the spread. Megyn Kelly, Scott Baio, an O.C. star and the original Buffy have all slammed Twitter for 'silencing' Donald Trump in the wake of his permanent ban from the platform. They join actress Kirstie Alley who compared the suspension to slavery in a tweet on Saturday. The Cheers star, 69, said tech companies now hold the keys to the chains. Former Fox News host Kelly called the move 'censorship', retweeting a statement by the ACLU which said that it should concern everyone when companies like Facebook and Twitter wield the unchecked power to remove people from platforms that have become indispensable for the speech of billions'. Kelly wrote: 'Well looky here, folks who suggested its dishonest to worry about a slippery slope of coming censorship, even your civil liberties god sees whats coming.' Her former colleague Janice Dean tweeted a quote from Harry S. Truman, which read: 'Once a government is committed to silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens creating a country where everyone lives in fear.' Trump fan Baio, who starred in Happy Days, noted he had lost thousands of followers after Twitter purged accounts Friday for content related to QAnon. He wrote: 'Wednesday 656K Today 594K.' On Thursday he tweeted: 'Welcome to China', followed by the American flag emoji. Oscar nominated actor Randy Quaid said: 'Big tech is trying to control and silence our president purely because of the way he was coming down on them by getting rid of Section 230, not because ANTIFA stormed DC AGAIN!' Megyn Kelly, left, Scott Baio, right, an O.C. star and the original Buffy have all slammed Twitter for 'silencing' Donald Trump in the wake of his permanent ban from the platform Former Fox News host Kelly called the move 'censorship' and a 'slippery slope' Fellow actor Kevin Sorbo said: 'Wanna talk about free speech Twitter has deleted nearly 15,000 followers of mine since the protest on Jan 6.' And O.C. star Samaire Armstrong, who played Anna in the teen drama, noted: 'People on here are fighting so hard to defend their sleep state, upset with what I am saying. How do so many people miss what is really going on? 'Were losing our countrys sensibility and freedom to big Tech technocrats. How are you so blind? Youve been duped.' Original Buffy the Vampire Slayer Kristy Swanson retweeted an account which read: 'I just took a dump without @jack permission. Am I going to be arrested? Swanson wrote: 'LOL.' O.C. star Samaire Armstrong, left, who played Anna in the teen drama and original Buffy the Vampire Slayer Kristy Swanson, right, also weighed in on the debate Oscar-nominated actor Randy Quaid said: 'Big tech is trying to control and silence our president purely because of the way he was coming down on them by getting rid of Section 230, not because ANTIFA stormed DC AGAIN!' O.C. star Samaire Armstrong, who played Anna, said people had been 'duped' Kelly's former colleague Janice Dean, tweeted a quote from Harry S. Truman Actor Kevin Sorbo said: 'Wanna talk about free speech Twitter has deleted nearly 15,000 followers of mine since the protest on Jan 6.' Trump fan Baio, who starred in Happy Days, noted he had lost thousands of followers after Twitter purged accounts Friday for content related to QAnon Original Buffy the Vampire Slayer Kristy Swanson retweeted an account which read: 'I just took a dump without @jack permission. Am I going to be arrested? Swanson wrote: 'LOL' Actress Kirstie Alley compared the suspension to slavery in a tweet on Saturday. The Cheers star, 69, said tech companies now hold the keys to the chains. Soap opera star Antonio Sabato Jr. said in a now deleted tweet: 'You evil dirtbags Twitter @jack ASSES! Just please suspend all of us who support The Greatest President in History @realDonaldTrump and cut to the chase. 'Have a good time #TrumpWon' Trump received a permanent suspension from Twitter on Friday night due to concerns that his account would be used to incite further violence after five people died in the Capitol riots on Wednesday. The 40th Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, Bernard B. Kerik, tweeted George Washington quote which read: 'If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.' Soap opera star Antonio Sabato Jr. said in a now deleted tweet: 'You evil dirtbags Twitter @jack ASSES! Just please suspend all of us who support The Greatest President in History @realDonaldTrump and cut to the chase. 'Have a good time #TrumpWon.' Trump was banned from Twitter on Friday night due to concerns that his account would be used to incite further violence after five people died in the Capitol riots on Wednesday The 40th Police Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, Bernard B. Kerik, tweeted George Washington quote which read: 'If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter; Cheers star Alley, 69, said tech companies now hold the keys to the chains By contrast, Chrissy Teigen, Andy Cohen and Bette Midler all tweeted in celebration of the permanent suspension. Twitter spent Friday night playing whack-a-mole with Trump as he tried to address his supporters on the social media platform through other people's accounts, after his own account received the ban. Trump had initially tried to relay a message to his followers using the official President of the United States Twitter account, but they were deleted within minutes. In the four-tweet thread, the president claimed that Twitter was not a network for free speech and said that he was now in talks to set up his own social media platform following his suspension. Oscar-nominated actor Randy Quaid tweeted about Trump's ban The POTUS account, which will be handed over to Joe Biden from Inauguration Day, remains active. However, the Trump 2020 campaign Twitter account was the next to receive a suspension after it tweeted the presidents message amid increasingly desperate efforts to reach his following. Digital director for the Trump campaign, Gary Coby, was next on the chopping block after he appeared to change his username to Donald J. Trump and in a tweet, offered the handle over to the president's Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino. @DanScavino texting you my Twitter login I already updated the profile pic, name, etc. the tweet read. Feel free to use! Twitter has not commented on the suspensions since the announce the permanent ban on Trumps account on Friday evening. It said in a blog post that it was due to the risk of 'further incitement to violence', after the president's supporters rioted through the U.S. Captiol on Wednesday. 'After close review of recent Tweets from the @realDonaldTrump account and the context around them specifically how they are being received and interpreted on and off Twitter we have permanently suspended the account due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' the company wrote. The account had 88.7million followers, which is nearly half of the company's total base of monetizable daily active users. Donald Trump Jr. immediately spoke out about the ban, taking to his own Twitter account to claim that 'free-speech no longer exists in America' Earlier on Friday, former national security adviser Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell - two Trump loyalists - were also permanently banned by Twitter, and the YouTube account for Steve Bannon's 'War Room' podcast was 'terminated for a violation of YouTube's Terms of Service'. Youtube had warned earlier this week that it would ban accounts that continued to spread misinformation about voter fraud. Discord also announced Friday that it has banned the server The Donald which was connected the TheDonald dot Win and the Donald subreddit. Actress Kirstie Alley, 69, pictured above, came under fire on Saturday for comparing President Trumps Twitter ban to slavery in a Twitter thread and refusing to back down Donald Trump Jr. immediately spoke out about the ban, taking to his own Twitter account to claim that 'free-speech no longer exists in America'. 'We are living Orwell's 1984,' he fumed. 'It died with big tech and what's left is only there for a chosen few. This is absolute insanity!' 'So the ayatollah, and numerous other dictatorial regimes can have Twitter accounts with no issue despite threatening genocide to entire countries and killing homosexuals etc... but The President of the United States should be permanently suspended,' he added in a second tweet. 'Mao would be proud.' Sen. Pat Toomey on Sunday became the second Republican senator to call on President Donald Trump to resign in the wake of a deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by the presidents own supporters. Toomey, of Pennsylvania, told CNN that the president should resign and noted that Trump could face criminal liability in inciting Wednesdays chaotic and historic siege during a joint session of Congress that should have been a formality finalizing President-elect Joe Bidens victory. Egged on to march and fight by Trump in a speech Wednesday after encouraging followers to descend on Washington, D.C. for weeks, a mob of supporters that included far-right extremists, conspiracy theorists and white supremacists breached the U.S. Capitol and ransacked the halls of Congress in an attack that left five dead. One of the dead includes Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was reportedly bludgeoned with a fire extinguisher. The New York Times reported Saturday night that Trump has not ordered flags to fly at half-staff on federal buildings under his control. The attack was the culmination of weeks of attempts by Trump and his allies to overturn Bidens decisive 306-232 Electoral College victory after several months of baseless claims that widespread voter fraud impacts U.S. elections. Election experts and bipartisan local, state and federal officials note that fraud, irregularities and human error occur in every election, but not on a scale that can impact a presidential election. Biden won the popular vote by more than 7 million votes. I think at this point, with just a few days left, (resignation is) the best path forward, the best way to get this person in the rearview mirror for us that could happen immediately, Toomey told CNNs Jake Tapper. Im not optimistic it will. But I think that would be the best way forward. On Friday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said simply that she wanted Trump out. I want him to resign, she told the Anchorage Daily News. He has caused enough damage. She added that the GOP fails to sever itself from Trumpism, she may leave her party. If the Republican Party has become nothing more than the party of Trump, I sincerely question whether this is the party for me, Murkowski said. Meanwhile, Democrats are pressing for a quick impeachment. Several House members expect to vote on articles of impeachment this week, with Democrats accusing the president willfully inciting violence against his own government. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the chamber would move forward on impeachment unless Trump resigned. Debate remains over whether to send articles of impeachment over to the Senate for the trial, which could come after the president leaves office but, some lawmakers fear, could bog down the incoming Biden administration and impact Cabinet appointments. The House previously impeached Trump over his efforts to dig up dirt on Biden. In a phone call he labeled perfect, the president asked the Ukrainian president for a favor including investigations into Biden and his familys financial dealings at a time when the Trump administration withheld military aid to the country. The Senate voted to acquit Trump. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, a frequent Trump critic who accused the president of inciting an insurrection, was the only GOP member voting to convict the president over the Ukraine saga. Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska told reporters last week that hed be willing to review any articles of impeachment sent over by the House. Related Content: Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Hundreds of protesters calling for Missouri Republican U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley to resign gathered in front of the Old Courthouse in Downtown St. Louis on Saturday. The protest was in response to Sen. Hawley's objection to President-elect Joe Biden's electoral college votes based on unfounded claims of voter fraud, which helped incite a Trump-supporting, extremist riot that breached the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday where five people died. A photo of Hawley shows him pumping his fist at protesters gathered outside the Capitol before the siege. Protesters in Saint Louis held the street in front of the Old Courthouse for around two hours and painted "Resign Hawley" on South Broadway before the rally dispersed. Polaroid photos of the painted street were taken and mailed to the Missouri senators home in Virginia. For some protesters, like teacher Janet Beltz who came with her granddaughter, this was their first time attending a protest. This is first time Ive ever done this, Beltz said, This man should be charged with murder. How dare he." Others in attendance, like Fred Johnson, a member of the Spanish Lake Township Democrats, have been involved with politics for some time. It was like when I was in Vietnam; they overrode our position. They tried to take over our democracy. This is just the start of what theyre trying to do, the Vietnam War veteran said. Shana Blumenthal from St. Louis, right, dances with her daughter Sophia Schmittgens, center, in a soul train line St. Louis community organizer and artist Maxi Glamour reads a speech they wrote Megaphones and a pallet to stand on are placed on the sidewalk for people to speak Fred Johnson, a member of the Spanish Lake Township Democratic Party, holds a sign A protester pours paint while another spreads it with a roller in a taped outline that reads "Resign Hawley" Elijah Foggy, 19, from St. Louis, addresses the crowd gathered during the Resign Hawley rally Janet Beltz, center left, and her granddaughter Payton Beltz listen to speakers while holding signs A protester walks between the words "Resign Hawley" painted on South Broadway WASHINGTON - The Capitol was in the early stages of a siege by President Donald Trump's supporters Wednesday when D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee arrived. His officers had been called in as backup, but the U.S. Capitol Police, the federal agency in charge, was losing control. Contee, his voice choked by mists of pepper spray, radioed Washington Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, and they agreed to enact a 6 p.m. city curfew. Then they met up at a command center and watched on video feeds as D.C. officers tried in vain to help their federal counterparts hold back the rioters engaged in acts of insurrection. The cascading events led to a frantic behind-the-scenes scramble, with Contee joining Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund to plead with the Defense Department to send help. With rioters inside the building and members of Congress evacuated, D.C. police took charge, working with Capitol Police to clear the building so lawmakers could return and certify the results of the presidential election. "There was basically a sense that we can't let this happen," said one city official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private deliberations. "While we were watching it, the [city] was trying to get more resources to them." The grim day marked a remarkable, if somber, coda for a municipal government that has spent two decades trying to transform itself from a symbol of political corruption and malfeasance into one of competence and reliability. Twenty years after Congress dissolved a federal control board that had seized control of the nearly bankrupt city's affairs from a troubled mayor, it was D.C. leaders rushing to the aid of the national lawmakers amid a threat posed by a failing president. To local officials, the outcome provided a vivid illustration of the burdens imposed on the city by the lack of full home rule. The District has no voting rights in Congress, which still oversees its budget, and, unlike the nation's governors, Bowser does not have authority over the local National Guard, which reports to the secretary of the Army. "Anyone who has been around the D.C. government for a long time will tell you it's a real slap in the face to have to wait on the federal government," said Neil Albert, a former deputy mayor who serves as president and executive director of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. "We've come a long way since the control board. We've had 20 years of balanced budgets, a $2.5 billion surplus - higher than most other states or jurisdictions. After demonstrating a history of really mature, sensible leadership, it's time we have authority over our own affairs." The assault on the Capitol marked the second time in less than a year that Bowser and Trump have squared off over jurisdictional control of the city's security. In the summer, amid mass social justice protests in Washington, Trump ordered in the National Guard, over Bowser's objections. In a dramatic confrontation on June 1, federal law enforcement officers forcefully cleared hundreds of mostly peaceful demonstrators from Lafayette Square, just beyond White House gates, using chemical agents and projectiles. Bowser responded with outrage, commissioning the painting of "Black Lives Matter" in huge block letters along 16th Street NW leading to the park, and renaming those blocks Black Lives Matter Plaza. City leaders have seized on the confrontations - as well as clashes with the Trump administration over coronavirus rules on masks and mass gatherings - to renew their push for D.C. statehood. The decades-long movement has been stymied by staunch Republican opposition to the prospects of granting an overwhelmingly liberal city two Senate seats. With Democrats in narrow control of the Senate and President-elect Joe Biden set to be sworn in Jan. 20, "we must get D.C. statehood on the president's desk within the first 100 days," Bowser said at a news conference this past week. She also called on Congress to transfer command of the D.C. National Guard from the president to the mayor's office. "I'm upset that 706,000 residents of the District did not have a single vote in Congress yesterday, despite the fact that our people were putting their lives on the line to protect our democracy," Bowser said. "We should all be upset." Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have voiced support for statehood. But the legislation approved in a historic vote in the House last year still faces opposition in the Senate. And city leaders' hopes have been dashed in the past, including under President Barack Obama, whose historic 2008 campaign won early support from then-D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty. On accepting Fenty's endorsement in Southwest Washington, Obama pledged solidarity with the city's aspirations to become a state. His enthusiasm for speaking up on the matter waned, however, through his tenure. "It's literally taxation without representation. As unconstitutional as one could imagine," Fenty, now working in venture capital, wrote on Twitter on Thursday about the city's dilemma. Republicans have called statehood unconstitutional and accused Democrats of seeking political gain. In the summer, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., pointed to arson at the historic St. John's Church, a block from the White House, to argue that federal intervention proved crucial during the mass protests. "Those riots were contained thanks to an impressive show of force by federal law-enforcement officers under federal control," Cotton said. "One can only imagine how much worse the destruction would've been . . . if most of Washington was under control not of the federal government, but of a left-wing politician like Muriel Bowser, who frequently takes the side of rioters against law enforcement." Cotton also cited the late Marion Barry, a four-term D.C. mayor who was videotaped in a police sting in January 1990 for possessing crack cocaine - an image that came to symbolize the nationwide drug epidemic ravaging urban centers. It was under Barry's leadership that the city nearly went bankrupt and Congress installed the D.C. Financial Control Board, which managed the city's affairs from 1995 to 2001. "We were the murder capital of the country, the crack epidemic was in full force, we had the control board," said Steven Schneebaum, a lawyer and city resident who has argued in favor of D.C. leaders wresting control from the White House in appointing judges to local courts. "People justifiably looked at the city as something of a basket case." But Schneebaum added that Republicans have used the city's past problems as a fig leaf to mask their real reasons for opposing greater home rule. He recalled the late senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), who once attributed opposition among his colleagues to D.C. representation to the "four too's" - the city was too urban, too Black, too Democratic and too liberal. Urban redevelopment and gentrification over the past two decades has dramatically changed the city's racial makeup, with the percentage of D.C. residents who are Black dropping from about 60 percent to about 46 percent since 2000, and the White population climbing from about 30 percent to about 42 percent. But the city has remained a liberal bastion: In the November election, 92 percent of District voters backed Biden, with just 5 percent supporting Trump. Late Wednesday, after police had secured the Capitol, Bowser and Contee toured the city together. At a news conference the next day, the mayor called the breach of the federal complex an act of "domestic terrorism and sedition." It was "an affront not only to our democracy," she said, "but also to our values - the values that make the District of Columbia a welcoming, diverse and inclusive city." Though Trump has less than two weeks left in his presidency, Bowser said in an interview that the chaos of his tenure has highlighted the ongoing challenge facing local leaders charged with managing a city at the center of the nation's red-hot political discourse. "Trumpism will not die on January 20th," the mayor said. "We have to be prepared for this new type of civic debate." Marine Scotland accused of creating environment disaster by fishing mismanagement by Billy Briggs January 10,2021 | Source: The Ferret Marine Scotland has been accused of allowing an environmental disaster by mismanaging fishing and refusing to exclude trawlers from inshore areas where fishermen catch prawns. A report, due to be released on 11 January by the Scottish Creel Fishermens Federation (SCFF) and seen by The Ferret says that Marine Scotlands oversight of the inshore prawn sector has also destroyed thousands of Scottish jobs. The SCFF also claims the public body tasked with overseeing Scotlands fisheries is partisan in support of nephrops [aka prawn and langoustine] trawler interests and has misled the general public over prawn fishing. The SCFF report Marine Scotlands Mismanagement of Scotlands Inshore Nephrops Fishery calls for a ban on trawlers from areas that could be profitably exploited by creelers. In other words, the exclusion of all nephrops trawlers from all creel areas, the SCFF says. It is calling for a three mile limit to be reintroduced to prevent trawling in inshore waters off the west coast of Scotland. The restriction existed for about a century and was only lifted to allow inshore trawling now, mainly for prawns in 1984. The SCFF has claimed the reinstatement of the limit would lead to 450 additional creel boats and more than 700 new jobs. Six boats investigated for illegal scallop dredging since March But other fishing organisations dispute these claims. The Scottish Fishermens Federation said there is no evidence that a three mile limit banning trawlers would improve sustainability or raise earnings in the creel fleet. It was backed by the Scottish White Fish Producers Association which said a 2017 report into the prawn sector concluded that all sectors of the fishing industry played a part in sustaining the coastal communities through production of Scottish nephrops. The Scottish Government, on behalf of Marine Scotland, said it was committed to supporting the Scottish sector and had established a new working group in November. The SCFFs report says live prawns or langoustines, known in the industry as nephrops, are a high quality Scottish ambassadorial product which is by far the most important for the inshore sector. Both trawlers and creel boats target prawns. Creel fishing involves laying dozens of pots on the seabed and collecting the catch later. Creel fishermen export virtually all of their catch still alive, mostly to Europe. Trawlers drag a weighted net to disturb seabed sediment and herd langoustine into the net, as well as other non-target species. The report says trawlers land whole, dead nephrops which sell for around 5,000 per tonne. The SCFF claims creeling is artisanal, producing a high value product and the quayside liveweight price of around 13,000 per tonne reflects this. It says trawling is an industrialised activity delivering a product of much lesser value. The greater part of the trawl is so damaged only their tails are kept, the report says. The remaining body parts, accounting for two thirds by weight, are dumped at sea. Tails sell for around 5,250 per tonne, so the price per tonne of tails actually killed the liveweight price is 1,750, the report adds. Trawlers catch nearly 90 per cent of Scottish nephrops. Marine Scotland seems surprisingly unconcerned about a substantial proportion of a valuable Scottish natural resource being sold for 1,750 per liveweight tonne (as nephrops tails) or 5,000 (as whole nephrops), instead of 13,000 (as live langoustines). The report continues: With prevailing prices and costs, each tonne caught by trawlers rather than creelers is resulting in fewer Scottish vessels, fewer Scottish crew jobs, less industry profits, less vibrant coastal communities and reduced supply of a Scottish ambassadorial export product. The longstanding tensions at sea between trawlers and creelers are also highlighted in the report. Some creel fishermen have claimed equipment has been damaged as a result of gear conflict an issue previously reported by The Ferret. SCFF says that Marine Scotland largely adopts a hands-off approach leaving fishermen to compete for seabed access. The SCFFs report comes as Scots fishermen face mounting problems due to Brexit. Scottish trawlermen have been told to catch fewer fish after new Brexit red tape caused long delays exporting their catch to the European Union. Fish exporters said their businesses could become unviable after the introduction of health certificates, customs declarations and other paperwork added days to their delivery times. The Ferret Media Ltd Theme(s): Fisheries Resources. We in India are still suffering from inferiority complex. Some of our westernised Indian industrialists have become conduits for Western buccaneers who are testing their own countrys untested experiments in India. by Subramanian Swamy After a worldwide demonstration of Indias superpower status in IT software, now it appears thatas demonstrated in its founding of world class corporate hospitals, in its superior doctor-patient relations, and in its production of generic medicines and sensitive vaccines productIndia is emerging as a superpower in medical technology. Two institutions have recently caught international awe and attention to this emerging reality: Bharat Biotech Limited (BBL) and Serum Institute of India (SII). SII depends on the basic raw material of Oxford University and AstraZeneca (AZ) for producing anti coronavirus vaccines and is patronised by Bill Gates. BBL is entirely swadeshi in the production of this vaccine. AZ was approved in the UK after a Phase III trial. However there are warts that may reduce the importance of this vaccine. We shall elaborate these below. The wording of the Government of India approvals for BBL states that it has only restricted emergency use authorization. It could have been better worded by stating that this is through a purchase option. (This is what was done in the United States in the case of the Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, J&J and Novaavax vaccines). The BBL vaccine, called Covaxin, is worth the risk since it is wholly Indian and fully accountable. The Ella couple who own BBL, both obtained their PhDs from a reputed US university. Thereafter they chose to return to the pell-mell of India, and faced and overcame an obstructionist bureaucracy which is more comfortable with mediocrity [I personally know what such a sacrifice for Bharat Mata means]. Hence to enhance Indias self reliance [aatmanirbharta] and Indias emerging superpower status (i.e. its emerging as a superpower in medical technology), the government must encourage BBL to succeed. THE SII PROJECT The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, known in India as Covishield, is being produced in India by the Serum Institute of India [SII], the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer. Last May, the US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) provided Astra Zeneca and Oxford University with more than $1 billion to discover or invent this Covid-19 vaccine. Astra Zeneca also agreed to supply the US with at least 400 million doses of the vaccine if it is approved. Additionally, with the Center for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (a global partnership between public and private entities) it has managed to scale up manufacturing by June when it reached an agreement with Europes Inclusive Vaccines Alliance [IVA] to provide 400 million vaccine doses at cost. (This is pandemic creative, not pandemic induced.) SIIs billionaire owner, Adar Poonawalla, has pledged 50% of its production for India. It has stockpiled 40 million to 50 million doses and plans to produce 300 million doses by July. The countrys drug regulator said that SIIs Phase 2 and 3 trials were conducted on 1,600 participants, and the data was found to be comparable to the data from overseas studies. According to press reports, the regulators approval to SII is subject to regulatory conditions, though information about this is not immediately available. The regulators first announcement on 4 January morning was marked by excluding BBLs Covaxin. Fortunately, by the same evening, authorities had changed their mind and Bharat Biotechs Covaxin was also announced. THE BHARAT BIOTECH LTD. PROJECT BBLs product, Covaxin, has not completed its third phase of human clinical trials. According to the regulator the first two phases showed that the vaccine was safe. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan clarified last Sunday night that All Covaxin recipients to be tracked, monitored as if theyre in trial. BBL has said in a statement that the vaccine would address unmet medical need and that it would provide global access to populations that need it the most. OXFORD-AZ COVISHIELD The spike protein of the virus is about 1250 amino acids long. Two hundred and fifty (250) of these are considered to be the site of the current pandemic-induced mutation of SARS-CoV2. In all, a coronavirus has about 15,000 amino acids. The Oxford AZ vaccine has focused on less than 2% of this sequence, and it has assumed that the remaining portions of the sequence do not impact the virulence of the pathogen. In accordance with this hypothesis, British scientists modified a part of the trial. This modification has not been accepted by the US FDA which has declined to certify it. Why should we likewise not wait for the US FDA opinion before rushing to prescribe the vaccine for Indian citizens? The vaccine admittedly does work with 62% efficacy. This is not particularly bad or good, hence it was preferable for the Indian government to look at international data (such as from US), before rushing to prescribe the foreign vaccine for Indian citizens. Oxford vaccine is intended to be mass produced in SII for not only India but also for other (Gates determined) foreign nations. Though admittedly funding for its earlier projects did come from the US, Bharat Biotech presently is a Swadeshi company. The BBL is very likely to have a decent vaccine. By using the Virion method to make an inactivated killed vaccine, and adding an adjuvant (to improve immunity), Covaxin of BBL encompasses the best possible in science. But the criticism is that BBL has not completed the third phase trial, (which started on 16 November 2020 and is expected to conclude late next month). Anyway the full clearance granted by Government will be effective only after Phase III trials are over. As a Swadeshi company in Aatmanirbharta Bharat it will be good if at this stage, both vaccines were approved subject to conditions. According to information provided to me, the Covaxin Phase III sample trials have already exceeded in the thousands. This incomplete testing is already much higher than some of those others who claim to have concluded Phase III trials, with fewer than 6,000 trials. Let us not be misled by media reports of higher numbers from some competitors since for some it is a cumulative Phase I-III figure. India must aspire to a superpower role in the supply of coronavirus vaccines for the developing world through its home-grown vaccine, since this is a region struggling to secure supplies. India has a big advantage in its vaccine-manufacturing capacity: it produces sufficient doses of vaccine without incurring huge amounts of foreign exchange (which would be needed to pre-order the vaccines as with Covishield). Besides, as a global leader in vaccine manufacturing, since it produces more than 60% of the worlds vaccines, India also has vast experience in managing large-scale immunization programmes in the past. Its current child immunization programme covers 27 million newborn babies annually. We in India are still suffering from inferiority complex. Some of our westernised Indian industrialists have become conduits for Western buccaneers who are testing their own countrys untested experiments in India. The latest unauthorised intervention in India was last years the Chinese Wuhan Universitys bat virus research in Nagaland, a supposedly restricted area for foreigners. We must work hard and begin to protect our path to superpower status in the near future. Dr Subramanian Swamy is an MP nominated by the President for his eminence as an economist. He is a former Union Cabinet Minister for Commerce and Law & Justice. Wellington: New Zealand's Reserve Bank says it is responding with urgency to a computer system breach. The bank issued a statement shortly after 2pm (New Zealand time) on Sunday saying a third party file sharing service used by the bank to share and store some sensitive information, had been illegally accessed. NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been notified of the breach. Credit:Getty Images Governor Adrian Orr said the breach had been contained, but the bank was treating the matter with the highest priority, and acting with urgency. We are working closely with domestic and international cyber security experts and other relevant authorities as part of our investigation and response to this malicious attack, Orr said in a statement. 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. SHE is a vaccine against despair, an inspirational, beautiful candle banishing darkness. Drawing from an apparently bottomless well of courage, Vicky Phelan smothered Ireland in goodness on Friday night, a woman of unfeasible backbone ladling great draughts of positivity into the nation's half-empty glass. She sat in The Late Late Show studio, a creature with boundless licence to howl at the unfairness of life, and, instead, via her sunlit personality, delivered a gentle rebuke to those of us with a tendency to wallow in self-pity. An understated hero oozing unforced dignity. It was a stirring, spellbinding, gorgeous, electrifying, life-affirming, tear-jerking, heartbreaking, hope-inducing audience with a lady who represents the very best of us. Her softly-stated yet fiercely burning determination to live was utterly hypnotising. Please, if you didn't catch her live, go looking for it on the RTE Player or YouTube. It is music for the soul. Vicky is fortitude made flesh. From what magical wellspring of grace does this daughter of Limerick, scandalously wronged by official Ireland, summon the bravery and forgiveness and strength that define her? Her disposition in the face of terror shames those of us who dedicate a lifetime to moaning about nothing at all. Expand Close Vicky Phelan, the cancer patient whose case triggered the cervical smear test controversy (PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vicky Phelan, the cancer patient whose case triggered the cervical smear test controversy (PA) Read More Dealt a grotesquely unfair hand by life, Vicky somehow radiates the glow of a person staring at a poker of aces. The tumours that grow inside her, however pitiless and insatiable, are dwarfed by the dimensions of her heart. Yes, she told us candidly, she is afraid. Of course, she has bad days. She is human, a young mother daunted by the unspeakable torment of leaving her children. And profoundly scared of the death sentence handed down by State negligence. She flies to America this week for treatment in a clinical trial, leaving behind daughter Amelia and son Darragh for at least six months, in the hope that the new regimen will slow the cancer and grant her more precious time with them. Without a sliver of self-pity, she says: "If it doesn't work, Ryan, I have no regrets. What I'm scared of most is not coming back or coming back in a coffin." Imagine being confronted by those odds and not immediately buckling at the knees. She is fearful, yet it is the way she faces down that unease and keeps fighting that is so heroic. Drenched by her astonishing resolve, how many of us felt the river of our admiration burst its banks and flood? Vicky re-imagined an accursed week, one that saw America submit to the fevered delusions and malignant essence of a commander-in-chief deranged by his lust for power. If Donald Trump pollutes the groundwater of discourse, it is purified by Phelan, by those doctors, nurses and frontline staff who see the Covid flames licking the walls of the world, but who step into the burning building to seek out the sick. Expand Close Outgoing US President Donald Trump / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Outgoing US President Donald Trump Read More For every monster we are blessed to find a contrasting saint. Vicky and Trump exist at polar bandwidths of humanity. One, a smug and entitled sociopath, born into wealth; a dark heart who walks through life trampling on decency, spitting out great toxic gobs of narcissism, ignorance and malevolence, transfixed by his own delusions. The other is moral and stout, declining to be broken by the injustice visited upon her, propelled down the hardest path by the love that spills from her core. One a coward, the other meriting a Purple Heart and every other battle ribbon awarded to those who do not shirk when the drums of war sound and the hardest questions are posed. I had made a rare detour to Ryan Tubridy's sofa upon hearing that hurling's force of nature, the passionate, generous, livewire Davy Fitzgerald was among the guests. But the show belonged to Vicky as surely as if her signature was on its title deeds. A woman who has been confronted way too early with the reminder that the sands of the hourglass measuring our mortal journey drain away more quickly for some than others. As she jets off in search of more days, the rest of us can only look on, marvel, thank our lucky stars and resolve to live our lives a little better. Palliative care advocates say terminally ill patients in western Sydney are missing out on acute and holistic end-of-life care, as Westmead Hospital marks more than a decade without a dedicated palliative care unit. The hospital is facing urgent calls to re-establish a stand-alone unit staffed with specialist nurses, having closed its palliative care unit in 2009. Advocates are calling for a dedicated palliative care unit to return to Westmead hospital. Credit:Jessica Shapiro Since then, Westmead has transferred seven beds to the oncology ward, which can be used for palliative care patients if they are available. However, advocates say the system is failing to support end-of-life patients, who are often placed in other hospital wards that lack palliative care expertise, or are forced to travel to facilities in Mt Druitt or Auburn to access services. Press Release January 10, 2021 Pangilinan: Senate hearing to clarify plan, deliverables in govt vaccination program SENATOR Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Sunday said the scheduled Monday Senate Committee of the Whole hearing intends to clarify the government vaccination plan and deliverables. "Ang layunin ng Senate Committee of the Whole ay para mapag-usapan at maipaalam sa publiko ang buong plano ng gobyerno sa pagpapabakunaha ng mga Pilipino," said Pangilinan, who on December 14 filed Senate Resolution 594 asking the Senate Committee of the Whole to look into the government national Covid-19 vaccination program. "Parang nasa pressure cooker tayong lahat habang walang maayos na plano para masugpo ang Covid. Nag-bi-build up ang pressure dahil sa limitadong paggalaw na dikta ng mga quarantine restrictions. Marami nang kabuhayan ang nawala at mga negosyong nagsara. Deserve ng ating mga mamamayan malaman ang kongkreto at malinaw na plano ng pamahalaan para sa pag-roll-out ng vaccine," he added. Top government and non-government medical experts top-bill the Senate Committee of the Whole hearing on the government vaccination program scheduled at 10 a.m., Monday, January 11. Invited to attend the hearing requested by Pangilinan are: Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Vaccine Czar; Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe from World Health Organization; Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles; Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, chair of Covid-19 National Task Force; Health Secretary Francisco Duque; Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez; Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.; Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado; Budget Undersecretary for Procurement Service Lloyd Christopher Lao; Science Secretary Fortunato De La Pena, Interior and Local Government Secretary Aduardo Ano; Secretary Vivencio Dizon, Testing Czar and Deputy Chief Implementer of the Inter-Agency Task Force for Managing Emerging Diseases (IATF); and Food and Drug Administration Director General Ronaldo Domingo. Invited medical experts from the private sector are: Dr. Benito Atienza, President of the Philippine Medical Association; Ms. Rosie De Leon, RN, National President of the Philippine Nurses Association; and Mr. Rommel Saceda, RMT, President of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists Inc. Pangilinan said the hearing will give Filipinos a clear picture of the government's roadmap to obtain the vaccines and the resources needed to secure doses for the people. "Dapat ay ligtas at epektibo ang ibibigay nating bakuna sa ating mga mamamayan. Importante itong Committee of the Whole dahil dito pag-uusapan kung paano makakarating sa bawat mamamayan ang vaccine. Maraming umaasa dito, buhay ng milyon-milyon at nakataya dito ang pag-recover ng ekonomiya at kabuhayan ng marami sa atin," he said. In the privilege speech where he called for a Senate Committee of the Whole hearing, Pangilinan said a program of this magnitude will not succeed without the people. "A massive rollout of this vaccination program needs an effective information and dissemination campaign to make it work especially since a recent survey revealed that almost half are unwilling to be vaccinated," Pangilinan said, citing the Pulse Asia survey between November 23 and December 2 which showed that 47 percent would not get themselves vaccinated, with 84 percent of them saying safety is a major issue. "The country needs clear and concrete action steps and deliverables in a vaccination program that our citizens can trust and believe in. It is incumbent upon government to provide this. We need specific deliverables," he added. The government's total budget for the Covid-19 vaccination program is P82.5 billion, with P72.5 billion from the 2021 General Appropriations Act and P10 billion from Republic Act 11494 or Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2). At the same time, various local government units (LGUs) as well as big business conglomerates have started to allocate budget for the procurement of vaccines for their constituents. According to the Department of Health, the top priority for vaccination are frontline health workers both in the public and private sectors, senior citizens, and impoverished Filipinos. Donald Trumps closest political allies have closed ranks to shut down the US President during his final ten days in office, it has emerged, amid fears he is going rogue. Vice President Mike Pence has assumed control of Mr Trumps cabinet and is acting as if he is no longer President, one former aide said. The source added: Allies and foes alike have united to ensure the President doesnt go completely rogue during his final days in office. He has effectively been shut down. The cabinet are going about their duties to ensure the safety of the country and a smooth transition of power to Joe Biden. The move to neuter Mr Trump comes after five of the most turbulent days in US history, which began on Wednesday when he riled supporters into storming the US Capitol. Donald Trumps closest political allies have closed ranks to shut down the US President during his final ten days in office, it has emerged, amid fears he is going rogue With just ten days to go until the inauguration of Mr Biden: Twitters ban on Mr Trump has left him apoplectic with rage and threatening to set up his own social media platform. Impeachment proceedings will start tomorrow. If successful, they could prevent him holding political office again. He plans a come-back this week with visits to the Mexico border wall and interviews touting his accomplishments. Extremists are vowing to march on Washington DC to disrupt the January 20 inauguration with violent protests. The rioting left five dead and drew global condemnation. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will start impeachment proceedings against Mr Trump tomorrow for incitement of insurrection, making him the first president to be impeached twice. Last week, she called the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the head of the military to discuss precautions to stop Mr Trump starting a war or accessing nuclear launch codes. She said: This unhinged president could not be more dangerous. The rioting left five dead and drew global condemnation. Pictured: Trump supporters storm the US Capitol National Security Adviser Robert OBrien has insisted it is impossible for Mr Trump to launch an attack single-handedly. The source said: Should any orders be issued by the President that are deemed dangerous or unlawful, those orders will not be acted on. During Mr Trumps planned trip to the border wall in Texas, he will hold a rally and address supporters, many of whom continue to call for violence. Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks hate groups, said: These far-Right extremists... feel emboldened in this moment. We fully expect this violence could get worse before it gets better. Additional reporting by Sharon Churcher in New York. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The lead pastors of Hillsong Dallas are stepping down after 15 years to take some time out to "get healthy". In a pre-recorded message, Reed Bogard and his wife Jess said the last 10 years of living in church-planting mode had "really taken a bit of a toll" on their family. The couple, who have three children, said it was the right time to transition out of leadership at the church and "take some time to remain healthy, get healthy and to really see what this next season holds for us." "It has been an incredible ride thus far. We have had some crazy days, some great days, seen God do many, many miracles," Reed 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." They also expressed their thanks for Hillsong's senior 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," Jess said. "I never met two people who believe in people so much. We are just so grateful for you, Pastors Brian and Bobbie." In their time with Hillsong, the Bogards have helped to plant three different campuses, including the Dallas church, LA and New York City, which is the midst of leadership change following the ousting of its pastor Carl Lentz. Lentz was let go last year because of moral failures and an investigation is ongoing after more complaints were made about the NYC branch. The investigation is looking into "all concerns and any wider cultural issues." The Bogards did not mention Lentz or developments at the NYC branch in their resignation announcement. Gardai have reunited stolen springer spaniel 'Ruby' with her family in Co. Cork after she was traced to the UK. In June 2020, an investigation was launched by gardai in Midleton after Ruby's family reported that she had been stolen from her kennel. Detectives made an appeal for information on the Garda Southern Region Facebook page, which was viewed by more than 100,000 people. A garda spokesman said the post was "spotted by an eagle eyed lady in the UK." "The lady made contact after she had seen Ruby was up for sale on a website in the UK. With the assistance of Somerset Police, Ruby was recovered and made the some 500km journey via Rosslare back to Midleton in time for Christmas," the spokesman said. Read More After being stolen, Ruby had her microchip removed and was in poor health when retuned to her family. Ruby's owners, Bernard and Liz Ahern said "We are absolutely thrilled to have Ruby back home. We are so grateful to the lady who spotted Ruby for sale, the Somerset Police, and our Gardai here in Midleton." Superintendent of the Midleton District, Adrian Gamble said "We are delighted to have been a part of Ruby's safe return to her loving family and appeal to all pet owners to take all extra security precautions and ensure their pets are microchipped. "I especially wish to thank everyone for sharing the social media appeal to help find Ruby, and the lady in the UK who spotted Ruby for sale- these people are the real heroes of the investigation. "The services of our Crime Prevention Officers and Community Garda are freely available upon request through any Garda Station across the country. We are ever present in our communities to keep people safe and offer crime prevention advice." The garda spokesman said the investigation into the theft of Ruby is still being actively pursued. Tamy Ingvaldson prays for peace outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021 in Washington, DC. The protests saw other nations' flags, including an Indian flag, which inspired sharp reactions within India. (John Moore/Getty Images) Solo Indian Flag at Capitol Hill Rally Sparks Political Spat in India NEW DELHIA lone Indian national flag seen amid the many American flags on Capitol Hill on Jan. 6 sparked an online spat between two Indian politicians, while netizens reacted and took sides in the discussion. An Indian American named Vincent Xavier Palathingal, a Republican Party member who attended the rally because he believes the U.S. presidential election was fraudulent, was seen carrying the flag, the Indian news website The Quint reported. Palathingal said he attended to show that the United States isnt a racist country and respects diversity, he told New Delhi Television (NDTV). However, the image of the Indian flag triggered a debate between two noted politicians of the ruling and the opposition parties. Why is there any Indian flag there? Varun Gandhi, a young Indian politician of the ruling BJP party, wrote on Twitter. This is one fight we dont need to participate in. In response, Shashi Tharoor, a noted politician with the opposition Indian National Congress party, linked the incident to Indian protests and denounced what he called the same mentality as that Trumpist mob. That flag there is a warning to all of us, Tharoor wrote in a reply to Gandhis message on Twitter. Meanwhile, netizens weighed in on the debate, with one sharing a photo of Palathingal with Tharoor from a 2015 event in Washington. Palathingal and Tharoor both are originally from the southern Indian state of Kerala. 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 A day after the protests, responding to Tharoors and Gandhis messages, Palathingal shared pictures of other countries flags from the rally. American patriotsVietnamese, Indian, Korean & Iranian origins, & from so many other nations & races, who believe massive voter fraud has happened joined rally yesterday in solidarity with Trump. Peaceful protestors who were exercising our rights! he said. Palathingal said in an interview with NDTV that his presence was to highlight that the Republican Party isnt a white supremacist party. There is nothing to be ashamed of. We are celebrating our diversity, he said. The world has to know that America is not the racist country it is portrayed as, that the Republican Party is not white supremacist. If they were racist, they would not allow me to carry the Indian flag. It was actually showing more respect. Palathingal, who, according to his Facebook profile, is the executive director of the IndoAmerican Center, told the media that he would want Tharoor to focus more on domestic issues and avoid such controversies. @ShashiTharoor @varungandhi80 American patriots Vietnamese, Indian, Korean & Iranian origins, & from so many other nations & races, who believe massive voter fraud has happened joined rally yesterday in solidarity with Trump. Peaceful protestors who were exercising our rights! pic.twitter.com/aeTojoVxQh Vincent Xavier (@FlagmanVincent) January 8, 2021 Tharoor is a very good orator, he said. I would want him to take a bigger role and rescue the Congress party in the shape it is in today, instead of getting into such controversies. Palathingal, who describes himself as a Trump loyalist and is a member of the Presidents Exports Council, says that hes attended many Trump rallies. There is a lot of patriotic fervor there, a lot of bands, music, national anthem singing. Some miscreants we believe were planted by the opposition, BLM (Black Lives Matter) people who got in and broke into the Capitol building in a very difficult exercise crawling on the wall like military people. They opened the door and some others in their excitement got in, he said. You cannot brand this beautiful, nice, patriotic rally as bad. We believe [the miscreants] were not really our people. Palathingal also said that he loves India and he regrets the way that day turned out. I carry my Indian-American ancestry. I consider this as my solemn responsibility to be a spokesperson for Indian Americans in the Republican Party. I am showing that we are more inclusive, more diverse. I am showing the same fervor as Americans from other countries, he said. I am not regretting my decision to carry the flag. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan considers the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia dated January 9, 2021 to be completely unfounded and rejects the allegations contained in that statement, Trend reports citing Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. "We remind that as a result of a joint operation carried out by the State Security Service and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a group of 62 Armenian terrorist-saboteurs purposefully deployed by Armenia in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan was detained and handed over for investigation. All the detainees were called up from the Shirak region of Armenia to serve in the Armenian armed forces and were deployed in the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan to commit acts of sabotage and terrorism against the military personnel of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan and civilians. The investigation revealed that the members of the Armenian terrorist-sabotage group were sent to Azerbaijan on November 26, 2020, that is, after the entry into force of the ceasefire reached by the trilateral statement signed by the Presidents of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation and the Prime Minister of Armenia. The group committed terrorist acts against the Azerbaijani servicemen and civilians, as a result of which the military personnel of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and civilians were killed and wounded. Since the members of the sabotage group were sent to Azerbaijan with the aim of engaging in sabotage and terrorist activities in the period after the ceasefire, these persons are not considered prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian law and are liable under the criminal law of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This purposeful provocative activity of the Armenian side is a gross violation of international law, international humanitarian law and the trilateral statement, as well as a clear demonstration of the continuation of the aggressive policy by this country against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Republic of Azerbaijan is committed to its obligations arising from the trilateral statement signed on November 10 and established by international law and fully fulfills these obligations. At the same time, the Azerbaijani side calls on Armenia to fulfill its obligations under the trilateral statement, to observe the ceasefire and to end provocative military activities against Azerbaijan". Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 08:09:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Qiao Zhibing(R) holds a child at a residential area in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Jan. 8, 2021. January 10, 2021 marks China's first Chinese People's Police Day, but for Qiao Zhibing, a 59-year-old policeman from Jiangxi Street Police Station of Wuhou District Branch of Chengdu Public Security Bureau, it will be his "last" police day as he will retire at the age of 60 in June this year. As the Chinese People's Police Day approaches, colleagues from the police station held a small farewell forum for him to thank him for his hard work for public security over the past decades. Qiao Zhibing was among the first batch of people's police to be recruited by Chengdu since China's reform and opening up. In his 38-year-career, he has been engaged in many posts such as household registration police, public security police, back office police and community police. He was unfortunately involved in a car accident when he was on a shift mission, resulting in fracture of the femoral neck of the right leg hip joint and patellar resection of the knee joint. Dragging his limp legs, Qiao takes Yang Duo, a young policeman who is about to succeed him, to learn about the situation in the area under their jurisdiction and bid farewell to the residents he has helped in the past decades. "If I were 22 years old again, I would still choose to be a people's policeman!" Qiao Zhibing said. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) Manhattan, KS (66502) Today Thunderstorms - some may contain locally heavy rain, especially during the morning hours. A few storms may be severe. High 79F. SW winds shifting to NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 49F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session 140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt World oil prices falling Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 Marvels Thor: Love and Thunder is set to release in May 2022 and is currently gearing up to start shooting in Australia. The film will see Taika Waititi return to the directors chair and continue to bring the zany, comedic sensibility that made Thor: Ragnarok an instant classic. The fourth installment will naturally see the return of many series regulars, including Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, and Natalie Portman. However, as recent reports indicate, it will also feature appearances from a handful of alumni from another wing of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as was hinted at in Avengers: Endgame. Chris Pratt isnt the only Guardian on hand L-R: Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) and Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) | Film Frame/Marvel Studios RELATED: WandaVision: Marvel Series Premiere on Disney+ Drops Surprise for Fans It had been previously confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy star Chris Pratt would be appearing in Thor: Love and Thunder in some capacity. This makes sense, as at the end of Avengers: Endgame, Thor left Earth by tagging along with the Guardians, who seemed much less enthused about the company than he did. Now, it is being reported by the Daily Mail that Pratt isnt alone. He recently arrived in Australia alongside co-stars Dave Bautista and Karen Gillan, who play Drax the Destroyer and Nebula, respectively. The report states that all three are quarantining at a hotel prior to shooting their parts in Thor: Love and Thunder. It remains unclear how much the Guardians of the Galaxy will be involved in the next Thor adventure. Again, based on Avengers: Endgame, they seemed less than thrilled to have the Asgardian in tow, and so might be appearing in Love and Thunder only to drop him like a bad habit at the start. The Guardians are set to return in their own third installment somewhere down the line. The threequel had been preparing to shoot and would probably have been the first film in Marvel Studios Phase 4, but plans were put on hold after writer-director James Gunn was fired by Disney over controversies drummed up by far-right groups on social media. Gunn has since been rehired and the film is likely to hit sometime in 2023 or 2024. Thor: Love and Thunder hits theaters next year Chris Hemsworth in Thor: Ragnarok. | Disney RELATED: A Classic Piece of Thors Marvel Costume Was Tragically Underused, Fans Complain Thor: Love and Thunder will see the surprising return of Portman as Jane Foster after the character sat out the third film. The story of the sequel will adapt a much-loved recent run from the comics where Jane wields Mjolnir and takes on the mantle of Thor while grappling with cancer. Waititi has also said that the film will see Valkyrie (Thompson) looking for a queen to rule by her side in New Asgard. Joining all these returning faces is newcomer and DC icon, Christian Bale. Bale will be playing the Thor: Love and Thunders main villain, Gorr the God Butcher, another beloved Marvel fixture from a more recent comic storyline. In the books, Gorr is a menacing alien with a vendetta against deities of all stripes who turns his attention towards Thor and his Norse brethren. A 35-year-old man has been charged over the serious assault of a 51-year-old man at his unit in the Moreton Bay suburb of Rothwell on Saturday night. Police said the 35-year-old allegedly broke into a unit on Drysdale Street shortly after midnight. The resident, who police said knew the alleged attacker, woke and a struggle occurred. The 35-year-old allegedly stabbed the 51-year-old man in the neck and injured him seriously on the head, with the man losing teeth in the fight. Police arrived and arrested the 35-year-old nearby on Simpson Court. He was later charged with entering a dwelling with intent and acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm. He is expected to appear in Redcliffe Magistrates Court on Monday. The 51-year-old was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital in a serious but stable condition. Theres no denying the fact that nepotism exists in our industry but why overlook the stories of people who entered the industry as outsiders and are now part of the same Bollywood. Apart from Kapoors and Bhatts, some people are running the industry and they managed to break through the biased industry norms. Only based on their talent and dedication, they turned their fate and their stories are so inspiring that they can be turned into stand-alone movies. 1. Shah Rukh Khan He might be the king of Bollywood now but he was a nobody when he saw the dreams of conquering Mumbai. SRK quit his masters in Mass Communication to pursue his acting career. With no connections, he made it big. From TV to Bollywood, his rags to riches can be an ideal script for a movie that has both romance and drama. 2. Akshay Kumar Akshay Kumar dropped out of college during higher education and went to Thailand to learn martial arts and be a chef. He had no money to even stay at a rented accommodation and now, he is probably the most business-minded in the industry. With his movie, we might get an insight into how he changed his fate and became one of the bankable stars. 3. Boman Irani Today, Boman Irani might be one of the versatile actors we have but he started his journey as a waiter. In his own words, As a kid I had a speech defect, I had a lisp, I used to actually talk like my character Virus from 3 Idiots. To make matters worse I was dyslexic, who was not good at academics. People used to call me Boman the duffer. So I decided to do a course to be a waiter and joined The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel as a waiter. I worked there for 2 years and put my heart into it. My granny used to say gali ka mochi bano, toh bhi sabse acha mochi bano, basically be the best in anything you do and that has stayed with me always. When his mother met with an accident, he started to sit at his ancestral bakery story. In an interview, he said, I started sitting in our shop. I sat in the shop for over 14 years. It was a long time. So imagine sitting in a shop and saying to myself that I think I am a creative person, I think I need to do something with my ability to either write, or to understand, or to put down words, or to break down a screenplay and understand itI think I am passionate about all that. Actually, I have been a student in cinema since I was 12-years-old. As a kid, my mom used to encourage me to see films every day, over and over again. She told me to observe cinematography, acting, music, camera movements, lyrics, lighting everything. I used to watch movies 30 to 40 times at Alexander theater, so I was passionate about cinema. So what do I do? At 32 nobody was making me an actor because thats a funny age, you are neither too young nor too old to play characters. So whats the next best thing to do? I bought a camera from the money that I had saved from the tips I got at Taj as a waiter and decided to become a photographer. It was quite late in life that he made it big so his story can actually be a perfect plot. 4. Nawazuddin Siddiqui From a watchman to an actor that many take inspiration from is surely a story that we would want to see on the big screens. In an interview with DNA, Nawaz shared his journey and said, belong to a family of farmers. We are based in this village called B-U-D-H-A-N-A, in district Muzaffarnagar of Uttar Pradesh. There wasnt much scope for education there. But somehow my siblings (7 brothers and 2 sisters) and I managed to study. In my village, only three things work ,gehu (wheat), ganna (sugarcane), and gun. The fear this gun culture instilled made us move out of our village. It was much later that I started taking interest in theatre. After completing my studies, I took up jobs like that of a chief chemist in Baroda. Then I joined a theatre group in Delhi. Since there is no money in the theatre I had to take up a job as a watchman. All these things happened simultaneously. Then I enrolled myself in the National School of Drama (NSD), passing out in 1996. I worked in Delhi for four years before finally moving to Mumbai in 2000. 5. Arshad Warsi Arshad has had a life full of hardships. He was 14 when he lost his father and everything just downhill for the actor. He dropped out of school in 10th grade to earn a living. From being a door-to-door salesman to working in a photo lab, Arshad had worked hard to sustain. Even though he has been a part of the industry for a long, he still hasnt got the due. His life journey should surely be shown on the big screen. Would you want to see their stories on the big screens? Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 17:03:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Militants attend a surrender ceremony in Kunar province, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2021. A total of 25 Taliban militants have given up fighting and joined the government-run peace process in the eastern Kunar province on Sunday, provincial governor Iqbal Sayed said. (Photo by Emran Waak/Xinhua) ASADABAD, Afghanistan, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- A total of 25 Taliban militants have given up fighting and joined the government-run peace process in the eastern Kunar province on Sunday, provincial governor Iqbal Sayed said. Talking to reporters here, the official added that the former militants who were involved in anti-government activities in parts of Kunar province over the past couple of years also handed their weapons over to local authorities. The former militants who had affiliation with the Taliban group have reintegrated to their communities and resumed a normal life, the official added. The Taliban and the Afghan government are having tough talks in Doha to find a political solution to Afghanistan's lingering conflict. Enditem House Bill 133 aims to extend Medicaid coverage to eligible new mothers. The House version of the bill calls for a one-year extension, whereas the Senate version calls for a six-month extension. Advocates say the bill could reduce the states maternal mortality rate. Currently, the state offers Medicaid for two months after giving birth. Should Texas extend Medicaid for eligible new mothers for six months or one year? You voted: File image: People wait to cross a road in front of a closed retail store as the British government imposes a stricter tiered set of restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic, in London. (Image: Reuters) Doctors and nurses at a South African hospital group noticed an odd spike in the number of COVID-19 patients in their wards in late October. The government had slackened its lockdown grip, and springtime had brought more parties. But the numbers were growing too quickly to easily explain, prompting a distressing question. Is this a different strain? one hospital official asked in a group email in early November, raising the possibility that the virus had developed a dangerous mutation. That question touched off a high-stakes genetic investigation that began here in Durban on the Indian Ocean, tipped off researchers in Britain and is now taking place around the world. Scientists have discovered worrisome new variants of the virus, leading to border closures, quarantines and lockdowns, and dousing some of the enthusiasm that arrived with the vaccines. Britain has been particularly overwhelmed. Infections and hospitalizations have skyrocketed in recent weeks since that country discovered its own variant of the virus, which is more contagious than previous forms. By one estimate, the mutated virus is already responsible for more than 60% of new infections in London and surrounding areas. The coronavirus has evolved as it made its way across the world, as any virus is expected to do. But experts have been startled by the pace at which significant new variants have emerged, adding new urgency to the race between the worlds best defenses vaccinations, lockdowns and social distancing and an aggressive, ever-changing foe. 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 new variant pummeling Britain has already been found in about 45 countries, from Singapore to Oman to Jamaica, but many countries are effectively flying blind, with little sense of how bad the problem may be. Long before the pandemic emerged, public health officials were calling for routine genetic surveillance of outbreaks. But despite years of warnings, many countries including the United States are conducting only a fraction of the genomic studies needed to determine how prevalent mutations of the virus are. Denmark, which has invested in genetic surveillance, discovered the variant afflicting Britain in multiple Danish regions and recently tightened restrictions. The health minister compared it to a storm surge, predicting that it would dominate other variants by mid-February. And as countries go looking, they are discovering other variants, too. With the world stumbling in its vaccination rollout and the number of cases steeply rising to peaks that exceed those seen last spring, scientists see a pressing need to immunize as many people as possible before the virus evolves enough to render the vaccines impotent. Its a race against time, said Marion Koopmans, a Dutch virologist and a member of a World Health Organization working group on coronavirus adaptations. The vaccine alone will not be enough to get ahead of the virus. It will take years to inoculate enough people to limit its evolution. In the meantime, social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-washing coupled with aggressive testing, tracking and tracing might buy some time and avert devastating spikes in hospitalizations and deaths along the way. These strategies could still turn the tide against the virus, experts said. We do know how to dial down the transmission of the virus by a lot with our behavior, said Carl Bergstrom, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Washington in Seattle. Weve got a lot of agency there. Yet in the course of the pandemic, governments have often proved reluctant or unable to galvanize support for those basic defenses. Many countries have all but given up on tracking and tracing. Mask-wearing remains politically charged in the United States, despite clear evidence of its efficacy. Cities like Los Angeles have been gripped by a spike in cases linked to Christmas festivities, and national public health officials are bracing for surges elsewhere, driven by people who ignored advice and traveled during the holidays. Much remains unknown about the new variants or even how many are sprouting worldwide. Scientists are racing to sequence enough of the virus to know, but only a handful of countries have the wherewithal or commitment to do so. The variants rapid spread is a reminder of the earlier failings and missteps of major countries in containing the virus. Just as China failed to stop travelers from spreading the virus before the Lunar New Year last year, Britain has failed to move fast enough ahead of the new variants spread. Britain lowered its guard during the holidays, despite a rise in cases now known to be linked to a variant. And just as China became a pariah early on, Britain now has the unfortunate distinction of being called Plague Island. The spread of the variant lashing Britain has left some countries vulnerable at a time when they seemed on the brink of scientific salvation. A case in point: Israel. The country, which had launched a remarkably successful vaccine rollout, tightened its lockdown Friday after having discovered cases of the variant. About 8,000 new infections a day have been detected in recent days, and the rate of spread in ultra-Orthodox communities has increased drastically. Hodgepodge of Restrictions The variant discovered in Britain, known as B.1.1.7, has 23 mutations that differ from the earliest known version of the virus in Wuhan, China, including one or more that make it more contagious and at least one that slightly weakens the vaccines potency. Some experiments suggest that the variant spreads more easily because mutations enable it to latch more successfully onto a persons airway. Bergstrom and other scientists were surprised to see this more transmissible variant emerge, given that the coronavirus was already quite adept at infecting people. But other experts had warned from the start that it would only be a matter of time before the virus became an even more formidable adversary. Every situation we have studied in depth where a virus has jumped into a new species, it has become more contagious over time, said Andrew Read, an evolutionary microbiologist at Penn State University. It evolves because of natural selection to get better, and thats whats happening here. Much of the global response has focused on shutting out Britain, with a hodgepodge of national restrictions that hark back to the early reactions to the epidemic. Experts say that countries should focus instead on ramping up vaccinations, particularly among essential workers who face a high risk with few resources to protect themselves. The longer the virus spreads among the unvaccinated, the more mutations it might collect that can undercut the vaccines effectiveness. That is why, when the WHO working group saw the first data on the variant circulating in South Africa on Dec. 4, everyone took notice. Your next question immediately is, can the vaccines still protect us if we get viruses with these mutations? said Koopmans, who was in the meeting. For now, the answer seems to be yes, said Jesse Bloom, an evolutionary biologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Koopmans agrees. The variants that have emerged in South Africa and Brazil are a particular threat to immunization efforts because both contain a mutation associated with a drop in the efficacy of vaccines. In one experiment, designed to identify the worst-case scenario, Blooms team analyzed 4,000 mutations, looking for those that would render vaccines useless. The mutation in the variants from Brazil and South Africa had the biggest impact. Still, every sample of serum in the study neutralized the virus, regardless of mutation, Bloom said, adding that it would be a few years before the vaccines need to be tweaked. There should be plenty of time where we can be prospective, identify these mutations and probably update the vaccines in time, he said. These Variants Will Spread That sort of surveillance is what led to the discovery of the new variants. Liza Sitharam, a nurse and infectious disease specialist in coastal South Africa, was among those who first noticed a small cluster that was quickly bulging. Wed have five cases, and then itd double really quickly, she recalled. The raw numbers were not alarming, she said, but there was something just not looking right. Her boss at the Netcare hospital group, Dr. Caroline Maslo, figured that with the countrys borders open, business travelers from German auto companies had perhaps brought in a European variant. She sought help from Tulio de Oliveira, a professor and geneticist at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in Durban who had studied viral variants during the first COVID-19 wave. Soon his lab was analyzing swabs, shipped on ice by courier overnight. On Dec. 1, he emailed a British scientist, Andrew Rambaut, and asked him to review some early findings: a series of strange mutations on the viruss outer surface. De Oliveira, a Brazilian South African scientist who has long hair and a surfer vibe, shared his findings at a Dec. 4 meeting of the WHO working group. All took notice because of the variants potential to disrupt the vaccines' effectiveness. Days later, he recalled, Rambaut emailed him with a discovery of his own: British scientists had scoured their databases and found a similar but unrelated mutation that appeared linked to a cluster of infections in the county of Kent. It was two weeks before Christmas, and de Oliveira immediately thought of the Lunar New Year early in the pandemic, when millions of people in China traveled far and wide for the holiday, some carrying the virus. It was crystal clear, de Oliveira said in an interview. These variants will spread nationally, regionally and globally. Rambaut and colleagues released a paper on the variant discovered in Britain on Dec. 19 the same day British officials announced new measures. The variant had apparently been circulating undetected as early as September. Rambaut has since credited the South Africa team with the tip that led to the discovery of the variant surging in Britain. Public health officials have formally recommended that type of swift genetic surveillance and information-sharing as one of the keys to staying on top of the ever-changing virus. But they have been calling for such routine surveillance for years, with mixed results. The message was very clear that this is the way surveillance has to go, said Dr. Josep Jansa, a senior public health researcher at the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Just as COVID-19 exposed flaws in the worlds pandemic plans a year ago, the hunt for new variants is exposing gaps in surveillance. Were learning, he said. Slowly. Britain has one of the most aggressive surveillance regimens, analyzing up to 10% of samples that test positive for the virus. But few countries have such robust systems in place. The United States sequences less than 1% of its positive samples. And others cannot hope to afford the equipment or build such networks in time for this pandemic. In Brazil, labs that had redirected their attention from Zika to the coronavirus had discovered a worrisome mutation there as early as this spring. But little is known about the variants circulating in the country or how quickly they are spreading. We just dont know because no one is either sequencing or sharing the data, said Dr. Nuno Faria of Imperial College and Oxford University, who coordinates genomic sequencing projects with colleagues in Brazil. Genomic surveillance is expensive. As the virus continues to mutate, other significant variants will almost certainly emerge. And those that make the virus hardier or more contagious will be more likely to spread, Read said. The faster we can get the vaccines out, the faster we can get on top of these variants, he said. Theres no room for complacency here. By Matt Apuzzo, Selam Gebrekidan and Apoorva Mandavilli. Reporting was contributed by Thomas Erdbrink; Melissa Eddy from Berlin; Isabel Kershner from Jerusalem; Manuela Andreoni from Rio de Janeiro; Christina Anderson from Stockholm; Amy Chang Chien and Amy Qin from Taipei, Taiwan; and Jennifer Jett and Tiffany May from Hong Kong. c.2021 The New York Times Company Parler CEO Mark Matze decried Big Tech's efforts to shut down the far-right app as an 'assault on everybody' after Amazon joined Google and Apple in suspending the platform from their servers. 'It's devastating is what it is,' Matze told Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures. 'They all work together to make sure at the same time we would lose access to not only our apps, but they're actually shutting all of our servers off tonight, off the internet.' Matze said the suspensions were aimed at decimating the company he founded for refusing to monitor its content for incitement of violence. 'They made an attempt to not only kill the app, but to actually destroy the entire company. And it's not just these three companies. Every vendor from text message services to email providers to our lawyers all ditched us too on the same day.' Rep Devin Nunes (R - California) also appeared on Sunday Morning Futures and said that the tech giants' suspension of Parler is 'clearly a violation' of antitrust, civil rights and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Nunes called for a federal investigation as he compared Amazon, Apple and Google to 'the Mafia' and lamented that 'Republicans have no way to communicate' without Parler. Parler CEO Mark Matze (pictured) decried Big Tech's efforts to shut down the far-right app as an 'assault on everybody' after Amazon joined Google and Apple in suspending the platform 'It's devastating is what it is,' Matze said of the bans in an interview with Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures. 'They all work together to make sure at the same time we would lose access to not only our apps, but they're actually shutting all of our servers off tonight, off the internet' Parler had been flooded by conservatives and right wingers fleeing Facebook and Twitter in recent days in the wake of suspension of prominent conservative figures, including Donald Trump. Facebook and Twitter banned Trump after accusing him of fueling violence at the Capitol on Wednesday, when dozens of his supporters stormed the building in a bid to block the certification of Joe Biden's election victory. Parler saw more than 1.5 million downloads this weekend alone - before Google led Apple and Amazon with shutoffs and suspensions Matze branded 'a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the market place'. On Sunday Matze argued the Silicon Valley leaders are 'trying to falsely claim that we're somehow responsible for the events that occurred on the 6th'. 'We've never allowed [violence] on our platform. And we don't even have a way to coordinate an event on our platform,' he said. 'They somehow want to make us responsible. This seems to me like an excuse to just basically eliminate free speech at a convenient time for them.' Parler saw more than 1.5 million downloads this weekend alone - before Google led Apple and Amazon with shutoffs and suspensions Matze branded 'a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the market place' (file photo) 'It would put anybody out of business,' Matze said of the bans. 'This thing could destroy anybody.' He said the future of Parler is unclear as it works to restructure in a way that will appease platform hosts. 'We're going to try our best to get back online as quickly as possible but we're having a lot of trouble because every vendor we talk to says they won't work with us,' Matze said. 'Because if Apple doesn't approve and Google doesn't approve, they won't. They've given us no legitimate remedy. They just don't want us on the internet. They want to get rid of us.' Rep Nunes likewise lambasted the actions of Big Tech, whining: 'I have three million followers on Parler. Tonight, I will no longer be able to communicate with those people.' 'The effect of this is that there is no longer a free and open social media company or site for any American to get on any longer,' he said. 'Because these big companies, Apple, Amazon, Google, they have just destroyed what was likely a billion dollar company. Poof, it's gone. 'It's more than just the financial aspects of that. Republicans have no way to communicate. It doesn't matter if you're Republican or conservative. If you don't want to be regulated by left wingers that are at Twitter and Facebook and Instagram, where you get shadow banned, nobody gets to see you. They get to decide what's violent or not violent.' He continued: 'I don't know where the hell the Department of Justice is right now, or the FBI. This is clearly a violation of anti-trust, civil rights, the RICO statute. 'There should be a racketeering investigation on all the people that coordinated this attack on not only a company, but on all of those like us, like me.' Nunes insisted that 'unlike the fake social media sites, Parler is actually a very, very safe platform'. Rep Devin Nunes (R - California) also appeared on Sunday Morning Futures (pictured) and said that the tech giants' suspension of Parler is 'clearly a violation' of antitrust, civil rights and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act Matze revealed on Saturday night that Parler had removed a post from right-wing attorney Lin Wood, a staunch Trump supporter, that called for Vice President Mike Pence to be executed by 'firing squads'. 'Yes, some of his parleys that violated our rules were taken down,' Matze told Mediaite, specifying that the post, or parley, about the 'firing squads' was among those removed. The parley, uploaded Thursday, read: 'They let them in. Get the firing squads ready. Pence goes FIRST.' In a statement to CNN, Wood denied making any threats against Pence, claiming, 'I don't believe in violence, I do believe in the rule of law.' 'I have reliable evidence that Pence has a engaged in acts of treason. My comments were rhetorical hyperbole. Any journalist should understand that concept. If my information is accurate, law enforcement will address what punishment, if any, should be administered to Pence as they do with all criminals,' Wood said. News of Wood's controversial post came just hours after Apple announced it would be suspending Parler from its app store indefinitely, having earlier issued the company 24 hours to address the 'threats to people's safety'. In a letter to the social media site explaining its suspension on Saturday, Apple said: 'Parler has not upheld its commitment to moderate and remove harmful or dangerous content encouraging violence and illegal activity, and is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines.' Apple explained: 'We have always supported diverse points of view being represented on the App Store, but there is no place on our platform for threats of violence and illegal activity. 'Parler has not taken adequate measures to address the proliferation of these threats to people's safety,' it added. 'We have suspended Parler from the App Store until they resolve these issues'. Matze (pictured) revealed on Saturday night that Parler had removed a post from right-wing attorney Lin Wood, a staunch Trump supporter, that called for Vice President Mike Pence to be executed by 'firing squads' Matze, in a post on Parler responding to the Apple suspension, said: 'They claim it is due to violence on the platform. The community disagrees as we hit number 1 on their store today'. 'More details about our next plans coming soon as we have many options,' Matze said. He was forced to post again shortly afterward Amazon announced that it had suspended Parler from its Amazon Web Services (AWS) unit for violating its terms of services by failing to effectively deal with a steady increase in violent content on the social networking service. 'Amazon will be shutting off all of out servers in an attempt to completely remove free speech off the internet,' Matze wrote in response. 'There is the possibility Parler will be unavailable on the Internet for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch. We prepared for events like this by never relying on Amazon's proprietary infrastructure and building bare metal products. 'We will try our best to move to a new provider right now as we have many competing for our business, however Amazon, Google and Apple purposefully did this as a coordinated effort knowing our options would be limited and knowing this would inflict the most damage right as President Trump was banned from the tech companies. 'We were too successful too fast,' he added. 'You can expect the war on competition and free speech to continue but don't count us out. Apple said in a letter to the social media site, which has been flooded by conservatives and right wingers fleeing Facebook and Twitter, that: 'Parler has not upheld its commitment to moderate and remove harmful or dangerous content encouraging violence and illegal activity, and is not in compliance with the App Store Review Guidelines Parler is bankrolled by prominent conservative donor Rebekah Mercer Parler, which styles itself as a 'free speech-driven' space, is bankrolled by hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer's daughter Rebekah, the Wall Street Journal reported in November. Rebekah has described her as a co-founder of the site with CEO John Matze. 'John and I started Parler to provide a neutral platform for free speech, as our founders intended, and also to create a social media environment that would protect data privacy,' she wrote in a post on the site this fall. 'The ever increasing tyranny and hubris of our tech overlords demands that someone lead the fight against data mining, and for the protection of free speech online,' she added. Hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer is pictured with his daughter Rebekah in 2017 Matze replied to the post: 'Bekah is a great friend, an American patriot, and most importantly committed to the Parler vision of neutrality and data privacy. We are grateful for her support since 2018, and her early faith in the founders has enabled us to reach these heights. #transparency.' After WSJ reported Rebekah's links to Parler she issued a statement saying that her multi-millionaire father Robert was not an investor in the site - while sources close to the clan claimed that the investment was a family affair. Rebekah referred to herself as a co-founder of Parler in a post on the site in November Advertisement Parler, a two-year-old, more freewheeling alternative to Twitter that has become increasingly popular among the president's most ardent supporters, would still be available in mobile browsers. Chief Policy Officer Amy Peikoff claimed on Friday night it is being targeted as a conservative platform that refuses to fact check its users. Right-leaning social media users in the United States 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. In suspending the service, Google, whose software powers Android phones, cited its policy against apps that promote violence and gave recent examples from Parler, including a Friday post that began 'How do we take back our country? About 20 or so coordinated hits', and another promoting a 'Million Militia March' on Washington. Yet Peikoff claimed on Tucker Carlson's show on Friday night that the app should not have 'responsibility for every piece of incitement that is posted there'. She said that the app is 'competing with other platforms who have decided that they want to surveil' as she blasted the fact-checking policies taken by larger platforms since Russian interference was revealed in the 2016 election. 'The nature of an open platform, a free and open town square, is that we do not take action on people until we are aware of a situation that's particularly suspicious,' she told the Fox News host. Peikoff alleged that they were only being targeted by Google and Apple due to the politics of the majority of people on the site. 'I think because we do have the reputation as being the conservative platform - although we are nonpartisan - that is what everybody sees us as,' she said. 'This has been a very unusual week. And to be singled out, we think, is quite unfair. 'On the one hand, people don't like to live in the world of Orwell's '1984,' and on the other hand, a lot of people seem to want to pressure social media to do more to moderate, as they call it, content on their platforms, but that would require 24-hour surveillance,' Peikoff continued. 'And we don't think that that is consistent with the principles of America.' She claimed that Parler wants to 'provide a place where people can come and speak freely, that they are not going to be fact-checked, not going to be told what to think, what to read, et cetera'. 'Also, we do not data pillage. We do not data mine them. We do not turn them into commodities and try to monetize them,' Peikoff added. 'We would just like to provide that service, and of course, like everyone else, we were horrified by a lot of the incitement that was going on this week, and we are doing everything that we can within our principles to deal appropriately with that content. We work with law enforcement, as well, but that content has been everywhere this week.' Peikoff admitted that if the Google and Apple bans do take effect, it will have a very serious effect on the app's growth. She also revealed for the first time that Amazon had also made threats ahead of the announcement the servers were being shut off on Saturday. 'Amazon is also raising some problems, and I'm not sure how serious that is, because I've yet to speak to them. I will later today. You know, they provide the server for us,' she said. 'And if they were to remove their services, then we would be down. As it is, we are having some difficulties now with the uptick in traffic, that if they took their service away, we'd be gone.' Parler's Chief Policy Officer Amy Peikoff, pictured, claimed on Tucker Carlson it is being targeted as a conservative platform that refuses to fact check its users Matze also claimed in a post on Friday that Apple was applying standards to Parler that it did not apply to itself. In a statement, Google said that 'for us to distribute an app through Google Play, we do require that apps implement robust moderation for egregious content. In light of this ongoing and urgent public safety threat, we are suspending the apps listings from the Play Store until it addresses these issues.' In a letter from Apple's App Store review team to Parler, Apple cited participants of the mob storming the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday. 'Content that threatens the well-being of others or is intended to incite violence or other lawless acts has never been acceptable on the App Store,' Apple said in the letter. Apple gave Parler 24 hours to 'remove all objectionable content from your app ... as well as any content referring to harm to people or attacks on government facilities now or at any future date.' The company also demanded that Parler submit a written plan 'to moderate and filter this content' from the app. It has since followed through with its threat and suspended Parler. Matze, who describes himself as libertarian, founded Parler in 2018 as a 'free-speech driven' alternative to mainstream platforms but began courting right-leaning users as prominent supporters of Trump moved there. Those who have joined include commentator Candace Owens, Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who handcuffed herself to the door of Twitter's New York office in November 2018 to protest a ban on her by the site. In November, conservative activist Rebekah Mercer confirmed that she and her family, which includes her father and hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer, have provided funding to Parler. 'Apparently they believe Parler is responsible for ALL user generated content on Parler,' Matze said. 'Therefor (sic) by the same logic, Apple must be responsible for ALL actions taken by their phones. Every car bomb, every illegal cell phone conversation, every illegal crime committed on an iPhone, Apple must also be responsible for,' he wrote. 'Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler.' Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. School districts in Northeast Pennsylvania expect to pay an additional $36.2 million in charter school costs this academic year. The rising costs for the 37 school districts in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties put more pressure on already-strained budgets, according to a report from the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials. The bills come as the coronavirus pandemic creates uncertainty and families seek safety, stability and a cyber charter school education for their children. In Lackawanna County alone, districts expect to spend an additional $6 million for cyber charter school tuition this academic year. Since the pandemic began in March, an additional 469 students left their traditional public schools to learn online through charter schools, according to a Sunday Times analysis. Last year, the 10 school districts paid cyber charter schools about $14 million to educate 1,002 students. Two months into this academic year, school leaders project to pay a combined $20 million in tuition bills this year for the 1,471 students enrolled. For districts struggling with pandemic-related revenue shortfalls, the added expenses strengthen the calls for charter school funding reforms. In Scranton, the additional $2.6 million in cyber bills makes up more than half the districts $4 million budget deficit for 2021. We have serious concerns with this. This is taxpayer money, Scranton Superintendent Melissa McTiernan said. The pandemic has put a strain on everyone. Meanwhile, charter school advocates highlight the need for school choice and say the enrollment numbers show the schools fill a growing need. We know online education isnt for every student, said Rich Jensen, Ed.D., CEO of Agora Cyber Charter School. We just want to make sure its available to any student. Parents say they feel grateful for the option at a time when many traditional schools fluctuate between hybrid and virtual schedules and fear complete shutdowns as virus cases surge. The pandemic has caused such an emotional toll on kids, said Vera Semon of Carbondale, whose children now learn virtually through Commonwealth Charter Academy. I didnt want their education to be just as unpredictable as life right now. Seeking options This summer, as school leaders debated the best way to resume school in the fall, Alberto Vega worried about his children. He didnt want them back in a physical classroom, but he didnt want them to fall behind, either. Not satisfied with what the Scranton School District offered, he searched the internet for online schools and found Agora. The school provided his children, in kindergarten, first and sixth grades with laptops, headphones and an internet connection. Vega keeps his children on track as they spend hours each day in live lessons with the teachers. Everything is free. This is the best thing, Vega said. The communication with the teachers and principal is awesome. Vega is not alone. From October 2019 to last month, the states 14 cyber charter schools saw a 63% increase in enrollment, with most of that happening after the pandemic caused schools to close in March. As of Oct. 1, 62,331 students are enrolled in the cyber charter schools, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Semon, whose children attended Fell Charter School last year, didnt feel like the education offered during the spring shutdown was adequate. Even if the school offered in-person instruction, she didnt want her 8-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son to be forced to wear a mask all day. I had to make a plan at that point, she said. We wanted something stable, something consistent. Even though Fell Charter offered a virtual option, I needed a school that already had years of experience going that route. Semon doesnt know what school her children will attend in the future, but for now, they receive live instruction from the safety of home. Im happy we have this option, at least, Semon said. Paying the bill When students enroll in a charter school, districts pay a tuition based on the districts own per-pupil cost to educate a student. Enrollment is offered to families at no cost. Tuition rates vary by school district and are the same whether the student opts to attend cyber school or brick-and-mortar charter school the term commonly used for charter schools that exist in a building like traditional public schools. Scranton School District pays $10,586 for every regular education student and $23,909 for every special education student who attends charter schools. In nearby Mid Valley School District, the tuition for a regular education student is $10,135, compared to $27,465 for a special education student. Statewide, school districts expect to pay an additional $475 million in charter school costs this year, according to the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO). The organization expects total charter school costs to reach $2.76 billion.In Lackawanna County, property taxes would need to increase by an average of 3.6% just to pay for the increases. In Luzerne County, a 4.7% tax hike would be needed, according to PASBO. In the fall, just months before enrollment skyrocketed, Gov. Tom Wolf called for wide-ranging charter school reform, including greater accountability for academic achievement and developing a funding plan that better reflects the true cost to educate charter school students. The increases in student enrollment in cyber charter schools during the pandemic have heightened the need for reform, according to a statement from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Every child deserves a high-quality education, but our current law allows some charter schools to perform poorly at the expense of students in traditional district schools. For example, the lack of a statewide cyber school reimbursement rate results in great disparities in the amount school districts pay for cyber school students in the same class. This draining of funding causes an even greater burden on school district budgets that are already struggling with increased costs and pandemic-related expenses, the statement read. Additionally, academic performance remains a significant concern since cyber schools are among the lowest-performing schools in the state. Virtual experience When school buildings closed in March, and districts struggled to transition to virtual learning, cyber charter schools were ready. The state did not allow the charter schools to bill for new students enrolled between March 13 to June 30, causing the schools to lose $4.9 million in taxpayer funds that school districts kept after students chose to enroll in a public cyber charter school, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, based in Mechanicsburg. When Wolf closed brick-and-mortar schools, the states public cyber charter schools were uniquely prepared to continue educating their students without any gap in services or loss in learning, according to the organization. For the last 20 years, public cyber charter schools have been providing a quality education that features the flexibility to meet the unique needs of their students, ranging from Olympic athletes and actors to students undergoing medical treatment that restricts them from attending a physical classroom. Charter school advocates point out that charters do not receive the full amount of per-pupil spending, as districts keep some of that funding for transportation and other uses. The coalition estimates charter schools receive an average of $2,653 less per student than traditional public schools. The charter school leaders also defend their students academic performance. Students often leave traditional schools frustrated and scoring below grade level, advocates say. The charter schools then have a large performance gap to overcome. Agora Cyber School, based in King of Prussia, saw enrollment increase from 5,143 to 7,584 students in the last year. The school, with 725 employees, had to hire about 60 additional teachers, as well as support staff to assist families. Many parents had health-related concerns that pushed them to a cyber school, and others saw what districts offered in the spring and desired more, Jensen said. I feel for the districts. This is our world, this is what we do, he said. Being in this space, we have learned over the years how to do this. This was thrust upon them. Enrollment increase As the pandemic continues, Valley View School District remains virtual only. Teachers offer live lessons throughout the day an education the superintendent is certain far exceeds that offered in cyber charter schools. Still, an additional 47 students have left the district, with a projected increased cost of $500,000. I hear the commercials myself, that tout the free education. Its paid for by taxpayers, Superintendent Michael Boccella, Ed.D., said. Taxpayers are paying for these commercial enterprises. They have a big financial impact on school districts. Valley View is no exception. Mid Valley saw cyber school enrollment increase by 35%, as an additional 37 students moved to cybers. Though Mid Valley operates on a hybrid schedule a mix of online and in-person classes to allow for greater social distancing the district and others offer a fully virtual program to families. When students move to a cyber school, the district does not automatically save money. The reductions are usually not great enough to allow the district to collapse classes or find other ways to reduce costs, superintendents said. As cyber enrollment grew over the last decade, districts began to offer their own virtual programs to try to keep students enrolled. Were hoping that when things get back to whatever is normal, we can get students back to Mid Valley where they belong, Superintendent Patrick Sheehan said. Donald Trump has started putting together a defense team for a second impeachment trial with Rudy Giuliani and Alan Dershowitz said to both be in the running. Two sources told CNN Giuliani, Trump's personal attorney and the man who spearheaded the president's failed legal efforts to overturn the presidential election, is expected to represent Trump if the unprecedented event of a second impeachment trial materializes. The sources said Trump is also considering hiring Dershowitz, the controversial celebrity attorney who represented him at his first impeachment trial in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Dershowitz, who has infamously worked on the defense teams for OJ Simpson, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein, said it would be an 'honor and privilege' to defend the president for a second time. House Democrats will introduce their impeachment resolution on Monday charging Trump with 'incitement of insurrection' for his part in stoking up the mob that stormed the US Capitol Wednesday in a riot that sent shockwaves around the world and left five dead. However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the earliest a second trial would begin is Inauguration Day because the Senate is in recess until January 19. Donald Trump has started putting together a defense team for a second impeachment trial with Rudy Giuliani and Alan Dershowitz said to both be in the running. Trump at Wednesday's rally where he egged on his supporters Two sources told CNN Giuliani (left), Trump's personal attorney and the man who spearheaded the president's failed legal efforts to overturn the presidential election, is expected to represent Trump. Dershowitz said it would be an 'honor and privilege' to defend the president Dershowitz appears to already be readying himself for the role of defending Trump, as he told Politico Wednesday's rally where Trump egged on the crowd to march to the US Capitol was a 'constitutionally protected' speech. He denied that the president is guilty of 'a high crime or misdemeanor' or is 'unable to govern' and instead hit out at the Democrats and Republicans pursuing impeachment. 'It's not a high crime or misdemeanor. What he said was protected by the First Amendment and it's not subject to removal under the 25th Amendment,' Dershowitz said. 'He's not unable to govern, he's not incapacitated and I think grave dangers to the constitution are being posed by those partisans who want to weaponize the Constitution for political purposes.' Jay Sekulow, who was also a member of Trump's first impeachment trial defense team, said pursuing an impeachment now would be 'a gigantic mistake' on his radio show Sekulow on Thursday. 'You could impeach him but he's never going to be there for the trial. They'll never have a trial in the Senate,' he said. 'Why would you put the country through that when the man's term is over with and you got the ultimate victory your candidate is going to be the president of the United States?' House Democrats will introduce their impeachment resolution on Monday charging Trump with 'incitement of insurrection' for his part in Wednesday's riot. At the rally he told fans to 'fight' Trump told the crowd to 'fight': 'Unbelievable, what we have to go through. What we have to go through - and you have to get your people to fight' That said, CNN reported that Sekulow and two other members of Trump's old defense team - White House counsel Pat Cipollone and attorney Jane Raskin - are not likely to join his team a second time round. Cipollone led Trump's defense during his first trial but is said to be on the brink of resigning out of frustration with Trump and him bringing in conspiracy theorist lawyer Sidney Powell, who has argued voting machines changes votes from Trump to Joe Biden. Dominion Voting Systems is suing her for the false claims about their machines. It also emerged that Trump only agreed to his national address Thursday night - where he finally denounced the actions of the mob more than 24 hours after the violent insurgent - after Cipollone warned him he could face legal charges for stoking the mob, The New York Times reported. Cipollone is said to have stayed in the White House for the sake of national security. Meanwhile, Robert Ray, who was also on the president's first defense team, appeared to also signal himself out of the team when he told Politico he thinks the case for impeachment is stronger this time round. Other members of Trump's first defense team are not likely to join. Jay Sekulow, who was also a member of Trump's first impeachment trial defense team (left), said pursuing an impeachment now would be 'a gigantic mistake'. White House counsel Pat Cipollone (right) led Trump's defense during his first trial but is said to be on the brink of resigning 'Unlike the last time, where they didn't even charge a crime, I could imagine that you could draft an article of impeachment that would actually make a legal argument that the president aided or abetted or actually elicited a riot,' said Ray. Giuliani was not part of Trump's first team but led the president's failed election legal battle to overturn the election. The former New York City mayor worked with Trump to push unfounded claims of voter fraud - claims that were not been backed up with evidence, failed to gain any ground in dozens of lawsuits and were debunked by Trump's own administration which said the election was fair and legal. Biden won the presidential election with 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232. Trump, his campaign and Republicans have mounted at least 42 legal challenges since November 3, all of which they have lost. Meanwhile, Giuliani may also find himself investigated for his part in Wednesday's violence. A draft impeachment article charges Donald Trump with 'incitement of insurrection' Less than two hours before hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the capitol Wednesday, Giuliani took to the stage at Trump's rally and urged demonstrators to pursue a 'trial by combat'. Washington DC Attorney General Karl Racine told Good Morning America Friday the former New York City mayor could also be investigated for inciting Wednesday's violence. 'Donald Trump Jr, Giuliani, even the president of the United States were calling on their supporters and hate groups to go to the Capitol and in the words of Rudy Giuliani 'exercise combat justice'. 'We're going to investigate not only the mobsters but also those who invited the violence,' he said. If Giuliani does make the team, the president will hope he can have greater success at his potential second impeachment trial. The move to impeach a sitting president for a second time is an unprecedented event in American history. House Rep. Ted Lieu of California announced on his Twitter feed Saturday that 180 members of Congress have signed as co-sponsors of the article of impeachment that he helped draft alongside fellow House Reps. Jamie Raskin and David Cicilline Trumps initial impeachment trial came after it emerged that he had pressured the Ukrainian president for information on Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden. He was impeached in December 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress but was acquitted by the Senate in February after only one Republican - Mitt Romney - broke from party lines to back the impeachment article. It is not clear if a second attempt would be more successful but some Republicans have already suggested they are open to impeachment this time. Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, who voted to acquit Trump last year, said he will definitely consider impeachment. And Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, who also voted to acquit, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that she wants Trump to resign. Senator Pat Toomey told Fox News Saturday he believes Trump committed 'impeachable offenses'. Two Republican Congress members told CNN they would support impeachment with one saying 'I think you will have GOP members vote for impeachment.' Democrats will present the impeachment article which accuses Trump of 'incitement of insurrection' Monday, marking the first stage in the process. House Rep. Ted Lieu of California announced on his Twitter feed Saturday that 180 members of Congress have signed as co-sponsors of the article of impeachment that he helped draft alongside fellow House Reps. Jamie Raskin and David Cicilline. Trump's first impeachment trial which started in December 2019. Pictured the trial on January 16 at the US Capitol Lieu said that while all 180 co-sponsors are Democrats, he is confident that Republican members of the House will support to impeach. A draft of the article prepared by Cicilline, Lieu, and Raskin states that, 'Incited by Trump, a mob unlawfully breached the Capitol,' injured law enforcement, menaced lawmakers and the vice president, and interfered with the count of the Electoral College. McConnell, the Kentucky Republican, circulated a memo to the other members of his caucus in which he mapped out how a Senate trial would work if the House of Representatives follows through on its threat to impeach Trump. In the memo, McConnell notes that the Senate will not reconvene for conventional business until January 19 - just a day before Bidens inauguration, according to The Washington Post. Senate impeachment rules state that the upper chamber could begin a trial a day after it agrees to receive the articles of impeachment from the House. That means Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who will take up McConnells post as majority leader after Biden is sworn into office, will have to take up a trial. An impeachment trial of Trump in the early days of Bidens presidency could distract from the new administrations efforts to get its agenda off the ground. The move to impeach Trump for a second time comes in the wake of Wednesday's riot at the US Capitol where Trump supporters broke through barricades and entered the seat of government sending lawmakers fleeing for their lives. Protesters were riled up by the president during a rally near the White House where he told them to head to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were scheduled to confirm Joe Biden's presidential victory. Pro-Trump insurgents stormed Capitol Hill on Wednesday in an attack that left nation stunned An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while Trump supporters gather in front of the Capitol on Wednesday Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress Trump told the crowd to 'fight': 'Unbelievable, what we have to go through. What we have to go through - and you have to get your people to fight.' A violent mob then stormed the Capitol, breaking through police barricades and smashing windows to enter the building. Lawmakers were forced to go into hiding for several hours as Capitol police grappled to take back control while the mob defecated in the Senate and House, invaded Nancy Pelosi's office and looted items potentially including state secrets. Five people were killed in the violent riot including a police officer who was reportedly hit over the head with a fire extinguisher by a rioter. Three top Capitol security officials have stood down as questions are being raised over the failure to stop the breach occurring in the first place. Dozens have been rounded up and arrested since the attack including a QAnon supporter, a 70-year-old who brought two handguns, a rifle and 11 Molotov cocktails to the riot and a newly sworn-in West Virginia delegate. The FBI is asking for the public's help in bringing all those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, House Democrats will start proceedings to impeach Trump Monday charging him with 'incitement of insurrection' after he egged on his supporters and then failed to condemn the violence or tell them to leave the Capitol for hours after the violence erupted. Twitter banned the president from its platform Friday saying in a statement that his recent tweets amounted to glorification of violence. A person enters a makeshift COVID-19 testing clinic in central Seoul, Sunday. Yonhap By Bahk Eun-ji Daily new COVID-19 cases remained at the 600 mark here for Sunday, the third consecutive day, with government officials commenting that the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic has appeared to have passed its peak. Considering the potential for localized infections and the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, however, many are calling for caution against such premature optimism. "I am cautiously saying that I think the third pandemic wave has passed its peak," Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during a National Assembly plenary session Friday. "The number of daily new COVID-19 cases is on the decline and the reproduction rate has stayed slightly below 1 over the past week," Chung said. In fact, the daily caseload, which had soared to nearly 1,200 per day, has been in the 600 range for three consecutive days of the last seven a clear sign that it could be abating. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the nation reported 665 more COVID-19 cases for Saturday, including 631 local infections, raising the total to 68,664. The figure was slightly up from a one-month low of 641 Saturday, the fewest daily infections since Dec. 8, while the country's daily virus figure stayed below 1,000 for the sixth consecutive day. However, epidemiologists pointed out that the government should keep a tight rein on quarantine work in order for the current declining trend to continue as it has not yet reached the stage where it can be assured. "There are still sufficient conditions for the virus to become active again. If you look at the situation overseas, there are places where the epidemic repeats rather than ending with a single peak," said Choi Won-seok, a professor of the division of infectious diseases at Korea University. "Hopefully it will continue to get better, but we can't be so sure yet, so keeping up with stricter virus curbing measures is of the utmost necessity," Choi said. Jacob Lee, a professor of infectious medicine at Hallym University Medical Center, also said the daily infection rate could start to increase at any time. "If the current quarantine measures such as the stricter social distancing level are loosened just because the situation has become a little better, the number of patients will go up just like last November, then we would face fourth and fifth pandemic waves throughout the winter," Lee said. "It will be far better to keep the current level to some extent," he added. The government has imposed Level 2.5 social distancing in the greater Seoul area, which is the second highest in the nation's five-tier system, and Level 2 measures in other areas since Dec. 8. It extended the measures last Monday until Jan. 17. Private gatherings of five or more people are prohibited across the country during the extended period. Although health officials believe the third wave is subsiding, helped by the stronger distancing rules and preemptive testing, experts said they should keep a watchful eye on sporadic cluster outbreaks and a new virus variant that was first reported in the United Kingdom. "I hope the government doesn't frequently signal that the current situation is getting better, because you became used to the number of daily cases at 1,000, you can easily misunderstand that 800 or 600 are in the safe zone," Choi said. Among the locally transmitted cases, 179 were reported in Seoul, 189 in Gyeonggi Province and 32 in Incheon, west of Seoul. Twenty-five additional deaths were reported, raising the toll to 1,125. Tokyo: A new coronavirus variant has been detected in four travellers from Brazil's Amazonas state, Japan's Health Ministry said on Sunday, the latest new mutation of the virus discovered. A ministry official said studies were underway into the efficacy of vaccines against the new variant, which differs from highly infectious variants first found in Britain and South Africa that have driven a surge in cases. "At the moment, there is no proof showing the new variant found in those from Brazil is high in infectiousness," Takaji Wakita, head of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, told a health ministry briefing. People wear face masks at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Four passengers from Brazil quarantined at the airport have been diagnosed with carrying a new variant of coronavirus. Credit:AP Still, Brazil's Health Ministry said it has been notified by Japan's authorities that the new variant has 12 mutations, and one of them has already been identified also in the variants found in the United Kingdom and in South Africa. "It implies in a potential higher virus infectiousness," it said. Listen to article A chain is as strong as its weakest link. That cliche underlines certain assumptions, oftentimes, dangerous and egregious. As a public figure and member of the Nigerias attentive public, I took some measures, personal and otherwise, to protect my family, staff and myself from Covid-19. I shut my office well before FGN announced a nationwide lockdown in 2020. Thereafter, my office had zero tolerance for casual visitors; non-mask wearing guests and guests not attuned to social distancing rules. I trained my staff in preventive measures. Such measures, I knew, entailed some financial burdens. I assumed them and it all seemed to work. Personally, I wrote and commented publicly on the limitations of FGN and State governments Covid-19 preventive measures and our lack of a national resiliency strategy. I tried to influence proactive and preemptive policies. All these were borne out of experience from a pandemic simulation exercise I was involved in many years back at the UN. On 16 December 2020, I closed my office after a rather rough business year, bypassing the usual Christmas party. Rather, my staff and I met for 30 minutes. I wished them well, shared pies, cookies, drinks and presents and sent them away for three weeks holidays with vehement cautions to stay safe and avoid large holidays gatherings and Covid-19. On 22 December, I underwent a routine pre-travel Covid-19 test. The next day, 23 December, 2020 my result indicated I had tested positive for Covid-19. It was a rude shock. By any measure, I was an unlikely Covid-19 candidate. Yet all my efforts had come to naught. In reality, neither FGN nor the 36 State governments can say categorically the number of Nigerians infected with COVID-19. As per Nigerias R-Factor (Infection Risk Factor), NCDCs extant national figures of 97,478 confirmed cases; 17,584 active cases; 78,552 discharged cases and 1,342 deaths are gross and grotesque underestimation of reality. They represent an outlier. These prevalent estimates are way off base, buttressed by ambivalence, skepticism and flawed public policy responses and implementation. These numbers are also not in tandem with global Covid-19 demographics. Because Nigerians are not being broadly tested, it is assumed that the national rate of infection is low - a faux premise and narrative. Of those tested, contract tracing is at best abysmal. Meanwhile, Nigerians are being infected daily in hundreds of thousands, if not millions. Many continue to die, most deaths hardly ever documented. Indeed, for every prominent Nigerian who has succumbed fatally to Covid-19, there are thousands of unknown Nigerians befallen by such fate. Hence, the high Covid 19 infection rate in Nigeria is perhaps the best kept national secret. Meanwhile, COVID-19 related ameliorative efforts remain essentially transaction-driven. So here I was. I had joined the global league of 89.7 million COVID-19 afflicted. It was not a badge of honour. Yet as a matter of obligation, I took personal measures to make my infection public. My constituents and people close to me had the right to know. I personally did the contact tracing- reaching over seventy-five people to forewarn them of my status as I went into isolation and consulted my personal physicians in Nigeria and the U.S. And then of course, my wife, an Emergency Room Attending Physician in the U.S. who had been in the COVID-19 frontline from March to November 2020 at Hackensack University Hospital in New Jersey, was on hand to do the needful. Interestingly, never for once, did I consider going into any Federal or State hospital or isolation centre. My confidence in them was short, if not totally lacking. Because, I was asymptomatic, I naturally worried about my spouse. As per her possible exposure, we assumed the worst-case-scenario. After consulting our physicians, she went into isolation and commenced aggressive prophylactic measures. On her return to Nigeria in early December 2020, she had tested negative. When we did our pre-travel test 3 weeks later, she was also negative. Yet, she tested positive eventually and like me, remain in strict isolation, as I write. Covid-19 is real and brutal. It is festering in Nigeria. As I struggled with acute and bruising challenges of Covid 19, and tried to manage anxieties amongst family, kith and kin, friends and well-wishers, the policy wonk in me analyzed the possible weak link in the chain. Where was the chink in my protective amour; the index case, from whence I contracted the virus? It could have been any source; public, church, office and less so, family. My home was almost impregnable. But then, there were statistical realities. How many Nigerians, political associates, friends, acquaintances and relatives do I interface with daily, that were Covid infected unbeknown to me? As a nation, despite our best intention and efforts, Nigeria had done poorly in her per capita testing capacity and social orientation. In the South-east and Anambra State where I reside, the pervasive cavalier mentality remains benumbing. Anambra Governorship aspirants and their cohorts seemed to care less. Indeed, one governorship aspirant and I had met up close at an event two days before I tested positive. When I did, I contacted him personally by SMS to forewarn him to take precautionary measures; he ignored my communication and went about his public events, even though he knew full well he had possible exposure. And such a person wants to be the next State Governor? Go figure! Naturally, I did a mapping of my possible index case. I had narrowed it to a newly appointed staff, who tended to treat Covid-19 with benign levity and youthful exuberance; and possibly, a domestic staff. I ordered my entire staff tested, at my expense. My new staff and one other staff member tested positive. I immediately placed them in isolation and under a managed medical regime. But there was the weak link. For every unsuspecting principal, like me, it could be a domestic, a driver, security staff or an office staff. So long as you dont control their after-office-hours activities, they pose the weak link in your protective chain. Untested, they pose grave danger to you, your family and community. In an unguarded moment, an unwashed hand, a sneeze, cough or whisper in close proximity without masking up, could prove lethal. But here is the upshot: Many Nigerians are unaware of their Covid-19 status. Testing is very limited and testing costs ranging from presumably free, to N15,000, N37,000 and N50,000 and millions of Naira for hospitalization are prohibitive. If most Nigerians are not testing, its because they cant afford to. On 6 January 2021, when the bulk of my staff went to UNTH, Utuku, Enugu to be tested, thirty-two other Nigerians were tested. Twenty-two or so, I reliably gathered, tested positive on that single day. The positivity rate is well over 75 percentile. We can extrapolate those numbers into weeks, months and years. If someone were to suggest that 50 to 70% of Nigerians were Covid-19 positive without being aware, such analysis would be considered tendentious and alarmist. But that probability is plausible. If FGN plans to leapfrog a shaky COVID-19 response foundation to invest N400 billion to vaccinate 70% of Nigerias 200 million people, the result, will be equally dismal as were the Covid-19 unused isolation centers, hoarded palliatives, and the lackluster testing regime. The first time around, in 2020, Nigeria dodged the Covid-19 bullet. In 2021 and beyond, she might not be so lucky. Theres still time to turn back the hand of the clock, even if it means another lockdown. For now, two scenarios seem plausible; either that FGN is in utter denial or has surreptitiously opted for the herd immunity approach. - Obaze, MD/CEO Selonnes Consult, Awka, is a public policy expert and the 2017 PDP governorship Candidate in Anambra State. Aligarh : , Jan 10 (IANS) A student of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been shot dead, police said on Sunday. The deceased Atif, a second-year BA student, was returning home on a two-wheeler with his friend late on Saturday night in the Quarsi police circle area, when the assailants opened fire. Atif fell down at the spot while his friend Zaid escaped with the Scooty. AMU students came together and created a ruckus at the J.N. Medical College in protest against the incident. Circle Officer Anil Samania said that Atif, accused of conspiracy in the murder of one Shahbaz in Jamalpur area in 2018, was out on bail. He said the body had been sent for post mortem and further investigations were underway. The weekly tallies of Covid-19 cases and deaths in the United States have never been higher, and state officials are warning of more alarming patterns following the holiday season. The total number of Americans infected with the virus surpassed 22 million Saturday, according to Johns Hopkins University data, and more than 372,000 have died. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the state was seeing a 'real and significant increase in cases and our positivity rate from people's gatherings around the holiday.' 'This surge that we're in right now is at least twice the rate, the seriousness, of the previous surges that we have seen,' the governor said Friday. 'This is our most dangerous time.' Colorado's state epidemiologist, Dr. Rachel Herlihy, on Friday warned of 'early signs' of a rise in Covid-19 cases. 'We are starting to see the impact of the holidays show up in our data,' she said. Health experts believe about one in 105 residents are currently contagious, Herlihy added. Health officials are also concerned Wednesday's storming of the US Capitol may have consequences for the pandemic. The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Friday that the riot would likely be a 'surge event' that will have 'public health consequences.' 'You had largely unmasked individuals in a non-distanced fashion, who were all through the Capitol,' Dr. Robert Redfield told the McClatchy newspaper group. 'Then these individuals all are going in cars and trains and planes going home all across the country right now.' 'So I do think this is an event that will probably lead to a significant spreading,' he added. In the nine days since the start of 2021, the US has recorded more than 2 million new Covid-19 cases and more than 26,000 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The nation has averaged about 247,200 Covid-19 cases a day over the last week as of Friday -- an all-time high, and more than 3.7 times greater than a summertime peak set in late July, Johns Hopkins data shows. And the country has averaged 2,982 deaths a day over the last week -- the highest figure of the pandemic, according to Johns Hopkins. This week also saw the first time the US reported more than 4,000 coronavirus deaths in a single day, on Thursday. Hospitalizations, meanwhile, have been pushing some facilities and medical staffs to their limits. Some 130,777 Covid-19 patients were in US hospitals on Saturday-- the fifth-highest figure recorded, according to data from the COVID Tracking Project. Biden team announces plan to ratchet up vaccine rollout At this point, the country's only choice is to 'vaccinate our way through this,' said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of tropical medicine at Baylor College. 'We are in a race against death right now,' he told CNN's Ana Cabrera on Saturday. 'And that's why we have to accelerate our vaccine program.' President-elect Joe Biden will aim to release nearly all available doses of Covid-19 vaccines in an effort to quickly ramp up the US vaccine rollout. But it could also be risky, since both vaccines by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna require two doses administered weeks apart to be about 95% effective, and vaccine manufacturing has not ramped up as rapidly as many experts had hoped. The plan is a break from the strategy of the Trump administration, which has held back doses of the vaccines to ensure that second doses are available. Dr. Celine Gounder, a member of Biden's coronavirus advisory board, told CNN Saturday the new plan aims to 'get doses out as quickly as possible' and simplify distribution. Officials are not recommending patients delay receiving their second doses, she said. People should still plan to receive the second dose of Pfizer's vaccine 21 days after the first dose, and the Moderna vaccine 28 days after the first dose. 'So long as there are not any manufacturing glitches, we're confident that the supply of vaccine will be there when people return for their second dose,' Gounder said. Asked about the plan, Hotez said he was 'all for increasing the number of Americans who get vaccinated.' But he stressed that people need to understand the importance of receiving the second dose. 'I'm just worried people may get the wrong message, saying, 'Hey, it's okay to walk around with just a single dose,'' he said, 'because that's not the case.' Biden's team is also debating whether vaccine guidance prioritizing certain groups -- such as health care workers and residents of long-term living facilities -- should be changed, Gounder said. 'Whether we will expand to other groups quicker really remains to be seen,' she said, adding some states have already deviated from the recommendations. 'I think big picture, the goal here is to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible and as safely as possible,' she said. California is struggling California especially has been struggling with brutal surges in cases and hospitalizations. More than 4,930 patients were in the ICU on Saturday, according to the California Department of Public Health, an all-time high. And the daily death rates there have been so overwhelming, some California hospitals' morgues are full, and coroners who've been asked to help with storage until funeral workers can get them also are running out of room. So, the state has sent 88 refrigerated trailers to hospitals and counties to give them the space they need, officials said Friday. Los Angeles County -- the most populous in the nation -- has been averaging a Covid-19 death roughly every eight minutes, city Mayor Eric Garcetti said this week. On Friday, county health officials reported the most Covid-19 deaths ever reported there in a single day: 318. Dr. Anish Mahajan, chief medical officer at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, told CNN Saturday that with hospitals already this stretched, he is terrified to think about the kind of surges Christmas gatherings may bring. 'It takes two to three weeks for patients to get sick enough to need the hospital after they've gotten the virus, and Christmas was only two weeks ago, and we're already full,' Mahajan said. Overwhelmed funeral homes are sharing hearses In Montebello, just outside Los Angeles, the headquarters of two large funeral home chains paint a picture of weariness and despair. At Guerra & Gutierrez Mortuaries, owner Richard Gutierrez says his six mortuaries usually would handle about 28 services a day before the pandemic. They now are running about 56 daily -- about 70% of them for victims of coronavirus. At the Continental Funeral Home just a few blocks down Beverly Boulevard, owner Magda Maldonado stood Friday in front of a freezer trailer that she'd recently bought to store dozens of bodies. She said she feels stress grating her insides. Beyond all the people they're serving, both she and Gutierrez are having to turn dozens of grieving families away. And because of the crushing demand and government pandemic-era restrictions on gatherings, they're not able to provide normal service for the big working class, Hispanic, Catholic families that they tend to serve -- with a prayer vigil, a Mass and a wake spread over two days. Montebello is a city whose population is about 77% Hispanic or Latino. 'I am overwhelmed. I am with anxiety disorder now, because of this,' Maldonado said. 'My employees are overwhelmed and tired.' On Friday, clusters of mourners, most of them Latino and dressed in black, were gathered outside both overburdened funeral centers. Gutierrez said he was grateful to Continental, which is lending him hearses when he runs out. Pressure to serve so many families well, and sorrow over seeing so many people having been killed prematurely by Covid-19, is leaving him with anxiety, too, he said. He recalled situations where he'd realize he'd have to arrange funerals for two members of a family, both of whom had died of the virus, such as a husband and wife. 'We'll say, 'Well, wait -- we have the same last names together. Oh my God,'' he said. 'It was just unbearable -- and both of them Covid.' Officials fighting vaccine hesitancy see 'overwhelming' demand Meanwhile, officials across the country continue to administer vaccines and work towards overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Among them is Dekalb County Health Director Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford in Georgia, where officials on Saturday were vaccinating first responders in addition to health care workers. Vaccines will also be available starting Monday for adults ages 65 and older, Ford told CNN, and demand is 'overwhelming.' 'We opened up our site yesterday for the seniors, the 65 and older, and in two hours we had almost 6,000 requests,' Ford said. Ford recognized some people remain hesitant of receiving a Covid-19 vaccine. But she believed that as more people get it and share their stories, the more people will be willing to get vaccinated. 'What I'm concerned about is that there's still a population of folks that are super anxious about this vaccine, and most likely that's the population that needs it the most,' she said, pointing to the African American community, seniors citizens and non-English speakers. A similar effort was taking place nearby at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, which is hosting vaccination drives each Saturday in January. Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and dean of the historically Black college's school of medicine, received her second dose of the vaccine on Friday. And earlier in the week, several high-profile civil rights leaders were vaccinated there, including former UN Ambassador Andrew Young. 'We were doing this so that people have confidence,' Rice told CNN. 'I think we have shown that there may have been some hesitancy, but we are clearly, based on the lines you're seeing, moving to vaccine acceptance.' Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. A farmer can be less educated and simple but he is sensible, said Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday as he accused 'Congress and Communist parties' of playing a major role in instigating farmers. The CM's statement came hours after protesting crop growers vandalised the venue of a 'kisan mahapanchayat' programme at Kaimla village in Karnal where he was to address people to highlight the benefits of the Centre's three agriculture laws. "Today's incident gave a message to people, bigger than what I'd intended to give. These people have defamed the farmers because a farmer doesn't have such a nature. A farmer can be less educated or simple but he's sensible. I think Congress and Communist parties have a major role behind these agitations. They are getting exposed," Khattar said. The Haryana Police used water cannons and lobbed teargas shells to prevent the farmers from marching towards the village. The farmers, however, reached the venue and damaged the makeshift helipad where Khattar's chopper was to land despite elaborate security arrangements made by the police. They later took control of the helipad and squatted on it. Some protesters also uprooted the tiles of the helipad. The farmers disrupted the kisan mahapanchayat' programme by damaging the stage and breaking chairs, tables and flower pots at the venue. In the melee, stones were also pelted as police personnel ran for cover. Angry farmers, mainly comprising youths, damaged the stage, tent and speakers at the venue. They also tore BJP hoardings and uprooted banners in the presence of policemen. Under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni), farmers, who have been demanding that the laws be repealed, had earlier announced to oppose the 'kisan mahapanchayat'. Haryana ministers Kanwar Pal Gujjar, Krishan Lal Panwar, Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia and Gharaunda MLA Harvinder Kalyan were part of the programme before the agitating farmers took control of the venue. The programme was cancelled due to an unruly act by farmers at the behest of BKU leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, BJP leader Raman Mallik said. Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the chief minister's visit to the village where he was to speak to people to highlight the benefits of the new farm laws. Director General of Police (Crime) Muhammad Akil was also present at the spot. The protesting farmers earlier carried black flags and shouted slogans against the BJP-led government as they attempted to march towards Kaimla village. Police had put up barricades at the entry points of the village to prevent the protesters from reaching the programme venue. However, the farmers crossed the barricade put up at Gharaunda on the Kaimla road. The police had also parked several trucks carrying sand at one of the roads to prevent the farmers from entering Kaimla village. Karnal Superintendent of Police Ganga Ram Punia also tried to pacify the agitators, but in vain. All the farmers are here to whom the CM sahib' intends to explain the farm laws. We will not allow the government to hold this programme, a protestor said. The farmers lambasted the Khattar-led dispensation in the state, saying it was holding a programme on the central farm laws at this point of time when farmers across the country have been protesting against the same. The government is trying to rub salt into our wounds with this kisan mahapanchayat' programme, another protester added. Some local villagers and BJP workers also had a face-off with the protesters after the latter reached the venue. The policemen, who tried to pacify the agitating farmers, had also used mild cane charge to disperse them. Reacting to the incident, Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the government should avoid confrontation with the protesting farmers. "Farmers have certain apprehensions over the new farm Acts, the government should rather repeal these Acts as desired by the peasantry and avoid confrontation with them by holding functions like the mahapanchayat," he said. The former CM reiterated his demand of convening an emergent session of the state assembly. "This government has lost the faith of its legislators and people. The Congress wants to bring a no confidence motion against the Khattar government," he said. Haryana Congress chief Kumari Selja said the mahapanchayat convened by Khattar did not get support from the people. "The government had lost trust of the people," she said. AICC general secretary Randeep singh Surjewala said the proposed mahapanchayat was a "government sponsored" event which has been shown "its true picture" by the protesters. Meanwhile, a purported video of Haryana BKU chief Gurnam Singh Charuni making an appeal to end the arrogance of the CM by not allowing him to address the mahapanchayat circulated on social media. Notably, on January 6, the BKU (Charuni) had threatened that they would oppose the 'kisan mahapanchayat' programme. Besides addressing the programme, the Haryana CM was also supposed to announce development works worth Rs 47 crore for Karnal. (With PTI inputs) A second Republican senator has called for President Donald Trump to step down in the wake of the Capitol rioting this past week. This time its Sen. Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania. Hes calling on Trump to resign for what Toomey says would be the good of the country after the Capitol riot that was carried out by supporters of the president. Toomey says resignation is the best path forward, the best way to get this person in the rear view mirror for us. But Toomey says hes not optimistic that Trump will step down before his term ends on Jan. 20. Toomey also says that Trumps role in encouraging the riot is an impeachable offense. Toomey is the second GOP senator to call for Trump to step down, joining Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Trump supporters who were angry over his loss to Democratic President-elect Joe Biden stormed the Capitol on Wednesday. Five people were killed. Toomey was interviewed Sunday on CNNs State of the Union and NBCs Meet the Press Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Housing and construction projects outside urban markets are staring at a slowdown for a few months with dealers and buyers reporting a shortage of long steel products, such as rods, bars and wires. Construction steel, mostly produced by small, secondary steel mills scattered across the southern and eastern regions, has been in short supply as many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) struggle to emerge from the effects of the pandemic on labour and capital as well as sky-high iron-ore prices. The key reason for the shortage appears to be linked to a scarcity of iron ore in the local market. NMDC Ltd, the state-run primary ore miner that steel mills depend on, raised the price of iron ore lumps from 1,960 a tonne in June to 4,610 in December, a 135% increase over six months. Meanwhile, NMDCs average monthly iron ore production declined 27% from a year earlier during April-November to 13.81 tonnes. About 1.6 tonnes of iron ore are required to produce a tonne of steel. Iron ore prices are moving in tandem with the global trend, which is rising to meet Chinas stimulus-driven appetite for steel. This has prompted miners across the world, including in India, to increase their steel exports. In India, construction steel producers, who are mostly medium-sized enterprises making unbranded TMT (thermo-mechanical treatment) bars and rebars at plants of under 2 million tonnes per annum capacity, are unable to keep up with the rising input costs as they do not have the pricing power to pass on the increase in prices to their customers. R.K. Goyal, managing director, Kalyani Steel and vice-president of Karnataka Iron and Steel Manufacturers Association, said while flat steel firms have been able to negotiate higher prices from customers, particularly automakers, long steel suppliers havent been able to do so. We havent had a price hike in three months from auto OEMs (original equipment makers). With iron ore prices going up and no increase in the selling price of steel, smaller mills are choosing not to produce as much. There has been no corresponding increase in steel price to make up for rising input costs." Rolling mills used to produce 45% of total long steel, but now they are able to produce 30-32% of market demand," V.R. Sharma, managing director, Jindal Steel and Power Ltd, told Mint. Most large players like us are running at full capacity; we used to produce 55% of market demand, now thats gone up to as much as 60%. Larger players cannot produce more." Analysts say the shortage is being felt acutely in non-urban markets, where large integrated steel mills do not have a marketing presence, and where building projects may be delayed. The secondary steel mills will be able to return to normalcy once iron ore prices begin to cool, Arnab Hazra, deputy secretary general, Indian Steel Association, told Mint. I believe in four to six months, the effects of the Chinese stimulus will wear off, Brazilian iron ore supply will normalise and Odishas mining production will improve substantially. Subsequently iron ore availability as well as prices internationally and in the domestic market will cool down. This will benefit the entire steel industry, especially the secondary steel makers." Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Amid the opposition suspecting the safety of Bharat Biotech's indigenous vaccine Covaxin, Ecuador's Envoy to India Hector Cueva Jacome on Friday took the first shot of Covaxin stated that Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute are good companies. The envoy revealed that he consulted with researchers in the United States and Ecuador before participating part in the trials. While speaking with ANI, Ecuador's Envoy said, "Before undergoing trials, I met a lot of researchers who are friends from the United States, Ecuador, and India and they said that it is a convenient and safe vaccine." "I participated in medical trials for Covaxin. I went with my wife to Rohtak. I did research on the vaccine. Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute are very good companies. In 28 days I need to get a second injection and then wait for 14 days," Hector Jacome added. Speaking highly of India's fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, Jacome said India is managing well while adding that 97 per cent of the cases in India have already recovered. "India has 11 million cases. Yes, you're the second-highest contributor of cases around the world but we need to see all numbers behind this 11 million. 97 per cent of the cases in India have already recovered. India is managing well, numbers are saying that" he said. He added that it is not his opinion but the numbers say so as compared to the numbers of western countries which are still grappling with the pandemic. "In the western media, they also have big numbers. The number of cases. ...I am not telling you that India is managing well, it's the number that is saying." "We need to understand that vaccine is part of the solution and not the solution alone," he said. "Here in India you have two great companies (Biotech and Serum Institute) and you are already producing more than 30 per cent of the total vaccines used all over the world," he added. READ | Bharat Biotech Applies For Phase-1 Trial Of Nasal Vaccine For COVID, DCGI Yet To Respond READ | Bharat Biotech & SII Issue Joint Statement; Pledge Global Access To COVID-19 Vaccines Politics over the vaccines Soon after the DCGI granted approval to two vaccines Covaxin and Covishield, politics over the vaccines began as Congress and Samajwadi Party raised suspicion over the safety of the vaccine. While Samajwadi Party Chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav called it a BJP vaccine and refused to get himself inoculated, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Shashi Tharoor also raised apprehension on the safety of the vaccine. Responding to the harsh reactions, Bharat Biotech CMD Dr Krishna Ella gave assurance about the safety of COVAXIN. While addressing virtually, he explained in detail the process of the clinical trials and the data available in the public domain regarding COVAXIN. Comparing COVAXIN's publications to the other vaccines developed by Moderna, Pfizer, Dr Ella said that they were not inferior in any manner. "We have tremendous experience in vaccines - touching 123 vaccines globally. Many people accused me of clinical trials only in India. We did it in various countries. In 8-10 months vaccine developed in India. Now that vaccine is being politicized, I want to state very clearly that none of my family members is associated with any political party," he said. All our samples have been verified by NIV Pune, using the double-blind method. We have published five journals on our vaccine, which is available in the public domain. We are no way inferior to Moderna or Pfizer in terms of our vaccine," he said. (With ANI inputs) READ | Javadekar Claps Back At Jairam's Remark On Covaxin: 'Congress Now Doubting Vaccines Too' READ | Bharat Biotech Chief Assures COVAXIN's Safety; Promises 'Phase-3 Efficacy Data By March' 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. Scores of fans of superstar Rajinikanth staged a protest here on Sunday demanding the veteran actor to take the political plunge, days after he had ruled out joining politics. A good number of protesters converged at Valluvar Kottam here and raised slogans such as "Vaa Thalaiva Vaa" (Come leader come), urging him to embark on his political journey as assured earlier and usher in a new era in Tamil Nadu politics. The Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), initially seen as a precursor organisation of the veteran's possible political party, had earlier asked its members and the actor's fans not to join the agitation and "further hurt" him, pointing out that he had decided against joining politics citing his frail health. On Sunday, scores of fans from different parts of the state wished him good health at the agitation and also demanded that he should join politics. They were seen carrying posters of the actor, even as hit songs from some of his movies were played there. Rajinikanth had in December last year said he would float his political party in January 2021, following up on his 2017 announcement that he will take the political plunge ahead of this year's Assembly polls. However, on December 29, making a U-turn, the superstar declared that he will not enter politics in view of his frail health, putting an end to his long-nurtured plans and describing his recent hospitalisation in Hyderabad during a shoot for a Tamil film as God's warning. The decision had disappointed many of his fans, with some of them staging a protest outside his residence here that day itself, demanding for a re-think of his decision. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. As many Black residents in Mississippi remain doubtful about the benefits of taking a COVID-19 vaccine when available, more Black doctors are pushing for them to reconsider by getting immunized themselves. A group of five Black doctors received their first injection of Modernas COVID-19 vaccine during an event in Jackson Tuesday. Dr. Andrea Phillips, a group member and a Jackson physician for more than 30 years, said proving to the community that the vaccine is safe and important as it reaches more of the general population. Were trying to encourage, inspire and create some trust in the vaccine among our patients, she said. Were coming together to show that we trust this process and we think this is the best way for us to get out of this pandemic. According to a new Millsaps College/Chism Strategies survey, Black residents are among the most likely to get the vaccine when it becomes available. But Phillips said only 40% of her Black patients said theyre considering whether to take it. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health shows that as of Tuesday, 4,644 Black residents have received their first of two vaccinations, just 18% of the total number of people to receive it in the state. But Mississippi has more than 1.1 million Black residents that account for 37.8% of its population, according to 2019 estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The need to provide more proof of safety for the Black community comes from its troubled history with the health care system, Phillips said. Many residents are wary because of general mistreatment and inferior care several members of the community have received, she said. This is a societal issue and people of color, particularly African-Americans, have been treated horribly and the status or level of income doesnt make a lot of difference, Phillips said. A recent example is the case of Dr. Susan Moore, a Black doctor from Indiana who died after being admitted to the hospital due to COVID-19 in December. Moore accused doctors at the Indiana University North Health Hospital in Carmel, Ind., of not providing helpful treatment in a widely-circulated Facebook video. She was discharged by that hospital on Dec. 7, only to be readmitted to a different Carmel hospital hours later when she failed to respond to after-care calls. She died on Dec. 20 while still hospitalized. Studies such as The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male commonly known as the Tuskegee Experiment have also bred distrust in the community. Conducted by the United States Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in conjunction with Tuskegee University, the study followed 600 Black Alabama sharecroppers beginning in 1932 to observe the natural progression of untreated syphilis. But the 399 men who were infected with the virus were never told of their diagnosis. Despite being promised free health care from the federal government as an incentive for participating in the study, the men were instead given placebos and diagnostic procedures disguised as treatments. The study, which was originally supposed to stop after six months, ended 40 years later when it was exposed to the press. In total, 128 of the participants died directly from syphilis or complications from the virus, despite effective treatment being publicly available as early as 1947. One medical journal cited it as the most infamous biomedical research study in U.S. history. President Bill Clinton formally apologized to the families of the victims on behalf of the U.S. government in 1997, calling the study shameful and racist. Phillips, the Jackson physician, said she hopes that patients who are seeing the doctors they have come to trust will make a change and help them reconsider their decision on taking the vaccine. The trust ... is why well be successful in getting people to look at this vaccine in a different way. Kathmandu, Jan 10 : Ahead of crucial Nepal-India Foreign Minister level talks that are likely to focus on seeking long-term solution of the boundary dispute, Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Sunday said they will retrieve the Nepali territories of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh which have long been occupied by India. Addressing the National Assembly, he said that one of the prime items on the agenda of Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali on his India visit is the boundary dispute. Gyawali is visiting India on January 14 at the invitation of his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar to participate in sixth Nepal-India Joint Commission meeting at the Foreign Minister level. As per the Sugauli Treaty, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh are located east of the Mahakali River and belong to Nepal, Oli said. "We will hold diplomatic talks with India and our Foreign Minister is also going to India," he said. "Today, we are facing difficulties to get back our land because Nepali rulers never made efforts to reclaim Nepali territories after Indian military forces started to station there following the India-China war in 1962. After the India-China war, an Indian army battalion is stationed in Kalapani that Nepal has been claiming as its territory," he said. According to Oli, a notable initiative was made to solve problems in the relations with India by holding comprehensive dialogue. "Some had said the relations with India would be strained when a new map was issued by incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani as Nepali land but it did not happen. "Now, the discussion with India is held on the basis of friendship. Nepali land will be retrieved at any cost," he stressed while addressing the seventh session of the parliament. He also said that ties with China are developing in a positive way. Oli said that road connection with China is improving, a new tunnel to connect Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China is underway and "we are fairly doing well to improve ties with both neighbours, India and China". Oli, who rose on a nationalist plank in 2016 after India imposed a blockade, got over 63 per cent vote in the 2017 elections. After not getting enough support from his Nepal Communist Party, he dissolved the House of Representatives on December 20 and recommended snap polls be held on April 30 and May 10. But his decision to dissolve the house and hold fresh polls has been challenged in the Supreme Court and the hearing is going on. Oli's decision to dissolve the house has sharply divided opinions inside Nepal and his own party, Nepal Communist Party is on the verge of split. A case is pending at the Elections Commission. Rival factions, led by former Prime Ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda and Madhav Kumar Nepal, have challenged Oli's decision to dissolve the house and have been exercising as a separate political party since December 21 by forming their own central committee and party standing committee. With over 50,000 Indian troops are deployed in Eastern Ladakh to fight against China , the Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO ) has developed multiple products such the Him-Taapak heating devices and snow melters to help the soldiers fight the enemy in form of the extremely low temperatures. The Him Tapak space heating device (Bukhari) has been developed for the Indian Army deployed in Eastern Ladakh, Siachen and high altitude areas and it has placed an order of more than 420 crores for these appliances, DRDO's Defence Institute for Physiology and Allied Sciences Director Dr Rajeev Varshney told ANI here. He said device will ensure that there are no deaths of jawans due to backblast and carbon monoxide poisoning. DIPAS, which conducts physiological and biomedical research to improve human performance in extreme and wartime environment has also developed 'Alocal cream' that helps in preventing frostbite chilblains and other cold injuries to soldiers deployed in extremely cold areas. It has also developed a 'flexible water bottle' and 'Solar Snow Melter' to address the issue of drinking water problems in freezing temperatures. Dr Varshney said that the Army has placed orders worth 420 crores to the manufacturers of 'Him Taapak'. "The Indian Army has placed orders worth 420 crores to the manufacturers of this device and they would be deployed in all new habitats of Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), where the temperature is low," Varshney said. He said the new heating device has three improvements from the earlier devices developed by DIPAS. "We have developed one improved space heating device named Bukhari. It has three improvements. First is oil consumption in this device is almost half and as per our calculation, we will be able to save almost 3,650 crore in a year. Very soon it will be deployed all the deployment point of Army," he said. "Second, at high altitude, the speed of the wind is also high. With that speed, there is a backblast. With this design, there is no backblast. Even if some air is coming to this, the device has three horizontal double-layered plates which can cut the air, so there be no blast. It is a blast-proof Bukhari. The third is that the device is 6 litres capacity device, and combustion is 100 per cent. So, there is no chance that it will produce carbon monoxide and other hazardous gas," he added. Commenting upon the 'Alocal cream', Dr Varshney said, "DRDO-developed 'Alocal cream' that helps in preventing frostbite, chilblains and other cold injuries to soldiers deployed in extremely cold areas. Every year, Indian Army orders 3 to 3.5 lakh jars of this cream for troops in Eastern Ladakh, Siachen and other areas. Recently we got order of 2 crore jars from Northern command." Varshney said the 'flexible water bottle' developed by DIPAS can withstand temperature from minus 50 to 100 degree and the water inside the bottle won't freeze due to cold, if it is stored in liquid form. "We have developed a flexible water bottle which has integrated detachable water filter into this. This can withstand temperature from minus 50 to 100-degree. The water in it will not freeze. You can remove the filter and you can use the bottle simply. It would not freeze. We have received an order for 400 bottles from CRPF," he said. Satish Chouhan, a scientist at DRDO explained about the functioning of 'Solar Snow Melter'. "To address the issue of drinking water problems in freezing temperatures in Eastern Ladakh and other similar areas, we provided Solar Snow Melter for trials at Siachen, Khardungla and Tawang areas. Equipment can provide 5-7 ltr of drinking water every hour," he said. "It works on solar energy. The device tracking solar energy and use the energy to melt the snow and water is stored up to minus 40-degree centigrade in a five-litre water tank attached with the device. They can take water by using the tap attached in the tank. It is cost-effective," he added. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. OPPO released a Lite version of its Find X2 flagship in 2020. Now, Evan Blass asserts that this phone is getting a successor. However, fans of the OEM might find it eerily familiar on its launch, as it will not be a brand-new device, but a renamed Reno5 5G. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 5G , Accessory , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker The OPPO Find X3 may have been spotted tearing up benchmarks in new leaks ahead of its launch. Now, the prolific leaker Evan Blass claims that it is to follow its predecessor in having a Lite variant in its series. This prospect led to an admittedly underwhelmed reception here on NBC in 2020. However, it looks like the putative X3 Lite has what it takes to meet with more approval. Its previous generation was in fact a re-brand of the low-impact Reno Youth Edition for markets such as Europe. However, Blass asserts that OPPO has had a re-think for 2021, and will make the full-on vanilla Reno5 variant the Find X3 Lite instead. With its quad 64MP camera, 6.4-inch 90Hz AMOLED display and Snapdragon 765G processor, its potential re-badging has the makings of good news indeed. On the other hand, the same SoC may seem a little worn out by the time such a device launches later this year. Furthermore, Blass hints that OPPO will also launch a replacement for the Find X2 Neo alongside the upcoming "Lite". This may imply scope for that phone being the Dimensity 1000+-powered Reno5 Pro. On the other hand, these phones will reportedly launch under their original names in some markets such as Thailand, which may make their global roll-out a little confusing. Then again, there may be some small differences between each regional variant: for example, the 5 is now said to drop its Reno Glow branding in order to become the Find X3 Lite. Like many political journalists, Ive worked in the nations capital and have returned periodically during a quarter-century of covering Louisiana politics from New Orleans. After all those years, Ive never stopped feeling a sense a reverence at the sight of the Capitol dome or during a visit to the complex where Congress does its work. One more of my more recent trips, at the dawn of the Trump presidency, U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson, gave me a tour of his offices. Republicans still held the majority in the House then, so Scalises title was majority whip, the third-ranking spot behind House Speaker Paul Ryan and Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. The post entitled him to some extremely sweet digs. Scalise showed me the window desk he had installed so he could gaze down the National Mall at the Lincoln Memorial, and the spot outside his hideaway office where Abraham Lincoln sat as a junior member of Congress. He showed me the trap door to a tunnel the British were said to have used when they raided the Capitol during the War of 1812, the sort of event that, just a few short years ago, felt thankfully consigned to the distant past. I know Scalise felt the same reverence I did, because he told me that day. We talked about how far hed come when we first met, during his first term as a Louisiana legislator, too junior to have an office at all beyond his desk in the House chamber. He called his current office a living museum. It sickens me to think that the marauders who easily pushed past the Capitol police Wednesday, armed with cellphones, Confederate flags and in some cases much, much worse, are now part of the same history. Blood was shed, innocent people were terrorized, and our elected leaders, including those in direct line of succession for the presidency, were put in harms way. The word disgrace doesnt begin to cover it. One of the true horrors is that they felt invited, that they were told by President Donald Trump that the work being done by Congress that day the sacred task of enacting the democratic will of the voters and certifying the winner of a presidential election was illegitimate. Just as dismaying was that so many Congressional Republicans, up to and including Scalise and most of his fellow Louisiana GOP lawmakers, had echoed that message. Scalise and the others decried the violence, of course, and I dont at all doubt they meant it. But when this terrible chapter in American history is over, I hope they at least pause to reflect on how they helped create the atmosphere for what happened last week. To varying extents, most of them U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-Madisonville, and U.S. Reps. Mike Johnson, R-Benton, Clay Higgins, R-Lafayette, and Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge all cast doubt on the certification of Joe Biden as the next president, despite his clear, decisive and extensively litigated win, and despite the absolute absence of evidence of the kind of shenanigans Trump insisted cause the election to be stolen. All but Graves did so before the insurrection. And amazingly, during the vote to certify individual state results after the breach, all continued to cast doubt on the outcome by suggesting that the votes from Arizona, Pennsylvania or both shouldnt count. In effect, they defiled the ceremonial function of ratifying the election by playing political games, even after the cost of doing so had become undeniable. Scalises actions were particularly disturbing. Having survived a near-fatal assassination attempt, he more than anyone understands the danger of giving the wrong person the wrong idea. And as a member of the leadership, he played a big role in making denial the position of the Republican Party, rather than just an angry fringe. With now-Minority Leader McCarthy also on board, it fell to the third-ranking Republican, U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, to speak up for the rule of law and the importance of supporting a peaceful transition of power. Theres one more reason Scalise should have known better: When the Democrats took over following the 2018 election, it meant that Scalise had to vacate his sweet Capitol offices and replace the majority in his title with minority. He did so willingly, and without whining that it was unfair or that it somehow disenfranchised the minority of districts that chose Republicans. The "Lincoln Room" near the 16th president's old seat passed into the temporary custody of the new majority whip, Democrat Jim Clyburn, just as the White House will soon be Bidens home. Thats how you show reverence for government buildings and the work that happens there. You abide by the will of the voters, when you like their choices and much more importantly, even when you dont. NOBODY wants to hear I told you so, and when people wonder aloud about how we got ourselves into this predicament as theyve being doing a lot lately I think about the way some of us have been behaving. Two of the three incidents below I witnessed directly; the third I heard about through a reliable source. A funeral took place on the outskirts of a large Cork town a few days after Christmas. We did not attend, but as we drove past the town graveyard, we noticed that, as per the required Covid-19 safety protocols, there was only a small clutch of mourners inside. Outside the cemetery wall, however, it was a different matter. Despite the increasingly fervent pleas at that time from both the government and NPHET to remain at home and avoid social contact, there was a substantial and very sociable crowd there, several people deep. Men and women of all ages were shoulder-to-shoulder and face-to-face, inevitably spraying potentially virus-laden water droplets into each others faces. There was no social distancing. No-one was wearing a mask. Earlier that same day, and in this same town, we had visited a large supermarket to do our shopping. I noticed a number of lone male shoppers going in ahead of me and looked on aghast as each man pushed his trolley right through the lobby and into the main food aisles, entirely ignoring the sanitising equipment on offer. Not one of them stopped to squirt the free hand sanitiser onto their palms. Not one of them paused to spray the handle of their trolley and wipe it down with a sheet from the nearby roll of blue paper as so many other (mostly female) shoppers were doing. We all know how easy it is to pick up the virus from handling something such as a shopping trolley handle, which has been contaminated by somebody who may have no symptoms and not even know they are positive. Which, of course, is why were all supposed to sanitise all the time. The third and last incident was simply reported to me by an outraged acquaintance. A middle-aged man from a different rural town invited a very large group of people family, friends and neighbours to celebrate a landmark birthday with him at a time when positive cases were rising fast. Although many people didnt go, were told that a good few did attend. And, Im told, a number of these guests went down with Covid afterwards. Many people blame younger adults and with some justification for the unprecedented spread of the virus after the country opened for Christmas. However, in none of the three potentially super-spreader incidents I have detailed here, were young millennials implicated. It was the older generation each time. There is no doubt that many teenagers and twenty- and thirty-somethings have failed to take the virus seriously in the past nine months since this all began, but as these incidents show, this indifference to the spread of Covid is not restricted to them. One GP who reported that her practice was experiencing a 50% positivity rate also revealed that there had been a big surge in requests for tests prior to Christmas. She added that she had advised people to self-isolate for 14 days and, incredibly, had been accused of spoiling their Christmas. Theres usually a two-week lag between people testing positive and needing hospitalisation. This means that, because the numbers having tests is continuing to rise, the number of positive cases (in this doctors case, her practice was recording a 50% positivity level) will all spiral. By the middle of this week, hospitalisations were already surging to extremely worrying levels and theres now a justifiable fear that if we dont get a grip, and fast, the whole Covid thing could potentially become unmanageable. So we are where we are. Some of us didnt think enough, or care enough or pay sufficient attention to take the correct precautions, and now were all paying the price. We dont know yet how high that price will be or what form it will take. But some things are certain our hospital system is already creaking under the pressure as another major surge looms, and then there is the problem of childcare. One affects the other, which is something that our many male policy-makers should be thinking about. In Ireland, it usually falls to women to take the responsibility for childcare and to stay out of work when theres a problem. And the vast majority of health care workers and these are essential workers are women. So whats going to happen? Has the government thought through all or even any of this? Has it done anything to nail down roles for the 73,000 or so qualified healthcare personnel who answered Irelands call in the battle against Covid last March and April? Only a few hundred of these, as far as I know, were ever actually recruited. Irish doctors and nurses living as far away as Australia and New Zealand returned home to help with the biggest health crisis this state every experienced and after arriving back to answer to the call, most of them were just left hanging there. Whats being done about getting these experts assimilated into the system at a time when infections are reaching terrifying levels, when the crucial vaccination programme has to be rolled out, and when so many staff on our wards are falling ill and need to be replaced or forced to stay home because the schools are closed? Or is that all simply just too much to ask in terms of efficiency, organisation and the pragmatic use of available resources? Year after year, Charlestons tourism industry has been able to count on a swell of visitor spending as winter tilts toward spring, fueled by a string of special events. It starts early in February with the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the unofficial season opener for the market's visitor sector. The three-day event attracts thousands of out-of-towners who book hotel rooms, dine at local restaurants and shop at downtown retail stores. After whats usually a slow January, SEWE brings the industry a jolt of spending. From there, the business builds like a crescendo, said Daniel Guttentag, director of the College of Charlestons Office of Tourism Analysis. Adding to the momentum from SEWE, Charlestons popular Wine + Food festival usually comes next in early March, followed by the annual Cooper River Bridge Run race a few weeks later. Thats not how things will go this year not by a longshot as the state continues to see its highest rates of positive COVID-19 test results since the pandemic began. Two of the city's marquee events have been canceled entirely, and one was postponed until the fall. Wine + Food was the first to call off its 2021 festivities. Its organizers made the call in August to forego the event, citing the ongoing pandemic and the challenges of planning a soiree of that size amid such uncertainty. In late December, the Bridge Run, scheduled for March 27, was moved to a date in September. Smaller but still substantial events, like the Lowcountry Oyster Festival thats usually hosted in January, have been called off or postponed as hosts acknowledge the dangers of gathering large groups when the spread of the coronavirus is not under control in the Palmetto State. Up until last week, Charleston was still expected to host its tourism kickoff. SEWE was set to move forward at about 25 percent of its usual capacity. But organizers announced Tuesday that what would have been the 39th annual wildlife expo was off. Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! Together, the canceled events add up to tens of million of dollars in economic impact the sector will lose out on this year, on top of weekly losses the industry is logging compared to pre-pandemic tourism numbers. Hosting blockbuster events early in the year puts heads in beds before the regions traditional busy season kicks into high gear. A survey of attendees at the 2020 Wine + Food festival found that slightly less than half of them traveled from outside the Charleston area, and the vast majority of them, 88 percent, said the event was their primary reason for coming to the Holy City. They stayed an average of just over three nights and spent about $1,064 per visitor, according to the responses. The College of Charleston's annual report on the event measured a nearly $20 million economic impact from Wine + Food over five days. SEWE has most recently cited its value to the local economy at $50 million. More than 40,000 people come out for the wildlife art-inspired event, and their direct spending added up to $16.4 million in 2019. And throughout SEWE weekend last year one of the last bright spots for Lowcountry tourism before the pandemic reached the region Charleston-area hotels filled 86 percent of their rooms. The weekends before and after, occupancy rates were about 10 percent lower, according to the figures the College of Charleston tracks. Wine + Food usually generates a similar boost in occupancy, but that wasnt the case last year. The first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina were reported March 6, two days after the event had begun. Since that week was the first that the Charleston area started to see an impact on its hotel figures, the usual food festival-induced jump didnt occur, Guttentag said. Charleston isnt alone in striking its biggest spring visitor draws from the calendar. Savannah announced last week it has canceled its mammoth St. Patrick's Day festivities for the second year in a row. India's Future Group expects swift regulatory approval of its $3.4 billion deal to sell its retail assets, its chief executive said, even as its warring business partner Amazon.com Inc intensifies efforts to block the deal. Future and Amazon are at loggerheads over the Indian group's August deal with Reliance Industries Ltd. The U.S. giant alleges the deal breached some of its pre-existing contracts with Future. A New Delhi court in December dismissed Future's request to restrain Amazon's repeated attempts to get authorities to stall the deal. But the judge left the ... The has reduced the security cover of Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and his family, former UP governor Ram Naik and MNS president Raj Thackeray, and withdrawn the security cover of state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil. State BJP spokesman Keshav Upadhye termed it as "vendetta politics", while former chief minister Fadnavis said this would not impact his plans to travel and meet people. However, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh rejected the opposition BJP's charge and said the security of political leaders was reviewed as per the prevailing threat perception. As per a government notification issued on January 8, Fadnavis will now get 'Y-plus security with escort', instead of the 'Z-plus' cover. The security of his wife Amruta Fadnavis and daughter Divija has been downgraded from 'Y-plus with escort' to 'X' category. Former Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik will now get 'Y' cover instead of 'Y-plus'. MNS chief Raj Thackeray's security cover has been downgraded from 'Z' to 'Y plus with escort'. The security covers of BJP leader and former CM Narayan Rane, state BJP chief Chandrakant Patil and senior party leader Sudhir Mungantiwar have been withdrawn. Rane had 'Y-plus' security. Besides, the security of state Lokayukta M L Tahiliani has been downgraded from 'Z' to 'Y'. According to sources, the 'Z-plus' security comprises a bullet-proof car, a police inspector, two assistant police inspectors, two police sub-inspectors, two escort vehicles with six constables in each, and 10 other constables at any given point of time, while the 'Z' category has a security cover of 22 personnel. The 'Y' category comprises a security cover of 11 personnel, while the 'X' category has a security cover of two personnel, the sources said. The government, as per the notification, has upgraded the security of two persons, downgraded of 11, withdrawn of 16, while 13 new people have got security cover. Prominent among the new persons to get security are Sunetra Pawar, wife of state Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Varun Sardesai, secretary of the Yuva Sena and nephew of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's wife Rashmi Thackeray. Both have been given 'X' security cover. Union minister Ramdas Athawale will get only 'wireless' instead of the 'Y-plus with escort', while central minister Raosaheb Danve's 'Y-plus' cover has been withdrawn. The government has also withdrawn the security cover of former minister Rajkumar Badole, BJP MLAs Prasad Lad and Ram Kadam, and former speaker and BJP legislator Haribhau Bagde. The state has also withdrawn the 'X' category security of former Mumbai Congress chief Kripashankar Singh, who quit the party, and BJP's former minister Shobhatai Fadnavis, an aunt of Senior advocate Ujjwal Nikam's 'Y-plus with escort' cover has been upgraded to 'Z', while film actor and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha's 'Y-plus' cover has been upgraded to 'Y-plus with escort'. The security of BJP's former minister Ashish Shelar has been downgraded from 'Y-plus' to 'Y'. State Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar and Relief and Rehabilitation minister Vijay Wadettiwar will get 'Y-plus with escort', while MLA Vaibhav Naik, who had defeated Narayan Rane in the 2014 Assembly polls, will get 'X' security cover. Current state ministers Sandeepan Bhumre, Sunil Kedar, Dilip Walse Patil and Abdul Sattar, Leader of Opposition in the Council Pravin Darekar and state Assembly's Deputy Speaker Narhari Zhirwal have been given 'Y' cover. Meanwhile, state BJP spokesman Keshav Upadhye alleged that the security of Fadnavis and other BJP leaders was downgraded out of "political vendetta". "The decision shows what kind of a mindset the government has, and it is unfortunate. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, Fadnavis was travelling to the nook and corner of the state, while Chief Minister was sitting at home," he claimed. Upadhye said Fadnavis was the first to reach Bhandara where 10 babies died in fire at a hospital on Saturday. "Even if the entire security cover is removed, he (Fadnavis) would continue to travel in the state and highlight the voice of the people," the BJP leader said. Reacting to the government's decision, Fadnavis said he had no complaints or worry. "I am a people's person and this doesn't impact my travel (schedules) to meet people," he said. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh rejected Upadhye's charge and said the decision to review the security cover of several leaders and prominent personalities has been taken as perthe threat perception, irrespectiveof political affiliations. "A committee of five senior officers was set up to review the security and take a decision as per the threat perception," he said. Deshmukh said even NCP chief Sharad Pawar, whose party is an ally of the in the state government, called him over phone, asking that his security cover be downgraded. "During the BJP's rule, Sharad Pawar and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar did not have any security. Sharad Pawar has also written a letter seeking reduction in his security," the minister said. Meanwhile, BJP leader Narayan Rane said he was given security by Mumbai police because he had a threat from terrorists. "I have no complaints. If anything happens to me, the state government is to be blamed," he said. Sudhir Mungantiwar said he was given security due to Naxal threat. "I thank the government for withdrawing my security cover. This means the Naxal threat doesn't exist. Our aim to highlight people's voice will be more stronger," 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.) Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. She's had a lavish start to 2021 after welcoming in the year with pals in Dubai. And Kelsey Stratford, who landed back in the UK on Saturday, has now revealed that she's gained some weight after enjoying 'all the food and drink' on the 'work trip'. The TOWIE star, 20, also explained how she's isolating for 10 days at her aunt's house to try and protect her disabled sister Kennedy, eight, from any Covid risk. Back to reality: Kelsey Stratford has revealed that she's gained some weight after enjoying 'all the food and drink' on her 'work trip' to Dubai over Christmas and New Year Taking to Instagram, Kelsey addressed a few questions which had been sent to her by fans. Sharing a stunning snap from her time in the UAE, she penned: 'My Covid test came back negative but I still have to isolate for 10 days. 'I was working out in Dubai with brands which I can't announce just yet... But I also had a lot of work to do at home which is why I have come back. 'I have really missed my family too! Kennedy is doing really well ATM. I haven't gone home just yet until I know I 100 per cent haven't got anything that will harm her. Home time: The TOWIE star, 20, also explained how she's isolating for 10 days at her aunt's house to try and protect her disabled sister Kennedy, eight, from any Covid risk 'So I'm staying at my aunts. Miss her sooooo much!' The brunette beauty then addressed how her time indulging during the trip as meant she's put on a few extra pounds. She continued: 'Since being out in Dubai I have gained weight from all the food & drink! So I will be doing workouts which I'll video and share with you all! I know you liked the last one. 'I hope everyones keeping well and safe during these hard times & I'm always here if anyone needs a chat or anything.' The Essex native travelled to Dubai before Tier 4 rules and the nationwide lockdown, which say travel should only be for essential reasons, were introduced. Explaining: Kelsey took to Instagram on Sunday to update her fans now that she's back in the UK after weeks spent in Dubai It is not currently a requirement for travellers leaving Dubai for the UK to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test prior to arrival in Britain however this is set to change. From Thursday, all travellers will have to provide a negative test before arriving in the UK to prevent the spread of new Covid variants. The results must be obtained less than 72 hours before departure, with 500 fines for those who flout the rules. Kelsey's return to the UK comes after her father revealed that her sister, eight-year-old Kennedy, almost died from coronavirus after it 'impacted her whole body'. Kennedy, who has genetic condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy, was released from hospital in November after battling the virus as well as sepsis. Just in time: The beauty made it back to the UK just days ahead of a new travel rule coming into effect which will see people having to provide negative COVID tests (pictured in Dubai) She's back: Kelsey shared a snap of her personalised luggage on Saturday night as she landed And speaking over a month after the ordeal, Kelsey's dad Paul opened up about the youngster's horrifying ordeal, admitting the family 'didn't know if she was going to make it.' The youngster was admitted to Great Ormond Street hospital in November, with the family fearing the worst as Kennedy fought Covid-19 and sepsis in intensive care. It's said that Kennedy, who spent thee weeks in hospital, was one the first SMA type 1 patients to fall ill with the virus. Paul told The Mirror: 'We didn't know if she was going to make it. She went through a torrid time, it literally impacted her whole body. It was awful to watch. Battle: It comes after Kelsey's father recently revealed that her sister eight-year-old Kennedy almost died from coronavirus after it 'impacted her whole body' 'The doctors told us they were changing the antibiotics they were giving her, and that it needed to work because there was nothing else they could do.' The doting father went on to add that the family are desperate for the government to make clear when high-risk children will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccines currently being rolled out, as no timetable has yet been outlined. He added: 'There are a large group of vulnerable children who will lose their lives if they catch the virus. We're not asking to jump the queue, we just need to know what's going on.' Despite her release from hospital, Kennedy still suffers from swollen kidneys and will have a scan next month to determine if there is any damage from the virus. In November, Kelsey opened up about her family's fears for Kennedy as she battled for her life in hospital. Tough time: Speaking over a month after his daughter's arrival home, Kelsey's dad Paul opened up about the youngster's horrifying ordeal, admitting they family 'didn't know if she was going to make it' In an interview with MailOnline, Kelsey spoke of her longing for Kennedy to make a full recovery, as living at her family home without her sibling was unbearable. She explained that Kennedy's condition weakens her immune system and she's spent every winter in intensive care after catching colds and even pneumonia. She said: 'I am positive she will beat it but it's never happened before to an SMA type 1 patient, they have never caught something like this so we all don't know what's going to happen. 'Kennedy has been in intensive care every winter, her entire life. But she is really struggling with Covid. We're heartbroken. 'Now she has sepsis, it makes it a lot more serious because she has that on top of Covid, which was terrible anyway.' Kelsey, who found fame on TOWIE in 2019, was forced to move out of her family home so she could continue working, while Kennedy shielded from the virus. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday released a highly personal video message condemning the attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Trump, comparing it to Nazi assaults on Jews before World War II. In the video posted to Twitter, the Austrian-born action star likened the Capitol invasion to Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass in 1938 in which Nazis burned hundreds of synagogues and plundered thousands of Jewish homes, businesses and schools. Ninety-one Jews were murdered, and 30,000 were sent to concentration camps in the turning point for the Third Reich that resulted in the Holocaust. Wednesday was the Day of the Broken Glass right here in the United States, Schwarzenegger said. Schwarzenegger, who was born two years after World War II ended, spoke of growing up in postwar Austria surrounded by broken men, including his own father, drinking away their guilt over their participation in the most evil regime in history. Not all were Nazis, he said: Many just went along step-by-step down the road. They were the people next door. He said he had never spoken publicly before about his fathers abuse. My father would come home drunk once or twice a week, and he would scream and hit us and scare my mother, which was common behavior among families in his neighborhood, Schwarzenegger said. It all started with lies, and lies, and lies, and intolerance, he said. So being from Europe I have seen firsthand how things can spin out of control. The U.S. Capitol invaders trampled the very principles on which our country was founded, Schwarzenegger said. He called fellow Republican Trump a failed leader who sought a coup by misleading people with lies. He will go down in history as the worst president ever, he said. Schwarzenegger has long been a critic of Trump. The two have sparred on social media for years, and Schwarzenegger has called for his party to move away from the president. Schwarzenegger took over from Trump as the host of The Celebrity Apprentice after Trumps 2016 election, but said he would not return after one season, citing Trumps continued involvement as executive producer. In his nearly eight-minute video Sunday, which quickly went viral, Schwarzenegger urged all Americans, regardless of party affiliation, to wish President-elect Joe Biden success in office. We stand with you today, tomorrow and forever in defense of our democracy from those who would threaten it, he said. Rob Stutzman, who was Schwarzeneggers deputy chief of staff, told The Chronicle he sent the former governor a message Sunday morning telling him hes never been prouder of him. He said that as an immigrant, Schwarzenegger has a unique perspective to share on what happened last week. Im not surprised, but I was particularly moved at how deeply he shared from his own personal story, Stuzman said. I know that part of his life is very private to him. While Schwarzenegger using his platform to reach millions of people is significant, more needs to be done to have a major impact, Stutzman said. Were going to need a lot of voices starting to sound this alarm, he said. Some lawmakers and other notable figures reacted to and retweeted Schwarzeneggers message, including Gov. Gavin Newsom, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who the FBI said was the target of a recent failed kidnap plot by an anti-government group. Schwarzenegger is Californias most recent Republican governor, first elected in 2003 after the recall of Democratic Gov. Gray Davis. He served the remainder of Davis term, was re-elected in 2006 and served through 2011, when he was prevented by the states constitution from seeking another term. The siege on the U.S. Capitol last Wednesday took place while lawmakers convened to debate and certify the Electoral College votes that ultimately cemented Bidens presidency. Since the election, President Trump has alleged widespread voter fraud, but he has produced no evidence supporting his claims, and courts have rejected dozens of lawsuits by Trump and his allies seeking to overturn the election results. The morning of the riot, Trump held a rally near the White House to protest the presidential certification and called on thousands of supporters who had shown up to stand up for whats right. They descended on the Capitol and dozens stormed into the building, breaking windows and vandalizing property as lawmakers, including Vice President Mike Pence, were rushed away to safety. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer who suffered injuries from the mob. Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KellieHwang Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that no talks is possible with India until New Delhi restores the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir. Khan said this while responding to a question about any possibility of a dialogue with New Delhi during his interactions with the representatives of the digital media in Islamabad. No talks possible with India until they restore the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir, he said We don't have adversarial relations with any country except India which is trying to destabilise Pakistan, he claimed. Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in Pakistan. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship. The relationship further dipped after India's war planes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed terorrist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed Withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir's special powers and bifurcating the state into two union territories in August last year also evoked a strong reaction from Pakistan, which has been unsuccessfully trying to rally international support against India on the Kashmir issue India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda. . Lucknow: The Congress on Wednesday attacked the Modi government over the rise in cases of crime against women and accused it of being silent on this issue. The BJP government at the Centre is running merely on publicity and no work has been done on the ground during the partys three years in power, Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged. The reality of their Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign is that it has been confined only to advertisements and sloganeering... No concrete work has been done. During 2016-17, out of the budget of Rs 100 crore, Rs 43 crore was released and only Rs five crore spent, she said. There has been a rise in cases of crimes against women, especially in states ruled by the BJP, but the Modi government has been silent on these, Chaturvedi said, adding like all the other unfulfilled promises, it has utterly failed to ensure security for women. As for the Yogi Adityanath government, it has done in two months what the Modi dispensation could not do in three years... As per some reports there has been a seven-time increase in such crimes in Uttar Pradesh in the last two months, she said. Presenting statistics, Chaturvedi said the state of education, unemployment and campaigns like Start-Up India, Stand-Up India, among others, were bad. There is anti-Dalit sentiment from Hyderabad to Saharanpur and this is both unfortunate and condemnable, the Congress spokesperson said. Also read: E-portal for women employees to file complaints against sexual harassment Also read: Kerala minister makes objectionable comments against IAS officer, women activists For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. (Newser) Gregory Michael, an obstetrician in Miami Beach, got his first dose of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccination on Dec. 18. Some two weeks later, he was dead, CBS12 reports. He was a very healthy 56 year old, wife Heidi Neckelmann writes on Facebook, adding, He was a pro vaccine advocate that is why he got it himself. Now, Michaels death is being investigated by local and state medical authorities, as well as the CDC, per the Miami Herald. Vaccine manufacturer Pfizer said it is aware of Michaels death, saying it was caused by a highly unusual clinical case of severe thrombocytopenia, a condition that decreases the bodys ability to clot blood and stop internal bleeding. story continues below We are actively investigating this case, but we dont believe at this time that there is any direct connection to the vaccine, a company spokesman tells the Herald. Darren Caprara of the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner Department tells ABC that the cause of death is still pending. A few days after getting the vaccine, spots began to appear on Michaels hands and feet, per reports. He was admitted to the ICU with a blood count well below normal ranges, the Sun-Sentinel reports. Doctors tried to raise his platelet count for two weeks to no avail, per Neckelmanns Facebook post. He got a hemorrhagic stroke caused by the lack of platelets that took his life in a matter of minutes, she writes. A Pfizer spokesman says the company is monitoring adverse reactions from the vaccine. The CDC announced Wednesday that there have been 21 cases of anaphylaxis out of some 2 million people vaccinated in the US. (Read more COVID-19 stories.) A police officer, identified as Eugene Goodman, has been hailed a hero after distracting a pro-Trump mob from the entrance to the US Senate chambers during Wednesdays riots (Twitter) A Black police officer seen diverting a pro-Trump mob away from the Senates entrance during the deadly attacks on the US Capitol has been celebrated as a hero. A video, captured by HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic, appears to show the officer strategically diverting the mob away from a corridor leading to the Senate chambers, where lawmakers were convening to certify the 2020 presidential election on Wednesday. Following a Trump stop the steal rally, hundreds of enraged white supremacists, QAnon conspiracy theorists and neo-Nazis flooded into the federal building, issuing threats to lawmakers and wreaking a path of destruction. The video clip shows the officer glancing at the entrance to the Senate chambers as a mob makes its way towards him, up the stairs. He was later identified by CNN and other news outlets as US Capitol Police (USCP) Officer Eugene Goodman. The cop then confronts the man leading the group of rioters. As the man looks towards the entrance to the Senate, Officer Goodman pushes him and appears to divert his attention. The officer continues to engage the rioter as he moves in the opposite direction from the Senate chambers. According to Mr Bobic, the video was shot at 2.14pm a minute before the chambers were sealed. Mr Bobic based this on a contemporaneous report from a Washington Post reporter who said the doors were sealed at 2.15pm. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Capitol Police did not immediately return multiple requests for comment from The Independent and has not confirmed the identity of the officer. After images of Officer Goodman facing down the white mob on his own emerged, Democratic Congressman Dean Phillips tweeted: With gratitude and reverence I salute the particular heroism of black U.S. Capitol Police officers like Officer Eugene Goodman who stared grotesque hatred directly in the eye on Wednesday and demonstrated to the world that their Black Lives Matter. Christopher J. Hale, a former Democratic nominee for Congress, posted: "Officer Eugene Goodman stopped a mob of white rioters from entering the chambers of the United States Senate. Story continues At this perilous moment in our nations history, he was the one person standing between democracy and the rule of tyrants. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The main rioter seen in the video confronting officers and clashing with security officials was identified by various media outlets as Doug Jensen, a native of Des Moines, Iowa. He was later arrested and faced five federal charges, including trespassing. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have referred to the Capitol attack as an act of domestic terror while calling for the arrests of those involved. A federal murder investigation has been opened into the death of Brian Sicknick, the USCP officer who died on Thursday due to injuries sustained while on-duty, according to Capitol Police. Officer Sicknick was responding to the riots on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol and was injured while physically engaging with protesters, the statement read. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. He returned to his division office and collapsed. He was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. At least 14 officers were injured in the violent attacks and five people died, including Officer Sicnick. The word hero does not appropriately describe officer Eugene Goodman, said Jaime Harrison, a South Carolina Democrat and former senatorial candidate, in a statement posted to Twitter. His judgment & heroism may have saved our Republic. The Democratic Coalition also wrote in a tweet: USCP Officer Eugene Goodman is his name. He is a hero and he deserves the Medal of Freedom. Period. Read More Extremists planning more violent events for Inauguration Day Arnold Schwarzenegger compares Capitol riots to Kristallnacht Melania has blood on her hands over Capitol riots, says former aide President Vladimir Putin will host talks between the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev for the first time since Russia brokered ceasefire in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Kremlin said in a statement. Azerbaijani and Armenian forces escalated a military conflict over the internationally recognised breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, geographically a part of Azerbaijan but ruled by ethnic Armenians. After three failed truce, Armenias prime minister and the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia signed a joint declaration agreeing to the cessation of all hostilities and deploying Russian peacekeepers in the conflict region. In the agreement between the two nations, Russia ordered that the territories held by the Armenian Party in the Gazakh District of the Azerbaijani Republic had to be ceded to the Azerbaijani Republic. Russian President Putin had instructed the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation which included 1,960 Russian soldiers, 90 armoured personnel carriers, and 380 military vehicles and other special equipment to be deployed along the line of control between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin Corridor. Read: Russian Peacekeepers' Base In Nagorno-Karabakh Read: Russian President Putin Warns Armenia Against Backing Out Of Nagorno-Karabakh Deal Construction of new transportation link In the truce, Russia listed the peacekeeping contingents deployment for up to 5 years to monitor the ceasefire violations between the two countries. Furthermore, the terms of the agreement stated that the Azerbaijani Republic would guarantee the safety of traffic along the Lachin Corridor of persons, vehicles, and freight in both directions and will take back the refugees returning to the Nagorno-Karabakh territory. In the fresh talks, Russia aims to remove the economic blockade in the war zone and free the transportation links in the disputed region between the western regions of the Azerbaijani Republic and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic [Azerbaijans landlocked exclave], as mentioned in the truce terms and conditions. Putin is expected to instruct the Units of the Russian Federal Security Services Border Service to guard the transport passage and all the economic and transportation links in the region following the meeting between the two nations. The agreement also listed the construction of new transportation links for connectivity of Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Read: Trump Says 'good Progress' Being Made On Armenia-Azerbaijan Deal Over Nagorno-Karabakh Read: Armenia & Azerbaijan Agree To Swap All Prisoners Captured During Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict (Image Credit: Twitter/@m_suchkov) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form David Fladd had no idea how far-reaching his personal philosophy on trout fishing would travel when he talked about it last May on a Wilmington, N.C., podcast. Fladd, a Summerville resident, commented that he had invoked his own personal slot limit for spotted seatrout, releasing any of the species that measured more than 20 inches. An official with Coastal Conservation Association North Carolina heard the podcast and that organization partnered with Eye Strike Fishing, a company founded by Fladd and Ralph Phillips that manufactures premium jig heads for freshwater and saltwater anglers, in their "Release Over 20" campaign. Within months participation has expanded all along the spotted seatrout's range. Fladd has added flounder, which are struggling throughout their range, to the initiative in 2021. "It has been an amazing response. I didn't anticipate how it would resonate with people across the entire country. People really believe in letting big fish go. Every month the response has gotten bigger and bigger," Fladd said. The program has received positive response from members of the fishing industry, who have donated merchandise so that participants can qualify for monthly prize drawings in addition to receiving decals promoting Release Over 20. Anglers qualify by registering at eyestrikefishing.com and sending a photo of the released fish. "We've been able to do monthly giveaways that average about $300 worth of items," Fladd said. "I call it rewarding conservation. If you believe in conservation, you should be rewarded. It gives people an incentive to do the right thing." Adams Outdoors has donated electronic billboards promoting Release Over 20, including several along stretches of I-26 and I-526. Fladd set 20 inches as his personal benchmark about eight years ago for no other reason than it was a nice round number. Twenty-inch trout are relatively rare fish and survivors, he pointed out. And a 20-inch trout releases more than 20 million eggs a year. If you start year zero with 1,000 trout, after four years only eight fish of that 1,000 are left and that 4-year-old fish is 20 inches. That gives you an idea of how rare that fish is. If only one of eight made it that far, why is that? Superior genetics? Is it more resistant to cold? Resistant to disease? Does it just grow faster than the other fish? Those are all genes you would want to propagate through spawning. Theyre more valuable genes to pass on. So I think its a no-brainer," he said when the program began last May. In adding flounder, Fladd pointed out that a 20-inch flounder is approximately 4 years old, and that larger flounder produce more eggs per "clutch," have more clutches and spawn longer than smaller females. "The flounder stocks have been on the decline along the east coast and SCDNR (S.C. Department of Natural Resources) has proposed a reduced creel and a closed season to the S.C. legislature, but no change in the size limits," Fladd said. "I would have loved to see an upper slot implemented, but I do realize that making more aggressive changes is political. Every flounder of legal size is female, and in my observation, almost every flounder caught of legal size is kept due to their food value. "So in the spirit of Release Over 20 I feel that by influencing anglers to implement a voluntary upper slot, we can have more breeder and trophy fish and make a more aggressive impact than the law dictates." Fladd said since the program began in mid-May there have been 1,438 trout over 20 inches released. "This represents approximately 28,780,000,000 eggs (28.78 billion) released annually containing 'survivor' genes, instead of harvested," Fladd said. "Virginia right now is the capital of big trout. I don't know why," Fladd added, noting that Virginia anglers had released 595 trout over 20 inches. South Carolina had 138 trout released. "One person submitted 55 trout over 20 inches. The second-place angler was 39, and both were from Virginia. "It's a neat thing. We've made it almost like a state competition. It's very rewarding to see." America's Boating Club Americas Boating Club Charleston will hold a boating safety class Feb. 6 at 1376 Orange Grove Road, Charleston. The class begins at 9 a.m. and ends around 4 p.m. Successful participants earn the S.C. Department of Natural Resources Boater Education Card. The cost is $25 for adults and youth 12-18 are free. Call 843-312-2876 or email lynes@tds.net. Mount Pleasant Pier Tournaments Charleston County Parks and Recreation has announced four Cast Off Fishing Tournaments that will be held at the Mount Pleasant Pier. Tournament dates are May 1, June 19, Sept. 11 and Oct. 23. Guided by President Xi Jinping's vision of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," the once heavily-polluted village saw a tourism boom, which became the main source of income for locals. HANGZHOU, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The picturesque Yucun Village in east China's Zhejiang Province, featuring buildings with traditional white walls and black tiles, colorful flower fields and exquisite lotus ponds, attracted around 1 million tourists last year, up 10 percent year on year. Thanks to the adoption of the green growth model putting President Xi Jinping's vision of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" into practice, the once heavily-polluted village in Anji County saw a tourism boom, which became the main source of income for locals. People visit Yucun Village in Anji County, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 22, 2019. (Xinhua/Tan Jin) The concept is also translated as "mountains and rivers green are mountains of silver and gold," or "two mountains" concept in short. Earlier, limestone processing for cement manufacture used to be the source of livelihood for Yucun residents. But, that came with a cost for the locals -- they had to reel under dusty air and heavy pollution. By the early 2000s, the villagers made up their minds to shut down cement factories to save the environment. Tourists take a sightseeing train to visit Lujia Village in Anji, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Tan Jin) During an inspection tour to Yucun in August 2005, Xi, the then Party chief of Zhejiang, spoke highly of the village's wise move to shut down mines, and put forward the "two mountains" concept that has now become a guiding principle in ecological progress nationwide. Yucun has adhered to that concept and pursued green development for the past 15 years. Pan Chunlin, a former driver in a local quarry, shifted to homestay business after the mine was closed. The income generated by his new venture is much higher than what he used to earn. "We are determined to stick to the ecology-based vitalization as people enjoy tangible happiness," Pan said. Chinese President Xi Jinping learns about the huge changes brought about by advancing green development, in Yucun Village of Tianhuangping Township in Anji County, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) In March 2020, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, revisited the village during his inspection tour in Zhejiang. Hailing the green economy of the village, Xi said that the concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has become the consensus and action of the whole Party and society, and emerged as an important component of the new development philosophy. "The ecological environment itself is the economy. Protecting the environment is developing productivity," he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping talks with villagers and learns about the huge changes brought about by advancing green development, in Yucun Village of Tianhuangping Township in Anji County, east China's Zhejiang Province, March 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) "We have stepped up the construction of our village after General Secretary Xi's visit in March," said Li Hui, deputy Party chief of the village. "Tourism has generated handsome income for villagers. The per-capita annual income of the village far exceeded 50,000 yuan (7,727 U.S. dollars) in 2020." Guided by Xi's concept, Anji transformed itself into a model county in environmental protection. The county is also famous for its bamboo industry and its forest coverage rate stands at more than 70 percent. Tourists have a rest at a homestay deep in the mountains of Anji County in Huzhou City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Aug. 28, 2020. (Xinhua/Weng Xinyang) In recent years, villages in Anji have increasingly tapped into the potential of technology to manage the local environment and achieve green growth. With the improved environment, local organic white tea can be sold at a price of 2,400 yuan per kg. In Lujia Village, Zhu Renyuan often shows tourists where the local white tea is planted using the phone. Scanning the QR code on the tea packet displays the real-time shot and climate index of the tea mountain. Zhu has also equipped his tea farm with various technologies to increase yields, such as soil sensors, and temperature and humidity meters, which provide automatic measurement every half hour. Data such as the meteorological index of the farm can be automatically transmitted through the internet. "Today, the tea farmers rely on the data to plant and pick tea leaves," Zhu said. "The quality and yield of white tea have both improved, and tourists are more willing to buy our pristine product." COVID-19 screening tests are now available at Toronto Pearson International Airport for incoming international travellers. COVID-19 screening pilot project launched at Canadas largest airport COVID-19 screening tests are now available at Toronto Pearson International Airport for incoming international travellers. COVID-19 screening pilot project launched at Canadas largest airport COVID-19 screening tests are now available at Toronto Pearson International Airport for incoming international travellers. COVID-19 screening pilot project launched at Canadas largest airport COVID-19 screening tests are now available at Toronto Pearson International Airport for incoming international travellers. Alexandra Miekus Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A Ontario is now offering free, voluntary COVID-19 testing to international travellers arriving and staying in the province for at least 14 days. The announcement was made at Pearson Airport, Canadas leading airport, by Premier Doug Ford. The pilot project introduced by the Government of Ontario started January 6 and aims to quickly identify and stop the spread of COVID-19 in the province. More than 60,000 international passengers arrive at Pearson Airport each week, including a large proportion of international students, temporary workers and permanent residents who are immigrating to Canada. According to a news release from the Ontario government, this pilot project will test, track and help isolate cases of COVID-19 at an early stage and is a major step forward in protecting [Canadas] borders. Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration Those who meet the eligibility requirements will be able to pre-register for the test program or register to participate when they arrive at the airport. Those who choose to take part in the pilot project will get a free self-collected PCR test and will be monitored by a health care provider, either in person or by video, when they self-administer the test. Controlled self-administered tests will be conducted in a convenient, dedicated area within the airport. Test results will be available within 48 hours on the Ontario Laboratory Information System and public health units will follow up in the event of a positive test. These tests will not exempt travellers from mandatory quarantine when they arrive. It should be noted that all international travellers arriving in or returning to Canada must meet the 14-day federal mandatory quarantine requirement, whether they test negative or positive for COVID-19. This program is in addition to the Canadian governments new measure, which came into effect on January 7, requiring travellers entering Canada to prove that they have tested negative for COVID-19 within three days of travelling and arriving in Canada. Travellers are required to organize their own pre-departure screening using the means available at their place of departure. The Province of Ontario has stated that it will continue to work with the federal government to possibly introduce a modified quarantine period for those who test negative for Covid-19. A similar screening pilot project for COVID-19 had already been launched in November at the Calgary Airport, in Alberta. According to Alberta Health, the pilot project has been successful and will continue despite new screening measures announced in recent weeks by the federal government of Canada. Canadas borders are closed to most foreign nationals until at least January 21, 2021, with a number of exemptions. Find out if youre eligible for Canadian immigration CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) may be the only politician in America who can stop the far-left agenda of the Biden/Harris administration backed by both houses of Congress. He is from a poor, rural state with an economy heavily tied to energy production. He may be the only Democrat Senator who has views that are diametrically opposed to at least some of the far-left agenda his party proposes. Manchin voted for to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to become a justice of the Supreme Court, though he opposed Amy Comey Barretts on grounds that the process was handled too quickly. He says he is opposed to packing the Supreme Court. He believes that energy independence is imperative for Americas security and that all energy sources are important in achieving that goal, including fossil fuels. He believes that the EPA has a history of overreaching regulations that have unnecessarily curtailed the US economy and reduced jobs. Senator Manchin is the current ranking member of the Senate Committee On Energy and Natural Resources. As such, he should be the chairman of that committee in the new Senate. He is also on the Appropriations Committee. Both of these committees are very powerful. However, given Manchins views on energy and the environment, it is unlikely that he can become chair of the Energy Committee unless he promises to change his views on the Green New Deal, which will be front and center in the new Congress. Likewise, given his general views, including his belief in fiscal restraint, it may be difficult for him to leverage his Appropriations appointment to favor West Virginia as he has in the past. If you look at Joe Manchins overall background and beliefs, it is hard to understand how he fits in the new Democrat Party. Of course, the party wants and needs his vote, but what do they have to give in return? About all I can see is a nice office suite. Manchin is 73 years old. His years in the Senate are numbered. He has an opportunity that few ever have. This is probably his last chance to make history and save America from disaster. Sen. Manchin could make a deal that would allow him, at least partially, to achieve his goals by holding the line against the Green New Deal that would otherwise completely devastate his state. He could trade in his worn-out Democrat affiliation and join the Republicans, allowing them to hold the Senate. He could avoid the bitter votes of VP Harris against the interests of West Virginia. What would his reward be? Chair of the Energy Committee on his terms and an Appropriations Committee that would help West Virginia. And that would be so simple a political solution, but much more is on the line as the left fully reveals its hand. The left has gone power-mad even before taking full control. Twitter permanently bans Trump. Google tries to kill Parler. Suddenly, domestic terrorism is the most important threat to America, and we need to watch out for demonstrations, but only those of conservatives. Christopher Wray must love that. Pelosi demands that the President resign or be impeached. Dominion sues Sidney Powell for a billion+, assuming that the left climate is just right. This is a totally crazed power high that goes back to the French Revolution. Kill the king and all associated. What we know is that the killers eventually killed each other. Because we know the outcome, that is why we need to destroy history and all references thereto. Only can we hide that we are on the way to a repeat. Joe, make us proud and stop this with your love of West Virginia and America. Christopher Garbacz is a former professor who lives in Mississippi. IMAGE: Joe Manchin. Pennsylvanias cyber charter schools used federal COVID-19 relief funds to purchase technology and cleaning supplies and send Target gift cards and phones to families. Many of the expenditures, revealed through Right to Know Law requests by The Sunday Times, have traditional public school educators questioning why cyber charter schools require the funding when their students already learn from home. The states cyber charter schools received $10 million in CARES Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act funding in the spring. The latest round of funding is set to quadruple their allocations, as more than $40 million could go to 12 online schools, according to estimates obtained by The Sunday Times. Its disgusting. Its just unbelievable, said Bronson Stone, superintendent of Susquehanna Community School District. The small, rural district, with a budget of $16.3 million, will pay an additional $335,000 in cyber charter tuition this year. The district used its $178,600 CARES allocation in the spring to pay for disinfectant sprayers, maintenance workers and other means to try to keep students in their classrooms. The federal funding comes as traditional public school leaders become increasingly frustrated with a perceived lack of transparency and accountability of cyber charter schools. In the last year, enrollment statewide in cyber charter schools has grown 63%, with more than 62,000 Pennsylvania students now enrolled in one of the 14 cyber schools. The states 500 school districts are expected to send the cyber schools more than $1 billion in taxpayer money this school year. The local leaders question why the state distributes the relief money using the same formula for traditional and cyber schools. The increased costs that have been brought to school districts because of the coronavirus are massive, said Valley View Superintendent Michael Boccella, Ed.D. We at Valley View and all of the other schools around us are seeing increased expenditures at the same time we are seeing decreased revenue. I dont know how the coronavirus has added any new costs to these cyber charters, but their revenues are going through the roof. Meanwhile, cyber charter school leaders defend their use of federal relief funds, saying the money supported students and families during an unprecedented public health crisis. The leader of Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, which spent $117,497 on cellphones for families and postage, said the federal funds helped the school offer additional support to students. This is not money weve gone out to seek, said CEO Brian Hayden. We provide many things for students that go beyond an education. CARES funding In the spring, schools in Pennsylvania shared $471 million in CARES funding. Traditional public schools across Northeast Pennsylvania purchased laptops, masks and cleaning supplies. A second round of federal funding, the $900 billion relief package approved by Congress last month, will provide much more to area districts. Estimates by the state, obtained by The Sunday Times, show schools could receive $1.9 billion in relief. Individual allotments will be about four times what the schools received in the spring. That means the Scranton School District could receive $16.3 million, and Wilkes-Barre Area $13.5 million. Cyber charter schools also will see their allotments quadruple. Commonwealth Charter Academy, with a family service center in Dickson City, could receive $10.3 million. Pennsylvania Cyber, with an office in Wilkes-Barre, could receive $9.5 million. The state uses a formula based on a schools federal Title I allocation, which is money directed to schools with larger populations of low-income students. Schools with more low-income students receive greater support. School leaders await guidance on permissible uses for the new money. Two cyber charter schools, 21st Century and Susq-Cyber, do not receive Title I funds and are not on the list for federal funding. CARES funding in the spring allowed schools to provide support to students, such as the cellphones or boxes of food shipped by Pennsylvania Cyber. As a growing number of students became homeless, the school needed a way to reach families by cellphone, Hayden said. Chester County-based Insight PA Cyber Charter School spent more than $57,000 on Target gift cards for students experiencing food insecurities, according to records obtained through the Right to Know Law requests. The school and others also paid for the salaries and benefits of mental health professionals to provide assistance to students and families through the pandemic. Last month, Commonwealth Charter Academy, the states largest cyber charter school, sent each family a $150 subsidy payment because of the pandemic. While the school already provides funding for internet services, the school heard from many families that they have ill family members, unexpected and increased expenses, reduced income, job losses and the need to increase internet speed and bandwidth due to additional family members working and attending school from home, all of which create a significant financial burden on families, Timothy Eller, senior vice president of outreach and government relations, wrote in an email. The additional payment, sent to 12,037 families, cost $1,805,550.Although Eller said the funding did not come directly from CARES money, superintendents quickly pointed out the money still came from taxpayers. Thats our money. Our taxes go to them, said Robert Mehalick, Crestwood superintendent. Were not able to write checks for $150. Commonwealth Charter, which could receive $10.3 million this winter, spent its first allocation of $2.5 million to help cover the salaries of additional teachers hired last spring. From March until the end of last school year, the state did not allow cyber charter schools to bill districts for the additional students enrolled. The school has not discussed how to use the additional money. I can assure you that any additional COVID funding received by CCA will be used to ensure that all CCA students continue to receive high-quality education programs and services. Those who dont think cyber charter schools need the new COVID relief funding dont understand or recognize that cyber charters are also public schools and our students deserve the same funding as students who attend district schools, Eller wrote. The cyber charter schools also had to provide students with necessary technology, and while students learn from home, most cyber charter schools have physical locations where teachers or staff work or where students can receive in-person support, according to the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools. Those schools used the money to purchase cleaning supplies and protective equipment for employees, the group stated. Part of the estimated $877,789 the Pennsylvania Distance Learning Charter School may receive could be used to administer standardized tests this spring, said Patricia Rossetti, the schools CEO. The Allegheny County-based school plans to have 38 testing locations statewide for its 1,413 students, with many of those locations hotel ballrooms where students must maintain social distance and wear masks. The whole mitigation that the districts did at the start of the school year, we would have to do that at various locations, she said. How we apply the money, I get people want to know and they deserve to know Why wouldnt our students be eligible for those funds? Growing frustration As superintendents try to find ways to reopen their schools safely or keep the doors open now, the frustrations over cyber charter schools grow. Charter schools, both cyber and brick-and-mortar, are offered at no cost to families. When students enroll, districts pay tuition based on their own per-pupil costs. Last month, The Sunday Times revealed that six of the states 14 cyber charter schools have never been audited by the state auditor general. Learning that taxpayer money is spent on $150 subsidy payments or Target gift cards adds to the frustration. Its just disturbing, said Melissa McTiernan, the superintendent in Scranton, which expects to send at least $2.6 million more to cyber charter schools this year. We continue to just beg the state for a level playing field as far as spending the money. Cyber charters dont have the costs we have. State Rep. Mike Carroll, D-118, Avoca, said the state law classifies a cyber charter school in the same way as traditional public schools. When youre doling out the CARES money or other money, public schools are public schools, he said. Its just one of the many reasons why the whole cyber charter arrangement needs to be reformed. In 2019, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed widespread charter school reform, including creating academic performance standards, establishing equitable funding and requiring charter school management companies be subject to the Right to Know Law. The state Legislature has not acted on the proposal. Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, echoed the need for reform and called the issue a major point of contention between the senates Republican majority and Democratic minority. Abington Heights Superintendent Michael Mahon, Ph.D., called the states cyber school laws the most outdated and unfair in the nation. The federal relief to cyber schools highlights the inequities already present, he said. They are not subject to the same costs. They should not be subject to the same funding, he said. We would need vastly less money if we were all virtual and didnt have to maintain our buildings and keep kids safe. George Nkencho, who died after being shot by armed gardai outside his home in Clonee on December 30, sustained six gunshot wounds and not four as previously thought, his post-mortem has found. The interim cause of death of Mr Nkencho, who had no previous convictions, was found to be two fatal gunshots to vital organs. The results of the post-mortem were made known by the Garda Siochana Ombudsman to the family on Friday. An email sent to the family by Gsoc confirmed to them "injuries noted at the post-mortem examination were that it appears that six shots were aimed at the central mass (torso) and of those shots, one went through George's arm and did not go into his chest". The email goes on to say that "the interim cause of death was two fatal gunshots, which caused damage to vital organs." A number of events leading up to George's shooting were recorded either on CCTV or by bystanders. Expand Close A sit down protest outside Blanchardstown Garda Station following the shooting dead of George Nkencho. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A sit down protest outside Blanchardstown Garda Station following the shooting dead of George Nkencho. Read More At approximately 12.15pm on Wednesday, December 30, gardai responded to reports of a public order incident involving what was described as a male, in his late twenties, armed with a knife at Hartstown Shopping Centre. Gardai said that during an incident a male staff member received facial injuries. Subsequently, a second public order incident was reported at the adjacent Post Office in the shopping centre. Uniform, unarmed gardai responded and observed Mr Nkencho in possession of a knife. According to gardai, George continued to threaten members of the public and unarmed gardai with the knife. Gardai said they then followed the male on foot and in vehicles from the Hartstown Shopping Centre towards Manorfields Drive. During this period gardai said they engaged with Mr Nkencho and encouraged him to drop the weapon. Expand Close Distraught members of George Nkenchos family at the scene. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Distraught members of George Nkenchos family at the scene. Read More Members of the Armed Support Unit then arrived at a scene in Manorfields Drive. Gardai said the Armed Support Unit were also threatened with a knife and implemented a graduated response where the use of less-lethal force options, Taser and OC (pepper) spray, were used in an effort to resolve the incident. The less-lethal use of force options were unsuccessful, a Garda statement said. At approximately 12.35pm, a member of the ASU discharged a number of shots from his official firearm shooting Mr Nkencho. Video footage of the shooting, recorded at a distance, shows George wielding what appears to be a knife and lunging at a member of the gardai as the shots rang out. Although five shots could be heard in the video it's now understood the recording started after an initial shot rang out. Mr Nkencho was treated at the scene by paramedics and transferred to Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. The incident was referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) under Section 102 of the Garda Siochana Act, 2005. The family's solicitor, Mr Phelim O'Neill, has asked Gsoc to confirm how many gardai were in attendance at the scene and how many shots in total were fired by gardai. He has also asked Gsoc to confirm whether "any of the shots entered through Mr Nkencho's back." The witness who took a widely-circulated camera-phone video of the incident has yet to be interviewed in the investigation and Mr O'Neill is appealing to that person to approach him directly "if necessary, if they are uncomfortable, for whatever reason, approaching An Garda Siochana, or Gsoc". According to the email sent to George's family, GSOC plans on examining and downloading information contained in the Taser deployed during the incident. President Trump has not ordered the flags on federal buildings to fly at half-staff in honor of Brian D. Sicknick, a police officer who was killed after trying to fend off pro-Trump loyalists during the siege at the Capitol on Wednesday. While the flags at the Capitol have been lowered, Mr. Trump has not issued a similar order for federal buildings under his control. A White House spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment. Mr. Sicknick, 42, an officer for the Capitol Police, died on Thursday from brain injuries he sustained after Trump loyalists who overtook the complex struck him in the head with a fire extinguisher, according to two law enforcement officials. Hours earlier, addressing supporters at a rally steps from the White House, Mr. Trump denounced the 2020 election as stolen from him and instructed them to march peacefully to the Capitol while also repeatedly noting that his side needed to fight. Mr. Trump has not reached out to Mr. Sicknicks family, although Vice President Mike Pence called to offer condolences, an aide to Mr. Pence said. Security forces on Sunday busted a hideout of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and arrested a militant associate in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said. Based on credible input regarding the presence of LeT militants in a hideout located in a house in Chandhara Pampore village of the south Kashmir district's Awantipora area, security forces launched a search operation early this morning, a police officer said. During the search, the hideout was unearthed in a cowshed and subsequently destroyed, he said. The militant associate of LeT, identified as Adil Ahmad Shah, a resident of Chandhara Pampore, was also arrested, he added. Incriminating material and a cache of ammunition including 26 rounds of AK-47 were recovered from the hideout, the officer said. A case has been registered in the matter, he said. The Queen is determined to 'get back to business' and will return to London for Trooping the Colour in June, according to reports. The event, held in honour of the monarch's 95th birthday, is expected to be a reunion of the Royal Family and the first major national celebration since the pandemic. According to The Sunday Times, palace aides have stated that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to attend the official event despite quitting as senior royals because it's also a 'family occasion'. The Queen is currently isolating at Windsor Castle with Prince Philip, where they both received their first Covid-19 vaccination yesterday. The Queen (pictured with Prince Philip in June 2012) is determined to 'get back to business' and will return to London for Trooping the Colour in June, according to reports This year's Trooping the Colour, held in honour of the monarch's 95th birthday, is expected to be a reunion of the Royal Family and the first major national celebration since the pandemic (pictured: the event in June 2019; from L-R, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth ll, Prince Andrew, Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex Her Majesty has not been in residence at Buckingham Palace since March last year. Last year's Trooping the Colour was massively scaled down and took place at Windsor Castle for the first time in the Queen's 68 years on the throne. A senior royal aide told the publication: 'The current plan is for the Queen's birthday parade to go ahead in London as normal, with the acceptance that it may need to be adapted or scaled back depending on what guidelines are in force at the time. 'But the aspiration and the ultimate desire is to make it happen.' This year's military parade will take place on June 12, two days after Prince Philip's 100th birthday and will be the Royal Family's first public reunion since Megxit. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who now reside at a $14.65million mansion in Santa Barbara, made their last public appearance in the UK at the Commonwealth Day service held at Westminster Abbey in March 2020. A final decision on the scale of this year's Trooping the Colour is expected to be made in the spring. It is believed the Queen and senior members of the Firm are keen to give full honours to the Army, which has been drafted in to help deliver hundreds of thousands of coronavirus vaccines. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who now reside at a $14.65million mansion in Santa Barbara, made their last public appearance in the UK at the Commonwealth Day service held at Westminster Abbey in March 2020 It is not known if Prince Andrew will attend; the Duke of York was forced to step back from his royal duties in November 2019, following a car crash Newsnight interview with Emily Maitlis about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Since then, the 60-year-old has faced a series of controversies leading sources to brand him a 'busted flush' with a 'toxic' presence. In October it was reported the eighth-in-line to the throne is working out 'how he can serve the monarchy' while he maps out a return to royal duties. Buckingham Palace, however, is said to have distanced itself from the claims, insisting there are 'no plans to review' the Duke's status. A final decision on the scale of this year's Trooping the Colour is expected to be made in the spring. Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Prince Philip, Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William, Savannah Phillips, Peter Phillips, Isla Phillips and Autumn Phillips stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Trooping the Colour parade on June 17, 2017 Last year's Trooping the Colour saw a small, brief military ceremony take place, conducted in accordance with strict social distancing guidelines. The proceedings were held in the presence of the Queen in the Quadrangle, where the Changing of the Guard is carried out when she is in official residence. Upon arrival, Her Majesty received a royal salute, followed by a set of military drills, and a musical performance by a Band of the Household Division. The ceremony was carried out by a detachment from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, whose Colour was due to be trooped at the Queen's Birthday Parade on Horse Guards. A participant in Bharat Biotech International's Covaxin clinical trial in Bhopal died after getting either a shot of the covid-19 vaccine or placebo, and the cause of his death was found to be poisoning, the company said in a statement. "As per the post-mortem report issued by the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from the Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was due to cardio respiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well," the company said. "We cannot confirm if the volunteer received the study vaccine or a placebo as the study is blinded." The death of the participant was found to be unrelated to the trial dose given to the participant in a preliminary review, despite it not being unblinded, and the death, categorised as a serious adverse event, was reported by the site team to the Institutional Ethics Committee, the Central Drugs Control Standards Organization (CDSCO) and the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) as per all the required guidelines, the company said. This SAE has been thoroughly investigated and has been found not related to vaccine or placebo," the company said, adding that it will continue to cooperate with the investigation requirements from the police in Bhopal. Bharat Biotech explained that an adverse event during a clinical trial can be caused by various factors, including the patients underlying disease, other pre-existing conditions or any other unrelated occurrence like an accident. However, the company and its researchers at the Bhopal trial site have been accused of violating clinical trial norms through enrolment of people from poor and vulnerable groups during its phase 3 trial. An activist group in working with survivors of the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal said that the trial site recruited several hundred individuals from communities situated behind the abandoned Union Carbide factory, which was the site of the Bhopal Gas tragedy, and majority of the residents there are extremely poor and illiterate. The activist group said that many of the residents were not aware that they are being recruited for a trial but were under the impression that they are getting vaccinated to protect themselves from covid-19. Some people were allegedly induced with a payment of 750, a substantial amount for poor daily wage earners. Many were neither provided with copies of the consent forms and participant information documents, nor followed up and monitored for adverse reactions, the activist group has alleged. In some cases, where individuals experienced adverse reactions that required medical attention, medical services were not provided by the trials investigators. The allegations were refuted by Bharat Biotech, which in its statement, said that the reimbursement of 750 to study participants is therefore guided by the Indian good clinical practice guidelines and approved by the sites Institutional Ethics Committees, and was not an inducement. The company also said that the informed consent form and process were followed for all participants of the Covaxin Phase III study, and they were documented and all copies are with the site. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Never miss a story! Stay connected and informed with Mint. Download our App Now!! Shoppers face a return to long queues outside supermarkets under plans for a new crackdown. Ministers tonight ordered local authorities to place limits on the number of people allowed into shops at any one time, amid fears they could become virus hotspots. Other stores deemed non-essential, or not operating in a Covid-secure way, could be shut. A Whitehall source said: There is a feeling that people have just gone back to doing whatever they want, so local authorities will work with supermarkets and other places that are open to make sure they are still Covid-secure. That could well mean a return to capacity limits. The move comes amid mounting concern that the third lockdown is not being observed nearly as closely as the first one last year. Shoppers could face queues outside supermarkets as ministers have instructed authorities to limit the number of people allowed in at one time over fears they are becoming virus hotspots Boris Johnson has so far resisted calls from scientists to tighten it even further by closing nurseries or imposing night-time curfews. But the Governments Covid Operations committee today agreed to tighten enforcement of existing rules. It was also agreed that senior medics, including the Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty and Chief Nurse Ruth May, will lead appeals for the public to comply. And ministers were finalising contingency plans to prevent individual hospitals from falling over under the pressure of Covid cases. The moves follow a warning from Professor Whitty that a number of hospitals in London and the South East are now close to the point where they may be unable to admit more patients. Non-essential shops or those not following Covid-secure guidelines may also be force to shut Plans could include using the Nightingale hospitals to take recovering patients. Professor Whitty today warned that hospitals were facing the most dangerous situation anyone can remember. The NHS is also set to allow more TV crews into hospitals to show the public the brutal reality on wards. The shock tactics are designed to give the public a massive jolt. The latest Covid figures yesterday continued to make grim reading, with another 54,940 positive cases, the 13th straight day numbers have surpassed 50,000, and a further 563 deaths recorded within 24 hours. Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned: Every time you try to flex the rules that could be fatal. Boris Johnson has so far resisted calls from scientists to tighten the lockdown even further But former minister Steve Baker, deputy chairman of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs, said: Terrorising the public has run its course and is ethically questionable. Anthony Costello, a professor of global health at UCL and a former WHO director, said that only a total clampdown would be enough to stop the virus. He said: We are in a national crisis with a pandemic out of control. Government sources yesterday played down reports that the PM has pencilled in March 23 the anniversary of the first lockdown as the date when restrictions could be eased, saying: It is much too early to speculate. A doctor who practiced around Florida had his license revoked in December for repeatedly being a one-man opioid and anxiety medication pill mill for seven patients, no matter their past or present substance abuse problems. The last of the Florida Department of Health administrative complaints against Dr. Thomas Velleff said he asked a patient for whom hed been prescribing high doses of oxycodone for a $35,000 loan. His 65-year-old patient supplied his opioid source with a cashiers check because, the complaint says, he felt obligated to provide the loan to [Velleff]. Velleff kept prescribing the patient, an obese smoker with a history of substance abuse, the oxycodone for another year. At the final Florida Board of Medicine hearing on Velleffs license, the revocation notice states, he was not present and was not represented by counsel. The facts are not in dispute. The Miami Herald left messages at two cell phone numbers for Velleff. Velleff, 71, had held his license in Florida since Aug. 26, 1983, online records say. Hed previously had been fined $10,000 for abandoning his Orange City office in 2002. Patients who needed their medical records ran into disconnected phone lines and an empty office. In May 2003, a Department of Health investigator found an office completely vacant and overgrown with weeds. Back in business The first of the administrative complaints against Velleff, filed in 2013, concerned 2008 through 2011. The complaint says during that time Velleff worked out of Nu-Me! pain management clinics at 997 E. Oakland Park Blvd. in Oakland Park and 870 SW Martin Downs Blvd., Palm City. State records say Velleff owned and operated them with Jason Thomas Velleff helping run the Palm City location. A Department of Health look at the five patients medical records showed Velleff, treated these patients for chronic pain and prescribed controlled substances to them inappropriately or in excessive or inappropriate quantities or combinations. Those substances included anxiety medications Xanax, Valium and Clonezepam and pain meds OxyContin, Roxicodone and Dilaudid and insominia drugs Dalmane and Restoril. Velleff regularly skipped exams, diagnosis and monitoring programs for these patients. Drugs prescribed and drugs used. The second administrative complaint, filed in 2015, says patient M.F., an obese smoker, once told Velleff her drugs were stolen. Another couple of times, she said she ran out of medication early. And, her drug screens kept coming back inconsistent with (her) prescribed medications. As in, negative for what she had actually been prescribed but positive for other medications. In one example, M.F. tested positive for Xanax, norbuprenorphine, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, noroxycodone, buprenorphine and THC, none of which Velleff had prescribed. Still, despite the clear signs M.F. was selling or trading drugs, Velleff prescribed 180 Dilaudid tablets, 60 Valium tablets, 60 ibuprofen tablets and 30 tablets of phentermine, a weight loss medicine. This went on at his Melbourne office from November 2009 through November 2013. The Department of Health said Velleff didnt have adequate justification for how much he prescribed nor did he maintain adequate documentation for having adequate justification for the amount of controlled substances he prescribed M.F. Asking for money after providing drugs From July 2014 through April 2016, the third administrative complaint says,S.C. saw Velleff the complaints of difficulty sleeping and chronic pain in his shoulders, neck and legs. S.C. also had excessive weight, a smoking habit and a history of substance abuse. Velleff started off prescribing 30 mg of oxycodone four times a day, then jacked it up to six times a day, then threw in a 10 mg Valium prescription to go with the oxycodone. The Department of Health called this an excessive amount of oxycodone and noted Velleffs notes provided no reason for the increase in oxycodone. Also, the prevailing standard of medical care for someone with S.C.s stew of pain prohibits mixing Valium with oxycodone. It was this patient that Velleff asked for a $35,000 loan in December 2014. ___ (c)2021 Miami Herald Visit Miami Herald at www.miamiherald.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump is expected to travel to the U.S.-Mexico border on Tuesday to highlight his administrations work on the border wall, the White House said Saturday. Trump will travel to the town of Alamo, Texas. He will mark the completion of 400 miles of border wall and his administrations efforts to reform what the White House described as the nations broken immigration system. Trumps campaign for the presidency in 2016 focused extensively on the presidents desire to construct a border wall. He also promised that Mexico would pay for the wall, but it has been paid for by U.S. taxpayers. While most of the wall went up in areas that had smaller barriers, the government has built hundreds of miles of fencing as high as 30 feet (9 meters) in a short amount of time most of it this year. The administration prioritized areas where the wall could be built more quickly, and crews have blasted hills and bulldozed sensitive habitats in national wildlife refuges and on American Indian land to do it. The visit will likely be the presidents first public appearance since he addressed supporters on Wednesday riling up a crowd that later staged a violent siege of the U.S. Capitol. He is anxious to highlight accomplishments as his presidency winds down. Meanwhile, Democrats in the House are pushing for an impeachment vote next week and are planning to formally introduce their proposal Monday with a vote possible by Wednesday. 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 Guangzhous Liwan district carried out nucleic acid tests throughout Wednesday night and Thursday in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19. The southern metropolis is under pressure to prevent imported infections, after a person was confirmed Friday to have contracted a strain of the coronavirus first found in India. The city reported three new cases, one local and two imported, on Wednesday May 27, 2021 05:09 PM Yes, Trump really did win the election, but it was stolen by last-minute, unauthorized rule changes, like flooding the system with unverified mail-in ballots, accepting them past Nov. 3 without sequestering them. Yet Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 of the Constitution says that only the state legislatures set the rules for presidential elections, not secretaries of state or election officials. If every unconstitutional and otherwise illegal vote could be miraculously removed from the total count, Trump wins in a landslide. (So Ms. Powell and her team and other teams need to keep working on exposing the fraud, and GOP state legislatures must uproot the awful computer voting system, if they do not want imperceptibly to lose elections and mysteriously see their states gradually and mysteriously go from red to light red to light blue and blue over the next twenty years or so. Do highbrow, skeptical Republicans, who pooh-pooh the bad software notion, want to risk it? Despite their disdain, these changes must be done before 2022, and certainly before 2024.) And yes, so far, the evidence suggests that overzealous Trump-supporters, a tiny fraction of one percent of the hundreds of thousands who attended the rally on Jan. 6, did get out of hand after the perfectly constitutional rally ended ("peaceably assemble," it says). However, then the left swooped in and created more chaos. Leftists did this throughout the summer in our cities. It's who they are. First chaos and then control. No one can use this incident to guilt-trip us because we supported Trump for four years. At first, I did not support him because I did not like his personality, and I thought he would turn the White House into Party Central, as JFK and Bill Clinton (two Democrats) did. But he surprised me. I was happy to see him invite so many Christian leaders (of sorts) to pray with him and counsel him. And no, I'm still not a big fan of his personality, but as time went on, I chuckled at it because it must have made the uptight contort their faces with priggish sneers. His policies were good for this country in practical matters, tweets and personality aside. He genuinely loves his country. He really cared for the little guy, bringing back jobs to the Rust Belt and taking a key constituency away from the Democrats. He followed standard conservative policies: a liberated economy (including cutting back on regulations), the right tax cuts, and a strong defense. (Yes, he should have cut the budget more aggressively, particularly before COVID, so that's a weak point). After he followed economic conservatism in large part, the economy really heated up, the best in a long time. And even his courage to stand up to the bureaucratic control tactics during the COVID over-reaction was a welcome relief. He created the Space Force. His three appointments to SCOTUS? We shall see how they adjudicate cases in the future. But at least Hillary did not appoint a different three. And he reached out sincerely to the black community, so he won 18% of the black male vote. When has a living, traditional, white Republican done that? Best of all (for me, at least), he punched the left, usually the news media, in the mouth every day. No wonder their lying about fraud and about his accomplishments over four years became so shrill and hysterical. As a class, they have turned into liars and false prophets, to use biblical phrasing. Further, his being aggressive with China was right; it really is a menace to us and other countries. The Abraham Accords are excellent. Moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was bold. He blew away an Iranian terrorist (whoever his name was) in Iraq. He renegotiated trade deals, and countries backed down when he threatened them with tariffs. Europeans caved when he said they must pay in to NATO. He opened a dialogue with North Korea. He built the wall, and it was a net gain for our country. He did surprisingly well among Hispanic voters, even in counties bordering Mexico. All in all, he was a very effective president for the GOP, but especially for a sane and safe America. He did all that, while opposition was unprecedentedly extreme and irrational. Therefore, old-school Republicans and extra-pious left-leaning Evangelicals, particularly them and the left-wing news media must stop lecturing and attempting to guilt-trip 74 million Americans about how we should never have supported him to begin with. We are not going back to their version of the GOP or Christian public piety. (We're not even clear if it would work nowadays with the left going so crazy.) We won't allow them to lead us, as if we were their stupid sheep, beneath their dignity, so they must lift us up out of some sort of moral deficiencies, to see their light. No. We're not listening to them because we have nothing to be ashamed of. Just the opposite. Going forward, our main, long-range objective, in fact, is to fight the left (and condescending elitists of any political persuasion), no matter who is in the White House from one election to the next. We the 74 million who cast legal votes shall never surrender. Please visit James Arlandson's website, where he has recently posted Matt. 5:28 and Adultery in the Heart, The Church Fulfills and Replaces the Old Testament Temple, Matt. 27:52-53 and Appearance of Holy People: Pious Fiction or Fact? Image: hansgklein via Pixabay, Pixabay License. Tata Safari is back! Tata Motors has officially announced that it will re-introduce the iconic Safari brand name in India with its upcoming flagship SUV. The seven-seater SUV, previously called Gravitas, will be launched as the new Tata Safari 2021. It is set to be launched on January 26, and bookings are already open across the country. Tata Safari was initially launched in India in 1998 and gave car lovers the first taste of SUV culture in the country. Here are 5 things that you need to know about the new Safari: Six- and seven-seater experience The SUV was first on put on display at the 2020 Auto Expo as Gravitas code name for the new Safari. It will be offered in six- and seven-seater versions of the Harrier SUV. The seven-seater version will have bench-type seat with adjustable headrests. Look and design Tata Safari 2021 will be an extended version of the Harrier. From the front, it looks similar to the Harrier SUV, the only exception being a slightly redesigned bumper in the rear. However, there is a considerable change in the roofline and space inside the SUV the height has been raised and the rear has more upright position, creating more space. The rear also includes new-look tail-lamps. In terms of length, the Safari is longer and taller than the Harrier by 63mm and 80mm, respectively. To keep the look distinct and different from the Harrier, the Safari will have the option of new colours. Engine While the Safari shares the same wheelbase as the Harrier at 2,741mm, initially it will be offered only as two-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive and electric versions are in the offing in future. When it comes to the engine, the Safari will be powered by the same 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine like Harrier. This engine can produce 170bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Interior The new Safaris dashboard design and interiors are similar to the Harrier. It will have an electrically adjustable drivers seat, 8.8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, keyless entry, sunroof and push-button start. It will also have an electronic handbrake. Price & competition Tata Safari 2021 will be priced slightly higher than the Harrier. It is likely to cost between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 21 lakh, compared to the Harriers Rs 13.48 lakh to Rs 20.30 lakh. In terms of competition, the Safari will take on the likes of the MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV500. In future, it will face competition from Hyundais 7-seater Creta, which is likely to be launched by the end of 2021. Ford, too, has plans of launching a new C-SUV. NASCA announces appointment of Brom Stibitz as president of the executive committee NASCA announces appointment of Brom Stibitz as president of the executive committee LEXINGTON, KY, January 08, 2021 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) announced the appointment of Brom Stibitz as president of the Executive Committee to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Daniel Kim of California upon his departure from state government. Stibitz previously served as vice president of the association and is Director and Chief Information Officer for the Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) for the State of Michigan. While Stibitz has been with the DTMB since 2015 as Deputy Director, in 2020 he was appointed as Director and Chief Information Officer by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. In his role, he manages operations for the agency that provides information technology, business and administrative services to Michigan's residents, businesses, state agencies, state employees and retirees. "It is an honor to serve as president of NASCA and help further our mission to transform state governments," said Stibitz. "The critical work done by our members to establish a community of government administrators that share best practices and develop operational excellence has greatly improved services for residents across the country." As vice president, Stibitz chaired NASCA's Strategic Partner Group. Under his leadership, the collaborative group of like-minded national associations thrived by offering best practices and innovative initiatives as well as partnering to ensure a collective voice for state government operations. "The global health pandemic put state Chief Administrators on the frontlines to ensure continuity of government and efficient services to citizens and I am deeply grateful to Brom for his vision and guidance to NASCA during 2020," said Pam Goins, Executive Director. "I look forward to working more closely with him and am excited to see what the future holds under his leadership." Stibitz has a deep commitment to NASCA and has actively participated in many committees and work groups. "I look forward to working with my colleagues during my tenure to make these bonds even stronger and create opportunities for increased diversity and equity throughout NASCA and our member organizations," he said. The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) is the leading organization advancing professional development and best management solutions for the administrative functions of state government. The association provides state chief administrators with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of state government administration through education, networking and information exchange on state government trends, leading edge innovations, standards and best practices. NASCA's mission is to help state chief administrators and their teams strategically transform state government operations through the power of shared knowledge and thought leadership. # # # Homeless man sought over Phuket Town building fire PHUKET: Firefighters are investigating a blaze that saw a commercial building catch fire in the heart of Phuket Town last night (Jan 9), with a homeless man using the back of the building as a shelter as the prime suspect. By Eakkapop Thongtub Sunday 10 January 2021, 12:20PM Firefighters took just 15 minutes to douse the fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Firefighters took just 15 minutes to douse the fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Firefighters took just 15 minutes to douse the fire. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Firefighters took just 15 minutes to douse the fire. Photo: PR Phuket Firefighters took just 15 minutes to douse the fire. Photo: PR Phuket Firefighters took just 15 minutes to douse the fire. Photo: PR Phuket Firefighters took just 15 minutes to douse the fire. Photo: PR Phuket Phuket City Municipality firefighters were called to the three-storey commercial building, located near the Lan Nawamin public area on Phuket Rd, at about 10:30pm. Firefighters arrived to find the back of the building covered with flames. The fire teams took just 15 minutes to douse the fire, and confirmed that no people were injured in the incident. The fire had damaged two units at the shophouse building. The cost of the damage caused by the fire has yet to be estimated. Local residents explained that no people were known to be living in the building, which was reported to be owned by the Apiwattatorn Co Ltd. The local residents said they believed the building was for sale. However, local residents also reported that a homeless man had been seen regularly using the back of the building as a shelter, where he was protected from wind and rain on three sides. It is believed that the man, estimated to be 55-60 years old, may have inadvertently started the fire by leaving a candle or lit incense unattended. Officials are continuing their efforts to locate the man for questioning. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. In this Thursday, June 18, 2020 file photo, President Donald Trump looks at his phone during a roundtable with governors on the reopening of America's small businesses, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. AP One Twitter wag joked about lights flickering on and off at the White House being Donald Trump signaling to his followers in Morse code after Twitter and Facebook squelched the president for inciting rebellion. Though deprived of his big online megaphones, Trump does have alternative options of much smaller reach. The far right-friendly Parler may be the leading candidate, though Google and Apple have both removed it from their app stores and Amazon decided to boot it off its web hosting service. That could knock it offline for a week, Parler's CEO said. Trump may launch his own platform. But that won't happen overnight, and free speech experts anticipate growing pressure on all social media platforms to curb incendiary speech as Americans take stock of Wednesday's violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol by a Trump-incited mob. Twitter ended Trump's nearly 12-year run on Friday. In shuttering his account it cited a tweet to his 89 million followers that he planned to skip President-elect Joe Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration that it said gave rioters license to converge on Washington once again. Facebook and Instagram have suspended Trump at least until Inauguration Day. Twitch and Snapchat also have disabled Trump's accounts, while Shopify took down online stores affiliated with the president and Reddit removed a Trump subgroup. Twitter also banned Trump loyalists including former national security advisor Michael Flynn in a sweeping purge of accounts promoting the QAnon conspiracy theory and the Capitol insurrection. Some had hundreds of thousands of followers. This illustration file photo taken on July 2, 2020 shows social media application logo Parler displayed on a smartphone in Arlington, Virginia. AFP-Yonhap In a statement Friday, Trump said: ''We have been negotiating with various other sites, and will have a big announcement soon, while we also look at the possibilities of building out our own platform in the near future.'' Experts had predicted Trump might pop up on Parler, a 2-year-old magnet for the far right that claims more than 12 million users and where his sons Eric and Don Jr. are already active. Parler hit headwinds, though, on Friday as Google yanked its smartphone app from its app store for allowing postings that seek ''to incite ongoing violence in the U.S.'' Apple followed suit on Saturday evening after giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to ''plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities.'' Public safety issues will need to be resolved before it is restored, Apple said. Amazon struck another blow Saturday, informing Parler it would need to look for a new web-hosting service effective midnight Sunday. It reminded Parler in a letter, first reported by Buzzfeed, that it had informed it in the past few weeks of 98 examples of posts ''that clearly encourage and incite violence'' and said the platform ''poses a very real risk to public safety.'' Parler CEO John Matze decried the punishments as ''a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the marketplace. We were too successful too fast,'' he said in a Saturday night post, saying it was possible Parler would be unavailable for up to a week ''as we rebuild from scratch.'' Earlier, Matze complained of being scapegoated. ''Standards not applied to Twitter, Facebook or even Apple themselves, apply to Parler.'' He said he ''won't cave to politically motivated companies and those authoritarians who hate free speech.'' Twitter permanently suspended President Donald Trump's personal account on Friday, January 8, 2021, "due to the risk of further incitement of violence" after an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol this week. UPI-Yonhap Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones severely limits Parler's reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. Losing Amazon Web Services will mean Parler needs to scramble to find another web host in addition to the re-engineering. Gab is another potential landing spot for Trump. But it, too, has had troubles with internet hosting. Google and Apple both booted it from their app stores in 2017 and it was left internet-homeless for a time the following year due to anti-Semitic posts attributed to the man accused of killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue. Microsoft also terminated a web-hosting contract. Online speech experts expect social media companies led by Facebook, Twitter and Google's YouTube to more vigorously police hate speech and incitement in the wake of the Capitol rebellion, as Western democracies led by Nazism-haunted Germany already do. David Kaye, a University of California-Irvine law professor and former U.N. special rapporteur on free speech believes the Parlers of the world will also face pressure from the public and law enforcement as will little-known sites where further pre-inauguration disruption is now apparently being organized. They include MeWe, Wimkin, TheDonald.win and Stormfront, according to a report released Saturday by The Alethea Group, which tracks disinformation. Kaye rejects arguments by U.S. conservatives including the president's former U.N. ambassador, Nikki Haley, that the Trump ban savaged the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from restricting free expression. ''Silencing people, not to mention the President of the US, is what happens in China not our country,'' Haley tweeted. ''It's not like the platforms' rules are draconian. People don't get caught in violations unless they do something clearly against the rules,'' said Kaye. And not just individual citizens have free speech rights. ''The companies have their freedom of speech, too.'' In these screenshots of his final tweets, Trump veered from railing against election certification to asking his supporters to remain peaceful to announcing that he would not attend President-elect Biden's inauguration on January 20. UPI-Yonhap Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) Hundreds of thousands of devotees swarmed the Quiapo area in hopes of attending mass celebrations in honor of the Black Nazarene amid the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. The number of faithful in Quiapo for the Feast of the Black Nazarene has grown to a cumulative 400,000 as of 9:30 a.m., according to an estimate by Manila Police chief Leo Francisco. Francisco has not yet updated the figure, but added it may reach half a million by midnight. As of 10:15 p.m., during the last mass of the day, the police estimated 7,800 devotees left in the Quiapo area. The "grand total" number of devotees that flocked to the place from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. of Saturday is 260,527. Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso clarified that the 400,000 count given this morning included the devotees that visited on Friday. This comes after the mayor disputed the huge estimate by going on Facebook and broadcasting live footage of the city, showing devotees lined up and observing physical distancing. "Nasaan ang 400,000? [Where is the 400,000?]," he asked. However, his broadcast came after 4 p.m. when the crowds have already thinned. Preventing a super spreader PBGEN Francisco assured that police and Manila officials are doing their best to ensure that health protocols are observed amid warnings that the Black Nazarene festivities may become a COVID-19 super spreader event. Red Cross Service Manager Von Ryan Ong identified eskinitas or narrow streets in Quiapo as the areas to monitor for possible transmission. Police have already been deployed there, Francisco said. Around 600 police officers and members of the group Hijos del Nazareno (Sons of the Black Nazarene) were earlier managing the crowd. Hijos del Nazareno is a group of people tasked to protect the "andas", the carriage bearing the image of the Black Nazarene during Traslacion. No untoward incidents have been reported so far, Manila police said. As for injuries, the Red Cross said there were only minor cases such as sprains and wounds and most of the patients only sought blood pressure checks. Volunteers treated about 120 patients so far, which is a significant dip from last year's figure of 1,600 hurt devotees, Ong said. He added that the Red Cross will continue to provide their services in the Quiapo area possibly until all devotees have gone home and they will then return the next day. The Department of Health advised that as a precaution, those who have attended the physical masses should minimize their interactions, especially with the vulnerable members of their household, and conduct active self-monitoring for any symptoms. Quiapo Church earlier asked devotees to proceed to other churches with replicas of the Black Nazarene statue. These were San Sebastian Church, Sta. Cruz Parish, and Nazarene Catholic School. Around 130 people are allowed to attend mass celebrations in San Sebastian Church, where Dungaw was traditionally held. The Dungaw tradition, which is part of the Black Nazarene festivities, depicts the moment Mary witnessed Jesus when he was carrying the cross. Moreno and health officials had also appealed to devotees to attend online masses and prevent the further spread of COVID-19. READ: Equal blessings for devotees at home and physically present in Black Nazarene feast Quiapo Church official Nakakadurog ng puso Parochial vicar Fr. Douglas Badong sympathized with the faithful who couldn't enter the Quiapo Church amid capacity limits on religious gatherings due to COVID-19 concerns. Nakakadurog lang kasi ng puso na gusto niyong pumasok, hindi naman kayo mapapasok. Kasi siyempre kailangan nating sundin (ang protocols), the Quiapo Church official said Saturday in a homily. [Translation: It is heartbreaking because even if we want to let you in, you cannot come in because we need to follow the protocols.] The Black Nazarene feast is traditionally celebrated with a grand procession called Traslacion, where millions of devotees would jostle their way to touch the carriage carrying the venerated statue as they believe doing so could bring healing, answer prayers, or lead to miracles. Jon Jon Dionisio, one of the Hijos del Nazarenos assisting in crowd control, said he became a devotee after an answered prayer from the Black Nazarene. Noong nagkasakit po 'yung asawa ko, pinalangin ko sa Poong Nazareno na kapag gumaling po 'yung asawa ko, eh maglilingkod po ako sa kanya. Yun naman po ang binigay sa akin ng mahal na Poong Hesus Nazareno, Dionisio told CNN Philippines Newsroom Weekend on Saturday. [Translation: When my wife got sick, my prayer to the Black Nazarene was if He healed her, I would start serving Him. The Black Nazarene granted my wish.] CNN Philippines Correspondents Lois Calderon, Tristan Nodalo and Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Croatian start-up ETF Airways plans to commence operations this year by maintaining charter flights from the Adriatic coast to European destinations. The airline was registered in November of last year and plans to utilise a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The company is currently in the process of hiring cabin crew which will be based both at home and abroad. ETF Airways is a new Croatian charter carrier that wants to improve the connectivity of Adriatic coastal cities with European and other destinations. At this point, we are looking for new members of our flying family, the company said. The Croatian coast is one of the most competitive markets in the region during the summer months, with numerous airlines maintaining seasonal and charter flights from Europe and the Middle East. Croatian start-up ETF Airways plans to commence operations this year by maintaining charter flights from the Adriatic coast to European destinations. The airline was registered in November of last year and plans to utilise a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The company is currently in the process of hiring cabin crew which will be based both at home and abroad. ETF Airways is a new Croatian charter carrier that wants to improve the connectivity of Adriatic coastal cities with European and other destinations. At this point, we are looking for new members of our flying family, the company said. The Croatian coast is one of the most competitive markets in the region during the summer months, with numerous airlines maintaining seasonal and charter flights from Europe and the Middle East. ETF Airways also plans to offer wet-leasing services. The only successful Croatian airline operating under a similar model is Trade Air, which runs charter flights across the world, as well as domestic Public Service Obligation (PSO) services. The government is expected to commence tender procedures this year to award new four-year PSO contracts, which are currently held by Croatia Airlines and Trade Air. The existing PSO contracts expired on March 28, 2020, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Croatian government did not start tender procedures to award new ones and has simply extended the existing deal currently in place. Croatia has had a number of charter and scheduled airlines in the past, each with varying degrees of success. Among them are Dubrovnik Airline, Anic Airways, Air Adriatic, Air Croatia, Sea Air, Limitless Airways, AWEX Croatia, Libertas Air and European Coastal Airlines, while others such as Dalmatian and Smile Air never took off. Based on current data, Croatia Airlines will have the largest share of available seat capacity to and from the country this year, standing at 30.2% with some 1.495.300 seats on offer. It is followed by easyJet, Lufthansa, Eurowings, Ryanair and British Airways. Postcard from Cortez in southwestern Colorado Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Its not easy to top the list in a state known for everything outdoors. Yet, visitors to Cortez in southwestern Colorado, near where the Centennial State meets Arizona, Utah and New Mexico at Four Corners, discover a remarkable destination that includes natural wonders, national parks, archaeological landmarks and a vineyard in arguably one of the most unexpected of locations. My visit started at Sutcliffe Vineyards situated in McElmo Canyon, an oasis surrounded by the sagebrush and cottonwoods of Colorados high desert. The drive to and from Cortez, the seat of Montezuma County, takes about 20 minutes on a winding county road. Proprietor John Sutcliffe somehow manages to produce wine at 5,340 feet in elevation, which is quite the accomplishment given the blazing hot summers, cold winters and late spring frosts. Sutcliffes wines are not novelty wines. Rather, they are serious wines with several receiving ratings above 90 points from the critics at Wine Enthusiast. Across the road is the trailhead at Sand Canyon on the southern edge of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. From here several trails pass by Navajo sandstone formations and ancient ruins. Also nearby is the Hovenweep National Monument. On the other side of Cortez is the entrance to Mesa Verde National Park, which contains 600 Ancestral Puebloan (also called Anasazi) cliff dwellings from the 12th and 13th centuries. The ruins, which include a massive 150-room dwelling, are considered among the best-preserved ruins anywhere in North America. More about the people and culture who lived at Mesa Verde can be learned by visiting the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center and Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum. Unfortunately, both are temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. If you go The tasting room at Sutcliffe Vineyards is open 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily, year-round. National parks are also open year-round, though some access is seasonally restricted. Consider staying at either the Holiday Inn Express Mesa Verde-Cortez or the Retro Inn, a vintage roadside motel that punches well above its weight. For restaurants, Farm Bistro and Main Street Brewery are recommended. Cortez is best reached by car, though the local airport is served by commuter airline Boutique Air. Driving from airports in Grand Junction, Albuquerque, Phoenix and Salt Lake City takes between four and six hours. Spires and Crosses is a weekly travel column. Follow @dennislennox on Twitter and Instagram. An illustration, provided by the City of Colorado Springs, of the type of multifamily building that would be allowed in the present R-2 Two-Family zone when the city turns it into an R-Flex-Low zone. Brian Austin Green gushed about his sizzling new romance with Dancing With The Stars pro Sharna Burgess. While appearing on Access Daily the 47-year-old hunk told Mario Lopez that he and Sharna share a business manager, who in fact introduced them. He also dished about their recent romantic getaway to the Big Island of Hawaii, spilling that 'we had a great time. We had a really good time.' Looking fab: Brian Austin Green gushed about his sizzling new romance with Dancing With The Stars pro Sharna Burgess Brian continued: 'Hawaii is an amazing place and it's all going really well right now. You know, it's early on so we don't have any labels for anything obviously but we're really enjoying each other's company, and she's an amazing woman.' He rhapsodized: 'She's super responsible and she's super sweet and caring and compassionate and fun to be around, so I feel blessed right now.' Brian also shed some light on how they met: 'Yeah, so we have the same business manager and she was like: "Hey, I've got a client that you should meet." And I was kind of in a place of like, you know: "Okay," and I begrudgingly went and we met.' However his mind was changed upon actually being introduced to Sharna as 'we had great conversation so it's been great so far.' There she is: While appearing on Access Daily the 47-year-old hunk told Mario Lopez that he and Sharna share a business manager, who in fact introduced them; Sharna is pictured in 2019 He also clarified that she was not a big watcher of his star-making turn on Beverly Hills 90210 which was created by Darren Star of Sex And The City fame. 'No, she actually - I haven't actually asked her why she didn't watch it but I know she didn't watch much of it when she was younger,' he added. Meanwhile Sharna, 35, has been much more private about the romance, avoiding the subject when a fan asked her about it on Instagram this week. 'Lol. Yall dont give up on this one,' wrote Sharna after someone brought up Brian during an ask-me-a-question segment on her Insta Stories. 'Let it go': Meanwhile Sharna, 35, has been much more private about the romance, avoiding the subject when a fan asked her about it on Instagram this week 'Its almost impossible to fish out real questions amidst ones about my relationship status. I say with love and kindness. Let it go.' She and Brian set off romance rumors when they were glimpsed at LAX together on Christmas Day and then were seen passionately kissing on their Hawaiian holiday. His 12-year age gap with Sharna is par for the course - Megan is 13 years his junior and last year he dated Maxim model Tina Louise who is reportedly 39. He emotionally announced his split from his wife Megan Fox last May and she finally filed for divorce the day before Thanksgiving. Hard at work: Sharna rose to fame as a professional hoofer on Dancing With The Stars and is pictured on her Insta Stories during the most recent season She has since moved on with the svelte blond rapper Machine Gun Kelly and even got a tattoo reading 'el pistolero' apparently in reference to him. Meanwhile since his marital separation Brian, who rose to fame on Beverly Hills 90210, has dated and broken up with Tina Louise. There were also rumors of a fling with Courtney Stodden after she posted a video of them in a hot tub together, but he has suggested they were never an item. The way they were: Brian emotionally announced his split from his wife Megan Fox last May and she finally filed for divorce the day before Thanksgiving Brian and Megan have been married since 2010 and are the proud parents of three sons - Noah, eight, Bodhi, six, and Journey, four. Megan filed for divorce from Brian in 2015 citing irreconcilable differences, but she was back with him and pregnant with Journey the following year. Three years after they got back together, Megan took the legal step of filing to dismiss the divorce petition in April 2019. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. This is not a column about all the bills that paranoid S.C. legislators just couldnt wait to file to nullify all the federal laws that they imagine might someday exist. And theres a bunch of them. Its not about the Republican legislators who want to tell businesses who they cant fire and who they cant keep out of their businesses and, in the case of banks, who they cant refuse to lend money to. Its not about the Democratic senator who filed one bill to abolish the death penalty and another to add hate crimes as an aggravating factor for the death penalty. Its not about the disturbingly large number of lawmakers who have filed bills that look innocuous at first but actually let retired cops bring their concealed guns into businesses that have a sign saying no concealed weapons allowed, or into your house without informing you, as everybody else has to do. Its tempting to spend today skewering those and other outrageous bills awaiting attention when the 2021 General Assembly convenes on Tuesday. But most bills never even get a hearing, much less become law. And often thats just fine with the sponsors, who file bills not because they want to change the law but because they want to tell constituents how hard they tried to change the law. So unless theres a reason to think theyll be the rare exceptions, writing about bad bills only serves to encourage the sponsors to introduce more bad bills. I had to remind myself of this more than usual this year, because the 982 bills legislators rushed to file before the legislative session starts constitute by far the most pre-filed bills Ive ever seen, and just might include the largest collection Ive ever seen of ridiculous and malicious bills. But if we want to improve our state, we need to focus on bills that need to pass instead of the ones that need not to pass. In today's editorial, we write about the types of laws the Legislature needs to pass this year. Here is a look at some of the smart bills that need more attention than they're getting, with an emphasis less on those big issues discussed in the editorial and more on creative approaches to our problems: H.3103 by Rep. Chris Wooten would require what is essentially a boat drivers license, the need for which seems obvious every summer as more and more inexperienced boaters take to our increasingly crowded waterways, endangering everybody else on the water. H.3199 by Rep. Seth Rose would eliminate the straight-ticket voting option. To vote for all the candidates of one party, voters would have to vote for all the candidates of one party. H.3200 by Rep. Rose would close a gaping loophole in South Carolinas lobbying law, by applying it to people who lobby city and county councils, rather than just those who lobby the Legislature. Sign up for our opinion newsletter Get a weekly recap of South Carolina opinion and analysis from The Post and Courier in your inbox on Monday evenings. Email Sign Up! H.3227 by Rep. Wendell Gilliard would require nursing homes to let residents have private video calls with family members, providing the equipment if necessary. At first glance, it feels a little too meddlesome, but it builds on an existing law that says nursing home residents must be allowed to have private visits with family members so you could think of it as giving nursing homes a way to comply with a law some have been violating throughout the pandemic. H.3276 by Rep. Doug Gilliam would let the governor replace an interim sheriff who loses an election. Its pathetic that we live in a state where the governor has to appoint interim sheriffs often enough for anyone to even dream up the need for such a law, but we do, so its probably a good idea. H.3289 by House Speaker Pro Tem Tommy Pope would prohibit judges from setting bail for someone whos arrested while out on bail from another arrest. I dont like limiting judges discretion, but this is a no-brainer. It might pair nicely with S.212 by Sen. Thomas McElveen, which increases the penalty for crimes committed by people on parole. S.69 by Sen. Gerald Malloy would give criminal suspects two days credit against any eventual prison sentence for every one day theyre held in jail awaiting trial. The downside is that it could cut serious time off the sentences of people who need to spend serious time in prison. But it should serve as a lever to deter prosecutors from letting people rot in jail when they havent been convicted. H.3520 by Rep. Bruce Bryant and S.188 by Sen. Greg Hembree would bar people from running for office if they have outstanding ethics fines, which seems like a reasonable way to either get all those ethics deadbeats to pay their fines or else get them out of office. S.138 by Senate Republican Leader Shane Massey would inject some reasonable responsibility into litigation by repealing the law that says if you sue someone for injuring you in a wreck, the defendant cant inform the jury that you werent wearing a safety belt. S.146 by Sen. Massey would raise the exemption from jury duty from 65 to 75, which is the new 65. S.345 by Rep. Mia McLeod would require the state Labor Department to create enforceable rules for businesses to protect their employees from COVID-19 and let them use compliance as evidence of good faith in a lawsuit. The bill doesnt protect employers from lawsuits, but its the missing element that would make it entirely reasonable to provide temporary liability protection for businesses. By John J. Metzler In a self-congratulatory and hubristic speech to the nation, China's President and Communist Party supremo Xi Jinping praised the efforts of the People's Republic to overcome the coronavirus and to create a powerful Chinese economy amid global downturns. Chairman Xi boasted that this is "the first major economy worldwide to achieve positive growth," despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the onset of the coronavirus in March, countries around the world have faced lockdowns, limited manufacturing, and seen widespread small business shutdowns. The pandemic has wreaked global calamity and disruptions not seen since the 1930's Depression or World War II. But China somehow has largely dodged the bullet. Xi's speech was notable not for what it said, but what it chose not to say; gone was the ominous rhetoric toward Taiwan as in his 2019 address and there were no hints of the acrimonious political relationship between Beijing and Washington. "I am proud of our great motherland and people as well as the unyielding national spirit," Xi said in a recorded video, "with solidarity and resilience, we wrote the epic of our fight against the pandemic." But is Beijing's propaganda bravado hiding the cost of the pandemic even in China? The true extent of the virus infection and mortality rate in the epicenter Wuhan and throughout China for that matter is unknown. Cover-ups and misinformation are common in Beijing's playbook. Early in the crisis, Dr. Li Wenliang tried to warn his colleagues in Wuhan about an outbreak of a virus and was among a group visited by the police; he later died in hospital. Significantly the short speech was a kind of a legacy victory lap for Xi who is nearing the end of his formal second term in power. Xi gave perfunctory praise for the comrades fighting the virus, for the workers keeping China's production flowing, and for the country's scientific successes breakthroughs in scientific explorations like the Tianwen-1 Mars Mission and Chang-e 5 Lunar Probe. The key theme was focused on the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Founded in Shanghai, the once small and conspiratorial party would after a quarter century morph into the ruler of the vast Chinese mainland. The party's myth and legend remains the grist of the People's Republic's history and stands sacrosanct. The CCP remains a singular and pivotal force in control and rule over China. It's a political talisman for Xi and a generation of leadership which has seen China prosper through economic reforms and world trade but nonetheless keep unquestioned authoritarian control of its society. A new pamphlet "Xi Jinping's Thought on the Rule of Law" is now emerging as the central tool in the attempt to elevate the status of the Chinese leader as a Marxist ideologist no less important than Lenin, Stalin, or Mao. Whether this would work, or Xi will gain immortal status in the iconography of the CCP regime remains an open question, recounts the respected BitterWinter.org site. Not since the rule of the dictator Mao has China witnessed such a strongman. Naturally all this is leading to Xi's investiture at next year's CCP congress to an unprecedented third term in political power. Currently the CCP, the undisputed governing force in China, has 92 million members well below 10 percent of the population but effectively controlling the entire country. Membership standards remain rigorous and rooted in ideology, but offer lucrative business connections. Last year, Cai Xia, a retired professor of CCP's Central Party School, vocally criticized General Secretary Xi, comparing him to a "mafia boss" and the ruling CCP as a "political zombie." In classic communist lexicon Xi extolled, "A journey of comprehensively building a modern socialist country is about to start The road ahead is long; striving is the only way forward." Xi's task this year is focused on socio/economic rebuilding after COVID-19; thus he's resetting China's development goals both domestically and globally and also setting the stage for China, assumed by some economists to be the second largest global economy, to solidify its standing in the post-pandemic era. China lives and thrives on the oxygen of world trade and open markets, something drastically disrupted by the pandemic and now the smoldering political resentments and reevaluation many countries have in dealing with a repressive, dominant and militarily powerful People's Republic. Beijing's new trade deal signed with the European Union underscores its widening commercial agenda. The real test will come if the U.S. returns to business as usual with China. John J. Metzler (jjmcolumn@earthlink.net) is a United Nations correspondent covering diplomatic and defense issues. He is the author of "Divided Dynamism The Diplomacy of Separated Nations: Germany, Korea, China." Advertisement It is lunchtime on a Saturday in the public bar of the Hotel Bondi almost 70 years ago and 13 barmaids in uniform are serving a couple of hundred thirsty male customers. Some of the drinkers are barefoot and shirtless, others are smartly dressed in coats and ties. Many are ex-servicemen, with memories of the war that ended six years earlier still fresh in their minds. One overweight man stares up at the camera in his panama hat and well-worn, beltless trousers. He has made more effort than anyone to pose for the camera but has less reason than most to want to be photographed. John 'Bluey' Kirkwood is a crippled World War II hero who spent nine agonising hours alone on an Egyptian battlefield after being shot in the back by a sniper and shredded by shrapnel through the stomach. He is also the pub's SP bookmaker - an agent who took illegal bets for those who could not get to the track in pre-TAB days - and may have killed a man 12 years earlier in a drunken street fight nearby. John 'Bluey' Kirkwood (circled) operated for years as an illegal SP bookmaker at the Hotel Bondi. He was captured in this iconic photograph taken in the hotel's public bar on Saturday, November 3, 1951, with a couple of hundred other thirsty men being served by 13 barmaids Kirkwood, a forceful man kindly described as a larrikin, is without the crutches he usually needs to stand, propping himself up with two hands pressed down hard on the bar. The picture was taken by Sydney commercial photographer Phil Ward at 12.30pm on November 3, 1951, for Tooth & Company, which bought the pub from Reschs Ltd in July 1929. The typed caption below the image of the heaving bar remarkably records: 'Normal crowd'. It was Derby Day at Melbourne's Flemington - one of the biggest events on the Australian horse racing calendar - and if Kirkwood was taking bets, he would have been in for a busy afternoon. The picture is a favourite at the Australian Hotels Association and hangs in the New South Wales branch office. 'The image certainly is iconic - capturing a snapshot in time at one of our best pubs - obviously a period when there was still a ladies lounge,' said AHA NSW director of liquor and policing John Green. 'The image is particularly poignant to see so many people standing together and "vertically drinking" during a time of COVID where that hasn't happened for months.' Kirkwood did not progress beyond the rank of private during his years in the army. 'He used to act up too much,' his great nephew Greg Toner said. 'He was a bit of a larrikin.' Kirkwood is pictured left working as a bookmaker on donkey races in Palestine Kirkwood was a local legend in the Bondi district, having miraculously survived horrific injuries inflicted at El Alamein in 1942 and making worldwide news when he walked again after two years in hospital. He is pictured in a 1958 Anzac Day march Kirkwood was photographed in the public bar of the Bondi Hotel on Derby Day, 1951, about three hours before the start of the Victoria Derby. That renewal was won by favourite Hydrogen, listed in the race book pictured above When the Australian National University Archives, which holds a huge collection of Tooth hotel photographs, posted the picture on Facebook, it attracted plenty of comments. One social media user wrongly assumed it must have been shot during the notorious 'six o'clock swill' when drinkers belted down as many beers as possible before compulsory 6pm closing. Others remarked on the lack of dress regulations, the lit cigarettes and a complete absence of women, who were not allowed to drink in public bars. But for Greg Toner, a property valuer from Orange in the Central Tablelands region of New South Wales, the scene represented something more personal. 'The bloke in the white Panama hat at the bottom of the photo is my great uncle Jacky Kirkwood who was a local personality and ran the SP there for several years,' he wrote. Kirkwood was more local legend than just personality, having miraculously survived horrific injuries inflicted at El Alamein and making worldwide news when he walked again after two years in hospital. Property valuer Greg Toner spotted his great uncle Jacky Kirkwood in the Hotel Bondi photograph when it was posted on Facebook by the Australian National University Archive. 'He was a mad bastard,' Toner says. 'But all the Kirkwoods were' The Hotel Bondi, on the corner of Campbell Parade and Curlewis Street, Bondi, was built about 1919 for brewers Reschs Ltd and became part of the Tooth & Company portfolio in 1929. It is pictured in August 1930 Until his death in 1961 he was a fixture at eastern suburbs Anzac Day services, regularly photographed in his flag-bearing wheelchair, catching up with old army mates or with smiling kids trailing behind. Kirkwood was Toner's father Kevin's mother's brother and grew up in Bondi as one of nine siblings - four boys and five girls. Bluey Kirkwood enlisted in the AIF at Paddington in April 1940 and was posted to the 2/32nd Infantry Battalion When Toner knew him Kirkwood ran the SP operation at the Hotel Bondi with his younger brother Gilbert. They were both once fearsome knucklemen and the whole family was a bit wild. 'He was a mad bastard,' Toner, whose middle name is Kirkwood, said. 'But all the Kirkwoods were. 'Jacky lived in Bondi in a block of three-story flats and they lived on the top floor. He and his brother had adjoining flats and they would have been rent-controlled.' Toner remembered visiting the family when he was about five years old at their home a couple of streets back from the world-famous beach in Brighton Boulevard. 'They were just hot heads,' he said of the Kirkwoods. 'All they ever did was fight. 'They used to have Sunday lunch and after we finished the baked dinner they'd all go down into the backyard, which was concrete, and belt the crap out of one another. 'Jacky used to occasionally get someone to help him down the stairs and he'd belt them with his crutch.' Toner recalled walking into the Hotel Bondi one day as a youngster with a mate who knew a bit about illegal gambling because his father had a pub in the country. 'As we walked in my mate glanced over to the right hand corner where Jackie and Gilbert always drank,' Toner said. 'He said, "Those two blokes are running the SP", and I said, "Well those two blokes happen to be my uncles". 'He said, "We'll go over and say hello", and I said, "No, I don't think we'll do that".' Eventually, Toner reluctantly agreed to his mate's request and tapped his uncle Gilbert on the shoulder. 'With that, Jacky - who was propped up against the wall - flipped one of his crutches over and grabbed the floor end and belted me over the head with the handle part of the crutch.' 'He knocked me down and then Gilbert said, "Jacky, Jacky, don't do that, that's Gregory - Kevin's son".' This picture in the public bar of the Hotel Bondi was taken about the same time as the image that captured Bluey Kirkwood on November 3, 1951. Some of the drinkers are barefoot and shirtless, others are smartly dressed in coats and ties Another picture taken at the Hotel Bondi on November 3, 1951, shows the scene in the saloon bar. Many of the drinkers would have been World War II veterans and the lance corporal wearing a slouch hat could have been off to the Korean War Bluey Kirkwood was presumably worried the boys were police. Toner's mate had simply said, 'Jesus, they're flighty.' A search of the National Library of Australia archives suggests Kirkwood had an even more colourful criminal past than his great nephew ever knew about. On September 8, 1939 there was a fight outside a new block of units near the Hotel Bondi in which a 32-year-old journalist called Gervan Gothard McDonald died. McDonald had gone to the flat of a Kathleen Banks at 50-54 Campbell Parade about 8.30pm along with a Jack Johnson and another woman called Marion Baker. The men brought 16 bottles of beer and three of brandy with them. McDonald got blind drunk during the night and refused to leave in the early hours of the next morning when asked. Local man John Kirkwood, aged 30 - which Bluey would have been at the time - arrived as McDonald was telling the group he wanted 'to kill everybody in Bondi'. Kathleen Banks was quoted in newspaper reports stating Kirkwood had told McDonald: 'I'm in a good mood and I'm not looking for a fight.' 'Kirkwood was sitting silent on the couch,' Banks said. 'McDonald said, "Who's this dirty little mug? I don't like him". 'McDonald went over to Kirkwood and repeated the words. Kirkwood opened his eyes and said, "I don't like that remark".' On September 8, 1939 there was a fight outside this flat near the Hotel Bondi in which a 32-year-old journalist called Gervan Gothard McDonald died. A John Kirkwood, 30, of Bondi, who was likely Bluey Kirkwood, was charged with manslaughter McDonald followed Kirkwood out of the flat and only the latter returned, saying, 'That man is lying on the footpath'. Kirkwood told witnesses when he went to shake hands with McDonald the journalist punched him under the nose. He then swung at McDonald, who fell to the ground. McDonald was taken to St Vincent's Hospital, never regained consciousness and died on September 12. The Government Medical Officer found McDonald's fractured skull could have been caused by a fall, but not likely by a punch. Kirkwood, who maintained he had done nothing wrong, was committed to stand trial for manslaughter but the result of the court case could not be found. Toner said he had never heard of Bluey Kirkwood being charged with killing a man but agreed it sounded like his great uncle. 'Although it was a surprise, it's not surprising,' he said. 'I wouldn't put it past him. The Kirkwoods were never ones to back down.' What is known is that seven months after the fatal fight, Bluey Kirkwood enlisted in the AIF at Paddington and was posted to the 2/32nd Infantry Battalion as a machine-gunner. Kirkwood was paralysed from the waist down and told he would never walk again after being wounded at El Alamein but refused to give. In September 1944 after two years on his back he stood for the first time. He is pictured in 1958 at an Anzac Day march Kirkwood was willing to go to war and fought courageously but did not progress beyond the rank of private. 'He used to act up too much,' Toner said. 'He was a bit of a larrikin.' Toner has a collection of photographs of his great uncle in the Middle East, including him working as a bookmaker on donkey races in Palestine. The 2/32nd Battalion took part of the 1941 siege of Tobruk and Kirkwood was almost killed in the First Battle of El Alamein in July 1942. With his platoon cut off by German troops, Kirkwood was hit with three shots from a sniper - one bullet going right through his spine to his stomach. A mortar round inflicted further wounds to Kirkwood's belly and he was left behind when his platoon surrendered. 'I'm sorry I can't carry you,' a fellow Digger said. 'Half my foot has been blown off.' A German soldier uncorked Kirkwood's water bottle and placed it beside him so he could drink after a doctor inspected his injuries and declared he was 'done'. Kirkwood's 2/32nd Battalion took part of the 1941 siege of Tobruk and Kirkwood was almost killed in the First Battle of El Alamein in July 1942. This telegram sent to his family reports he was 'wounded in action and dangerously ill' With his platoon cut off by German troops, Kirkwood was hit with three shots from a sniper - one bullet going right through his spine to his stomach. This telegram from the Minister for the Army reports he has been removed from the 'seriously ill' list Nine hours after Kirkwood was hit a comrade saw him waving from his position and dragged his dying mate back behind friendly lines. He spent five months dangerously ill in Middle East hospitals before being shipped back home to Australia. Kirkwood was paralysed from the waist down and told he would never walk again but refused to give up. Demanding walking irons, a corset to support his paralysed abdomen and springs to lift his feet, in September 1944 after two years on his back he stood again for the first time. The Sun reported when Kirkwood hobbled across a ward at Randwick's Prince of Wales Hospital his parents and other ex-servicemen lying in their beds all cried. 'I think it was temper that really saved me,' Kirkwood told a reporter. 'I used to get furious when I tried to walk around my bed and failed. 'I determined it wasn't going to beat me. I am still only walking on air, mind you. I can't feel a thing in my legs. I walk from my things, like a goose-stepping Nazi.' Until Kirkwood's death in 1961 he was a fixture at eastern suburbs Anzac Day services, regularly photographed in his flag-bearing wheelchair, catching up with mates or with smiling kids trailing behind. This picture was taken in 1959 Kirkwood returned to his old haunts, joining the North Bondi RSL, proudly taking part in Anzac Day marches - and running the SP book at the Hotel Bondi on his crutches. 'He had a very strong upper body because he had to wheel himself around and get around on crutches,' Toner said. 'He would have had to have assistance to prop himself up to the bar with his arms. Toner said as his great uncle's girth grew over the years he became even less mobile and found it increasingly hard to leave home. 'He'd put on a lot of weight because he was either bedridden or had to live in the wheelchair,' he said. 'His really only enjoyment was that somebody would lift him out of bed into the wheelchair and take him downstairs. 'He'd go to the Hotel Bondi and he ran the SP there every Saturday afternoon for years and years.' When Kirkwood died in August 1961, aged just 52, newspapers (left and right) described him as the 'miracle man' who willed himself to walk again after suffering war wounds that should have taken his life When the famous photograph was taken at the pub Kirkwood would have been only 42 but Toner said from his great uncle's teenage years he had looked at least a decade older than he was. 'He lost his hair at a very early age,' Toner said. 'Most of the Kirkwoods lost their hair by the time they were 21. 'They were all born with second-hand heads - they all looked old. The whole lot of them.' Kirkwood is pictured leaning out the window of his flat in Brighton Boulevard, Bondi about 1960, a year before he died When Kirkwood died in August 1961, aged just 52, newspapers described him as the 'miracle man' who willed himself to walk again after suffering war wounds that should have taken his life. 'It was with sincere regret that we learned of the recent sad passing of Jack Kirkwood,' the Bondi Press reported. 'A notable and very popular figure in his motorised wheelchair, "Bluey", as he was more affectionately called, became a household word here at the North Bondi RSL, his "Home Club". 'Never failing to miss an Anzac Commemoration March, except when the doctors ordered him to, his round cheerful face and boisterous joviality will be dearly missed in the years ahead.' When Toner's parents died he inherited the collection of photographs and war papers belonging to Bluey Kirkwood which he keeps in scrapbooks at home. While Kirwood was once a well-known name around Bondi the line has just about died out. 'There was a fair few of them down there, back behind Bondi Beach,' Toner said. 'I'm the only survivor.' Toner remembers the fighting Kirkwood family with fondness, for all their foibles and faults. 'They were a pretty rowdy bunch, even the women,' he said. 'It's just that old left-over thing from the Irish and Scottish ancestry. 'It was a sign of the times in the 1920s through to the 1950s. It was just the way it was back then. Nothing special about it.' [Read more on what we know about the Indonesian plane crash.] BANGKOK As the coronavirus pandemic cleared Indonesias skies of airline traffic, Capt. Afwan, an experienced Boeing 737 pilot for Sriwijaya Air, waited. A former Indonesian Air Force pilot who was widely admired and had more than 30 years of flying experience, he filled his time with Sriwijaya flight simulator sessions meant to ensure that pilots completed the minimum flying hours to keep their licenses. Like many in his Muslim-majority nation, he prayed regularly and advised colleagues to maintain their piety, too. On Saturday, Sriwijaya Air Flight 182, with Captain Afwan in charge, crashed into the Java Sea a few minutes after takeoff in heavy rain. The Boeing 737-500 series passenger jet carried 62 people, including six active crew. Remember President Donald Trumps controversial phone call to the Georgia secretary of state? Or the historic Georgia runoff that delivered the U.S. Senate to the Democrats? Old news, after pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to disrupt the certification of Electoral College votes for Joe Biden as president. They did not succeed. But the insurrection left five people dead, including a Capitol police officer, the historic building vandalized, Trumps presidency in flames and a nation deeply shaken. Trump, who earlier had egged on his supporters at a rally in front of the White House, faced the possibility he would be impeached for a second time by the House of Representatives. Cabinet members and senior White House officials quit in protest of the presidents actions. By weeks end, Trump announced he would agree to the transfer of power on Jan. 20 though it could no longer be called peaceful. Trump tweeted that he would not attend the inauguration, before Twitter permanently suspended his account. The Capitol was not burned, but fire is a frequent image in this weeks editorial cartoons. Leading off the gallery is the work of a new cartoonist in Tribune Content Agencys stable, Pulitzer Prize winner Nick Anderson. Anderson draws the Trump era as the Hindenburg, the dirigible that crashed into a New Jersey radio tower and burst into flames in 1937. Bill Bramhall draws the president in the mode of James Cagneys gangster in the 1949 film White Heat. Cagneys character exclaims, Made it, Ma! Top of the world! before blowing up a gas storage tank, and himself. Drew Shenemans Trump wonders if the insurance company will pay off on the building he figuratively helped to torch. Cartoonists also commented on lawmakers who pushed Trumps false narrative of a stolen election, even after the Capitol had been ransacked. Republicans are criticized for creating a monster, a la Frankenstein, by humoring Trump for so long. The presidents on Mount Rushmore alarmingly call for the 25th Amendment to be invoked. Other topics in the cartoons include the Georgia runoffs and that secretary of state phone call; travel restrictions on Britain to halt a new, more transmissible strain of the coronavirus; and vaccine hesitancy despite the toll the raging pandemic is taking on Americans. Cartoons were drawn by Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dan Wasserman, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and A.F. Branco, Mike Luckovich and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate. View more editorial cartoon galleries. Theres plenty to look forward to in 2021, like for instance leaving your house again with a bicep pumped full of vaccine. But until its safe to do so, television will be there, and thankfully 2021 holds a wealth of exciting new programming across the ever-expanding streaming landscape. Most networks dont share their full yearly release schedules, so some of these shows are only rumored to come out in 2021, but we've also included a few surefire hits that will be dropping in the next few months. Whether the coronavirus pandemic has derailed those longer-lead shows is uncertain, but with any luck, most of these shows will arrive on your screen in 2021. And if you're looking for something to binge now, check out our top shows of 2020 or the best ones we've seen so far in 2021. "Sasquatch" Hulu, April 20 The latest true crime docu-series from Hulu investigates three gruesome murders in the early 1990s on a Northern California cannabis farm that were rumored to be committed by the Sasquatch. Directed by Joshua Rofe ("Lorena") and starring gonzo journalist David Holthouse, it's more of a paranoid thriller than documentary, in which myth blends with reality in terrifying ways. "Selena" Netflix, May 4 There's no voice in Tejano music quite like Selena Quintanilla. As ubiquitous and beloved as anyone else in the genre, her legacy has also become a pop culture phenomenon that's, well, complicated. When the eponymous series dropped in 2020, it quickly became one of the most popular shows on Netflix, and the second season will likely also land immediately on the top of the streaming service's popularity list. Most of the cast will return as Selena's star continues to rise, but it's been reported that these episodes will be more about her life than death, so expect a third season to cover the end of her career. "The Underground Railroad" Amazon Prime Video, May 14 Based on the acclaimed novel by Colson Whitehead, director Barry Jenkins directs and produces this series that mixes historical fiction and fantasy, envisioning the underground railroad as not just a metaphor for routes enslaved people used to escape the South, but rather a literal series of tunnels and tracks hidden beneath the surface of the Earth. "Loki" Disney Plus, June 11 The God of Mischief has always taken a back seat to his brother Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but coming this summer on Disney Plus, Loki has the stage to himself. Tom Hiddleston, king of charismatic chaos, returns in the lead role with backup from Owen Wilson, who plays Mobius M. Mobius. Mobius' task is to enlist Loki to help protect the proper flow of time, but will no doubt fail at keeping the God of Mischief in check. Knopf "Station Eleven" HBO Max, 2021 This one might be a little too on the nose for 2021, but fans of post-apocalyptic fiction will be eager for the release of Station Eleven, regardless of whether theyve received the vaccine yet. Based on a 2014 novel by Canadian writer Emily St. John Mandel (who released The Glass Hotel in 2020, which is also great), Station Eleven follows a nomadic troupe of actors as they navigate an America thats been ravaged by a flu virus. Patrick Somerville will be the showrunner and also wrote the script (Maniac, The Leftovers), and so far the cast features Nabhaan Rizwan ("1917"), Mackenzie Davis (Halt and Catch Fire) and Himesh Patel (Tenet). AP "The Lord of the Rings" Amazon Prime, 2021 This is the big one. There would be no Game of Thrones without Lord of the Rings, be it the series of books or the subsequent HBO show, and Tolkiens epic fantasy world will be making a triumphant return sometime in 2021 (fingers crossed). At the helm are showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, who have worked on the Star Trek film franchise, other adaptations like Flash Gordon and Jungle Cruise staring Dwayne Johnson. Robert Aramayo (aka young Ned Stark) will play the lead role, and Joseph Mawle (Benjen Stark) will join his brother from the north as a villain reportedly named Oren. In terms of how it fits into the LOTR universe, well, thats complicated. It takes place in the Second Age (mostly), which is around when the one ring was created. Big baddie Sauron will be there to cause trouble, and Elrond Half-elven (Hugo Weaving in the films) and Galadriel (originally played by Cate Blanchett) will be in the mix as well. The release date is still uncertain, but theres already a large social media presence that will undoubtedly be slowly revealing more details over the next few months, including most recently a map of the world released in December. Steven Hirsch/Associated Press "Inventing Anna" Netflix, 2021 Theres few character archetypes as fun to watch on screen as a grifter. Notorious from a 2018 article in The Cut, Anna Delvey (whose real named turned out to be Anna Sorokin) cozied up to New York City socialites for years under the false guise of a German heiress, living a lavish lifestyle by fraudulently applying for and receiving multimillion dollar loans until the grift finally caught up with her and landed her in jail for four to 12 years. Julia Garner ("Ozark") is cast as the lead, and Shonda Rhimes will executive produce the series. "Devil in the White City" Hulu, 2021 Fans of true crime already have plenty in their streaming queues (not to mention a podcast list a mile long), but Hulu snagged up one of the crown jewels of the genre with The Devil in the White City, which focuses on Americas first serial killer, H.H. Holmes, who ran a "hotel" near the 1893 Worlds Fair in Chicago. The story was most famously chronicled in a novel by Erik Larson published in 2003, which was a best seller and attracted big-name talent to the project, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese, who will executive produce the film. Other details are slim at this point, but expect it to be Hulus marquee show of the year (if COVID-19 hasnt pushed it to 2022). "Time Bandits" Apple TV+, 2021 Director Terry Gilliam has been relatively quiet since his 1980s and '90s glory helming Brazil and Monty Python (whatever you do, avoid 2013s Zero Theorem), but hopefully 2021 will be a return to form as he revives one of his most iconic films, the 1981 time travel adventure comedy Time Bandits. Hes on co-writing duties for the Apple TV+ series, alongside the New Zealand director Taika Waititi, the comedic genius behind What We Do in the Shadows, Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit. Apple hasnt released any other details about the show, but expect it to resemble the film, in which an 11-year-old boy discovers a time portal in his wardrobe that leads him to a group of dwarves traveling through history to find The Most Fabulous Object in the World. "Only Murders in the Building" Hulu, 2021 In addition to The Devil in the White City, Hulu has a second true crime trick up their sleeve. Only Murders in the Building comes from the mind of Steve Martin, who will star alongside Martin Short and Selena Gomez in a comedy that follows three true crime-addicted strangers who live in the same apartment building and, surprise, become entangled in a true crime mystery of their own (which presumably involves murder). Theres not yet a trailer or any promotional materials, but Selena Gomez was spotted on a COVID-safe set recently in New York City. "Jupiters Legacy" Netflix, 2021 Naturally this list is heavy on superhero shows, and just when you think the canon of caped crusaders has been milked dry, a new challenger flies into the arena. Its likely not many viewers have heard of Millarworld, but Netflix is hedging that the Scottish company founded in 2004 is the new frontier of superhero franchises. Their biggest adaptations to date are the offbeat 2010 film Kick-Ass (produced in conjunction with Marvel) and the Kingsman series, but Netflixs 2017 acquisition of the company means youll see many more of their comics come to the screen. First on deck is Jupiters Legacy, about a generation of heroes who gained their powers in the 1930s and their children, who are faced with living up to their parents' legacy. Ministry confident second wave will end this month BANGKOK: The Public Health Ministry is convinced that the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak that has been raging since last month is likely to slow down by the end of January. COVID-19Coronavirushealth By Bangkok Post Sunday 10 January 2021, 10:50AM Dr Opas Kankawinpong, director-general of the Disease Control Department, is confident about the governments fight against the coronavirus outbreak. Photo: Disease Control Department Yet it is warning of a new risk inside office buildings, reports the Bangkok Post. We have seen no new cases in seven days in 20 provinces, which is very good and a positive sign, said Dr Opas Kankawinpong, director-general of the Disease Control Department said on Friday. If we can continue our efforts to limit the outbreak from spreading, we will see an obvious decrease in the number of new daily cases by the end of this month. Under the current situation, we can say that we have done well to control the outbreak, he added. The director-general was speaking during a daily press briefing at the Ministry of Public Health, where he voiced his optimism after it reported 205 new COVID-19 cases, a huge dip on the 305 reported the previous day. This is a good result from effective action to control the disease, done by many provinces, including [efforts] to quickly find the infected persons [] and peoples strong awareness about wearing masks and having clean hands, he said. Despite the disease being active in 57 provinces, cases have been located and contained, according to Dr Opas. As of now, the provinces with relatively small numbers of cases outpace flashpoint provinces. There are 19 provinces with one to 10 cases, 10 provinces with 11-50 cases, eight provinces with over 50 cases, 20 provinces with no new cases reported in the last seven days and 20 provinces with zero infections. In about three weeks, since the recent outbreak started on Dec 15 at the Central Shrimp Market in Samut Sakhon province, the number of COVID-19 infections detected jumped by 5,604. Among the new cases, are 519 cases in the capital city, 221 in the central provinces, 2,981 in Samut Sakhon province, 1,597 in the eastern region, 146 cases in the western region and 140 cases in other regions. Meanwhile, the fatality rate is quite low with an increase of seven to the total recorded during the first outbreak last year. Dr Opas said medical teams have provided COVID-19 tests to communities and working places occupied by migrant workers. The tests found infections but the amount is less than expected, he said. Random testing conducted on 35,712 alien workers countrywide except those in Samut Sakhon province found 77 positive cases. Meanwhile, the same test was done on 93,145 Thais and the authorities found 449 positive cases. However, he said a new risk is the transmission of the disease in office buildings after the ministry found many new infections in workplaces in Bangkok. Regarding field hospitals, the ministry has prepared 872 beds in Samut Sakhon and 414 beds in Chon Buri, Rayong and Chanthaburi, where half were already occupied by Covid-19 patients. All of them came to the field hospitals without showing symptoms. They will be held there for 10 days. To be fully prepared to handle cases, the ministry needs all 12 public health regions to prepare 1,000 field hospital beds in case of an emergency. Dates have now been set for authorising the first two Covid vaccines which will be used in Spain: 29 December and 12 January. Europe will enter 2021 with the hope that a new drug will slow down the pandemic that has taken so much away from us. However, even though we know these vaccines are going to be authorised and will be available very soon, some people are still wary of them. The first time the CIS sociological research centre carried out a survey about whether people wanted to have the vaccine as soon as it was authorised, a disheartening 40 per cent said no. That says a lot, but it hides even more. Many people still have doubts and fears, so we have set some of their concerns out below and asked doctors, researchers, scientists and manufacturers to respond to them. "They've produced it too fast: Shouldn't it take years?" The fact that vaccines normally take up to 10 years to produce has had such an effect that some people don't trust the Covid vaccine because it has appeared so quickly, barely a year after the pandemic began. However, there are reasons for this. The first is to do with something that has happened in all sectors. Society has shown that is has been able to react on a large scale to new and unexpected changes. For instance, would we be able to work from home en masse to keep the cog wheels turning? We didn't know until we tried and found that we could. What has happened with the vaccines is quite similar: we have been able to produce these faster. Emili Esteve, the technical manager of Farmaindustria, says that "never in history have so many people worked on something at the same time and so intensively". From need came cooperation. Rival companies have joined forces, and opposing fields like university and private research have shared their resources and talent. That meant the result was always going to be unconventional. In this race, bureaucratic obstacles have also been eased. For example, regarding the time the authority responsible for guaranteeing the safety of the product, the European Medical Agency (EMA), takes to study and authorise a drug. "In the best of cases, it normally takes a year after the tests have ended for a drug to be studied and authorised," says Esteve, but in this case the tests were completed and authorisation granted almost at the same time. How was that possible? "By studying the scientific evolution of the vaccine at the same time as it was being developed. The EMA reviewed the documentation as it was produced, during each phase, instead of waiting for all of it at the end," he says. So the answer came immediately: when they had to give their decision, they had already done the work. In addition, some logistical requirements had been set aside, such as labelling. Under normal circumstances it would be unthinkable for a product to come onto the Spanish market with a label in nothing but English, but making sure it could be ready in every EU language would need "a huge amount of effort" and would hold everything up. The Pfizer laboratories, who have produced the vaccine developed by BioNtech and the first to receive EMA authorisation, make another important point: "We are investing at risk to do what is necessary to produce the highest possible number of doses as quickly as possible," they say. This has never been seen before: producing 'at risk'. They mean they are not waiting for official authorisation before starting to produce the vaccine. This has never happened with any drug before, but the medical emergency makes it necessary. What they are risking, though, is a financial loss, not the quality of the vaccine. Although they are working "at extraordinary speed", they are complying fully with "all normal regulatory and operational measures," says Pfizer. "I don't want to be the first, they haven't tested it enough" This speed has also applied to the clinical tests. Has the testing time been long enough, when it normally takes years? All the experts we consulted said it has. They say it is "impossible" that an institution like the EMA would give the go-ahead for an unsafe vaccine. "Nobody would approve it if it didn't meet the technical requirements," insists Federico Martinon Torres, the head of Pediatrics at the Santiago de Compostela hospital and a member of the WHO's vaccine advisory committee. "They aren't being any less vigilant. They have increased the number of tests carried out to provide safe and efficient data," he says. By this, he means that whereas 200 people might normally take part in the three phases of testing over three years, for example, about 40,000 people have taken part in the tests for the Covid-19 vaccine over a few months. Would these changes in time and numbers affect anything? "No, it doesn't affect what is essential, which is the results," says Esteve. For Martinon, "after giving the vaccine to this many people, and monitoring them for two months, we can strongly rule out any serious side effects, which is what could occur immediately and has to do with the body's immune system. There is an absolute guarantee of safety in the short term". "What about side effects in the long term?" With these samples, say the experts we asked, the only adverse effects which could be missed are those which are rare or highly improbable, affecting one person among many thousands after a time. For now, the side effects described as serious, occurring with a frequency equal to or greater than 2% of participants, have been fatigue (3.8%) and headache (2%) after the second dose, says Pfizer. But the participants will continue to be monitored for a further two years. Federico Martinon Torres agrees: "Approval of drugs in emergency situations is also regulated and in this case there will be special monitoring," he says. What is common to all drugs is the so-called 'vigilance phase' which begins when the product reaches the general population. "With the data we have," he says, "I don't believe we will see serious side effects, at least during the time the first people to have the vaccine are monitored". If after a time side effects do occur, there are resources to detect them and intervene. "Nothing we do is zero risk, but no other product is safer than the vaccines," he says. He and Angel Gil, who is an epidemiologist and professor at Rey Juan Carlos I university, recall an example of these control mechanisms working. Sometimes vaccines have been withdrawn because of serious side effects. That occurred with the vaccine for rotavirus. After being authorised for use in the USA, they saw an increased risk of intestinal intussusception (when one part of the intestine slides into another) in a percentage of breast-feeding mothers; this could be fatal if not dealt with immediately. The vaccine was withdrawn and the later tests were the biggest ever carried out. "The vaccine was stopped for seven years, until it was made safer," says Gil. "When drugs come onto the market they are always monitored and any side effect would be detected in time". "These techniques are new, why experiment with them at a time like this?" These first two authorised anti-Covid vaccines use the 'messenger RNA' technique, but it is not correct to refer to it as experimental. With normal vaccines an infectious vector is injected so that the body develops antibodies, but with this ribonucleic acid technique the cell receives an 'instruction' from this RNA. "These are temporary orders, in this case, to synthesise a similar protein to a specific part of the coronavirus so the cellular machinery creates defences against it," explains Martinon. It is true that no other vaccine on the market uses this technique, but it is not new. Research has also been carried out on it for other illnesses such as flu (that has been temporarily halted to give priority to Covid), and its use is being normalised in other medical treatments such as those against cancer. "It is a promising and relatively simple technology," says Martinon. Its main advantage is the ease of reformulating the RNA message if the virus mutates. "The production process is fast and efficient," says Pfizer. "They work on genetic material, that's scary!" "Maybe the population has more information than it can deal with and people get confused about the terms. We see that every day in our field. The messenger RNA is not DNA, which can be recoded and cause genetic changes," explains Angel Gil. The messenger RNA is a molecule that takes an instruction to the cell and, once it has done that, it disappears. "It's extremely fragile," says Martinon. That's why it needs to be kept at such a low temperature, one of its disadvantages which needs work to improve it. "What if I'm one of the five per cent for whom it doesn't work?" Well, rather than fearing side effects, we should continue to be afraid of the coronavirus, so in the risk/benefit equation the balance lies in favour of the vaccine. If someone who has the vaccine finds themselves among the tiny percentage in whom it is not effective, it just means they will not be immunised. In fact, that is what is really unknown about this vaccine: how long will it protect the body against Covid? This is why the WHO says people should not drop their guard and stop taking precautions against the coronavirus, because the vaccine may mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic but it is not going to bring it to an end in the immediate future. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa Sunday met Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss the state's political scenario and finalise the BJP's candidates for the upcoming by-polls in the state as he arrived in the national capital on a day-long visit. Before he left for Delhi earlier in the day, Yediyurappa had hinted the much-awaited cabinet rejig in the state might also come up for discussion during his meeting. After landing in Delhi, the CM told reporters, "I am going to discuss the political situation in Karnataka." "Recently, we won the gram panchayat elections in a very big way. Within a month, we are going to face two parliamentary and an assembly by-polls. We have to finalise the candidates. We will discuss all these issues with Amit Shah and other important leaders," he added. The BJP leader said while his appointment with the home minister is confirmed, he will also try to meet JP Nadda, the party's national president. Asked about the steps taken to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state, the chief minister said, "In Karnataka, the COVID-19 situation is under control. We are taking all precautions." Earlier before leaving the Bangalore Airport, he hinted that the cabinet expansion may also come up for discussion during his meeting with the party high command. "I don't know. I will discuss all the issues," he told reporters at the airport when asked if a cabinet rejig is likely this week. The cabinet expansion in the state has been on the cards for over a year now, but it could not take place, giving some anxious moments to ministerial aspirants and also leading to dissatisfaction. Among those in the ministerial race are MLAs Umesh Katti, Munirathna, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, M P Renukacharya, Aravind Limbavali and S R Vishwanath. Three MLCs -- C P Yogeshwar, MTB Nagaraj and R Shankar -- are too aspiring for a ministerial berth. Another MLC, A H Vishwanath, too was in the race but his hopes dashed when the Karnataka High Court on November 30 barred him from becoming a minister until at least May this year. The state can have a total of 34 ministers and it has 27 now. By-polls are scheduled for Maski and Basavakalyan assembly segments, and Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency. While Maski fell vacant due to the resignation of sitting Congress MLA Pratap Gouda Patil in 2019, the by-polls to Basavakalyan and Belagavi seats have been necessitated by the deaths of their representatives B Narayan Rao and Suresh Angadi, respectively, due to coronavirus. "I will discuss all other issues with the party high command and wish to return in the night," the chief minister said before he departed. This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. A council leader has issued a 'stay local' warning amid surging Covid cases - from the sun-drenched luxury of an island in the Maldives. Angie Dale, leader of the local authority at the heart of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Richmondshire constituency, spoke as Covid cases rise sharply in the area governed by her council. In a press release on Friday January 8 she warned: 'It is vitally important that people heed the stay local message.' At that time Mrs Dale and her family were enjoying the crystal waters of the Indian ocean from a beach on the Maldivian island of Kudahuvadhoo. Angie Dale (pictured on holiday with her husband), leader of the local authority at the heart of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Richmondshire constituency, spoke as Covid cases rise sharply in the area governed by her council It's a world away from the snowy Yorkshire Dales community she has urged to stay at home and make no unnecessary journeys. Her actions were described as 'disappointing' today, although friends pointed out that she had broken no rules in escaping on holiday as she left just before the universal Tier 4 restrictions came into place. At the time North Yorkshire was in Tier 2. A joint press release was issued by Mrs Dale's Richmondshire District Council, neighbouring Craven District Council and North Yorkshire police. Each was quoted under the headline: 'People urged to Stay Home and Stay Local don't travel to exercise.' Mrs Dale (pictured with Chancellor Rishi Sunak), leader of the ruling independent group, said: 'The number of Covid cases is rising dramatically every day and we are told we haven't reached the peak yet, so it is vitally important that people heed the stay local message Mrs Dale, leader of the ruling independent group, said: 'The number of Covid cases is rising dramatically every day and we are told we haven't reached the peak yet, so it is vitally important that people heed the stay local message. 'Our beautiful Dales will still be here to visit when this pandemic is over - please do not make unnecessary journeys now and exercise close to your home.' A source said Mrs Dale has kept friends updated of her sunshine break on social media. On the day her stay at home warning was issued she had been for a swim before watching the sunset from the balcony of her accommodation and was planning a jetski trip the following day. She and her husband Richard and friends also enjoyed cocktails under the setting sun, with Mrs Dale sampling a Sex On The Beach on January 5. New IRA chief Thomas Mellon has been accused of ordering two shootings in Derry in an effort to quell a revolt against his leadership. Mellon - who is on a 10-year MI5 terror watch-list - is under pressure with questions being asked about his leadership by senior members of the terror gang. "That was the reason he had his men kneecap those two fellas, to divert attention from this and so he can say it's business as usual." The punishment-style shootings by appointment took place on Friday night at Creggan Heights in Derry, and in the Southway area of the city 48 hours earlier. Expand Close Creggan area where the shootings took place / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Creggan area where the shootings took place Foyle SDLP MP Colum Eastwood (right) condemned both attacks, with the latest also resulting in a car being set on fire, saying: "The people of Derry do not want this. They (New IRA) must stop terrorising our community now." PSNI Detective Sergeant Gavin McLaughlin added: "This barbaric shooting in a residential area bears all the hallmarks of a paramilitary-style assault. "Those responsible for this criminal act do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it." Prominent hardline republicans including Davy Jordan, Damien 'DD' McLaughlin and Kevin Barry Murphy are facing charges of directing terrorism having been allegedly recorded at secret summits by MI5 agent Dennis McFadden. Mellon avoided being caught as he never attended the meetings but double-agent McFadden's infiltration of the New IRA wrecked havoc on its Derry unit. Two of Mellon's closest allies, Joe Barr (32) and Gary 'Musky' Hayden (48), have also been charged with directing terrorism having been accused of attending the MI5-bugged meetings organised by McFadden. Expand Close McFadden / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp McFadden "The New IRA's Derry brigade has been basically going it alone since it murdered Lyra McKee two years ago," added our source. "Tommy was furious that all the other units across the north failed to show it any support, and since then he has been doing his own thing." Mellon was jailed for 14 months in 2015 for attempting to smuggle a note detailing New IRA activities onto the dissident wing of Maghaberry Prison. However, he beat the much more serious charge of directing terrorism. The 44-year-old was convicted by a non-jury court in 2007 of impeding the apprehension of an offender following a robbery, for which he received a suspended sentence. He has led the New IRA in Derry since the terror gang's formation in 2012 with dissidents Fergal Melaugh, who is aged in his 60s, and Kieran McCool (52) serving as his lieutenants. Meanwhile, PSNI patrols have been warned to be wary of being lured into parts of Derry due to fears of an impending New IRA attack. Expand Close Gary Hayden / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gary Hayden Intelligence indicates the gang plans to use hoax calls about house parties breaching coronavirus restrictions to trick cops into an ambush. The New IRA is desperate to successfully target police to prove it has not been completely decimated by MI5 mole McFadden. A security source said: "A similar tactic was used last year by the Continuity IRA in Fermanagh and Craigavon and it almost worked. "Officers have been told to be careful about any calls coming in about house parties in the Creggan as they could be ambushes." cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk User reports estimate the perceived ground shaking intensity according to the MMI (Modified Mercalli Intensity) scale Contribute: Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it. Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! Ankara / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s : I was just gamin on my chair and the table started shaking and I said oww what happened. It was mild though no injuries sustained. | 3 users found this interesting. Pursaklar Ankara, Turkey / not felt : I heard a noice & thought it's from the washing machine, then saw the lights were shaking just little bit & also felt very small bit... | 2 users found this interesting. 11 km away from Ankara, Turkey / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : I was on my bed talking to my friends on Discord and then a strong and fast tremor shaked me, i said to my friends its just a small thing and laughed it of. But nearly 1 minute later my laptop started violently shaking and i saw my video quality was bad and shaked like crazy. My mother walked in and i hung up and when i got inside i could barely walk for a minute, it was crazy. | 2 users found this interesting. Kirkkale / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Rattling sound light a heavy truck going fast then light shaking for a couple of seconds a brief stop the noise grew louder and shaking grew stronger for a few more seconds. Outside when we left the house we felt nothing and it was quite. | One user found this interesting. Ankara, Mamak / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s : I live in Ankara, Mamak district, I see Elmadag from the balcony, so I live close enough to it. The earthquake lasted a few seconds and I would say the shock was mild. Of course we were scared, but I didnt feel the need to leave the house. | One user found this interesting. Ankara, Mamak, Akdare Dareboyo / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s : It was just one or two slight shakes of the house looks like very small capacity earthquake did not repeat as of now time at 11:00pm | One user found this interesting. Incek, Ankara / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short : My first earthquake experience, I had a small head spin I thought my sugar was low. But my mother looked at the lights its was swinging slightly. | One user found this interesting. Cankaya / not felt : Haven't felt it despite being fully awake. I am currently close to the outskirts of Cankaya on the border of Golbasi, close to Incek, Bilkent University, Beytepe. | One user found this interesting. saray (34.3 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : my whole bed was shaking and my mum felt it to too. We woke up everybody and evacuated the building | One user found this interesting. Ankara, Mamak / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : I was sitting in the kitchen, my elbow was on the table, and then i felt my chair and the table started to moving, for a second i thought i feel dizzy, then i saw what my water does in the bottle. I stood up and went to the living room to see my mother, meanwhile i leaned against the wall with one arm bevause i still felt like a lottle that i don't have balance, then it ended. I felt it for more time than my family, because my hand was on the wall Buyukesat Mahallesi, Cankaya/Ankara / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : I live on the ninth floor of a 16-floor building and could feel and hear a short rattling. | One user found this interesting. Ankara mamak / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) : It was mu first time that I saw like this fast earthquake Im very scared | One user found this interesting. Bilkent Lojmanlar Dogu Kampus / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : For a couple of seconds I felt a rumble and the apartment shook. | One user found this interesting. 38.9 km WSW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s Yil100, Ankara (43 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt 39.5 km WSW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s 35.9 km W of epicenter [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) 49.6 km WSW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) 36.2 km W of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s 41.4 km WSW of epicenter [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) 38.5 km WSW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s 38.1 km WSW of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s 38.8 km W of epicenter [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s 39.1 km WSW of epicenter [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) Umitkoy, ankara (50.8 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single vertical bump / very short Ankara Cankaya / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s Cankaya / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / very short Oran / not felt Ankara / not felt Kecioren / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 1-2 s Ankara / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Sogutozu / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Kuilsriver Cape Town / not felt : Not felt Cankaya / not felt Cankaya / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Ankara yenimahalle / not felt ankara pursaklar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s Oran / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 10-15 s KIRIKKALE / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Mamak / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) Cankaya / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s Kecioren / not felt Ankara / Light shaking (MMI IV) Cankaya / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s Ankara / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Weak earthquake Ankara, Mamak / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s ankara / Light shaking (MMI IV) Ankara / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s Ankara, Mamak, Okyanus Sitesi / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Orta Dogu Teknik Univesitesi Ankara Turkey / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s Aksaray / Very weak shaking (MMI II) Ankara, Cankaya / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s Ankara / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s Ankara / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s Cayoulu / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s BILKENT CANKAYA, ANKARA / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s Umit Mah 2483 Cadde Ankara / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s Ankara, Cankata / Light shaking (MMI IV) Cankaya / Light shaking (MMI IV) Howard S. Liebengood, who was Senate sergeant-at-arms, chief of staff for two senators and a prominent Washington lobbyist, has died of a heart attack in Vienna, Va. He was 62. Mr. Liebengood, who died Jan. 13, was a protege of former Senate majority leader Howard Baker, the Tennessee Republican. He was sergeant-at-arms from 1981 to 1983. Among other duties, Mr. Liebengood supervised 185 computer specialists, nine carpenters and seven barbers and the Capitol Police, which had a force of more than 500 officers at the time. He also steered the Senate post office through a minor scandal when a clerk, who was the niece of Sen. Robert Byrd's (D-W.Va.), admitted stealing $12,000 and later pleaded guilty in federal court. Mr. Liebengood left his Senate position in 1983 to join the Tobacco Institute as executive vice president for federal relations. The following year, he formed a lobbying firm, Gold and Liebengood, with another former Capitol Hill staffer, Martin Gold. The company, whose clients included the Chemical Manufacturers Association, Federal Express, Fiat USA, Martin Marietta and the Hopi Indian tribe, was the fifth-largest lobbying firm in Washington when it was bought by Burson-Marsteller in 1989. Washingtonian magazine named Mr. Liebengood and his partner, Gold, among the 25 most powerful lobbyists in the city. Mr. Liebengood stayed with the restructured company for several years before moving to a law firm. In 1995, he became chief lobbyist for Philip Morris Cos. Inc. He returned to Capitol Hill in 2001 to join his longtime friend, Sen. Fred Thompson (R-Tenn.), as chief of staff. When Thompson retired two years later, Mr. Liebengood became chief of staff of the personal office of Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) Mr. Liebengood, who retired last month, was born in South Bend, Ind., and grew up in Plymouth, Ind. Survivors include his wife and three children. She's had a lavish start to 2021 after welcoming in the year with pals in Dubai. And Kelsey Stratford, who landed back in the UK on Saturday, has now revealed that she's gained some weight after enjoying 'all the food and drink' on the 'work trip'. The TOWIE star, 20, also explained how she's isolating for 10 days at her aunt's house to try and protect her disabled sister Kennedy, eight, from any Covid risk. Back to reality: Kelsey Stratford has revealed that she's gained some weight after enjoying 'all the food and drink' on her 'work trip' to Dubai over Christmas and New Year Taking to Instagram, Kelsey addressed a few questions which had been sent to her by fans. ADVERTISEMENT Sharing a stunning snap from her time in the UAE, she penned: 'My Covid test came back negative but I still have to isolate for 10 days. Click here to resize this module 'I was working out in Dubai with brands which I can't announce just yet... But I also had a lot of work to do at home which is why I have come back. 'I have really missed my family too! Kennedy is doing really well ATM. I haven't gone home just yet until I know I 100 per cent haven't got anything that will harm her. Home time: The TOWIE star, 20, also explained how she's isolating for 10 days at her aunt's house to try and protect her disabled sister Kennedy, eight, from any Covid risk 'So I'm staying at my aunts. Miss her sooooo much!' The brunette beauty then addressed how her time indulging during the trip as meant she's put on a few extra pounds. She continued: 'Since being out in Dubai I have gained weight from all the food & drink! So I will be doing workouts which I'll video and share with you all! I know you liked the last one. 'I hope everyones keeping well and safe during these hard times & I'm always here if anyone needs a chat or anything.' The Essex native travelled to Dubai before Tier 4 rules and the nationwide lockdown, which say travel should only be for essential reasons, were introduced. Explaining: Kelsey took to Instagram on Sunday to update her fans now that she's back in the UK after weeks spent in Dubai It is not currently a requirement for travellers leaving Dubai for the UK to undergo a COVID-19 PCR test prior to arrival in Britain however this is set to change. From Thursday, all travellers will have to provide a negative test before arriving in the UK to prevent the spread of new Covid variants. The results must be obtained less than 72 hours before departure, with 500 fines for those who flout the rules. ADVERTISEMENT Kelsey's return to the UK comes after her father revealed that her sister, eight-year-old Kennedy, almost died from coronavirus after it 'impacted her whole body'. Kennedy, who has genetic condition Spinal Muscular Atrophy, was released from hospital in November after battling the virus as well as sepsis. Just in time: The beauty made it back to the UK just days ahead of a new travel rule coming into effect which will see people having to provide negative COVID tests (pictured in Dubai) She's back: Kelsey shared a snap of her personalised luggage on Saturday night as she landed And speaking over a month after the ordeal, Kelsey's dad Paul opened up about the youngster's horrifying ordeal, admitting the family 'didn't know if she was going to make it.' The youngster was admitted to Great Ormond Street hospital in November, with the family fearing the worst as Kennedy fought Covid-19 and sepsis in intensive care. It's said that Kennedy, who spent thee weeks in hospital, was one the first SMA type 1 patients to fall ill with the virus. Paul told The Mirror: 'We didn't know if she was going to make it. She went through a torrid time, it literally impacted her whole body. It was awful to watch. Battle: It comes after Kelsey's father recently revealed that her sister eight-year-old Kennedy almost died from coronavirus after it 'impacted her whole body' 'The doctors told us they were changing the antibiotics they were giving her, and that it needed to work because there was nothing else they could do.' The doting father went on to add that the family are desperate for the government to make clear when high-risk children will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccines currently being rolled out, as no timetable has yet been outlined. He added: 'There are a large group of vulnerable children who will lose their lives if they catch the virus. We're not asking to jump the queue, we just need to know what's going on.' ADVERTISEMENT Despite her release from hospital, Kennedy still suffers from swollen kidneys and will have a scan next month to determine if there is any damage from the virus. In November, Kelsey opened up about her family's fears for Kennedy as she battled for her life in hospital. Tough time: Speaking over a month after his daughter's arrival home, Kelsey's dad Paul opened up about the youngster's horrifying ordeal, admitting they family 'didn't know if she was going to make it' In an interview with MailOnline, Kelsey spoke of her longing for Kennedy to make a full recovery, as living at her family home without her sibling was unbearable. She explained that Kennedy's condition weakens her immune system and she's spent every winter in intensive care after catching colds and even pneumonia. She said: 'I am positive she will beat it but it's never happened before to an SMA type 1 patient, they have never caught something like this so we all don't know what's going to happen. 'Kennedy has been in intensive care every winter, her entire life. But she is really struggling with Covid. We're heartbroken. 'Now she has sepsis, it makes it a lot more serious because she has that on top of Covid, which was terrible anyway.' ADVERTISEMENT Kelsey, who found fame on TOWIE in 2019, was forced to move out of her family home so she could continue working, while Kennedy shielded from the virus. When a mob attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and stopped Congress from certifying Joe Biden as the nations next president, it was scary and fatal for at least five people. But it did not pose a serious threat to the nations democracy. An attempt at an illegal power grab somehow keeping Donald Trump in the Oval Office was never likely to happen, let alone succeed. Trump always lacked the authority, and the mass support, required to steal an election he overwhelmingly lost. He didnt control state election officials or have enough influence over the rest of the process to achieve that goal. Nevertheless, over his term as president, he repeatedly violated democratic norms, like brazenly promoting his own business interests, interfering in the Justice Department, rejecting congressional oversight, insulting judges, harassing the media and failing to concede his election loss. However, as scholars who study democracy historically and comparatively, we predict that the biggest threats to democracy Trump poses wont emerge until after he exits the White House when Biden will have to face the Trump presidencys most serious challenges. Donald Trump and Joe Biden It wasnt a coup Trump never really threatened a coup, which is a swift and irregular transfer of power from one executive to another, where force or the threat of force installs a new leader with the support of the military. Coups are the typical manner in which one dictator succeeds another. A coup displacing a legitimately elected government is quite rare; prominent examples from the past 100 years across the world include Spain in 1923, Iran in 1953, Guatemala in 1954, Brazil in 1964, Greece in 1967, Chile in 1973, Pakistan in 1999 and Thailand in 2006. A military-backed takeover was not going to happen in the U.S. Its armed forces are extremely unlikely to intervene in domestic politics for regime change, especially not in favor of a president who is historically unpopular among its ranks. Story continues Even if Trumps most ardent supporters believe he won, there arent enough of them to credibly threaten a civil war. Despite their ability to breach a thinly defended Capitol, a sustained insurrection would be easily quashed by law enforcement. Trump couldnt even stage an auto-coup, which happens when an elected executive declares a state of emergency and suspends the legislature and judiciary, or restricts civil liberties, to seize more power. There have also been very few of those perpetrated against democratically elected governments over the last 100 years. The most prominent examples are Hitlers Germany in 1933, Bordaberry in Uruguay (1972), Fujimori in Peru (1992), Erdogan in Turkey (2015), Maduro in Venezuela (2017), Morales in Bolivia (2019) and Orban in Hungary (2020). A U.S. president cant dismiss the legislative or judicial branches, and elections are not under his control: The Constitution declares that they are run by the states. And the declaration of election results is also well outside the power of the president (or vice president). It doesnt matter whether the losing side formally concedes; the new presidents term begins at noon on Jan. 20. The attack on the Capitol may have threatened the lives of federal legislators and Capitol police officers, but the most it achieved was to interrupt, briefly, a ministerial procedure. Within hours, both the House and Senate were back in session in the Capitol, carrying on their certification of the electoral votes cast in 2020. People scale the walls of the U.S. Capitol Still a threat to democracy By objecting to the outcome of the election, Trump highlighted aspects of the process that many Americans were previously unaware of, ironically ensuring the public is better informed about the mechanics and details of American elections. In that way, he may have, paradoxically, made American democracy stronger. And it was fairly strong already. There was no evidence of any sort of widespread fraud or other irregularities. Major media organizations continue to explain and document the facts regarding the election, contradicting the presidents disinformation campaign. In 2020, voter turnout was higher than it has been for a century. Despite the pandemic, Trumps rhetoric and threats of foreign tampering, the 2020 elections were the most secure in living memory. But beyond elections, Trump has threatened Americas other bedrock political institutions. While there are many seemingly disparate examples of his disregard for the Constitution, what unites them is impunity and contempt for the rule of law. He has committed numerous impeachable acts including potentially the incitement-to-riot on Jan. 6. He is facing a criminal investigation in New York state, and may be looking at federal inquiries both about possible misdeeds he committed in office and from before he became president. The framers of the Constitution feared many things they designed the U.S. government to defend against, but perhaps one anxiety eclipsed all others: a lawless president who never faces justice, and was never held accountable during or even after leaving office. As Alexander Hamilton wrote, if the federal government should overpass the just bounds of its authority and make a tyrannical use of its powers, the people, whose creature it is, must appeal to the standard they have formed, and take such measures to redress the injury done to the Constitution. Theres very little time left to hold Trump to account during his term. After the events of Jan. 6, he now faces public backlash from longtime congressional allies and resignations from his Cabinet. He has also been locked out of Facebook and Twitter. But the question of real, lasting and legal accountability will fall to Biden, and his nominee for attorney general, Merrick Garland. They will decide whether to continue existing investigations and potentially start new ones. State attorneys general and local prosecutors will have similar powers for the laws they enforce. The aftermath Newly elected leaders can often face strong incentives and encouragement to prosecute their predecessors, as Biden does now. But that approach, often called restorative justice, can also destabilize democracys prospects if lame-duck executives anticipate this and decide to hunker down and fight instead of conceding defeat. Consider Libyas Moammar Gadhafi, toppled by Western military intervention and killed by his people in 2011. He refused to flee or seek asylum for fear that both foreign governments and his own successors would prosecute him for human rights violations. A depiction of the 1649 execution of King Charles I of England. Perhaps counterintuitively, it is when outgoing presidents in transitioning democracies enshrine protections against their prosecution directly before leaving office that the democratic system is more likely to endure. This was the case in Chile with dictator Augusto Pinochet, who left power in 1989 under the aegis of a constitution he foisted on the country on his way out. By contrast, after-the-fact pardoning of crimes as Gerald Ford did of Richard Nixon runs the risk of creating a larger threat to democracy: the idea that rogue leaders and their henchmen are above the law. If Trump finds a way to pardon himself, he may reduce his legal vulnerability, but he cant erase it entirely. If prosecutors or Congress let Trump off the hook, they may be the ones breaking new and dangerous ground, truly shattering the rule of law that underpins American democracy. [Deep knowledge, daily. Sign up for The Conversations newsletter.] This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. It was written by: James D. Long, University of Washington and Victor Menaldo, University of Washington. Read more: The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Deprived by the coronavirus pandemic of the ability to host crowds, the Napa Valley Expo is trying to stretch its financial resources long enough for vaccinations to help bring visitors back to the downtown fairground. Nearly 10 months of lockdowns have drained the state-owned Expos finances and wiped away its showcase events, the BottleRock music festival and Town & Country Fair, and pushed last summers Junior Livestock Auction online. The resulting budget hole has directors seeking to keep up maintenance and other necessities in the coming months, in hopes that a wider roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines can create a safe enough environment for concerts and carnival rides to come back in the second half of the year. We should be able to get through three or four months and then well have a better idea, I hope, about when were able to be more open and when we can utilize the Expo for what its made for, Expo board member Devonna Smith said Thursday. Board members are expected during a Jan. 26 meeting to discuss contingency plans for the Expo should Californias latest round of restrictions which took effect Dec. 18 as a rising COVID-19 infection rate filled intensive-care units across the Bay Area continue to keep the Third Street fairground empty, she said. if we wanted to hold the President to ransom, the Speaker would not have been allowed to appear for the Presidents swearing-in ceremony," says Ningo-Prampram Member of Parliament, Sam George. Hon Alban Sumana Bagbin was sworn-in as Speaker of the 8th Parliament of the 4th Republic of Ghana on Thursday, January 7, 2021, after some chaotic scenes and the thinking of some is that he will be used by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to make things difficult for the President Akufo-Addo in his second term. However, Sam George says the NDC side in Parliament will put the nation first and not use Speaker Alban Bagbin to frustrate the efforts of the ruling government and that if they had that in mind, "we would have just asked the First Deputy Speaker, Joe Osei Owusu to replace him. We are not that kind of party. Speaking in an interview on Citi Eyewitness News, he said: We have shown our interest in safeguarding the democracy of the country...We heard the Speaker himself say that he is going to discharge his duties without fear or favour. He never showed bias while Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament. Ghanaians can rest assured that under no circumstances will we bring in partisan bias into the working of the House. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) Pag-asa, the first Philippine Eagle bred and hatched in captivity and a renowned figure in the country's wildlife conservation fight, has passed away, the Philippine Eagle Foundation announced on Friday. The 28-year-old eagle died on Wednesday, due to infections associated with trichomoniasis and aspergillosis, both fatal for raptors, the group said in a statement. Pag-asa would have turned 29 on January 15. "Pag-asa lived his life as an icon of hope for Filipinos, young and old, and was a constant inspiration to the people working tirelessly to save our National Bird from extinction," the foundation said. Born on Jan. 15, 1992, Pag-asa became a widely known symbol of, as his name translates, hope. His successful birth through artificial insemination was the result of 14 years of research and further spurred the Philippine Eagle Foundation's breeding program of three decades to augment the national bird's population, which is frequently threatened by habitat destruction and poaching. A Philippine Eagle can live up to more than 40 years in captivity, but at least one is shot by hunters every year. It is considered to be critically endangered, with only 400 pairs left soaring in the wild. A critically endangered species means they are "threatened with global extinction", according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Its fair to say 2020 was a landmark year for many, when any sense of normalcy was upended by a worldwide pandemic that ravaged communities, including Santa Fe. The City Different soon became a city stripped of its identity as a bustling tourist destination, with retail stores around the downtown Plaza empty for months on end. Everything including city government, restaurants and the personal health of thousands felt the impact. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ But the city wasnt immune to nationwide movements against systemic raci sm and nods to imperial conquerors. In fact, it often found itself at the center of attention. And while the calendar has transitioned into a new year, its unlikely any Santa Fean will soon forget the struggles, perseverance and unbelievable sights that defined 2020. Plenty of protests Santa Fe has many landmarks, but few were as recognizable or as controversial as the Soldiers Monument, which stood at the heart of the Santa Fe Plaza for 152 years. Once inscribed with a dedication to soldiers who fought battles against savage Indians, the 33-foot obelisk had long been viewed as a symbol of oppression of Native American people. While upsetting to many members of the community, others were quick to defend its place in Santa Fes iconography. During an Indigenous Peoples Day rally after a weekend of peaceful demonstrations, a group of activists pushed back against a minimal police presence and tore down the monument. Several people were arrested following the incident. Many criticized city officials, particularly Mayor Alan Webber, for not moving fast enough to address rising tensions in the community. Webber had told a large crowd months before that the city would begin work on exactly that, but he admitted after the toppling of the obelisk that he hadnt moved fast enough. In a Dec. 28 press conference, Webber said the toppling of the obelisk was a low point for the city, widening a divide that had long existed in the fabric of Santa Fe. But there were other demonstrations against systemic racism around Santa Fe in 2020. Multiple Black Lives Matter rallies saw hundreds of mostly young people march around the city demanding an end to systemic racism. Local restaurant India Palace became the victim of brutal vandalism, which saw much of the restaurant destroyed and racial slurs spray-painted on the walls, triggering an outpouring of support from community members. The city established, or began work to form committees to address issues of racism and monuments in the community, although much of their work wont be completed for several months. As the state capital, Santa Fe attracted protesters from across the state for demonstrations over one issue or another. In 2020, there were frequent reopen New Mexico demonstrations at the state capitol over restrictions Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham imposed in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Pandemic problem At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, spread within Santa Fe was comparatively limited (it wouldnt stay that way). But Santa Feans still felt the impact as, one by one, the citys most iconic spring and summer events began canceling all plans for the year. Indian Market, Spanish Market and the Santa Fe Opera, among others, announced cancellations in succession, taking with them a large source of revenue for many residents and city government. Santa Fe City Hall saw its revenues, driven largely by gross receipts tax, decline rapidly. This led to a series of employee furloughs, budget cuts and hiring freezes, the effects of which are still being felt in city operations. Meanwhile, dozens of businesses across the city were forced to close their doors permanently as COVID-related restrictions limited the number of tourists and how much Santa Feans spent in their local economy. Some would apply for stimulus programs and grants that provided temporary relief. But many still face struggles in 2021, with Santa Fe County still in the red for restrictions on businesses due to the pandemic. Santa Feans eventually began seeing the horrific impact COVID-19 was having on personal health and the health care system as a whole. The daily number of COVID-19 cases shot up from only a couple a day to more than 100 at the height of the pandemic. Those living in the Southside were significantly more likely to contract the virus, a reality that persisted throughout 2020. The area is home to most of the citys immigrant, Spanish-speaking and low-income populations. Activists in the area at one point called the rate of infections a crisis. Local nursing homes also saw a large number of infections and deaths among residents. Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center recently saw a surge in COVID-19 patients from across northern New Mexico, as it and other hospitals neared capacity in the virus most recent surge. Mother Nature Santa Fe also saw itself subject to natural forces during 2020, in particular a drought that has slowly dried out many parts of New Mexico throughout the past year. Locally, that meant the Buckman Direct Diversion, a large supplier of water for Santa Feans, saw water levels reach record lows since it opened 10 years ago. A complete shutdown of Buckman was avoided after New Mexico received permission from Texas and Colorado to use stored water. But the danger of such dry conditions was on full display when a fire sprang up in the Santa Fe National Forest in August. The Medio Fire would burn for weeks and eventually consume more than 4,000 acres in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, at some times shrouding Santa Fe in thin layer of smoke. Limited snowfall is already impacting local ski lifts and a light snowpack overall could worsen the historic levels of drought seen throughout northern New Mexico. Election year While the presidential election was in the spotlight in 2020, the election year brought few surprises in northern New Mexico, long a Democratic Party stronghold. Teresa Leger Fernandez prevailed in a competitive Democratic primary in the race for the 3rd Congressional seat vacated by Ben Ray Lujan. She then went on to beat Republican Alexis Johnson in the general election to secure a seat in Congress. Lujan, meanwhile went on to win the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Tom Udall. Looking ahead There were other many other important, relevant and heartbreaking stories from 2020 that cant be covered in this space, but the turn of the calendar year has brought new optimism in many forms. Now, with vaccine distribution growing slowly, local government officials, business owners and citizens are hopeful that life will return to some sense of normal in 2021 at least as normal as possible after a year that in many ways defined a new normal. Seventy-year-old Priya Brath Sharma from Bihars Munger district, who has been bedridden for many years, is one among a million cases of arsenic poisoning reported in India. I have stopped walking for many years as the lower body doesnt move. I also went to AIIMS for treatment some years back, they said that it was Arsenic-related disease, he said. Referred to as the largest poisoning of people in the history, arsenic contamination has become one of the major concerns for the people living in North India. Studies suggest that nearly 10 million people in India have been exposed to groundwater contaminated with the cancer causing mineral and at least one million people have shown clinical manifestations. Arsenic is found naturally in the groundwater in many South Asian countries like India, Nepal and Bangladesh. Sharma, who lives near the Ganges, said doctors advised him not to drink water from the well or hand pump. There are more than 100 people in my village, Khaira Basti, who are suffering from cancer and other ailments because of the contaminated water. Others have spots and pigments on the skin, Sharma said. A study by Dr Ashok Ghosh, chairman of the Bihar State Pollution Control Board and head of Research at Mahavir Cancer Institute and Research Center in Patna suggests that out of 28 states in India, reports of Arsenic contamination have emerged from 17 states. Arsenic contamination was first reported in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh in the country. Later it was identified in the lower Ganga plain of West Bengal, Bangladesh, lower parts of Nepal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam. Also read: Air Pollution Linked to Increased Risk of Pregnancy Loss in India, Shows Lancet Study Currently around 200 districts in the northern part of the country in the Gangetic plain is at risk of drinking water contaminated by arsenic in India, the coordinator at the Inner Voice Foundation, a civil society group, that has worked on the issue said. The organization said that around 10 lakh people have died in the last 25 years because of diseases caused by exposure to arsenic. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had stated in a report in 2019 that as of April 2018, 16,278 habitations spread across nine districts in West Bengal, 18 in Assam, 11 in Bihar, 17 in UP, 17 in Punjab, 3 in Jharkhand and 2 in Karnataka were affected by arsenic. In Bihar, high levels of arsenic in groundwater and associated health-related problems were first discovered in Semaria Ojhapatti village of Bhojpur district in 2002. Dr Ghosh said that today, arsenic contamination is found across 18 districts in Bihar threatening more than 10 million people in the state. Ghoshs study showed that the worst affected districts in Bihar include Bhojpur, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Patna, Vaishali, Khagaria and Samastipur. The study showed that 22 out of 38 districts in the state had arsenic above permissible limits (10 ppb) according to standards set by the World Health Organisation. Intake through food Recent studies suggest that groundwater contamination isnt the only source of exposure for the Indian population. In many cases, the contamination is often linked to food intake, putting a larger population at risk. We found in our study exposure determined by food, based on intake of rice, wheat and potato was almost equal to that from drinking water. The highest contributor among the food was cooked rice, says Ashok Ghosh. His study suggests that arsenic exposure from food exceeds that from drinking water in endemic areas of Bihar. Cancer Cases Surge Drinking water consumption laced with arsenic causes cancer of stomach, kidney failure, heart disease, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer, neurological disorders, respiratory disorders, diabetes and stillbirths. Rice has been detected with very high arsenic content which increases disease burden. Gosh said that the number of gallbladder cancer patients from arsenic hotspots was very high. His study showed links to other types of cancers as well, like breast cancer, liver cancer, gallbladder cancer, thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer cases. Another study on the contamination also indicated that prevalence of prostate cancer was linked to the arsenic hotspot regions in Gangetic-zone of Bihar. The number of cancer patients has significantly increased in the Brachytherapy Department of the Mahavir Cancer Sansthan. According to hospital statistics it increased to 631 in 2014 from 508 in 2009. It was further lower in 2004 with just 345 cases. The patents enrolled for the radiotherapy department also increased considerably. It rose to 2,805 in 2014 from 1,939 in 2009. There were 1423 patients in 2004. The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) of the Bihar government looks after mitigation efforts and providing safe portable water to the affected districts. According to a PTI report, in 2018, the department acknowledged that more than 5,000 wards in the state receive arsenic-contaminated water and said that work was underway to provide safe supply to people by the end of 2020. PHED Minister Vinod Narayan Jha had then said "In the first phase in the current fiscal 2018-19, the government will ensure arsenic-free safe drinking water in 2556 wards. In the remaining wards, work will be carried out in the next fiscal." The state government is committed to provide water supply free of arsenic, fluoride and iron to the people and for that funds will never be a problem. We will make arrangements to provide piped drinking water from the surface of Ganga instead of sourcing it from the ground, he had said. News18 reached out to the PHED to find if these mitigation goals had been met, but couldnt elicit a response from the department. Russia has confirmed its first case of the new strain of the coronavirus. The infection was confirmed in a person returning to Russia from the United Kingdom, Anna Popova, the head of Russia's federal public-health agency, Rospotrebnadzor, told state-run television channel Rossia-1. Popova did not specify when the individual tested positive or provide any other details. The new strain, referred to as B.1.1.7, is believed to have emerged in England in September 2020 and has since been detected in dozens of countries around the world. Officials in Moscow temporarily suspended flights to and from the United Kingdom in December, following similar moves by dozens of other countries in the wake of the emergence of the new strain. RFE/RL's Coronavirus Crisis Archive Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region. Russia has one of the highest infection rates in the world, and officials on January 10 confirmed a total of nearly 3.5 million cases. The number of deaths is nearly 61,000, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. Russia has placed its hopes in the domestically produced Sputnik-V vaccine instead of lockdown measures. Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said last week that more than 800,000 people had received the vaccine and that 1.5 million doses had been distributed. Based on reporting by AP, AFP, Reuters, dpa, and Interfax House lawmakers who were whisked to safety when a violent mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol were filmed bickering over masks as they hunkered down in a safe room. Video of Republican representatives refusing to cover their faces emerged as the Capitol's attending physician Dr Brian Moynihan on Sunday issued a warning to all lawmakers that they may have been exposed to a person infected with coronavirus during the lockdown. Moynihan wrote that 'many members of the House community were in protective isolation in the large room - some for several hours' on Wednesday while dozens of pro-Trump insurrectionists laid siege on the Capitol building. He said 'individuals may have been exposed to another occupant with coronavirus infection'. He did not disclose any details about the infected individual, but they are believed to be a House member or staffer as the room was highly restricted. The video from inside the room, obtained by Punchbowl News, showed several Republican lawmakers not wearing masks - including Reps Andy Biggs (Arizona), Michael Cloud (Texas), Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia), Markwayne Mullin (Oklahoma) and Scott Perry (Pennsylvania). Democratic Rep Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, who was walking around handing out masks, repeatedly asked those in the maskless group to take one, but they brushed her aside. Scroll down for video House lawmakers who were whisked to safety when a violent mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol were filmed bickering over masks as they hunkered down in a safe room Video showed several Republican lawmakers not wearing masks - including Reps Andy Biggs (seated right), Marjorie Taylor Greene (left) and Markwayne Mullin (center) Reps Andy Biggs, Michael Cloud and Scott Perry (seated, left to right) were identified among the Republican lawmakers who refused to wear masks Dozens of House members were whisked to the secure location after pro-Trump insurrectionists stormed the Capitol on Wednesday (pictured). On Sunday, the Capitol's attending physician Brian Moynihan announced that House lawmakers were exposed to a person with COVID-19 while they were in the safe room The news of lawmakers being exposed to the virus comes amid fears that Wednesday's riots could become a major super-spreader event, as most of the participants were without masks Many members of Congress - but not all - have already received at least the first of two doses of coronavirus vaccines, after it was made available to them just before Christmas. Some congressional staffers also received the vaccine. The news of lawmakers being exposed to the virus comes amid fears that Wednesday's riots could become a major super-spreader event, as most of the participants were seen without masks. America's daily COVID-19 death toll breached 4,000 for the first time the day after the riots, but experts say it could be up to two weeks before the true transmission effects of the incident become clear. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned on Friday: 'You have to anticipate that this is another surge event.' 'Then these individuals all are going in cars and trains and planes going home all across the country right now,' Redfield added. 'So I do think this is an event that will probably lead to a significant spreading event.' Members of Congress are pictured rushing to evacuate the House Chamber as protesters attempted to enter on Wednesday Trump is now facing impeachment after having incited supporters who were rallying near the White House before they marched to the Capitol. The House could vote on impeachment in a matter of days, less than two weeks before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20. A Capitol Police officer died after he was hit in the head with a fire extinguisher as rioters descended on the building and many other officers were injured. A woman from California was shot to death by Capitol Police and three other people died after medical emergencies during the chaos. Authorities on Sunday announced the death of a 51-year-old Capitol Police officer. Two people familiar with the matter said the officer's death was an apparent suicide. Officer Howard Liebengood had been assigned to the Senate Division and was with the department since 2005. He is the son of a former Senate sergeant-at-arms. It was not clear whether his death was connected to Wednesday's events. The officials were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Lawmakers cower in fear as protesters try to break down the doors of the House Chamber Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber Retired medics will still have to fill out 15 forms to join the mass coronavirus vaccination drive despite Boris Johnson's pledge to cut red tape. The Prime Minister promised MPs 'all such obstacles and all such pointless pettifoggery has been removed' on Wednesday. But the 21 pieces of evidence needed before a retired medic could administer vaccinations were only cut down by six - meaning 15 training modules remain, reported the Sunday Telegraph. Liam Fox MP, a doctor who has been trying to volunteer, said: 'For qualified and registered medical professionals there needs to be a recognition that too much time wasting bureaucracy will act to deter people from offering their services.' The Prime Minister promised MPs 'all such obstacles and all such pointless pettifoggery has been removed' on Wednesday. Pictured, Boris Johnson on January 7 Key worker Russell Robson from Sunderland receives the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Life Science Centre at the International Centre for Life in Newcastle upon Tyne Retired GP Claire Barker said the 15 remaining hurdles were still too many if the Government wants to encourage retired doctors to come forward. 'There is a balance to be struck between making sure that people are competent and over egging it by asking them to do things that they don't really, really need,' she said. It comes after former occupational physician Celia Palmer, from London, blasted the health service over its 'bureaucratic' system of approval for volunteers. Retired GP Claire Barker said the 15 remaining hurdles were still too many if the Government wants to encourage retired doctors to come forward. Pictured, a healthcare professional prepares a dose of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine Dr Palmer said she was contacted about returning to the frontline in April but it took 21 emails to be accepted and she still has to have additional training. She hit out at the checks requiring medics to prove they are educated in subjects such as counter-terrorism and racial equality. She told the Today programme: 'I was first contacted by the GMC at the beginning of April and told that my registration had been temporarily restored and inviting me to respond to the Covid crisis, which of course I did. 'Twenty-one emails later I have been accepted as a vaccinator but I've been invited to complete a survey because I have not yet been contacted with a start date or work location. Former occupational physician Celia Palmer, from London, blasted the health service over its 'bureaucratic' system of approval for volunteers 'I also have to do some more training and I don't yet know what that training comprises.' Asked if she has been asked to fill in particular forms on her background, she said: 'Nobody's asked me to do it, I haven't done it, I can't see how it is relevant to a mass vaccination programme. 'We're going to be working presumably in groups and I can't imagine that doctors who have experience in vaccination - as most of us I believe do - are going to need anti-radicalisation programmes.' She said: 'I think you need to work from first principles to say that you look at the task you've got to do, if it's fairly straightforward you can identify what the risks are and for a mass task like that there needs to be a special track which allows us to do it safely but does not delay the process of getting the vaccination programme off the ground.' She added: 'If they're going to vaccinate two million people a week as has been mentioned, I can't quite see how you can expect busy GPs who have to look after patients... how are they possibly going to do that without some additional help.' Seguin, Texas (78155) Today Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 89F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low 73F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. CAIRO Pakistani authorities banned Jan. 5 the release of the controversial British film The Lady of Heaven. They urged social media platforms to remove the trailer of the film. The Pakistani ban has raised controversy in Egypt about this film. Similar to the Pakistani reaction, a number of social media activists, Al-Azhar scholars and sheikhs of the Salafist currents called for banning the screening of the film. They urged the issuance of fatwas prohibiting its viewing and sent official demands to the United Kingdom to stop showing it worldwide. The film sparked controversy due to its portrayal of the character of Fatima al-Zahra, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad and wife of Ali bin Abi Talib, the fourth and last of the rightly guided caliphs following the death of the prophet. On Jan. 2, several Egyptian and international newspapers reported that the film features the voice of the Prophet Muhammad as one of the storytellers of the films events. Commenting on one of the news reports criticizing the film, Facebook user Ahmad Allam wrote, They do not respect our faith or our sanctities, and when we get angry [and defend] our religion and our Messenger, they say we are terrorists. Omar Hindawi wrote, This film should be immediately banned, while Mona Mahmoud wondered about Al-Azhars position on this humiliation? Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's highest religious authority, issued a press statement Dec. 27 through its adviser Mohammed Mehanna, confirming the steadfastness of Al-Azhar's position regarding the prohibition of the embodiment of the Prophet Muhammad, all prophets and the family members of the prophet (wives, daughters and sons). The statement asserted that the release of this film consecrates the continued disrespect by the West and some Shiite extremists for the sanctities and beliefs of others. Al-Azhar, however, did not announce any measures to try to ban the screening of the film, as demanded by social media activists. Inquiring about the possibilities of banning the film in Egypt or launching any media campaigns to prevent it from showing in Egypt or abroad, Al-Monitor talked to a source in the Al-Azhar Sheikhdom. Al-Azhar is not an authority that can ban or permit a film, the source said on condition of anonymity. It simply expresses the Sharia opinion regarding the prohibition of embodying the prophet and his family members. Al-Azhar leaders are not concerned with efforts to ban the film abroad and has nothing to do with the delay in its release. The film, directed by Elli King and written by Sheikh Yasser Al-Habib, was to be released in theaters Dec. 30, before it was postponed until 2021. No new date was scheduled for its release and the reasons for its postponement have not been disclosed. But some newspapers reckoned the delay came in light of the sharp criticism the film generated or because of the coronavirus pandemic. A source from the Ministry of Culture told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the Authority for Censorship of Artistic Works affiliated with the ministry is the authority competent to ban or allow the screening of a film when its distributors apply for a request for its release in Egypt. The source explained that the authority cannot decide to ban a film before watching it, adding that the opinion of Al-Azhar and religious institutions on the embodiment of the prophet will be taken into account in addition to the opinions of scholars, if the film falsely depicts or distorts established historical facts. The Authority for Censorship of Artistic Works had banned the screening of The Passion of the Christ in 2004, and Noah and The Exodus; Gods and Kings in 2014, because they portray the characters of the prophets. Several Egyptian newspapers, notably Soutalomma and Al-Wafd, accused in press reports Dec. 31 the film and its producers of Shiism and bias toward false stories about Zahras death. They said that the teaser of the film shows she was subjected to torture and physical assault causing her to have an abortion and to die at the hands of the Rightly Guided Caliphs who preceded Ali, namely Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Omar bin Al-Khattab and Othman bin Affan. But renowned film critic and writer of Arab cinema Tarek el-Shinnawy believes banning the film will create unnecessary momentum and buzz that may encourage Egyptians to watch it out of curiosity. Sooner or later everyone will be able to watch it when it becomes available on the internet. It is better to allow its screening while holding, in tandem, historical and religious discussions to unveil its fallacies if it truly tells a historically questionable story. The films events take place in two different times separated by nearly 1,400 years. It tells the story of an Iraqi child who lost his parents and was displaced by an armed Islamic State attack. The boy then moves to live with his grandmother, who tells him the story of Zahra, the first victim of terrorism in history from the Shiite perspective. The film then recounts the story of Zahra. Mohsen Qandil, a professor of Islamic history at Cairo University shares Shinnawis opinion. Any serious discussion about the film would reveal the weakness of the Shiite narrative that contradicts the friendly relationship that Imam Ali had with the Rightly Guided Caliphs who preceded him, even after Zahras death. Imam Ali agreed to marry his daughter, Umm Kulthum, to Omar bin Al-Khattab and recommended him [bin Al-Khattab] as his successor. He added, How can bin Khattab be one of Zahras killers, while he was on good terms with Imam Ali, her husband, after her death. Despite the film being accused of Shiism and promoting false or weak historical narratives, Iranian websites Ijtihad and Al-Alam reported that four Shiite religious authorities Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygan, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, Ayatollah Hossein Noori-Hamedani and Ayatollah Jaafar Subhani labeled as haram any support or promotion for the film. The fatwas banned viewing it since it deepens the disagreement in the Islamic nation between Sunnis and Shiites. The Shiite authorities argued that fanning the flames of the inter-Muslim dispute is in the interest of those they described as the enemies of Islam. An Egyptian journalist specializing in religious affairs at the London-based news website Daqaeq, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Al-Monitor that showing the film at this time while Lebanon, Syria and Iraq are witnessing divisions between Sunnis and Shiites will exacerbate existing differences. In case this film is shown, Al-Azhar will be forced to refute the Shiite historical allegations. Al-Azhar has always tried to ignore these allegations so as not to worsen the division between Sunnis and Shiites, the source said. This will abort the sheikhdom's attempts for decades to achieve rapprochement and focus on what unites Sunnis and Shiites instead of focusing on points of contention, including the historical allegations about Zahra. Confused messaging by the Government has been blamed for fuelling the large numbers of children in school during lockdown. As attendance rates reached 60 per cent in some schools, experts have said teachers will be considered for special status when a plan to distribute millions more vaccines is published next month. Head teachers have complained about being left in an impossible situation by being forced to stop some children from attending school in order to comply with social distancing rules. Health Secretary Matt Hancock appeared to muddy official guidance yesterday, saying that if only one parent in a household is a key worker then children should not go to school. Health Secretary Matt Hancock appeared to muddy official guidance yesterday, saying that families with only one key worker parent should keep children at home if at all possible Last weekend the Department for Education (DfE) updated its guidance to clarify that children with at least one parent or carer who is a critical worker can go to school or college if required. Asked about the situation yesterday, Mr Hancock confirmed that classroom sizes were larger than during the first lockdown last year. He told Sky News Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme that families with only one key worker parent should keep children at home if at all possible. He said: Its always been the guidance that schools are there for key workers children where key workers need to have the children in school in order to be able to get to work. For instance, if youre a key worker and your partner doesnt work then you shouldnt be sending your children to school. Professor Adam Finn, who sits on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, said the critical role teachers play will figure in the discussions in the next stage of the vaccine rollout. The DfE has widened the categories of vulnerable children who can still go to school and added more critical workers whose children can also attend. In a survey, 48 per cent of head teachers in England said that they had been forced to priortise places for the children of key workers or vulnerable children because of an excess of demand. Department for Education guidance says schools should not limit the number of children of key workers or vulnerable pupils on-site during lockdown (stock image) One in ten heads said that between 41 to 60 per cent of pupils were going into school despite the lockdown. The poll of 4,964 school leaders found that 34 per cent of schools had attendance rates of 31 per cent or above, placing strain on their coronavirus measures. DfE guidance says schools should not limit the number of children of key workers or vulnerable pupils on-site during lockdown. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, which carried out the survey, said: It is critical that school places for the children of key workers are only used when absolutely necessary in order to reduce the numbers in school and stem the spread of the virus. He added: At present, the Governments confused message to parents on school attendance risks defeating the national aim of suppressing the virus. One in 27 secondary pupils and one in 39 primary pupils had Covid-19 on Christmas Day, according to the Office for National Statistics. Yesterday, it emerged that some teachers are refusing to provide lessons on video messaging sites such as Zoom over privacy fears. Some have raised concerns that parents at home would have too much proximity to lessons, and that it could invade on the home lives of teachers. Taiwan-born Canadian actor Eddie Peng is a star on the rise. In his recent role in the USD$100 million Chinese action film The Rescue, the 38-year-old acts and performs his own death-defying stunts. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Eddie said that before pursuing the 'Hollywood dream' he feels there is much for him to learn and improve on within Asia. Scroll down for video EXCLUSIVE 'Chinese films today are world class': Actor Eddie Peng (pictured) has revealed why his 'Hollywood dreams' can wait as he stars and performs death-defying stunts in USD$100 million Chinese action film The Rescue The Rescue, one of the most expensive Chinese movies ever made, centers around a rescue unit within the Chinese Coast Guard who are forced to overcome their personal differences to resolve a crisis. Eddie said it was both thrilling and nerve-wracking to join the cast of director Dante Lam's mega-budget blockbuster. 'The pressure was probably more self-inflicted. Having worked with director Dante Lam before, I know how high his expectations can be,' he said. The hunky actor also said the cast spent two months training for the extreme first-responder rescue exercises and did various simulation exercises involving water, fire and altitude. 'It was pretty rigorous': The hunky actor spent two months training for the extreme first-responder rescue exercises and did various simulations involving water, fire and altitude Overview: The Rescue, one of the most expensive Chinese movies ever made, centers around a rescue unit within the Chinese Coast Guard who are forced to overcome their personal differences to resolve a crisis 'Thats why its enjoyable and exhilarating to work with Dante [director Dante Lam], as he is extremely passionate about "realism" in scenes': Eddie admitted that there were no stand-ins for the rescue scenes, and the cast did all their own stunts within them 'We not only had physical and skills training, we went through simulation exercises to understand more about hardware, like mechanical operations, and soft skills like first aid and CPR. In between shoots, we still had to continue training and practicing. It was pretty rigorous!' he said. Eddie also admitted that there were no stand-ins for the rescue scenes, and the cast did all their own stunts. 'Thats why its enjoyable and exhilarating to work with Dante, as he is extremely passionate about realism in scenes... The actors were assured of being able to safely run, jump or plunge once he shouted Action! It was definitely exciting.' Eddie continued: 'I think The Rescue will prove that Chinese films today are world class. When we were on location in Mexico, many experienced industry professionals were amazed that we were able to plan, execute and film such elaborate and dangerous stunts.' The film's release follows a string of Asian films receiving global praise, including Crazy Rich Asians, Parasite and The Eight Hundred. 'All actors dream of breaking into Hollywood': Eddie said while he'd love to break into the global market, he feels has 'to pay my dues here in Asia first' 'There is still room for me to improve before I venture out further!' The actor is relishing working with 'the best in this part of the world' and has high hopes for The Rescue 'All actors dream of breaking into Hollywood, which most see as the capital of the movie world. If you can make it there, you would have arrived on the global stage. But I still feel I have to pay my dues here in Asia first before pursuing that Hollywood dream,' Eddie said. 'I have been working with the best in this part of the world from directors and actors to screenwriters and production crews and they have all taught me so much. There is still room for me to improve before I venture out further!' The Rescue was released in Australian cinemas on December 12, 2020 DANBURY - Crime in the city was flat going into the holiday season in November compared to the same month in 2019 due to an increase in thefts, according to the latest numbers from the police department. The citys police chief said the 10 percent increase in thefts in November compared to the same month in 2019 wasnt attributable to a single cause that warranted special law enforcement attention or public concern. Any crime number is too much and although its probably unrealistic to say that we shouldnt have any crime, its something we continue to work towards, police Chief Patrick Ridenhour said Thursday. The month-over-month increase in thefts in November - and a larger 14 percent increase in thefts in October over the same month in 2019 - is a blip in the overall crime picture in 2020 for Danbury, which is one of Connecticuts safest cities. For the first 11 months of 2020, crime in eight categories was down 27 percent, according to the police departments latest report to the City Council. And although thefts were up in the fall, thefts overall are down 25 percent for the first 11 months of 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The monthly numbers, which track homicide, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson, lag behind real time by a month. They are not official until they are audited by the state. Much of decline in Danburys 2020 crime is due to lockdown conditions of the coronavirus pandemic, city leaders have said. Leaders have also credited the police departments good relationship with Danburians. The major crimes are crimes against people - homicide, rape, robbery and assault, Ridenhour said. What were seeing is an increase in crimes against property. The city has also had more homicides than its accustomed to having - four in 2020 compared to three homicides total for the previous three years combined. Ridenhour said the homicides were not part of a larger pattern. Had this been a consistent trend as you have in some cities that have daily shootings and a lot of problems in certain communities, this would be more concerning, Ridenhour said. The most recent homicide in October - which the police department did not report to the public until Tuesday after a reporter requested information about it - was a murder-suicide involving an ailing couple. They were two people in a whole lot of pain due to health issues and they apparently decided to go out together, Ridenhour said. It gets classified as a homicide as well it should because one person took the life of another, but from the standpoint of warning the community about their safety, it isnt warranted. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said her government is making arrangements to provide free COVID-19 vaccination for people in the state, an announcement the opposition BJP and Congress made light of, dubbing it as "poll gimmick. In an open letter, Banerjee said COVID warriors, including police, home guards, civil defence volunteers, correctional home and disaster management employees, will be administered the vaccine on a priority basis. "I am happy to inform that our government is making arrangements for the vaccine to reach people of the state free of any charge," the chief minister said. The Union government had earlier said free coronavirus vaccine would be provided in the first phase to the most prioritised beneficiaries, including one crore healthcare and two crore frontline workers. India is set to launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16. Banerjees announcement comes ahead of the assembly elections in West Bengal, which are likely to be held in April-May. The opposition, however, slammed the Trinamool Congress supremo for trying to politicise the drive ahead of the polls. "The Centre has announced free priority vaccination for frontline workers across the country. The TMC government is trying to take credit of it. The state government would distribute the vaccines supplied by the Centre and say it is providing free inoculation, just like renaming other central schemes," West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said "She is trying to turn it into a poll sop," he added. The state's Congress president Adhir Chowdhury, too, spoke in the same vein, alleging that it is yet another attempt by the TMC to fool the masses. "The TMC is well aware its days are numbered, so these are desperate attempts," he said. The ruling party, meanwhile, dismissed the allegations as baseless. "The TMC government has done a splendid job in COVID management. If we have announced about providing free vaccines, what is the harm in it?" state minister Subrata Mukherjee said. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had recently made a similar announcement. The southern state will also go to polls along with Bengal. The Bihar government, too, has given the cabinet nod to provide free vaccine to every citizen of the state, a promise the saffron party made in its manifesto for the assembly elections held in October-November. . Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Locally heavy thunderstorms during the morning will give way to partly cloudy skies this afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 74F. SW winds shifting to NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.. Tonight Considerable cloudiness. Low around 45F. Winds N at 15 to 25 mph. The European Union remains high on Turkeys agenda and the country sees its future in Europe, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, Ahval reports. Turkey is looking to turn a new page in its relations with the EU in the new year following a hindrance in progress with the bloc in 2020 due to the caprices of some EU member states, the Turkish Presidency cited Erdogan as saying during a videoconference with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. Updating the March 18 agreement could be the most important tool that could be used in the first stage for a positive agenda in Turkey-EU relations, Erdogan said, referring to the blocs refugee agreementwith Turkey signed in 2016. According to the 2016 deal, the EU promised the allocation of 3 billion in aid to Turkey to help migrants. The deal also included the end of visa restrictions applied to Turkish citizens when travelling to Europe as of June 2016, but the visa restrictions still remain. Furthermore, both parties agreed to re-energise Turkeys EU bid. Turkey has been an official EU candidate country since 1999 and has maintained a customs union deal with the bloc since January 1996. Accession negotiations formally began in October 2005, however have stalled in the last few years due to what is being called Turkeys failure to comply with required criteria pertaining to the EU candidacy. The Turkish president also called for the Customs Union should be updated while visa liberalization is provided to Turkish citizens, according to the statement. Moreover, exclusivist and discriminatory acts and rhetoric against Turkey should be brought to an end, Erdogan said. Sudan warned Sunday it cannot continue the "vicious cycle" of negotiations with Egypt and Ethiopia in the long-running dispute over Addis Ababa's controversial Blue Nile mega dam. Last week, the three countries had agreed to hold further talks to agree the filling and operation of the vast reservoir behind the 145-meter (475-foot) tall hydropower Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). But the latest meetings between foreign and water ministers "failed to reach an acceptable agreement to resume negotiations", Khartoum's state-run SUNA news agency said Sunday. Sudan's water and irrigation minister, Yasser Abbas, warned that Khartoum cannot "continue this vicious cycle of indefinite talks". Tensions have been high in the Nile basin ever since Ethiopia broke ground on the dam in 2011. Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, says the hydroelectric power produced by the dam will be vital to meet the power needs of its 110 million people. Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 percent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat. Khartoum hopes Ethiopia's dam will regulate annual flooding, but has also warned that millions of lives would be at "great risk" if no agreement was reached. It says the water discharged from the GERD dam "poses a direct threat" to the safety of Sudan's Roseires Dam downstream on the Blue Nile. The African Union, which is supporting the talks, suggested the three nations "hold bilateral meetings" with AU experts, Ethiopia's foreign ministry said in a statement Sunday. While Ethiopia and Egypt accepted this proposal, "Sudan refused to have the bilateral meeting", the statement added. Addis Ababa said it was "immediately" establishing a system to "cater for the concerns of Sudan on dam safety, data exchange and other technical issues", the ministry said. Story continues Relations between Addis Ababa and Khartoum have deteriorated in recent weeks, with clashes reported along their frontier on the sidelines of an Ethiopian military operation in the Tigray region, bordering Sudan. Ethiopia, which has said it reached its first-year target for filling the dam's reservoir, has recently signalled it would proceed with the filling regardless of whether a deal was concluded. The Nile, the world's longest river, is a lifeline supplying both water and electricity to the 10 countries it traverses. Its main tributaries, the White and Blue Nile, converge in the Sudanese capital Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. mz-fal/pjm/sw More than 61,000 programme managers, two lakh vaccinators, and 3.7 lakh other vaccination team members have been trained so far as part of training at states, districts, and block levels Editor's note: This article was originally published on 10 January. It is being republished in the light of the first consignment of Covishield vaccines leaving Serum Institute of India, marking the beginning of a decisive phase in India's fight against COVID-19 . *** India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from 16 January. In what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the world's largest inoculation programme, priority will be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers followed by those above 50 years and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities numbering around 27 crore. "After the detailed review, it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc, the COVID-19 vaccination will start from 16 January 2021," the government press statement read. The announcement came after Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the coronavirus situation in the country, where he was briefed about the preparedness status of the Centre in close collaboration with the state and UT governments for the roll-out of the vaccine. The prime minister was also apprised about the CoWIN Vaccine Delivery Management System, which will be mandatory for the Centre use and the people to register and track the target groups Besides this, the prime minister is scheduled to hold a meeting with chief ministers of all the states on 11 January to discuss the coronavirus situation and the rollout of the vaccine. The meeting will be held tomorrow (Monday) at 4 pm via video conferencing India is gearing up to begin vaccinating its population against the novel coronavirus from 16 January. Here is how: CoWIN vaccine delivery management system In the review meeting on Saturday, the prime minister was briefed about the CoWIN vaccine delivery management system, a unique digital platform that will provide real-time information of vaccine stocks, their storage temperature and individualised tracking of beneficiaries of the COVID-19 vaccine. The primary objective of the dry runs was to assess the operational feasibility of using the CoWIN application in a field environment. 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. Pre-registration on the CoWIN platform will be required for vaccination and there will be no provision for on-the-spot registrations at the vaccination sites. More than 79 lakh beneficiaries have been already registered on the platform, a government statement said. Govt to use voter info to identify population aged 50 years and above The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC), under the chairpersonship of NITI Aayog and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has already identified a priority group which will be vaccinated first. Here is the list: Nearly 1 crore healthcare workers will be vaccinated during phase I vaccination drive Around 2 crore frontline workers will receive the vaccine Those who are above 50 years and people below 50 years with co-morbidities will also get vaccine in the first phase. Nearly 30 crore people will get COVID-19 The government will also be using the latest electoral rolls for Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections to identify population aged 50 years or more to be vaccinated against COVID-19 on priority, the health ministry mentioned in its operational guidelines for vaccine rollout. According to the document, COVID-19 vaccine will be offered first to healthcare workers, frontline workers and to persons above 50 years of age, and persons younger than 50 years of age with associated comorbidities based on evolving pandemic situation. For the vaccination purpose, age of an individual will be calculated based on the cut-off date of 1 January, 2021 and anyone born on or before 1 January, 1971 will fall under the category to be vaccinated on priority, the Economic Times mentioned in a report citing the 113-page operational guideline shared with states. Centre trains vaccinators and vaccine administrators As the vaccinators and vaccine administrators comprise a crucial pillar of the vaccination exercise, their training process was also detailed out in Saturday's meeting, and it was noted that 2,360 participants were trained during a national-level exercise (training of trainers) comprising state immunisation officers, cold chain officers, IEC officials and development partners among others. More than 61,000 programme managers, two lakh vaccinators and 3.7 lakh other vaccination team members have been trained so far as part of training at states, districts and block levels, officials said. Three phases of dry runs have been conducted across the country, with the third dry run conducted on Friday across 615 districts covering 4895 session sites in 33 states and UTs. 20 ministries, 23 departments to take part in vaccine roll-out As many as 20 ministries, from power to railways, defence and labour to civil aviation and over two dozen state-level departments, are being now involved in Centres COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort. Twenty-three ministries/departments and numerous developmental partners will coordinate in planning for COVID-19 vaccine introduction, as per guidelines issued by the NEGVAC. As per The Indian Express, the Union Power Ministry has been instructed to coordinate with states to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at vaccine storage points and session sites. The Railways, which is to conduct vaccination sessions at its hospitals, dispensaries and other premises, will do vaccine branding on railway tickets while the Labour Ministry will conduct vaccination sessions across its Employees State Insurance network of hospitals and staff. According to Economic Times, the Union health ministry has sought the support of the education ministry to build public confidence on vaccine safety and address fears over any adverse event. In a communication to the Union education ministry, health secretary Rajesh Bhushan has stressed the need to address public expectations, anticipation as well as any hesitancy through a concerted public outreach, and sought the support of university networks, online talk platforms and any leverage points of large footfalls to drive and support a vaccine campaign. At least four departments urban development, revenue, PwD, public health engineering have been told to help in vaccination site identification aside from other responsibilities, reports The Times of India. As part of the universal immunization programme (UIP), India has more than 28,900 cold chain points and over 85,000 equipment. The health ministry has been reiterating the need to augment the network, for which the departments of animal husbandry and food and civil supplies have now been roped in. Centre asks states to use AD syringes, orders 83 crore syringes The centre also asked the states to use auto-disable (AD) syringes during the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. "These syringes prevent person-to-person transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Use a new sterile packed AD syringe for each injection for each beneficiary," the guidelines noted. The instructions also stated to "not use AD syringes that have damaged packaging, or have passed the manufacturer expiry date. Do not pre-fill syringes and do not attempt to recap the needle as this practice can lead to needle-stick injuries." The central government has ordered 83 crore syringes for COVID-19 vaccination drive in India. A set of guidelines for safer disposal of used injections has also been prepared, according to reports. Moreover, the Centre has also invited bids for 35 crore more syringes, according to the statement by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Affairs. Process underpinned by people's participation, says MHA The Health Ministry has stated the entire vaccination exercise is underpinned by the principles of people's participation (Jan Bhagidari); utilising the experience of elections (booth strategy) and UIP. The government has said that no compromise on existing healthcare services, especially national programmes and primary health care, and of scientific and regulatory norms besides other SOPs will be made, and the vaccination programme will be marked by an orderly and smooth implementation driven by technology. Meanwhile, on Friday, the third countrywide dry run of the vaccination programme to ensure the readiness of all preparations and simulate a seamless and glitch-free vaccine administration, covered 4,895 sites across 615 districts in 33 states and Union Territories. India had recently granted emergency use authorisation to two vaccines, Oxford's Covishield being manufactured by Serum Institute in India and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Both vaccines, the statement from the Health Ministry said, have established safety and immunogenicity. On Sunday, India registered 18,645 new coronavirus cases, taking the overall count to 1,04,50,284. The new infections are just 0.2 percent higher than Saturdays cases. Indias toll rose by 201 to 1,50,999. The active cases in the country now stand at 2,23,335, while the number of recoveries has now reached 1,00,75,950. With inputs from PTI Jammu, Jan 10 : Extending the much needed relief to the people of snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday declared "heavy snowfall" as state specific natural calamity under the state disaster response fund (SDRF) norms. The LG was chairing a meeting to take stock of the winter management, particularly, snow clearance efforts of administration, with all DCs and SSPs of Kashmir division, through virtual mode, at the Raj Bhavan. Pertinently, 'heavy snowfall' was not figuring in the list of natural calamities under SDRF norms, due to which disbursement of relief and ex-gratia for damages due to heavy snowfall was not possible for the district disaster management authorities. The LG directed that 4X4 rescue vehicles or ambulances be provided to snow-affected districts with immediate effect for helping the people in distress. "Be visible and take early measures. Need more feet in the ground. Quickly reach out to the people to address their needs and requirements", Sinha told the meeting of officials where he made the announcement to declare heavy snowfall as natural calamity. He also lauded the efforts of employees working 24X7 on ground in challenging climatic conditions. In late 2019, Russia revealed the results of its investigation into corruption that crippled efforts to complete construction of the new Vostochny space center (Cosmodrome). The aftershocks of that report are still being felt. The arrests and prosecutions for related corruption continue as does the replacement of senior officials for not being able to do the job. The most recent firing took place in November 2020 when Andrei Okhlopkov, the head of TsENKI (Center for Operation of Ground-Based Space Infrastructure Facilities), was removed for failure to make much progress in fixing the problems with the still (after a decade) unfinished Vostochny launch center. Okhlopkov had only held the job since mid-2018, when he replaced a man who had also failed to deal with the Vostochny mess. At the same time Okhlopkov was dismissed so was Evgeny Rogoza, who was in charge of Vostochny. Also dismissed, and arrested for corruption, was Roman Bobkov, who, since early 2019, headed the government-owned construction company building Vostochny. Bobkov was accused of fraud and bribing a Defense Ministry inspector to not report the fraud and misconduct still present at Vostochny. President Putin recently interviewed the senior officials of the space program and those responsible for new construction and pointed out that it should be clear by now that anyone involved with space program operations, especially construction of the new Vostochny facility, should remember that over 70 space program officials have been convicted for corruption so far, and that will continue until they and their subordinates realize that continued corruption and mismanagement will be discovered and punished. What Putin found incredible was that even with the dozens of dismissals and corruption prosecutions that resulted from the 2019 investigation, many replacement officials kept making stealing and deceiving and getting caught. Construction of Vostochny has been underway for a decade and is still not finished. Costs have risen as a result and are now over five billion dollars. The corruption uncovered so far involved dozens of officials stealing nearly $200 million. About a third of that was recovered before it could disappear into offshore bank accounts or investments. New regulations have been enacted to make it more difficult for officials to set up offshore bank accounts or invest personal funds outside Russia. These investigations and prosecutions have been underway since 2014 and since then nearly 20,000 violations have been uncovered. Many of these were due to incompetence or sloppy managements. Too many of these violations were criminal in nature, involving theft or misuse of government funds. The Russian space program is run by Roscosmos, a state-owned corporation that has a budget of nearly three billion dollars a year and provides employment for about 250,000 people, including the many contractors employed. Russian officials have noted that the United States gets by with about 30 percent as many people. More importantly Roscosmos has not been able to offer competitive pay to attract and retain qualified personnel. Since 1992, when the post-Cold War version of Roscosmos was created, personnel quality has kept declining and the average age of personnel has risen. The end of the Soviet Union meant the end of a state-run economy. Russia as a whole prospered once people could work for whoever could offer them the best pay and professional opportunities. Roscosmos was seen as an employer of last resort for scientific and engineering personnel and those who manage that kind of work. Most of the damage at major projects like Vostochny was the result of incompetence but a lot of the poor work was deliberate. That was often the case when the use of substandard materials was involved. This occurred with a new launch pad and the defective concrete that had to be laboriously removed and replaced with concrete capable of handling large rocket launches. Another major source of corruption involved payroll, as in reporting more workers working more hours that was actually the case. Procurement was another profitable area for the corrupt as items that did not exist or were substandard were paid for rather than what was needed. The government auditors admitted that a lot of the problem was the result of Russia still keeping details of such projects secret. Many of the scams would have been obvious if, as in the West, financial details of construction were public, and available for anyone to examine, records. Classified (secret) projects are always more prone to corruption or incompetence that goes undetected longer because few people are monitoring how the money is spent. Vostochny is for commercial, not military, launches and keeping construction details secret does not encourage potential foreign customers. Vostochny will only be profitable if there are a lot of foreign customers. The government wanted to make Vostochny a project demonstrating how the Russian space program is making a comeback. Instead, Vostochny is turning out to be a reminder that not much has changed in Russia. There have been some successes at Vostochny. In early 2016 the first satellite launch at Vostochny went off without a problem. A Soyuz rocket put three civilian satellites into orbit. The second launch took place in late 2017 and failed. The third launch, in early 2018 was a success. Another launch in late 2018 was a success as was one in early 2019. However, that is only five launches in five years. A second, larger, launchpad is under construction and by 2020 nearly half of Russian satellite launches were supposed to be carried out at Vostochny. That did not happen. This new Cosmodrome is in the Russian Far East (Amur Province, just north of Manchuria), unlike the Soviet era site in what is now the independent state of Kazakhstan. Construction of the Amur site began in 2010 as Russia realized Kazakhstan was becoming a very difficult landlord. Construction of Vostochny initially moved quickly because the site used to be Svobodny 18, an ICBM base that was shut down in 1993 as part of the START disarmament treaty. Svobodny 18 was not completely abandoned in the 1990s or allowed to fall apart. Amur Province was ultimately selected because of weather; the area averaged only 50-60 overcast days a year, had a dry climate and calm winds. There was also an absence of earthquakes. Construction went according to schedule as the first launches were planned to begin in 2016. This was made possible by the government acting quickly when the first signs of corruption surfaced. Three construction executives were arrested for corruption and many others threatened. Construction continues, mainly to build equipment and facilities for handling heavier cargoes, including supplies and components for space stations. In 2018 there were signs that the corruption arrests had not eliminated corruption and that a lot of it was still going on undetected. Until the release of the 2019 report, it was unclear how extensive the corruption was and how much damage it was doing to the construction effort. While Vostochny will get Russian commercial launches, military launches will largely remain at Plesetsk, near the Arctic Circle. While Plesetsk's location is good for some types of launches, like high inclination, polar, and highly elliptical orbits, the place is frozen most of the year and more expensive to operate because of the climate. In 2013 Russia agreed to remain in Baikonur after the Kazakh government agreed to reduce its demands for higher rent. Russia had threatened to cut launches at Balkinor from 75 percent of the Russian total to ten percent by 2020. Kazakhstan originally demanded a lot more money and threatened to shut down Balkinor if the Russians did not pay it. At the time Russia paid Kazakhstan $115 million a year for the use of Balkinor, in addition to the $50 million a year spent to maintain the facility. Many Kazakhs saw Balkinor as an ATM and anytime there was a cash shortage, they could make a withdrawal and the Russians would be forced to pay. The Russians convinced the Kazakhs that plans to leave Balkinor were real. It was pointed out that Balkinor was where the commercial satellites were launched and Russia sold these launch services to a growing list of foreign customers. If Russia paid the higher fees the Kazakhs were demanding the foreign customers would have to pay more than what other competitors charged and Russia would have to abandon Balkinor as uneconomical. Russia can turn Baikonur into a big cash cow via commercial launches but the Kazakhs were not convinced until of Vostochny began and moved ahead with unusual speed. The Kazakhs agreed to more reasonable rent and, for the moment, Russia's largest satellite launch site is still in Kazakhstan. When Vostochny is fully operational the Kazakhs have to pay more attention to being a good landlord. Founded in 1955 by the Soviet Union, Baikonur was long the main satellite launch facility for the Russians. But after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, Baikonur found itself in the newly minted Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan. There it became more expensive and difficult for the Russians to use. Russia has leased the Baikonur complex from Kazakhstan since 1991 but this has led to periodic disputes over lease terms and the danger to locals from launch accidents. These disputes were settled but the costs kept rising. The Russians valued the Baikonur launch site as it is very efficient for some types of launches; geostationary, lunar, planetary, and ocean surveillance missions, as well as all manned missions. But having your main launch site in a foreign country was seen as untenable. Russia began building a replacement site to the east, in Russian territory. Its manned space programs did not get moved Vostochny by 2020. That means Russia cannot yet abandon Baikonur. This is not a disaster because the current lease lasts until 2050. If the Russians leave, they will take or destroy all their gear with them. No point in leaving anything to help a competitor launch satellites. Posted Sunday, January 10, 2021 10:15 am Thurston County sold 22 of 56 tax-delinquent properties brought to an online auction that ended Wednesday, Jan. 6, and brought in $449,519. Property that is tax-delinquent for three years is subject to foreclosure and auction by the county in January every year. Owners can only redeem their properties if they pay their owed taxes, interest, penalties and foreclosure costs. Bid4Assets hosted the online auction that started Jan. 4 and included a mix of properties assessed as high as $7.7 million, according to a news release. Of the 56 total properties brought to auction, 32 were withdrawn, likely due to redemptions, and 24 were left available to bidders, according to a Bid4Assets spokesperson. Thurston County Treasurer Jeff Gadman said in a news release that he thought an online auction made the most sense for the county. "Our bidders can stay home and bid safely on a computer or mobile device, rather than gathering at the courthouse," Gadman said. "Bid4Assets brings a large network of buyers to our auction and their services are completely free for the county. This is a win-win for Thurston County taxpayers." The auction drew 175 participants from seven states and Canada, the spokesperson wrote. For comparison, the January 2020 sale drew 100 bidders, the spokesperson added. The highest successful bid was $165,200 for a 1.91-acre property on 93rd Avenue Southwest with an assessed value of $135,300, according to the auction website. The property started with a minimum bid of $11,526 and reach its peak bid after 364 bids. The property with highest minimum bid at $125,135 was withdrawn from the auction before it could be sold. The one-acre property on Deschutes Parkway Southwest in Olympia had an assessed value of nearly $1.2 million. The county treasurer conducts the auctions every year to recover back taxes, interest, penalties and costs. Any surplus funds from the bidding process are given to the original owner, according to treasurer's website. However, the surplus funds may be deposited into the county's general fund if the owner does not claim the funds within three years. Each bidder had to submit a $1,000 deposit and a $35 non-refundable processing fee to participate in the auction, per the auction website, however non-winning bidders are expected to get a refund within 10 days after the auction closes. Here are the 22 properties the county successfully sold, including a series of adjacent shoreline properties near The Evergreen State College that largely went to the same bidder: * A 0.09-acre property assessed at $28,700 near the intersection of Clark Street Southwest and North Seventh Avenue in Tumwater sold for $5,201. * A 3.11-acre property assessed at $24,400 and located at 21240 Hobson Road SW, Centralia, sold for $75,200. * A 1.91-acre property assessed at $135,300 and located at 3404 93rd Avenue SW, Olympia sold for $165,200. * A 0.28-acre property assessed at $28,100 in Boston Harbor sold for $7,400. * A 1.53-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near The Evergreen State College sold for $2,495. * A 1.46-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,495. * A 0.91-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,494. * A 0.45-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,493. * A 0.79-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,494. * A 0.91-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,494. * A 0.98-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,494. * A 0.8-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $3,700. * A 0.78-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,492. * A 1.5-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $3,494. * A 0.7-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,493. * A 0.99-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $4,300. * A 0.91-acre property assessed at $2,300 and located near Evergreen sold for $2,492. * A 0.22-acre property assessed at $60,300 and located at 8408 Sumac Court SE, Yelm, sold for $45,483. * A 0.17-acre property assessed at $42,000 and located at 18416 Albany St. NW, Rochester, sold for $50,900. * A 0.22-acre property assessed at $15,200 and located at 2420 113th Way SE, Olympia, sold for $7,101. * A 0.59-acre property assessed at $19,800 and located on 22638 Blue Ox Trail SE, Yelm, sold for $13,700. * A 19.75-acre property assessed at $38,900 and located at 8704 Skookumchuck Road SE, Tenino, sold for $42,900. More details on each property can be found at the auction website. In a 4-1 verdict that also quashed some contentious provisions of the Aadhaar Act, the top court had in September 2018 upheld the passage of the Aadhaar Bill as Money Bill in Lok Sabha New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce on Monday its verdict on pleas seeking review of a verdict upholding the Centre's flagship Aadhaar scheme as constitutionally valid but striking down some of its provisions, including its linking with bank accounts, mobile phones and school admissions. A five-judge bench, comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan, SA Nazeer and BR Gavai, will take up in-chambers a batch of review pleas challenging the 26 September, 2018 verdict. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by then Chief Justice Dipak Misra held that while Aadhaar would remain mandatory for filing of Income Tax Return and allotment of permanent account number (PAN), it would not be mandatory to link Aadhaar number to bank accounts and telecom service providers cannot seek its linking for mobile connections. In a 4-1 verdict that also quashed some contentious provisions of the Aadhaar Act, the top court, however, had held Aadhaar would be needed for availing facilities of welfare schemes and government subsidies. Ruling that seeding of Aadhaar would not be required for opening bank accounts, availing mobile services, by CBSE, NEET, JEE, UGC and for admissions in schools and free education for children, the top court had observed that Aadhaar had also become a household name and that its use has spread like a "wildfire". It had struck down as unconstitutional the portion of Section 57 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 that permitted private entities like telecom companies or other corporates to avail of the biometric Aadhaar data. Justice DY Chandrachud, who was part of the bench, had given a dissenting judgement in which he ruled the Aadhaar Act should not have been passed as a Money Bill as it amounts to fraud on the Constitution and is liable to be struck down. But the majority verdict by the other four judges, including the then CJI, upheld the passage of the Aadhaar Bill as Money Bill in Lok Sabha. Only 151,000 people have reportedly received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine despite the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed hoping to vaccinate 100 million Americans by the end of February. Operation Warp Speed (OWS), the federal vaccine program, had promised to distribute enough doses to immunize 20 million people in the US in December. OWS had then planned to distribute 60 million doses in January, and 100 million doses by February. It missed that target, and as of Sunday afternoon, only about 7.7 million people had received their first shot. Two doses are currently required and about 22 million doses have been delivered to states. More than 22.1 million infections have been reported in the US with at least 372,555 deaths. And according to a New York Times survey of all 50 states, at least 151,000 people in the United States have been fully vaccinated with both doses. The American Hospital Association has estimated that 1.8 million people need to be vaccinated daily from January 1 to May 31 to reach widespread immunity by the summer. The current pace is more than 1 million people per day below that. President-elect Joe Biden on Friday called the rollout a 'travesty,' noting the lack of a national plan to get doses into arms and reiterating his commitment to administer 100 million shots in his first 100 days. Scroll down for video Only 151,000 people have reportedly received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine despite the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed hoping to vaccinate 100 million Americans by the end of February As of Sunday afternoon, about 7.7 million people had received their first shot (depicted above) Biden has not shared details and was expected to discuss the effort this week. His office announced a plan to release most doses right away, rather than holding second doses in reserve, the more conservative approach taken by the Trump administration. Public health officials sounded the alarm for months, complaining that they did not have enough support or money to get COVID-19 vaccines quickly into arms. Now the slower-than-expected start to the largest vaccination effort in US history is proving them right. As they work to ramp up the shots, state and local public health departments across the US cite a variety of obstacles, most notably a lack of leadership from the federal government. Many officials worry that they are losing precious time at the height of the pandemic, and the delays could cost lives. States lament a lack of clarity on how many doses they will receive and when. They say more resources should have been devoted to education campaigns to ease concerns among people leery of getting the shots. And although the federal government recently approved $8.7billion for the vaccine effort, it will take time to reach places that could have used the money months ago to prepare to deliver shots more efficiently. Such complaints have become a common refrain in a nation where public health officials have been left largely on their own to solve complex problems. President-elect Joe Biden on Friday called the rollout a 'travesty,' noting the lack of a national plan to get doses into arms and reiterating his commitment to administer 100 million shots in his first 100 days Biden has not shared details and was expected to discuss the effort this week 'The recurring theme is the lack of a national strategy and the attempt to pass the buck down the line, lower and lower, until the poor people at the receiving end have nobody else that they can send the buck to,' said Gianfranco Pezzino, who was the public health officer in Shawnee County, Kansas, until retiring last month. The Trump administration defined its primary role as developing coronavirus vaccines and delivering them to states, which would then take over and ensure that vaccine doses traveled 'the last mile' into arms. Each state had to develop its own plan, including issuing guidelines for who gets vaccinated first. Several health experts complained about that approach, saying it led to confusion and a patchwork response. 'Let's just say that I was disappointed how they handled testing, and the vaccine deployment has reminded me of how disappointed I was when they handled testing,' said Dr Mysheika Roberts, health commissioner in Columbus, Ohio. Several public health officials and experts say they believe some of the early glitches are smoothing out. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said the slow start should not be surprising given the immense scale of the task. 'It was not going to be seamless,' he said. A group of people wait in line to complete their registration for the Moderna vaccine Tuesday at the COVID-19 vaccination clinic on the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show grounds in Mercedes, Texas The Trump administration defined its primary role as developing coronavirus vaccines and delivering them to states, which would then take over and ensure that vaccine doses traveled 'the last mile' into arms Still, Plescia said the federal government could have done more ahead of the rollout - such as releasing billions of dollars earlier to help with staffing, technology and other operational needs. An ongoing investigation by The Associated Press and Kaiser Health News detailed how state and local health departments have been underfunded for decades. Public health officials have warned since the spring that they lacked the staff, money and tools they needed to deploy a vaccine. The money was not approved until the end of December. Vaccine distribution involves a long, complex chain of events. Every dose must be tracked. Providers need to know how much staffing they will need. Eligible people must be notified to schedule their shots, given the vaccine's handling requirements and the need to observe people for 15 minutes after the shot - all while social distancing is observed. It's difficult to plan too far ahead because the number of doses the state receives can fluctuate. Hospitals cannot give all their workers shots on the same day because of possible side effects and staffing issues, so they must be spaced out. Rhode Island health officials said it can take up to seven days to get doses out to people once they are received. Officials in several states, including Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and New Jersey, said the lack of supply is one of the biggest obstacles to getting more people vaccinated. Some communities have seen large numbers of medical workers put off getting the shot, even though they are first in line. Columbus, Ohio, has had lower-than-expected demand among top priority groups, including emergency medical workers. A public education campaign could have helped address the hesitancy among health care workers that has slowed the rollout of the first shots, said James Garrow, a spokesman for the Philadelphia health department. More than 22.1 million infections have been reported in the US Instead, officials for months talked about the speed at which they were developing the vaccines - which did not help alleviate concerns that it might not be safe. 'There just hasn't been good messaging about the safety and the purposefulness of the safety protocols,' Garrow said. The federal government has done little to provide information resources that local officials can tailor to their own communities, to address concerns of people such as pregnant women or Black men living in rural areas, said Dr Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert at the University of Minnesota, who is a member of Bidens COVID-19 advisory board. 'You don't need 50 different states trying to do this kind of work. What you want to have is a smorgasbord of information sources that address different populations that any one state can use,' Osterholm said. 'That's what we dont have right now.' Some states are getting creative. Oregon held a mass vaccination event at the state fairgrounds with the help of the National Guard. The governor said it aimed to vaccinate 250 people per hour. New Jersey planned to open six vaccine 'megasites' where officials hope more than 2,000 people per day can eventually get their shots. But without a federal plan, such efforts can amount to 'throwing spaghetti at a wall to see what sticks,' said Chrissie Juliano of the Big Cities Health Coalition, which represents metropolitan health departments. What's needed is a national, wartime-type effort to get vaccines out to as many people as possible, multiple experts said. Medical emergencies can be covered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, said Pezzino, who is also a senior fellow at the Kansas Health Institute. Why not make vaccinations available on that schedule? 'It is possible. It is feasible,' he said. 'I don't see the level of urgency, the feeling of urgency in anybody around here. And thats really, honestly, thats the only thing that could make a difference.' Netanyahu boasts Israel will be 'the first country in the world to emerge from the coronavirus' Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has boasted that the country will be 'the first country in the world to emerge from coronavirus' as he secures new Pfizer supplies. The veteran premier said he had secured an agreement with Pfizer to bring forward deliveries of the vaccine in return for Israel providing 'statistical data' to help other countries defeat Covid-19. Netanyahu said plans are in place to vaccinate everyone in the country by the end of March, making it 'the first country in the world to emerge from the coronavirus'. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein welcomed crates of the Pfizer vaccine as they were unloaded at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Sunday 'We will be able to embrace each other and get back to life,' Netanyahu said. Meanwhile Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein watched today as crates of the Pfizer vaccine were unloaded at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. One official said the shipment, which had arrived from Belgium, contained between 700,000 and 800,000 doses. Speaking about the vaccine rollout, Mr Netanyahu said: 'The agreement that I have made with Pfizer will enable us to vaccinate all citizens of Israel over the age of 16 by the end of March and perhaps even earlier, meaning that we will vaccinate the entire relevant population and everyone who wants to will be able to be vaccinated.' He continued: 'Israel will share with Pfizer and with the entire world the statistical data that will help develop strategies for defeating the coronavirus.' It comes after Israel has already vaccinated 1.8million a fifth of its population in three weeks. Yet it did not order any Pfizer-BioNTech jabs until mid-November. Israel's health minister Yuli Edelstein has previously praised nurses in the country for reducing waste by squeezing out the sixth dose for their patients. Israel has left the world behind after ordering millions of doses in advance, distributing them quickly to remote areas and enlisting military reservists to help. Netanyahu has put the vaccination drive at the centre of his campaign ahead of an Israeli election on March 23. The rapid rollout comes amid a rise in cases which Netanyahu has blamed on the British mutation of the virus, which is thought to be more transmissible. By 15 January 2021 the IRS aims have distributed all stimulus checks payments to eligible citizens. As was the case with the CARES Acts direct payments it is thought that over 165 million will receive the financial support, leaving the IRS with a huge logistical task on their hands. To get the money out to the people as quickly as possible they use a number of methods to ensure that everyone can be reached. The most common form of payment is as a direct debit paid into a bank account; but millions will also receive theirs in the form of a physical check, or via an Economic Impact Payment debit card sent to their home address. How will your stimulus check payment arrive? The IRS will make payments based on the information that they have on file, meaning that the details provided when you last submitted taxes will be crucial. The fastest way to get payments made is through electronic transfers (direct deposit), so they use that method wherever possible. On 8 January the Treasury Department announced that they had already made $107 billion worth of direct deposit payments, and that 79% of the total cost of the second round of stimulus checks had been distributed. Heres everything you need to know about how your $600 stimulus check payment is likely to arrive. Direct deposit If your full banking details are already on file with the IRS then you will likely receive the stimulus check through direct deposit into your bank account. This covers the majority of Americans and also applies to those who receive Social Security beneficiaries, because it utilises the same payment method for benefits payments. By 4 January, around two-thirds of these electronic payments had already been made. Paper checks Despite being commonly referred to as stimulus checks, few actually receive their Economic Impact Payments in the form of a physical check. They are only really issued to those who are eligible for the support and who have access to banking facilities, but whose direct deposit details were not on file. The extra time required to produce, sort and send the physical checks means that the payments began arriving later than the direct deposit payments. EIP debit cards Stimulus check recipients who do not have access to any formal banking, or at least none that the federal government is aware of, will receive their $600 in the form of a EIP debit card sent to their home address. The prepaid Visa card will arrive loaded with the money and can be spent in shops or online, just like a regular debit card. The IRS has already sent around 8 million payments using this method and are being used in all 50 states. The first COVID-19 vaccines in the US require two doses a few weeks apart. People should get some degree of protection within two weeks of the first shot, with the second shot bringing about the vaccines full protection. For the vaccine by Pfizer and Germanys BioNTech, the second shot is supposed to be after three weeks. For Moderna, its four weeks. But how closely those guidelines should be followed has been a point of difference for the United States and the United Kingdom, which has been rolling out the Pfizer vaccine and one by Astrazeneca that requires two doses given four weeks apart. To get more first shots into people and give them at least some degree of protection, the UK says its OK to delay the boosters for as long as 12 weeks. But that strategy has been nixed in the US, where regulators say theres no science backing the approach. A major concern is that its unknown how long the partial protection from one dose can last. There is no data to demonstrate that protection after the first dose is sustained after 21 days," Pfizer said. US regulators agreed, saying too few people in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine studies missed their scheduled boosters to have enough data to show the strategy might work. The timing of the shots doesn't have to be exact in the US, though; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the second shots can be given up to four days earlier or later. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 16:22:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Tesla CEO Elon Musk has recently praised the Chinese government for being very responsive to its people's needs and happiness, suggesting it could be "better" than the U.S. government in addressing such concerns. Dedicating itself to the mission of serving the people, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the world's most populous country to major victories in its fights against COVID-19 and poverty, winning applause from foreign experts and officials. PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST With a strong leadership core, a people-oriented governance philosophy and well-established organization and operation mechanisms, the CPC immediately took decisive measures after the COVID-19 outbreak. Starting on Jan. 3, 2020, on a regular basis, China began to update the World Health Organization, relevant countries and regional organizations, as well as its own regions of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, on the development of the disease. Meanwhile, the country has released authoritative and detailed information to its people as early as possible to effectively respond to public concerns and build public consensus. The Chinese government has provided free medical treatment for COVID-19 patients. All COVID-19 patients, confirmed or suspected, received subsidies from the state for any medical bills not covered by basic medical insurance, serious disease insurance, or the medical assistance fund. Severe cases were treated by the best doctors using the most advanced equipment, and critical supplies were pooled to save lives at all costs. Temporary treatment centers, or Fangcang shelter hospitals, were built in pandemic epicenters, a major innovative solution that helped turn the tide in the battle against COVID-19 in China. During the fight, some 4 million Chinese community workers were working in around 650,000 urban and rural communities to guard against the disease, while millions of Chinese medical workers were grappling with the epidemic at the frontlines across the country. To help other countries plagued by the pandemic, China has pledged to make its vaccines a global public good and called for joint efforts to build a community of health for all. POVERTY ALLEVIATION The remarkable achievements made on the front of poverty alleviation also epitomize the people-centered philosophy of the CPC. In 2020, all of China's nearly 100 million impoverished rural residents living below the current poverty line had left poverty behind after eight years of efforts. All 832 poor counties have now been lifted out of poverty. The per capita net income of the poor rose from 3,416 yuan (about 510.90 U.S. dollars) in 2015 to 9,808 yuan (about 1,466.80 dollars) in 2019, an average annual growth of 30.2 percent. Financial support, medical resources as well as technological elements have been pouring into the country's rural areas, the frontier of the historic anti-poverty fight. As of the end of August 2020, the China Development Bank had issued 1.5 trillion yuan (about 224.3 billion dollars) in loans to support poverty relief during the past five years, the policy bank said. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 major urban hospitals in China have delivered paired assistance to hospitals in over 800 poor counties during the country's 13th Five-Year Plan period, official figures showed. Moreover, people in 98 percent of poor villages in areas of extreme poverty now have broadband access, which has vastly narrowed the urban-rural digital gap. At the same time, China has built 1,290 innovation and entrepreneurial platforms in poor areas and sent 289,800 sci-tech experts to rural areas since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012. APPLAUSE FROM THE WORLD Musk's praise of China has been echoed by other foreign experts and officials, who hold the opinion that the CPC regards the interests of the people as its top priority. The fundamental aim of the CPC is to serve the people heart and soul, said Kingphet Mongkhonvilay, a senior official from the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. In the face of the pandemic, the CPC has clearly demonstrated its dedication to the interests of the people, Mongkhonvilay added. "As soon as the Chinese government knew about the severity of this epidemic, they moved the priority to saving lives," said Stephen Perry, chairman of Britain's 48 Group Club. No other country could get thousands of doctors and nurses to Hubei, once the hardest-hit province in China, within days, said Perry, adding China's response was "first class." The CPC has united "the sectors of the society to act together as a single entity," said Martin Albrow, a British sociologist based in London. "This aspect of social governance is the secret behind China's success in combatting COVID-19 that leaves the West scratching its head for an explanation," Albrow added. Ali al-Hefny, Egypt's former ambassador to China and former deputy foreign minister, said he agrees with Musk's praise of China. "Musk's comment came after what he had experienced during his business expansion of eco-friendly cars" in China, where the government has emphasized many times it would raise the people's living and welfare standards, said al-Hefny. "China has been praised for taking millions out of poverty," said Misheck Mwanza, an ex-diplomat and former director of the Zambia Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies. It is the leadership of the CPC that helped achieve this, Mwanza said. Enditem Telegram (Image: Reuters) Telegram founder Pavel Durov on January 9 slammed Facebook, which owns WhatsApp, asking the company to "respect" its users. Messaging platforms Telegram and Signal have seen a surge in popularity after WhatsApp's new privacy policy sparked concerns related to data-sharing with Facebook. "I hear Facebook has an entire department devoted to figuring out why Telegram is so popular. Imagine dozens of employees working on just that full-time," Durov said in a post on his Telegram channel. Also read: Signal, Telegram see demand spike as new WhatsApp terms stir debate "I am happy to save Facebook tens of millions of dollars and give away our secret for free: respect your users," he said. Telegram saw nearly 2.2 million downloads in two days, Reuters reported on January 8, citing data from Sensor Tower. Durov said Telegram has around 500 million users, claiming it has turned into "a major problem" for WhatsApp. He also accused WhatsApp of covert marketing, stating that "Wikipedia editors have recently exposed multiple paid bots adding biased information into the WhatsApp Wikipedia article". Also read: WhatsApp says latest update does not change its data-sharing practices with Facebook Durov also sought to address some "myths" related to Telegram, after witnessing inaccurate information about the platform on social media. He clarified that the platform's code is open source and that chats are encrypted. "In reality, all Telegram client apps have been open source since 2013. Our encryption and API are fully documented and have been reviewed by security experts thousands of times," the Telegram founder said. Durov, who is Russian, said Telegram does not have servers or offices in the country, and was blocked there from 2018 to 2020. He also said Telegram "doesn't spend any money" on marketing, unlike Facebook. Conservatives and Republicans, now is the time to show your values and denounce the insurrection and the storming of the U.S. Capitol. Peaceful protest is the path to addressing grievances. Asserting that storming and occupying the Capitol is being patriotic is ludicrous. These actions are illegal, and the violators should be arrested. If the destruction to federal buildings in Portland by Black Lives Matter supporters is illegal (and it is), then storming the U.S. Capitol is also illegal. Defacing the citadel of U.S. democracy is an act of treason. Stopping the formal actions of Congress, is an act of treason. If you believe in law and order, denounce these actions and support the arrest of the perpetrators. If you support the police, then denounce these illegal actions and their impact on the Capitol Police. If you have ever truly identified yourself as an American and have ever supported democracy in America, denounce these actions. If you see America as the representative democracy for the world, then denounce these actions. God save us from ourselves and protect our leaders and guide them in these troubling times. Kevin Jones, Redmond She recently enjoyed a business trip in Dubai with her boyfriend Dan Edgar, just before the nation plunged into lockdown. And Amber Turner appeared to pine for another getaway as she uploaded a throwback snap from Ibiza's Nassau Beach Club last year to Instagram on Sunday. The TOWIE star, 27, showcased her incredibly toned figure in an animal print bikini as she posed on the sandy shores of the Spanish island. Bikini babe: Amber Turner, who recently returned to the UK from Dubai, appeared to pine for another getaway as she uploaded a throwback snap from Ibiza on Instagram on Sunday Turning up the heat, the influencer stunned in the barely-there two-piece, which featured a triangle bralet and a matching thong. The TV star proved less is more as she opted for minimal make-up and wore her tresses in beach waves. Earlier this week, Amber hit out at trolls who accused her of being 'damaging' after she showed off her breakfast and lunch. The social media star shared a picture of her combined meal which comprised of five slices of red pepper, chicken breast and a kiwi smoothie with her fans. Globe-trotter: The TOWIE star, 27, enjoyed a business trip in the United Arab Emirates with her boyfriend Dan Edgar, 30, just before the nation plunged into lockdown But the blonde was left irked when she was inundated with 'rude' messages from fellow Instagram users, who claimed she skipped meals and insisted she isn't eating enough. She 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.' 'Leave me be!' Earlier this week, the social media star hit out at trolls who accused her of being 'damaging' after she showed off her breakfast and lunch The reality star explained she would sometimes have a protein smoothie for breakfast, then workout and have lunch later. She continued: '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.' President Donald Trump has one last visit planned for Texas to draw attention back to the issue that defined his campaign for the White House like no other: Cracking down on immigration. Trump is planning to be in Hidalgo County in South Texas on Tuesday to tout his administrations work to strengthen border security since he took office in 2017. Hell be visiting a small town near one of the bridges that connects Texas with Mexico with just over a week left in his presidency. President Trump is expected to travel to Alamo, Texas, on Tuesday to mark the completion of more than 400 miles of border wall a promise made, promise kept and his Administrations efforts to reform our broken immigration system, White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said. It gets Trump out of D.C. at a time that Democrats and even some Republicans have called for impeaching him a second time after his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol last week, delaying for hours the certification of the presidential election results. Before that crowd marched on the Capitol, Trump called on those supporters to fight like hell. While more than 400 miles of the border wall have been completed, only 30 miles are in new areas, according to a Customs and Border Protection report obtained by the San Antonio Express-News last month. Most of the work has been replacing older fences and barriers, largely from El Paso to California. When Trump took office, the nation had 654 miles of various fencing along the entire 1,954 mile U.S. border with Mexico from California to Texas. In just Texas, there were about 100 miles of fencing and other barriers. In July 2015, Trump made his first campaign trip to Texas in Laredo just after jumping into the race. During that trip, he made clear no issue was bigger than border security and criticized other candidates like former Texas Gov. Rick Perry for not doing enough on the issue. Theres nothing more important than what I am doing, Trump said when he arrived in Laredo then. Its a big problem. Its a huge problem. After Congress refused to give the White House $5 billion for the construction of the wall, Trump turned to using past Defense Department appropriations to cover some construction. Almost $10 billion was diverted from Pentagon programs in 2019 and 2020, a controversial transfer that has been challenged in federal lawsuits. This will mark Trumps 18th stop in Texas since he took office in 2017, several of which have been to the border, including stops in McAllen and El Paso to tout the wall and plead with Congress to find the money to build more of it. While Trump sees the work as one of his crowning achievements, it is also an issue that became notorious because of the administrations hardline tactics. In 2017, the Trump administration began a new policy where adults who crossed the border without permission - a misdemeanor for a first-time offender - were detained and criminally charged. No exceptions were made for parents arriving with young children. The children were taken from them, as first detailed by the Houston Chronicle in late 2017. In 2019, many faulted Trumps rhetoric on immigration for inspiring a shooting rampage in El Paso at a Walmart that left 23 people dead. The shooter left behind a manifesto in which he allegedly ranted about a Hispanic invasion he saw happening in the United States. While Trump is celebrating his immigration policies, critics like former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro said his legacy on immigration has caused immense damage that will take years to recover from. Trump started his campaign with lies to stir up white nationalism and incite hate towards immigrants, Castro said on Sunday. Hes ending his presidency the same way. The past four years, weve seen just how dangerous and destructive this playbook can become, and communities along our southern border have seen that destruction first hand. Despite Trumps hard-line stances on immigration, the number of apprehensions of people crossing the border illegally skyrocketed in 2019 to 977,000, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The year before there were 521,000 apprehensions. In 2020, with the coronavirus pandemic closing the border, the numbers dropped to 460,000 apprehensions. E very adult in the UK will be offered a Covid-19 vaccination by the autumn, the health secretary has pledged. He said the vaccines would still be offered according to need targeting the elderly and people with underlying health issues but added: Every adult will be offered a vaccine by the autumn. The government was accelerating the rollout of the vaccine and more people had been vaccinated in the last week than in the whole of December, Mr Hancock said. One third of people aged over 80 had now received a vaccination, he confirmed. Mr Hancock has said the Government is on course to reach its target of 13 million people vaccinated by mid-February, with 200,000 people being vaccinated per day. The opening of mass vaccination centres this week is likely to increase the rate of jabs. Ministers are hopeful that vaccinating the most vulnerable members of the population will pave the way restrictions to be eased. But Professor Peter Horby, chairman of the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag), does not believe it will mean a return to business as usual. He told Andrew Marr: I dont think it will return us to normal. There will still be a large number of people being infected, and although the absolute risks of someone under the age of 80 dying or ending up in hospital are low, with a large number of infections that still translates into a lot of people and so were going to have to manage the virus, with social distancing measures as well as vaccination for the coming months. Asked about the likelihood of social distancing measures being in place next winter, he said: I think thats likely. I think it very much depends on how well we can scale up the vaccine programme and how quickly we can get it out to a substantial proportion of the population. The UK has recorded more than 80,000 Covid-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic, the highest death toll in Europe. The members of the New York' Congressional delegation on Saturday, January 9, demanded the removal of President Donald Trump from office. During a news conference, City Hall Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said Trump presents "a clear and present danger to the health, safety and well-being of the American people and our democracy. The Democrats have also laid out plans for swift impeachment of President Donald Trump as an aftermath of the riots at the Capitol. Impeachment of Trump Also, top Democratic leadership has urged Vice President Mike Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution to remove Trump from office for his "incitement of insurrection". Along with the Democrats, at least one Senate Republican has also said that he would consider supporting a possible effort by congressional Democrats to impeach Trump. While speaking to CBS News, Ben Sasse said that he would "definitely consider" any article of impeachment because the president "disregarded his oath of office". Trump is set to leave on January 20 when Democrat President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated. Even with just days left for his term to end, Democrats are discussing whether to act quickly to impeach Trump as soon as next week if his Cabinet doesnt first try to remove him after he encouraged his supporters to ransack the Capitol building in a siege that has left five people dead. The US President, on the other hand, has denounced the violence but calls have mounted for Trump to be removed. Read: Donald Trump & Team POTUS 'party' Moments Before Capitol Riots; Video Surfaces Online Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a joint statement, said that the Presidents "dangerous and seditious acts necessitate his immediate removal from the office". The two added that they look forward to hearing from Pence as soon as possible and to receiving a positive answer as to whether he and the Cabinet will honour their oath to the Constitution and the American people. Further, Pelosi even said that Congress may be prepared to move forward with impeachment should the Vice President and Cabinet not invoke the 25th Amendment which allows for the President to be removed from office by the Vice President's majority cabinet. Read: Trump To Visit US-Mexico Border Wall As 400 Miles Of Construction Completed Moreover, leaders including Ted Lieu, David Cicilline, Jamie Raskin, and Ilhan Omar have drafted articles of impeachment. The resolution cites Trumps interaction with the rally in Washington DC on January 6. They suggest that the Presidents statements encouraged the chaos that unfolded, as Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol. Read: Hillary Clinton Shares 2016 Tweet After Twitter Bans Donald Trump's Account Permanently Also Read: US Capitol Siege LIVE: Donald Trump Concedes, Makes Way For Biden As Congress Confirms Win (Image Credits: AP) Japans National Institute of Infectious Diseases said authorities have found a new strain of the coronavirus in four passengers arriving from Brazil. The new variant has similarities to strains found in the U.K. and South Africa, the NIID said in a statement on Sunday. The information about the new variant is limited to its genetic make-up, and its difficult to determine at the moment how infectious the strain is, the institute said. In a separate statement, Japans Ministry of Health said the four passengers who arrived at Japans Haneda airport from Brazil on Jan. 2 were later diagnosed with a variant of the virus. Meanwhile, four cases of the mutated coronavirus strain, which was discovered in the United Kingdom last month, have been registered in Iran, Health Minister Saeed Namaki said on Sunday. "Four new cases were confirmed yesterday," Namaki said, as cited on the country's government website. According to the top health official, those infected are members of one family, who have returned from Europe. On January 5, Namaki said that the country detected the first case of the new UK coronavirus variant in a person who has recently returned from the kingdom. On the other hand, Britain has now given around 2 million people a COVID-19 vaccination, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Sunday ahead of a ramp-up in the roll-out of the shots on Monday. "Over the last week we've vaccinated more people than in the entirety of December, so we're accelerating the roll-out," he told BBC TV. With a highly transmissible new variant of the virus surging across Britain, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has imposed a third national lockdown in England - its most populous region - to try to stem the pandemic before the most vulnerable are immunised. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur has trimmed down activities related to the Pasalamat Festival on Jan. 17, including its highlight street dance, amid the pandemic. Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co said they could not afford to be complacent despite the decline in COVID-19 cases in the city. Last November, the OCTA Research Group included Pagadian City among the country's high-risk areas but it has been off the list since then. Co said limiting activities in the popular festival which draws thousands of devotees was needed to prevent big crowds from congregating. This year, a motorcade will be held in lieu of the procession while only a limited number of people will be allowed to hear novena masses, which will be conducted only three times during the festivities. Bishop Ronald Lunas of the Pagadian Diocese encouraged devotees to carry on with their devotion despite the limitations on church attendance. "Let this remain a meaningful celebration with an additional understanding and patience needed on the limits because of the pandemic," said the bishop. "But despite all, COVID-19 has given people learnings and experiences in life, strengthening the relationship with the family and friends, the environment and with God." Other cities have carried out similar limitations on activities related to their respective festivals, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to put a damper on celebrations. Earlier, the Kalibo local government and organizers of its Ati-atihan Festival announced it was not pushing through with the celebration's major events, citing insufficient funds to comply with the regional Inter-agency Task Force's requirement to conduct reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests on all festival participants. Almost two dozen tribes consisting of 400 participants were supposed to perform on Jan. 16 and 17. Organizers will instead air a collection of videos from previous Ati-atihan celebrations during the weekend of the festival. Meanwhile, Sinulog organizers in Cebu City announced that some of its live events will be scrapped this year. They said the ritual showdown among tribal dance groups will be pre-recorded and presented online on Jan. 17 instead, eliminating the need for the 22 contingents to travel for their performances. CNN Philippines Zamboanga del Sur-based correspondent Leah Agonoy and Aklan-based correspondent Carla Doromal contributed to this report. Residents surrounding the site of the new Western Sydney Airport are reporting higher numbers of animals appearing on their properties, blaming land clearing for forcing wildlife from their habitats. Conservation groups also warn that the destruction of key wildlife corridors in parts of western Sydney will further isolate and displace already vulnerable animals. Retired teacher Moira Bryan says kangaroos have moved onto her Bringelly property. Credit:Rhett Wyman Bringelly resident and retired teacher Moira Bryan said a family of displaced kangaroos had recently moved onto her property about nine kilometres from the airport. "Their natural habitat has been destroyed so they've probably been pushed out into our lands as the airport gets developed and gets cleared," she said. By Brigid Callahan Harrison On Wednesday, a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed and occupied the U.S. Capitol. This was no peaceful group exercising their right to protest this was an insurrection. The mob smashed windows, threatened members of Congress, and waged war against Capitol police. If any other group foreign or domestic had used explosives in our Capitol and tore down the American flag, we would be at war. Even after this turmoil, Congress returned and in the early morning hours and finally confirmed the outcome of the 2020 presidential election by certifying the Electoral College votes in the states, declaring President-elect Joe Biden the victor. Normally, during this moment in our history, all Americans convey a spirit of goodwill, hope, and optimism for our incoming president. And regardless of where we stand on the political spectrum, an essential part of our Democracy is to respect our countrys long voting process and to agree to give the person elected by the American people a chance to implement their vision for our nation. But instead of seeking to unify our nation, which has been torn apart and yearns for healing, Congressman Jeff Van Drew joined 146 other Republican Congress members in challenging the 2020 election results based on false and unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. It is his actions and those of his colleagues that fed the delusional outrage of Wednesdays mob. With this cynical move, Van Drew continues his unique pattern of subverting the will of the people. A little more than a year ago, we challenged Van Drew when he chose to blindly support President Trump after he colluded with foreign governments to interfere with the U.S. presidential election. We voiced our concern when Van Drew turned on the regions Democrats, Republicans and Independents who voted for him in 2018 and not only switched parties but pledged a public oath to serve President Trump over his own constituents. Van Drew made a personal, political calculation that supporting Trump was the way to get elected. He was right, and while I dont like the result, I recognize the legitimacy of his win, fair and square. But the singular self-interest of a career political does not make his decision the right one, either for his constituents or for the American people. It was a vote that solely served the interests of Jeff Van Drew. Wednesday was a very sad day for our democracy, and the Van Drew vote is a scary moment for all of us because it shows, while so many are suffering, his priorities remain one person Donald Trump. We still dont know why Van Drew would join a cabal of lunatic fringe extremists who seek to undermine our democracy. Van Drew has not explained how he can call into question the legitimacy of our elections, the very same elections that resulted in the seating of Van Drew and his colleagues in Congress. To this day, there have been no specific instances of fraud that warrant his support for subverting our democracy, destabilizing our government, undermining the authority of our duly-elected president. Our own Supreme Court, a third of whom were appointed by Trump, even rejected these claims. However, we should not be shocked we saw this coming. A year ago, many of us passionately warned that Van Drew was a traitor. But instead of finding compromise and uniting the whole district around an alternative to Van Drew, we allowed ourselves to fight each other. Now the results are clear. We continue to have a representative in Congress that cares more about his own self-interest, than his constituents. We continue to have a representative in Congress that puts Donald Trump first, even though the American people have spoken. I am confident that in two years, and even 20 years from now, our community will remember Van Drews vote on Wednesday, his treasonous support of overthrowing our democracy, Considering that so many in our area are truly suffering right now, we must realize that we have a great deal of work to do and without a real leader in representing the Second Congressional District, we must come together, unite and cooperatively find other avenues and new community leaders to help improve the lives of our friends and neighbors. Brigid Callahan Harrison, Ph.D., is a professor of Political Science at Montclair State University. The author of five books on American politics, she lives in Longport. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Heres how to submit an op-ed or Letter to the Editor. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow us on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and on Facebook at NJ.com Opinion. Get the latest news updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Author Charles Martin challenges Christians to forgive like Jesus in divided society Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In an increasingly divided society, New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin is challenging Christians to demonstrate Christ-like forgiveness an act he believes has the power to turn the world upside-down, just like the first century believers. What if we just forgave everybody, for everything, for all time, the same way Jesus forgives us? he said in an interview with The Christian Post. What if we forgave people who didn't deserve it? What if we forgive people who are currently sinning against us? What if we forgave, and then walked out in the sacrificial love of Jesus? If we did that, I believe the world would look really different. A seasoned writer, Martin has written over 14 novels over the span of his 20-year career. His books have reached millions, with the 2011 romance-disaster novel The Mountain Between Us turned into a movie in 2017, featuring major Hollywood stars Idris Elba and Kate Winslet. But while working on his 2016 fiction book titled Long Way Gone, Martin felt God calling him to use his gifts to push pause on fiction and tell the story of you and me. So I decided to write the story of me and the Lord and what Hes taught me through His Word, he shared. In 2019, Martin released his first non-fiction book, What If Its True?. Later this month, hell release the follow-up, They Turned the World Upside Down: A Storytellers Journey with Those Who Dared Follow Jesus. The bestselling author told CP that his latest book examines what radical faith looked like in biblical times and what it looks like in 2021, drawing from the lives and examples of Jesus' disciples. I previously examined what our lives would look like if we really believed Jesus gave us His authority and power, he said. Now, Im looking at how the faith and obedience of Jesus followers changed the world. In his book, Martin follows the disciples as they follow Jesus instruction to spread the message of the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. From the Mount of Olives where Jesus ascended to Heaven to Pauls ministry in Thessalonica, the book looks at those who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6) for the sake of the Gospel. This is a movement that traveled 1,000 miles northwest of Jerusalem into the town of Thessalonica, Martin said. What did the Lord do in these people? This book is about their unbelief and how God moved them to belief not just a belief that He is King, but also a belief in His Kingdom. The author shares stories from his own life as a disciple, along with pivotal moments from Scripture, to encourage readers to engage with their faith in a new and inspiring way. Every time I walk into Gods presence and I'm honest about the stuff that I bring with me, I feel like God looks at the places where my heart is hardened, callous, and unforgiving, and He says, Wil you let me have that? Will you let me take it away from you? You must forgive these people. Theyre broken, just like you. Now, love them. Martin clarified hes not telling people to be a doormat, adding: Abuse, sin, and other issues need to be confronted and addressed, but as far as our response to people, our love should be stronger than their hate. In his book, Martin encourages readers to get bloodied referencing 1 John 1:7, which says it's the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all unrighteousness. We as Christians talk about the blood of Jesus but we leave it in the bowl, we don't ever do anything with it, he said. I'm trying to challenge people to step into the priesthood that the Lord has given them to actually believe that what Jesus did on the cross, He is still doing today. He's still cleansing. still forgiving, still breaking chains, still waking people up to the Father. If Jesus followers truly believe that what He said is true, their lives will demonstrate world-changing faith, Martin contended. He pointed out that the apostles loved Jesus so greatly, they were willing to lose their lives for the Gospel. If we as believers would just look at the burdens were carrying, the anger, the unforgiveness, and give them to the Lord and walk in forgiveness and repentance, it would turn this world upside down. 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. It would take less than three hours on the final day of the 2020 GGPoker WSOPC #13: $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em before Niklas Astedt could claim his first WSOP Circuit Ring and $348,250 by defeating Mirza Muhovic heads-up in the final. On Day 1, the $1,000,000 guaranteed prize pool attracted 94 entrants with eight players cashing with Wiktor Malinowski, George Wolff, Juan Pardo, and Oliver Weis busting in the quarter-finals. Astedt's win here today gets him really close to the $6 million-mark on GGPoker as PokerCraft has recorded $5,970,827 in tournament cashes for one of the best online MTT players in the world. Astedt took on Cooper Li from Malaysia in the semi-finals and before taking out Muhovic in the final in matches that both lasted around 75 minutes. Muhovic overcame Ian Modder in his semi-finals match to finish behind Astedt for $199,000 which apparently is his first tournament cash on GGPoker. Li and Modder both collected $99,500 for falling in the semi-finals. WSOPC #13: $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em Final Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Niklas Astedt Sweden $348,250 2 Mirza Muhovic Luxembourg $199,000 3 Cooper Li Malaysia $99,500 4 Ian Modder Canada $99,500 5 Juan Pardo Spain $62,188 6 George Wolff United States $62,188 7 Oliver Weiss Germany $62,188 8 Wiktor Malinowski Russia $62,188 Astedt Eliminates Li Astedt has a tough road to the semi-finals as he had to take care of Timothy Adams, Luke Reeves, Guillaume Nolet, and Malinowski last week. Today he faces Li and kept the pressure on the relatively unknown player. He took an early lead and ground him down but Li didn't roll over and give up in any way. He kept battling the Swede and doubled up with a straight and even took the lead for a bit. But Astedt hit a wheel to get Li down to just over half his stack before the chips went in with pocket treys on the seven-five-five-four board. Unfortunately for him, Astedt held the higher pocket pair with nines and even improved to a full house on the river. Over on the other side of the bracket, it was a similar story for Muhovic as he took a quick lead but he never had to double Modder up. Muhovic took down Modder a few minutes before Astedt would become his next opponent. The board read trey-seven-ten-seven-nine when Modder got his chips in with a straight holding the eight-six but Muhovic held the jack-eight for the higher one to secure his spot in the final. Astedt Cements His Spot in Poker History Astedt quickly took a lead in the final with a few hands where he hit top pair or trips before Muhovic rivered the nut-flush to double up and leave Astedt with less than half the starting stack. But Astedt battled his way back to a lead before putting the pressure back on his opponent. Muhovic kept losing chips as he had to keep folding when Astedt put him all-in before he doubled up with ace-jack just after another break. Astedt's king-ten couldn't bring him the win. But it would only take another 15 minutes or so before Muhovic limp-shoved for 29 big blinds with ace-six. Astedt called with pocket tens and stayed ahead throughout the board for him to come out victorious. The PokerNews live reporting team is still bringing you coverage of the WSOPC #17: $252 Deepstack Bounty Hunters No-Limit Hold'em today. On Sunday, January 10, Day 2 of the WSOPC #18: $1,700 MAIN EVENT, $10M GTD will kick off at 6:30 p.m. GMT and we will be there from the start until the final table has been reached so make sure to keep following along with all the live updates right here. Elise Stefanik's behavior and rhetoric since Election Day has been recklessly irresponsible and cravenly cynical. The North Country congresswoman isn't alone, of course. Other Republicans, senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley prominent among them, participated in the same game, made the same calculations. But Stefanik is our bad actor, and so the spotlight here shines on her. The problem isn't simply that Stefanik challenged electoral votes. I'm open to the idea that a member of Congress can raise an honest, if largely symbolic, objection to a states presidential electors; as Stefanik notes, Democrats mounted small challenges of their own in recent years. But Stefanik's objection on the House floor was fundamentally dishonest and misleading, which puts it perfectly on par with most of what shes said since Election Day. Thats the problem. In the speech she delivered in a Capitol building still shaken by violence, Stefanik claimed her concerns were about "constitutional overreach" namely that officials in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin unconstitutionally altered voting procedures established by legislatures. Courts, it should be noted, found that officials acted appropriately. Stefanik apparently disagrees with those decisions, which is fine, but she ignores a key fact: Officials in other states, including some won by President Donald Trump, also changed election procedures without legislative approval. In Texas, for example, Gov. Greg Abbott issued orders that, among other changes, lengthened the early voting period and limited the number of drop-off locations for absentee ballots. By Stefanik's standard, Abbotts moves were undoubtedly unconstitutional. Did she object to the Texas vote? Of course not. Nor did she question her own election or results from New York, even though Gov. Andrew Cuomo also unilaterally changed voting rules. The discrepancy shows Stefanik's concern wasn't about the constitution. By focusing only on the handful states where Trump fought the results, Stefanik did the partisan bidding of a president attempting to overturn an election, a man falsely asserting that sweeping conspiracies denied his landslide win. That extraordinary context for Stefanik's behavior can't be ignored. Partly but not entirely due to Trumps lies, millions of Americans have lost faith in institutions of every kind. They believe the country is so rotten, so corrupt, that no person or reported fact can be trusted. They're convinced our democracy is a sham. Thats a fantasy, thank God, and a mass delusion. Its also deeply unpatriotic. Love of country, then, requires we fight against what amounts to a growing and destructive nihilism, that we combat lies with fact, darkness with light. But that isn't the path Stefanik chose. Instead, in recent weeks she repeated debunked conspiracies unrelated to her supposed constitutional concerns, including her claim days ago that 140,000 votes in just one Georgia county were cast by underaged, deceased or otherwise unauthorized voters or her suggestion in a Newsmax interview that Dominion voting machines were suspect. (For what it's worth, as of this Saturday morning writing, she has still not publicly acknowledged that Joe Biden won the election.) With her mendacious malarkey, Stefanik effectively endorsed Trumps attempt to upend democracy by disenfranchising millions of voters. As he tried to steal an election, she was an accomplice. And yet she had the gall to stand on the House floor and declare, as she did Wednesday, that she hoped to restore voters shaken faith in our election system. Given how she helped erode that very faith, shes like an arsonist claiming to worry about smoke. Stefanik and fellow Ivy Leaguers Hawley and Cruz must know Trump lost. They must see that his fraud claims lack evidence and merit. Deep down, they probably knew they were playing with fire. It wasn't as though they weren't warned. Somebodys going to get hurt, somebodys going to get shot, somebodys going to get killed, Gabriel Sterling, a Republican election official in Georgia, said five weeks ago in an emotional plea to cool heated rhetoric. While there were Republicans, of course, who behaved with honor, Stefanik and her fellow enablers bet that sticking with Trump was better for their ambition than sticking up for truth and country. The gamble backfired in horrific fashion when rioters stormed into the Capitol, unleashing mayhem that killed Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick and four others. It was a sickening attack on democracy, and those who abetted Trumps fantastical falsehoods will long carry the stain of a moment that laid bare the costs of their cynicism. Stefanik is young still, just 36. I suppose we could hope this is a sobering moment, an inflection point, that bends the arc of her career toward decency and honesty. But shes given us no reason for optimism. At a defining moment in American history, Stefanik failed a test of character. And if the last four years made anything clear, its how much character matters. cchurchill@timesunion.com 518-454-5442 @chris_churchill Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Kyrgyz citizens went to the polls on January 10 in an election that is expected to confirm nationalist politician Sadyr Japarov's hold on power. Voters are also choosing between the current parliamentary system and a presidential system in a referendum. There were technical glitches and delays at some polling stations, including at a university in Bishkek, where officials blamed extreme cold for malfunctioning voting machines. The cold weather was also blamed for low turnout. The United Australia Party will not contest the West Australian state election in March, party chairman Clive Palmer has confirmed. The mining billionaire, who lost his legal bid last year to have WA's hard border deemed unconstitutional, said Premier Mark McGowan could breathe easy. Clive Palmer and Mark McGowan. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen/Trevor Collens He (Mr McGowan) has recently spoken about worrying signs and concerns regarding support for Clive Palmers United Australia Party if we ran, Mr Palmer said. Mark McGowan must be under enormous pressure so I dont want to cause him any more stress during the festive season. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. President Donald Trump has one last visit planned for Texas to draw attention back to the issue that defined his campaign for the White House like no other: Cracking down on immigration. Trump is planning to be in Hidalgo County in South Texas on Tuesday to tout his administrations work to strengthen border security since he took office in 2017. Hell be visiting a small town near one of the bridges that connects Texas with Mexico with just over a week left in his presidency. President Trump is expected to travel to Alamo, Texas, on Tuesday to mark the completion of more than 400 miles of border wall a promise made, promise kept and his Administrations efforts to reform our broken immigration system, White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere said. It gets Trump out of D.C. at a time that Democrats and even some Republicans have called for impeaching him a second time after his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol last week, delaying for hours the certification of the presidential election results. Before that crowd marched on the Capitol, Trump called on those supporters to fight like hell. While more than 400 miles of the border wall have been completed, only 30 miles are in new areas, according to a Customs and Border Protection report obtained by the San Antonio Express-News last month. Most of the work has been replacing older fences and barriers, largely from El Paso to California. When Trump took office, the nation had 654 miles of various fencing along the entire 1,954 mile U.S. border with Mexico from California to Texas. In just Texas, there were about 100 miles of fencing and other barriers. In July 2015, Trump made his first campaign trip to Texas in Laredo just after jumping into the race. During that trip, he made clear no issue was bigger than border security and criticized other candidates like former Texas Gov. Rick Perry for not doing enough on the issue. Theres nothing more important than what I am doing, Trump said when he arrived in Laredo then. Its a big problem. Its a huge problem. After Congress refused to give the White House $5 billion for the construction of the wall, Trump turned to using past Defense Department appropriations to cover some construction. Almost $10 billion was diverted from Pentagon programs in 2019 and 2020, a controversial transfer that has been challenged in federal lawsuits. This will mark Trumps 18th stop in Texas since he took office in 2017, several of which have been to the border, including stops in McAllen and El Paso to tout the wall and plead with Congress to find the money to build more of it. While Trump sees the work as one of his crowning achievements, it is also an issue that became notorious because of the administrations hardline tactics. In 2017, the Trump administration began a new policy where adults who crossed the border without permission - a misdemeanor for a first-time offender - were detained and criminally charged. No exceptions were made for parents arriving with young children. The children were taken from them, as first detailed by the Houston Chronicle in late 2017. In 2019, many faulted Trumps rhetoric on immigration for inspiring a shooting rampage in El Paso at a Walmart that left 23 people dead. The shooter left behind a manifesto in which he allegedly ranted about a Hispanic invasion he saw happening in the United States. While Trump is celebrating his immigration policies, critics like former Democratic presidential candidate Julian Castro said his legacy on immigration has caused immense damage that will take years to recover from. Trump started his campaign with lies to stir up white nationalism and incite hate towards immigrants, Castro said on Sunday. Hes ending his presidency the same way. The past four years, weve seen just how dangerous and destructive this playbook can become, and communities along our southern border have seen that destruction first hand. Despite Trumps hard-line stances on immigration, the number of apprehensions of people crossing the border illegally skyrocketed in 2019 to 977,000, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The year before there were 521,000 apprehensions. In 2020, with the coronavirus pandemic closing the border, the numbers dropped to 460,000 apprehensions. (Newser) After supporters of President Trump harassed two senators at a Washington airport, security has been increased for members of Congress traveling to and from the capital. The stepped-up measures will be in effect through the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 20, Axios reports. Lawmakers were told of the action Saturday and were asked to advise House security officials, who will notify "the appropriate law enforcement agencies to ensure an increased security posture." Capitol police temporarily will be stationed at the three Washington-area airports, the notice said: Reagan National, Baltimore/Washington, and Dulles. Air marshals also will be involved. Members of Congress and staff members should "immediately report anything unusual or suspicious," the alert said. story continues below Also on Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that "strong enforcement action" will be taken against anyone who "endangers the safety of a flight." Several flights to and from Washington were disrupted by passengers last week. And Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Mitt Romney were heckled at different airports. Democratic Rep. Lou Correa of California also was harassed, per NBC, over his vote to certify President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory. Correa said in a statement that he was just doing his job. "These folks clearly had a problem with that, and they got up in my face about it," he said. A crowd had screamed "traitor!" at Graham as he walked through Reagan National Airport. (There were clues about what would happen at the Capitol.) Hazleton City Authority officials are evaluating ways to pay for state-mandated inspections and possible upgrades at seven high hazard reservoir dams over the next 10 years, authority administrators said last week. A recent push by state environmental officials for inspecting and evaluating dams that are large enough to cause flooding if they were to fail will soon be underway for the authority. The HCA has seven dams that must be inspected and possibly upgraded to meet state construction standards, HCA Director of Operations Randy Cahalan said. The process will be time-consuming and expensive, as the authority solicited proposals from engineering firms that specialize in dam analysis and permitting, he said. The initial phase of HCAs project includes evaluating the upper and lower dams at a reservoir at Mount Pleasant in Hazle Twp. for $296,000, Cahalan said. That work will continue for two years and involve extensive research and analysis and ultimately evaluate whether the dams are structurally sound, Cahalan said. The authority board could award a contract for that work as early as next week. The price, which is based on responses to a request for proposals, does not include final design work for upgrades or construction, he said. Theres really a lot of work thats coming, Cahalan said. We have to evaluate all seven of our dams and make sure they are upgraded and safe. This contract is just to do the first part of the consulting work. After year two, we will start phase three and four at upper Mount Pleasant. That involves the final design and construction work. When final design work and construction begins at Mount Pleasant, engineers will move on to different dams in HCAs system to begin initial review and evaluation. The process is expected to continue over a decade. Its a big project and will involve here initially a good bit of money just for engineering work and eventually, maybe even millions of dollars of improvements on all of our reservoir dams, Cahalan said. Cahalan told the authority board that not all of the evaluations and work scopes at HCA dams will be of the scope of Mount Pleasant. Some of the other dams have been done in the late 1980s or early 1990s and wont require nearly as much (work), he said. When asked by authority board member John Keegan, Business Manager Larry Patton said that the dam evaluations just came up and were not built into the budget. We have to look at where we will get that money from, Patton said. The authority could dip into a reserve fund or borrow money to complete the work, he said. HCA Head of Engineering John Synoski said he spoke with officials at Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority about possibly securing interim financing at 1% or 2% interest and rolling that money into a loan for construction. Theres nothing in concrete, Synoski said. Theyre just taking a look at what they can possibly do. Cahalan said the authority can secure a line of credit while authority board Chairman John Nilles asked whether the authority will fully pay any existing loans in the coming months. The authority will retire a loan for the filtration plant in December, which should free up a nearly $69,000 for monthly payments, Patton said. That would be of some help, Cahalan added. Kabul, Jan 10 : At least three people were killed and another person was injured in a blast in Kabul on Sunday, Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Tareq Arian said. The blast, according to the official, took place at 8.30 a.m. in Police District 8, Xinhua news agency reported. Arian said that the victims included Zia Wadan, spokesman for the Public Protection Force. Without providing details, the official blamed the Taliban outfit for the attack. The militant group is yet to respond to the allegation. Since last month, at least 23 people have been killed and 70 others injured in security incidents in Kabul. Kabul witnessed 15 security incidents late December 2020, including suicide attacks, car bomb attacks, magnetic IED blasts and targeted killings. Four blasts occurred in Kabul on December 26. Most of the magnetic IED blasts targeted security vehicles and were near police headquarters buildings in various areas of the city. Sanwo-Olu commended Reddington Hospital Group for establishing the Isolation Centre even as Nigeria battles the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. He said that the Lagos State government will continue to encourage private sector participation in health care delivery in the state as the burden will be too much for the government to bear alone. The Governor urged the residence of Lagos to continue to observe all the non-pharmaceutical protocols of regular washing of hands, wearing of facemask and physical distancing to curb the community transmission of disease. Group Medical Director of Reddington Hospital, Dr. Olutunde Lalude in his welcome address reiterated the need for the private sector to partner with the Government in the battle against the second wave of the pandemic. The Armoured Shield Isolation Centre is a 40-Bed hospital with in-house facility for PCR Testing, ambulance response, CT Scan, Operating Theatre, isolation care, high dependency care and Level 3 ICU capability for covid-19 treatment. The Armoured Shield Medical Complex and its command structure is situated in four different locations across Lagos with an incident command office in Victoria Island. The facility is managed by a multi-disciplinary assemble of specialists consisting of intensive care physicians, Pulmonologists, Cardiologist Internal medicine physicians, intensivists, general and thoracic surgeons, infectious disease specialists among other medical experts. Project Director, Andy Cunliffe emphasized the need to bridge the gap between preparedness and response, saying that Reddington were proud to support the efforts of Government through the launch of the new Armoured Shield Centre. He praised the Reddington team for their work in opening the new isolation centre which is a modern hospital facility, with patient safety at its core and offering well-furnished single bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, mini office and lounges and it is open to individuals who do not have a place to self-isolate or quarantine while they await test results or if they test positive for Covid-19. Recall that Reddington Zaine Laboratory, a Covid-19 Testing facility promoted by Reddington Hospital Group was commissioned in September 2020 to provide PCR testing with result available within 24 hours. Sample collection centres has since been opened in Victoria Island, Lekki and Ikeja to provide easy access to members of the public for the test. Reddington Zaine is one of the Laboratories accredited by the Lagos State Government and NCDC to provide PCR Testing for international air travelers to and out of Nigeria. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1417396/Reddington_Hospital.jpg SOURCE Reddington Hospital Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 07:57:43|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Mao Xianglin (1st, L) introduces the story of building roads in Xiazhuang Village to the audience at an exhibition hall at Xiazhuang Village, Zhuxian Township, Wushan County of southwest China's Chongqing, Jan. 6, 2021. For those who lived in Xiazhuang Village, it once took them two days to reach the nearest county. Thanks to the unceasing efforts of Mao Xianglin, the onerous travelling has become a history. In 1997, 38-year-old Mao Xianglin, the secretary of Communist Party of China (CPC) branch of Xiazhuang Village and head of the village committee, mobilized the villagers to build a better road to the outside world. To speed up the road building, Mao once worked and lived at the construction site for three months without going home. Finally in 2004, an 8-kilometer long and 2-meter wide road was finished. After more widening and hardening work conducted by the local government, the travel time from Xiazhuang Village to the county seat has been slashed to about one and a half hours. For Mao, building a road is the first step, and seeking a way to prosperity is the second. After consulting experts, he decided to develop orange planting industry in the village. Now, the orange orchard here covers an area of about 650 mu (about 43.3 hectares), and the whole village has shaken off poverty in 2015. "In the future, we'll develop rural tourism. I believe there's a better tomorrow for Xiazhuang Village," Mao said. (Xinhua/Wang Quanchao) Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. New Delhi, Jan 10 : After the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc on the country's poultry industry, it is now reeling under the fresh threat of the bird flu infection. Due to the fear of bird flu, the sale of chicken and chicken products have been the worst-hit. Especially in north India, the poultry industry has been badly affected by ban on the transportation of hens from one state to another. A delegation from the industry is scheduled to meet the central government on Sunday. The cases of bird flu in poultry chickens have so far been found only in Haryana while most of them have been found in wild birds or migratory birds elsewhere and some cases have also been found in poultry ducks. However, in the beginning of 2021, the fear of bird flu has increased so much that the demand of chickens and chicken products has decreased by more than 70 per cent, the poultry traders said. Poultry Federation of India President, Ramesh Khatri, told IANS that chicken sales had fallen by almost 70 to 80 per cent over the last three to four days, while prices had fallen by 50 per cent and egg prices had also come down by nearly 15 to 20 per cent. Khatri said the primary reason for the falling demand for chicken is that the movement of poultry from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir has been halted from one state to another. He said that the two farms in which the bird flu has been confirmed in Haryana are both layer farms and not broiler ones. In the layer farms, poultry farming is done for eggs, while in the broiler farms, poultry farming is done for chicken meat. He said he would demand from the central government to save the poultry industry from rumour-mongering of bird flu. A delegation from the poultry industry on Sunday would meet Union Minister Jitendra Singh in which Ramesh Khatri would also be present. Poultry farm operator, Rakesh Manhas, also said he would urge the Central government that the rumours spread about bird flu causes humongous loss to the industry so measures should be taken to prevent such a situation. The Union Animal Husbandry Ministry also said in the seven states where there were confirmed cases of bird flu on Saturday, only the reports of bird flu in poultry-chickens in Haryana has been confirmed. In India since 2006, almost every year in winters, Avian Influenza, a common cold disease found in birds has been found somewhere or the other and the way to deal with the outbreak of this disease was made by the government in 2005, which has been implemented in the infection-affected areas. Experts point out that the methods of eating chicken and eggs in India do not raise the question of transmitting bird flu in humans, although they say that the effort should be on not to eat infected birds. Animal Husbandry Commissioner, Government of India, Praveen Malik, told IANS that there is no direct evidence of Avian Influenza (AI) virus being transmitted to humans by eating contaminated poultry products. He said that there is a need to maintain cleanliness and hygiene and the cooking and processing standards are also effective to prevent the spread of AI virus. Agricultural economist and Poultry Federation of India advisor, Vijay Sardana, said the country's poultry industry is worth nearly Rs 1.25 lakh crore, which has drastically come down to half during the corona pandemic crisis. This means the business of the poultry industry which was nearly Rs 1.25 lakh crore before the disaster of coronavirus has reduced to nearly Rs 60,000 to 70,000 crore at present. The recovery of the poultry industry came in the last few days of 2020, which was earlier ravaged by coronavirus, but is now reeling under the threat of bird flu. Yolanda Hadid is evidently feeling love in the air. On Saturday, the reality television personality posted a number of photos to her Instagram account to celebrate her second anniversary with her boyfriend Joseph Jingoli. The photos showed various moments that the two had shared together over the course of their relationship, which is still going strong. Marking the occasion: Yolanda Hadid posted a number of photos to her Instagram account on Saturday to commemorate her second anniversary with her boyfriend Joseph Jingoli The caption for the celebratory post began with the message: 'All my life I prayed for someone like you!!' The 56-year-old continued: 'Thank you for being such a bright light in my life, the calm in my storm and for being the most honorable man that I know....' The former Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills series regular finished her caption with a statement about the occasion, as she wrote: 'Happy 2 year anniversary Joey Jingoli, I love and appreciate you.' The couple reportedly first met when he rang the doorbell at her Pennsylvania farm. High praise: The reality television personality wrote a lengthy message in the caption for the photos and referred to Jingoli as 'the most honorable man that I know' First meeting: Hadid stated that she met her boyfriend when, after going through a divorce with her former husband David Foster, Jingoli rang the doorbell of her Pennsylvania ranch At the time, Hadid was still dealing with her then-recent divorce from her former husband, record executive and musician David Foster. The former couple tied the knot in 2011 only to separate four years later; they finalized their divorce in 2017. The media personality was also previously married to real estate developer Mohamed Hadid from 1994 until 2000. Yolanda and Mohamed share three children; Gigi, aged 25, Bella, aged 24 and Anwar, aged 21, all of whom have followed their mother into her former profession of modeling. Hadid also gained two stepchildren from her first marriage, two daughters named Alana and Marielle. Shared experiences: The media personality noted that the two were close due to them both having gone through the debilitating effects of Lyme disease The couple have reportedly been head over heels for each other since the early days of their relationship, and they bonded over their shared condition of Lyme disease, which Hadid opened up about in an interview with People. The former model opined: 'When you meet somebody that thought he was going to die, like I felt I was gonna die, you have a whole new appreciation for life and you kind of share that, so thats really already a common bond that we have.' She also spoke about how their attitude towards furthering their relationship had been affected as a result of their medical conditions. Hadid stated that the couple wished to: 'live in the moment, enjoy every day, and not wait. Why take it slow? Lets just go for it and have a great time.' Sorry! This content is not available in your region The Telegraph France toughens rules for Britons arriving 'from Monday' Downing Street not ruling out local lockdowns to tackle Indian variant EU demands 10 a day for each vaccine dose delayed by AstraZeneca Biden demands follow-up investigation as Wuhan lab leak theory gains traction Checking facts vs Cummingss claims reveals major flaws in his evidence GPs cannot cope with a 'tsunami' of patients returning to surgeries after staying away during the multiple Covid lockdowns. An analysis of NHS data in England by the BBC found that between 2019-20 and 2020-21 the total number of appointments dropped by 10 percent, face-to-face consultation dropped from 70 percent to 54 percent and the number of patients referred by GPs for urgent cancer check-ups dropped by 15 percent, putting lives at risk. Now, rising numbers are looking for medical help, with more than 28million appointments booked in March - one of the highest on record - which risks crippling the system. Doncaster-based GP Dr Dean Eggitt told the corporation: "We have almost a tsunami of patients coming to us - it feels like the river has flooded the banks. "It just keeps coming and coming and coming in this one massive, endless wave of patients who all are ill and need help and input. They're sick, they're complex and we've got very few places to send them. I wouldn't want to be my patient right now." Follow the latest updates below. Divers pulled body parts, wreckage and clothing from waters off Indonesia's capital Jakarta on Sunday, as the military located a signal it hoped would lead to the wreckage of a jet that crashed with 62 people on board. The Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 plunged into a steep dive about four minutes after it left Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta on Saturday afternoon. A military vessel "has found the signal from (Sriwijaya Air) SJ182" and divers had recovered parts of the plane from around 23 metres (75 feet) below the water's surface, the transport ministry said Sunday, citing Indonesia's military chief Hadi Tjahjanto. The ministry did not specify if the signal was from the downed plane's black box. The frantic search appeared to offer no hope of finding any survivors. "Several body parts have been found and they've been taken to the police hospital for identification," Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus told AFP. "We don't know yet whether they're from one person. Belongings that we think are from the passengers were also found." A child's pink trousers, a broken tyre and wheel, life jackets and suspected wreckage from the plane were also found, according to authorities and AFP reporters on the scene. - 'Torn into pieces' - Flight SJ182 was bound for Pontianak city on Indonesia's section of Borneo island, about 90 minutes flying time over the Java Sea. On Saturday night, distraught relatives waited nervously for news at Pontianak airport. "I have four family members on the flight -- my wife and three children," Yaman Zai said as he sobbed. "(My wife) sent me a picture of the baby today... How could my heart not be torn into pieces?" The discovery of body parts and wreckage came as a flotilla of warships, helicopters and divers were deployed off the coast of the sprawling capital Sunday. Sixty-two passengers and crew were aboard the plane, all of them Indonesians, including 10 children, authorities said. The plane crashed near popular day-trip tourist islands just off the coast, authorities said. More than 300 personnel from search and rescue, the navy and the police were taking part in the search. The search-and-rescue agency earlier said poor conditions were hampering the effort, but the military later said visibility had improved and the recovery operation would continue Sunday. - Sudden dive - Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the plane reached an altitude of nearly 11,000 feet (3,350 metres) before dropping suddenly to 250 feet. It then lost contact with air traffic control. The transport minister said Saturday that the jet appeared to deviate from its intended course just before it disappeared from radar. Sriwijaya Air, which operates flights to destinations in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, has said only that it was investigating the loss of contact. It did not immediately comment when contacted by AFP again on Sunday. In October 2018, 189 people were killed when a Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX jet slammed into the Java Sea about 12 minutes after take-off from Jakarta on a routine one-hour flight. That crash -- and another in Ethiopia -- saw Boeing hit with $2.5 billion in fines over claims it defrauded regulators overseeing the 737 MAX model, which was grounded worldwide following the two deadly crashes. The jet that went down Saturday is not a MAX model and was 26 years old, according to authorities. "We are aware of media reports from Jakarta regarding Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182. Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families," Boeing said in a statement. "We are in contact with our airline customer and stand ready to support them during this difficult time." Indonesia's aviation sector has long had a reputation for poor safety, and its airlines were once banned from entering US and European airspace. In 2014, an AirAsia plane headed from Surabaya to Singapore crashed with the loss of 162 lives. Domestic investigators' final report on that crash said major factors included a chronically faulty component in a rudder control system, poor maintenance, and the pilots' inadequate response. A year later, in 2015, more than 140 people, including scores on the ground, were killed when a military plane crashed shortly after take-off in Medan on Sumatra island. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. 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. State legislators in Alabama, Kentucky and South Carolina have filed or pre-filed bills establishing such medical marijuana programs, according to a Reckon report. These states would join Mississippi, the latest state to adopt a medical cannabis program, making it the 35th state to legalize medical cannabis. In Alabama, state Sen. Tim Melson plans to file a medical cannabis bill similar to the one he filed in 2020. This will be the third year Melson has presented a medical cannabis bill in the state legislature. Smokable and vaping medical cannabis products would not be authorized under the bill, only tablets, certain types of edibles and creams. It would not allow any food products containing cannabis, like cookies or candies. Patients suffering from several conditions could qualify for cards. Patients who dont suffer from any of the conditions listed in the bill could appeal to a board for special consideration. You can read the text of the bill here. In South Carolina, state Rep. Bill Herbkersman and state Sen. Tom Davis, a Republican and Democrat, respectively, have prefilled versions of the South Carolina Compassionate Care Act. In 2018 and in 2020, versions of the bill failed. The bill outlines restrictions on how much a medical cannabis a patient may possession at one time and the level of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) allowed in each type of medical cannabis product. The bill also creates a 6 percent tax on all medical cannabis products. You can read the text of the bill here. Several Kentucky legislators have jointly filed a bipartisan bill that creates a Division of Medical Cannabis and creates a director and a board, which will set regulations regarding daily, 10-day and 30-day supply limits and create limits on how much THC is allowed in each type of medical cannabis product. The bill also protects out-of-state medical cannabis patients and caregivers from arrest if they are found in possession of cannabis while in South Carolina. Qualified patients are forbidden from using cannabis while operating a car, boat or airplane. The bill also allows employers to maintain their drug testing and workplace drug policies. You can read the text of the bill here. Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Submit A careless mistake by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) triggered a series of memes and comments from netizens after the exchange posted pictures of actress Mouni Roy from its official Twitter handle on January 9. The official Twitter handle of NSE commented 'Soaring Saturday temperature high... @RoyMouni looks breathtaking', with Roy's pictures. The Tweet left netizens perplexed as they tried to decipher the rationale behind the tweet. Having realised the embarrassing mistake, the NSE, however, deleted the post soon and issued an apology for the incident. "It was a human error made by the agency handling NSE account and there was no hacking. Our sincere apologies to our followers for the inconvenience caused," NSE wrote on Twitter. The mistake fetched NSE with loads of comments, memes and even scolding. Alok Jain of WeekendInvesting expressed his surprise at NSE's Tweet. "Can u believe the National Stock Exchange handle actually tweeted this ystdy!! @Roymouni has amazing luck!!," he wrote, Bloomberg Opinion columnist Andy Mukherjee wrote: "...Sebi is quite right to think that Indias biggest exchange has gotten ... well, a bit too lazy." NSE clearly said in its apology that the account was not hacked and termed the incident as a human error. He is married to Joanne Mas, with whom he shares three children - Dani, 24, Sunnie, 13, and Arty, seven. And Danny Dyer has said that he is excited for his wife to turn into her mother, Carol, as she gets older, as he joked he is 'in love' with his other half's mother. The EastEnders star, 43, was speaking with his daughter Dani on their podcast Sorted With The Dyers when he said he thinks he's 'more in love' with his 'mother-in-law than his wife'. 'I can't wait for my wife to turn into Carol': Danny Dyer has said that he is excited for his wife Joanne Mas to turn into her mother, Carol, as she gets older He said: 'You know a lot of men don't like their mother-in-laws... I think I'm more in love with my mother-in-law than my wife. 'I do love her very, very much. What they say is you look at your wife and then you look at your mother-in-law and that's what your wife will turn into. 'I can't wait for my wife to turn into Carol.' Danny married Jo in September 2016, after she proposed to him on Valentine's Day the year before. Family: The EastEnders star, 43, said he thinks he's 'more in love' with his 'mother-in-law (second from left) than his wife (left)' The future: Danny said: 'What they say is you look at your wife and then you look at your mother-in-law and that's what your wife will turn into' His oldest daughter Dani is set to welcome her first child with boyfriend Sammy Kimmence later this month. Speaking on their podcast, the Mick Carter actor revealed that he's nicknamed his grandchild 'the chav'. The actor jokingly referred to his grandchild-to-be in the pejorative term, often used to describe anti-social lower-class youths. Nickname: The soap actor revealed that he's nicknamed pregnant daughter Dani's unborn child 'the chav' Love Island champion Dani appeared to take the comment in stride as he chatted with her screen star father about her imminent due date. During their chat, Danny excitedly declared of his daughter's first child with her boyfriend Sammy Kimmence: 'The Chav's coming it's on its way!' Dani asked her dad if he would be on hand to support her through labour, prompting Danny to respond: 'As long as its nice and quick for you, it doesnt matter if Im in the waiting room or indoors with my feet up eating some crisps.' The nickname 'chav' appears to to be far from unfamiliar within the Dyer household, as Danny has affectionately referred to Dani as such in Instagram posts in the past. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close ZURICH, Jan. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Swiss innovation lands in virtual Las Vegas Monday, January 11 through Thursday, January 14 with 23 tech startups showcased in the Swisstech pavilion. Selected from a vast field of Switzerland's entrepreneur and startup ecosystem, Switzerland Global Enterprise along with their partners Presence Switzerland , Innosuisse , swissnex , digitalswitzerland , and Swiss Business Hub USA , bring the leading edge innovation that Switzerland is consistently recognized for the third year in a row to CES. These companies and their founders bring the best of Switzerland to the world's stage through dynamic product and technology demonstrations and presentations. The Swisstech Pavilion's 23 Swiss startups feature a self-disinfecting door handle, IoT sensor technologies, platform-based vehicle tech, cool apps that enable predictive typing in 40 languages, find your glasses or create AR assets, the hottest AR/VR/XR-based ecommerce platforms, AI-based personalization, "SaaS for brands" technology, AR light field projector googles, a drone that sees in the dark, a personal AI tutor, an encrypted private communicator, an AI-driven profiling tool, a "green" edge computing device for smart cities, and a Pokeman Go-like game that earns real treasure for players. The Swisstech companies are available for media and partner interviews throughout the week. Videos: AI, IoT, sensors and gaming, AR/VR high-tech retail, cloud computing, streaming, data, monitoring and cybersecurity, digital health, mobile hardware, power and audio. Media Inquiries: Kimberly Hathaway, Hathaway PR 415-994-1097, [email protected] Partner Inquiries: Karine Wittmer, Swiss Business Hub USA 415-408-1161, [email protected] SOURCE Switzerland Global Enterprise Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Police said a gunman entered the vestibule of an apartment building and asked to use the phone. Soon after, he began firing shots at the victims. One of the women was sitting at a desk in the vestibule. Police said she was not the intended target. 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. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/09/2021 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. couple Jessica Studer and Austin Hurd have revealed they purchased a home after the franchise's Couples Cam spinoff showed them house hunting last year.Jessica and Austin, a Washington, D.C. couple who appeared on Season 10 of , provided fans with an update on their relationship during Wednesday night's : Kickoff Special hosted by Kevin Frazier "We've been married now for almost..." Jessica began."It's almost been a year-and-a-half," Austin said."Yeah... Time is flying!" Jessica noted."Time is flying. We've made an addition to our family that is a dog," Austin said. "And we got a house.""We got a house!" Jessica repeated with glee. "[We are] adulting hard, living that married life."On Season 1 of : Couples Cam, Jessica and Austin were shown house hunting and falling in love with one home in particular.Jessica and Austin put a bid on the house that was ultimately accepted, but the listing was at the top of their budget and so Jessica had a bit of buyer's remorse.Austin told Jessica their mortgage wouldn't be much higher than what they were paying in rent for their apartment, but Jessica pointed out, "It's a couple hundred dollars more!"Austin knew this was a big step, but he believed he and Jessica were ready for it."Jess is being very cautious right now," Austin noted.Jessica said she didn't want to deplete their savings in case one of them got sick or their dog Rex got sick and they needed to pay for surgery for him, but Austin assured his wife that she was "overthinking" the situation.After seeking advice from their co-star and realtor Kristine Killingsworth , the couple chose not to go ahead with the purchase."After talking to Kristine, we decided that the house we originally thought was fantastic -- and it is fantastic -- but I don't think that we can swing it financially right now," Jessica revealed."We scheduled the tour knowing it was at the top of our budget, but we still wanted to see it."Austin acknowledged he had been "excited" and "ready to go," but at the same time, he was being "a little impulsive." Austin also said the numbers ended up being different from what he had expected, suggesting the mortgage was going to be more."We don't want to be house poor," Austin noted.Jessica said it didn't make sense for them to put all of their money into a big house when they're newlyweds and wanted to travel together. The pair therefore agreed to look for a less-expensive starter home before trying to find their forever home.Austin suggested they should buy things to fill a house and then buy a house later for all their things.Jessica later surprised Austin with a collage frame that read "Home Sweet Home" and featured three photos from a photo shoot with their dog Rex. Jessica called their family "The Hurd Herd."Jessica also revealed to Austin she had mailed in her "stuff" to change her last name from Studer to Hurd. Austin said that was "awesome" and he was so excited."I am officially going to be Jessica Hurd," she gushed. "We got married untraditionally, but I always thought I would take my husband's last name.""We're doing it!" Austin celebrated. "It means the world to me."Jessica was a 31-year-old nurse manager from Oak Harbor, OH, when she married a total stranger, Austin, who was a 31-year-old network technician from Maryland, on in early 2020.Jessica and Austin, who are both quirky and want to start a family in the near future, seemingly had the strongest and most stable relationship on 's tenth season.In fact, the pair actually toned down their physical affection when in the presence of the other struggling couples.Jessica and Austin consummated their marriage early into their honeymoon in Panama and succeeded in navigating daily life together.Austin, for example, cooked and cleaned the apartment when Jessica worked late, and for those reasons, Jessica didn't mind making more money.Jessica and Austin had a little tiff about how much Austin had to travel for work, but a little communication went a long way for these two and they eventually hashed out the issue rationally and maturely.The only other hurdle the couple had to overcome was Jessica waiting for Austin to profess his love to her, which he eventually did and more.'s twelfth season is set to premiere with a supersized three-hour episode on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 8PM ET/PT on Lifetime.Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group or click here to view our newspage!And click here for more updates on former cast members and info on where they are now! Weve seen at last the long-elusive, final straw for Donald Trump an insurgent breach of the U.S. Capitol marshaled by the president of the United States himself. This was not a drill. It was an American tragedy. The straw finally materialized on the strangest day, following the strangest year in most of American history. Republicans, many of them at work on the floor of the House and Senate, finally saw and felt for the first time what millions of other Americans have seen and sensed since Day One of Trumps presidency. The words Trump has spoken and actions he has taken finally (and very nearly) brought the republic tumbling down. I expected the final straw long before Jan. 6, 2021. Id lost count of the number of times I thought that, surely, this raw comment, or that reckless tweet, would be the one that did him in. Surely, this time, someone would call him out. But for four years, most Republicans defended Trump and cheered him on, dismissed the danger he posed and pretended not to see his obvious decline mentally, morally and ethically. I long ago gave up hope that the GOP would confront this delusional man and send him back to wherever hes welcome. The clamoring mob that overtook the Capitol, forcing legislators, security officers, aides and journalists to hit the ground and say their prayers, was apparently what it took to break the back of a party in thrall. Trump kept a low profile through most of it. After rioters had taken up residence inside the Capitol, one mounting the Senate dais and another propping a foot up on a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, the leader of the so-called free world choked out something about law and order and asked his personal militia to stand down. But first, he cajoled them with his favorite lie: They had been cheated. He did nothing to tell them he had misled them in service of his own ego, which meant they could all go home or to the local pub and comfort each other in the knowledge that they were true patriots. It was shocking to see, horrifying to watch. The attack on our Congress and the five deaths that resulted was something we expect to see in other countries, not the United States of America. I commented to my son that I was glad my father was not alive to see it. Members of the Greatest Generation, who grew up during the Depression and fought the Second World War, wouldnt be able to comprehend how we let this happen. Their disappointment might have broken them when war could not. Not so Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Ted Cruz, R-Tex., who, as my father might say, couldnt hold up the socks of men like President George W. Bush or Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah or, for that matter, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. all of whom spoke eloquently against Trumps treasonous tactics. Hawley and Cruz, whose names can now be found in the dictionary under the word tool, led the opposition to certifying Arizonas electoral college votes, becoming agents of King Trumps madness and giving cover to the insurrectionists crawling over walls, breaking glass and terrorizing members of Congress. Its a shame that tar-and-feathering has gone out of style. Both men will be lucky to escape censure. A few other Trump devotees have made symbolic gestures of stern disapproval. Betsy DeVos, the education secretary, resigned Thursday, along with McConnells wife, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. Mick Mulvaney, who served as Trumps first budget director and more recently as an envoy for Northern Ireland, followed suit. With only a few days left in Trumps presidency, their outrage fell short of heroic. The terrible scene at the Capitol will not soon leave our memories, thanks in part to the mental imprint of bare-chested barbarians wearing animal skins, horned helmets and other memorabilia from their loopy, imaginary lives on Planet Q. These are the people Trump considers his compatriots, along with those Republican sycophants whove yet to discover their spines. Invoking the 25th Amendment, as some suggested, might have shaved a day or two from Trumps craziness, but it will take years to undo the damage he has inflicted on our land, our national security and the stability of the world. KATHLEEN PARKER is a columnist for The Washington Post. ANN ARBOR, MI Short-term rental property owners and investors in Ann Arbor may sue the city if a pending ban on their businesses isnt lifted by City Council. Theres a group of about 50 local residents who each own maybe one or two or three properties that, for a considerable time, theyve legally operated as Airbnbs, said group member Heidi Poscher, co-owner of real estate development company Prentice Partners of Ann Arbor. And we are interested in continuing that legal operation, said Poscher, who said she has four Airbnb properties in Ann Arbor ranging from a house to a small apartment building. Thats not counting her companys new 63-bed housing development in a residential area at 830 Henry St., with units marketed at $75-$85 per night. City Council voted 7-4 in September to ban dedicated short-term rental properties such as Airbnb houses that arent owner-occupied in residential neighborhoods effective this March. With the clock ticking on a potential lawsuit once that ban takes effect, Mayor Christopher Taylor and his allies, who regained majority control of council in November, are now exploring options for rewriting the rules. Last month, they asked the citys staff and Planning Commission to come up with regulations to allow existing short-term rentals in neighborhoods to continue, and the recommendations are expected to come back to council for consideration. New Ann Arbor council looks for way to keep Airbnb houses in neighborhoods Poscher hopes theres a solution in place by March to avoid going to court. The short-term rental property owners group has had legal counsel retained for over a year and has communicated its position and concerns to the city, Poscher said. Some of these people in our group have put all of their savings into building up this little cottage business for themselves, she said, arguing it would be a financial loss for them if they cant continue to operate their properties as short-term rentals. Council Member Elizabeth Nelson, D-4th Ward, said shes still in favor of banning dedicated Airbnb properties in neighborhoods, even if it means bringing on a lawsuit. Fine, sue us, she said. Its worth finding out if we can regulate in this way. This is the right thing to do. Nelson said her primary concern is dedicated short-term rentals take away housing that could be homes for residents, and between 100 and 200 housing units are at stake. Nuisance concerns are a secondary issue, she said. Nelson said she doesnt think theres much financial risk for the city if property investors sue, because theyre not being deprived of their ability to turn a profit. They still could use their properties as longterm rentals or sell them, she said, arguing the extra profit from short-term rentals is marginal. Im not really worried about making 50 people mad if its the right decision, she said of the ban. We should want to regulate this kind of business. Its worth standing up for this because I do think it matters. Dedicated short-term rentals are effectively a hotel-type business and not a residential use and dont belong in residential neighborhoods, Nelson said. Its not in compliance with residential zoning because you dont create a resident, she said. Several short-term rental property owners spoke out at the Dec. 21 council meeting, saying theyre community members and neighbors, not big business. I am part of the group of homeowners that will be prohibited from legally renting our homes under the recently passed short-term rental ordinance, said Carol Skala, a Ward 4 homeowner, who said shes not a super-wealthy, party-house host with only an ulterior motive to make money and with utter disregard for my neighbors. Skala spoke in favor of amending the ordinance to allow those of us who legally bought homes and are renting them to continue to do so, regardless of their location. We are trusting that common sense, wisdom, fairness and reason will trump the hardline, without-merit opposition to this handful of dedicated homeowners who have purchased and rented these homes legally, she said. We are committed to being good neighbors invested in our properties and neighborhoods and we are asking for the consideration that would allow us to continue our hard work. Katie Dortch, another Ward 4 homeowner who said she was part of the group of about 50 local short-term rental property owners, thanked the mayor for his proposal to revisit the ban. She and other members of her group are local residents who have made significant investments in homes that were in some cases dilapidated and unlivable, Dortch said. They purchased the homes when there was no restriction on short-term rentals, she said. We are devoted neighbors and we care about our community, she said, adding they were called upon by local hospitals when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March to help provide housing for hospital staff and families. And we answered that call, she said. We stepped up, providing housing to frontline workers who could not go home to families, international students who needed safe campus housing, families who were seeking life-saving medical care and could not use places like Ronald McDonald House that were closed at the time. Like many other business owners, theyve taken significant losses during the pandemic, but they love what they do and they believe they add value to the community, she said. Nelson wrote a blog post laying out her concerns after the Dec. 21 meeting, after which Poscher sent Nelson an email taking issue with the 4th Ward council representative. As we are potential parties to a future lawsuit, there is very little I should be saying to you, so I will keep my comments extremely brief, Poscher wrote. The thing I find truly despicable by your words and actions is that you are pitting one group of residents against the other, Poscher told Nelson. We are all small-sized operators in a city with a dynamic range of housing issues, housing opportunities and housing problems. Your attempts at investment shaming us is ill-placed and, in my opinion, these and other things you have said warrants action by your peers...you have gone too far. Poscher told Nelson theres a Michigan Supreme Court ruling thats on her groups side and the pending ban amounts to an illegal disguised zoning ordinance. The mayors proposal appears to seek to keep the city in compliance with the law, Poscher said. Under the regulations council OKd in September, local residents still could occasionally rent out their own primary residences for supplemental income, Nelson has noted. And short-term rentals of properties that are not owner-occupied would not be entirely prohibited theyd just be restricted from being in residential neighborhoods. In her blog post, Nelson said she was stunned last summer when a short-term rental investor, who she did not identify, tried influencing her vote on the issue. Elizabeth, I need your help on this. If you can help me with this, I will make it up to you. I dont mean a bribe, but if you could just help me, Nelson said the investor told her. Nothing about that remark was normal or appropriate, Nelson said. I cannot know the experience of other council members, but this was the very first time that anyone offered to do anything for me, personally, in exchange for a policy decision, Nelson wrote. I hope that my new colleagues on council also understand: this is not normal or appropriate. In a recent Facebook post, Council Member Jen Eyer, D-4th Ward, who has supported the mayors proposal to revisit the ban, argued Nelson should have reported the offer of a personal favor to authorities. Attempted bribery of an elected official is a felony, Eyer wrote, adding Nelsons allegations have now been referred to the appropriate officials and I expect that they will be looked into with all due diligence. If a bribery attempt happened, failure to report it would be a serious breach of duty. The public deserves to know what occurred. Nelson said she never reported the matter to authorities when it happened last July because it wasnt an explicit bribe. It was an invitation during a phone call to have a more specific conversation about what kind of favors would be offered, she said, adding she was shocked and ended the call. She didnt record the call, so she has no evidence of it except that she told people about it and there were other related text messages, she said. The quote in her blog is close to almost exactly what the person said based on her recollection, she said. With the issue of how to regulate short-term rentals still pending, Eyer maintains the city needs to balance community needs and not put the city at unnecessary financial or legal risk. I think weve clearly been advised that looking at how to give these 100 to 200 properties legal non-conforming status is the most prudent step we can take as a city, and thats the basis for my decision on this, she said. I am fully sympathetic to concerns from residents about having properties become short-term rentals and no longer having neighbors they can build community with and have a sense of community with, and that is not my wish for what we want our neighborhoods to be, she said. So, Im glad that even if we are giving legal non-conforming status to the ones that have been operating in the city, that were not going to allow any more (in residential areas), and eventually even those will filter out of the market due to attrition because that status wont be transferable. Balancing all the various issues and concerns, that compromise seems like the best path, Eyer said. MORE FROM THE ANN ARBOR NEWS: New Ann Arbor ordinance looks to a future filled with electric vehicles After completing 2 new developments, Ann Arbor Housing Commission looks to next 11 Police shooting of Aura Rosser highlighted in Washtenaw prosecutors new policies A closer look at whats in Ann Arbors new transportation plan 24 Ann Arbor developments to watch in 2021 The morning after the D.C. riot, Erik Nordman called his state senator, Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, with concerns about a letter Victory signed urging Congress to examine allegations of voter fraud. Victorys office got back to him, and a staff member left a voicemail saying only those who rioted in D.C. could be blamed for what took place. To Nordman, it was a disappointing response. You cant just say, Well, I didnt tell people to storm the Capitol. Everybody has a role to play. Are you tamping it down, or are you, you know, inflaming and inciting? Nordman said. Republicans in Michigan and across the country have denounced the violence from the far-right that culminated in a hostile occupation of the U.S. Senate Chamber and five deaths in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. But experts say Republicans rhetoric and baseless accusations of election fraud created a political climate ripe for exactly the kind of riot that occurred. Some Michigan Republicans have publicly questioned the legitimacy of the states certified election results, despite every legal challenge from President Donald Trump and his allies here failing. Now, theyre distancing themselves from responsibility for the overall political climate in which a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol to stop the vote from being stolen. U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Bruce Twp., was one of three Michigan congressmembers who objected to Electoral College votes in two states. U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet and Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, also objected, but didnt respond to requests for comment. Asked if she bore any responsibility for the violent protests, McClain said in an email, The people who committed the violence on Wednesday must be held responsible and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I swore an oath to the U.S. Constitution (to) honor and uphold the law, and that is how I voted in regard to certifying the 2020 election. In Michigan, 12 Republican state representatives signed onto a lawsuit from the Texas Attorney General that sought to invalidate Joe Bidens Michigan win. And Victory was one of 11 Republican state senators who signed a letter urging congress to pursue every available option to investigate election fraud ahead of its meeting to approve Electoral College votes. MLive contacted all 23 to ask whether election fraud allegations contributed to the violent overthrow that occurred. Two agreed to be interviewed for this article. Sen. Tom Barrett, R-Charlotte, signed the letter. He doesnt see a connection between Republican leaders questioning election results to what happened in D.C. I know you want to blame President Trump and I know you want to blame Republicans who signed the letter to Congress and everything else, but Im not responsible for what people do criminally, Barrett said. Victory said he believes people are individually accountable and everybody has free will. But he holds politicians to a higher standard. There is responsibility upon elected officials, mind you, it might be a state representative, senator or the president of the United States, to make sure that when theyre speaking and articulating issues they do not inflame, Victory said. Asked if he lived up to that standard, he said, Yes, I try to. And I hold that very true to myself ... If I dont bring (election concerns) forward, I believe then Im not doing what my job is. But make sure its not done of an inflammatory or provocative way. Operation Gridlock Operation Gridlock protests at the Michigan Capitol mark the first of many protests against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19 executive orders. "Liberate Michigan" President Donald Trump fanned the flames two days after the protest, tweeting "Liberate Michigan!" Michigans opening act for Capitol chaos Theres a popular meme format circulating social media in which two photos are posted, with the respective labels How it started and How its going. Jenna Bednar, a political science and public policy professor at the University of Michigan, couldnt help but think of the meme when she saw images of Wednesdays U.S. Capitol riots. Do you remember the day when there were several men who entered the Senate gallery in Lansing bearing arms? Bednar said. That image was in my head. Men toting large guns loomed over the Michigan Senate April 30 during session, as they protested Gov. Gretchen Whitmers COVID-19 shutdowns. For social distancing reasons, spectators werent inside for the House session as there are more representatives than senators and needed room to space out. Angry mobs formed in the hall, chanting Let us in! to no avail. Michigan is one of only a few states to not ban guns inside its Capitol so this wasnt illegal. But it was intimidating, Democratic lawmakers said. The behaviors werent fully condemned by both parties. Absolutely it was unprecedented. And then we started to accept it as normal. And so then it happens again, Bednar said. Unless you reject something fully, immediately, it can become normalized and becomes the new way we engage politically. Michigan protesters smashed through social norms with no repercussions this spring. Wednesdays U.S. Capitol riots took it to the next level. Time and time again there has been this push from the right, right up against the boundaries of what is legal and pushing through the boundaries of what is normatively acceptable, Bednar said. Thats the context that leads up to Wednesday, where they physically broke through all of the boundaries. Theres more pretext to Wednesdays riot than what happened in Michigan this spring. But there are clear parallels in imagery, Bednar said. Both had unruly, armed protesters inside Capitol buildings. And U.S. Capitol protesters flew confederate flags another potential How it started/How its going meme, Bednar said, thinking back to when State Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, wore a confederate flag mask during session this spring. Michigans protests were the legal-but-objectionable appetizer to Wednesdays insurrection. I cant say that this is directly connected, Bednar said. But we see these links. "Let us in!" Protestors pack into Michigan Capitol, chant "Let us in!" as they're locked out of the gallery. Fight at Michigan Capitol protest At another Lansing protest against Whitmer's COVID-19 shutdown, a fight breaks out after a protester took issue with another protester who had a doll representing the governor hanging from a noose. Trump rebukes Michigan SOS on Twitter Trump criticizes Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for sending out absentee ballots to voters. Benson responds, noting she only sent out applications and Trump deleted his tweet and sent it out again with the words "applications" included. He also threatened to withhold federal funding to Michigan, calling it voter fraud. Some protestors linked to kidnapping plot Count Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among those who sees shades of the D.C. riot in events that unfolded in Michigan, including a plot to kidnap her. Anyone who was paying attention saw this play out in Michigan, eight, nine months ago. I called on Donald Trump, I called and spoke directly to Mike Pence, I called on Republican leaders in Michigan, We have to bring the heat down. The death threats were rolling in and none of them did a darn thing, Whitmer said on MSNBC after the capitol protest last week. Months later, the very people that stormed our Capitol with long guns and automatic rifles some of those very people were implicated in the plot to kidnap and kill me. It was on Oct. 8 the public learned of the alleged kidnapping plot. According to the FBI, the group planned to kidnap Whitmer and leave her in a boat in Lake Michigan. They went so far as to order explosives and scope out a bridge near her cabin, federal prosecutors allege. So far, 14 people have been charged in connection with the alleged plot. Much like now, Republican leaders condemned the plot while simultaneously distancing themselves from it. After the news broke, Trump complained that Whitmer didnt give him credit for thwarting the operation. While Whitmer saw his rhetoric as a contributing factor, Trump and Republicans didnt see it that way. They never advocated for kidnapping, after all. House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, supported various protests against the governor and spoke at one the same day the plot was revealed. After the plot against her was revealed, Whitmer said words matter and leaders who stoked and contributed to hate speech were complicit. This week after the Capitol riot, she told MSNBC, You cant fan the flames of hatred and throw gas on them, and then show up later with a bucket of water and pretend like youve been on the right side the whole time. Plot to kidnap Whitmer FBI reveals elaborate plot to kidnap Gov. Whitmer. Trump responds, saying Whitmer's doing a terrible job and she should be thanking him instead of calling him a white supremacist. Protests at Detroit ballot counting station Poll challengers swarm Detroit's TCF Center where ballots are being counted. Perpetuating The Big Lie Political rhetoric nationwide escalated to scathing levels as Election Day approached. But unlike past years, the rhetoric didnt tone down once the votes were counted. Despite losing Michigan by roughly 150,000 votes, Trump refused to concede. Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel vowed in a Michigan press conference three days after the election that the fight is not over. Trump laid the groundwork for fraud allegations prior to the election, sowing doubt about absentee voting. His team launched dozens of failed lawsuits in the days after the election, propped up by state Republican leaders. Despite courts striking down accusations of widespread voter fraud, Republican leaders in Michigan and across the country perpetuated the myth. Its a textbook case of a propaganda-driven concept called, The Big Lie, said Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson, a political science professor at Wayne State University. The way The Big Lie works is, you tell the public something false and you get them to believe it like, the election was stolen, Sarbaugh-Thompson said. Then, because the public believes it, you claim we have to investigate this because the public has concerns. Well, the public has concerns because you told them The Big Lie. Michigan Republicans played their part. State lawmakers and Congressmembers joined on the failed Texas lawsuit seeking to overturn election results because of alleged fraud. The legislature held extensive hearings featuring testimony of alleged voter fraud that had largely already been debunked in court cases. You have to conclude, at some point, that people are knowingly lying to the public, Sarbaugh-Thompson said. As the failed lawsuits piled up, some Michigan Republicans conceded that Biden won and urged Trump to give it up. Others doubled down on the accusations. Jan. 6, 2021: The day tensions boiled over On Wednesday, Jan. 6, pro-Trump protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol under the pretense that the election was rigged. Five people died. It was the first breach of the building since 1814, when the British troops set the Capitol on fire during the War of 1812. Members of Congress went into hiding, some blocking doors with furniture. Proud protesters vandalized the historic building, rummaging through offices, collecting keepsakes and etching Murder the Media into an exterior door. In a political landscape where nothing is unanimous, Democrats and Republicans alike spoke out condemning the violence. And eventually, they returned to certify the election in favor of Biden, even though a few Republicans still objected. In the aftermath of Wednesdays chaos, the brunt of the blame has been heaped on Trump. Even Betsy DeVos turned on him, resigning as education secretary because of Trumps behavior and rhetoric. Incoming U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer, R-Grand Rapids called out his Republican colleagues in his first week on the job, saying they need to own up for the lies and deceptions weve been telling some of our supporters. I hope that some of the disingenuous, duplicitous and deceptive rhetoric that folks have latched on, to try to feel better about what happened I hope they realize the utter cowardice of that approach, Meijer said. Timeline design by Scott Levin | slevin@mlive.com Sinnad, one of the leading card processing services provider in the Middle East and Africa, has signed its successful processing agreement with Ithmaar Bank, the largest Islamic retail banking network in Bahrain. The partnership intends to allow Ithmaar Bank to operate its card services through a state-of-the-art system and services facilitating card processing businesses with ease and convenience. Ithmaar Bank is committed to becoming the retail bank of choice in Bahrain, said General Manager, Retail Banking Group, Mohamed Janahi. We recognise that, to do so, we must listen closely to our customers and work to ensure we meet or exceed their expectations, said Janahi. The agreement with Sinnad comes to expand our services into a new era of excellence. The combination between the bank's ambition to lead in the market and Sinnads state of the art cards solutions and expertise in this field, will result in a tremendous success in enhancing the payments offering, said Janahi. "The partnership with Sinnad would also enable us to introduce new products and services that exceed customer expectations, in a safer and more protected environment while using Ithmaar Bank cards, he said. Rana Almaeeli, General Manager of Sinnad, commented: "We are pleased to expand our services to such a leading Islamic Bank. By the terms of the agreement, Ithmaar Bank shall utilise our end-to-end secured and reliable solutions and will allow its customers to enjoy topnotch card services that are marked with convenience, reliability and confidentiality." Almaeeli added: Gaining one of the largest Islamic Banks in Bahrain on Sinnads platform is a major milestone in our strategic expansion plan. As we have always aimed to diversify our services, SIinnad has adopted all Sharia-compliant concepts and has always been keen to better cater to our banks needs through a wide variety of services and products. We look forward to work with many more Islamic banks in the near future." Sinnad continues in taking the financial business and services to new eras of development and excellence marked with the highest quality of standards and undisputable deliverables which have always been the most desired amongst the business community. - TradeArabia News Service Milwaukee, WI (53187) Today Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain for the afternoon. High near 50F. Winds ENE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Cloudy and windy at times with periods of rain. Low near 40F. Winds NE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Higher wind gusts possible. An all-woman cockpit crew will fly into Indian aviation history when it operates the inaugural San Francisco-Bengaluru flight, going over the North Pole and taking the Atlantic route to reach the Karnataka capital at the other end of the world. This will be the longest commercial flight in the world to be operated by Air India or any other airline in India...The total flight time on this route will be of more than 17 hours depending on the wind speed on that particular day, Air India said in a statement. The direct distance between the two cities at opposite ends of the world is 13,993 km with a time zone change of around 13.5 hours, an Air India official said. Air India's woman power flies high around the world, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri had said on Twitter. All women cockpit crew consisting of Capt Zoya Aggarwal, Capt Papagari Thanmai, Capt Akansha Sonaware & Capt Shivani Manhas will operate the historic inaugural flight between Bengaluru & San Francisco, Puri said. Air Indias woman power flies high around the world.All women cockpit crew consisting of Capt Zoya Aggarwal, Capt Papagari Thanmai, Capt Akansha Sonaware & Capt Shivani Manhas will operate the historic inaugural flight between Bengaluru & San Francisco.@airindiain @MoCA_GoI pic.twitter.com/HKT6IYo2Dw Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) January 9, 2021 Captain Zoya Aggarwal told NDTV in an interview that they will try to fly over the North Pole. However, as Aggarwal said, that would depend on a number of factors. "This is the first time an all-women pilots team will fly over the North Pole and create a history of sorts. Its indeed a dream come true for any professional pilot, she also told ANI. Flight AI176 will depart from San Francisco in the USA at 8.30 pm (local time) on Saturday and land at the Kempegowda International Airport at 3.45 am (local time) on Monday. Captain Zoya Aggarwal is an accomplished pilot with a flying experience of more than 8000 hrs and command experience in a B-777 aircraft of more than 10 years and more than 2500 flying hours, the national carrier said. In another tweet shared recently, the Air India crew can be seen discussing the logistics of the flight. #FlyAI: Cockpit crew discussing the logistics to firm up the final flightplan for navigating the longest non-stop flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/VXAV5e7Goo Air India (@airindiain) January 10, 2021 The flight will operate with a Boeing 777-200LR aircraft VT ALG with a seating capacity of 238 seats including 8 First Class, 35 Business Class,195 Economy class configuration besides four cockpit and 12 cabin crew, Air India said. (With inputs from agencies) Ireland has experienced a rolling series of housing boom and bust episodes since the foundation of the State. It is not alone in this regard, but it is suffered more than most from the consequences of it being unable to maintain stable supply and demand. A lack of a long-term housing policy that goes well beyond the five-year electoral cycle has been a contributory factor in this volatility. The frequency and scale of the booms and busts are well illustrated in a paper published last year by Richard Keely and Ronan Lyons. Using a novel dataset based on newspaper listings of homes in Dublin, the authors identify three very distinct price boom periods, in the late 1940s, the 1958 to 1979 period, and between 1995 and 2006. These were followed by large-scale slumps, between 1948 and 1958; the 1979 to 1987 period, and between 2006 and 2012 where real prices fell by between 38% and 56%. Prices play a vitally important role in supply through viability and credit provision; it is no surprise that the trends in home construction largely follow these house price cycles, with similar levels of volatility. Home completions grew from close to zero during the Second World War to above 10,000 homes in the early 1950s before falling by 50% in the late 1950s. Annual completions subsequently grew to close to 30,000 by the early 1980s but then fell well below 20,000 by the end of that decade. The enormous construction boom and bust then followed in the 1995-2010 period when completions grew to 90,000 and then collapsed to less than 5,000 in 2011. Read More Oliver Mangan: Increase in housing supply may not dent property prices One would think that the public sector would have been able to smooth these cycles due to more consistent funding streams and an absence of a profit motive, but, in fact, it has contributed to it. The knock-on implications of these housing cycles for the economy, jobs, government finances, the banking system, society and politics are enormous. Alongside the cyclical elements of the Irish housing market, there are also other features that suggest that it is dysfunctional. These are manifested in urban sprawl, inefficiencies in public transport and utilities, social housing waiting lists and high construction costs. There are numerous explanations for all of these features, but a key contributory factor has been Irish policymakers inclination to focus on short-term solutions to address the immediate problems. In a system where politicians are accountable to the electorate at least every five years, one can see why this may occur. But to bring about stability and optimum outcomes in housing requires a longer-term policy focus that goes beyond the electoral cycle. Many views must be considered. A Commission for Housing, promised in the programme for government last year, has the potential to address this failing. Its goal would be to put political ideology to the side to develop a coherent long-term vision and enabling policies that will deliver, on a sustainable basis, good quality, secure, affordable homes. This would require broad consultation, have regard to best international practice, and be appropriately staffed with a strict deadline for completing its work. The Government has pledged to examine issues such as tenure, standards, sustainability, and quality of life issues. Given the change in living patterns brought about by the pandemic, now is an opportune time to consider how we address these issues. Such a commission would not solve the problems that the Irish housing market is experiencing today but instead would suggest solutions that should reduce the chances of the mistakes of the past century being repeated. That would be a substantial contribution. Two teens are facing firearms charges after Worcester police discovered a gun inside a car Saturday afternoon, according to authorities. Officers were conducting an investigation around 2:50 p.m. Saturday when they stopped a car in the parking lot of St. Marys Church located at 535 Salisbury St. As police approached the vehicle, a juvenile exited the vehicle from the drivers seat and began to flee the scene on foot, police said. The teen, who is 17, was found on the property of Assumption College located at 540 Salisbury St. The teen was found hiding under some brush, police said. During the investigation, police located a firearm in the vehicle that the juvenile was driving, police said. The firearm was loaded and unsecured. The teen was charged with possession of a large capacity firearm, improperly storing a large capacity firearm, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. A passenger in the car, identified as 19-year-old Nathan Russell of Worcester, was also arrested. He was charged with trespassing, possession of a large capacity firearm, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of ammunition without an FID card. Police said the investigation is ongoing. Anti-coronavirus vaccine protesters sang along the Bondi Beach promenade 'You can stick your poison vaccine up your a**e', they chanted Protest organiser concerned about rapid pace of coronavirus vaccine testing 40 countries are rolling out early vaccines on fast emergency approvals Australians must wait until March for vaccination with regular approvals process Strange scenes erupted at Bondi on Sunday afternoon as a small group of anti-vaccine protesters surprised beach-goers with a musical parade. About a dozen young people in beach-gear, holding signs like 'your subservience is your consent' walked along the surf-side promenade singing: 'you can stick your poison vaccine up your a**e'. ADVERTISEMENT The protest appeared to include some parents with children. The lyrics were varied to include 'you can stick your contact tracing up your a**e' and 'you can stick coronavirus up your a**e'. Activist Lachlan Kavanagh led the protest down Bondi's famous promenade on Sunday About a dozen young people in beachwear sang: 'you can stick your poison vaccine up your a**e'. Mr Kavanagh said he was concerned about the rapid pace of the vaccine development The parade was led by Lachlan Kavanagh, who previously set up a 'covid is a scam' protest table at the famous beach on November 29. Other protesters held up placards including one that read 'the truth will set you free'. Mr Kavanagh was also pictured among dozens of protesters who last Sunday swarmed a Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction, without wearing masks - holding signs and chanting 'I would rather be a human than a slave'. The anti-maskers mingled with other shoppers, who were wearing masks, and pushed wild claims such as 'masks increase your risk of infection'. The protesters carried signs including 'your subservience is your consent' at Sunday's protest Coronavirus vaccines are being rolled out in almost 40 countries. Pictured is a patient being jabbed with the AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK on January 4, as it battles a health emergency Click here to resize this module Mr Kavanagh (pictured with the microphone) was also among protesters who swarmed Bondi Junction Westfield last Sunday Mr Kavanagh sang into a cordless microphone as he strode up the promenade just after 2pm, taking advantage of the crowds who flocked to the beach on one of the few sunny days this summer. 'The fastest vaccine ever produced takes seven years, this one takes seven months,' he said. 'It doesn't take a scientist to figure out there's something wrong ... I won't be taking that poison vaccine.' Mr Kavanagh has set up stalls at Bondi Beach (pictured: November 29) saying covid is 'a scam'. He argues the pandemic is being used to break down democracy and insert communism Daily Mail Australia does not know if Mr Kavanagh is opposed to all vaccines or is just wary of the coronavirus vaccine due to its rapid roll-out. The rapid development has caused valid concerns among some in the community who want to be sure the vaccine is safe before they take it, particularly with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that use mRNA technology which is new. ADVERTISEMENT The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine uses established technology of a harmless vaccine that it is altered to look like the coronavirus. Regulatory authorities thoroughly review scientific data from the vaccine-makers before they approve a new vaccine. A coronavirus jab is being considered as a 'passport' for travellers hoping to head overseas again. Pictured is a woman receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Poland Australians will wait longer to receive the vaccine than people overseas in worse-hit nations facing an immediate healthcare crisis as they have issued faster emergency approvals. The Federal Government has fast-tracked its vaccination roll-out by several weeks to begin in early March, as four vaccines are being analysed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. WHAT'S IN THE COVID VACCINES? The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA vaccines. They use bits of genetic code to cause an immune response It does not alter human cells, but gives the body instructions to build immunity to covid. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine uses a harmless virus altered to look like the coronavirus. Vaccines can contain other ingredients such as aluminium to make the vaccine stable or more effective Source: the BBC The regular approvals process takes longer than emergency approvals - which is why the UK and the US are rolling out their vaccines first. Health Minister Greg Hunt has said vaccination in Australia would be voluntary, but the Government would 'strongly encourage' people to have it. Britain became the first country to give emergency approval on December 30 to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine as it is battles a full-blown healthcare crisis, overwhelmed by a highly infectious new variant. Another 1,325 Covid deaths were reported in the UK on Friday nearly one a minute - and more than the peak of 1,224 in the first wave last April. ADVERTISEMENT The grisly death toll - which has doubled in a week - took the UK to the brink of almost 80,000 victims on Friday. British Department of Health figures show the UK has recorded more than 50,000 cases for 11 days in a row, with the five worst days of the pandemic all occurring since the start of 2021. In a marker of how urgent the situation is in the UK, the coronavirus-hit nation also approved the use of a single dose of the two-dose vaccine in an effort to keep people out of hospitals. Britain is already rolling out the vaccine while Australians will need to wait until March. The BBC reported that while the Covid vaccine trials have happened at breakneck speed, they haven't skipped any steps. British health analyst Dr John Campbell, who has reviewed the scientific literature, said the new mRNA vaccine technology was overwhelmingly likely to be safe. 'There's never guarantees in health care,' he told German news agency DW Deutsche Welle in early December. 'Anything you give that has a definite effect is going to have a potential side-effect. 'So far it's looking very clean, it's looking very efficient and it's looking very safe from all the data that we have. ADVERTISEMENT 'It's a risk-benefit analysis because we can't go on living as we are now with these repeated waves of coronavirus, with the deaths, with the financial impairment, with the lockdown - the overall risks from the vaccine look like being much less than carrying on living as we are.' Identifying the problem is easy recent Napa County fire seasons have become tales of flames, choking brown smoke, blackened hillsides and homes and wineries reduced to rubble. Finding a fix? Thats harder. Wildfires over three years have burned more than half the county and destroyed more than 1,500 structures. The wine industry and residents alike are calling for ways to make the county, if not fireproof, at least more fire resistant. Ideas and suggestions are swirling. Which become realities in coming months could determine what happens on the fire lines next summer and fall. Countywide fire plan and money woes A milestone will occur when the Community Wildfire Protection Plan is released, perhaps this March or April. The Napa Communities Firewise Foundation secured a $100,000 grant to evaluate fire risks and create a unified, countywide fire protection strategy. I think its going to make a big difference, county Fire Chief Geoff Belyea said. Its going to give us a road map for the future to prioritize fire protection projects in the county. But prioritizing areas that pose the biggest threats for extreme fire behavior because of vegetation, topography and weather wont help unless money can be found to remove primed-to-burn brush. Heres the pitch from fire prevention advocate Christopher Thompson: Invest a few million annually in fire protection projects. Thats better than rebuilding fire-devastated communities at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars. Thats backward ... We need that money beforehand, said Thompson, president of Napa Communities Firewise Foundation. Fire Series Part I: The Dec. 20 installment looked at the growing fire threat facing Napa County. Part II: The Dec. 27 story examined how the wine industry is affected by fire. Part III: The Jan. 3 story looked at how Napa Valley communities face the fire threat. Part IV: Today's final story looks at what can we do to say "Never Again." The $2.8 million in grants that local fire groups raised over three years for fuel mitigation and similar projects isnt enough in his mind. Going after grants is like playing the lottery, Thompson said. Maybe you get it, maybe you dont. Neither does he view the countys contribution sufficient for fuel management. The county Fire Department in 2020 designated $100,000 for the Napa Communities Firewise Foundation, $50,000 for weed abatement and $160,000 to provide free chipping to rural residents, according to a county report. Thompson wants to see a steady revenue stream of $2 million to $4 million annually going to make the county safer from fires. That could be donations, a local tax, whatever it takes to make it happen, he said. Finding $2 million to $4 million is a challenge any year, much less during an economic crisis. State and local governments face tough budget times amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That kind of money needs to come from the state, county Board of Supervisors Chairperson Diane Dillon said. Weve dipped way into our reserves already. Im not aware we have that kind of money around. State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, said the state should do more for wildfire prevention even amid the pandemic. Counties, they dont have the money sitting around to do big work like this, Dodd said. This is going to take a team effort from the counties, state and federal government. The state is spending more than $3 billion fighting fires and only a fraction of that is for fire prevention, he said. Dodd isnt the only one who wants to see the fire prevention slice rise. In December, a coalition of 18 groups ranging from the Sierra Club to the Wine Institute asked Gov. Newsom to spend $1.5 billion in the coming fiscal year on wildfire resilience efforts. Extensive fire suppression and exclusion, development in high fire hazard severity zones and the spread of non-native vegetation from human activities has left Californias landscapes prone to large, intense fires, the groups wrote. The past few days brought new developments. Dodd introduced a bill calling for the creation of the Office of Wildfire Technology Research. The goal is to identify more effective ways to prevent and put out wildfires. In addition, Gov. Gavin Newsom released his proposed 2021-22 budget. It asks for $1 billion for a wildfire and forest resilience action plan, including $323 million for early actions in 2020-21. We need to improve fire protection and this budget does that, Dodd said in a Friday press release. Napa Countys fuel management needs remain The Tubbs, Atlas, Nuns, Hennessey and Glass fires over the past three years burned an area roughly equal to about half of Napa County. That helped thin out built-up fuels in some local fire hazard zones but didnt end the problem. Its a lot like your lawn, its a lot like your hair, Belyea said. You just dont cut it once and walk away from it. An example is the 160-acre The Cove property on Mount Veeder owned by the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District. The 2017 Nuns Fire blazed through The Cove, resulting in a bleak, charred landscape that looked all burned out. Today, flammable French broom is growing at The Cove, Open Space District General Manager John Woodbury said. He wishes the district had the money to remove the non-native evergreen shrub. It all comes down to money, Woodbury said. The district is to use a $24,000 grant to remove French broom at its Moore Creek Park near Lake Hennessey. Woodbury said thats one-time money, so then the district needs to find the next round of funding. The Open Space District owns 5,000 acres in Napa County. It, like the Land Trust of Napa County, is a player in the countys wildfire prevention efforts. The district in March tried unsuccessfully to pass the Measure K quarter-cent sales tax to raise $9 million annually for open space and parks. Some of this money would have gone to fire management. Doing the right thing costs money, Woodbury said. California State Parks owns 1,900-acre Bothe-Napa Valley State Park near St. Helena. Woodbury said State Parks pulls Douglas fir sprouts from the lower park, but hasnt done a lot of other vegetation management. Dodd said the state needs to be a better neighbor by doing such things as creating shaded fuel breaks at Bothe-Napa Valley park. That involves removing flammable, understory vegetation while leaving fire-tolerant trees. Having private property owners step up Private property owners in rural areas have a role to play, too. They by law must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around their structures and neighboring structures. Napa County in 2020 ramped up its fire inspection program with a code officer devoted to the task. Belyea said the county inspected 960 properties and found 159 were out-of-compliance. All but 12 property owners eventually complied. The county filed lawsuits against those dozen property owners for failure to abate fire hazards on their properties. Napa County Superior Court gave the county power to inspect the properties and clear dry and overgrown vegetation. But Napa County court records show lawsuit filings came in September, well into fire season, after the massive Hennessey Fire had already occurred. Belyea said the COVID-19 pandemic affected the effort and the county will try to move faster in 2021. Theres not going to be one round where we take the violations and work through the legal process, he said. Its going to be an ongoing thing during the summer and the drier period of the year. Belyea doesnt want the havoc wreaked by the Glass Fire 305 residential structures and 343 commercial structures destroyed to dampen enthusiasm for defensible space in 2021. He noted on the flip side that 805 homes and 358 commercial structures within the fire footprint survived. Berryessa Highlands resident Stu Williams said he spent $1,100 getting rid of weeds on an acre around his house. That was a major factor in his home surviving last summers Hennessey Fire, he added. Meadowood Napa Valley, among wine countrys most luxurious resorts, suffered an estimated $100 million in damage during the Glass Fire, including the loss of the clubhouse that housed a three-star Michelin restaurant. Resort Managing Director David Pearson credited defensible space with helping to prevent an even bigger disaster. Working with Cal Fire and Thompson, the resort during the COVID-19 shutdown bolstered its defensible space, Pearson wrote to the county. This important work helped spare most of the south side of the property, many of the other key structures on the property and the adjacent Madrone Knoll neighborhood, Pearson wrote. Various wildfire protection proposals could go before the Board of Supervisors in 2021 affecting private landowners. They range from establishing fire safety design review for new rural buildings to making it easier for landowners to build water storage tanks and reservoirs. One thing not on the table is a ban on new homes in wildfire-prone parts of the rural county. But county zoning no longer allows large, new subdivisions to be built in the hinterlands, with communities such as Berryessa Highlands and Circle Oaks dating back to the 1960s. Most of the rural county is zoned for agriculture, Planning, Building and Environmental Services Director David Morrison said. The valley floor is limited to one home per parcel and the watershed to two homes and guest cottage per parcel. Multiple units are allowed only in existing communities. Not counting fire rebuilds, the county in an average year approves 30-35 new homes for the unincorporated area, he said. The role of prescribed burns Prescribed or controlled burns are a way to remove excess fuels from an area with low-intensity fires. Its unclear what role they might play in Napa Countys future. One local official thinks a planned, prescribed burn in Spanish Valley preserve west of Lake Berryessa could have made at least some difference during the late-August, lightning-spawned fires of 2020 if that prescribed burn hadnt been delayed by regulations. Woodbury of the Open Space District described how attempts over a year to do a prescribed burn within the preserve were delayed. The burn required a Bay Area Air Quality Management District permit and Cal Fire help. The Department of Fish and Wildlife wanted an updated biological study. In late August, lightning hit an oak in Spanish Valley and started a wildfire in the area that had been targeted for the controlled burn. We have well-intentioned rules, but they are counterproductive to the big picture, Woodbury said. Still, prescribed burns happen in Napa County. Woodbury noted that the Land Trust of Napa County was able to do several in recent years on its properties next to Spanish Valley. Dodd said the right balance needs to be struck with the air district and other agencies. The smoke from a prescribed burn is short lived, he said. By contrast, the big wildfires of recent years have caused big air quality issues. Weve got to be practical and really analyze the consequences, Dodd said. More prescribed burns would be a return to the past. An Open Space District report said Native Americans prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 1600s regularly lit fires to improve habitat. European settlers banned this practice of setting frequent, small fires, leading to built-up fuels primed to burn, the report said. As a result, todays wildfires can quickly change from small, relatively cool events into hot conflagrations that destroy everything in their paths. A countywide fire prevention strategy, a search for money, new rules for rural home construction, fire inspections, prescribed burns all are issues confronting Napa County in that lull between the 2020 and 2021 fire seasons. Napa County has long been famous as wine country. The push is on to help it shed the unwanted image of recent years of also being wildfire country. WATCH NOW: HENNESSEY FIRE AS SEEN FROM NICHELINI FAMILY WINERY You can reach Barry Eberling at 256-2253 or beberling@napanews.com. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, about 200 vaccine candidates are in the works and 10 have been either approved by several countries or are under limited emergency use. As India prepares to launch its vaccine drive on January 16, here is a look at the options: COVAXIN Developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology, the indigenous vaccine has been granted emergency use authorisation in clinical trial mode' by the Indian government. It is an inactivated vaccine developed by chemically treating novel coronavirus samples to make them incapable of reproduction. This process leaves the viral proteins, including the spike protein of the coronavirus which it uses to enter the human cells, intact. Given as two doses, three weeks apart, the viral proteins in the vaccine activate the immune systemand prepare people for future infections with the actual infectious virus. According to Bharat Biotech, the therapeutic can be stored at room temperature for at least a week. A study on thePhase 1/2 trial published in the preprint server medRxiv in December showed thetherapeutic doesn't cause any serious side effects. However, there has been no further data released in the public domain which could demonstrate that the vaccine is safe and effective. "ICMR-Bharat Biotech vaccine is a killed whole-virus vaccine and there are absolutely no data available so far on its protective efficacy. I am critical of its getting approval by the authorities," immunologist Vineeta Bal, affiliated with the National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi, told PTI. COVISHIELD Co-developed bythe University of Oxford and British-Swedish company AstraZeneca and known as Covishield in India, the vaccine was the first on which a scientific study was published based on Phase 3 clinical trials. It has so far been given emergency use authorization in the UK, Argentina, Mexico and India. Scientists have engineered a version of adenoviruses that infect chimpanzees to carry the gene responsible for the spike protein of the novel coronavirus. It requires two doses, provided four weeks apart, to produce the desired effects. Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, Covishield will be sold at Rs 1,000 per dose in the private market but cost the Indian government only Rs 200, said SII CEO Adar Poonawalla, "Oxford-AstraZeneca-Serum Institute vaccine has shown protective efficacy in global trials to the tune of 60-70 per cent. While clear data from bridging trials in India are not available, the vaccine is certainly proven safe," Bal said. According to virologist Upasana Ray from the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is less restricted in terms of cold storage as it can be stored, transported and handled at normal refrigerator temperatures (2-8 degrees Celsius) for at least six months. MODERNA The mRNA vaccine by US-based company Moderna has so far been approved for use in Israel, the EU, Canada and the US. A studyof the efficacy of Moderna vaccine revealed it has 94.1 per cent efficacy in preventing the disease. In this type of vaccine, the messenger RNA or mRNA acts as a blueprint for the production of the coronavirus spike protein and is encapsulated by lipid molecules and delivered into human cells. The cells of the vaccine recipient then use this mRNA genetic code to produce the viral protein to train the immune system for a future encounter with the infectious coronavirus. Administered as two doses, four weeks apart, the Moderna vaccine can reportedly be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius for up to 30 days. At -20 degrees Celsius it can be stored for up to six months. This is still a challenge for many developing countries in the tropical regions that experiencevery high temperatures in the summer months. In November last year, Moderna Chief Executive Stephane Bancel told a German weekly that the companywould charge governments between USD 25 and 37 per dose of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, depending on the amount ordered. PFIZER-BIONTECH The US-backed Pfizer-Biontech's COVID-19 preventive, like the Moderna vaccine, is based on the segments of the genetic material of the novel coronavirus.Preliminary data from the clinical trials showed that two doses of the vaccine, given three weeks apart, provided an efficacy of over 90 per cent. Following the results, the UK, Canada, the EU and Saudi Arabia have approved the Pfizer vaccine for use. Several countries, including the US, Singapore, Argentina and Mexico, have given emergency use authorisation. One limitation for the Pfizervaccine has been its requirement for ultracold storage- up to -70 degrees Celsius. Each dose is reportedly priced at USD 37. SPUTNIK V Sputnik V from Russia'sGamaleya Research Institute has been approved for emergency use by several countries but awaits more results from Phase 3 trials. An adenovirus vectored vaccine, Sputnik V is produced using a combination of two adenoviruses called Ad5 and Ad26.Preliminary evidence from Phase 3 trials indicates it is 90 per cent effective when given as two doses, three weeks apart. In November, the Russian Direct Investment Fund said the cost of the vaccine would be less than USD 10 per dose starting from February 2021. It said the dry form of the vaccine can be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius, and does not need freeze storage. CONVIDECIA The adenovirus vectored vaccine developed by the Chinese company CanSino Biologics is also under Phase 3 trials and has already been approved for limited use by the Chinese military. Since August, the vaccine has been part of Phase 3 trials in several countries, including Russia, Mexico and Pakistan. CORONAVAC Another Chinese company, Sinopharm, has also made progress with itsinactivated vaccine dubbed CoronaVac. It has been given emergency approval for limited use in the country. The vaccine is reportedly provided as two doses, administered two weeks apart. Scientists are yet to publish a study on the trial conducted so far. VECTOR INSTITUTE Russia's Vector Institute has developed a protein vaccine. It is currently under Phase 3 clinical trials. It uses modified versions of the coronavirus spike protein to induce immunity. The vaccine reportedly can be stored at 2-8 degrees celsius for up to two years. Data on the efficacy of the therapeutic is yet to be released. NOVAVAX After showing promising results in Phase 1-2 trials, and in animal experiments, the vaccine developed by US company Novavax is currently under Phase 3 clinical trials. It uses modified versions of the coronavirus spike protein to induce immunity, and can reportedly be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius. After some setbacks in manufacturing the doses required for the Phase 3 study in the US, the trial was finally launched on December 28. JOHNSON & JOHNSON The adenovirus vectored vaccine by the American company has shown protection against the coronavirus in experiments in monkeys and is currently part of Phase 3 clinical trials. Unlike other vaccines, this vaccine is reportedly provided as a single dose, but trials are currently underway to test its efficacy as two doses. The company had noted that the therapeutic can be stored for up to three months when refrigerated at 2-8 degrees Celsius, and up to two years when frozen at -20 degrees Celsius. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has a massive social media following. On Saturday (January 9), the actor took to his social media accounts to celebrate his 45 million followers on Twitter. He shared a throwback picture of himself, his late father, noted Hindi poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and son Abhishek Bachchan posted by one of his fans. Sharing the picture, Amitabh recalled how his father broke down upon his return from the hospital after the Coolie accident. He wrote, The caption informs of 45 million on Twitter .. thank you Jasmine, but the picture says a lot more .. Its the moment I came home surviving death after the 'Coolie' accident .. Its the first time ever I saw my Father breaking down ! A concerned little Abhishek looks on !" In the picture, Amitabh can be seen touching his fathers feet, while Abhishek stands beside his grandfather. This is what Amitabh tweeted: T 3777 - The caption informs of 45 million on Twitter .. thank you Jasmine, but the picture says a lot more .. Its the moment I came home surviving death after the 'Coolie' accident .. Its the first time ever I saw my Father breaking down ! A concerned little Abhishek looks on ! pic.twitter.com/vFC98UQCDE Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) January 9, 2021 Responding to the tweet, one of his fans wrote, Tragedy always divides life into "before" and "after". Amit Ji, people all over the world have been praying for you to stay with us. What the family went through-it's impossible to imagine...45 million here and much more in the world with you now! For the uninitiated, Amitabh was hospitalised in 1982, after he got severely injured while shooting an intense fighting sequence with co-star Puneet Issar for 'Coolie'. Big B, who was performing his own stunts, misjudged a jump and landed abruptly on a table which hurt him severely. The actor spent several months in the hospital before recovering fully. On the work front, Amitabh is currently hosting the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) 12. He will star in Ayan Mukerjis Brahmastra, also featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Mouni Roy. He has also been roped in for Ajay Devgns MayDay. Police officers only have to issue a single warning before fining people breaching coronavirus rules during the national lockdown, according to new guidance. The advice issued to chief constables across the country has been amended to state that enforcement does not require "repeated attempts" to encourage members of the public to comply with the regulations. It marks a strengthening of the guidance prepared by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs Council, as the government stepped up its efforts to ensure people stay at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, the document, Tier 4 National Lockdown, still states that fines should be issued "as a last resort" following an initial response based on the principle of engaging, explaining and encouraging. Police forces have been criticised for heavy-handed attempts to enforce the rules by fining two women for driving to a beauty spot five miles from their homes for a walk and threatening to issue penalties to people throwing snowballs. Home secretary Priti Patel said tougher enforcement was needed because of the rapid spread of the virus across Britain, with a record 1,325 deaths and 68,053 cases reported on Friday. "The tragic number of new cases and deaths this week shows there is still a need for strong enforcement where people are clearly breaking these rules to ensure we safeguard our countrys recovery from this deadly virus," she said. "Enforcing these rules saves lives. It is as simple as that. Officers will continue to engage with the public across the country and will not hesitate to take action when necessary." The new guidance issued to police on 6 January, first reported in the Daily Telegraph, includes the statement: "If the individual or group does not respond appropriately, then enforcement can follow without repeated attempts to encourage people to comply with the law." Scientists have urged Boris Johnson to strengthen the coronavirus restrictions because the national lockdown was still allowing a lot of activity which is spreading the virus. Both Professor Susan Michie, who sits on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), and Professor Robert West, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Insights Group on Behaviours (SPIGB), said the current measures were less strict than those imposed in March even though the new Covid variant is 50 per cent more infectious. US President-elect, Joe Biden, has warned President Donald Trump that he is not above the law. Biden stated this in a tweet on Satur... US President-elect, Joe Biden, has warned President Donald Trump that he is not above the law. Biden stated this in a tweet on Saturday night. Our president is not above the law. Justice serves the people it doesnt protect the powerful, Biden wrote. This also comes amid reports that Trump is considering pardoning himself. Trump will be out of office on January 20, the day Biden will assume power. It is believed Trump is discussing the issue of clemency with his aides. Between December 22 and 24, 2020, he approved scores of pardons, including to allies convicted for criminal offences. The President is reportedly weighing both the legal and political implication of a self-pardon. Evidence has emerged that the Government took a more cautious approach to the 2020 US election and the possible re-election of Donald Trump compared with four years ago. Documents seen by the Sunday Independent reveal Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney was prepared by officials to give similar reflections on the outcome of the election in the event of a Joe Biden or Donald Trump win. However, they also outline a concerted and premeditated attempt by the Irish Government to remind Mr Trump of his responsibilities after the election. It comes as Mr Coveney's condemnation of Mr Trump and his supporters last week was broadcast by major US networks, when he labelled scenes at the US Capitol "a deliberate assault on democracy by a sitting president and his supporters". His speaking notes prepared for voting day in the US, November 3, show Mr Coveney was cued to insist "bilateral relationships across the political spectrum in the US will always be important to us and we will continue to seek opportunities to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations". The note then adds that this will be the Irish Government's position "whatever the outcome of the presidential elections", insisting it will work to strengthen ties "with President Trump's administration", or "with the administration of the President-Elect Joe Biden". This is significantly different to the diplomatic cues prepared four years ago, when Mr Trump defeated Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton to become the 45th US president. Briefing notes prepared then show the government had a euphoric speech prepared to greet a win for Ms Clinton. A more downbeat message was simultaneously prepared for use in the event of a win for Mr Trump. Ms Clinton was to be heralded as a "good friend" to Ireland and "an extraordinary individual". Trump was to receive no such platitudes and instead was going to be reminded of his responsibilities, the traditional St Patrick's Day reception at the White House and "the particular responsibility of the United States for leadership and engagement across the globe in our endeavours to address our shared challenges". According to the new speaking notes prepared for the 2020 election, Mr Trump was also not going to receive scripted salutations in the event of a victory, but neither was president-elect Joe Biden. While Mr Coveney did eventually state the president-elect's win was a "momentous day for us all" because of his rich Irish ancestry and distinguished political career, these points were not raised in any of his speaking notes prepared by officials in his department. Several speaking notes show the Government's efforts to again remind Mr Trump of his responsibilities after the election. In cues prepared on the day of the US election - ahead of Mr Coveney's meeting with his Estonian counterpart Urmas Reinsalu 10 days later, and at a variety of engagements during the second half of November - the Fine Gael minister was being prompted to highlight the importance of the peaceful transfer of power. This came against a backdrop of Mr Trump questioning the election outcome and fears he was refusing to commit to recognising the result. Two of Mr Coveney's speaking notes include the line: "The peaceful transfer of power is one of the founding ideals of the United States, and I trust that the institutions and traditions of its vibrant democracy will be upheld." He was also prompted to reflect on the role the media could play in holding Mr Trump to account: "The US is a strong democratic society with its own electoral norms and traditions, its own checks and balances, and a vibrant media which holds both office-holders and those seeking elected office to account." Lost truckers are clogging up a small village because the government is giving them the wrong postcode for their new Brexit lorry park. Frustrated residents living in Mersham near Ashford, Kent, have seen their narrow country lanes blocked by HGVs that have been given incorrect directions. Around 30 lorries arrived in the village since the 66-acre lorry park opened for coronavirus testing on Monday. Video footage taken by residents showed lorries meeting head-on and having to try and negotiate tight corners. One clip featured a row of three lorries stuck down a narrow road. Lorries found themselves jammed in the streets of a small Kent village after the government gave them the wrong postcode for the new Brexit lorry park Lorries have been stuck in jams and causing traffic chaos in the village of Mersham (pictured) with more than 30 arriving and disrupting the village Lorries ended up meeting head-on in country lanes and having to try and negotiate tight corners Council bosses say the confused hauliers - who are being sent to the HGV facility from the Eurotunnel terminal near Folkestone 20 miles away - are losing their way due to inaccurate directions. Instead of using TN24 0TP, which includes the entry point to the Sevington facility next to junction 10a of the M20, HGV drivers are being told to follow TN25 6GE - an address that sends them into Mersham. On the government's website, the address for the Sevington Inland Border Facility, which will not be fully operational until late February, includes the wrong postcode. Resident Stewart Ross, who has lived in the village for 30 years, described the situation as a 'fiasco'. He said: 'It's basic - even a primary school kid would get that right. Nobody in the village has blamed the drivers - we have always thought the problem is with the authorities as they haven't got their act together. 'It seems crazy no one made sure Eurotunnel was given the correct instructions for drivers that turned up without a negative test.' Instead of using TN24 0TP, the entry point to the Sevington facility, HGV drivers are being told to follow TN25 6GE, a location in Mersham The government website provides and incorrect address for the Sevington Inland Border Facility, which will not be fully operational until late February Frustrated residents have been taking pictures and filming the resulting chaos as lorries attempt to manoeuvre in the narrow lanes Before Christmas, kind-hearted Mersham villagers lowered food from bridges over the M20 to truckers left stranded in Operation Stack. They used rope and shopping bags to deliver goods including beans, fruit and sweets to stranded lorry drivers waiting for Covid tests. Kate Agrell, who also lives in the village, begged: 'We have a good relationship with the hauliers, it's the government we have a problem with. Please listen to us.' Mr Ross, who used to work for the Ministry of Defence, says residents faced 'total chaos' last Thursday evening when eight lorries arrived in the centre of the village - including five in the road where he lives, which is a dead-end country lane. He added: 'Five HGVs ended up at the turning circle and, by the time they came back up, another three had arrived in The Street. 'Numerous people tried phoning the police who said 'speak to Highways England', but we couldn't find anyone who would accept responsibility. 'In the end, several villagers and two community police officers who happened to arrive on bicycles helped them manoeuvre. 'If there hadn't been villagers there warning them that they were about to hit something, then cars would have been damaged. The village of Mersham has been heavily involved with truckers in recent months after thousands of lorry drivers were left stranded in Britain awaiting test results so they could cross the border Residents claim the police and Highways England would not claim responsibility for the lorries in the area 'But fortunately all of the lorries got out and it is a reflection of the villagers working together to solve a problem that the authorities caused.' Since Thursday's logjam, Mr Ross said no further HGVs have arrived as a highways official has now been stationed on the A20 to stop any stray lorries from turning into the village. He added: 'I didn't vote for Brexit - I have lived in Europe, I've worked in Europe and I consider myself a British-European. 'We are part of Europe but the vote has happened and what we should be doing now is getting it right. 'I still don't believe we are doing that, though. There's a lot more red tape now than we were promised.' Mr Ross believes the delayed Sevington lorry park was 'never going to be delivered on time' and rubbished claims the project has been held up by heavy rain. Kent villagers helped feed stranded truck drivers lined up along the motorway by lowering bags of food to them from bridges. They used rope and shopping bags to deliver goods including beans, fruit and sweets to stranded lorry drivers waiting for Covid tests The massive 66-acre Kent field which is being turned into a lorry park in the event of post-Brexit hold-ups at Dover is still 'far from complete' and will not be ready until February But the new Kent lorry park, which has begun coronavirus testing, is still not finished and is not anticipated for completion until Feburary 'It's been delayed by the fact work started in July, not the weather,' he said. 'They have all these consultants working on it but I am not quite sure what they are doing.' Ashford Borough Council's deputy leader Cllr Paul Bartlett (Con) confirmed hauliers have been using the wrong postcode. On Thursday evening, he said Kent Police, Highways England and Eurotunnel were told about the problem so the information can 'feed through to hauliers'. He added that the council 'continues to follow up' with the government's website manager about getting the postcode corrected. But another resident, Linda Arthur, said the main problem is that neither of the postcodes are correct. The development, next to Junction 10a in Sevington, Ashford was being constructed as the Government prepared for trade talks with the EU to end in a possible no-deal scenario Upon completion, the vast site will be used for HMRC customs checks, with an area available as a holding space for up to 2,000 trucks should delays arise for vehicles crossing the Channel She said: 'The TN24 0TP is also the postcode for Nightingale Close in Sevington. 'The Department for Transport has not issued a dedicated postcode for the Sevington Inland Border Facility - something it promised it would do right at the start of its community/stakeholder consultation.' Earlier this week, Cllr Bartlett said he was 'impressed with how well Kent County Council has accommodated the government's demand to use the Inland Border Facility as a Covid-19 site so quickly'. Ashford residents can report Brexit-related issues on the Ashford Borough Council website. Upon completion, the vast site is supposed to be used for HMRC customs checks, with an area available as a holding space for up to 2,000 trucks should delays arise for vehicles crossing the Channel. The United States joins the Governments of Ukraine, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Afghanistan in paying tribute to, and calling for justice for, the victims of the atrocious tragedy. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said Iran continues to protect those responsible for the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 near Tehran on January 8, 2020. "Iran's own investigation revealed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down the plane with two surface-to-air missiles. Yet, a year later, members of the IRGC have yet to be held accountable for taking the lives of 176 innocent civilian passengers and crew onboard. Instead, throughout this prolonged investigation, the regime has continued to protect those in the IRGC who were responsible. We look forward to the day the Iranian authorities values the lives of the Iranian people with the same zeal with which they now cover for their officials' misdeeds," he said in a press statement on January 9, 2021. Pompeo stressed "we extend our wish for peace and strength to the families and loved ones of the victims, as we express our condolences again to those who continue to grieve their loss." Read alsoPS752 downing anniversary: Ukraine starts examining flight crew tablet retrieved from crash site"The American people honor the memory of the passengers and crew of Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752, whose lives were abruptly and senselessly taken one year ago by an unjustified Iranian shootdown. The United States joins the Governments of Ukraine, Canada, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Afghanistan in paying tribute to, and calling for justice for, the victims of this atrocious tragedy," he added. PS752 downing in Iran: Background On January 8, 2020, Kyiv-bound Boeing 737 passenger jet flight PS752, operated by Ukraine International Airlines, crashed in Iran shortly after takeoff from Tehran Airport. All 176 people on board, including 11 Ukrainian nationals nine crew and two passengers were killed. Among victims are also citizens of Iran, Canada, Sweden, Afghanistan, Germany, and the UK. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani admitted that the Ukrainian liner had been shot down as a result of an unintentional "human error," and promised to bring those responsible to justice. On June 9, media reports said Iran had accused six persons in the PS752 downing case. On July 20, the flight recorders were delivered to Paris and decrypted on July 21. On July 24, it was reported that data from the black boxes had confirmed external interference with the aircraft's operation. On October 23, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Yenin said Iran would pay compensation to the relatives of victims of the UIA flight PS752 crash, but the process might last up to two years. On December 9, however, Yenin said that Iran had withdrawn the offer to handle the payments to the families of those killed in the UIA plane crash. In the middle of December, Canada expressed its position on the Iranian investigation into the downing of the Ukrainian plane, saying it is not credible. On December 22, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iranian investigators, during a video conference, had provided representatives of other countries whose citizens were victims of the crash with a technical report on the UIA downing. On December 23, Yenin said that Ukraine had not received the report. On December 24, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expressed concern that Iran was delaying the negotiation process on the case of the downed Ukraine International Airlines plane. He noted that Ukraine had not received a technical report from Iran on the plane downed almost a year ago. On December 30, Iranian cabinet members reportedly agreed at a session to allocate US$150,000 or its equivalent in euros to each family of the victims of the Ukrainian plane crash in January 2020. Reporting by UNIAN Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-09 21:52:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A medical worker inoculates a recipient with a COVID-19 vaccine at a temporary vaccination site in Haidian District of Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The cost of COVID-19 vaccination, including both vaccines' expenses and inoculation fees, will be covered by medical insurance fund and government fiscal, rather than individuals, said a Chinese official Saturday. After the vaccines are approved and available to the general public, they will be offered free to the Chinese people, who can receive inoculation on a voluntary, informed basis, said Li Tao, deputy director of the National Healthcare Security Administration, at a press conference. Individual vaccine recipients do not need to pay the bill, fully demonstrating the concept of putting people and life first, Li said. He also noted that the administration's disbursement on COVID-19 vaccines will not affect the current revenue and expenditure of medical insurance fund or the medical treatment of residents. A medical worker inquires a man's health condition before his COVID-19 vaccination at the health management center in Panyu District of Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, Jan. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Hongyi) Free vaccination will help ensure universal protection for the public to safeguard normal production and life, as well as healthy economic and social development, which will further promote the long-term sustainable operation of the medical insurance fund, Li said. "We are working with relevant departments to formulate a detailed operation plan to guarantee that the vaccination expenditure is fully covered," he added. China approved the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines in June, targeting groups with high risks of infection. On Dec. 15, China officially launched a vaccination program for this winter-spring period targeting a number of key groups, including those engaged in handling imported cold-chain products, customs officers, medical workers and people working in public transport and fresh markets. China granted conditional marketing authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine in December. The inactivated vaccine developed by China National Biotec Group affiliated with Sinopharm showed 79.34 percent efficacy against COVID-19, according to the interim results of the phase-3 clinical trials. Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Sunday reiterated Italy's support for a "right and sustainable" two-state soluation, referring to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Di Maio spoke at a press conference alongside his Jordanian counterpart Ayman al-Safadi following talks in Amman. He welcomed developments made with the so-called Abraham Accords, which have normalised ties between Israel and several Arab countries, but said they must "accompany but not replace" the Middle East peace process. Di Maio said he and al-Safadi had discussed the current situations in Iraq and Syria, adding Jordan could play a "primary role" in supporting the recovery of its two neighbours. The pair also spoke on the need to "protect" the ongoing negotations in Libya. Al-Safadi said Italy would provide 235 million euros (287 million US dollars) of financial support to help Jordan in expanding its investments in energy infrastructure, transport and telecommunications. Di Maio also with Jordanian Prime Minister Bishr al-Khasawneh during his visit. (IMAGE CREDITS:Twitter/@ItalyMFA) (Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com) You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. The state govt announced formation of a a six-member team headed by the director of the health department on Sunday to probe the incident. The team was directed to submit its report within three days Bhandara: Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday met kin of the newborns who died in a fire at the Bhandara district hospital the day before and said orders have been issued for conducting safety audit of all hospitals in the state. Ten of the 17 infants, aged between one month and three months, died in the blaze erupted at the Special Newborn Care Unit of the four-storey state-run hospital in east Maharashtra. Speaking to reporters, Thackeray said the probe will ascertain if the fire was an accident or was the fallout of ignoring an earlier safety report. The chief minister also informed that orders have been issued to check if there have been any incidents of ignoring safety norms at hospitals in the state while combating the coronavirus pandemic. Thackeray, who flew in from Mumbai in afternoon to Bhandara, said he met the kin of the victims, including the tribal couple Geeta Behere and Vishwanath Behere who lost their first child, a girl, in the tragedy, with folded hands. "It was very sad and heart-wrenching incident. Imet kin of some of the deceased newborn babies. I have no words to console them, as the lives which are lost cannot be brought back. I have also inspected the spot (in the Bhandara hospital where the fire had occurred)," he said. Thackeray also spoke to hospital and health officials. "The probe we have announced will also check if the fire was an accident or was something which happened as a result of ignoring earlier safety report or due to negligence or because of any other factors," Thackeray said. He said the cause of the incident, whatever it may be, will be known after the inquiry committee formed by the state government submits its report. "Truth will come out. We are not going to blame anyone purposefully, but if any negligence is found, stringent action will be taken against those responsible for any lapses," he added. The chief minister said orders have also been issued to check "if there have been any incidents in the state of ignoring safety norms at hospitals while combating the coronavirus pandemic". A team has been formed to go into the safety aspects of the incident, he said. Thackeray was accompanied by Maharashtra legislative Assembly Speaker Nana Patole during the visit. The state government on Saturday announced the formation of a a six-member team headed by the director of the health department to probe the incident. The team was directed to submit its report within three days. Thackeray said divisional commissioner has been entrusted the responsibility of the committee. Bhandara falls under the Nagpur administrative division. Thackeray also said an expert official who worked with the Mumbai Fire Brigade is one of the members of this committee. The chief minister said the probe team will prepare guidelines so that such incidents do not recur anywhere in Maharashtra in future. Today is the death anniversary of the former prime minister and Lal Bahadur Shastri, who played an important role in the freedom struggle. Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd October 1904 at Mughalsarai in Uttar Pradesh. Lal Bahadur Shastri was the Prime Minister of independent India who not only talked about protecting India's borders, he presented an exemplary example of a frugal prime minister in India. After the service and independence of the country, its integrity and truth were not allowed to come down. Lal bahadur Shastri also played an important role in the freedom struggle. Gandhian ideology was followed in the freedom movement. After the service and independence of the country, its integrity and truth will not be allowed to come down. Former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's tenure was very successful. During this period, the country has fabricated several paradigms in the Rann region, on the other hand, giving a dimension to a number of schemes in the country which have led to the progress of the nation. There has been a context associated with Lal Bahadur Shastri that Shastri Ji did not use a government vehicle to go to his ministry. They used to go to their ministry on foot. On the other hand, they did not use government machinery for their personal work. But, at present, the use of government machinery and vehicles in every work has been as a status symbol. He passed away Shastri in Tashkent on the day of 1966. Under the agreement, people in all spheres of India, Pakistan agreed. The Indian Army received a war with Pakistan and then an agreement was signed with Pakistan. In which India and Pakistan entered into a mutual agreement and framed rules for not crossing the border. Lalbahadur Shastri passed away from a heart attack on January 11, 1966, in Tashkent. He was posthumously given the Bharat Ratna but there have been many questions about his death. India introduced its war skills by reaching Lahore in this war. Also Read:- Protesting farmers show Harayana CM Khattar black flags Pence to attend Biden's inauguration on Jan 20 5.3-magnitude quake hits Solomon Islands's Kirakira 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. Once state Rep. Dade Phelan is sworn in as speaker of the Texas House of Representatives this week, as expected, he will take the gavel for one of the most challenging sessions lawmakers have experienced. The Enterprise sat down with Phelan, R-Beaumont, to discuss what his presumptive speakership could mean for the district and how this session likely will play out amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Following are excerpts, edited for space and clarity. Q: Well start off easy. How are you feeling heading into session? A: We convene at noon on Tuesday. Opening day is going to look a lot different than it has in the past. Thats a good framework for how the whole session is going to work because of COVID. But were one of the last legislatures in the country to meet. So, weve been able to look and see what works in other states. I think we have a good framework for session. Q: What is that framework? A: I speak for a lot of colleagues when I say its difficult to consider legislation thats going to impact approximately 30 million Texans without hearing from those 30 million Texans. Weve always prided ourselves in being open and allowing public testimony. For example, in State Affairs, the committee I chaired last session, we had a 12-hour workday on the floor and then we went into session and had a 13-hour hearing, which is one of the longest hearings in the history of the Texas house - 25 hours straight of the peoples business. We take a lot of pride in that. That particular day we had over 700 witnesses to come and testify on different pieces of very controversial legislation. Thats going to be difficult to do this session with COVID protocols and trying to follow CDC guidelines. Testing is going to be optional as you come into the Capitol. The preservation board made the decision to require masks and make testing optional. Each member can conduct businesses as they see fit inside their offices. Thats always been the case. So, if you want to require masks inside the office, thats fine. If you want to rapid test individuals who come into your office, thats up to you as well. Each members going to decide for themselves how they want to operate. We write the House rules on the second or third day of session. Right now, virtual testimony doesnt exist in our rules. We have to consider all of that as we alter the House rules to deal with the first pandemic in 102 years. The good news is, the vaccine is rolling out. It has not been without its challenges, but were trying to vaccinate millions of people as quickly as possible with a vaccine that has to be kept at a certain temperature and you have to do certain populations first. Its just going to have its challenges. Ive not had it yet. I know some members of the House have. Im not in line any time soon to take the vaccine. I dont want to take the spot of someone who has a pre-existing condition or has more of a critical exposure, especially with nursing home and assisted living folks in the next round. Its not that I dont have faith in the vaccine, its just not my turn yet. Q: Your ability to build coalitions has been mentioned when explaining how you got so much buy-in from Legislators across the state. But Ive heard some people express concern that, if youre speaker, you wont fight for Southeast Texas. How do you balance those coalitions while still representing your district? A: Im always the state representative from House District 21. I still represent the some 180,000, plus or minus, constituents in this community. I will always do so, I will just be doing it with a second hat in my hand. The reason I became speaker is because I am able to build coalitions. I am able to work with House members in a broad spectrum politically, geographically, experience, you name it. It doesnt matter, Im able to work with anybody. When youre looking from the Speakers eyes at the house floor, theres no Democrats on one side, Republicans on the other. We all sit with one another. Q: What are some of your priorities for the district? A: The first priority is for the district and the state to get our economy back up and running as best we can. Weve done better than many states, but many small businesses are hurting out there. The CARES Act and the PPP have their limits. Then I have the same goals as last session in regard to infrastructure the Flood Infrastructure Fund and Proposition 8. Texas moved so quickly to get that money out to communities through the Water Development Board. We have to build on that momentum, make sure that money stays for flood infrastructure. With a challenging budget cycle with both a deficit for the current biennium and far fewer resources than we need for the next biennium, appropriators start looking to where they can take money out of certain funds. We need to make sure those infrastructure funds there for flood mitigation remain there for flood mitigation. Were also looking at the port deepening. Thats a huge opportunity for Southeast Texas. We have to keep pushing for the Ike Dike, the Coastal Spine, make certain were moving forward with that. Were committed in the House to fully fund education through this biennium. Even though the weighted daily average attendance is down because some children, not only were they not virtually learning but they werent learning at all. But we did such good work last session with House Bill 3 increasing funding for public education and increasing teach pay and establishing a merit-based teacher pay increase for the most highly qualified, talented teachers, were paying them upward of six figures. We dont want to pull back on any of that, but its going to be a challenging budget cycle. Being speaker, I have the opportunity to keep an eye on everything and work for Southeast Texas but also with the understanding that I have 149 other colleagues to work with in the chamber. Q: Where might there be room in the budget? A: Its too early to tell what were going to have to work with. Well find out the day after swearing in Jan. 13 or 14. The comptroller tells us what money were working with to make the next budget. Its going to be less than what we would have had without COVID. We know that. Its going to be tough to say what cuts are manageable without creating any havoc in our public education system, our higher education system, our health care, our infrastructure, our public safety. Some of the things people have proposed like legalizing gambling wouldnt have an immediate impact on the budget. Its years before you see those revenue streams coming in. Even if that approved in Texas, it would not impact the budget well be writing over the next 140 days. Q: Crystal ball, do you see the Legislature needing special sessions? A: As the speaker, people ask what your agenda is. One and two for me are our constitutional requirements passing a budget that is balanced and redistricting. Both of those would be extremely difficult in themselves, but then we have this pandemic layered over top of everything we do. If the census numbers come in after (the end of May) then we will obviously be back in for a special session. But we also have to pass a budget, and if its not acceptable to 76 members of the house, assuming we have full attendance, that could put us in a special session. If theres opportunities to go into the rainy-day fund, then we need approval from a two-thirds majority. If we dont have two-thirds to get there, that could put us in a special session. Theres plenty of opportunity for overtime. Q: With vaccines already rolling out, we hope to get back to whatever normal is, soon. How much legislating this session is direct coronavirus response and how much is taking the lessons learned and looking forward to improving the overall system? A: Its both. Were going to spend so much time discussing how we got here and how we prevent getting here again. If it happens once, it can happen again. So, lessons learned lets not repeat history. Lets figure out best practices. Then, of course, you have distance learning. It has its limits. I have four children. I started out as a teacher and ended up as the custodian and the lunch lady. You have a newfound respect for educators when you do some distance learning, but it also has its limits, especially in communities that dont have broadband internet access. Thats not just in rural communities where its evident, but its also in urban areas where the parents just havent signed up for broadband. There is a digital divide in the state of Texas, and if we go through another pandemic its just going to continue to get worse. There are children in our education system that are not just months behind, theyre years behind. Im really concerned about how we remediate that. Q: 50,000-foot view: What does your speakership mean for Southeast Texas? A: Southeast Texas will have its first speaker in 172 years, which maybe its just our turn? Its a huge honor. Im very humbled by the support of my colleagues, especially with the session were about to go into. Its going to be as difficult as any session. Others have said its going to be the most difficult session weve ever had in the Texas House. Its phenomenal for Southeast Texas for issues like windstorm insurance, infrastructure improvements, any type of flood mitigation that we worked on for years, Lamar University, LIT, Lamar State College. We cut tuition last session. Maybe we can build on that. Q: Do you have a goal, a percentage of how much business you want to get done this year versus a normal year? A: Some folks in the other chamber have said theyre going to have 10% of the activity that they would normally have. Thats 90% less. I dont think that would work in the House. We have too many members. I dont file bills anymore. I dont vote on bills anymore. But there are 149 members who have issues that are very important to them back home. It may not be important to the other 148 members, but its important that the member can do something for their district, specifically. Those are called local and consent bills. Theyre typically not controversial, but theyre really important for local communities. We have to find a way to move those through the process, whether we change some deadlines so they can be taken up earlier or another way. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session 140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt World oil prices falling Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 Yesterday, Mr Murdoch was believed to be out sailing on Sydney Harbour. He says he made only one tactical error: giving the directors three hours to consider his latest offer instead of one. The chairman of Queensland Press, Mr Keith McDonald, received a surprise telephone call at 2.40 pm (EST) on Friday from Mr Murdoch. He had not even realised that the chairman of News Corporation was in Australia, let alone Brisbane. Mr Murdoch asked if he could see him as soon as possible. Within half an hour, a white Ford carrying Mr Murdoch drove up the front ramp of the two-storey Queensland Press building in Campbell Street, Bowen Hills. The driver drove to the back of the building after sighting a few journalists from The Australian and the Queensland Daily Sun waiting in the foyer for the outcome of an informal meeting of the board. Mr Murdoch, accompanied by his Australian managing director, Mr Ken Cowley, entered through a shabby back door. As there is no lift, he had to walk the two flights of stairs to the board room. He walked straight into the Queensland Press boardroom with its thick green carpets and green-painted walls on which Australian landscapes hang and, in true Murdoch style, offered them so much money he obviously felt they could not refuse. NASA astronomers have been sounding worried about the rapidly fading gases of star Hen 3-1357, the youngest Planetary Nebula in space. In the stills captured by NASAs Hubble Space Telescope, scientists discovered that the Stingray Nebula has been fading precipitously since the past two decades as its brightness diminished frantically. Hubble captured two images 20 years apart. The first image was taken with the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 in March 1996, where the aging star appeared in good shape, but in the second image taken in 2020, the nebulas central star was seen in its final stages of life. Nebula that has drastically dimmed in brightness and changed shape. Bright, blue, fluorescent tendrils and filaments of gas toward the center of the nebula have all but disappeared, and the wavy edges that earned this nebula its aquatic-themed name are virtually gone, NASA informed in a release. NASA said in a release that the once bright and young nebula was no longer standing out against the black velvet background of the vast universe. This is very, very dramatic, and very weird, said team member Martin A. Guerrero of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Andalucia in Granada, Spain. What were witnessing is a nebulas evolution in real-time. In a span of years, we see variations in the nebula. We have not seen that before with the clarity we get with this view. [This image compares two drastically different portraits of the Stingray nebula captured by NASAs Hubble Space Telescope 20 years apart. The image on the left, taken with the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 in March 1996, shows the nebulas central star in the final stages of its life. Credit: NASA] Read: NASA Detects Human-made Nuclear Bubble Protecting Earth From Radiation; Read Read: 'Turn It Up: NASA Shares music Of Spheres As It Digitally Converts Bullet Cluster Image 'Dying star' at the center Scientists discovered a reduction in the glowing nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen in the dying star at the center of the nebula. According to the astronomers, the dip in the oxygen emission levels diminished the brightness by a factor of nearly 1,000 between 1996 and 2016. Changes in nebulae have been seen before, but what we have here are changes in the fundamental structure of the nebula, said Bruce Balick of the University of Washington, Seattle, who led the research on Stingray Nebula. He added that the nebula was getting fainter at an unprecedented rate. This is something confirmed with Hubbles visual acuity, he informed. Scientists found that the nebula was nearing its death as its star SAO 244567 expanded due to a temperature drop, emitting less ionising radiation. Astronomers speculated that the nebula will become almost undetectable in 20 or 30 years. Read: Solar System's Largest Canyon Is 10 Times The Size Of The Grand Canyon, Claims NASA Read: NASA's New Telescope Will Unlock Big Bang Clues And Other Space Mysteries Egypts Prosecutor-General Hamada Al-Sawy has ordered an appeal against the acquittal of three men accused of stripping an elderly Coptic woman off her clothes in a sectarian incident in 2016. According to an official statement on Sunday, the prosecutor-generals office said the decision to appeal comes after the technical bureau reviewed the recent criminal courts reasoning behind the acquittal. This comes nearly a month after a Minya criminal court acquitted in December three defendants who were accused of stripping and dragging an elderly Coptic woman through her village of Al-Karm in Upper Egypts Minya in an incident that shocked the country in 2016. 74-year-old Soad Thabets home was attacked, along with the homes of other Christians in the village, by an angry mob following a rumor that her son was having an affair with a Muslim woman in the village. In January 2020, the court sentenced the three defendants in the case in absentia to ten years for assaulting and stripping the old woman of her clothes. The three defendants a father and his two sons were then acquitted in a re-trial in December after they turned themselves to the authorities. Short link: Flash A senior Iranian lawmaker warned on Saturday that Iran will expel the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors if the U.S. anti-Iran sanctions are not lifted by Feb. 21, semi-official Mehr news agency reported. "If the sanctions against Iran, particularly in the fields of finance, banking and oil, are not lifted by Feb. 21, we will definitely expel the IAEA inspectors from the country," Ahmad Amirabadi Farahani, a member of the presidium of Iran's parliament, was quoted as saying. Iran will also stop voluntary implementation of the IAEA's Additional Protocol, he added. "This is the law of the Iranian parliament and the government is obliged to implement it," Amirabadi Farahani noted. The main goal of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal was the removal of sanctions against Iran, he said. "If the sanctions are not removed, we will see no reason to fulfill our obligations." Iran launched 20-percent uranium enrichment process on Monday as part of its Strategic Action Plan to Counter Sanctions which was approved by the parliament in December 2020. In response to the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal in 2018 and re-imposition of sanctions against Iran, the Islamic republic stopped implementing parts of its obligations under the deal. NORTH CHARLESTON Police arrested one man and are investigating two more suspects after a shooting that killed a 22-year-old man. North Charleston police responded to a shooting call from an apartment complex off Highway 78, near the interchange at Interstate 26, at about 3:40 p.m. Friday. There they found a 22-year-old man who'd been shot in one of the units, Deputy Chief Scott Deckard said. Jaylyn Kinloch Williams, of North Charleston, died that afternoon at Trident Medical Center, according to Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal. While officers investigated Williams' slaying, according to Deckard, three suspects arrived at the hospital. One had apparently been shot in the same incident, which officers said was "domestic-related." North Charleston police said they arrested one of the uninjured companions, Ashley Allen Mount, and are investigating the possibility of more charges. Mount, 29, faces one count of murder and one of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. He was booked into the Charleston County jail Friday evening and remained there Saturday. Press Release January 10, 2021 De Lima files bill to expand elderly discounts on medicines, supplements Senator Leila M. de Lima has filed a measure mandating establishments, drug stores and merchants to expand discounts for senior citizens. De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1973 expanding the grant of 20% discount and exemption from the Value Added Tax (TAX) of senior citizens to include medicines, supplements, vitamins, herbal products and formulated milk duly prescribed or recommended by physicians. In filing the measure last Jan. 7, De Lima, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, underscored the need to address the urgent and persistent demand of Filipino elderlies, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our senior citizens have contributed immensely to the growth and progress of the country. As they reach the twilight of their lives, it is our responsibility as a society to ensure their rights and privileges, and that proper accommodation and care are given to them," De Lima said. Republic Act No. 9994, or the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010," the most recent version of the Senior Citizens Act, defined and granted discounts on essential medical supplies, accessories and equipment, but glaringly failed to define the term "medicines." The failure to define said term, De Lima stressed, has been used by businesses as an excuse to refuse to fully or adequately honor the privileges of the elderly. "In refusing to honor the discounts and exemptions, merchants have cited the lack of specific provisions in the law that identify which privileges can be granted when making such purchases," De Lima noted. To cure the gap in the law, SB No. 1973 defines the term "medicine" as "prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter drugs, both generic and branded, duly prescribed by physicians, and approved by the department of health (DOH) and the Food And Drug Administration (FDA), which are intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of human disease." De Lima's bill, to be known as "Abot-Kayang Gamot, Bitamina at Gatas Para sa Malusog na Senior Citizens Act," likewise aims to grant discounts on supplements, vitamins, herbal products and formulated milk when prescribed by a physician. "It is this representation's humble belief that aside from keeping senior citizens in their homes as we wait out the roll-out of a vaccination program in our country, the best and most effective way of protecting them is to strengthen their immune system so that they would not so easily fall prey to viruses, diseases and infections," the Senator said. "By strengthening their immune system through medicines, supplements, vitamins, herbal products and formulated milk, we will not only be protecting them from a present virus, but from all other viruses which could potentially harm them and cost them their life," she added. Last year, De Lima filed SB No. 1641 seeking to provide free immunizations which are deemed necessary to maintain the quality of life of senior citizens. 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. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Samsung Galaxy S21 series is turning out to be the worst kept secret. Already, we have come across a bunch of leaks and rumours around the new lineup. Now, Samsung Galaxy S21 lineup's marketing renders have surfaced online, leaving nothing to the imagination. Samsung Galaxy S21 marketing render leaks (Voice) S21 Ultra will offer superior camera specs (Voice) Another interesting new addition is going to be the support for the stylus. It will be the first time Samsung will offer S Pen support on its S series phones. The move has already sparked speculation that the company is going to phase out the iconic Note series in favour of the foldable phones. Samsung Galaxy S21 is slated to launch on January 14. The phone is already available for pre-orders in India. The pre-reserve policy requires interested consumers to pay an amount of 2,000 for the Next Galaxy VIP Pass. This amount will be deducted from the total bill when the purchase is done. Actor Jon Voight warns of 'dark clouds of destruction' days before Capitol riot Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Hollywood actor Jon Voight, an avid supporter of President Donald Trump, urged Americans to stand up and protect the country from the dark cloud of destruction, regardless of political affiliation, days before violence broke out at the Capitol. Voights video message came days before hundreds of Trump supporters broke through barricades and stormed the Capitol building. While a peaceful rally and protests were attended by hundreds of thousands of Trump supporters at the Ellipse on Wednesday, Trump also urged his supporters to rally outside the Capitol. Although many who walked from the White House to the Capitol did so peacefully, many others caused destruction to government property by forcefully entering the restricted Capitol building, and some made their way to the House and Senate chambers and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office. During the riot at the Capitol, police shot and killed an unarmed woman as she attempted to climb through a broken door and into the House chamber. Three others died from health emergencies, and U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, 42, who is believed to have died due to the pepper spray or bear spray used against the rioters in conjunction with a preexisting medical condition. At the time of the riot, lawmakers were undergoing the electoral certification process and were forced to stop. The confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden's victory was affirmed by Congress early Thursday morning after Vice President Mike Pence and lawmakers reconvened. In a video posted on Twitter Jan. 3, Voight said, We shall not let America sink to these fools, who are Democrats, and now some Republicans, who have jumped to the trails of unrighteousness. America, land of the free, will not stand for freedom if we allow these dark clouds of destruction. We must tear down the walls of Jericho. We must not allow our fears to follow the path of evil. We all must rise now, for God now has heard our cries, he continued. The conservative star made a plea for Americans, regardless of skin color or religion, to fight for truth and freedom. He maintained that the issue is about God. This is a war, a war that is about to open up now, between truths versus lies. We the people must open our eyes to this truth: that this election is, by far, the biggest scandal of 2020, Voight added. Can justice prevail? Can truths prevail? Well, my friends of every religion, race [and] color, this is not a race. This is about God. This now is about safety, our trust, our given truths. We all ask now, What will be? How will our nation be free? A land that once stood with pride, with freedom, and dreams for the American people, he continued. The Academy Award-winner concluded his video by calling on Americans to hold on to the freedoms God has given to the nation. Well, my friends, it must still be. And we all will understand this one day, because President Trump is standing, and will always stand, for Americas freedom and the words of our greatness: In God we trust, Voight concluded. Voight has not publicly shared his reaction to the Capitol riot. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Voight, the father of famous actress Angelina Jolie, talked about the importance of family values. "Family is so important and family is being attacked by people who are really trying to tear down the fabric of our society; it's true, Voight told CP. I don't want to get into any kind of conspiracy stuff, but it's really happening. So we have to protect the values of our country and the values of family, and guide the focused lives; we have to protect that aspect. A large snake has been found coiled around pipes and wires in an air conditioning unit. An observant Queenslander discovered the serpent on Saturday and called Snake Catchers Brisbane and Gold Coast to remove it. The business used Facebook to upload a photo of the reptile poking its head out of the metal box fixed to the brickwork outside the home. Can you spot the snake? Social media users were impressed with the eagle-eyed Sunshine State resident who found it in an air conditioning unit In the post, he jokingly suggested the reptile was hiding out in the electrical system until the Greater Brisbane area comes out of coronavirus lockdown on Monday. 'This guy was going to stick out the lockdown inside an air con unit,' the snake dispatcher wrote in the post. Social media users were impressed with the eagle-eyed Sunshine State resident who found the snake. 'How did you know he/she was in there,' one user asked. 'I was wondering that!' someone else replied. The business used Facebook to upload a photo of the reptile poking its head out of the metal box fixed to the brickwork outside the home (pictured) 'Maybe it had caused a fault and it was needing maintenance?' another suggested. It comes just days after the snake catching business posted a picture of a highly venomous Eastern brown snake found hidden outside a Brisbane home in December. The Eastern brown snake, also known as a common brown snake, is the second most venomous land snake in the world and is found across the east of Australia. Snake catchers asked users to spot the reptile hiding between the bricks of a retaining wall. 'We snake catchers really aren't fans of these types of retaining walls,' the business wrote. 'It's a great place to look for food (such as rodents and skinks), and in some cases, snakes will use these retaining walls as sites for egg deposition.' Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Japanese researchers say they are working to build the worlds first satellite made of wood. The goal is to help fight the problem of space junk. Space junk includes things like dead satellites, lost pieces of equipment and small pieces of paint. Such objects can present threats to spacecraft and satellites operating in space. The project is a joint effort involving the company Sumitomo Forestry and Japans Kyoto University. The development team recently announced plans for the satellite in a news release. The researchers say the wooden satellite which they call LignoSat is one of several planned projects that seek to explore how wood might be used in space in the future. The developers say wood offers several advantages over other materials commonly used to build satellites, such as aluminum and other metals. For example, the researchers say wood does not block electromagnetic waves. For this reason, wooden structures could be used to house antenna equipment and other controlling devices, the team said in a statement. Wooden structures would also be simpler to design and weigh less than current satellite equipment, the researchers added. Such satellites would be better for the environment because they would burn up when reentering Earths atmosphere. They would not release polluting particles into the air and oceans. Space junk: a growing problem The researchers say space junk is a growing problem. Thousands of non-operating satellites are currently orbiting the Earth, and the number of new satellites continues to grow. Last year, European and United Nations agencies announced they were developing a plan for worldwide action to deal with space junk. The agencies said waste orbiting the earth must be cleaned up to make room for new satellites. One of the leaders of the project is Japanese astronaut Takao Doi, who is also a professor at Kyoto University. He told BBC News that the driving force behind the project is the need to limit pollutants released from satellites that remain in the upper atmosphere for many years. "Eventually it will affect the environment of the Earth," Doi said. He added that after the first steps in the research process are completed, the team will begin developing the engineering model of the satellite. After that, a satellite flight model will be manufactured. The first wooden satellite could be launched by 2023. The researchers admit that the project presents some big technological problems. These include finding a wood material that can keep its shape in severe temperatures and survive intense sunlight over a long period of time. The Japanese project involves researching different wood-based materials and protective coatings that can hold up in the extreme conditions of space. The team is studying the construction of wooden structures using cedar and birch wood. The researchers also plan to study how other wood products would perform in space. They want to find out whether trees could help humans in extreme environments such as space stations. The company backing the project, Sumitomo Forestry, has also developed buildings made mainly of wood. In 2018, the company announced its largest project, a 350-meter wooden skyscraper to be built in Tokyo. It says the goal is to complete the building by 2041. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from AFP, Sumitomo Forestry Company, Kyoto University and BBC News. 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 - Japan Aims to Launch Worlds First Wooden Satellite Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story junk n. material that is no longer of use or working advantage n. something that is good or desirable antenna n. a device used to send or receive communications signals coating n. a thin layer of a substance that covers an object for the purpose of protecting it or for some other reason In a field that's mainly dominated by men, two Telangana women created history by joining the Telangana electricity distribution company work as junior powerline workers. TOI The two women named, Babburi Sirisha and Vaankudothu Bharathi defied societal norms and scripted history by becoming Telanganas first two line women. According to The Times Of India, Babburi Sirisha, along with many other women banged on the doors of the High Court in 2019 alleging TSSPDCL (Telangana Southern Power Distribution Corporation Limited) of gender bias. They urged the authorities to give them a fair chance to apply for the post of linemen that has been hitherto reserved for men. Also Read: In An Age Of Equal Pay Demand, Smriti Mandhana Is Not Bothered About Getting Less Than Male Cricketers Earlier rules for filling vacancies at Telangana Southern Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TSSPDCL) prohibited women from applying to posts like linemen since such jobs required heavy-duty, rigorous activities. She cracked the written examination, knocked on High Court's door and finally became India's first linewoman. Telangana's Babburi Sirisha defied all odds and proved that no woman is inferior to any man. Watch the inspiring tale of this 20-year-old achiever. #NewsMo #Vertical #RE pic.twitter.com/lqjPiR3uz5 IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) January 7, 2021 Despite that, women forced the authorities to lift the ban after their year-long legal battle. Sirisha, who completed ITI in Electrician trade, along with eight other women then applied for the said post. Also Read: Not Just Akshay Kumar, Here Are 9 Actors Who Played Transgender Roles With Greatness IndiaToday The next step of the exam is a physical Pole Test which is mandatory to ace for securing the position. Both the women managed to climb up the pole in less than a minute, thus becoming the first two line women of Telangana. Following instructions from the Court, TSSPDCL has issued appointment letters to both the women for the post as they cleared all the qualifying parameters. Speaking to Telangana Today, Shirisha revealed it was her uncle who encouraged her to get the training for the electrician trade. Also Read: French Teens Protest After Transgender Classmate's Suicide Over 'Humiliation' For Wearing Skirt We worked hard to get here. We will ensure we are referred to as line women, said Shirisha. Now there is nothing that can hold us back. We will prove to everyone that women are no less in any job they do, said Bharathi adding that her husband would train her to ace the pole climbing test every day for two hours. I hope men in the (power) department were as supportive of women as he is. President Donald Trumps role in inciting violence at the Capitol and his long 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 Thursday, a day after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, the Senates top Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York, called for Trumps immediate removal. 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. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined those calling on the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to force Trump from office, including Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill. The president is unfit. And the president is unwell, Kinzinger said in remarks posted on Twitter. He said Trump must now relinquish control of the executive branch voluntarily or involuntarily. Some questions and answers about the 25th Amendment: Why was it passed? The push for an amendment detailing presidential succession plans in the event of a presidents disability or death followed the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. President Lyndon B. Johnson in his 1965 State of the Union promised to propose laws to insure the necessary continuity of leadership should the President become disabled or die. The amendment was passed by Congress that year and ratified in 1967. Has the 25th Amendment been invoked before? Yes, presidents have temporarily given up power, but those instances have been generally been brief and voluntary, for example when the president was having a medical procedure. In 2002, President George W. Bush became the first to use the amendments Section 3 to temporarily transfer power to Vice President Dick Cheney while Bush was anesthetized for a colonoscopy. Section 4 of the amendment, which allow the Cabinet to declare the president unfit, has never been invoked. How can the Cabinet declare the president unfit? The 25th Amendments Section 4 lays out what happens if the president becomes unable to discharge his duties but doesnt transfer power to the vice president himself. The vice president and majority of the Cabinet can declare the president unfit. They then would send a letter to the speaker of the House and president pro tempore of the Senate saying so. The vice president then becomes acting president. The president can send his own letter saying he is fit to serve. But if the vice president and majority of the Cabinet disagree, they can send another letter to Congress within four days. Congress would then have to vote. The president resumes his duties unless both houses of Congress by a two-thirds vote say the president is not ready. Isnt there some other legislation about this? Section 4 of the amendment also gives Congress the power to establish a body that can, with the support of the vice president, declare that the president is unable to do the job. If they agree the president is unfit, the vice president would take over. But Congress has never set up the body. In October, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., announced legislation that proposed the creation of a commission to fill that role. The legislation would set up a 16-member bipartisan commission chosen by House and Senate leaders. It would include four physicians, four psychiatrists and eight retired public figures such as former presidents, vice presidents and secretaries of state. Those members would then select a 17th member to act as a chair. After the commission was in place, Congress would be able to pass a resolution requiring the members to examine the president, determine whether the president is incapacitated and report back. Croatia Airlines has said it will undertake rigorous cost cutting measures in order to safeguard jobs and preserve its liquidity. The state injected 91.4 million euros into the company over the past two months, 46.5 million of which through recapitalisation, 33.2 million as an equity loan and 11.7 million euros in direct aid. Croatia Airlines has shared the fate of the entire aviation industry. Our operations in 2021 will be highly dependent on the epidemiological situation, which will have a crucial impact on demand. Despite it all, Croatia Airlines will continue to actively contribute to the development of the Croatian economy by ensuring air connectivity. The health crisis has reaffirmed the importance of the Croatian national carrier for the countrys transport infrastructure, considering that we continued to fly throughout the crisis by carrying passengers and humanitarian aid unlike foreign airlines that left the Croatian market at the very start of the crisis, the company said. Croatia Airlines has said it will undertake rigorous cost cutting measures in order to safeguard jobs and preserve its liquidity. The state injected 91.4 million euros into the company over the past two months, 46.5 million of which through recapitalisation, 33.2 million as an equity loan and 11.7 million euros in direct aid. Croatia Airlines has shared the fate of the entire aviation industry. Our operations in 2021 will be highly dependent on the epidemiological situation, which will have a crucial impact on demand. Despite it all, Croatia Airlines will continue to actively contribute to the development of the Croatian economy by ensuring air connectivity. The health crisis has reaffirmed the importance of the Croatian national carrier for the countrys transport infrastructure, considering that we continued to fly throughout the crisis by carrying passengers and humanitarian aid unlike foreign airlines that left the Croatian market at the very start of the crisis, the company said. Commenting on the year ahead, Croatia Airlines noted, We will continuously harmonise our business activities during 2021 based on the existing epidemiological situation at the given time. In line with announcements and the gradual normalisation of the health crisis, as well as the expected lifting of travel restrictions, we stand ready to gradually increase capacity and flight operations on routes that we were forced to reduce in 2020. The normalisation of passenger flow and the return of confidence in air travel will be key to restoring market demand, which will dictate the business rhythm for the entire aviation sector, including Croatia Airlines, it said. The Croatian carrier has so far introduced a number of measures to bring down costs and plans to maintain them in the coming months. Until further notice, we are continuing to rationalise our business in all segments. We will undertake rigorous cost saving with the aim to safeguard our liquidity and preserve jobs. During this winter season, we are maintaining flights from Croatia to around ten European destinations, and are operating to five airports within Croatia itself, the carrier noted. This month, Croatia Airlines is operating 701 flights (both directions included) and has 66.724 seats on sale. It represents a 63.4% decline in capacity compared to the same month last year. Croatia Airlines' top routes in January based on offered capacity President Donald Trump lost his favorite online megaphone Friday, when Twitter permanently suspended his account over concerns his messages would incite further violence after Wednesdays siege on the U.S. Capitol. While Trump and his allies quickly accused the social media platform of silencing free speech, First Amendment lawyers said the action didnt violate the presidents rights: The Constitution protects against government action censoring a citizens speech. Twitter, meanwhile, is a private company. First Amendment protections against government censorship do not apply if Twitter decides it is not going to participate in disseminating someone elses message, said Jeremy Mishkin, a lawyer with Montgomery McCracken in Philadelphia who practices First Amendment law. A newspaper, for instance, is not required to publish a politicians news release, Mishkin said. READ MORE: Twitter permanently suspends Donald Trumps account after petition from hundreds of employees Yet the action did raise questions about what could be considered protected speech and the role of social media companies in regulating online communications. This is really uncharted territory, said Laura Little, a Temple University professor who specializes in First Amendment law. Though the First Amendment only protects speech from government censorship, and social media companies are not government entities, Little said the U.S. Supreme Court has applied a more fluid standard to what constitutes state action in freedom of speech cases than in those pertaining to other constitutional rights. She pointed to New York Times vs. Sullivan, the landmark Supreme Court decision that said newspapers could not be held liable for printing false information about a public official, unless they did so with actual malice. The case was brought by the Times against an Alabama police commissioner who had successfully sued the newspaper for running an advertisement that contained factual inaccuracies. The Supreme Court decided the case using the First Amendment, though the commissioner had brought his case against the newspaper as a private citizen. The most likely way that the court determined the First Amendments protections applied to the situation was by assuming the commissioners use of the court system constituted state action, Little said. READ MORE: A quick escalation into chaos: Inquirer photojournalists share what they witnessed during the Capitol attack Is Twitter violating the First Amendment? Technically, Twitter is not a state actor. Arguably, no, Little said. But, because that requirement of the state actor has been more fluid in this context, its not so clear. Still, the First Amendment isnt the only legal issue at hand: Congress has passed criminal statutes that allow people to be held liable for making threats, Little said. In cutting off Trumps account, Twitter cited tweets by the president Friday, including one that read: The 75,000,000 great American Patriots who voted for me, AMERICA FIRST, and MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, will have a GIANT VOICE long into the future. They will not be disrespected or treated unfairly in any way, shape or form!!! Such messages, Twitter said, must be read in the context of broader events in the country coming two days after Trump supporters breached the Capitol, disrupting Congress from counting electors to confirm President-elect Joe Bidens win. The platform determined the tweets violated its Glorification of Violence policy. The announcement came after Facebook on Thursday banned Trump from posting, at least through Bidens inauguration on Jan. 20. We believe that the public has a right to the broadest possible access to political speech, even controversial speech, CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote. But the current context is now fundamentally different, involving use of our platform to incite violent insurrection against a democratically elected government. While social media has allowed Trump and other politicians to circumvent traditional media communicating with the public without having to face questions from reporters I dont think Twitter or Facebook has greatly enriched the quality of our elected leaders communication to the public, said Diana Mutz, a political science professor at the University of Pennsylvania who studies political communication. What gains traction on social media is outrageousness, Mutz said. It incentivizes precisely what we dont want in political discourse. Assessing the impact of social media including on peoples political beliefs is difficult, Mutz said, in part because data from the companies are limited. But social media does make it easier for like-minded people to connect, she said. And for politicians like Trump, to reach the kinds of extremists that were talking about, that took part in the siege on the Capitol ... these people youre not going to reach through mainstream media. READ MORE: What The Inquirer's Washington correspondent saw inside the House chamber as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol closed in Conservatives angered by the Twitter ban have renewed calls to repeal Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, a provision that shields internet companies like Twitter from liability for content posted by their users. The Ayatollah can tweet, but Trump cant. Says a lot about the people who run Twitter, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) tweeted Friday night, adding he was more determined than ever to strip Section 230 protections from Big Tech (Twitter) that let them be immune from lawsuits. (A number of lawyers said repealing such protections would likely result in more bans by social media companies, since they could now be held liable for user-generated content. Its illogical, Mishkin said.) Though Trump supporters and others on the right have claimed they are being censored by technology companies, that isnt the case, said Yphtach Lelkes, assistant professor of communication at the University of Pennsylvania, who has researched the ideology of Twitter users and whether there are discrepancies in which profiles show up in search functions. Still, Lelkes said Twitters ban of Trump is likely to increase distrust among conservatives of the mainstream social media platforms. Some have threatened to migrate to Parler, which bills itself as a free-speech platform. While its too soon to know to what extent that migration will happen, theres been a splintering of the publics attention. Its been happening for 30 years, with the rise of Fox News and talk radio. Its self-reinforcing and has just sped up, Lelkes said. He said extremists could be pushed further into their kind of bubbles, and radicalization will continue. Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. The new European data protection law requires us to inform you of the following before you use our website: We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your interests. By clicking I agree below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy and Third Party Partners to learn more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our Terms of Service. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size A key Brisbane bridge linking the CBD to South Brisbane will close permanently to general car traffic on January 24 to make way for Brisbane Metro buses, cyclists and pedestrians. Victoria Bridge is one of the city's oldest bridges, and the closure to vehicles will be the latest development in the long saga of the Brisbane River crossing point. The first bridge in the location was announced by Brisbane council in 1861 to connect the rapidly growing city centre with its southern suburbs. Since the first timber bridge was agreed upon and built not without controversy numerous structures have straddled the river at the same location, leading to the existing bridge, built in the 1960s. In the 1860s, two bridges were built: one was a temporary timber bridge designed to act as a scaffold for the larger, iron bridge planned for the same location. Horse drawn carraiges and pedestrians at the northern approach of the first permanent Victoria Bridge, ca 1885. Credit:State Library of Queensland But the project ran into problems, not least of which was the temporary wooden bridge being so weakened by shipworm, it eventually collapsed and was washed away. Advertisement Political back-and-forth was a constant through the building of both bridges, as the state government wanted little to do with it and the town council first ran out of money, after the Bank of Queensland collapse, and then demanded the government take responsibility. Eventually the first permanent bridge, owned by the council, was opened in 1874 with much fanfare but it only lasted 19 years before being washed away in the floods of 1893. A report by the Telegraph detailed the terrible impact the 1893 floods, which spanned days following multiple cyclones, had on the fledgling Brisbane. Crowd gathered on the north bank of the Brisbane River, observing the floodwaters which washed away the Victoria Bridge, 1893 Credit:State Library of Queensland Entire houses, sheds, boats and livestock were swept down the river, colliding with the bridge for hours as a crowd watched, before the structure finally gave way under the torrential water pressure. "So continuous and terrible was the crashing of houses on Saturday night that many persons living near the bridge found it impossible to sleep ... no one can say with any certainty that some of them were not occupied by human beings, who were thus hurled to eternity without the power to make the slightest effort to save themselves," the Telegraph wrote at the time. The Indooroopilly Bridge was also washed away in the 1893 flood. Advertisement The front page of the Telegraph on February 8, 1893, when the Victoria Bridge washed away. Credit:Trove - National Library of Australia Yet another temporary bridge was destroyed by flood a few years later. Finally, a bridge built in 1897 survived until the 1960s, when the existing bridge was built and the old demolished. In the 1950s Brisbane City Council decided to replace the 1897 bridge, as it could not hold up to the demands of heavy modern traffic, with restrictions placed on the weight and type of vehicles that could use it. The Brisbane Telegraph in July 1953 described the planned replacement bridge as a "monster structure" with six lanes for traffic, two each way for vehicles and one each way for trams those lanes are now used for buses. But while most of the old bridge is gone, elements remain, after it was decided to retain the stone abutment on the South Brisbane side of the bridge, now a key tourist site on the walk across the bridge. Members of the Greek community in Brisbane at a wreath-laying ceremony on Anzac Day at Victoria Bridge, ca. 1936. Credit:State Library of Queensland The abutment is also home to a memorial plaque to a young Greek-Australian boy, who was killed by a swerving car in 1918 at a parade to welcome home Australian soldiers. Advertisement Over the decades, Victoria Bridge has seen numerous protests, events, and the ever-present conversation about congestion, traffic and the future of Brisbane's road network. A climate strike in 2019 saw more than 30,000 people march across the bridge, while a Black Lives Matter rally in 2020 saw protesters shut down the bridge. A Black Lives Matter rally in June 2020 spilled from the CBD across Victoria Bridge. Credit:Nine In 2011, Brisbane City Council touted the idea of a second bridge crossing close to the Victoria Bridge, dubbed the "Adelaide Street Bridge". It was suggested such a bridge would be a "green" bridge taking hundreds of buses off the Victoria Bridge every day. That proposal was gradually morphed into the Brisbane Metro, the council's $1.2 billion public transport project announced in 2016. The closure of the Victoria Bridge to general traffic was first flagged in 2016 and the final date for its closure announced in November 2020 by the council. Advertisement Pak has been compelled to take action against its jihadist bosses around the world on charges of providing assistance to terrorists. Pak Anti Terrorism Court (ATC) has asked Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar to be detained by January 18 in a terror funding case. During the hearing held on Thursday, ATC Gujranwala has withdrawn an arrest warrant against Azhar after allegations of terror funding by the Anti-Terrorism Department (CTD). Masood Azhar, a wrongdoer of Pulwama: As per the information received, Jaish-e-Mohammed has accepted his role in the terror attack in Pulwama on February 14, 2019. More than 40 jawans of CRPF were martyred in the attack. After the attack, on 26th February 2019, India had made an airstrike at Balakote in Pakistan in which more than 300 terrorists were killed. Present Azhar Junha has revealed that a court official said, ATC Gujranwala Judge Natasha Naseem Supra, amidst the hearing of the case on Friday, gave a clear direction to the CTD to detain Jaish-e-Mohammed chief K Masood Azhar by January 18 and produce him in court.' Also Read:- Brazil's COVID-19 death toll crosses 202,000 mark Argentina reports 11,057 new corona cases UK raises USD 1 billion to support corona vaccination ADVERTISEMENT Obi Adigwe is the Director-General of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD). The Nigerian government established the agency for research and development of drugs, biological products and pharmaceutical raw materials based on indigenous resources. He speaks on the agencys work, in relation to COVID-19 vaccine, and other matters. PT: How is your agency supporting the development of an indigenous vaccine for the novel coronavirus. Scientists like Maurice Iwu have made some advancements in this line but seem to be overlooked unlike their counterparts in the western world. What has been the challenge? Adigwe: Vaccines are not pharmaceuticals that can be developed overnight and the truth of the matter is that before the pandemic, we had been arguing for Nigeria to establish itself in the vaccines manufacturing space. If you go online, as far back as a decade ago, I was one of the first people that spoke out after Nigeria was ravaged by meningitis. I insisted that Nigeria has to start manufacturing vaccines locally. The federal government took my advise then along with that of other stakeholders and established a partnership with a private company to begin the manufacturing of vaccines in Nigeria. The. Name of that company is BioVaccines. There are two factors limiting our ability to produce vaccines the way they are being produced in countries like China, UK and the USA. One is that even though the vaccine company has been established, there is a long process in terms of setting up that needs to be undertaken before they can actually manufacture vaccines. Secondly, the regulatory agency which is meant to certify that the vaccines manufactured in that particular facility has to be at a level that will enable them approve the vaccine. Unfortunately, these two things are not in place currently but we are making progress. Im aware that the company has kicked off and they about to establish a facility that enables them bring in some vaccines that have already been researched and developed in other countries and put them in vials in Nigeria. So, it is the tail end of the process that they will be able to do here in Nigeria. I also sit on the board of NAFDAC, our regulatory agency, and Im aware that some WHO bench marking has been undertaken. And that organization alongside the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria which I also sit on the board of, are making progress to get to the level where they can have the authority to certify vaccines that are manufactured in Nigeria. Now, talking about what NIPRD is doing. There are many areas where NIPRD has been contributing especially within the pandemic which would add value to how these vaccines are distributed and utilised when they finally get to the Nigerian space. The first thing is the effort we have been making in ensuring that science-led research and development activities underpin government policies. We have been at the forefront of that advocacy. This is an area where people have underestimated the value we have brought to Nigeria. I will give you an example of this. You are aware that in America today, there is a big gap in their COVID-19 response because government has not allowed science lead their response. When the Madagascar COVID-19 organics preparation got to Nigeria, Mr President categorically said these products will not be used until NIPRD does the relevant analysis and tells us it is safe and effective for use. NIPRD, under very tough circumstances, undertook that analysis and I must say we undertook world class analysis. We brought out a report which was the first categorical result worldwide that provided incontrovertible evidence that the product could not cure Coronavirus, as put forward by the government. What people dont know is that at the very highest levels, both nationally and internationally, there was pressure on this office for the result to be watered down. If we had agreed to water down the findings of our COVID Organics analysis, what would have happened is close to what is currently happening in America. But because we stood firm and said that science must lead the way policies are undertaken. We put up the result and followed up to make sure that the report got to where the policy makers would see it and listen to it. As a result of them using our evidence to make categorical policy statements, countless lives were saved not just in Nigeria but across the world, because that particular analysis was referenced world-wide. We also saved many countries millions of dollars because they would have spent huge amounts importing the product. Through the analysis we did, people now put their attention to other interventions that science indicated could work and that is why we probably have these vaccines that we have today. That is an area where NIPRD has done a lot of work, showing Nigerians the value of allowing science lead how we make health policy decisions. I think that will go a long way in ensuring that when the vaccines get here, people will believe its usefulness in addressing the pandemic. PT: The world is on the verge of discovering a vaccine for coronavirus. Do you think we have storage capacity, transportation, funding and dissemination of these vaccines when they arrive? Adigwe: Yes, we do. Over the past two to three decades, Nigeria has built capacity in supply chain and logistics which includes cold chain capabilities. I am aware that in every local government area in Nigeria, there is either existing or there was some structure or framework for cold chain storage of products. That is the infrastructure that the NPHCDA has leveraged on, in other to help eradicate polio. So that structure already exists. What I would be thinking is that the various stakeholders that are involved in this vaccine roll out story should at this point be reviewing the validity of those structures. The vaccines that are being developed require different storage conditions. Some require storage that are quite cold like -70 while others require -20. So what should have been done already, is to identify where we have those that can take -70, and also to identify where we have gaps, so we can ramp up. Additionally, I am aware that some private companies have some of those capabilities. So the ideal thing will be for government and private sectors to work together as seen in other countries to ensure that these infrastructures are maximally utilised and rolled out in a way that will ensure that Nigerians have very expedited access to the COVID-19 vaccine when it gets here. PT: NIPRD has been established for some years but there has not been a breakthrough in terms of local medicine production, what has been the challenge? Adigwe: I was appointed just over two years ago and PREMIUM TIMES was the first online media house I had an interview with. And before that interview went on, we took a tour round the environment and the buildings were described as dilapidated. But Im sure you saw a difference today. From the infrastructure youve seen today, I have been able to renovate close to 90 per cent of the dilapidated structures that I met. I have been able to improve our new equipment stock by over 300 per cent in that same period of two years. There has been a five-fold increase in capacity building and training activities for staff, both within the country and internationally. I have also leveraged on this to undertake training that will ensure that my staff are IT compliant. I have been able to ensure a 100 per cent of my confirmed staff have received an official ICT device for their work and they have been trained. So this is probably the only government agency in Nigeria that has done those things within a period of two years of appointment. All of these efforts have resulted into something. In terms of registered products in the market, there have been a threefold increase of registered products since my appointment. Within the next 12 to 18 months, we are looking at bringing a further 10 products into the Nigeria market. With what we did with the COVID organics, I dont think anybody in the world knew that NIPRD could produce such a world class analysis. We have sharpened our process engagement and based on that, many internationally acknowledged professors have indicated interest to work with NIPRD. And as you know we are a pro-collaboration agency so we are partnering with a lot of people and organisations. As regards phytomedicines development, I would say you cant count three research agencies in Africa without NIPRD popping up at every point in time. Our target before I complete the first tenure of my appointment is for us to be number one in the world. PT: Many orthodox medical professionals have lined up several arguments against local medicine such as that they are unregulated, unrefined properly before they are brought to market, what do you make of this argument? How is your agency helping in regulating productions, sale and use of local medicine and the practitioners. Adigwe: NAFDAC is the agency in charge of regulations not NIPRD. But what we do at NIPRD, I will argue is the most important part of the process, and that is identifying the science behind the phytomedicinal activities and presenting that evidence in a manner that the regulators, doctors and the academic communities can understand, interrogate and validate. We liaise with the people at the grassroots to help them present their claims in a scientific manner, and that the scientific manner is of world class standards. So we publish in peer review journals that are read all over the world and that in turn helps the orthodox practitioners. The more people who understand the role of NIPRD in developing and implementing this science-led approach to expediting phytomedicinal development, the better for the entire country. Because what this means is that Nigeria can start to benefit from the immense socio-economic potential associated with the sector. Jobs will be created, capacity will be built and revenue will be generated both for the practitioners and the government. PT: The 2021 estimated budget for your agency has been released, what is your take? Do you think funding is one of the challenges of the agency? Adigwe: Funding has been one of the biggest challenges for NIPRD. When I came into office, the inflow we got was one of the lowest in the country. In the two years I have spent in NIPRD, we have been able to midwife a more than 20 fold increase, in terms of resource inflow for the institute. Im not talking about funds paid into the account, but of value that has been provided. For instance, the nano technology lab which was provided by a partner is worth about 6 billion. We didnt request for the money, we asked for the equipment and it was provided. The artificial intelligence and machine learning laboratory which was completed under three months was also given to us by another partner. That has been the hall mark of my administration. I have told people not to give us the money but this is the value we can provide. So if you have confidence in suppliers you have used in the past, use them but bring this critical equipment, infrastructure and projects to NIPRD because that is where you have the best brains in Africa for this particular type of work. With that, we have been able to attract quite a bit of resources, and produce world class results based on those types of partnership. So to your question, the funding is not enough. Although we have gotten significant increase in funding in the time I have been here, but its not enough. Protesters chant slogans during a rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020. (Dale de la Rey/AFP via Getty Images) Hong Kong Democracy Website Experiences Temporary Blockage From Hong Kong ISPs Website now returning '404 not found' errors A website dedicated to exposing people supporting tyranny and dictatorship in Hong Kong started receiving reports overnight on Jan. 6 that Hong Kong users were unable to access the site. Hong Kong Chronicles is a primarily Cantonese site that has been collating a database of information related to the Hong Kong protests, such as incidents of police brutality and the profiles of those allegedly complicit. In an announcement made on Jan. 7, the sites chief editor and operator Naomi Chan clarified that the site was not blocking users and had no plan of doing so. The sites team found that some Hong Kong Internet service providers (ISPs) had been dropping connections to the sites server, effectively blocking users access to the sites content. Chan listed Smartone, CMHK, HKBN, PCCW as some of the ISPs that were found to have participated in the blockage. Chan wrote that after the investigation, the team believed that Hong Kong ISPs intentionally blocked Hong Kong users from accessing the website at the request of Beijing and the Hong Kong government. She then denounced the ISPs that allegedly cooperated with the government to violate peoples right to freedom of information. Naomi Chan also warned Hongkongers to prepare for further Internet censorship, which she described as facing the darkness before dawn. Hongkongers have grown more vigilant about their Internet activities following Beijings enactment of a sweeping national security law that allows police to order Internet service providers to block access to electronic information if the information is deemed to endanger national security. According to the implementation rules of Article 43 of the National Security Law of Hong Kong, if police have reasonable grounds to suspect that an electronic message may endanger national security, the police may remove access to the message or its platform. It continues, If a service provider fails to comply with the requirement to remove messages endangering national security, or to restrict or cease access to messages or platforms, or the request to provide assistance, the service provider is liable on conviction to a fine of $100,000 and to imprisonment for six months. The site is now back up but some links are generating 404 not found errors. It is not clear yet how much information on the website is inaccessible. Wong Ho Wa, a Hong Kong data scientist and pro-democracy activist, recalled that online censorship was a big concern for Hongkongers the end of June as they protested the implementation of Chinas national security law in the former British colony. The situation has since deteriorated so fast that the mainland way is now simply being carried out in Hong Kong, Wong said. He said blocking Hong Kong Chronicles is paving the road for a larger-scale information blockade. Hong Kong might be completely isolated as a result and wont be able to send information out to the international society. Chow Hang-tung, a barrister and vice chairwoman of the Hong Kong Alliance that champions democratic causes, described the blocking of Hong Kong Chronicles as infringing on citizens rights to information and further sabotaging freedom of the press. Emma Yu contributed to this report. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. Press Release January 10, 2021 Lacson: Frontliners Deserve to Know Details of Overall Vaccination Plan More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/01/10/lacson-frontliners-deserve-to-know-details-of-overall-vaccination-plan/ Frontliners who have risked their lives amid the ongoing pandemic deserve to know the details of the government's overall vaccination plan - if there is one, Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson said Sunday. Lacson said this is one of the points he will pursue when the Senate Committee of the Whole holds its first hearing on the matter on Monday. "Do we have a clear vaccination plan? Based on our conversations with doctors and frontliners, it appears we don't. But frontliners are waiting to know when they would be prioritized in the vaccination program," he said in an interview on DZBB. "The frontliners deserve to know because they are the ones who go to the morgues, they are the ones who attend to COVID patients. They deserve to know if they would be prioritized in the vaccination program. There is no reason for the officials concerned to ask for an executive session on this because there is nothing confidential or classified about it. Wala namang kalaban dito; ang kalaban natin dito, sakit. Hindi naman yan sasagot," he added. Lacson said he will pursue as well the government's dropping the ball on at least two opportunities when it could have gotten vaccines from US-based Pfizer and China-based Sinopharm. In both cases, he noted the two firms ultimately did not allocate vaccines for the Philippines because the Health Secretary did not act promptly on them. Lacson also cited information that in the case of Sinopharm, there was an offer to enter into a joint venture with Philippine pharmaceutical firms to conduct clinical trials, research and technology transfer here, such that vaccines can be locally produced in the Philippines. "Mukhang hindi natugunan yan kaya di natuloy yan," Lacson noted. Worse, he said the inaction has given rise to speculations that some in the government are "waiting" in favor of another brand, Sinovac. "Why did we miss at least two opportunities to procure vaccines? We had set aside more than P70 billion for vaccines for 2021, and we have entered into loans for the purpose, so the money is available. The problem is that someone dropped the ball on the paperwork. Now, even Bangladesh is ahead of us as far as getting vaccines is concerned," Lacson said. "At least 25 Filipinos die and 1,300 are infected by COVID every day. There should be a sense of urgency. But why are we not seeing it?" he added. Meanwhile, Lacson said that while the Senate may take up the issue of the Presidential Security Group getting vaccinated first, the priority should be on getting vaccines available for Filipinos. "It's a matter of prioritization," he said. Hundreds of thousands of COVID-19 vaccines have gone unused in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as of Friday, but the vaccination effort is ramping up. Health officials in both states detailed logistical roadblocks, including difficult delivery, staffing, scheduling, storage and handling requirements, and even pandemic-related constraints. These challenges are being reported across the country, too. And, I asked reporter Jonathan Tamari about his experience inside the U.S. Capitol as a mob of Trump supporters attacked and breached the building. Lauren Aguirre (@laurencaguirre, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) The week ahead This weeks most popular stories Behind the story with Jonathan Tamari Each week we go behind the scenes with one of our reporters or editors to discuss their work and the challenges they face along the way. This week we chat with national political reporter Jonathan Tamari, who was inside the U.S. House chamber when a mob of Trump supporters breached the Capitol. How did you start your day on Wednesday? What did you know or expect when you headed to the Capitol? I knew Wednesday would be tense, but I was thrilled to be back at the Capitol. For years Ive been lucky enough to have a desk in the building as my daily office, and anyone who works there will tell you theres a feeling of excitement and gratitude that comes with walking in, and that feeling doesnt fade. You walk over the tile floors, through the rotunda, past the Senate and House chambers, by amazing views of the National Mall with the Lincoln Monument in the distance, and you know all the history that has unfolded there. You feel lucky to have a chance to bear witness to some of it. Because of the coronavirus and my 2020 election coverage, I had not been to the Capitol in months, but that feeling immediately hit me again when I returned Wednesday. I knew it would be a divisive day, and a very long one (I packed lunch, dinner and snacks), but I have seen many of those in eight years covering national politics and felt privileged to watch such important moments and bring them to our readers. How did the morning go before and as Congress began its joint session? Were there any signs of what was coming? It felt like a big day but a normal big day. I got there early to make sure I could get a parking space. There were some Trump supporters outside, but it was a pretty small crowd then the main rally was a couple miles away at the White House. I exchanged a friendly smile with one Trump supporter as I got out of my car. In hindsight, the security was surprisingly light. Ive been to the Capitol for high-security events, like when the president speaks or when the Pope visited, and the manpower, weaponry and vehicles for those events far exceeded what I saw Wednesday morning. Inside I dropped my things at a desk and wiped it down with a disinfectant wipe. Because of the virus, the Capitol was stunningly empty for an event of this magnitude. Around noon I had a small debate with myself about whether I should eat lunch I wasnt hungry, but I knew once the debate began at 1, things could go for a long time, so I ate. Id be glad I did. I walked over to the House gallery, which leads into the top tier of the House chamber. Thats where reporters watch the House floor. Staff there gave me a red tag with the number 6 on it, my assigned seat for the day, and I clipped it to my jacket pocket. Then I went inside the chamber to watch, with my laptop and my phone. When did you see or hear that something more was happening? What did you experience as the mob of Trump supporters pushed its way into the Capitol? I was watching the debate inside the House chamber. If youve ever watched a State of the Union address, I was sitting above and to the right of where the president would appear on your TV screen. I focused on the debate, because I knew Pennsylvania was one of the few states that was going to face serious objections. I started seeing tweets, though, about the mob fighting police, and eventually breaching the Capitol. I started getting texts from my wife, who was seeing the same scenes on TV and on Twitter. I told her I didnt know how serious it was. I couldnt see or hear them (yet) from inside the chamber. Whenever theres something dangerous happening in the country, some family members worry about me being in the Capitol, since it can be a target, but I always assure them that with all the security and police there, its probably one of the safest places to be in D.C. Usually I think thats right. What happened next? What was your first reaction after seeing the attack unfolding? At some point I saw security personnel rush onto the House floor and whisk away Steny Hoyer, the Houses second ranking Democrat. Below (I couldnt see from my seat) they also took House Speaker Nancy Pelosi out of the room. Press staff for the House told us we may soon be locked inside, so to make sure we had anything we needed with us. There are tall doors all around the House chamber and police started closing and locking them. This is because of you! a Democratic congressman from Minnesota, Dean Phillips, yelled at Republicans. An officer came to the rostrum and announced there had been a breach of the Capitol, and the House and Senate were in lockdown. They said the rioters had made it as far as the rotunda, a short and normally beautiful walk to the House chamber. Debate resumed for a couple minutes and then quickly stopped again. Be prepared to get down in your chairs, an officer warned. They told us they had fired tear gas in the rotunda. I was tweeting what was happening and texting my wife. The police told lawmakers to reach under their chairs and pull out escape hoods, huge masks and head coverings that protect from chemical irritants. Over the years I had seen the bags that contain those hoods but have never seen them deployed. Press staff began handing the masks to reporters. They were in packaging a little bigger than a lunchbox, wrapped tightly in silver plastic. I ripped open the packaging and tried to read the directions while watching what was unfolding. A mechanical piece in the masks, maybe a fan, made a loud buzzing sound. I put mine on, but it was hard to hear and I felt clumsy while wearing it so I pulled it back off and carried it. Police told us to move and reporters, gallery staff and House members began clambering over chairs and railings. I was clutching my laptop, charger and hood as I moved. I heard a loud popping sound the invaders were smashing the glass in the main doors to the chamber, the same doors the president and Senate walk through during those State of the Union nights. I saw police push a big piece of furniture in front of the door to barricade it, and training their pistols out the door. Thats when things felt the most frightening. I couldnt believe I was seeing weapons drawn on the floor of the U.S. House. I had no idea who might come through. That image ran on the front page of many newspapers the next day (including ours) and its a sight Ill never forget. People are smashing glass in the doors to the House chamber. Police have guns drawn and aimed at the door, I tweeted at 2:43 p.m. Suddenly we were told to stop, Im not sure why, and I ducked behind a chair in the corner of the gallery. Others were lying on the floor, between the chairs. My wife texted to ask if I had evacuated. We are huddled inside. Police working on it, I wrote back. Some minutes passed I cant say how many and we started moving again, stepping over railings to get to the door. Outside the chamber I saw a handful of rioters lying face down, surrounded by police. Reporters, staff and House members moved through a line of police with handguns drawn, weaving through the Capitol and its tunnels. As we moved, I texted my wife that I was out of the chamber. What did you do and experience while the Capitol was on lockdown for hours? And, after the mob was cleared out and Congress headed back into session, what did you see and experience then? What were you focused on? I ended up in a secured room with other reporters and House members and staffers. The buzzing of the escape hoods sounded like a swarm of insects. I was in work mode. I started interviewing House members about what they saw, including some from Pennsylvania. A House security official tried to make me stop, but this was a moment for history, and other reporters were doing the same. From there, it was about getting information out. I set my laptop on a long table and sent a post about the scene in the chamber. I spoke with my editor about our story plans and began building that post into a full story about what unfolded. Texts were flying in from friends and family. I couldnt respond then but they helped so much. From there I wrote, sent my work to a colleague who was working with me, and then tried to figure out what else I needed to report and write. The room was hot and stuffy. Staff passed out water, bags of Goldfish and Skittles (I took water). Eventually the Capitol was cleared and we returned to the House gallery, and debate resumed. Sometime into the night I ate an apple and Rx bar. I stayed in the House watching the debate resume on the floor I could see the broken windows in the door that had been smashed while monitoring the Senate debate on my laptop. The Pennsylvania debate began a little after midnight and the vote on Pa. ended around 3:10 a.m. Thursday. I tweeted information and news as it happened. What did you do when you could finally call it a night and stop working? The final counting of all the Electoral College votes concluded at about 3:40 a.m. I went back to my desk, packed my things and uneaten dinner and drove home. The next days newspaper was already on my doorstep when I arrived a bit after 4 a.m. I read some news stories on my phone as I got ready for bed, and kissed my wife. I woke up after about 2 hours sleep Thursday morning and started reading and working on a follow-up story. Thursday night, after that story was done, I finally looked back on everything, and reread my texts. I saw the one from 2:35 p.m. Wednesday. Theyre in the rotunda. Police using tear gas in the Capitol. Its still hard to believe I wrote that. Email Jonathan Tamari at jtamari@inquirer.com and follow him on Twitter at @JonathanTamari. Through Your Eyes | #OurPhilly This is a gorgeous shot. Thanks for sharing your snow memory, @bgrophoto! Tag your Instagram posts or tweets with #OurPhilly and well pick our favorite each day to feature in this newsletter and give you a shout out! How to get notified when its your turn to get a COVID-19 vaccine The coronavirus vaccine is not available to the general public yet. And theres currently no statewide system to sign up for one in Pennsylvania. But if you live in Philly, you can now pre-commit to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and become among the first to know when its your turn to get vaccinated. Heres how. What were Eating: PrimoHoagies. After selling a record $55 million in sandwiches last year, theyre adding 21 more stores. Calling: Healing Verse Philly Poetry Line. This is a toll-free line created by Philadelphia poet laureate Trapeta B. Mayson, which will feature a new 90-second poem from a Philly-connected poet every Monday through the rest of 2021. Listening to: Heaux Tales. The new EP from Philly artist Jazmine Sullivan focuses on the stories and desires that women might only admit to one another. Its her first project in six years. Exploring: Permian Monsters. This exhibit is finally open at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University after coronavirus restrictions eased. It highlights creatures from the Permian period, featuring seven animatronic models. Comment of the week I have seen him and Bosco a time or two in Lindenwold and was curious as Ive driven by. Best wishes to you and Bosco for continued peace, safety and happiness. jerseybb, on A dog and the man he rescued rebuild their lives in South Jersey. Your Daily Dose of | Self-care It goes without saying: 2021 is the year of self-care. Take more time to do the things you love and that inspire you guilt free. Self-care can be doing things like soaking in the bubble bath and indulging in the foot scrub. We say pour that glass of wine. Sign up for the online yoga class. Journal. And color inside or outside the lines. And we have a list of a few places in Philly where you can treat yourself to a little pampering. A man who drove at the outrageous speed of 192km/h through Laois has been disqualified from driving for six months. Damien Kalicinski (31), 3A Short Quay, Kinsale, Co. Cork, was charged with dangerous driving, at the M7 Ballydavis, on December 14, 2020. Sgt JJ Kirby gave evidence that the accused was detected driving at 192km/h in a 120km zone. Sgt Kirby said the State would very reluctantly accept a reduction of the charge to careless driving. Defence, Mr Barry Fitzgerald said the accused, a Polish national, had fully cooperated with the gardai. On the day in question, he had been going to Kildare Village to do Christmas shopping and he overlooked his responsibility. Mr Fitzgerald said his client was renting a property and was on the cusp of meeting the rental costs, with a driving disqualification set to have significant consequences for him. Judge Catherine Staines convicted and fined the accused 100 and disqualified him from driving for six months, with recognisance fixed in the event of an appeal. Dont ever drive at that speed again its outrageous, said Judge Staines. MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) Johni Broome had 14 points and 12 rebounds off the bench to lift Morehead State to a 56-55 win over Jacksonville State on Saturday. Jalen Finch cut Morehead's lead to one on a 3-pointer with 1:33 to go but neither team scored again with Jacksonville State's Darian Adams missing a 3-pointer as time ran out. DeVon Cooper had 11 points and six rebounds for Morehead State (7-6, 4-2 Ohio Valley Conference). The Eagles posted a season-high 10 blocks. Brandon Huffman had 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Gamecocks (7-4, 3-2). Jalen Finch also scored 13 points. Juwan Perdue had eight rebounds. ___ For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25 ___ This was generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from STATS LLC, https://www.stats.com The total number of deaths in Germany caused by the coronavirus crossed the 40,000 mark on Sunday, the centre for disease control announced. Germany recorded 465 deaths over the past 24 hours, the Robert Koch Institute said, raising the toll since the start of the pandemic to 40,343. More than 1.9 million people have been infected so far, with almost 17,000 new cases added since Saturday. In her weekly video message on Saturday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said the full impact of socialising over the Christmas and New Year's period was yet to show up in the statistics. She warned Germans that the coming weeks will be "the hardest phase of the pandemic" so far, with many doctors and medical staff working at their limits. Germany fared better than many other European countries during the first Covid-19 wave in the spring but it has been hit hard by the second wave. The nation of some 83 million people, the bloc's most populous, has imposed another round of restrictions to limit social contacts and help hospitals cope with a surge in patients. More than 5,000 Covid-19 patients are currently in intensive care nationwide, with more than 80 percent of intensive care beds occupied. Germany has closed schools and non-essential shops, culture and leisure facilities until at least January 31 in the hopes of slowing the outbreak. Like other EU nations, it started vaccinating citizens against Covid-19 in late December using the Pfizer/BioNTech jab. More than half a million have received the jab so far. Merkel acknowledged the vaccine campaign had got off to a slow start, "but the tempo will pick up", she said. "What's important is that we can say: we will have enough of the vaccine available for everyone in Germany," she added. "Month after month we will inoculate more people and eventually we will be able to offer the vaccine to anyone who wants it." This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Democrats' momentum for a fresh drive to quickly impeach outgoing President have gained support and a top Republican said the president's role in the deadly riot at the Capitol by a violent mob of Trump supporters was worthy of rebuke. Senator Pat Toomey said on Saturday he believed Trump had committed "impeachable offences". But he stopped short of saying whether he would vote to remove the president from office at the conclusion of a Senate trial if the House sent over articles of impeachment. "I don't know what they are going to send over and one of the things that I'm concerned about, frankly, is whether the House would completely politicise something," Toomey said on Fox News Channel, speaking of the Democratic-controlled House. "I do think the president committed impeachable offenses, but I don't know what is going to land on the Senate floor, if anything," Toomey said. The new Democratic effort to stamp Trump's presidential record -- for the second time and days before his term ends -- with the indelible mark of impeachment gained momentum on Saturday. Representative David Cicilline, a leader of the House effort to draft impeachment articles -- or charges -- accusing Trump of inciting insurrection, said his group had grown to include 185 co-sponsors. Lawmakers plan to formally introduce the proposal on Monday in the House, where articles of impeachment must originate. A vote could be possible by Wednesday -- exactly one week before Democrat becomes president at noon on January 20. The articles, if passed by the House, would then be transmitted to the Senate for a trial, with senators acting as jurors who would ultimately vote on whether to acquit or convict Trump. If convicted, Trump would be removed from office and succeeded by the vice president. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, however, shared no details about her party's plans as she addressed her hometown San Francisco constituents during an online video conference on Saturday. "Justice will be done. Democracy will prevail. And America will be healed," she said. "But it is a decision that we have to make." A violent and largely white mob of Trump supporters overpowered police, broke through security lines and rampaged through the Capitol on Wednesday, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were putting the final, formal touches on Biden's victory over Trump in the Electoral College. The crowd surged to the domed symbol of American democracy following a rally near the White House, where Trump repeated his bogus claims that the election was stolen from him and urged his supporters to march in force toward the Capitol. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of the siege. "It has been an epiphany for the world to see that there are people in our country led by this president, for the moment, who have chosen their whiteness over democracy," Pelosi said of the attack. She added: "This cannot be exaggerated. The complicity, not only the complicity, the instigation of the president of United States, must and will be addressed." No. 4 House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York reiterated support for moving against what he deemed "an act of sedition that was incited and encouraged by Donald Trump". Speaking of Trump, Jeffries said Saturday: "He should be impeached, convicted and thrown out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and forever banished to the dustbin of history." Outrage over the attack and Trump's role in egging it on capped a divisive, chaotic presidency like few others in the nation's history. There are less than two weeks until Trump is out of office but Democrats have made clear they don't want to wait that long. Trump, meanwhile, has few fellow Republicans speaking out in his defence. He's become increasingly isolated, holed up in the White House as he has been abandoned in the aftermath of the riot by many aides, leading Republicans and, so far, two Cabinet members both women. Senator Lisa Murkowski, who has long voiced her exasperation with Trump's conduct in office, told the Anchorage Daily News on Friday that he simply "needs to get out". Senator Ben Sasse, another Trump critic, said more important than what happens to Trump "is what happens to the United States people and this union 12 days and beyond". But the Nebraska Republican also told 'CBS This Morning' on Friday that he "will definitely consider" whatever articles the House sends over because he believes Trump "has disregarded his oath of office" to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Biden, meanwhile, reiterated that he has long viewed Trump as unfit for office. But on Friday he sidestepped a question about impeachment, saying what Congress does "is for them to decide". After spending many weeks refusing to concede defeat in the November election, Trump promised -- after the Capitol riot -- to oversee a smooth transfer of power to Biden. He called for reconciliation and healing, but then announced he will not attend the inauguration -- the first such presidential snub since just after the Civil War. (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.) (Newser) A man killed three people and wounded four others in a series of shootings over roughly four hours that started on Chicago's South Side and ended with his death in a shootout with police in a parking lot just north of the city. Investigators are trying to determine a motive for the attacks, the AP reports, which began Saturday afternoon with the killing of a 30-year-old University of Chicago student who was shot in the head while sitting in his car in a parking garage in the Hyde Park neighborhood, police Superintendent David Brown said. The shooter, Jason Nightengale, 32, then just randomly walked into an apartment building a block away, where he shot a 46-year-old security guard who was sitting at the desk and a 77-year-old woman who was getting her mail, Brown said. The guard died and the older woman, who was shot in the head, was hospitalized in critical condition, according to reports. story continues below Nightengale went to another nearby building and stole a car. He then went to a convenience store and fired shots, killing a 20-year-old man and wounding an 81-year-old woman, Brown said. After leaving the store, Nightengale shot a 15-year-old girl who was riding in a car, leaving the her in critical condition, police said. He then went back to the convenience store and fired on officers who were investigating the earlier shooting. None of them were injured. Nightengale then drove about 10 miles to Evanston, where he apparently walked into a CVS pharmacy, announced that he was robbing it, and fired off shots that didn't hit anyone. He then went across the street to an IHOP restaurant, where he shot a woman in the neck. She was in critical condition. Nightengale left the restaurant and was confronted by officers in a parking lot, leading to a shootout in which he was shot and killed, police said. (Read more Chicago stories.) .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal New antibody drugs are available around the state that, if given early, can dramatically reduce the chance of at-risk COVID-19 patients getting so sick they end up in the hospital. But there havent been a lot of takers in New Mexico despite a near-record of 43 daily deaths one day last week related to COVID-19. Now the push is on to educate patients and medical providers about the availability and effectiveness of the two IV-administered antibody therapies. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The experimental treatments approved for emergency use by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration are limited under federal rules to patients recently diagnosed with COVID-19 who have symptoms and at least one risk factor, such as being 65 or older or having an underlying health condition. To be effective, the antibody infusions must be given within 10 days of the onset of symptoms. Data shows the antibody treatments can reduce your chances of going to the ER or the hospital combined by 75 percent, said Dr. David Scrase, secretary of the state Human Services Department and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams top medical adviser on COVID-19 issues. Scrase said more than half of New Mexicans have a risk factor, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, that could make them eligible for the treatment. And he said about 80 percent of those who test positive in New Mexico have symptoms. But during the first month of availability, fewer than 1,000 people have taken advantage of either antibody therapy despite more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases being reported nearly every day. Some 908 doses of Eli Lilly and Co.s antibody drug had been administered as of Monday, along with 66 doses of a similar antibody drug manufactured by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., state Department of Health data shows. New Mexico has used about 28 percent of the supply received by New Mexico from the federal government, but thats still higher than the 20 percent usage reported nationwide. Both President Donald Trump and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie received antibody treatments after they tested positive for COVID-19 last fall. The infusion therapy is aimed at mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients and requires a doctors order. One-time treatments Scrase said the rollout of the antibody treatments coincided with a surge of COVID-19 cases and the push to vaccinate New Mexicos front-line health care workers for COVID-19. I think the bottom line for this is our delivery systems have been completely swamped, Scrase said. But he predicted an uptick in the use of the antibody drugs once the first phase of vaccinations is completed. Since early December, Presbyterian Healthcare Services has set up infusion sites in Albuquerque, Espanola, Clovis, Ruidoso and Socorro, and planned to open locations last week in Santa Fe and Tucumcari. As of Monday, 124 patients had received the therapy out of 788 doses Presbyterian had received from the state, Presbyterian spokeswoman Melanie Mozes said. She said the antibody drugs have no expiration date. Last week, Lovelace Health Systems reported that 17 patients had received the therapy. University of New Mexico Hospital wouldnt say how many patients have been treated with the drugs. Dr. David Gonzales, chief medical officer for Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe, told the Journal that Native American patients have received 43 percent of the 60 antibody doses administered by his hospital. He cited the help of the Indian Health Service and Pueblo communities surrounding Santa Fe. We had six referrals from a single pueblo, and were glad to be accepting these patients, Gonzales said Thursday. Native American communities in New Mexico have been hit especially hard by the virus. Christus St. Vincent administers the infusions in its hospital emergency room area. Around the country, other physicians say patients and their doctors are leery of the new treatments, or hospital systems are too overwhelmed to handle the logistics of opening infusion sites, where COVID-19 patients spend from two to six hours receiving the one-dose treatment and being monitored for any adverse reactions. According to The Washington Post, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a Dec. 15 television appearance that there was a surprising surplus of the medications nationwide, partly because people are waiting too long to seek out the treatments. Such delays, Azar warned, meant that for some patients, it may be too late in order to get the benefit of these antibody treatments that beat back the spread of the virus. Positive results Even with the relatively small number of doses administered in New Mexico, the reviews are positive. The data that is out there has very strongly suggested that these medicines are effective in decreasing the viral load of these patients, decreasing the severity of symptoms and decreasing the need for hospitalizations, said Dr. Arand Pierce, medical director of Presbyterians transfusion services. We do think this is making a difference, particularly for the subset of eligible patients who are 65 and older, or who are considered obese, said Dr. Theresa Ronan, medical director of quality at Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center. Pierce said he hasnt heard of instances of the medications causing significant adverse reactions at Presbyterian facilities and said they are very safe. I personally would not hesitate to recommend this to one of my own loved ones, he said. Pierce said he also hasnt heard of patients or their providers being reluctant to take the infusion. I havent really gotten anything except an onslaught of phone calls and emails from fellow clinical colleagues as well as friends and family members and other people wanting to know how they can get their patients in for treatment. Its really been nothing but interest. Pierce said the primary challenge is getting the word out to providers in New Mexico that the treatments are available for their eligible patients. To that end, Presbyterian has sent out emails and bulletins, and has created a team of clinicians who are reviewing charts of recently diagnosed COVID-19 patients to see if they are candidates for the infusions. The team then contacts those patients providers and helps with the necessary referrals. We have very proactive mechanisms in place to actually find these patients and at the same time help educate and make those providers aware that there are these options, Pierce said. Scrase told the Journal he learned last week that of 62 people recently offered the infusion by Presbyterian, 60 accepted. Other systems with lower numbers of outreach are seeing it like 50-50, so were working on messaging for that, Scrase said. Another challenge, Pierce said, is having referring providers understand who is eligible. Its not just every COVID-19 patient, he said. Theres pre-defined criteria to kind of target patients who have other types of health issues that are going to predispose them to be more severely affected by COVID or be more likely to require hospitalizations. More on the way On the horizon is Eli Lillys plan to supply an additional 10,000 doses to New Mexico as part of a continuing study of its Bamlanivimab antibody drug. UNM is teaming up with Presbyterian to help in that project. Could the day come when demand for the antibody therapies outstrips supply? Pierce said Presbyterian has planned for that contingency. Traveling nurses have been brought into the state specifically to help administer the infusions, and protocols have been established to determine what patients would get priority for the infusions if theres not enough to go around, Pierce said. We feel pretty comfortable with where were going and with our plan to kind of press on and get this medicine to as many people as possible, he said. Who is eligible for antibody therapy? Patients who are at least 12 years old Positive COVID-19 test in the past seven days Experiencing symptoms At least one risk factor, such as such as obesity, diabetes or heart disease, or if age 65 or older Recently diagnosed, within 10 days of onset of symptoms, with doctors referral For soulful Mexican food with a twist, Tom heads west to Londons Marylebone Langoustine wrapped in a fresh, warm tortilla is Pure taco heaven At Kol, a new Mexican restaurant north of Oxford Street, everything seems very, well, Noma-esque. The open, central kitchen, where chefs toil with a quiet intensity. The bespoke uniforms, in tasteful shades of beige and umber. And the specially designed tableware, from bespoke leather tortilla warmers to beautifully turned wooden spoons. No great surprise, as chef patron Santiago Lastra headed up Rene Redzepis Noma Mexico in Tulum, Mexico in 2017. At the time, there was outrage over the $600 set menu (exclusive of tax), though no one would have batted an eyelid had it been French or Japanese. Which seems strange, if wearily predictable, as Mexican food, in terms of depth, technique and regional breadth, is one of the worlds greats. Mexican soul, British ingredients, is how Lastra describes Kol. Im certainly not bothered by any notion of authenticity, a wild goose chase if there ever was one. Tamarind replaces sea buckthorn as a souring agent, and moles are made with quince. But everything makes sound culinary sense, and his cooking is miles removed from the prissy, often soulless offerings of the tweezer obsessed. Flavours whoop, swagger and holler, Mexican to their core. Theres a limpidly pure Cornish crab broth, three sips of softly intense bliss, with the most subtle chilli echo. And crab chilpachole, his two-bite take on the Veracruz seafood stew, fresh picked white meat, fermented gooseberry and a glimmer of mezcal. Lots of charred habanero chilli, too. All sitting in a crisp chalupa, a small, deep-fried tortilla boat. The dish has a vital, vibrant zing. Scottish langoustine may not be the cheapest of ingredients. But when crammed into fresh, warm tortillas, with a big whack of chipotle salsa, its pure taco heaven, a handheld masterpiece. Just like his carnitas, traditionally pork fried in its own lard, but here cooked more gently like confit. Shards of pressed, crisp chicharron (or crackling) add crunch, along with pink pickled onions and a strident gooseberry salsa. Close your eyes, and you could be in Quiroga. Theres so much to adore here. But with Sonora Taqueria (reviewed last month), and todays Kol, alongside the likes of Santo Remedio and El Pastor, London is, at long last, getting a taste of Mexicos eternal allure. 9 Seymour Street, London W1. Set menu from 55. Currently closed due to Covid restrictions Drinks: Ollys wine trends for 2021 Muscadet is terrific value for wine thats zingy and resonant as a lemony bell. And thats just one trend for this year. Canned wines are finally good enough to drink, delivering freshness, portability and recyclability. Urban wineries will grow, as will the reputation of Austrian wines thanks to their fruity elegance. Im also backing Bulgaria for great value vino and predict organic wine will soar in 2021. Prepare for lift-off! Bulgarian Heritage Misket Via Vinera 2019 (13%), 7.50, winesociety.com. Orange blossom and sherbet roses, this unique zinger is a steal. Igo Organic Rose (12.5%), 4.99, Waitrose. Spanish rose in a can, this is endless portable summertime. Salomon Riesling Ried Kogl Undhof 2019 (13%), 20.95, leaand sandeman.co.uk. Set aside your Sauvignon Blanc for this Austrian scented excellence. Blackbook Chardonnay 2018 Pygmalion (11.5%), 25, blackbookwinery.com. Wow-factor English Chardonnay to beat French Burgundy. 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 View Results 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. Vote View Results North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un, center, speaks while inspecting a newly built submarine at an unknown location in North Korea, in this undated photo provided July 23, 2019, by the country's state-run Korean Central News Agency. AP-Yonhap By Jung Da-min Among the messages from North Korea to the outside world during the 8th ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) Congress which kicked off last Tuesday, defense watchers paid attention to remarks by the country's leader Kim Jong-un on his regime's nuclear war deterrent and self-reliant defense capabilities. In particular, an article by the state-run Korean Central News Agency which reported Kim had told the congress that "the design of the country's new nuclear-powered submarine was researched and was in the stage of final examination" drew attention. This was the first time for Pyongyang to admit that it was developing a nuclear-powered submarine. Defense experts said development of such a submarine would take at least several more years and thus does not pose an imminent threat to South Korea or any other neighboring countries. But, they said if successfully developed, it would enable North Korea to strike U.S. territories, with its capability to operate submerged for months. "North Korea's current capabilities related to submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) do not pose an imminent threat to the United States, as the ranges of its SLBMs are rather short while most of their submarines are diesel-powered which cannot operate submerged for a long period of time as they need to resurface to refuel," said Moon Sung-mook, a senior researcher at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy. Three Arrested in Multi-County Drug Investigation By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - An ongoing drug investigation in Livingston and McCracken County led to the arrest of three people on Saturday.Kentucky State Police troopers and McCracken County deputies searched a home on Woodward Street at 12:30 p.m. after an investigation into possible drug trafficking.Over the course of the search, authorities reportedly found four pounds of suspected crystal methamphetamine, liquid methamphetamine, approximately $34,000 in cash, and two handguns.The investigation led to the arrest of 35-year-old Jesse B. Leach, 33-year-old Jennifer L. Brimhall, both of Paducah, and 43-year-old Sean M. Smith of Ledbetter.Leach and Brimhall were each charged with engaging in organized crime, trafficking in a controlled substance first degree (methamphetamine), conspiracy to trafficking in a controlled substance first degree (methamphetamine), convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and possession of drug paraphernalia.Smith is charged with possession of a controlled substance first degree (methamphetamine), conspiracy to trafficking in a controlled substance first offense (methamphetamine), tampering with physical evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia.The investigation is ongoing. An article of impeachment seeking to remove Donald Trump from office will be introduced on Monday, Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu confirmed on Saturday. Lawmakers are moving to impeach the president for inciting an insurrection at the Capitol, according to the article of impeachment. There are now 180 co-sponsors to the resolution, Mr Lieu tweeted. If passed by the Democratic-controlled House, which is all but certain, Mr Trump will be the first president to be impeached twice. Since Wednesdays attack on the US Capitol by pro-Trump rioters, calls have been mounting for the removal of the president. House speaker Nancy Pelosi called on vice president Mike Pence and the cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to the Constitution which allows the executive branch to remove a sitting president for being unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. This would make Mr Pence president until 20 January. Failing that, Ms Pelosi said the House would move forward with articles of impeachment. She noted that drafts were already being written by Democrat lawmakers as they sheltered from the rioters in safe rooms or barricaded in offices. On Saturday an administration official said that Mr Pence will attend the inauguration of president-elect Joe Biden on 20 January. Mr Lieu said that he had been in talks with some Republicans to co-sponsor the impeachment resolution. There will be Republicans who do vote for it, he said on CNN. Mr Lieu is introducing the resolution alongside David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Jamie Raskin of Maryland. Mr Biden has remained relatively quiet on the subject of impeachment saying that he is focused on how best to implement his agenda when he takes office on 20 January. What the Congress decides to do is for them to decide, Mr Biden said. [Donald Trump] is not fit to serve. He is one of the most incompetent presidents, the Mr Biden said when pressed. What happens with 13 days left to go? I think that what 81 million people stood up and said, Its time for him to go' The quickest way for that to happen is for us to be sworn in on the 20th. White House spokesperson Judd Deere said: As President Trump said, this is a time for healing and unity as one nation. A politically motivated impeachment against a president with 12 days remaining in his term will only serve to further divide our great country. 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. As Michigans teachers and students ramp up for the second half of a challenging school year, the holiday break has offered school leaders a chance to reflect on their fall semester successes and where improvements are needed. While superintendents throughout the state have lauded the flexibility of students, teachers and parents in moving between different learning formats amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel with teachers now eligible to begin being vaccinated. Here are 12 districts takes on what measures have worked and what their leaders hope to do a better job at in the second half of the year to get K-12 education back on track. Dearborn Public Schools County: Wayne Enrollment: 20,535 What worked: Despite being in virtual learning for the entire year, Dearborn has improved its delivery of instruction in the virtual setting and maximized the impact teachers have as the year goes on, Communications Director David Mustonen said. While there have been growing pains, Mustonen said teachers have had success in connecting with students. As much as our parents have stepped up and become the best possible support person and teacher in the home, a trained, professional teacher makes a difference in student learning - whether that be in the classroom or through an electronic medium like online learning, Mustonen said. What needs work: With no immediate plans to transition to in-person classes due to still high COVID-19 positivity rates in Wayne County, Mustonen said the district must continue to look for ways to adjust its schedule to allow more students to have live instruction from teachers. We adjusted the schedules (at the middle school) so that occurred more often and we saw some real success with that, he said. I think we would like to try and expand that at the high school level, so were able to deliver more real-time live instruction. East Lansing Public Schools County: Ingham Enrollment: 3,684 What worked: While East Lansing looks to phase students back into face-to-face learning in the next month, Superintendent Dori Leyko said teachers, parapros and staff have developed solid remote learning programs that are intentional in supporting students mental health and other needs. Also, the East Lansing community has been extremely committed to supporting our families in need through food donations, monetary donations, meal delivery and more, Leyko said. Our community has really come together in a time of need. What needs work: The district will continue to create ways to connect students with each other to create a sense of community that being in-person together brings, Leyko said. Students have been out of school for almost a year and many have missed out on milestone events that theyve looked forward to for years, Leyko said. As students return to the buildings, well need to support them in academic and social-emotional ways that weve never experienced before. A look back at the lost semester of school in Michigan Forest Hills Public School District County: Kent Enrollment: 9,651 What worked: Forest Hills is happy it has had kids at all grade levels coming to school since September, Superintendent Dan Behm said, noting that students, teachers and families have been resilient and flexible in a year filled with challenges. As a system, we have learned how to adapt at a faster pace, Behm said. With each iteration, we are getting better and better at the adaptive process. These teachers and families made a major shift with very short notice and we have seen numerous instances of people thriving under these difficult circumstances. What needs work: The district is working with the health department to deploy a more precise approach to COVID-19 quarantine situations, Behm said. If the district can reduce its quarantine numbers by 50%, Behm said it can keep schools open for learning throughout the remainder of the school year. Our lived experiences and the countywide data from the past four months of school suggests that we are quarantining far too many people when we have a person who turns out to be COVID positive in our schools, Behm said. The quarantine issue has had the largest disruptive effect to our staffing, daily operations, and consistent learning for students. Adapting the quarantine rules to the emerging data will be a huge improvement. Grand Rapids Public Schools County: Kent Enrollment: 14,372 What worked: Despite not offering any in-person instruction in the first half of the year, Grand Rapids Public Schools Spokesman John Helmholdt said virtual learning has had some silver linings, including bringing many teachers up to speed on how to better use technology. One-to-one device distribution and collaboration between teachers, he said, has greatly aided the learning process. Because of Zoom, because of the fact that many teachers are learning to use technology - sometimes for the first time - were seeing a significantly greater use and expertise with technology even among teachers who may not have used tech as much as they could have, Helmholdt said. You have teachers sharing videos and lesson plans across different grade levels and schools. What needs work: As GRPS begins transitioning into hybrid learning for all students on Jan. 19, Helmholdt said the districts biggest focus is on how to simultaneously run both virtual and in-person instruction. There are certainly a lot of logistical challenges to that, but were more than ready, he said. We were planning to do this in October, but due to the second wave or surge, we decided to remain virtual for the remainder of the first semester. That just gave us more time to ensure our buildings were ready and that the technology is ready. Many Michigan parents chose home schooling during the pandemic. Will they return? Jackson Public Schools County: Jackson Enrollment: 4,678 What worked: Operating under a hybrid learning model until the past two months, Superintendent Jeff Beal sees both the challenges and successes that have come from quickly altering how JPS educated students this fall. As students return to in-person classes in the hybrid format on Jan. 11, Beal said hes confident JPS can respond to its students technology needs after implementing a one-to-one technology device solution, while also implementing innovative measures like busses carrying WiFi and hot spots into neighborhoods in need of internet service. What you saw was teaching move and transform from a model that had been in place for years to something that was much more technology friendly, or technology driven, Beal said. " I think one of the things we did really successfully was gauging the communitys needs and looking for areas that we could be more helpful and make our online platform more synchronous. What needs work: Beal ultimately wants students to be back in the classroom more than they were able to be in the first half of the year. Hes still focused on finding ways to better address the social-emotional needs of the students as they gradually return to a more consistent school routine. Ive often said, and I dont mean any ill will to mathematicians, the children dont necessarily come to school for algebra 2. They come to school for their friends, Beal said. They come to school for the social (aspects), they come to school because they like the teacher or like the atmosphere, it feels safe and feels like a place they can grow and stretch. We want that experience for them again. Novi Community School District County: Oakland Enrollment: 6,621 What worked: While the COVID-19 pandemic caused many districts throughout the state to change the format of their instruction, Novi Superintendent Steve Matthews said his district has been very consistent in delivering the options of hybrid and virtual instruction at all grade levels. Only a state order banning in-person instruction in high schools prevented Novi from delivering the hybrid format the first half of the year, he said. One of the major successes in our district is weve been very consistent and had a hybrid, in-person learning opportunity for students every day from Sept. 8, he said. What needs work: While the hybrid learning format has served the district well from a consistency standpoint, Matthews said the district is focused on improving the experience for students on the days they arent in the classroom. Hybrid teachers are teaching a set of in-person students, but they also have a set of students who are at home, Matthews said. One of the unique challenges of our approach has been, How do we make those at-home days meaningful for the students in our district? Portage Public Schools County: Kalamazoo Enrollment: 8,767 What worked: Portage has provided families with face-to-face or virtual instruction since the beginning of the year in grades K-5, Superintendent Mark Bielang said, and teachers have adapted to ensure students stay engaged in whatever learning format theyre in. Beilang also said he believes students social-emotional needs are being met as much as possible by teachers, even in the home environment. A lot of teachers have come up with some great ideas on how to structure time with online learning so its not just a replication of what they do in the classroom, but it really meets that online environment, Bielang said. What needs work: As the district plans to provide an in-person option for secondary students, Beilang said he hopes teachers and staff can draw from the experiences of what has worked at the elementary level from the standpoint of following health and safety protocols in buildings. Hed like to see a better rhythm to the remainder of the year to create more stability for students, while also addressing inevitable learning loss due to the pandemic. There is a concern on the part of parents, students and ourselves about how much learning loss there has been during this whole process, he said. How can we use our summer months to help close some of those learning gaps that are sure to be there? More than 50,000 students left Michigan public schools this year. Where did they go? Rockford Public Schools County: Kent Enrollment: 7,862 What worked: Alternating between fully in-person, hybrid and remote learning formats, Rockford has been successful in relying on its teachers, staff, administrators and more to develop a strong remote learning program, while simultaneously providing a safe environment for them to learn in, Rockford Superintendent Michael Shibler said. Im very proud of the work our teachers have done in adapting and adjusting to going into remote modality when necessary, Shibler said. Theyve been very creative with their approach to teaching and learning under a very difficult situation. What needs work: Like many superintendents, Shibler is focused on getting students back in the classroom without interruption. It was frankly a large number of students that were considered a close contact because we used that six-foot standard, Shibler said. The vast majority of those students who were quarantined as close contacts did not develop COVID. Saline Area Schools County: Washtenaw Enrollment: 5,148 What worked: While the COVID-19 pandemic has thrust Saline Area Schools into becoming more digitally-focused in delivering instruction, Superintendent Scot Graden said he believes teachers and staff now have a better grasp of how to use those tools in the future. Graden pointed to the districts resilience in an ever-changing environment as one of the positives hell take from a challenging first half of the year. I think its allowed us to prioritize some aspects of instruction that are important, Graden said. We really have tried to focus in on the core elements of instruction and weve gotten better at that as the year has gone on. Its really reminded us to focus on the fundamentals. What needs work: As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widely available and spring marks the end of the flu season, Graden said the district needs to be focused on how to successfully transition back to in-person classes full time. While its a format educators, students and parents are familiar with, Graden said there will be some growing pains. Even though its a transition back to what we know, we need to be thoughtful about how we do it, Graden said. Id hate to say that full in-person is going to be harder, but were going to have to relearn some things. Students are going to have to relearn routines. Waverly Community Schools County: Ingham Enrollment: 2,956 What worked: With Waverly in remote learning since the beginning of the school year, Superintendent Kelly Blake said shes proud of the efforts of teachers and support staff, who have taken on duties beyond the scope of their normal job classification to make virtual learning work. I have immense pride for how our educators have switched on a dime, Blake said. They have done everything they can to get training and coordinate with colleagues so that they can provide our students with the best possible online experience that they can. What needs work: Beyond a desire to move to face-to-face instruction, Blake said the district is working on tweaking its scheduling to make sure students who are struggling get the support they need in their learning. The district has set up What I Need time (WIN time), where children can sign up for additional help. Were working to try to get more kids to take advantage of this time, Blake said. Weve found in the fall if it wasnt a mandated time, they didnt necessarily show up, so were trying to refine some of that. West Ottawa Public Schools County: Ottawa Enrollment: 6,629 What worked: Superintendent Thomas Martin said while West Ottawa has offered in-person instruction throughout the first half of the year, hes proud of how teachers have adapted to helping students best use technology when theyve needed to go to remote learning. Theres been a lot of frustration expressed by parents who want their kids in school, Martin said. I want our kids in school, as well. I am concerned about a loss of learning. Quite frankly, I believe our students are safer in our schools than in the community as a whole. Schools have been touted as safer than bars and restaurants during COVID-19. So why are they closing? What needs work: The districts biggest focus continues to be on providing as much in-person instruction as possible, particularly at the lower grade levels, Martin said. He pointed to the latest news of the COVID-19 vaccine being available to K-12 teachers as a positive sign he hopes will allow for more stability in delivering face-to-face instruction. I think its absolutely essential that we work as hard within our system as we can that we maintain face-to-face instruction in K-5 and all the way through, Martin said. Remote learning is good for some kids, but not most kids. Zeeland Public Schools County: Kent Enrollment: 6,283 What worked: Zeeland has emphasized compassion over compliance, with staff going beyond teaching to care for the well-being of students, Superintendent Calvin DeKuiper said. With the school year placing an enormous focus on relationships, the district has had positive partnerships with parents and caregivers, he said. We have also worked collaboratively with numerous community organizations, neighboring schools and the local health department to ensure the health, safety and basic needs of all students are met, DeKuiper said. Overall, a greater sense of community developed through this challenging experience. What needs work: While the first half of the year taught the district that in-person learning is best, DeKuiper said he believes teachers and staff can apply the knowledge and techniques theyve learned for particular students or unique course offerings with greater ease. He also hopes the district can reduce the anxiety remote learning might cause. Moving forward, we see the need for intervention supports increasing and will work to meet the needs with additional support where needed, he said. Mental health wellness, awareness and assistance remain a critical focus. We found early success with providing online groups for social growth and development - such as a cooking club - and will continue to develop new and unique ways for students and staff to interact in a healthy and safe way. To help you navigate this complicated school year, were pleased to offer you a simpler way to get all of your education news: Our new Michigan Schools: Education in the COVID Era newsletter delivered right to your inbox. To receive this newsletter, simply click here to sign up. READ MORE: Michigan to vaccinate teachers, first responders, those over 65 starting Jan. 11 Virtual learning a nightmare for special education students amid pandemic, parents say Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Jakarta, Jan 10 : Five bags of human body parts and three bags of debris were collected by search and rescue officials on Sunday from the waters off the Indonesian capital of Jakarta where a Sriwijaya Air plane crashed the previous day shortly after take-off "We received three bags containing the debris of the plane and five bags of human body parts," Operation Director of the National Search and Rescue Agency Rasman M.S. said. All the eight bags were carried by the navy's KRI Kurau ship, according to the director. This has brought the total body parts discovered by the rescuers to seven, reports Xinhua news agency. The Boeing 737-500 aircraft, flying from the capital Jakarta to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province on Saturday afternoon, crashed into the Java Sea off the Seribu District in north of Jakarta, reports Xinhua news agency. It was carrying 50 passengers, including 10 children and 12 crew members. The body parts will be handed to the police's DVI (disaster victims identification) unit for identification and the debris would be sent to the National Transport Safety Committee for analysis, according to the agency. A total of 362 rescuers with 38 ships, some of them equipped with multi-beam echo-sounders and remotely operated vehicles (ROV) to detect objects underwater, were currently searching for the victims and the wreckage of the budget airline plane. Earlier in the day, Indonesian military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said naval ship KRI Rigela equipped with a remote-operated vehicle, which arrived at the search location at 3 a.m., detected the signal possibly from the aircraft. "Based on the results of monitoring, and according to the coordinates given from the last contact, it is strongly suspected that there was a signal from the plane," he said. President Joko Widodo on Sunday expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying at a press conference: "I am on behalf of the government and all the Indonesian people to express my deep condolences over this tragedy." The last plane crash in Indonesia took place in October 2018 when a Lion Air flight plunged into the sea about 12 minutes after take-off from Jakarta. A total of 189 people died in that crash. It was one of two crashes that led regulators to pull the Boeing 737 Max from service all across the world. In December 2014, an AirAsia plane crashed into sea en route from Indonesia's second biggest city Surabaya to Singapore, killing all 162 people aboard. NEW DELHI : Cold weather conditions continued to sweep the northern belt, as some parts of Kashmir Valley received another spell of snowfall on Sunday. Light rain occurred at isolated places over eastern Uttar Pradesh and in almost all divisions of Madhya Pradesh. The national capitals minimum temperature dipped to 7.8 degrees Celsius as cold winds from snow-clad Western Himalayas swept through the plains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The mercury is likely to drop to five to six degrees Celsius by January 14 in the city, it said. The cloud cover over Delhi has prevented a steep decline in the minimum temperature so far, the IMD said. Meanwhile, some parts of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, received another spell of snowfall--an unexpected spell of back-to-back snowfall after light snow on Saturday and the heavy snowfall earlier in the week, officials said. They said Srinagar recorded about an inch of snow till 8.30 am. Some areas, especially in south Kashmir, also received snowfall which, however, stopped after some time, they said. The officials said there were no reports of snowfall at the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg, in north Kashmir, and Pahalgam tourist resort in the south. While the MeT office had forecast very light rains or snowfall at isolated places in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, there was no such forecast for Sunday. There is no forecast of any major snowfall and the weather is likely to stay mainly dry till January 14, the MeT office said. Srinagar city -- the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir -- recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius, up from minus 4 degrees Celsius the previous night. Keylong and Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh continued to shiver at sub-zero temperatures, the meteorological department said. The tribal Lahaul and Spiti's administrative centre Keylong was the coldest place in the hill state yet again at minus 8.8 degrees Celsius, Shimla MeT centre director Manmohan Singh said. Kalpa in Kinnaur district recorded a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius respectively, he said. Shimla registered a low of 5.5 degrees Celsius, the official said. Meanwhile, the highest temperature in the state was recorded in Sundernagar at 23.2 degrees Celsius. In Uttar Pradesh, Meerut was the coldest place where the temperature dipped to 8.8 degrees Celsius. Weather is most likely to remain dry and shallow, while moderate fog is "very likely" to engulf isolated places in the northern state between January 11-13, the weatherman said. People in many parts of Madhya Pradesh woke up to a foggy and chilly morning. Dense to moderate fog prevailed in large parts of the state, including the state capital Bhopal and Rajgarh, P K Saha, senior meteorologist at IMD's Bhopal office, said. Bhopal received 4.4 mm rainfall, while Indore recorded 2.9 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours. Saha said clouds and drizzle caused by the westerly disturbances are likely to wither shortly, paving the way for a clear sky and chill. The minimum temperature across the state is likely to dip by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in the next two days, he said. The official said Madhya Pradesh has witnessed three wet spells during the current winter season, including two this month. The state received rain for the first time this winter in the second-half of last month. Cold wave conditions prevailed in Rajasthan, with Eranpura road in Pali district recording a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius, the MeT department said. Bikaner, Churu, Sikar, Jaisalmer and Barmer recorded minimum temperatures of 5 degrees, 5.1 degrees, 5.5 degrees, 6.3 degrees and 7.5 degrees Celsius, respectively, in the state. Cold weather conditions also continued in Punjab and Haryana, while a thick blanket of fog enveloped many places in the region, reducing visibility. Chandigarh, the common capital of both states, recorded a low of 9.4 degrees Celsius, four notches above normal, an official of the India Meteorological Department said. In Haryana, Ambala, Hisar and Karnal experienced their minimum temperatures at 7.5 degrees, 7 degrees and 8 degrees Celsius, respectively. Amritsar, Ludhiana and Patiala in Punjab recorded their respective temperatures at 8.6 degrees, 8 degrees and 8.5 degrees Celsius, up to five degrees above normal, the official said. A thick blanket of fog enveloped several parts of the states, including Chandigarh, Ambala, Hisar, Faridkot and Karnal, he added. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. 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. Federal judges side against pro-life laws in Arkansas, call on Supreme Court to revisit Casey Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A three-judge panel on a federal appellate court struck down several pro-life laws in Arkansas, and two of the judges have called on the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its ruling in a major abortion case that upheld Roe v. Wade. The ruling by three judges on the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals prevents two pro-life laws passed by the state in 2019 from going into effect. One of the laws prohibits abortions after 18 weeks gestation while the other prohibits abortion of a child based solely on a diagnosis of Down syndrome. Judge James Loken, the George H.W. Bush appointee who authored the opinion, cited the precedent set in the 1992 Supreme Court case Planned Parenthood v. Casey when upholding a lower courts ruling blocking the Arkansas laws from going into effect. Casey, which upheld the finding in Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide, declared that the womans right to terminate her pregnancy before viability is a rule of law and a component of liberty that we cannot renounce. Loken cited the governing legal principle of Casey, that before viability the States interests are not strong enough to support a prohibition of abortion, in addition to alleging that there was no generally accepted medical evidence that babies are viable at 18 weeks gestation, when affirming the lower courts ruling. While the panel unanimously agreed that Supreme Court precedent required them to strike down the Arkansas laws, two of the judges urged the court to reconsider the finding of Casey. One of the judges, George W. Bush appointee Bobby Shepherd, shared his view that good reasons exist for the (Supreme) Court to reevaluate its jurisprudence in Casey. Todays opinion is another stark reminder that the viability standard fails to adequately consider the substantial interest of the state in protecting the lives of unborn children, Shepherd said. He also quoted from Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who contended that the state had a compelling interest in preventing abortion from becoming a tool of modern-day eugenics. The viability standard does not and cannot contemplate abortions based on an unwanted immutable characteristic of the unborn child. However, because we must apply the ill-fitting and unworkable viability standard to an act aimed at preventing eugenics-based abortions unless and until the Supreme Court dictates otherwise, I concur in the Courts opinion, he added. There are important reasons for the Supreme Court to revisit its precedent in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, wrote Judge Ralph Erickson, a Trump appointee. Viability as a standard is overly simplistic and overlooks harms that go beyond the states interests in a nascent life alone. Additionally, Erickson maintained that by focusing on viability alone, the Court fails to consider circumstances that strike at the core of humanity and pose such a significant threat that the State of Arkansas might rightfully place that threat above the right of a woman to choose to terminate a pregnancy. He spent the rest of his concurrence objecting to the abortion of babies with Down syndrome. The human person has immense creative powers, a range of emotional responses that astound the observant, and a capacity to love and be loved that is at the core of human existence. Each human being possesses a spirit of life that at our finest we have all recognized is the essence of humanity. And each human being is priceless beyond measure. Children with Down syndrome share in each of these fundamental attributes of humanity, he said. Erickson described the push to abort babies with Down syndrome as a new eugenics movement, stressing that in Western society, there is currently no more threatened population than children with Down syndrome. While there are still 6,000 children born annually in the United States with Down syndrome, the same is not the case in other western democracies, he added. Erickson cited the adoption of universal prenatal screening in Denmark and the resulting decline in the number of births of Down syndrome babies due to abortion as an example of dangerous eugenics. In response to the ruling, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge, a Republican, vowed to continue her efforts to lift the injunctions against the pro-life laws. Following the 8th Circuits decision against Arkansas late-term abortion and Down syndrome-selection ban, I plan to seek further review of this decision in order to uphold Arkansas laws which protect the lives of the unborn and the health of the mothers, she said. The Supreme Court must limit and ultimately overturn Casey and I plan to do everything in my power to see that they do. Meanwhile, officials at the ACLU praised the courts ruling. According to Ruth Harlow, senior staff attorney in the ACLUs Reproductive Freedom Project: This order will ensure that essential reproductive health care services will remain available in Arkansas. The laws blocked by the court today do nothing but place roadblock after roadblock in front of patients, in violation of their constitutionally protected rights. Arkansas politicians may continue their relentless attacks on abortion, but we will see them in court every time. The Eighth Circuits ruling on this pair of abortion laws comes three weeks after the appellate court, in an en banc review, rejected the bid of pro-abortion groups to overturn other pro-life laws in Arkansas that ban dismemberment abortions, require doctors to inform law enforcement when a girl younger than 16 obtains an abortion, prohibit sex-based abortions and regulate the preservation and disposal of unborn babies remains. Because of the courts decision, those laws were allowed to go into effect. Citing the series of pro-life laws recently passed in Arkansas, the group Americans United for Life recognized Arkansas as the most pro-life state in the U.S. as it released its Life List 2021, an annual state ranking based on our comprehensive analysis of each states law and policy protections for human life from natural conception until natural death. Responding to Arkansas designation as the most pro-life state, Rutledge said, Even with this remarkable announcement, our work continues and I promise I will keep fighting wholeheartedly to defend our pro-life laws. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the ruling party congress in Pyongyang, Saturday. / AP-Yonhap Deadlock in inter-Korean ties expected to continue By Kang Seung-woo North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's long-awaited Workers' Party Congress message clarifying his "steadfast will" to develop his regime's nuclear program is throwing cold water on any gleam of hope for progress in the U.S.-North denuclearization talks even after the leadership change in Washington and possible developments in inter-Korean relations, according to Pyongyang watchers, Sunday. Negotiations on North Korea's denuclearization have been stalled since the collapse of the Hanoi summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim in February 2019, and as a result, inter-Korean relations have also seen little progress as well. On Saturday, Kim delivered his message, through the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), regarding his country's respective bilateral ties with the United States and the South. In particular, his comments on the U.S. carried extra weight as they were the first from Kim to publicly address President-elect Joe Biden, who will take office next week. In Kim's "chilling" message to the U.S., calling it the North's principal enemy, he said he did not expect the incoming Biden administration to drop its hostile policy toward his country. Also, he said the North will approach the U.S. on the principle of strength for strength and goodwill for goodwill, stating, "A key to establishing a new relationship between the DPRK and the U.S. lies in the U.S. withdrawal of its hostile policy towards the DPRK." The DPRK refers to the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "Relations between the U.S. and the North could be further deadlocked," said Shin Beom-chul, the director of the Center for Diplomacy and Security at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy. New Delhi: With Covid-19 vaccination drive set to begin across the country from 16 January, Centre on Sunday guided states/UTs on Co-WIN management. The Co-WIN (COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network) app is a digital platform created for real-time monitoring of Covid-19 vaccine delivery and distribution by the Centre. States and UTs have been collecting data of healthcare and frontline workers who would be administered the anti-coronavirus vaccine on first priority and the data is being uploaded on the Co-WIN software. "The Centre has been proactively carrying activities towards preparing for the nationwide roll-out of COVID-19 vaccine in close collaboration with States/UTs and all stakeholders. The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) today held a video conference with administrators from states and UTs on the Co-WIN software which forms the backbone of the last mile vaccine administration," said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in an official release. The meeting was chaired by Ram Sewak Sharma, Chairman of Empowered Group on Technology and Data Management to combat Covid-19 and member, National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration of COVID-19. The meeting was attended by the state Principal Secretaries, NHM Mission Directors, and state Immunisation officers and senior officers of the Health Ministry. During the meeting the feedback of the States/UTs on the Co-WIN software and its operational use, emanating from the dry runs, was discussed in detail. Sharma gave an overall view of the Co-WIN software and the principles that shall underpin the technology back-up for the vaccination exercise. He said that robust, dependable and agile technology shall form both the foundation and the back-up for the countrys Covid-19 vaccination, which shall be the worlds largest immunisation exercise. This is an unprecedented scale of immunisation, he pointed out. Addressing the participants, he stated that the process should be citizen-centric, and built on the approach that the vaccine shall be available anytime and anywhere. He stressed on the need to be flexible without compromising on quality. He reiterated that the inclusivity, speed and scalability have been kept in mind while designing the unique digital platform with all components being portable, synchronous without excessive and unnecessary dependencies, the ministry said. He also underscored the critical importance of capturing the vaccination data in real time, stating that this was non-negotiable. However, the posting of data on the portal may be online or offline in view of connectivity issues being highlighted by few states. He also critically highlighted the caution one needs to exercise to ensure that there are no proxies at all and that the beneficiaries need to be uniquely and undeniably identified. Speaking on the use of Aadhaar platform, he advised the states to urge the beneficiaries to seed their current mobile number with Aadhaar for registration and consequent communication through SMS and that there cannot be any proxies for Aadhaar authentication. He pointed out that it is extremely important to clearly identify person who is getting vaccinated and keep a digital record on who gets vaccinated by whom, when and which vaccine. He also advised the states and UTs that the data collection should meet the purpose of facilitating work and that needs to be validated at the field levels. There was a detailed and comprehensive discussion on the experience of the states/UTs. Their feedback and the consequent changes in software/protocols based on those inputs were deliberated upon. These included issues such as: session allocation/planning/time slotting; work flow allocation; vaccinators allocation; sending SMS to vaccinators and beneficiaries; and connectivity issues. India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the world's largest inoculation programme with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers. The decision, the government said on Saturday, was taken at a high-level meeting where Modi reviewed the status of COVID-19 and vaccine preparedness across states and union territories. "After the detailed review, it was decided that in view of the forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc, the COVID-19 vaccination will start from 16th January 2021," it said. After healthcare and frontline workers, priority will be given to those above 50 years of age and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, together numbering around 27 crore, a government statement said. According to the Health Ministry guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination, the latest electoral roll for Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections will be used to identify the population aged 50 years or more. The prime minister said that India will take a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19 on January 16. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. There were no casualties in the past day. The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported three violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Saturday, January 9. "In the past day, January 9, three ceasefire violations were recorded in the area the Joint Forces Operation (JFO)," the press center of the Ukrainian JFO Command said on Facebook in an update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 10, 2021. In particular, the Russian Federation's armed formations fired hand-held anti-tank and under-barrel grenade launchers toward the Ukrainian positions near the village of Vodiane. Also, the Russian occupation troops used grenade launchers of various systems and heavy machine guns twice near the village of Luhanske. Read alsoDonbas warzone update: Russia-led forces mount nine attacks on Ukrainian positions on Jan 8The violations were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Ceasefire Control and Coordination (JCCC). There were no casualties in the past day. Since midnight, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops. The situation is under full control of the Ukrainian military. Donbas ceasefire: Background Participants in the Trilateral Contact Group (Ukraine, Russia, and the OSCE) on the peace settlement in Donbas on July 22 agreed on a full and comprehensive ceasefire along the contact line from 00:01 on Monday, July 27, 2020. On the very first day of the newly-agreed truce, Russia's hybrid military forces mounted three attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has reported more such violations over the latest period. Reporting by UNIAN Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 00:24:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Aerial panoramic photo taken on Sept. 12, 2020 shows the Houhai area in Nanshan District of Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian) BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese economy showed strong resilience and a robust rebound amid COVID-19. It not only made China the only major economy worldwide with positive growth in 2020 but also injected impetus into the global economic recovery. The growth momentum should continue into 2021, with increased green development, sci-tech innovation, and an industrial production rebound. It will bring more opportunities for the world, analysts said. The following are five key phrases that offer a glimpse into the outlook of the Chinese economy in 2021. People work at the assembly workshop of FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd. in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Feb. 19, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Kun) STRONG RECOVERY China's economy is likely to return to its normal growth trajectory this year. It marks a good starting point for economic progress in the country's 14th Five-Year Plan period, analysts said. A slew of counter-cyclical adjustments on addressing the COVID-19 economic fallout achieved remarkable results in 2020. It led to economic indicator growth, pickups in industrial activities, and resumption in services sectors, according to a blue paper released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). China's economy is likely to further stabilize and achieve high-quality growth in 2021 and beyond, given favorable conditions such as a massive domestic market and rising urbanization rate. It is feasible for China to double the size of its economy or per capita income by 2035, as long as economic growth stays at an appropriate level and the renminbi exchange rate against the U.S. dollar is stable. So said Wang Hongju, a researcher with the CASS. Aerial photo taken on Aug. 19, 2020 shows wind turbines in Jiucaiping scenic spot in southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua/Liu Xu) GREEN GROWTH China called for a "green recovery" during a series of high-profile international conferences, pledging to peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. To that end, the country will formulate an action plan for peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030. It would offer support to areas with favorable conditions to enable them to peak the emissions ahead of schedule, according to the annual Central Economic Work Conference held in December 2020. Green industries will become a new growth driver, said Zhang Hui, deputy head of the College of Economics and Management at Nanjing Forestry University. He added that the concepts of China's high-quality development, such as environmental protection, will force traditional sectors to pursue green development and enable more green industries to emerge. An automatic hamburger-making robot is seen at the 22nd China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) held in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 11, 2020. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian) INNOVATION DRIVEN China has put innovation high on its agenda, making it one of the key driving forces to boost economic and social development. Official data showed value-added output by China's high-tech manufacturing sector saw a 5.9-percent growth in the first three quarters of 2020, 4.7 percentage points higher than the overall industrial output growth. China will pursue innovation-driven development and shape new development advantages, according to the full text of the Communist Party of China Central Committee's development proposals made public in late October. The country will uphold the central role of innovation in its modernization drive and take self-reliance in science and technology as the strategic underpinning for national development. A worker tests just-finished battery packs at a lithium battery factory in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, Nov. 29, 2020. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao) RESUMPTION AND UPGRADE China will likely see steady improvements in both supply and demand sides in 2021. It is due to factory production and consumption regaining growth momentum amid strengthening economic recovery. In the first 11 months of 2020, China's major industrial firms' profits expanded by 2.4 percent year on year to more than 5.74 trillion yuan (about 887 billion U.S. dollars). It widened by 1.7 percentage points from that in the first ten months. The trend of industrial recovery and upgrade would be more notable in 2021, said Zhu Baoliang, chief economist at the State Information Center. He cited growth in sectors such as information transmission, software and information technology services, and manufacturing investment recovery. Consumption will also rebound in 2021 due to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the implementation of measures boosting domestic demand, said Zhu. Aerial photo shows a China-Europe freight train bound for Duisburg of Germany departing from Tuanjiecun Railway Station in southwest China's Chongqing, Jan. 1, 2021. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) COMMITMENTS TO OPENING-UP China further strengthened connections with the rest of the world in 2020, with the signing of the landmark Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the conclusion of negotiations for the China-EU investment treaty. With these agreements in 2021, China will achieve a higher level of regional economic integration with southeastern Asia and Europe, said Tu Xinquan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics. Tu said these efforts would lay a sound foundation for China to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and facilitate the negotiations on the China-Japan-ROK free trade agreement. The rollout of opening-up measures demonstrated China's determination to open its domestic market to the world and engaging in the world economic system, which will eventually benefit consumers globally, Tu added. The Laois Africa Support Group which works to unite and integrate African and Laois people in the community, is holding a candle vigil this weekend for a young man killed by a Garda in Dublin last week. George Nkencho was shot at his home, following an alleged crime of threatening shop workers with a knife. Gardai and the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission are investigating the shooting. The incident resulted in public protests. LSAG asked people to mourn George by lighting a candle on Sunday, January 10 at 6pm. "In light of the recent and unfortunate loss of George Nchenko, we at LASG (Laois Africa Support Group) are encouraging you all to please light a candle on Sunday (10/01/2020) from 6pm to 7pm, we would like you to take a picture of your candlelight and share on your various social media pages. We will also like for you to share your candlelight pictures with us on our Facebook page and all of our other social media pages (Laois Africa Support Group). They ask for everyone to show love and unity. "We never wish for a young life to be cut short in the prime of his life and for this were deeply hurt, we are even more saddened that such an incident has occurred within our community. Nevertheless, we must continue to encourage everyone to please act in love and oneness, no matter your background or skin colour, we are all one and we belong to one race, the human race. We must continue to promote peace within our community and we must not allow divisive rhetorics and acts to take root. "Now is the time for healing and reflection, we must allow ourselves to grieve for George in a way and manner that is respectful to his memory. Our thoughts and prayers are forever with his family. May Georges soul (REST IN PEACE) Amen." A County Derry musician is set to make her debut as host of BBC Radio Ones Introducing show this evening. Gemma Bradley, from Draperstown, joins the station following a successful stint presenting BBC Radio Ulster's 'Across the Line' programme. The former St Patrick's College, Maghera student has been performing at festivals since her mid-teens and released her debut single 'Wicker Men' in 2015. The County Derry native said last year that she was 'beyond thrilled' with the move, which sees her succeed presenter Huw Stephens on the popular BBC Introducing show. Im so excited to be joining the Radio 1 family. Its a dream come true, she said. I am a massive fan of the BBC Introducing show, hosted by Huw and I am so honoured to have the opportunity to work on this iconic show. I love discovering new music and championing new artists and I am beyond thrilled to have this amazing opportunity to champion all the new artists coming through from the BBC Introducing Uploader from across the UK. Gemma is a product of the popular Glasgowbury: Small But Massive creative hub in Draperstown, where she has also provided guitar tuition to aspiring musicians. We've watched with pride over the years as Gemma has honed her talents and developed as an artist. We were all over the moon when Gemma became host of Radio Ulster ATL Introducing show in 2019, said a spokesperson for the organisation last year. This is a whole new level, an amazing achievement for Gemma and so inspiring for our rural community and our creative community here at Glasgowbury. "We're so proud and look forward to Gemma's debut on Radio 1 in the new year as she champions all the new artists from across the UK." You can listen to Gemmas debut on Radio One tonight from 11.00pm. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 3 mesi fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. AI in Drug Discovery Market Landscape One of the years most prominent market stories: Global AI in Drug Discovery Market 2020, illustrates some hopeful signs of repositioning as the investors have dwelled in rising stocks. The stocks of AI in Drug Discovery, after the end of the lockdown period, imposed owing to deadly Coronavirus, wavered with a bang as most of the vendors have started businesses all over the world. On this note, Market Research Future presents a report on the market in which it stated that the global AI in Drug Discovery Market market would make a benchmark with 40.8% growth from 2019 to 2025. At this pace, the global market will generate revenue of USD 2,015.1 Million by the end of the year 2025. FREE SAMPLE COPY OF AI in Drug Discovery Market Research Report- Global forecast till 2025@ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/ai-drug-discovery-market-9393 AI in Drug Discovery Trends and Opportunities Artificial Intelligence (AI) is projected to provide productive avenues in the healthcare industry. The implementation of AI has helped with reducing the researches and development gap in the drug manufacturing process and also in the targeted manufacturing of the drugs. Owing to these aspects, biopharmaceutical industries are tending towards AI to enhance market share. This is an influential factor fueling the growth of the global AI for drug discovery market. The escalating pressure on the drug manufacturer to reduce drug prices is yet another factor expected to boost the AI for drug discovery market. This is all due to Al reduced the failure rate of clinical trials, and eliminated research and development costs in drug discovery. Apart from this, there has been a regular increase in the number of patients suffering from chronic diseases globally, and pharmaceutical companies are investing high in the development of various drugs. Artificial Intelligence has been able to assist manufacturers by offering a solution to complex situations. In the current scenario, AI is providing many novel analytical approaches for the design and development of novel products, which is another reason behind the markets exponential growth. More factors, such as the flourishing healthcare sector coupled with manufacturers approach towards lowering the manufacturing cost associated with drug development, have also recorded to be reasonable for the markets growth. Besides, escalating investment by significant players in biopharma companies and rising public and private partnerships for R&D activities are more critical factors expected to boost the growth of the target AI in Drug Discovery market in the future. In the case of point, back in the year 2019, GlaxoSmithKline plc, a multinational pharmaceutical company, invested US$ 300 Mn in 23 and Me, a gene testing company. The deal, in the current time, is expected to facilitate the company to access the database related to DNA related to relations between genes and diseases. This factor will further help in the development of novel products as well as the AI drug discovery market. On the contrary, the factor of the scarcity of skilled healthcare professionals has been considered as a hindering factor and anticipated to slow down the growth of the global AI for the drug discovery market in the future. AI in Drug Discovery Market Segment Review By the segment of product type, the market has included software and services By the segment of molecule type, the market has included Large Molecule and Small Molecule. By the segment of technology type, the market has included machine learning, deep learning, and others. By the segment of indication type, the market has included Immuno-oncology, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases, Metabolic Diseases, and others. By the segment of the application, the market has included target identification, candidate screening, drug optimization and repurposing, de novo drug designing, and preclinical testing. By the segment of End-User, the market has included pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, research centers, and academic & government institutes. AI in Drug Discovery Market Regional Landscape Americas and its Countries such as the US and Canada have been at the vanguard of the healthcare industry over the years. The rising number of big AI platform developers in the region is one of the primary reasons for the express growth of the AI in the drug discovery market in the region. Some top AI platforms such as Google AI, Microsoft Azure, and TensorFlow have adopted the Big Pharma companies for utilization in the drug discovery procedure. Europe is the second-largest market for AI in drug discovery after the Americas. Rising R&D activities in the pharmacy sector and high demand for AI solutions by Big Pharma companies are other factors expected to boost the augmentation of the regional market. Peak pharma companies have made partnerships with AI service providers to integrate AI technologies into the drug discovery process. The growth of the Asia-Pacific AI In Drug Discovery Market is attributed to the escalating demand for effective drug discovery solutions. Many startups are working to integrate AI applications in drug discovery. Some of these startups are Adagene, Mozi, Accutar, Xbiome, Elucidata Corporation, Deep Intelligent Pharma, CaroCure, and Interprotein, among others. With the rapidly upward pharmaceutical market in the Asian region, probably, the approval of the AI technologies in the majority drug discovery protocols will take place in the forecast period. Top Players The top players are Microsoft Corporation, Google (A Subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.), IBM Corporation, Atomwise, Inc., Cloud Pharmaceuticals, Inc., BenevolentAI, Cyclica, Bioage, Envisagenics, Owkin, Inc., Verge Genomics, and Berg LLC. Obtain Premium Research Report Details, Considering the impact of COVID-19 @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/ai-drug-discovery-market-9393 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Women have come a long way in achieving gender equality in the workforce. But despite women being as able and capable of performing all roles in the professional sphere equally well as men, professional titles and designations continue to be gendered. Even today, many professions are suffixed with the word 'man'. Take the job of 'lineman', for instance. Electrical jobs have traditionally been associated with men and the electrical engineering sector as well as heavy-duty industries remain largely male-dominated. But two women in Telangana are trumping such gender stereotypes after they created history by becoming the first woman linemen (or should we say line women?) in the state. Previously, the rules for filling vacancies at Telangana Southern Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TSSPDCL) prohibited women from applying to posts like linemen since such jobs required heavy-duty, rigorous activities that women were not expected to perform. The official rules stated that women would find the job difficult and could not discharge their duties as linemen because they need to climb the eighteen-feet electricity poles quite frequently, which was considered perilous for women. The stark discrimination against women in forming rules based on such stereotypical assumptions irked some female electricians in the state. According to a report in Times of India, Babburi Sirisha, ITI in Electrician trade, led other women to challenge the archaic rule of TSSPDCL by filing a case of gender bias against them in 2019 in the Delhi High Court. They wanted to be given a fair chance to at least apply for the post before being dismissed because of their gender. The legal war raged on for an entire year. Finally, authorities conceded that women could indeed apply for the job of lineman. Following the verdict, Sirisha and eight other women applied for the job of lineman for TSSPDCL. Sirisha, who hails from Ganeshpally village of Markook Mandal in Siddipet district did not waste this opportunity and worked hard to ace the qualifying exam. Along with her, Vaankudothu Bharathi, a 32-year-old mother of two, also passed the exam for junior lineman. The next step of the exam is a physical Pole Test which is mandatory to ace for securing the position. Both the women managed to climb up the pole in less than a minute, thus becoming the first two line women of Telangana. Following instructions from the Court, TSSPDCL has issued appointment letters to both the women for the post as they cleared all the qualifying parameters. Speaking to Telangana Today, Shirisha revealed it was her uncle who encouraged her to get the training for the electrician trade. We worked hard to get here. We will ensure we are referred to as line women, said Shirisha. As for Bharathi, she spoke to Times of India and credited her husband for her victory. I hope men in the (power) department were as supportive of women as he is. He was the one who trained her every day for pole climbing for more than two hours. 7.45pm Update: State Highway 2 has reopened following a serious crash between two cars north of Katikati. One person with moderate injuries has been flown by TECT Rescue helicopter to Tauranga Hopsital. Two other people with minor injuries have also been taken to Tauranga Hospital and one person is in a serious condition. The crash, which has closed SH2 occurred just after 6pm near the intersection with Woodland Rd. Alternative routes are in place for motorists. Southbound are asked to go via SH2 to SH26 then SH27, SH24, SH29 and back on to SH2. Northbound traffic is advised to take that alternative route in reverse. 7.30pm Update: State Highway 2 north of Katikati has been closed following a serious two car crash. Two people are reportedly seriously injured and a helicopter has been dispatched to the scene. The crash occurred just after 6pm near the intersection with Woodland Rd. A SunLive reader reports that an ambulance, Police, two fire trucks and the TECT Rescue helicopter are at the scene. Traffic has been stopped in both directions for over an hour now. An alternative traffic route is in place. Southbound are asked to go via SH2 to SH26 then SH27, SH24, SH29 and back on to SH2. Northbound traffic is advised to take that alternative route in reverse. Expect delays of up to two hours 30 minutes, says an NZTA spokesperson. Earlier, 7pm: State Highway 2 near Tahawai in Western Bay of Plenty is blocked following a crash. The crash, involving two cars, occurred just after 6pm near the intersection with Woodland Rd. Two people are reportedly seriously injured and a helicopter has been dispatched to the scene. Motorists are asked to follow the directions of emergency services staff. NZTA advise that SH2 is closed between Woodlands Rd and Kauri Point Rd. Motorists are advised to delay their journey or use an alternative route. At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz L abour leader Sir Keir Starmer has dropped his pledge to bring back freedom of movement with the EU if elected Prime Minister. The Brexit trade deal signed by Boris Johnson, which came into effect on December 31, would be the treaty that an incoming Labour government inherits and has to make work, he told Andrew Marr. Asked about freedom of movement, he said: "I don't think there's an argument for reopening those aspects of the treaty. "We have a treaty, it's a thin treaty, it's not what was promised. But I'm very conscious of the fact that everything I'm doing, everything the Labour Party is doing is focused on winning an election in 2024. He also said that he did not think there is a case for rejoining the EU, and that the British people would expect a Labour government to make Mr Johnsons trade deal work. During last years Labour leadership contest Sir Keir pledged to "defend free movement as we leave the EU, and promised to bring back the policy if elected. The u-turn is likely to cause friction with the partys membership, which tends to support freedom of movement, as well as some of his own MPs. Last week former shadow minister Rosie Duffield claimed that the majority of her fellow Labour MPs still hoped the UK would one day rejoin the EU. Speaking on HuffPosts Commons People podcast, the MP for Canterbury said: "Most people on the front bench who voted for this deal last week did it with a very heavy heart. They haven't given up either. However, Ms Duffield conceded that it was not a short-term project. "We will try and shift the leadership, as and when it needs to shift towards rejoining I would imagine, she said. Possibly we might even have a different sort of set up, a different leader by then, who knows. Now in exactly 21 days! No more, no less than 21 days. Then my brain skittered all around and I started to think about Monty Python and one of their skits.I dare mention that I love Monty Python and miss humor such as that Monty Python and the Holy Grail: The Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog.and the The Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch episode! Clerk: And Saint Attila raised the hand grenade up on high, saying, O Lord, bless this thy hand grenade, that with it thou mayst blow thine enemies to tiny bits, in thy mercy. And the Lord did grin. And the people did feast upon the lambs, and sloths, and carp, and anchovies, and orangutans, and breakfast cereals, and fruit bats, and large chulapas. And the Lord spake, saying, First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in My sight, shall snuff it. Brother Maynard: Amen. All: Amen. King Arthur: Right. Onetwofive! Galahad: Three, sir. King Arthur: Three! Yes, King Corona Covid-19 is that rabbit Now lets continue; In exactly 21 days! No more, no less than 21 days. Not 22 days and nor 20 days unless ready to proceed to 21 days, but in 21 days it shall be. No more no less. Svetochka will go back and get shot number two WtR A mother's simple money-saving challenge has been dubbed the 'must-follow' budgeting trick on social media in 2021. The hack simply requires you to save every $5 note you get as change. 'The challenge is every time you receive a $5 note put it away, if you break a note and get $5 then you put it away,' the Australian mum wrote in a post on Facebook. Dozens responded saying they have saved 'thousands' by holding onto change over the past few years. Scroll down for video A mother's simple money-saving plan sweeping social media has been dubbed the 'must-follow' budgeting trick for 2021 Many suggested saving change digitally on an online banking app instead. If you make a payment and the same payment made in cash would leave you with a $5 note, you transfer that sum into a separate account. Others found it better to round up every online purchase and drop the money into a dedicated fund. 2021 looks set to be a huge year for financial hacks. Another mum's trick that promises to help you save more than $5,000 by the end of the year has also proved popular online. In a post uploaded anonymously to the Australian Facebook group Simple Savers, the mum said she writes the numbers one to 100 on a large sheet of paper. 2021 looks set to be a huge year for financial hacks, with many already sweeping social media Once a week, she deposits the corresponding amount of one figure in her savings account - $1 for 1, $2 for 2 and so on - crossing each number out as she goes. By the end of the 52nd week - the end of the year - she will have saved $5,050. 'My biggest tip is, don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes life gets in the way and if that week or fortnight you can't contribute - it's okay, you'll make it up another time,' the mum wrote in the caption. She said she plans to use the nest egg to pay off a loan before starting again to fund a family holiday. Her trick, which has been liked 240 times since it was uploaded less than 24 hours ago, has drawn dozens of delighted responses from parents eager to do the same. This sheet of paper with the numbers one to 100 can help you to save $5,050 in the space of the year - if you deposit the corresponding sum of each figure in savings once a week 'Like this idea but I keep thinking I would start with large amounts first. That way it gets easier, not harder,' one woman replied. 'That's a cool idea! Although paying odd amounts would make me so twitchy,' added another. A third said: 'Wow $5,000 looks so achievable, however it might take me 100 weeks (two years).' Others described it as an easier version of the viral envelope challenge, which can help you save $5,000 in less than half a year with nothing but a box of 100 paper envelopes, each labelled with sums from $1 to $100 - and money, of course. Completing the '2020 Envelope Challenge' will help you save $5,050 in less than half a year - provided you have enough disposable cash to deposit each week 'I've heard about this only it was done with envelopes. It's such a good idea,' one woman replied. Twice a week for 25 consecutive weeks, two envelopes should be drawn at random and the corresponding amount slipped inside - so if you pull envelope number 59, $59 must be deposited and so on. The challenge is based on a formula discovered by 18th century German mathematician, Carl Friedrich Gauss. Gauss noticed if he split the numbers 1 to 50 and 51 to 100 into two groups, he could add them together vertically to get 101. For example 1 plus 100 equals 101, as does 2 plus 99, 3 plus 98 and so on until 50 plus 51. The total of the two groups is therefore 50 multiplied by 101 - 5,050 - which is the amount you can save by completing the envelope challenge. Filling the envelopes over any length of time will leave you with $5,050 at the end, but you'll need to deposit into two envelopes twice a week if you want to save that figure in 25 weeks. Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal : , Jan 10 (IANS) Hundreds of protesting farmers indulged in vandalism at a 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' event near here on Sunday, just ahead of the arrival of Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, forcing authorities to cancel the event. As the farmers barged into the event venue, they broke through the bamboo barricades put up in front of the stage for security purposes, smashed flower pots, tables and chairs put up on stage and nearby area. They also tore the banners put up at the venue. As the damaged furniture lay strewn, police preferred to remain a mute spectator. Before ransacking the meeting venue, the sloganeering farmers carrying black flags thronged a temporary helipad in nearby Kaimla village, where Khattar was scheduled to land, and damaged it. The agitating farmers broke six checkpoints set up by police to reach the helipad. Earlier, tension prevailed in Khattar's home constituency as police fired tear-gas shells and baton-charged the farmers headed towards the meeting venue to oppose the holding of the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat', through which the BJP-led government aimed to highlight the "benefits" of the three central farm laws. The farmers broke through the barricades despite use of force by police to disperse them. A strong police contingent led by four Superintendents of Police and more than a dozen Deputy Superintendents of Police were deployed at different entry points to the venue to prevent the farmers from barging in. At the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' venue, over 2,000 farmers were present apart from a large number of officials and Cabinet Ministers when the protesters barged in and vandalised the venue. The Ministers were later escorted by police to safety as chaos prevailed at the venue. The protesters left after vandalising the venue, with police preferring not to intervene. The farmers associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) have accused the Chief Minister of attempting to divide the farmers by holding such meetings. "What was the need to hold a 'mahapanchayat' when thousands of farmers have been sitting on the Delhi borders for the past 45 days to demand repeal of the three farm laws?" a protesting farmer asked. Leaders of the BJP and alliance partner JJP have been facing protests for the last many weeks in Haryana. Recently, Khattar's cavalcade was confronted by protesting farmers in Ambala. Health chiefs are fearful the highly contagious South African variant of Covid will transmit to Northern Ireland. The arrival of the new variant in Ireland has set alarm bells ringing north of the border as infections continue to soar. There had been concerns about the so-called English variant discovered in the wake of Christmas and said to be 70 per cent more infectious, but the South African bug is said to be even more transferrable. It is believed the virus was carried home by people travelling to Ireland from South Africa. The outbreak has prompted fresh speculation about the British and Irish Lions rugby tour to SA scheduled for July. With the discovery of a new variant the South African government is reluctant to open its doors to thousands of rugby fans travelling from Europe. The Republics Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan confirmed the cases. Three cases of a new variant of Covid-19 recently identified in South Africa have been confirmed in Ireland today by whole genome sequencing, he said. All of the cases identified are directly associated with recent travel from South Africa. Anyone who has travelled from South Africa recently is advised to self-isolate for 14 days and identify themselves through a GP for testing as soon as possible. We are particularly advising healthcare workers travelling from South Africa, that it is essential that they self-isolate for 14 days before entering/re-entering the workplace. surveillance While this variant has not yet been identified in many European countries we believe the identification here reflects the extent of genome sequencing surveillance in Ireland. Yesterday there were nine further deaths in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours and 1,443 new cases. The news of the new strain comes as Health Minister Robin Swann underlined the stay at home message north of the border. There have been calls in the south for the reintroduction of regional curfews and should infection rates continue to rise there will be calls for similar action in Northern Ireland. In other developments there are fresh fears for families whose children rely on school meals after it was confirmed there will be no school meals for vulnerable children or children of key workers attending many schools in the North until mid-February. Transport is also to be limited with only those who request it being taken to school. The guidance was issued by the Education Authority (EA) on Friday. The Department of Education (DE) also confirmed that the Executive has been asked to prioritise school staff for vaccination. Only vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers are able to attend nursery, primary and post-primary schools until the February mid-term break. Special schools remain open to all pupils, and meals and transport for them will continue. The DE has said it is now a legal requirement for schools to provide remote learning to all pupils. But many schools expect that a significant minority of pupils will be eligible to attend in person. But on Friday the EA told schools in Northern Ireland that meals would not be provided for pupils who attend. Instead they must bring a packed lunch, though schools have been told that they can put catering staff on call if a pupil turns up without one. The BBC reported that one principal told parents catering staff had prepared menus for the coming week. We now have to ask vulnerable and key worker pupils attending from this Monday to bring a packed lunch until further notice. However, payments will be made to families whose children are entitled to free school meals. Mainstream schools have also been told that if they want transport for pupils who can attend they will have to request it from the EA. Meanwhile, in a separate letter from DE, schools were told that Education Minister Peter Weir has asked the executive to prioritise vaccinations for all staff who are in face-to-face contact with children and young people. priority The letter said first priority is to be given to staff within special schools given the physical contact required there, followed by any other education staff engaging with children. Post-primary pupils will be expected to wear facemasks in classrooms It is expected that teaching and/or non-teaching staff will supervise and support vulnerable and key worker children in engaging with the remote learning tasks and activities provided to all pupils, DE said. Younger children and some children with statements of Special Educational Needs will clearly require a greater degree of support and assistance to engage meaningfully. In this way, the experience of vulnerable and key worker children will broadly mirror the experiences of their peers learning at home. Classroom assistants who provide support to children with statements should continue to support these children directly for those who attend school and remotely where they are at home. The last-minute instructions come at the end of a week of confusion over AQE tests with a number of prominent grammar schools announcing they will not require prospective pupils to take part in the postponed test set for the end of February. The confusion has prompted calls for Mr Weir to resign. This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Variant Testing Wastewater analyses completed at MU could be used moving forward to detect if any variant strains of COVID-19 appear in Missouri by amplifying and sequencing the genetic material from the wastewater and looking for any variations. This is done by reading the gene sequence of RNA in samples and comparing it to the "wild type" COVID-19 virus, meaning the original. Variants will show a slightly different genetic sequence, alerting the scientists to the change. One example is a more contagious COVID-19 variant that has appeared in Britain. MU scientist Marc Johnson said preliminary work has been done to test samples for the UK variant in Missouri, but they have not detected it thus far. "That doesn't mean it's not here," Johnson said. "But if it is, it's below the level we can detect it." If another type of variant were to become of interest, Johnson said they could even go back and look at old samples to see if or when that variant appeared in Missouri. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Please enable cookies on your web browser in order to continue. 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The Telegraph France toughens rules for Britons arriving 'from Monday' Downing Street not ruling out local lockdowns to tackle Indian variant EU demands 10 a day for each vaccine dose delayed by AstraZeneca Biden demands follow-up investigation as Wuhan lab leak theory gains traction Checking facts vs Cummingss claims reveals major flaws in his evidence GPs cannot cope with a 'tsunami' of patients returning to surgeries after staying away during the multiple Covid lockdowns. An analysis of NHS data in England by the BBC found that between 2019-20 and 2020-21 the total number of appointments dropped by 10 percent, face-to-face consultation dropped from 70 percent to 54 percent and the number of patients referred by GPs for urgent cancer check-ups dropped by 15 percent, putting lives at risk. Now, rising numbers are looking for medical help, with more than 28million appointments booked in March - one of the highest on record - which risks crippling the system. Doncaster-based GP Dr Dean Eggitt told the corporation: "We have almost a tsunami of patients coming to us - it feels like the river has flooded the banks. "It just keeps coming and coming and coming in this one massive, endless wave of patients who all are ill and need help and input. They're sick, they're complex and we've got very few places to send them. I wouldn't want to be my patient right now." Follow the latest updates below. Michael R. Sherwin, the U.S. attorney in Washington, said on Sunday that the Justice Department was considering charges for theft of national security information after the violent mob that stormed the Capitol on Wednesday looted laptops, documents and other items from congressional offices. In an interview with NPR, Mr. Sherwin did not go into detail about what was stolen or the extent of the breach, but he had previously alluded to electronic items and documents that had been stolen from offices. Senator Jeff Merkley, Democrat of Oregon, posted a video on Twitter in the hours after the riot showing the extent of the damage to his office. He said that the rioters smashed the door virtually off its hinges and stole a laptop from his desk. At the same time, the Biden team was slow to get the generals financial disclosure forms to Capitol Hill for vetting, doing so only on Friday. Such delays caused the confirmations of many early Trump administration officials to linger. Many lawmakers from both parties have balked at having another former general leading the Pentagon in a nation that has a long tradition of civilian control of the military, one that has been severely tested under the Trump presidency. While Congress approved a similar measure four years ago for Mr. Trumps first defense secretary, Jim Mattis, a retired four-star Marine officer, many are loath to do it again. Civilian control of a nonpolitical military is a foundational principle, written into our Constitution, and absolutely essential to our democracy, announced Senator Richard Blumenthal, Democrat of Connecticut, who announced on Friday that he would vote against a waiver. If a waiver for the rule that protects this principle is approved twice in four years, in both Republican and Democratic administrations, it starts to become a norm, not an exception. Several civil rights groups as well as many members of the Congressional Black Caucus have argued that even those members of Congress who declined to give Mr. Mattis the nod should not block what would be the first Black defense secretary in the nations history, and move swiftly to approve his waiver. As the first Black secretary of defense, General Austin, who has broken barriers throughout his career, would lead the most diverse military in our nations history, Representative Anthony G. Brown, Democrat of Maryland and the vice chairman of the House committee, said in an email. Our country faces immense national security challenges, he added. From a shocking assault on the Capitol and our democracy, an unprecedented cyberattack on government institutions and rising global threats, President-elect Biden will need a national security team in place ready to tackle these threats and renew American leadership. Secretary-designate Lloyd Austin will be instrumental to that effort. The House and Senate should move forward as quickly as possible to vet and debate a waiver for General Austin. Indonesia, on Sunday, detected signals that could come from a flight recorder of a Sriwijaya Air jet that crashed into the sea soon after taking off from the capital Jakarta. This is also as human body parts and suspected pieces of the plane were retrieved. The Boeing 737-500 with 62 passengers and crew was headed to Pontianak in West Kalimantan before it disappeared on Saturday from radar screens four minutes after takeoff. It is the first major air crash in Indonesia since 189 passengers and crew were killed in 2018 when a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max in 2018 also plunged into the Java Sea soon after take-off from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Even before the latest crash, more people had died in air crashes in Indonesia than in any other country over the past decade, according to the Aviation Safety Networks database. We have detected signals in two points. This could be the black box, Bagus Puruhito, Chief of Indonesias Search and Rescue Agency, told reporters aboard a military ship. Pieces of wreckage were brought to Jakarta port by rescuers. One twisted piece of metal was painted in Sriwijaya Airs blue and red colours. Indonesian authorities said they had also retrieved body parts and clothing. Police asked families to provide information such as dental records and DNA samples to help identify bodies. Flight SJ 182 had 12 crew and 50 passengers on board, all Indonesians and including seven children and three babies. I am optimistic we will find (the plane) soon, Henri Alfiandi, an Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, told a news briefing. President Joko Widodo, speaking at the palace in Bogor, expressed deep condolences over the disaster and urged the public to pray the missing people could be found. The search focuses on the outer ring of the Laki and Lancang islands off the Jakarta coast. The sea in this area is about 20 to 23 metres (65-75 feet) deep. Tracking service Flightradar24 said the aircraft took off at 2.36 p.m. local time (0736 GMT) and climbed to reach 10,900 feet within four minutes. It then began a steep descent and stopped transmitting data 21 seconds later. ADVERTISEMENT There were no immediate clues on what may have caused the jets sudden descent. Safety experts stress most air accidents are caused by a cocktail of factors that can take months to establish. A Transport Ministry spokeswoman said air traffic control had asked the pilot why the plane was heading northwest instead of on its expected flight path seconds before it disappeared. The pilots had decades of experience between them with the flight captain reported to be a former air force pilot and his co-pilot had been at Sriwijaya Air since 2013, according to his Linkedin profile. The Sriwijaya Air plane was a nearly 27-year-old Boeing 737-500, much older than Boeings problem-plagued 737 MAX model. Older 737 models are widely flown and do not have the stall-prevention system implicated in the MAX safety crisis. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand ready to support them during this difficult time, Boeing said in a statement. Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. Distraught relatives waited in Pontianak about 740 kilometres (460 miles) from Jakarta for news of their loved ones. At Jakartas main airport a crisis centre was set up for families. We feel powerless, we can only wait and hope to get any information soon, Irfansyah Riyanto, who had five relatives on the flight, told reporters. Founded in 2003, Jakarta-based Sriwijaya Air group flies largely within Indonesias sprawling archipelago. The budget airline has had a solid safety record, with no onboard casualties in four incidents recorded on the Aviation Safety Network database. In 2007, the European Union banned all Indonesian airlines following a series of crashes and reports of deteriorating oversight and maintenance since deregulation in the late 1990s. The restrictions were fully lifted in 2018 (Reuters/NAN) Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The biggest concern that we have as states attorneys is a murderer can come before the court, he has killed all his victims, all the people that he might be a danger to are dead, so when Im standing in front of the court, I cant meet the burden to restrain him under this new statute, Glasgow said. A high likelihood of flight I wouldnt have evidence of that without a thorough investigation. DOJ Says Social Media Offer of Pardons for Capitol Breach Is Fake A social media post purportedly from a top Justice Department (DOJ) official floating presidential pardons to those involved in the Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol is fake, the department said on Jan. 9. The post appears to have originated from a Parler account claiming to be the official social media page of Acting Pardon Attorney Rosalind Sargent-Burns. It states that President Donald Trump is strongly considering pardoning all patriots who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6. The account then asks that anyone who wants a presidential pardon to respond to the post with information including their name, their city, and a list of a crime you think you need to be pardoned for, along with an explanation of why they believe they should be pardoned. Please share to anyone who may need it, we are trying to stay off the MSM so that the left does not learn of the Presidents plan, the post reads, adding that Trump needs the list by Jan. 12, before the House can vote to impeach him again. In a statement, a DOJ spokesperson said the post isnt from Sargent-Burns or anyone from the Office of the Pardon Attorney. Please be advised that the information circulating on social media claiming to be from Acting Pardon Attorney Rosalind Sargent-Burns is inauthentic and should not be taken seriously, a department spokesperson said. The Justice Departments Office of the Pardon Attorney does not have a social media presence and is not involved in any efforts to pardon individuals or groups involved with the heinous acts that took place this week in and around the U.S. Capitol. The clarification comes as federal prosecutors released details of some of the first group of people charged for their involvement in the breach on the Capitol, including a Republican West Virginia state delegate who filmed himself making his way into the building, a 60-year-old Arkansas man who was seen in widely circulated photos putting his foot on a desk in House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office, and an Alabama man who allegedly drove a pickup truck with 11 Molotov cocktails to the Capitol. The U.S. Capitol is one of the most iconic buildings in our country and a symbol of the Constitution and people we have sworn to protect, and its destruction will not be tolerated, Steven M. DAntuono, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, said in a statement. The winter season traditionally offers a full plate of theater, dance and other arts events. But with COVID-19 restrictions still firmly in place, companies have had to pivot to offer theater and film audiences new avenues to enjoy performances. While some organizations are still finalizing plans and methods of delivery, the theater groups below have already rehearsed and recorded performances to stream on various platforms. Also this winter, two well-known film festivals are ready to stream movies, or provide drive-in screenings. Mark your calendars for these winter events: Oregon Children's Theater presents "In the Forest She Grew Fangs." Theater In the Forest She Grew Fangs presented by Oregon Childrens Theater A tale inspired by the It Gets Better anti-bullying movement and written by Stephen Spotswood, this dark and bloody deconstruction of Red Riding Hood takes on werewolves, teen lust and high school bullies, and explores the question of who is prey and who is predator. The play is performed by OCTs Young Professional Company made up of high school students who audition for the company in Portland. The streaming video performance is meant for ages 14 and older because of graphic content, and violent language and imagery. The show was originally scheduled to stream in late fall 2020 but was postponed because of technical difficulties. Streaming on demand Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 14-17, octc.org/in-the-forest; free, donations welcome. BoomArts presents "Thousand Ways." Art by Cass Sachs-Michaels A Thousand Ways (Part One), a Phone Call presented by BoomArts This entirely analog performance is open to anyone with a phone. Guided by a recorded voice of a narrator from the theater group 600 Highwaymen, two audience members follow a set of directives. You are both the audience and the performer. Over the course of an hour and without leaving your home, a narrative unfolds. This live, interactive theatrical experiment offers encounters and interaction designed around social distancing rules to meet participants where they are at a time convenient to them. Various times Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 21-24, via interactive phone call (details given after ticket purchase); $20; boomarts.org. Erma Bombeck visited Portland in 1989 as part of a book tour.Oregonian photo archive Erma Bombeck: At Wits End presented by Triangle Productions Triangle Productions welcomes Helen Rapits performing a one-woman comedic tribute to the iconic humor columnist. The play, written by journalist sisters Allison and Margaret Engel, looks at the life of the longtime writer and trots out some of her most famous and funniest observations. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the show will not be available at the theater but will be recorded from New York and then streamed on FiveOhm.TV. Various times Jan 28-Feb. 13; $10; trianglepro.org. Alec Lugo stars in "The Story of My Life." Image courtesy of Broadway Rose Theater. The Story of My Life presented by Broadway Rose Broadway Rose offers a two-person musical recorded and streamed into audiences homes this winter. With music and lyrics by Neil Bartram inspired by a book by Brian Hill, the play weaves songs and stories that trace a lifelong friendship between two men that began when they met in first grade. Each step the friends take, from childhood to college and careers, affects the other in poignant ways. The play stars Alec Lugo as Thomas Weaver and Andrew Wade as Alvin Kelby. The show played on Broadway in 2009 and was nominated for several awards. 48-hour rentals available Feb. 5-28; broadwayrose.org or 503-620-5262; $25. Fertile Ground Festival of New Works presented by Portland Area Theatre Alliance The Portland Area Theatre Alliance will hold its 12th annual festival of new works using a virtual format in 2021. The program, for the first time, will be curated by a panel of artists and arts administrators. The panel has selected nearly 30 projects for the festival that will be live-dropped at scheduled intervals over the course of the 11-day festival. Offerings include a zombie musical, experimental short films, interactive performance theater (with cookies!) and a range of dance and movement-based pieces. Streaming various times Jan. 28-Feb. 7 on Facebook and YouTube channels. For a complete schedule, visit fertilegroundpdx.org; donations requested. Portland Center Stage's home is the Gerding Theater at the historic Portland Armory. Oregonian file photo Amy Wang/Staff Metamorphosis gala presented by Portland Center Stage Portland Center Stage is holding its annual gala livestreamed on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch. The event will feature five performances and an array of themed auction packages and raffle prizes. This years gala celebrates the life of Diana Gerding, who, along with her husband Bob Gerding, played an influential role in the history of Portland Center Stage. 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, streaming at pcs.org/support/gala; free. Art by Phil JohnsonPhilip Johnson Protocol presented by Portland Center Stage In early March, Portland Center Stage plans to release an Afrofuturist sci-fi podcast hosted by Portland-based artist Phil Johnson. The sound designer for several Portland Center Stage productions including Redwood and Christmas at Pemberley, Johnson is one of the featured artists in the Community Voices Project series. Show dates and times will be announced; PCS.org. Dance Oregon Ballet Theatre dancers in rehearsal in 2019. Courtesy of Oregon Ballet Theatre OBT Raw Oregon Ballet Theatre hopes to offer audiences a mix of in-person and digital experiences that can be combined in All Access Passes or a Digital Access Pass to create a season that feels safe for everyone. Audiences will be provided with live recorded and streamed duets, trios, and larger dance ensembles. Note that Oregon Ballet will comply with health and safety protocols and consider any changes to restrictions when determining how productions will be released. Plans for Act II (February-April) have not been finalized. Visit obt.org for details, schedules and tickets. Film Screen shot from the film "Air Conditioner," part of the PCC Cascade Festival of African Films. Cascade Festival of African Films A global pandemic wont stop the Cascade Festival of African Films. The annual celebration of African cinema normally hosted by Portland Community College at various venues has taken its 31st annual event completely online. This years theme of Africa through African lenses features a curated collection of 25 films by African directors from more than 15 countries. The festival features live interviews with filmmakers, community conversations, and a virtual marketplace of local vendors. Details and schedule for films showing various times and dates Feb. 5- March 10 available at africanfilmfestival.org; free. 44th Portland International Film Festival presented by NW Film Center The annual film festival will offer virtual screenings and drive-in movie experiences in March. The festival will highlight both local and international filmmakers. There will also be guest speaker programs, panel discussions, and workshops. A complete schedule has yet to be announced. Various days and times March 5-14 via online platforms and at drive-in locations to be announced; screen passes start at $150; nwfilm.org If you have live or virtual events youd like to see highlighted at OregonLive.com or in the weekly printed A&E section of The Oregonian, please email submissions to events@oregonian.com at least three weeks prior to the start of your event. Digital images or links to videos are helpful. Rosemarie Stein, rstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-4376 Sorrow came to Russell this week in the form of fire, when a seemingly random act destroyed an historic house full of mysteries, ghosts, family memories and possible future stories. Advertisement Advertise With Us Sorrow came to Russell this week in the form of fire, when a seemingly random act destroyed an historic house full of mysteries, ghosts, family memories and possible future stories. Dubbed the Red House, 312 Pelly Avenue South in Russell has changed hands a scant four times in the 133 years since William James Barrett-Lennard (1857-1940) moved its bricks by ox and cart from the right bank of Bear Creek to a hill to what is now known as Russell. The story line goes like this: the Boultons, the Drevers, the Falkevitchs and, most recently, the Flockners. The current owners, Marina and Christian Flockner, are in Austria with family for the year. From that distance, they learned the house was the site of alleged arson. The RCMP have arrested a 22-year-old male after he came forward, confessing to setting the January 5 fire. The Flockners hadnt even quite moved in yet. Marina is a member of the local museum group, as is Anita Zimmer, a retired teacher and local historian, who wrote about the house in her history of the area titled "A Walk Back in Time, Russell & Area, Town and Country Histories". Karen Falkevitch was a member in the early days, as well. "Its heartbreaking," Zimmer said about the destruction of the house. In her history, and in conversation, Zimmer recounts how Barrett-Lennard came to the area with Senator Charles Boulton. Barrett-Lennards daughter Georgina married Boultons son, DArcy. After living on a farm, then Winnipeg, and on the farm again, the couple settled into the Red House. They raised seven children in the house. In 1948, the house changed hands the Drevers raised their children there. Then, in 1990, Ron and Karen Falkevitch, along with their children Christopher and Christina, moved in. The house hadnt been repaired in many years, but it was Karens dream home, despite being engulfed by trees. Chris Falkevitch, who now lives in Brandon, grew up in the house. "It always hurts when its any home. But when a home has that much history, it affects more than just the families. The entire community is going to feel it," he said. "Throughout the 90s my dad completely restored and renovated the inside of it, brought it back to life," said Chris. "We did extensive repairs," said Karen, now Ewankiw. ABOVE: The Red House in Russel in May 2019. (Photo courtesy Gordon Goldsborough) BELOW CENTRE: The discovery from behind the wall in the Red House made headlines in the 90s. (Submitted) But Karen also had her eye on history. Repairs were substantial indoors, while outdoors the integrity of the house was maintained. Thanks to the familys efforts, the house is listed as a historical site with the Manitoba Historical Society. Everything changed when Ron excavated a crawl space off the master bedroom. The discovery from behind the wall made headlines in the 90s. CTV even went to Russell for the story. "There was carpet on the walls and he (Ron) started pulling the carpet off the walls, and he noticed this hole. So he kind of stuck his hand in the hole and he pulled out a flour sack. He looked in the flour sack and he pulled out memorabilia from 1914 to 1917," Karen said. "They were filled with government papers from the First World War. There were secret Red Cross documents. World War One shipments, newspapers, all this stuff literally hidden in the walls," Chris recalls. Karen said there were so many stories going around for so many years, it was hard to keep up. The documents, detailed documents, reported on by the Russell Banner March 8, 1994, all refer to the WWI years. There are also unsubstantiated rumours that a tunnel ran from the Red House to Boulton Manor, built in 1894. Baby shoes were also found inside the walls of the Red House. "We met the lady, who was 92 years old, and it was her baby shoes that we found in the wall," Karen said. The shoes were returned to her. Christina Olson, Karens daughter, wept as she said, "This (the fire) didnt have to happen. For me, personally, there are just so many good memories in there with my dad and my mom Those years, in that house, I was a happy kid. Those were the best years of my life." Mother and daughter recall people knocking on the door for a tour, or offering to buy the property. "Nobody wants a place until somebody buys it and does a little bit of painting or whatever, then all of a sudden the whole town wants it," said Karen, who also did presentations at school about the property and its history. "And the school would do tours." But Christina also remember ghostly occurrences. Her brother alluded to them. Christina said there were so many instances, yet the family never felt threatened. "I will never forget it, ever," said Christina. Christina would place a recorder in the earthen cellar. While they (she and her brother) didnt hear anything while they were upstairs, the recording was a different matter. "There were voices on it," she said. "You can hear a door open and slam shut. It was just me and him and we were just sitting in the kitchen waiting. We didnt hear any of it, and it was all on the recording." Christina also recalls the time she and a friend, having a drink of water in the kitchen, heard footsteps. "We stopped and we stared at each other. We heard footsteps right above, which was in the crawlspace. We heard the footsteps go to the top of the stairs. We both heard it, without saying a word to each other. I thought those footsteps were going to start coming down those stairs " she said. They ran out of the house and were met by Chris and his friend. The four young people witnessed the bathroom curtain open the bathroom was not far from the stair and they saw someone. "In one of the burn photos, I zoomed into the bathroom, and I could clearly see a face," said Christina. She has many other stories. In her conclusion about the Red House, Zimmer wrote: "All the treasures in the Red House were the final and missing link to what the mystery is all about. Who knows what the future may hold? More treasures could be found in the Red House over time." Reportedly, the red brick house will now be torn down, and a cairn may be built with its bricks on the site to commemorate its history. 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. Guwahati, Jan 10 : BJP national President JP Nadda would arrive in Assam on Monday on a two-day visit and address a public rally in Silchar to kick-start the ruling party's campaigning for the coming Assembly elections, party leaders said on Sunday. Bharatiya Janata Party's Assam unit General Secretary Rajdeep Roy said that besides addressing the public gathering at the Police Parade Ground in Silchar on Monday, Nadda would also meet with senior party leaders. He would visit the famous Kamakhya temple in Guwahati on Tuesday, before leaving for Delhi. The BJP leader attended various party programmes in West Bengal on Saturday. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Assam BJP President Ranjeet Kumar Dass would accompany Nadda and also address the gathering. Political observers said that for the past many years, the BJP has carved out a political base in southern Assam's Barak Valley area, comprising three Bengali dominated districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj. In the 1991 Assembly elections, the BJP had won 9 of the 15 seats in the politically important Barak Valley. In the coming polls, the party aims to win all 15 seats. That's why the BJP national President would start his election campaign from this area, political commentator and writer Uttam Saha told IANS. BJP national Vice President Baijayant Jay Panda, who is incharge of BJP's Assam affairs, told the media in Guwahati that the party was fully confident of securing "100 plus seats" along with its allies in the Assam elections. "The BJP along with its allies will retain power in Assam by securing at least 100 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections," Panda said. The polls for 126-member Assam Assembly are likely to be held in April-May, along with those in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. 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. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. Print edition not available for Day Pass option. Arnold Schwarzenegger issued an emotional speech Sunday comparing the MAGA riot and Donald Trump's attempted 'coup' to the Nazi takeover of his native Austria. The former California governor, 73, called the murderous riot in the Capitol 'America's Day of Broken Glass,' comparing to Kirstallnacht, the night of mass attacks on Jews in Austria and Germany which presaged the Holocaust. And he condemned Trump as 'the worst president' saying that his elected enablers must be 'held accountable' as he issued a call for unity behind President-elect Joe Biden. Although the former actor has made no secret of his childhood with an abusive father who joined the Nazi party either just before or just after the German takeover of Austria in 1938, he has rarely spoken so emotionally about its impact. Shattered glass: The former California governor said the MAGA mob was a coup attempt by Trump which 'shattered the ideas we took for granted' but which had no succeeded Comparison: The former actor said American democracy, like a sword, was improved by being tempered in 'wars, injustices and insurrections' and could emerge stronger from the trials of recent days He told how his father and the other men of his childhood were shattered mentally by the guilt of 'what they saw and did.' Gustuv Schwarzenegger was wounded in combat on the Eastern Front in 1942 having served in a Panzer group as a military policeman in Poland, France, Belgium, Ukraine, Lithuania and finally modern-day Russia. 'Now, I've never shared this so publicly because it is a painful memory but my father would come drunk once or twice a week and he would scream and hit us, and scare my mother,' Schwarzenegger said. 'I didn't hold him totally responsible because our neighbor was doing the same thing to his family, and so was the next neighbor over. I heard it with my own ears and saw it with my own eyes. 'They were in physical pain from the shrapnel in their bodies and in emotional pain from what they saw or did. 'It all started with lies, and lies, and lies, and intolerance. So being from Europe I've seen first hand how things can spin out of control.' Comparing 1930s Austria to modern America he said: 'President Trump sought to overturn the results of an election and of a fair election. He sought a coup by misleading people with lies. 'My father and our neighbors were misled also with lies. I know where such lies lead.' Nazi past: Gustav Schwarzenegger was a policeman in Austria who joined the Nazis and was wounded on the eastern front. His son described him drunkenly beating his children, like the neighboring fathers, because of the guilt 'of what they saw and did.' His mother Aurelia had two children - Meinhard, and Arnold - with Gustav; her first husband had died in action Eleven year old Arnold Schwarzenegger poses for a photo in art class in 1958 in Thal, Austria Infamy: Kristallnacht, on November 9, saw Jewish business' windows shattered, giving it its name - but that was only the start of far worse Nazi violence. An orgy of destruction left at least 91 dead, 30,000 Jewish men arrested and Hitler's intent graphically demonstrated to the world A night of shame: In the violence of Kristallnacht, mobs of SA paramilitaries and Hitler Youth burned almost 300 synagogues, and desecrated cemeteries KRISTALLNACHT: THE PRELUDE TO THE HOLOCAUST Although the Nazis began persecuting Jews as soon as they gained power, Hitler's true capacity for unadulterated violence was demonstrated to the world on November 9, 1938. The pretext was the assassination of a German diplomat in Paris by a young Polish Jew. The SA, his private paramilitary force, started by smashing Jewish shops' and synagogues' windows - hence the name - then moved on to mob violence, killing at least 91, beating untold numbers and running free as police stood by or helped. The Nazis were not arrested: the Jews were, with 30,000 sent to concentration camps; 267 synagogues were destroyed, thousands of businesses looted and seized, and the community 'fined' a sum equivalent to around $7 billion in current values. German, Austrian and Sudetenland Jews' persecution shocked the world and the stage was set for the Holocaust. Advertisement Schwarzenegger said that while Trump's 'attempted coup' failed, those who 'enabled his lies and treachery' must be held to account. Although he named no names, 147 Republican lawmakers - 139 House members and eight senators, led by Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley - voted to overturn the election results, which the former California governor called 'a fair election.' 'They're complicit with those who carried the flag of self-righteous insurrection into the Capitol,' he said. And he compared American's democracy to the sword he used in the Conan the Barbarian movies, brandishing it as he said: 'The more you temper a sword, the stronger it becomes. 'Our democracy has been tempered by wars, injustices and insurrections. 'I believe, as shaken as we are about the events of recent days, we will come out stronger because we now understand what can be lost.' He ended the more than seven-minute address from his home in Los Angeles, delivered in front of the United States and California flags, by appealing for uniting behind Biden. 'I ask you to join me in saying to President-elect Biden: "President-elect Biden, we wish you great success as our president. If you succeed our nation succeed. We support you with all our hearts as you seek to bring us together,"' he said. 'And to those who think they can overturn the United States Constitution, know this: You will never win. 'President-elect Biden, we stand with you today, tomorrow and forever in defense of our democracy from those who would threaten it.' Schwarzenegger has made clear his views on Trump from the moment the president sought elected office. The former California governor wrote on Monday in The Economist that Trump's attempt to overthrow the election was 'stupid, crazy and evil,' and compared Wednesday's vote to confirm the results to his movie Judgment Day. 'For those in my party considering standing up against the voters on January 6th, know this: our grandchildren will know your names only as the villains who fought against the great American experiment and the will of the voters. You will live in infamy,' he wrote. After serving as California governor, he has campaigned on climate change and against gerrymandering, and last autumn offered to pay to re-open polling places being closed, to ensure people could vote. He has previously said that he and Trump were friends but he declined campaign cash when he ran for governor in 2003 because it came from casinos, and told Trump in 2016 that he could not endorse him because of his denial of climate change. Schwarzenegger has not said who he voted for in 2020, but has said that in 2016 he wrote in Ohio governor John Kasich. He also told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt - himself a Trump loyalist - that he would happily serve in a Biden administration if he was asked. Schwarzenegger has spoken previously of his childhood with a distant and abusive father, and of his father's wartime activity. His father had been a soldier in the Austrian army from 1930 to 1937, then a police officer, and rejoined the military as the equivalent of a military policeman in November 1939. Schwarzenegger grew up knowing that his father had been wounded in action on the Eastern Front - he was awarded the Iron Cross for bravery in combat - but in 1990 it emerged that he had been an active member of the Nazi party. At the time the actor commissioned the Simon Wiesenthal Center to investigate what his father had done and made the findings public. His father had joined the Nazis, sometime either shortly before or shortly after the Nazi takeover of Austria in the Anschluss, and joined the paramilitary SA in early 1939. The older Schwarzenegger held the equivalent rank to master sergeant in a military police unit attached to a tank group and was wounded in August 1942, and eventually discharged in 1944 having also suffered from malaria. The Wiesenthal investigation did not find evidence which linked him to atrocities during his military service, or as a police officer. He died of a stroke aged 65 in 1972. Ottawa, Jan 10 : Amidst a continuing second wave of the pandemic, Canada's Covid-19 caseload has increased to 650,922, while the death toll stood at 16,788, according to health authorities. The country's national-level data on January 1 to 7 indicated a daily average of 7,672 new cases, and many areas continued to experience high infection rates, Xinhua news agency quoted the Public Health Agency of Canada as saying on Saturday. Hospitalisations and deaths were increasing in the country. Provincial and territorial data indicated that on average 4,336 people with Covid-19 were being treated in Canadian hospitals each day from January 1 to 7, added the agency. Ontario reported 3,443 new cases on Saturday after the province released record-breaking numbers with 4,249 new cases on Friday. On Saturday, Quebec province confirmed 3,127 new cases, which shattered the record of 2,869 new cases set on January 2, well above the seven-day average of 2,685. The province's latest count of Covid-19 cases stood at 226,233. Meanwhile, Quebec kicked off a month-long curfew that started at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Police will have the power to stop anybody outdoors between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Those without a valid reason to be out between those hours could face fines of C$1,000-6,000. On Saturday morning, Quebec Premier Francois Legault noted that imposing an overnight curfew was a difficult, but necessary decision in order to limit the chances of residents gathering illegally. "The main reason for the curfew is to prevent gatherings, even the smallest ones," said Legault. "It's the addition of all the small breaches of the rules that feed the virus." Despite official health guidelines against Covid-19 demanding non-essential travel should be avoided, more than 4,253 Canadians visited Hawaii by both direct and connecting flights between December 1, 2020 and January 7, 2021, CTV reported on Saturday. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed several products, including 'Him Tapak' space heater and snow melters, to help over 50,000 Indian Army soldiers deployed in high altitude areas of Eastern Ladakh in sub-zero temperatures amid tense border standoff with China. The Indian Army has placed an order worth Rs 420 crores for indigenously made 'Him Tapak' space heating device (Bukhari) for habitats of Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in Eastern Ladakh, Siachen and various mountainous locations, DRDO's Defence Institute for Physiology and Allied Sciences Director Dr Rajeev Varshney told ANI. Dr Rajeev said the space heating device is a cost-friendly alternative to the Bukhari due to its minimal oil consumption. "The oil consumption in this device is almost half and as per our calculation, we will be able to save almost 3,650 crore in a year. Very soon it will be stationed at all deployment points," he said. Apart from the cost, the device is also a safer alternative amid high wind speed and prevent backblast and carbon monoxide poisoning, two common causes of death of jawans in extremely cold regions. "Due to high wind speed at high altitude regions, there is increased chances of backblast. However, since our device has three horizontal double-layered plates that can cut the air, it cuts down the backblast chances. It is a blast-proof Bukhari." The device has a 6 litres capacity and combustion is 100 per cent. Hence, there is "no chance that it will produce carbon monoxide and other hazardous gas," he added. The Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS), a laboratory of the DRDO, which conducts physiological and biomedical research to improve performance in extreme and wartime environment has also developed 'Alocal cream' aimed to help in preventing frostbite, chilblain and other injuries caused by exposure to extreme cold environmental conditions. The Army orders 3 to 3.5 lakh jars of this cream for troops in Eastern Ladakh, Siachen and other areas. "Recently we got an order of 2 crore jars from Northern command," Dr Varshney said. Other products such as 'flexible water bottle' and 'Solar Snow Melter' have also been developed to help against drinking water issues. The water bottle can withstand minus 50 to 100 degree temperature and is designed so that the water stored in liquid form will not freeze. The CRPF has ordered 400 of these bottles. The solar snow melter is designed as a large water tank that runs on solar energy to melt the snow and water. The water can be stored up to minus 40-degree centigrade in a five-litre water tank attached with the device. The tanks are currently running on trials at Siachen, Khardungla and Tawang areas. The tank can reportedly provide 5-7 litres of drinking water every hour. Nearly 50,000 troops of the Indian Army are deployed in a high state of combat readiness in various high altitude locations in eastern Ladakh as multiple rounds of talks between India and China have yet to resolve the standoff that erupted following a clash between the two sides in the Pangong lake area in early May. China has also deployed an equal number of troops, according to officials. The eighth and last round of military talks between the two sides had taken place on November 6 during which both sides broadly discussed disengagement of troops from specific friction points. Charleston, WV (25301) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Last week Eoghan Harris's column was titled: "Don't heed the hypocrites - this push for Irish unity will end in tears". It referred to the group of which I am chairperson, Ireland's Future, as a "Northern bourgeois nationalist pressure group" which offers "a more sophisticated united Ireland agenda". Our analysis is different. We say Ireland's Future is an all-island organisation that aspires to Irish reunification and aims to facilitate a discussion toward that end, in line with the democratic principles and processes as set out in the Good Friday Agreement. We are guided by the values of the Good Friday Agreement and dedicated to fostering mutual respect and equality between all views and traditions that share this island. We are also democrats who believe the people here should be able to decide their own destiny and we should be afforded the right to choose if we want unity or partition. Constitutional change must be on the basis of the consent of the citizens of the island of Ireland, as informed by the Good Friday Agreement. As democrats, it is our duty to test the will of the people and accept the results of referendums. To deny the will of the people is to deny democracy. It is our view that Brexit has dramatically changed the social and political dynamic on this island. We believe that new democratic, constitutional arrangements have the potential to mitigate the most negative impacts of Brexit and address the aforementioned promotion and protection of mutual respect and equality. Our group promotes the need for referendums in both parts of the island under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement as the means by which to effect constitutional change. We are not a political party and are not affiliated to any political party. Ireland's Future notes that any move to new constitutional arrangements requires serious thought, consideration and planning. We believe that the requisite planning for these potential changes must be broad, inclusive, detailed and comprehensive. We also support the need for widespread and inclusive debate involving all sections of civic, political and democratic opinion on any future constitutional arrangements. As an organisation, we are committed to the achievement of democratic constitutional change which is rights-based and protects and promotes the civil and religious liberties of all traditions and identities in Ireland, in a spirit of mutual respect and parity of esteem. Ireland's Future has lobbied the Government on the issue of the establishment of an all-island citizens' assembly as a forum to enable discussion on future constitutional change. We encourage discussion on all salient issues pertaining to Irish reunification including economic modelling, and human, cultural, and political rights/protections relevant to any prospective new constitutional arrangements on the island. This is not about victory over unionists, or any other section of our people. It's about a stronger economy. It's about a new health service that serves the needs of the people. It's about raising the standards of education for our young. It's about creating opportunities on this island, for the people of this island. The evidence strongly suggests that a new and united Ireland can help us to achieve all of these things. On an island-wide basis, Ireland's Future will continue to campaign and organise a programme of appropriate events, meetings, publicity and research. We also draw upon international experience relevant to the development of a process of constitutional change in Ireland. To deny the people of this island an opportunity to vote on their own constitutional future is to deny democracy. Instead, let's encourage democracy. Let's prepare for a new, united Ireland; a self-governing, independent 32-county state that can flourish and, regardless of identity, religion or culture, leave no section of our people behind ever again. Senator Frances Black is the chairperson of Ireland's Future A day after she called for peace and healing following the riots at the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem called Georgias two incoming Democratic senators communists. Noem made her comments about incoming Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in an op-ed published Friday by the conservative online magazine The Federalist. In her piece, which focuses on her views about what the Republican Party must do going forward, Noem criticized the election of Ossoff and Warnock in Tuesdays runoff election. The idea that Georgia, of all places, could elect two communists to the United States Senate was ridiculous, wrote Noem, a staunch Trump supporter who campaigned for Georgias Republican incumbents, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler. Just a day earlier, Noem used her gubernatorial Twitter account to denounce Wednesdays storming of the U.S. Capitol, saying, There are consequences for how we talk to each other in this country. Today, lets all pray for healing and peace for our nation. South Dakota Democrats criticized Noems op-ed, the Argus Leader reported. Gov. Noem claims that words have consequences, and there is no better example of this than her emulating President Trumps rhetoric as she campaigned for him across the country, said Pam Cole, executive director of the states Democratic Party. Now she states we should all join together, but in the next breath berates her own Republican Party for allowing communists to be elected in Georgia. Asked by the newspaper if Noems op-ed met the standard of conduct she called for in her tweet, her spokesman, Ian Fury, doubled down on her false claim. Republicans tried to paint Ossoff and Warnock as socialists during the campaign leading up to Tuesdays election, with Perdue running ads that lobbed a false claim that Ossoff was endorsed by the Communist Party USA. A fact check by The Associated Press debunked that claim. Major technology companies like Google and Microsoft, as well as telecommunications giants like Comcast and Verizon, are among the nearly 1,000 people and groups that have donated at least $200 to the committee organizing President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr.s scaled-back inauguration celebration this month. The donor list, released Saturday evening by the committee, was filled mostly with individual donors, including major givers to Democrats such as Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons; Richard C. Blum, the husband of Senator Dianne Feinstein of California; and Donald Sussman, a hedge fund mogul. The inaugural committee did not list any of the amounts that these 959 donors had given as of Dec. 31, the end of the period covered in the voluntary disclosure. The actual donor amounts may not be known until 90 days after the inauguration when the committee will be required under law to disclose the names and amounts of all donations over $200. There are no legal limitations on how much a donor can give to an inaugural committee, but Mr. Bidens committee voluntarily limited contributions by individuals to $500,000 and by corporations to $1 million. TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - Tippecanoe School Corporation is celebrating its winter graduates on Saturday. Thirty-two Harrison graduates and 26 McCutcheon graduates turned their tassels and received their diploma's during the winter commencement ceremonies. Families were able to attend the ceremony wearing masks. These graduates completed their high school course requirements a whole semester early, and had to have at least 90-percent attendance this past semester. Harrison graduate Jasmine Bagsby said doing it during a pandemic was hard, but it is also made the achievement that much better. "Graduating a semester early, to be able to get all those classes done and all those credits with good grades, it was a challenge but I'm super happy I was able to pull through," she said. As we've previously reported, students and staff in schools across the state have had to battle the punches thrown by COVID-19, including canceling many cherished school events. Bagsby has some words of advice for those coming up after her. "Keep striving and keep trying your best and I know it's hard. Waking up very very early to do all that school work, it was hard for me but you know just keep pushing and pushing and trying your best," she said. Bagsby said she is taking the rest of the year off to earn money and spend time with family before going off to college next fall. She has offers from five universities that she's still deciding on and hopes to become a lawyer one day. A big congrats to all the McCutcheon and Harrison 2021 graduates and best of luck! Columbia, MO (65201) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread and possibly severe this afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 51F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Police said a wounded man shot in Portlands South Waterfront district walked into a downtown hotel early Sunday. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital. Portland police officers responding to a report of shots fired in the area just after 3:30 a.m. were summoned to the nearby Marriott hotel, where they found the injured 32-year-old victim. They determined hed been shot while in a car near South River Drive and Hall Street, just over a quarter-mile away. Police said the man was able to walk to a waiting ambulance. Police added they were not releasing suspect information. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive Aldrich Award recipient Michael Apted poses at the 65th annual Directors Guild of America Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S. on February 2, 2013. REUTERS-Yonhap Michael Apted, the acclaimed British director of the ''Up'' documentary series and films as diverse as the Loretta Lynn biopic ''Coal Miner's Daughter'' and the James Bond film ''The World Is Not Enough,'' has died. He was 79. A representative for the Directors Guild of America said his family informed the organization that he passed Thursday night. No cause was given. An incredibly prolific director, Apted's legacy is perhaps most defined by the nine ''Up'' films, which followed the lives of 14 economically diverse British children from age 7 to 63. The project started in 1964 with ''Seven Up!'' the brainchild of the late Canadian filmmaker Paul Almond. Apted served as a researcher on the first film and took over as director seven years later, continuing to check in with the subjects every seven years. ''He turned it into a nice film, but I turned it into a political document,'' Apted said in a DGA Quarterly interview in 2018. ''That if you were born into a certain environment, you had no chance at all of achieving any ambition. It was going to be controversial, crude, no holds barred, and was going to tell it as it was. It had a huge effect on the country, not just on television, because it showed graphically how awful things were.'' Apted credited the late film critic Roger Ebert for bringing the series to the attention of American audiences. The ambitious project earned him an Institutional Peabody Award in 2012 and also had the honor of being satirized by ''The Simpsons'' in a 2007 episode. The last film, ''63 Up,'' came out in 2019. Director Michael Apted participates in a panel for POV "56 Up" during the PBS sessions at the Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, California, U.S. August 6, 2013. REUTERS-Yonhap ''The series was an attempt to do a long view of English society,'' Apted told Slant Magazine in 2019. ''The class system needed a kick up the backside.'' Apted was born in Aylesbury to a middle class family in 1941. Scholarships allowed him to study at Cambridge, where he counted John Cleese among his friends. He started in media with an apprenticeship at Granada Television, working on productions such as ''Coronation Street.'' He made his feature debut in 1972 on ''The Triple Echo'' with Oliver Reed and Glenda Jackson. In 1980, he came to the U.S. to direct ''Coal Miner's Daughter,'' a commercial and critical success that earned Sissy Spacek a best actress Oscar. Apted moved to California after that and worked steadily in film and television for the next 40 years. Although Apted himself was never nominated for an Oscar, his films would garner two more acting nominations: Sigourney Weaver for her portrayal of Dian Fossey in ''Gorillas in the Mist'' and Jodie Foster for ''Nell.'' The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday tweeted, ''He will be missed.'' Apted was involved in the industry, having served as an academy governor and as president of the directors guild from 2003 to 2009. He directed a wide variety of projects and stars, including John Belushi in ''Continental Divide,'' William Hurt in ''Gorky Park,'' Hugh Grant and Gene Hackman in ''Extreme Measures'' and Jennifer Lopez in ''Enough.'' In 1999, he directed the third Pierce Brosnan James Bond film, ''The World Is Not Enough.'' More recently, he worked on the Showtime series ''Masters of Sex.'' In this file photo English director Michael Apted and his wife Paige Simpson arrive for the 2019 British Academy Britannia (BAFTA) awards at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills on October 25, 2019. AFP-Yonhap SQM (Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A.) reached a long-term agreement to supply lithium products to LG Energy Solution (LGES). As pat of the agreement, which runs from 2021 to 2029, SQM will supply battery-grade lithium carbonmate and lithium hydroxide for the production of high-quality cathode materials for EV battery cells. The contract considers a total of approximately 55,000 MT of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). The contract solidifies SQMs position has a supplier of high-quality lithium for EV batteries. SQM has been extracting lithium, in addition to potassium, from the brine of the Salar de Atacama for some 25 years. The Salar de Atacama extends over an area of approximately 80 by 50 kilometers; its nucleus consists of salt crust and brine. To extract the lithium, the extremely saline brine is pumped from depths of 1.5 to 150 meters below surface through a pipeline system into extraction basins (ponds). For this purpose, SQM has set up numerous drilling sites distributed over the authorized areas in the Salar. In order to ensure that operations are as efficient as possible, SQM has developed a hydrogeological model which allows to project the behavior of the brine. The extraction basins are built with the salts left over from potassium and lithium production and lined with foil, hence no cement or concrete are required for this. Lithium extraction requires a multi-stage evaporation and purification process, which is controlled by advanced modeling of the thermodynamic conditions. The brine is pumped into the neighboring basin after a defined time. This process, which extends over several basins, simplifies and optimizes the purification of the brine and the precipitation of salts and impurities. The entire extraction process is completed after about 13 to 16 months. What remains is a highly concentrated brine containing up to 6% lithium or 30 to 35% lithium chloride. This is achieved solely under natural physical conditions, without the addition or use of any chemicals. The lithium chloride solution is transported to the plant in Salar del Carmen near Antofagasta, where undesirable residual impurities, specifically boron and magnesium, are removed and the brine is then mixed with so-dium carbonate. Lithium carbonate precipitates in the process, which is then further washed, dried, compacted, sieved and micronized. Magnetic filters remove metallic particles. SQM has the capacity to convert lithium carbonate salts in-line to lithium hydroxide monohydrate, at the same facility. SQM currently has the capacity to produce approximately 70,000 metric tons (MT) of lithium carbonate per year. In a veiled attack on its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday (January 9) said that the Janata Dal (United) paid a heavy price for delay in seat-sharing within NDA before the recently concluded Assembly election in state. The Bihar chief minister said that the seat-sharing deal within the NDA should have been finalised five months prior to the poll but it did not happen. "The seat distribution within the NDA should have been done five months prior to the elections but that was not done and as a result, JDU had to pay a big price for it. I was not in favour of becoming the chief minister but because of the pressure of BJP and my party, I agreed to assume the post," Mr Kumar said at the JD(U) state council meeting. "People voted for us wherever we asked them and there was no confusion from our side. But false propaganda was spread against me and my party," he added. CM Nitish expressed disappointment over the fact that the JD(U) failed to anticipate as to who were their friends and who were working to ensure defeat of the party in Assembly poll. "We failed to anticipate who were our friends and who were not and on whom we should have trusted. After the election campaign, we got to understand that things were not conducive for us but by that time it was too late," he said. CM Nitish also talked about National Register of Citizens (NRC) and asserted that it will not be implemented in Bihar. He added that JD(U) will oppose NRC even if it is attempted to bring NRC in the state. "NRC will not be implemented in Bihar and if an attempt is done to do so then our party will openly oppose it," he said. CM Nitish reiterated that he was reluctant to remain at the helm of affairs in the state but agreed only because of his party workers. Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session 140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt World oil prices falling Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 ADVERTISEMENT The senator representing Osun West Senatorial District, Adelere Oriolowo, was reportedly attacked by gunmen on Sunday during a meeting of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the district. Mr Oriolowo was rushed out of the meeting that held at his constituency in Ikire, Osun State, by security personnel present during the attack. The meeting was attended by members of the APC in Osun West including political office holders. The cause of the attack, which the senator described as an assassination attempt could not be ascertained as of the time of this report. The senators vehicle was vandalised during the attack. Vandalised vehicle [PHOTO CREDIT: @senatororiolowo] Vandalised vehicle [PHOTO CREDIT: @senatororiolowo] Vandalised vehicle [PHOTO CREDIT: @senatororiolowo] Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Oriolowos Legislative Aide, Adams Adedimeji, confirmed the attack, saying his principal was the target of the assassins. Mr Oriolowo also wrote about the incident on his Facebook account on Sunday evening. Just escaped an Assassination attempt on my life and that of my entourage. To God be the glory, we are safe and alive. God is my helper, my shelter and my fortress, I fear no evil, he wrote. The state police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES calls and text messages when contacted about the incident. Since no official business can be conducted by the House until a speaker is elected, a lengthy balloting process could ensue while pressing matters such as the state budget and pandemic recovery are held in abeyance. Madigan, some Democrats contend privately, is counting at the very least on attrition to eventually return him as speaker as issues mount. New Delhi, Jan 10 : Kalinga Literary Festival's virtual platform KLF Bhava Samvad hosted author Sandeep Bamzai who conversed on his latest book 'Princestan'. The session took place with moderator Pallavi Rebbapragada, a journalist. Beginning with the session, Pallavi said, "Gandhi in 2nd round table conference told that 'You shouldn't toe the British line and you should make Independence easier for the country'. Gandhiji never wanted any sort of revolt from any section of the society. His methods were more towards assimilating whether the princely states or the different castes or Hindus and Muslims together in one battle." In response to this, Bamzai quoted, "This was how Princestan was formed. How a section of diabolical princes actually to a large extent managed to stay out of the ambiente of Hindustan and Pakistan till brought to heal by Pandit Nehru, Sardar Patel and Lord Mountbatten in what I believed was a relay run. The princes never wanted independence." He further continued with, "The Nizam of Hyderabad convinced the British to be called His Exalted Highness. In Unified India, you couldn't merely have the princely states who were outside the ambiente, it included all 565 princely states. The princes together representing the British Monarchy in India actually had something called Narender Mandal which was the chamber of princes and the Chancellor of the Chamber of Princes was the Nawab of Bhopal Hamidullah Khan." "Mountbatten lambasted the princes and told them that you have to sign a standstill agreement with either India or Pakistan as the Dominion is formed. There was a record which says that says Princes and particularly the Nawab of Bhopal has been sold out by the decoloniser called Mountbatten." Bamzai added, "The Narender Mandal or the Chamber of Princes is called the Bastard child of Montague-Chelmsford reforms and INC never believed in it". Bamzai said according to his theory, Gandhiji was not ambivalent to the princes like Nehru, Patel and some of the other congress leaders. Nehru always lambasted and fulminated against the princes. The fact that he was antimonarchial from the beginning. Nehru never ever liked the princes and this stems out of his anti-monarchial and Fabian socialist thinking, Bamzai said. "Organization of All India States conference is Nehru's creation. Nehru threw down the gauntlet at Gandhiji and said we have to ensure that Princely States with the rest of the Union of India. Princes were virulent organisms. They didn't understand anything, but themselves. They were totally power drunk. Nehru's upbringing, his thought process was constantly evolving and it was always antimonarchial," Bamzai said. "But, the princes were at a different zone. The Thakur of Rajkot allowed Gandhiji to sit on his throne whenever Gandhiji came to Rajkot. But when talk of freedom, democracy happened, Gandhiji tried his level best to shake this man, but he refused to accept it. There was this movement where Congress using the AISP as the stocking horse tried their level best to undertake reforms. There were dialogues with various princes at various times and in most cases the princes always won till Mountbatten lashed out at them and told them that there's no other way if you were thinking post August 15 you would create your little empire and British are going to support you. That's where Princestan comes in. Gandhiji was very favourably inclined to the princes", Bamzai said. He goes on to comment that the Thakur of Rajkot did not budge when talks about democracy were pushed. "Gandhiji believed in an Amorphous India. He wanted people to coexist. Patel asked "will Mountbatten bring all 565 apples in a basket and place it to him?" Bamzai said VP Menon is a hard nosed tough bureaucrat who had worked with Mountbatten earlier. He travelled endlessly from Odisha to Bhavnagar. "Patel was smart enough to understand there is this guy who could deliver the basket of apples he was promised. Menon goes to Shimla, works on Dicky Bird plan, ratifies the plan from Nehru, approves the plan from Mountbatten. Menon then calls Patel and explains to them how Nehru and Mountbatten have gone beyond the Dicky Bird plan and they have a new plan that both have approved. Patel asked him are you happy with the contours of what you see. Menon answers with the affirmative to Patel and Patel gives thumbs up and that is how India is created," Bamzai adds. He says at all times in the run up to the independence of India, Nehru, Patel and Mountbatten play a crucial role. "Churchill is calling Wavell to his office before he's ousted in the election and telling him to make sure that we keep a bit of India. That conspiracy is Princestan," Bamzai ends. WASHINGTON The FBI and the New York City Police Department passed information to U.S. Capitol Police about the possibility of violence during the protests Wednesday against the counting of the Electoral College vote, and the FBI even visited more than a dozen extremists already under investigation to urge them not to travel to Washington, senior law enforcement officials said. The previously unreported details undercut the assertion by a top FBI official that officials had no indication that violence was a possibility, and they add to questions about what intelligence authorities had reviewed before the Capitol riot, which led to the death of an officer and four other people, including a rioter who was shot and killed by police. "Social media is just part of a full intelligence picture, and while there was First Amendment-protected activity on social media to include some people making threats, to this point, investigators have not found that there was an organized plot to access the Capitol," a senior FBI official said. It was immediately obvious after the Capitol was seized by a violent mob Wednesday that Capitol Police, whose job is to defend the facility and the lawmakers who work there, had completely misjudged the security threat. The chief of the force was quickly forced out of his job, as were other key legislative security officials. As evidence mounts that some extremists had told the world what they had in mind through social media, questions are emerging about whether the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies took the postings seriously enough and why, if they did, they didn't step in until well after the building was under attack. Asked Friday whether the slow police response Wednesday was the result of an intelligence failure, the official who leads the FBI's Washington field office, Steven D'Antuono, said no. "There was no indication that there was anything [planned] other than First Amendment-protected activity," he said. Related: "We will come in numbers that no standing army or police agency can match, wrote a popular Parler user who frequently posts about QAnon. D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee said something similar Thursday, telling reporters, "There was no intelligence that suggested there would be a breach of the U.S. Capitol." Ken Rapuano, the assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense, told reporters that the Justice Department and other law enforcement officials told the Defense Department repeatedly that they had no indications that there would be "significant violent protests." But there were ample indications of potential violence. Image: Trump supporters gather in Washington (Shannon Stapleton / Reuters) NBC News has reported that a digital flyer made public on Instagram and Facebook last month referred to what would happen as "Operation Occupy the Capitol." On the fringe message board 8kun, which is popular with QAnon followers, users talked for weeks about a siege of the Capitol. "You can go to Washington on Jan 6 and help storm the Capitol," an 8kun user said Tuesday, a day before the siege. "As many Patriots as can be. We will storm the government buildings, kill cops, kill security guards, kill federal employees and agents, and demand a recount." Daniel J. Jones, president of Advance Democracy Inc., a global research organization that studies disinformation and extremism, told NBC News in a story published the day before the riot: "In regard to the protests planned for Jan. 6, the violent rhetoric we're seeing online is at a new level. There are endorsements of violence across all of the platforms." Related: The Capitol Police, the 2,000-person force whose job is to secure the complex, failed to deploy enough officers and did not put them in riot gear. How could the FBI and other agencies have missed all that? It turns out they didn't, officials said. "Prior to this event, the FBI obtained credible and actionable information about individuals who were planning on traveling to the protests who expressed a desire to engage in violence," the senior FBI official said. "The FBI was able to discourage those individuals from traveling to D.C." The official added that "the FBI and our federal, state and local partners collected and shared available intelligence in preparation for the various planned events." "The FBI was prepared to adapt as needed to fluid events on the ground, including having rapid response teams in reserve," the official said. "Throughout most of the day the crowd was peaceful and nonconfrontational. "However, when it became clear that some individuals were surging onto the Capitol grounds and entering the buildings, the U.S. Capitol Police requested assistance. Within 50 minutes of that request, three FBI tactical teams were on scene to gain control of the area and offer protection to congressional members and staff. Over the course of the evening, the FBI presence ultimately grew to over 150 agents and other personnel." The official wasn't in a position to explain why D'Antuono, the head of the Washington field office, said there had been no indications of violence. The FBI official said that by dissuading some extremists from traveling to Washington, the bureau may have prevented an even more violent situation. New York police, who have the most robust intelligence collection and analytical arm of any local police agency in the country, sent law enforcement agencies across the country including Capitol Police an intelligence packet describing threats and violent rhetoric on social media in the weeks and days leading up to the rally, multiple senior law enforcement officials said. The officials said Capitol Police were given a specific and separate intelligence report describing extremist rhetoric and threats of violence that appeared on social media in connection with the rally. Law enforcement officials familiar with the intelligence assessments said President Donald Trump's exhortation of the crowd to march on the Capitol probably prompted a much larger contingent of people to head there than might otherwise have gone. Image: Riot at the Capitol (Roberto Schmidt / AFP - Getty Images) Capitol Police and the FBI's Washington field office didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. It wasn't just police agencies that issued warnings. A private intelligence report issued in December, obtained by NBC News, said the "'million-MAGA march' in Washington DC on 6 January is the next major flashpoint ... the mass event (which will be held in the National Mall and outside the Capitol) is likely to spark street violence, some of which may be lethal, between Antifa and Trump supporters or far-right groups." Many questions remain about why the FBI, Homeland Security and other agencies didn't do more to make sure the Capitol was protected. Officials have said Capitol Police reassured everyone that they could handle the situation, and key lawmakers said they heard the same assurances from the force. The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington is responsible for crowd control in the city, and the mayor told Justice Department officials that she didn't want or need their help. While city police helped retake the Capitol, they were unable to stop the crowd from getting there in the first place. Related: Confusion and finger-pointing continue between local and federal law enforcement agencies after Wednesday's siege of the Capitol by a pro-Trump mob. The FBI is also under scrutiny. Its top investigative priority is terrorism, foreign and domestic. Had this been an al Qaeda plot to storm the Capitol, some experts said, it is likely that the FBI would have arrested the participants before they left their home airports on the way to Washington. One difference, however, is that there is no domestic terrorism statute, which gives the FBI fewer avenues to legally monitor suspects, including their postings on the dark web, said NBC News contributor Frank Figliuzzi, a former assistant director of the FBI. Outside a criminal investigation of a specific person or group, Figliuzzi said Saturday, "the FBI is not permitted to look and monitor the very same things that you and I can look at on Twitter and Parler." Joyce Vance, a former U.S. attorney for northern Alabama, said the FBI has tools to monitor potential violence by domestic extremists. She suggested that the issue was one of emphasis and will. "The challenge for FBI and DOJ is to assign a permanent priority to domestic white supremacist terror groups and treat them as seriously as they treat foreign terrorism," she said. As the verdict came down in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, the news rippled in the Rockies on Tuesday afternoon. SANTA FE SPRINGS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 10, 2021 / Urban TV Network (OTC PINK:URBT) is making major advancements on Wall Street with a revenue gain of more than $400k and profits of more than $200k for the 2020 annual report. URBT is on the rise with major developments in the works for 2021. " How To Be A Great Investor " Webinar Slated for 1st Inning of 2021 CEO Joseph Collins is spearheading this drive with a passion to lead URBT TV into an era of major profitability. According to Collins, " This is a very exciting time for URBT and the advancements URBT has made just this year. Our company is working strategically to ensure phenomenal success in our product development, investor base, and savvy acquisitions . " The company having increased its value from $25,000 to more than $30 million dollars and having its stock price move from .0001 cent per share to a high of .10 per share, since Collins took the reigns, poises Urban Television Network Corp (OTC PINK:URBT) to be a breakout success in 2021. Since December. 3, 2020, the developments include the launch of the URBTPlus.net streaming service (which is now available online) and Android and Apple apps scheduled to hit the market in the first quarter of 2021. Sure to keep investors excited with new programing, URBT is touching all bases for innovation this season and for 2021 investors. Another exciting addition to the URBT line-up is the " How To Invest " Webinar slated for Saturday, January 16, 2021, with Mr. Collins the CEO of URBT Network. We are inviting investors to attend and to learn how to share in the opportunity to grow in capital markets and in URBT TV. With the acquisition of more than 150 live international channels from around the world, Urban Television Network Corp. (OTC PINK:URBT) is bringing its users an all new streaming experience with URBTPlus.net URBTPlus.net provides a streaming experience like no other, featuring live channels in multiple languages including Spanish, Mandarin, Bolkan, and Serbian among others. These channels offer access to prestigious daytime talk shows, international news and countless telenovelas. URBTPlus also features video on-demand movies, iconic TV series and live sporting events. Collins said, " We are running all bases to provide the best product for our customers and to appeal to a wide array of investors. We ' ve got rich, diverse content on an effortless streaming platform and we are expecting to hit a home run for 2021. " Register at URBT.com for your Free " The Top 5 Investments " Brochure and for " The How To Invest Webinar series. " For more information or to interview Mr. Collins, visit our website URBT.com or call 323-489-8119 x 238. Safe Harbor Statement: This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company ' s current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors. SOURCE: Urban Television Network View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/623638/URBT-Scores-Double-Play-With-More-Than-400K-In-Revenue-and-Over-200k-In-Profits-for-2020-Fiscal-Year-OTC-PINKURBT 52 Shares Share On March 2nd, 2020, as New York State announced its first proven case of COVID-19, a federal court there handed down a stunning decision. For 10 years, according to the court, the United States government illegally failed to hold drug companies accountable when they did not report, or inaccurately reported, crucial data about their drugs safety and efficacy. Between 2007 and 2017, the court held, the Food and Drug Administration knew of instances from roughly 1,000 drug trials in which manufacturers hid or misrepresented data. According to legislation passed in 1997, the FDA must publicly report such breaches. But to this day, they have not. One week later, Donald Trump announced COVID-19 was very much under control, safer than the flu, and cases would soon be zero. We learned that the government would shrug its shoulders just as brazenly with COVID-19 as it had with drug company deceit. The federal government would become a stone-faced observer for the countrys most dire national disaster in a century, a failure that quickly eclipsed perhaps the most important legal decision on public health in a century. But it all comes full circle, eventually. Millions of lives now depend on companies transparency that have spent decades hiding and distorting their scientific data. Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and other drugmakers were put in charge of the best short-term option the world has for stanching the flow from a biblical pestilence that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans and millions more globally (so far). In public statements more befitting an SNL cold open, or perhaps an Onion headline, the drug companies have repeatedly promised to be transparent and ethical in developing, testing, and distributing COVID vaccines. But these are not just old dogs claiming to learn a new trick. These are morbidly obese, henhouse foxes with a Cheshire grin and a golden toothpick in their teeth. Dr. Peter Doshi, a health services researcher and editor at the British Medical Journal, is familiar with that grin. Doshi examined hundreds of thousands of pages of study reports dumped on his head by spiteful drug companies forced into transparency by public outrage when it was discovered they hid and misrepresented data on Tamiflu years ago. The pricey blockbuster drug, stockpiled by governments as a bioterrorism remedy and commonly used worldwide as a cure for the flu, is no better than a dose of ibuprofen at the local pharmacy. This we learned from Doshi, Tom Jefferson, and others who gave years of their lives sifting through the data. Now, Doshi, a default transparency watchdog for the drug industry, has published what amounts to a transparency challenge for Pfizer, Moderna, and other vaccine makers. After reviewing published data this week, he reports on a number of gaping holes in the vaccine data, holes that need to be filled if the company claims their vaccines are considered credible. Most prominent and most concerning, is the absence of data first reported weeks ago by editors at TheNNT.com, an open access, physician-run website for health care evidence reviews. Doshi confirms: FDA documents show in Pfizers vaccine trial thousands of patients experienced suspected but unconfirmed COVID-19, with no mention of who was tested, or how many. Were suspected cases all tested, as the study protocol calls for? Were they tested equally in vaccine and placebo groups? With just 170 cases of COVID-19 reported in the trial, but more than 3000 suspected cases, any imbalance in testing between groups could easily affector even reversethe trials results. Doshi also points to 371 study subjects mysteriously excluded from Pfizers analysis and the potential effects of unblinding caused by vaccine injection side effects. His points are valid and crucial, each representing potentially game-changing results from the trialand each could be resolved with access to the raw trial data. So how about it, Pfizer? And Moderna? Is genuine transparency something you can do? In the modern worlds moment of greatest humanitarian crisis, can you open the books? Or have decades of hiding and distorting hardened you? Can you show us youre willing to play fair? If only we had a government of the people, instead of above the people. This would be a snap. Daniel Hopkins is a physician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Fans of the perennial holiday classic Home Alone 2: Lost In New York are calling for the removal of Donald Trump's brief cameo. The outcry followed the insurrection on Capitol Hill by an armed pro-Trump mob that left five people dead, including one police officer. The outgoing president is featured in a scene in which he points Macaulay Culkin's character Kevin toward the lobby of the Plaza Hotel, which he owned at the time of the 1992 film. Cut it out: Fans of Home Alone 2 called for outgoing President Donald Trump's cameo to be removed following Wednesday's deadly insurrection on Capitol Hill by an armed pro-Trump mob The scene has outraged critics of the president since he was elected in 2016, but the violent riot at the Capitol Building last week has pushed criticism of the scene into overdrive. 'I won't rest until he is removed from that scene in Home Alone 2,' wrote Matt Navarra on Twitter. Andrew Hunter Murray escalated things by writing that Trump 'should be tried, imprisoned, and digitally removed from Home Alone 2.' Although technology makes it easier than ever to digitally remove a person from a film or even replace them, the scene serves no meaningful plot purpose and is brief enough that it could easily be edited out without damaging the film's structural integrity. Violence: Wednesday's riot left five people dead, including one police officer, and many have blamed Trump for inciting the violence in a speech and tweets just before the riot Out of here: 'I won't rest until he is removed from that scene in Home Alone 2,' wrote Matt Navarra on Twitter Lock him up: Andrew Hunter Murray escalated things by writing that Trump 'should be tried, imprisoned, and digitally removed from Home Alone 2' Another Twitter user joked that 'Donald Trump is the first cast member of Home Alone 2 to attempt a political coup.' Others referenced Kevin Spacey's digital erasure from the 2017 film All The Money In The World. He played the oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, but after multiple men accused him of sexual harassment and assault he was replaced by Christopher Plummer. 'Disney+ have announced that Christopher Plummer will now tell Kevin where the lobby is in Home Alone 2,' wrote one user. Another person tweeted: 'Tonight was so bad they're gonna have to digitally replace Trump in Home Alone 2 with Kevin Spacey.' Short scene: The president is featured in a scene in which he points Macaulay Culkin's character Kevin toward the lobby of the Plaza Hotel, which he owned at the time First: Another Twitter user joked that 'Donald Trump is the first cast member of Home Alone 2 to attempt a political coup' Topical: Others referenced Kevin Spacey's digital erasure from the 2017 film All The Money In The World, where he was replaced by Christopher Plummer following sexual misconduct allegations Having a laugh: Another joked that Trump's actions were so bad that even Kevin Spacey would be an improvement Trump has made numerous film and television cameos throughout the years. A short scene in Sex And The City features Samantha enjoying a cocktail at the bar as she looks over and sees the future president sitting at a table and have a business meeting over drinks, though Trump doesn't drink alcohol in real life. Trump and his wife Melania were featured in a brief scene in the 2001 Ben Stiller comedy Zoolander. The documentary style footage was filmed at the red carpet of the VH1 Fashion Awards, where Trump was happy to speak about the fictional title character for the cameras. Odd location: Trump has made numerous film and television cameos throughout the years, like a short scene in Sex And The City where Samantha spies him at a table at a bar, though he doesn't drink in real life Documentary style: Trump and his wife Melania were featured in a brief scene in the 2001 Ben Stiller comedy Zoolander where he talked about the fictional male model He poked fun at his own image with a role in the 1994 film version of The Little Rascals, a rare time in which he didn't play himself. Instead, he played the father of the spoiled rich kid Waldo, who seen telling Waldo that he's the best son 'money can buy' while talking on his cell phone. Trump has also made appearances on the soap opera Days Of Our Lives, and he infamously shaved off Vince McMahon's hair during an appearance at Wrestlemania 23. Although filmmakers may have tried to get cameos from the departing president because of his star power, he allegedly required people trying to film at his properties to write a small role for him. While speaking with Insider in November, Home Alone 2 director Christopher Columbus said that Trump wouldn't allow the production to pay a standard fee to shoot in the Plaza Hotel lobby, which he owned at the time. Instead, he required that they give him a cameo. 'We paid the fee, but he also said, "The only way you can use the Plaza is if I'm in the movie,"' Columbus recalled. 'So we agreed to put him in the movie.' Departure: He poked fun at his own image with a role in the 1994 film version of The Little Rascals, a rare time in which he didn't play himself Not negotiable: Both Matt Damon and Home Alone 2 director Christopher Columbus claim Trump required productions to give him a cameo in exchange for permission to film on his properties; seen shaving Vince McMahon's head at Wrestlemania 23 At the time, the scene got cheers from early crowds seeing the movie, so Columbus left the scene in. 'But he did bully his way into the movie,' he added. Matt Damon also claimed that Trump required scenes for himself in order to film in his buildings. 'The deal was that if you wanted to shoot in one of his buildings, you had to write him in a part,' the Ocean's 11 star told The Hollywood Reporter in 2017 when he was asked if he'd ever met met Trump. '[Director] Martin Brest had to write something in Scent Of A Woman and the whole crew was in on it. You have to waste an hour of your day with a bulls*** shot. Donald Trump walks in and Al Pacinos like, "Hello, Mr. Trump!" you had to call him by name and then he exits.' In the wake of the attacks on the Capitol this past week, Google announced Friday the social networking app Parler is suspended from the Google Play store, with company leadership citing awareness of continued posting in the app that seeks to incite ongoing violence in the U.S. In a statement the internet monolith outlined the suspension would only be lifted when robust content modifications are made to the platform: In order to protect user safety on Google Play, our longstanding policies require that apps displaying user-generated content have moderation policies and enforcement that removes egregious content like posts that incite violence. What, Parler, you say you didnt get the memo? Google further emphasized that all developers agree to these terms and we have reminded Parler of this clear policy in recent months. Tech giant Apple in turn announced Friday that Parler would have 24 hours to submit a detailed moderation plan. Such a move elicited a swift retort from Parler chief executive John Matze, who described the decision as a horrible way to handle this," according to Business Insider's Kevin Shalvey. While in a statement to Reuters Matze acknowledged coordinating riots, violence and rebellions has no place on social media, the CEO claimed in subsequent posts that Apple was subjecting the platform to standards and requirements Apple did not apply to itself, and was in violation of users right to free speech, according to John Koetsier at Forbes. Following the ban by Twitter and other major social media platforms, many Trumpers expressed outrage at the disruption of access to the stream-of-consciousness edicts from their favorite demagogue. Actor Antonio Sabato, Jr., scripted his own scathing response: You evil dirtbags Twitter @jack ASSES! Just please suspend all of us who support The Greatest President in History @realDonaldTrump and cut to the chase. And the Presidents son himself issued this diatribe: We are living Orwells 1984. Free-speech no longer exists in America. It died with big tech and whats left is only there for a chosen few. But whats left (or "right," har) actually is not just for the chosen few. Although the actions by Twitter, Google, and Apple have significantly hampered the flow of communication between Trump supporters, they have not resulted in a complete kibosh. Legions of Trump followers have already begun to gather through other apps such as Gab that continue to be in operation. 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 professional cyber squatter who bought a website domain similar to one of Australia's biggest horse races is trying to cash in by demanding $1million from event organisers. North Queensland resident Jeff Geaney bought the domain magicmillions.com from a US company for $2,500 two-and-a-half years ago. The Magic Millions racing carnival is one of the biggest events on the Gold Coast calendar held in January each year and is owned by renowned businessman Gerry Harvey and his wife Katie Page. The renowned event which has been attended by the Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall in recent years as an ambassador uses the website magicmillions.com.au. The slightly shorter magicmillions.com domain bought by Mr Geaney currently consists of 'coming soon' badge, a photo of lotto balls and bank notes, along with an email address. Cyber squatter Jeff Geaney (pictured) wants to sell his Magic Millions domain for $1million He claims his domain has been flooded with thousands of emails from people who have forgotten the 'au' at the end. 'We picked it up from a company in the US that was selling it for about $2,500,' he told the Gold Coast Bulletin. He offered Magic Millions organisers $1 million for the domain and claimed they counter-offered with a bid of $1000. 'They said we are trying to make money off their trademark,' Mr Geaney told the publication. Cyber squatting is the act of registering or or using an internet domain name with the aim to profit from the goodwill of a trademark belonging to someone else. The Magic Millions racing carnival on the Gold Coast is owned by businessman Gerry Harvey (right) and his wife Katie Page (left) Jeff Geaney bought the domain magicmillions.com (pictured) from a US firm for $2,500 Mr Geaney describes himself on LinkedIn as a 'experienced domain technician and domainer with a demonstrated history of working in the computer domain name industry'. Mr Geaney lists his workplace on LinkedIn and social media as World Internet Authority, which owns magicmillions.com, according to the international domain names list. He previously registered the domain royalweddingrings.com in a bid profit from the 2011 royal wedding Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Magic Millions racing carnival action pictured) is one of the biggest event held on Gold Coast each year Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Geaney and the Magic Millions for comment. First held in 1987, the $2million 1200 metre Magic Millions Classic is for two-year-old horses bought at a Magic Millions sale auction. The week-long Magic Millions carnival began on Saturday and ends with the $10.25 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday next Saturday. Donald Trump's about-face on Thursday - when he issued a short video statement condemning the mob of his own supporters who stormed the US Capitol Building - has surprised some observers. But many more look for the explanation behind his move. "Like all Americans I am outraged by the violence, lawlessness and mayhem," he said, adding that the Maga faithful who looted and vandalised congressional property had "defiled the seat of American democracy". "To those who engaged in the acts of violence and destruction, you do not represent our country... To those who broke the law, you will pay." Read More Since losing both the Electoral College and popular vote to Joe Biden in November's presidential election, Trump has doggedly pushed the bogus narrative that a second term in the White House was "stolen" from him as a result of "mass voter fraud" despite his legal team, led by Rudy Giuliani, failing to find any evidence to prove his conspiracy theories and losing more than 60 local court cases in the process. Having promised his supporters a "wild" rally in DC to protest against the official certification of the election results in a joint session of Congress, the US president duly riled up the crowd last Wednesday by again refusing to concede and reciting his menu of lies, sparking the chaos that ensued and left five dead. Trump is not usually a man to heed criticism and seldom admits to being wrong - so why make a U-turn now? Here are possible explanations for the extraordinary volte face. Donald Trump is much more than a preening egotist vain about his hair. He is entirely convinced of his own greatness and uniquely concerned with public image and media projection. That's why he plastered his name in gold lettering across his buildings and hosted The Apprentice on US television for all those years - so we are never permitted to forget the glitzy splendour of his achievements. He is also heavily invested in the idea of his own legacy. "You've got to put your name on stuff or no one remembers you," he advised French president Emmanuel Macron when the pair toured George Washington's Virginia plantation estate in April 2018. That remark explains many of his major policy decisions in the Oval Office, from commencing his absurd US-Mexico border wall to attempting to bring Kim Jong-un in from the cold and starting a trade war with China - none of which have worked out as promised, incidentally. As Brian Klaas, associate professor in global politics at University College London, sees it: "Donald Trump acted like an arsonist for months, stoking the flames of violence... the flames got out of control - so he's now trying to dress himself up as a firefighter. "He has likely realised, quite accurately, that the violent assault on the Capitol will define a significant part of his legacy and severely damage his political standing." Trump is also a man accustomed to getting away with things, from cheating his way into Fordham University in 1964 to securing draft deferrals from the Vietnam War, to the phone call to Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky. But now, finally, events appear to be catching up with Trump, hence the reported talk behind the scenes of his considering a self-pardon, a happening that would represent another dubious first. As the New York Times' investigations into his tax affairs have shown, he already has several hundred million dollars of loan repayments awaiting him when he leaves Washington. Manhattan's district attorney is also taking a keen interest in his personal finances. House speaker Nancy Pelosi has wasted no time in calling on remaining Trump administration cabinet officials to invoke the 25th amendment of the US constitution to remove him from office, threatening to commence a second round of impeachment proceedings if they won't. Even a president as bullish and at war with reality as Trump might think twice before allowing either of these scenarios to play out, especially if criminal charges relating to sedition or other offences committed in office looked likely to follow. Removal from office or a second impeachment might be too black a mark against his name in the history books, which already look set to list him as the president who incited the first storming of the Capitol since 1814 and presided over more than 365,000 coronavirus deaths but otherwise achieved little else in his reign. Whether incoming president Joe Biden has the appetite to see his first term dominated by the sideshow of Trump's prosecution or concludes - like Gerald Ford before him - that the country needs to move on, is another matter. "One thing that is clear is this," says Dr Klaas. "Trump was not motivated by a sincere desire to uphold the principles of democracy and maintain the peaceful transition of power. Trump was all too happy to torch American institutions to try to save himself." Another reason for the US president's U-turn could be a loss of nerve after 10 White House officials (and counting) handed in their notice from his administration in the wake of Wednesday's disturbing scenes, including the first lady's top aide Stephanie Grisham and his own former acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, the US envoy to Northern Ireland. Long-serving cabinet members Elaine Chao and Betsy DeVos also resigned, which, as Bloomberg's Jennifer Epstein has pointed out, means they "get out of having to take a position on the 25th amendment". Mulvaney's predecessor, John Kelly, told CNN last Thursday that, if he were still a member of the administration, he would have voted in favour of Trump's removal from office under these circumstances. Trump of course has burned more bridges than a barbarian horde in his time and, even before the exodus, he had alienated such once-powerful allies as Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell and attorney-general William Barr, capping it all by falling out with his own vice-president Mike Pence when the latter refused to overturn the certification of results in the Senate. For Professor Ian Scott, lecturer in American history at Manchester University, "the danger is to think that Trump has 'road to Damascus' moments where he realises it was all a mistake". "History has taught us over the last four years that he doesn't have those moments, he only ever has a never-ending need to be the centre of the news cycle and draw the spotlight on himself, even if it means countermanding his previous position," he said. "It is his position that is at stake, his authority, his popularity with a base that, if there is any plan at all to what he has done, has tried and successfully pulled in more moderate Republican members to a ragtag set of wild beliefs and unsubstantiated assertions." Johanna Maska, director of press advance in Barack Obama's White House, agrees that his motives are entirely selfish: "President Trump is - as he has for four years - planning his own escape pod. It seems he's worried about legal liability and reportedly has been consulting with his lawyers on pardoning himself. He has proven over and over he will do whatever is best for him, rather than America." The president had been at odds with Fox News - which has served as a largely uncritical propaganda unit for much of his presidency - during the campaign. When the network called the red state of Arizona for the Democrats on election night, Trump reportedly blew his top and called owner Rupert Murdoch to demand it be withdrawn, only to be rudely rebuffed. The president has since busied himself attacking the broadcaster and promoting off-brand alternatives like Newsmax and One America News Network (OANN) on Twitter instead. But now his Twitter access is gone. Murdoch-owned newspapers including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post came out strongly against "the Trump mob" on their front pages on Thursday before the former's editorial board called on him to resign. "It is best for everyone, himself included, if he goes away quietly," they concluded. One of Fox's most prominent big beast anchors, Tucker Carlson, also turned against the president on Thursday night. Leaving aside for a moment Fox's own culpability for the mess he describes, Carlson's remarks are worth quoting. "We've gone from being this big continental country with an enormous span of concerns and interests to a sweaty chat room of 300 million people all of whom are focused on a single man, Donald Trump. "That is not healthy, no matter how you feel about Trump. At some point you've got to wonder about where our country is putting all of its energy. Is any single president, anyone, worth all of this time and attention?" Without support from crucial enablers like Carlson - and with even Sean Hannity and Lou Dobbs visibly losing patience on air with his team's evidence-free claims - this president is left with only the loopiest of media advocates like OANN's Chanel Rion to promote his cause. Twitter was arguably the true source of Donald Trump's power - the president able to broadcast to 88.7 million followers with every post. But the Silicon Valley giant on Friday followed Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat in banning him. Social media companies had grown more uncomfortable hosting his unproven and often dangerous counter-factual statements, particularly during the George Floyd protests last summer and in the aftermath of the election. Right-wing pundits say the Capitol riots mean an end to Trump's media ambitions post-Washington, his credibility so dashed even with the Maga crowd that the prospect of a "Trump TV" channel to challenge his ex-friends at Fox is a non-starter. Whether that is accurate remains to be seen, but the loss of the platform social media has provided would mean a death blow to his brand, perhaps the real reason for his condemnation video last Thursday night, which, as one angry Trump supporter commented on Reddit, looked "like a hostage reading a prepared script". His lack of enthusiasm for the gesture was obvious. 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 former chairperson of the board of directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged forceful takeover of a company by his partner, Hosa Okunbo. In a petition by Femi Falana, counsel to Mr Ayeni, the petitioner asked the EFCC to investigate alleged gross mismanagement and criminal diversion of company funds by Mr Okunbo. In the petition, dated December 7, Mr Ayeni alleged that Mr Okunbo, his partner at Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS) Limited since 2003, allegedly schemed him out of the control of the company. The petitioner said he and Mr Okunbo invested in the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), but his partner moved the companys account to another bank and abandoned repayment of a $100 million loan used for the acquisition of the firm. Mr Ayeni said he discovered a lot of stealing and diversion as well as gross mismanagement of large sums of money belonging to the company, urging the anti-graft commission to step in. Subsequently, the petition reads in part, Capt. Hosa Okunbo told our client that all accounts of the businesses that he was involved in for which he was a signatory, was being rumoured to be closed because of the trial our client was facing, and it was important for him to step aside from the Ocean Marine and its subsidiaries structure and hand over to him, so that he could protect the income sources as that was the only source of income with which to fund the faithful repayment of the gross liabilities, which were well over $150 million owed to a consortium of banks led by Polaris Bank over the acquisition of the IBEDC and the YEDC DisCos as at the time. Our client agreed to the advice and did not doubt Capt. Hosa Okunbos sincerity and intention to act in good faith, based on the trust our client had in him as they had both been working and partnering together since July 2003. At no point was an actual sale of his interest in Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates ever discussed, but Capt. Hosa Okunbo is trying to use the gentlemens arrangement to forcefully take over his holdings of the Company whose monthly income is about $9 million. Mr Ayeni claimed that, however, since the suggestion was effected, their client does not receive emails and briefings from the group in respect of the businesses and finances any longer, but was getting the monthly allowance they had agreed to be paying themselves. Even for this monthly payment, he asked our client to provide an account in which he was not a Director or signatory. He did so and his monthly allowances were regularly being paid until September 2020 when the payment completely stopped due to apparent irreconcilable differences bordering on financial impropriety of Capt. Hosa Okunbo, he alleged. Our client has since discovered a lot of stealing and diversion, as well as gross mismanagement of large sums of money belonging to the Company. When our client confronted Capt Hosa Okunbo, he had no defence whatsoever but claimed that he had bought our client out of the Company and that he cannot complain. This is a company where Capt Hosa Okunbo owns 46%, our client 35%, Garth Dooley 14% and Admiral Joe Aikhomu 5%. In 2016, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) took over Skye Bank Plc, now Polaris Bank Limited. In the wake of the take-over, the new management wrote a petition against the Ayeni-led management and charges were filed against him at both at the Federal High Court and the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. Consequently, Mr Falana wrote in the petition, Our client became very distracted from the day to day operations of the company because of an almost daily requirement of his presence at either the EFCC, the offices of his lawyers and the courts. During this period, the company had a payment challenge from the CBN as it also works for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and its subsidiary NPDC as a result of which some of the payments are denominated in United States Dollars and as such the payments come through the CBN. Mr Ayeni also accused his partner of refusing to pay back $2 million he took from the company to fund the current Liberian presidents election, adding that he and his partner gave about $6 million to Ned Nwoko, a politician, to secure a business deal. OMS, Nwoko react However, in a swift reaction, OMS urged the public to disregard Mr Ayenis allegations. According to Thisday newspaper, the company alleged that Dr. Olatunde John Ayeni is no longer a Director of OMS and any of its Associated Companies having resigned from OMS since August 2018, and that he is no longer a shareholder of OMS and its Associated Companies having sold and transferred all his shares and interests to Wells Property Development Company Limited for valuable consideration since 2018. ADVERTISEMENT The company also stated unequivocally that its accounts are in good and correct order and its funds are intact and not missing, misappropriated or otherwise mismanaged. It added that the companys board has passed a vote of confidence on Mr Okunbo and that Mr Ayeni is a meddlesome interloper who is seeking to blackmail Capt. (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo at this time of his ill-health for financial benefit. Dr. Olatunde John Ayeni has no interest whatsoever in OMS and its affairs and is hereby advised to steer clear from OMS and its Associated Companies, the statement concluded. Also in his reaction, Mr Nwoko said he never had any dealing with Mr Ayeni or the company. I wish to state that at no point in time have I had any dealings with Ayeni or Ocean Marine Solutions in whatever capacity as it relates to the above transaction, he said in a response. I have never received any sum from Ayeni which he purported in his petition and he has never played any role whatsoever as it relates to this transaction. All transactions on the subject matter were done directly with Capt. (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo in his personal capacity to the exclusion of any other party including Ocean Marine Solutions Limited. To suggest otherwise as contained in the said petition is merely a malicious statement devoid of truth. WhatsApp new privacy policy raises concerns among cyber security analysts here By S. Rubatheesan View(s): View(s): As social media messaging app WhatsApp introduced a new user privacy policy to extract sweeping personal user data to be shared with its mother company Facebook, users in Sri Lanka are less informed about its consequences in the absence of data privacy legislation, according to cyber security analysts. Early this week, WhatsApp users received a notification about key updates including information of how it processes users data and how businesses can use Facebook hosted services to store and manage their WhatsApp chats. Another bullet point in the notification was how the messaging app partners with Facebook to offer integrations across the Facebook company products. Once the user tapped Agree, the messaging app indicated that the user accepted the new terms and privacy policy which came into effect from Friday as the company announced earlier. Those who declined to accept the update will not be able to access the app in future. If you have an iPhone, its App store indicates what kind of user data information is being collected through Facebook company products such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger which extracts comprehensive data from the user compared to WhatsApp. The data both apps collect includes users purchase history, financial information, location details, contacts, phone number, email address, and usage data, coarse location etc. Asela Waidyalankara, a cybersecurity professional is of the view that the new Terms of Service (ToS) by WhatsApp is a final nail in the coffin when it comes to data privacy and secure communication as most Sri Lankan users of social media are not aware of how their data is being collected by these tech companies to make ad revenues. Under the new ToS, WhatsApp messages will continue to be end to end encryption mode but various data about users such as type of device, contacts, Operating System (OS), details of frequent calls would be extracted and integrated among the products of Facebook, Mr Waidyalankara told the Sunday Times explaining the example of how a new contact a user saves in his/her messaging app results hours later by a friend suggesting the same person on Facebook. Noting that even though the country marked the highest literacy rate of 92 percent in the region, the digital literacy rate among citizens is relatively very low even though there are 6.9 million active internet users in the country. For social media tech companies- data is the oil, he added. People should be taught how not to overshare their personal details in the social media platforms which consider the users and their data as the product of these companies which are available freely to access. It is through our data they make ad revenues, Mr Waidyalankara said while pointing out that following the new WhatsApp privacy policy, many concerned users migrated to other secure apps such as Signal and Telegram which collect less data about the user. Ravindu Meegasmulla, Information Security Engineer attached to Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) stressed that following the update on privacy, WhatsApp messages wont be read or shared by any third party as believed but the two apple (Facebook and WhatsApp) would be able to extract a whole lot of personal data from users. The absence of necessary data protection and privacy laws in place is also one of the reasons why we cant act proactively on data privacy. Currently CERT is engaged in conducting awareness programmes to educate the people on the importance of the topic, Mr Meegasmulla said while stressing, since the pandemic hit the country, usage of social media increased exponentially and some 14,000 complaints related to social media have been lodged at the institution. A Cyber Security Bill is still in the process of finalising the process under the Ministry of Technology which comes under the purview of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and is yet to be approved by the Cabinet. During the previous government, discussions were also held to formulate a Data Protection Bill. Following the new mandatory privacy update introduced by WhatsApp raised concerns of user privacy and data security many users moved to other alternative social messaging apps such as Signal and Telegram which do not extract data of users except the phone number. Even the phone number is not linked with the personal identity of the user. Signal, an open source messaging application said that it has a record level of downloads around the world as many migrated to the platform for secure communication. Between WhatsApp announcing they would be sharing everything with the Facebook mothership and the Apple privacy labels that allowed people to compare us to other popular messengers, it seems many people are interested in private communication, a message published by Signal developers said. As an organisation we work very hard to not know anything about you all. There arent analytics in the app, we use end to end encryption for everything from your messages and calls/video as well as all your metadata so we have no idea who you talk to or what you talk about. the message read. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Ukraine's MFA expresses condolences to Indonesia over plane crash The Flight SJ182 Boeing 737 plane crashed into the Java Sea near Laki Island on January 9, 2021. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has expressed condolences to Indonesia over Sriwijaya Air Flight SJ182 crash on January 9, 2021. "Shocked by tragic reports of Sriwijaya Air Flight SJ182 crash in Indonesia. My deepest sympathy is with the families of the victims. Ukraine stands with the people and the government of Indonesia at this difficult time," the minister wrote on Twitter on January 10, 2021. Read also Indonesia locates two black boxes of crashed plane media Indonesia plane crash in 2021 The Flight SJ182 Boeing 737 plane crashed into the Java Sea near Laki Island, according to the Russian news agency TASS. According to a representative of local authorities, information about the plane crash was received at about 14:30 local time (09:30 Kyiv time). Before that, the media reported that dispatchers in Indonesia had lost contact with Sriwijaya Air's Boeing, which could have carried at least 50 passengers. The plane was en route from Jakarta to the city of Pontianak, the administrative center of the West Kalimantan province. The Boeing 737-524 airliner was last seen over the waters of the Java Sea in the northern part of Java. Representative of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleh Nikolenko said there had been no Ukrainian citizens on board the plane. Reporting by UNIAN If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter 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. If I ever hear a politician say again that schools are a safe environment, I will try and get a pellet gun for a polite reply. Never was a comment made to look so silly as last week. With a pandemic out of control and hospitals bulging, the correct message from Government was to stay at home. Then in the next breath was the news that 60,000 Leaving Cert students and 20,000 teachers would be back in school. Did nobody advise the Education Minister that the two things were mutually incompatible? Immediately there was widespread frustration, disbelief and anger in the teaching ranks. Many teachers have health issues, some have Covid. Throw in students who may be asymptomatic, put them in a class for an hour at a time and then see how safe they would be. The only logical conclusion would be an explosion of cases. This was a health and safety issue. Poor old Tony Holohan is the mudguard for every decision. He was thrown under the bus again. I have carefully read his letter and he does not say at any point that it was now safe for students to return to school. Yet he is the fall guy with the slogan, 'Schools are a safe environment'. They certainly were before Christmas when cases were a couple of hundred or less in the community, but definitely not when they are many thousands. Before Christmas, schools managed well, and I was one of those who campaigned for them to remain open. I also wanted the Leaving Cert to go ahead last year, too. That was another self-inflicted disaster by the Department of Education, the final effects of which are still being played out in the High Court. As a result of my shift in position on school opening, I found myself in strange company. I had to change the habits of a lifetime and fall in line with the comrades in Asti. When I went on RTE radio on Thursday to argue against opening schools - on the basis that only six could go to a wedding and 10 to a funeral, yet 30 could be in a small classroom with a teacher for up to an hour - Kieran Christie, of Asti, must have nearly had a seizure. This though was no time for petty squabbling with the lefties of Asti. They were right - the health and well-being of students and teachers is far more important than a few days at school. And it is not as if school is not continuing. Work online has improved significantly since March, the department has financed more devices, and teachers have seriously upskilled in delivering online live classes or pre-recorded ones. Of course the issue of engagement is a major problem - and students with special needs can really struggle. Issues like poor broadband, lack of devices in the home, and lack of a quiet space are just a few problems some young people have to deal with. Others will down tools altogether or go working. Even in the best of learning academies, online teaching is no substitute for being in the classroom. And if the proposal to open went ahead, I think school would have been a joke anyway. Surveys among schools showed in may cases more than 50pc of students would not come in - so you would have the worst of every world. These decisions were being made by parents who were fearful of the health implications for them and possibly grandparents. Indeed, for the first time since this began, I am sensing fear. Some, including myself, who were quite blase about this since March are now hearing the wolf at the door. If anyone thinks this is an extended holidays for teachers, they are deluded. Teaching online is far harder than being in the classroom. These last few days teachers all over the country are busy getting their classes prepared for delivery next week. They will try to deliver at different levels for students of various ability and will check in to see how their students are coping. Everyone can understand the wish to get students back to school. We all miss our students greatly, their good humour, friendship, honesty and loyalty. And even the odd one who needs a gentle scolding, too. Those young people in our care and their parents have had a rough nine months. School is also a much duller place without sport, music, drama, debates and a thousand other things that make the memories. The rapid spread of the disease is frightening. This is no time to be playing Russian roulette with the health of thousands of young adults and teachers. The lesson for the Government from this embarrassing saga is that any proposal has to be credible, reasonable and generally acceptable. It failed on all three counts because they did not ask anyone, who operated in the real world, this simple question: will this work? Colm O'Rourke is a secondary school principal and noted GAA analyst Indias economy is showing decisive signs of a V-shaped recovery in 2021 with the return of consumer confidence, robust financial markets, an uptick in manufacturing, and exporters braving it out in the global market with never-say-die spirit, said on Sunday. The industry chamber said it expected immense accruals of economic benefits from the Covid-19 vaccination programme about to be rolled out. The high-frequency data is a strong pointer to a V-shaped recovery in 2021 with the seeds bursting into green shoots over the last two months of 2020 itself, Secretary General Deepak Sood said. Indias 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. According to Assocham, the most definitive of the data is the record collection of Rs 1.15 trillion in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) during December. The state-wise collection showed the fightback spirit in consumer confidence. Illustratively, the largest consumption state of Maharashtra, which was amongst the severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, has posted a healthy growth of seven per cent in GST collection; even as the total GST mop-up was up 12 per cent year-on-year, Sood said. He said the Budget for 2021-22 would be a major catalyst. Great focus on health care, agriculture and revival of demand would be imperatives in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamans Budget. Tokyo: A new coronavirus variant has been detected in four travellers from Brazil's Amazonas state, Japan's Health Ministry said on Sunday, the latest new mutation of the virus discovered. A ministry official said studies were underway into the efficacy of vaccines against the new variant, which differs from highly infectious variants first found in Britain and South Africa that have driven a surge in cases. "At the moment, there is no proof showing the new variant found in those from Brazil is high in infectiousness," Takaji Wakita, head of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, told a health ministry briefing. People wear face masks at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Four passengers from Brazil quarantined at the airport have been diagnosed with carrying a new variant of coronavirus. Credit:AP Still, Brazil's Health Ministry said it has been notified by Japan's authorities that the new variant has 12 mutations, and one of them has already been identified also in the variants found in the United Kingdom and in South Africa. "It implies in a potential higher virus infectiousness," it said. Priscilla Beaulieu became Priscilla Presley on May 1, 1967, when she married Elvis Presley at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. But Priscilla and Elviss love story was no whirlwind romance. The couple met in 1959, nearly seven years before they finally tied the knot. Elvis was serving in the U.S. Army, and Priscilla was just 14 years old at the time. After exchanging phone calls, letters, and photographs for over two years, Elvis and Priscilla still saw the potential for a long-term relationship. Priscillas parents allowed her to spend Christmas with Elvis at Graceland in 1962. In her 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me, Priscilla looked back at one alleged incident from that fateful trip that wasnt quite so romantic. Elvis and Priscilla Presley just after their wedding | Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Elvis gave Priscilla two sleeping pills, she claimed After much cajoling, Priscillas parents reluctantly agreed to allow her to spend Christmas 1962 with her much older boyfriend at his Memphis estate. After flying from Germany, Priscilla then still a teenager was in awe at her first glimpse of Graceland decked out in holiday lights. Elvis and Priscilla spent the evening with family and members of the Memphis Mafia, only calling it a night at 4 a.m. Priscilla was exhausted from her long flight, as well as from staying up for two days beforehand out of sheer excitement. In Elvis and Me, she claimed that Elvis gave her two red pills she didnt recognize to help her get some rest. I really didnt need anything, she recalled, but he insisted, saying that they would help me sleep better and were a little stronger than what Id taken before. Tom Jones with Priscilla and Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images RELATED: Elvis Presley Sang This Famous Dolly Parton Song to Priscilla After Their Divorce She alleged that she became unconscious as a result After swallowing the pills, Priscilla wrote that she felt good and kind of silly, if a bit heavy and weighed down. But after a long soak in the bathtub, she realized that the pills had had more of an effect than she expected much more. Priscilla remembered staggering over to where Elvis was lying and collapsing on the bed. After that, Priscilla wrote in Elvis and Me, she wasnt sure of whether she was conscious or not, dreaming or hallucinating, in reality or fiction. She remembered waking up only occasionally, but she could never make sense of what she was seeing. The teen felt the room was spinning around and could barely lift her head when others spoke to her. Priscilla Beaulieu in Jan. 1963 with her new dog, Honey | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images RELATED: Elvis Presleys Girlfriend Claimed His Manager Didnt Let Him Take a Role in an Oscar-Winning Movie Priscilla missed two days of her trip When she finally came to, Priscilla wrote that she heard someone say to Elvis, You got no business givin her something shes not used to. Son, maybe we ought to call a doctor. Shes in bad shape. I dont think we should take any chances. But the King of Rock and Roll would have none of it, Priscilla alleged. She heard him say, Hell no, were not callin any doctor. Look, shes comin to. Elvis seemed concerned about Priscillas welfare and told her shed been lying on the chaise lounge in his office after the first day she was in bed. She remembered he told her that she was out for two days on twofive-hundred-milligram Placidyls. While Elvis admitted he must have been out of his head to give his young girlfriend the pills, he promised to make it up to her (and, at least in her books, he did with the gift of a brand-new puppy on Christmas Eve). As for Priscilla, she didnt mind much; she even gave Elvis a wink and a giddy grin when she woke up. She was mainly concerned at the time about missing two full days of her much-anticipated trip. Many parents whose newborn babies were among those dead in the Bhandara hospital fire have blamed the staff there for dereliction of duty. Ten babies died after the fire broke out on Saturday at the Special Newborn Care Unit of the four-storeyed district hospital in Maharashtra's Bhandara district town, about 900 km from the state capital Mumbai. Kin of Geeta and Vishwanath Behere, whose two month- old daughter was among the 10 newborn babies who perished in the blaze, blamed the hospital authorities for dereliction of duty. They claimed that no doctor or nurse was present in the unit when fire broke out. They blamed the hospital administration for the tragedy and sought action against those responsible. Vandana Sidam from Ravanwadi in Bhandara district gave birth to a girl at Pahela primary health centre on January 3.The baby was shifted to the district hospital unit as its weight was below normal. Family members of Vandana, whose husband was working in Pune when the tragedy happened, have blamed the hospital authorities for the fire and sought action against officials who they claim ignored safety norms. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who has ordered a probe into the incident, is scheduled to visit Bhandara on Sunday and meet hospital officials and parents of the victims. A district official said the fire broke out around 1.30 am. At the time, there were two nurses and a helper in the childrens ward and they immediately raised an alarm. The fire brigade was called out and before it arrived, staffers tried to rescue the children and managed to save seven infants. Bhandara District Health Officer Prashant Uike said the SNCU is a 36-bed ward. The ages of the deceased children ranged between a few days to a few months. Civil Surgeon Pramod Khandate said most newborns died due to suffocation. "One baby had fatal burn injuries, and two others had minor burns injuries. The rest inhaled a lot of smoke," he said. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 18:28:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close STOCKHOLM, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Around 100 children in Sweden have developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) after contracting COVID-19, raising alarm about a shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) beds, local media reported Saturday. Of the around 100 cases, 30 were linked to the second wave of the pandemic, causing doctors to be increasingly concerned, the newspaper Dagens Nyheter reported. While few children get seriously ill from COVID-19, the Astrid Lindgren's Children's Hospital in Stockholm is currently treating six children for MIS-C, and one child has been admitted to a hospital in the Gothenburg region with the same condition, where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. "They are severely ill and all are near the verge of needing ICU treatment," Stefan Berg, a pediatrician at Gothenburg's Sahlgrenska hospital said of the young patients. "We are trying to treat some patients who ought to be in ICU at other departments as far as possible since we know there's a shortage in beds right now," Berg said. Berg's colleague, Karin Palmblad in Stockholm, said that so far all children afflicted with MIS-C after contracting COVID-19 have recovered thanks to a swift and aggressive treatment and thanks to what Palmblad labeled a "unique national collaboration, where all rheumatologists and several other experts are in contact every two weeks." However, at the group's latest meeting on Thursday, several doctors raised concerns about a potential shortage in ICU beds for children. Also, the Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital has had to loan staff members to adult COVID-19 wards due to a shortage in personnel. Berg said that MIS-C is a rare condition and that there is great expertise in Sweden regarding its treatment, but Palmblad also said that while no child has been denied hospital care up until now, she is worried it might happen in the future. Children who get MIS-C have often experienced just mild COVID-19 symptoms but then develop the condition around three to six weeks after being infected with the novel coronavirus. Symptoms include high fever, diarrhea and/or vomiting, rashes, red eyes and headaches. Enditem Please disable your ad blocker, and refresh the page to view this content. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The Southern Poverty Law Center is calling for an investigation into the role a group headed by Alabama AG Steve Marshall played in organizing a rally at the U.S. Capitol that turned violent, resulting in five deaths and the takeover of the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob. Marshall said earlier this week he has directed an internal review after reports that the policy branch of the Republican Attorney Generals Association -- a branch headed by Marshall -- played a role in organizing and promoting the protests around the U.S. Capitol Building. Marshall said that decisions were made within that group without his authorization but did not specify further. The SPLC Action Fund issued a news release Saturday saying that the Alabama Ethics Commission and Alabama State Bar should investigate the matter, not Marshall and the RAGA. Attorney General Marshalls account of his involvement in Wednesdays insurrection is not credible, SPLC Action Fund CEO and President Margaret Huang said in a news release. Hes asking the public to believe that he was completely unaware of his staffs work to organize the rally and insurrectionist efforts urged by the disgraced President Trump. It appears he is lying to his constituents the Alabama people and the American public at large about the outcome of the 2020 election and his role in the failed yet deadly coup. Before the violence, the RAGA policy branch, called the Rule of Law Defense Fund, put out a robocall urging people to march to the Capitol building and call on Congress to stop the steal, according to the Documented story, which has a recording of the call. The Alabama Attorney Generals Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday, but previously issued a statement saying that RAGA policy branch staff had made unauthorized decisions without specifying what those decisions were. I was unaware of unauthorized decisions made by RLDF staff with regard to this weeks rally, Marshall said. Despite currently transitioning into my role as the newly elected chairman of RLDF, it is unacceptable that I was neither consulted about nor informed of those decisions. I have directed an internal review of this matter. As I said yesterday, I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the actions of those who attempted to storm the U.S. Capitol, a place where passionate but peaceful protestors had gathered and lawmakers debated inside. Our country is built upon the foundation of the rule of law. American democracy guarantees the right of peaceful protest. Those who chose to engage in violence and anarchy should and will be held accountable under the law. Huang and the SPLC said that was insufficient. Any involvement by Marshall or his organization in Wednesdays desecration of the US Capitol deserves thorough scrutiny but not from the very people who promoted Trumps attempt to stop the democratic transition. Despite Trumps debasement of his office, we can and should expect the highest level of honor and ethics from our elected officials, Huang said. As a lawyer and member of the Alabama Bar, Marshall swore an oath to uphold and respect the law. Both the Alabama Ethics Commission and the Alabama Bar Association should conduct independent reviews into Marshalls knowledge of and participation in Wednesdays insurrection and, if warranted, impose appropriate penalties. We cannot begin to rebuild our democratic systems without a full accounting of how the insurrection happened and consequences for all those directly involved. Marshall and any other Alabama officials involved in the events must be held accountable. A man shot dead in the street in Sydney's west was an underworld gang figure whose brother was executed in a drive-by shooting six years ago. Amar Kettule, 34, died at the scene after being hit with a spray of bullets on a side lane near William Street in Fairfield about 2.40am on Sunday morning. Police said he had been with a woman on Downey Lane and was either sitting in his car or was nearby when he was shot. His brother Dylann Kettule was 19-years-old when he was gunned down in a suspected drive-by shooting outside his girlfriend's unit block in January 2014. The 34-year-old - who police have said is well-known to authorities - is believed to be a member of the True Kings street gang. Scroll down for video Amar Kettule, 34, was shot dead in the street in a suspected targeted attack in Sydney's west in the early hours of Sunday morning Police are pictured at the scene after the deadly shooting. Kettule is believed to be a member of the True Kings street gang His death is thought to be linked to a feud with another Fairfield-based street gang called DLAST HR, a source told The Daily Telegraph. Kettule has links to the Nomads bikie gang and memorably had to be restrained by police in the aftermath of his brother's death when he demanded to see Dylann's body. Fairfield City PAC Commander Glen Fitzgerald said police were investigating whether Sunday morning's killing was linked to gang wars in the area. 'We believe the attack to be targeted. He is well-known to police - however this is a violent attack on a suburban street and is unacceptable behaviour,' he said. Pictured: Amar Kettule. He was well-known to authorities, police said on Sunday morning Police comfort a woman at the scene of the shooting on Sunday. Kettule died at the scene after being hit with a spray of bullets on a side lane Fairfield City PAC Commander Glen Fitzgerald said police were investigating whether Sunday morning's killing was linked to gang wars in the area Sections of both William Street and neighbouring Harris Street have been closed with local diversions in place. Police are advising the community to avoid the area. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) Jordan Bohannon knew what was his favorite number was on his final box score. The Iowa senior guard had 19 points and a career-high 14 assists, Luka Garza had 33 points and the No. 5 Hawkeyes beat No. 16 Minnesota 86-71 on Sunday. Bohannon also had seven rebounds and zero turnovers in almost 36 minutes. You know me, its the zero turnovers, Bohannon said when asked what was his best statistic of the day. Thats something I always pride myself in, to not turn the ball over. Be steady with the ball and find guys. It was Bohannons overall line that impressed Iowa coach Fran McCaffery. He has always really been tremendous in our fast break and in our ability to push it, McCaffery said. From the opening tip today, he was pushing the ball and finding people. I thought his decisions when to shoot, when to drive, when to move it, when to get it in the post were tremendous. Practically perfect." Joe Wieskamp added 20 points for the Hawkeyes (11-2, 5-1 Big Ten), who avenged a 102-95 overtime loss to the Gophers on Christmas Day. If it wasnt for Luka making his layups, I wouldnt have 14 assists, Bohannon said. I think that more than 95% of my passes were assists to him. Iowa had 27 assists on 31 field goals. Our guards are really unselfish, Garza said. When we get out on transition, thats when were at our best. J-Bo was finding me tonight. Bohannon missed most of last season because of surgeries on both of his hips. He has scored 74 points in his last four games after totaling 27 in the previous five. Ive been through hell for the last year and a half, two years, Bohannon said. It was a lot for me, mentally and physically. It took a lot of internal motivation for myself to get back to the player I know I can be. The Hawkeyes led 39-37 at halftime and opened the second half with a 22-6 run. Garza had 10 points in that stretch. Garza, who came into the game leading the nation in scoring at 27.2 points per game, was 13 of 20 from the field. Story continues Minnesota (10-4, 3-4) rallied from a 63-45 deficit to get within five twice late in the second half. It started to look like the Gophers earlier win against the Hawkeyes, when they rallied from seven points down with 44 seconds left in the second half to send it to overtime. We fought hard to get back within five, which is great, Minnesota coach Richard Pitino said. But then we took ill-advised shots. We just took some bad shots down the stretch and couldnt get stops. Minnesota made just 10 3-pointers against the Hawkeyes after having 17 in the first matchup. Our loss up there on Christmas night was in the back of our minds, Wieskamp said. This one was kind of personal for us. They shot it well at their place, but they were getting open looks. So that was a key emphasis in this game, to get up in their space. Both Gach and Marcus Carr each had 13 points for the Gophers. Brandon Johnson had 12. Liam Robbins added 10. Carr had 30 points and Johnson had 26 against the Hawkeyes earlier this season. MILESTONE Wieskamp, a junior, became the 50th player in Iowas history to score 1,000 career points. The 1,000th point came on a free throw with 17:48 left in the second half. Its a special accomplishment for me, said Wieskamp, who has 1,009 career points. BIG PICTURE Iowa won its fourth consecutive game and stayed within a half-game of the Big Ten lead. Minnesota, which went undefeated in nonconference play, lost for the third time in four games. UP NEXT Iowa: At home against No. 23 Michigan State on Thursday Minnesota: At home against No. 10 Michigan on Saturday. ___ More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25 A Boston man who was indicted by a federal grand jury last year on charges that he secretly filmed boys in bathrooms at Boston Latin School is expected to plead guilty to charges Monday, according to court records. Erin Tran Thai, 36, was indicted and arrested in March 2019. He faces several counts of sexual exploitation of children. Federal court records show that on Feb. 6, 2018, and Feb. 27, 2018, two separate Boston College students reported to police they had been videotaped without their knowledge or consent while using the mens restrooms at the Boston College campus. Police located in spoke with Thai after the Feb. 27, 2018 incident and he was arrested on state charges in Middlesex Superior Court. It is alleged that while speaking with police, Thai admitted to taking some pictures of a man in the stall next to him without the mans consent, federal authorities said. He further admitted to engaging in such activity for about a year. Investigators, at the time of the arrest, searched Thais bag and located several covert camera devices including: fake smoke detectors, a water bottle containing a small cube recording device, and a pair of sunglasses outfitted with a built-in camera, records said. Authorities then searched Thais home on March 1, 2018, and seized approximately 26 computer hard drives, 20 thumb drives, 27 covert and regular cameras, 14 computers, iPads, and cell phones, and multiple SD and Sim cards. The items were then reviewed by investigators. Several folders were labeled, BU, MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, Bunker Hill, Boston Latin High School, and several different malls, airports, and foreign country locations, federal authorities said. Videos contained in folders labeled Boston Latin High School had 45 surreptitiously-recorded videos of male students in various states of dress using the urinals and stalls in a Boston Latin School boys bathroom, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. It appears the videos were created on 10 separate dates between February and December 2017. In general, the videos show Thai sitting in a bathroom stall at Boston Latin High School recording individuals in adjacent stalls or at the urinals through various secret recording methods, authorities said. In some videos, Thai appears to hold a camera over the top of the partition between the bathroom stalls and videotaping from overhead. Investigators said Thai, in some other instances, would hide a small camera inside a backpack and placed the backpack on the bathroom floor in order to videotape other people in the adjacent bathroom stall. While recording, it appears that Thai would simultaneously view what the camera was recording on a cellphone or a tablet device in his possession, federal authorities said. Thai originally pleaded not guilty in federal court. Records show a change of plea hearing is scheduled for Monday in Boston federal court. Kamala Harris' cover for the February issue of Vogue has caused a stir on social media as critics say the magazine disrespected the vice president-elect by 'white-washing' her skin and putting her in a pair of Converse. The cover from the upcoming issue surfaced on Twitter over the weekend, showing Harris, America's first vice president of color, wearing a black suit jacket, white tee shirt, dark cropped pants and black lace-up sneakers. Dozens of fans came out to condemn the cover, saying the low-quality photo fell short of Vogue's usual style standards and appeared to have lightened Harris' skin. The vice president-elect has not publicly commented on the cover, but journalist Yashar Ali claimed on Twitter early Sunday that her team had signed off on a different image with Harris in a light blue suit. A few hours later Vogue published a photo of a second cover that appeared to match the one Ali said Harris had approved. Kamala Harris' cover for the February issue of Vogue has caused a stir on social media as critics say the magazine disrespected the vice president-elect by 'white-washing' her skin and putting her in a pair of Converse Journalist Yashar Ali tweeted a photo of the offending cover on Sunday and claimed that Harris' team had signed off on a different image than the one used On Sunday morning Vogue published a photo of a second cover (pictured) with the same outfit Ali claimed Harris had approved 'In the cover that they expected, Vice President-elect Harris was wearing a powder blue suit,' Ali tweeted alongside the first cover. 'That was the cover that the Vice President-elect's team and the Vogue team, including [Editor-in-Chief] Anna Wintour, mutually agreed upon...which is standard for fashion magazines.' DailyMail.com has reached out to representatives for Harris and Vogue for comment. When the cover first emerged several Twitter users questioned whether it was real, saying the quality of the photo and the styling seemed way too low for America's leading fashion magazine. 'Wait that Kamala Vogue cover is real?!' one user questioned. 'I thought it was fake that's how bad it is. Did they just ask her to send them photos her husband took or..?' 'Vogue has Kamala Harris in some f**king Converse. Someone needs to throw a cinderblock at Anna Wintour,' another wrote. 'Kamala looks beautiful in whatever she wears- and I love that she's brought Chucks back- but this Vogue cover is unworthy of the first woman, POC, Vice President of the United States,' a third added. Activist Charlotte Clymer tweeted: 'Folks who don't get why the Vogue cover of VP-elect Kamala Harris is bad are missing the point. 'The pic itself isn't terrible as a pic. It's just far, far below the standards of Vogue. They didn't put thought into it. Like homework finished the morning it's due. Disrespectful.' Dozens of fans came out to condemn the cover, saying the low-quality photo fell short of Vogue's usual style standards and appeared to have lightened Harris' skin. The VP-elect is pictured at an event in Wilmington, Delaware, on Thursday When the cover first emerged several Twitter users questioned whether it was real Some critics slammed Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour for putting Harris in sneakers Several users pointed out that the lighting washed out Harris' skin Author Wajahat Ali called the cover 'a mess up' and criticized its coloring Activist Charlotte Clymer said the cover is 'far, far below the standards of Vogue' Others critics submitted photos that would have been better to use on the cover Some users shared various photos of Harris that would have been better for the cover, while others noted that her skin appeared to have been lightened in the one that's set to go to print. 'What a mess up. Anna Wintour must really not have Black friends and colleagues,' author Wajahat Ali wrote in response to Yashar Ali's tweet. 'Kamala Harris is about as light skinned as women of color come and Vogue still f**ked up her lighting. WTF is this washed out mess of a cover?' another user, E. Vaughan, tweeted. 'Vogue knows Kamala Harris loves her sorority, suits, comfortable pants and chuck taylors. So they just jumbled it all together for the cover. Except they couldn't decide whether she is going to a luxe French salon, the Senate floor, or taking a jog.' Several critics pointed out that this isn't the first time Vogue has faced backlash over its handling of minority cover stars. 'Anyone shocked by the poor quality of Kamala's Vogue cover hasn't paid attention to Anna Wintour's bulls**t w/people of color. It spans decades. Team Kamala should've known better,' a user named Trish wrote. Some even called for Wintour to be fired. 'Anna Wintour needs to go,' a particularly frustrated critic wrote. 'If the only time her team can properly style a black women is when she's covered in couture then her tenure has ran it course.' Several critics pointed out that this isn't the first time Vogue has faced backlash over its handling of minority cover stars Wintour came into the cross-hairs of America's reckoning on race over the summer after she was accused of discriminating against employees because of the color of their skin. The 71-year-old from London, who has been at the helm of Vogue for more than three decades, responded to the outrage by issuing an extraordinary mea culpa in June. In a company-wide memo, Wintour admitted to allowing 'hurtful and intolerant' behavior at the magazine and conceded that she had not done enough to champion black staffers and designers. 'I want to start by acknowledging your feelings and expressing my empathy towards what so many of you are going through: sadness, hurt, and anger too,' Wintour began. 'I want to say this especially to the Black members of our team I can only imagine what these days have been like. But I also know that the hurt, and violence, and injustice we're seeing and talking about have been around for a long time. Recognizing it and doing something about it is overdue.' Anna Wintour came into the cross-hairs of America's reckoning on race over the summer after she was accused of discriminating against employees because of the color of their skin However Wintour's letter did little to quell the controversy surrounding her decision to remain in her role - and in October, a group of 18 black journalists who have worked with her over the years accused her of favoring employees who are thin, white, and from elite backgrounds in a piece published by the New York Times. Eleven of them called for her resignation following offensive incidents involving her use of the word 'pickaninny', and other cultural appropriation controversies, including outrage over a 2017 Vogue shoot that featured Karlie Kloss posing in a geisha outfit, with her face in pale makeup and her hair dyed black. The photo shoot in Japan drew immediate accusations of 'yellowface', however Wintour reportedly shut down concerns from her staff, insisting that the pictures could not be cut because it would incur an 'enormous expense'. Wintour responded to the Times piece with another apology, writing: 'I strongly believe that the most important thing any of us can do in our work is to provide opportunities for those who may not have had access to them. 'Undoubtedly, I have made mistakes along the way, and if any mistakes were made at Vogue under my watch, they are mine to own and remedy and I am committed to doing the work.' In December Wintour was promoted to become the first-ever chief executive of Conde Nast, in addition to her roles as Vogue Editor-in-Chief and Conde Nast artistic director. Her new title, global chief content officer of Conde Nast and global editorial director of Vogue, gave her control over all of the publications 25 editions across the globe. DUBLIN (Reuters) - Northern Ireland's health minister on Sunday night said COVID-19 was placing the healthcare system under pressure "like never before," as one hospital appealed on social media for the immediate help of all off-duty healthworkers nearby. The British-run region has struggled with persistently high coronavirus infection rates despite being in and out of some form of lockdown since October. Cases soared to by far their highest level since the pandemic began after the Christmas holidays. The Western Health and Social Care Trust, one of the five regional groups that run Northern Ireland's hospitals, made the call to workers near the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in the town Enniskillen, close to the border with Ireland. "Attention all off-duty staff in the vicinity of SWAH. Due to increasing pressures this evening on the NI (Northern Irish) Healthcare System we are appealing to you to contact or go directly to the hospital. Thank You," the Trust said on Twitter. Patients were being diverted to Enniskillen due to pressure on hospitals elsewhere, it added. A Sinn Fein lawmaker, Liz Kimmins, whose party jointly leads the devolved regional government, also posted a message she said was sent to nurses at another hospital in the town of Craigavon calling on off duty staff to help on Sunday night. Health Minister Robin Swann shared a statement from the chief executives of the hospital groups urging people to only go to emergency rooms if they need emergency care, and that patients will need to leave the hospital as soon as they are medically fit to do so. That might mean families "having to go the extra mile" to provide temporary support for relatives, they said. They warned that those arriving by ambulance may have to wait hours before space is available in already stretched emergency departments. The statement added that despite hospitals already being at 94% capacity, modelling projections indicate they will be contending with double the number of COVID-19 patients in the third week in January. "Our health service is under pressure, like never before, please play your part, follow guidance, you know what to do!" Swann said on Twitter. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Bill Berkrot) The South African Liquor Brand Association has voiced its concern over the ban on alcohol sales and said there is an opportunity for the ban to be reviewed before 15 January, according to a report by The Sunday Times. The association said that the sale of alcohol for home consumption should be allowed an argument that is supported by SABs recent court application against the alcohol ban. Independent liquor traders have called for the government to allow businesses with liquor licences to be permitted to sell alcohol for home consumption, the report stated. President Ramaphosa imposed a nationwide ban on alcohol sales on 28 December when the country went back into level 3 lockdown to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The president said the alcohol ban and other measures would be reviewed before 15 January 2020. Court challenge by SAB Following this announcement, SAB approached the court to challenge the alcohol ban, arguing that it goes beyond what is reasonable and necessary to contain the spread of the virus. 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, SAB said. These include the right to freedom of trade, the right to human dignity, privacy, and the right to bodily and psychological integrity. It argued that the alcohol ban removes the South African publics right to responsibly consume alcohol in the privacy of their own homes, noting that the prohibition would have severe negative effects on local industry. The damage to the South African economy and impact on the alcohol value chain arising from the ban on the sale of alcohol is, in SABs view, disproportional and unlawful. SAB pointed to previously implemented restrictions on trading hours and days, which it said were reasonable and effective measures to mitigate transmission of the coronavirus when paired with a curfew. The company added that an outright ban on sales will cause major economic damage. 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, SAB said. 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, it added. TROY People usually arent thinking about how history will look back at the lives theyre living now, but the Hart Cluett Museum in its Chronicling Covid-19" program is having some success in convincing Rensselaer County residents to consider the future. Masks, both commercial and handmade, signs, artwork, pictures of improvised at-home offices, poems, journal entries and special newspaper sections have slowly flowed into the museum's collections as it builds the artifacts to tell the story of the coronavirus pandemics local impact. Its really relevant when you see how people are embracing or resisting the time and place they are living in, said Samantha Mahoski, curatorial assistant for the museum who is in charge of the program. Its not just the story of the pandemic to be documented. Artifacts from the peaceful June 7, 2020 Troy Rally for Black Lives that grew out of the national response to the May 2020 death by Minneapolis police of George Floyd also are integral to the museums collections for the effect of social movements. Rarely do people living through intense events think to collect things that help document these events, said Karin Krasevac-Lenz, museum executive director. The museum launched its Chronicling Covid-19 effort almost immediately after New York state locked down in mid-March in response to the first wave of the coronavirus. This was followed just a few months later by demonstrations growing from the Black Lives Movement locally. Holding up signs from the demonstrations, Mahoski said, Were still seeing them across Troy and around Rensselaer County. The two historical events have spurred some people to donate to what will become a complex story to recount, Mahoski said. Putting together the story also means adding items such as Gov. Andrew Cuomos New York Tough poster that came out in the spring. There also are special Times Union sections: March 29's Coronavirus: A Community Responds and April 5's Everyday Heroes. Newspapers provide insights into how the community is impacted by events as they happen and give insights into how people respond, Mahoski said. Contributing The Hart Cluett Museum continues to seek contributions from local residents and businesses. Each day brings new developments, such as the introduction of vaccines to battle the pandemic, opening up new stories to add. People who want to contribute to Chronicling COVID-19 can visit the Hart Cluett Museum website at www.hartcluett.org/chronicling-covid-19 or contact the museum at Hart Cluett Museum, 57 Second St., Troy, New York 12180. Pedestrians pass in front of the New York State Department of Labor building, in New York, United States, Jan. 8, 2021. U.S. employers slashed 140,000 jobs in December, the first monthly decline since April 2020, as the recent COVID-19 spikes disrupted labor market recovery, the Labor Department reported Friday. The unemployment rate, which has been trending down over the past seven months, remained unchanged at 6.7 percent, according to the monthly employment report. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. employers slashed 140,000 jobs in December, the first monthly decline since April 2020, as recent COVID-19 spikes disrupt labor market recovery, the Labor Department reported Friday. The unemployment rate, which has been trending down over the past seven months, remained unchanged at 6.7 percent, according to the monthly employment report, which indicated a stalled recovery in the labor market amid resurgent pandemic. "The decline in payroll employment reflects the recent increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and efforts to contain the pandemic," the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said in the report. Amid widespread COVID-19 shutdowns in March and April last year, 22 million Americans lost their jobs. The latest data showed that the number of unemployed persons in December remained unchanged at 10.7 million, which is about 5 million higher than pre-pandemic level in February 2020. The unemployment rate in December was down by 8 percentage points from its recent high in April 2020 but is 3.2 percentage points higher than its pre-pandemic level in February, the bureau noted. The report also showed that growth in total nonfarm payroll employment for October was revised up by 44,000 to 654,000, and the gain for November was revised up by 91,000 to 336,000. In December, job losses in leisure and hospitality and in private education were partially offset by gains in professional and business services, retail trade, and construction, the report noted. Employment in leisure and hospitality declined by 498,000, with three-quarters of the decrease in food services and drinking places, by 372,000. Since February 2020, employment in leisure and hospitality is down by 3.9 million, or 23.2 percent, the report noted. Employment in private education, meanwhile, decreased by 63,000 in December, the report showed, noting that employment in the industry is down by 450,000 since February. Government employment declined by 45,000 in December. Since February, government employment overall is down by 1.3 million. The monthly employment report was released two days after payroll data company Automatic Data Processing reported private companies in the country shed 123,000 jobs in December, which also marked the first drop since April. 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More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor Parlers chief executive said Saturday night that the social media app was suspended from Apples store and will be thrown off Amazons servers in a standoff over censoring content. CEO John Matze said Parler would not bend to Apples demands for increased surveillance and moderation of content and was exploring many options. He said the decision by Amazon could result in a weeklong interruption of it service. Sunday (tomorrow) at midnight Amazon will be shutting off all of our servers in an attempt to completely remove free speech off the internet. There is the possibility Parler will be unavailable on the internet for up to a week as we rebuild from scratch, he said Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. On November 7, 2020, when the two Senate seats in Georgia were headed toward a runoff that it was assumed would easily be won by Republicans, Joe Biden gave a much-ballyhooed speech, declaring: "[Trump-supporters] are not our enemies. They're Americans." "This is the time to heal in America." "I will work to be a president who seeks not to divide, but unify." "But now, let's give each other a chance." "Let this grim era of demonization in America begin to end, here and now." On January 7, 2021, just one day after it was clear beyond recount margins that the Democrats had unexpectedly won both Georgia Senate seats, he immediately shifted gears. Referring to the Capitol riot, he claimed, "No one can tell me if it had 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. We all know that's true, and it is unacceptable. Totally unacceptable". Now, that's the Joe Biden we know. What's telling about his ludicrous assertion (more on that below) is that his criticism isn't directed toward the Capitol rioters. Rather, the rioters are simply a prop for his blanket criticism of police and the systemically racist United States of Dead White Men's Fascist Amerikkka. No, Joe, we don't "all know that's true." You and your base think it's true. You want it to be true, and, using that conclusion as your starting point, you construct your entire narrative around it. But here's what we know is true: To date, the Capitol riot has been the only riot carried out by pro-Trump protesters. During that single riot, one unarmed woman was shot and killed by police. To date, during the excess of 200 violent left-wing protests and riots in 2020 alone, one rioter has been killed by police. Last June, rioter Jorge Gomez, heavily armed and clad in body armor, pointed one of his three guns at police and was promptly shot. here, The aforementioned incident notwithstanding, all the gunfire at BLM and Antifa rallies/riots has been directed not by police, but toward them ( here here , and here , to name a few). This does not include non-firearms-related injuries, nor the assassinations and ambushes of police fueled by what's the MSM word of the week? incitement. Despite regulations forbidding political activism while in uniform, several police departments showed "solidarity" with BLM protesters by kneeling and marching with them. These are facts, and they are undisputed. On what basis is Biden claiming that a Capitol takeover by BLM protesters would have been handled differently? Certainly not on any empirical evidence. Rather, Biden is simply grabbing the baton passed to him by a long line of race-hustlers and elixir salesmen and carrying it to the next cultural hurdle, each of which seems to sink a little lower than the previous one. Rather than stand with both Democrats and Republicans in a rare show of unity against the riot, Biden chose the repugnant stench of identity politics. And why wouldn't he? It's an electoral winner. Georgia, a state many on the left dismiss as some holdout Klan sewer, just elected a pajama boy and Reverend Wright's evil twin. This in an election where Trump wasn't on the ballot and whose personality cannot be blamed. This election, as Georgia voters surely knew, would hand complete power to a party whose platform holds that America is fundamentally evil, black people are perpetual victims, and white people are incurably racist. Remember the Dallas shooting in 2016? BLM-inspired Micah Javier Johnson massacred five police officers and injured nine others who were protecting BLM protesters. Say what you will about Barack Obama, but he was adept at reading speeches written by other people. During his trademark head-swivel eulogy, Obama slowly and stealthily turned a beautiful tribute to the officers murdered by a black racist into a critique of...you guessed it...white racism. And here our next Great Unifier picks up exactly where his mentor Barack Obama left off. Whether it's a black nationalist shooting white police officers or police officers shooting unarmed white protesters, this is all undeniable proof of "white supremacy" wracking our nation. At least the surreptitious Obama had the tactical sense for rhetorical subterfuge. Biden can barely speak in a coherent manner, utterly unable to convey his "thoughts" (if that's how they can be properly described) beyond short, one-sentence bursts before his eyes glaze over into muddled chimeras about the drubbing he gave Corn Pop. In a sense, Joe is right. Had BLM protesters done this, they would have been treated very differently. They would have been treated with kid gloves. Their building takeover would have been called an occupation rather than an invasion. They would have been hailed as "resistance" rather than an "insurrection." Perhaps free rein would have been given to those who "wished to destroy," as Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake did. Perhaps police would have been banned from using tear gas, as Portland mayor Ted Wheeler did. Perhaps tweets would be sent out asking for donations to bail the rioters out of jail, as Kamala Harris did. And pity the officer involved, the 2022 Capitol Police budget, and the small businesses that line our nation's urban streets had an unarmed black woman been shot while climbing through that window frame. The Capitol riot had nothing to do with race, yet that's the only prism through which the left is prepared to view it. America is being intentionally and irreparably torn apart by racial divisions peddled by demagogues who benefit from it financially and politically. A clear majority of voters think these demagogues should exert total control over government for the next two years. Strap in, folks. These waves are about to get a whole lot choppier. Image: Johnny Silvercloud via Flickr (cropped), CC BY-SA 2.0. Makar assured the information was transferred to Ukraine, Russia and even the Belarusian Foreign Ministry back in 2012. Former officer with the Belarusian spec-ops forces Igor Makar who has recently made public audio recordings alleging the involvement of the Belarusian top security leadership in the elimination of political dissidents, including the assassination in a car blast in Kyiv of journalist Pavel Sheremet, says the Ukrainian special services were warned about the preparation of the crime back in 2012. In an interview with the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, he said he had sent the recordings of the conversation of April 11, 2012, as well as all the information with the names, to the U.S. diplomats. On the tapes, ex-KGB head in Belarus Vadim Zaitsev, together with the two officers with the Alpha anti-terrorist special squad, planned the murder of at least four Belarusian citizens who were abroad, including Pavel Sheremet. During the interview, Makar said his friend, former head of the Minsk detention center Oleg Alkaev, whose murder had also been discussed on the tape, was called from the German criminal police and recommended not to leave the country, and was also offered security. The latter lived in Berlin. It means the information about the recording probably came to all countries where the "targets" of the Belarusian spec-ops forces lived. Read alsoSheremet murder: Ex-Belarus KGB officer ready to testifyIn turn, Makar assured the information was transferred to Ukraine, Russia and even the Belarusian Foreign Ministry back in 2012. "In 2012, Pavel was just going to move to Ukraine. But I know the information was transferred to the Russian Federation, and to Ukraine, and even to the Belarusian Foreign Ministry. By the way, just then Vadim Zaitsev was removed from the post of the KGB head," Makar said. According to him, Sheremet was in danger since he was actively investigating the explosion in the Minsk subway in 2011. Sheremet murder case: Background The journalist was assassinated in a car blast in the center of Kyiv on the morning of July 20, 2016. On December 12, 2019, police said they suspected five persons of complicity in the crime: former Donbas war volunteer and musician Andrii Antonenko, army volunteer and pediatric surgeon Yulia Kuzmenko (nom de guerre "Lysa," or "Fox"), a paratrooper unit's nurse Yana Duhar, and a family couple of army volunteers Inna Hryshchenko ("Puma"), and Vladyslav Hryshchenko ("Bucha"). Law enforcers claim that the culprits aimed to destabilize the social and political situation in Ukraine. Antonenko, Kuzmenko and Duhar were notified of their charges on December 12, 2019. Ukrainian investigative journalists with the Slidstvo.info project said they had found the forensic analysis report used in the probe into the murder of Sheremet far from being unambiguous, while evidence presented by the police not convincing. What is more, many Ukrainian activists consider the evidence collected by the investigation to be insufficient. Leaked audio recordings alleging the involvement of Belarus top security leadership in the elimination of political opponents, including the assassination in a car blast of journalist Pavel Sheremet, were released on Monday, January 4. The National Police of Ukraine said they had received documents and audio recordings exposing what could be possible masterminds behind Sheremet's murder. Reporting by UNIAN Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, former director-general of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture, talks about his suggestions on how to solve the problem of heavy traffic in central Hanoi. Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem. Photo nhadautu.vn Though Hanoi authorities have introduced quite a few measures to help ease the citys traffic jam problems, things have not been improved much. What are the problems behind this? Recently, the Hanoi Department of Transport has come up with five groups of measures with a hope to help ease the citys traffic jam. Yet, these measures are only temporary and they cant solve the root cause of the problem. Firstly, all Hanoi planning and resolutions which have adopted from 1998 until now have stated clearly that the city needs at least 20-25 per cent of its land for transport projects. Yet, all projects have been behind schedule. And to date, land allocated for transport development has met about 10 per cent of the requirement. Meanwhile, the volume of individual transport means in the city has increased rapidly. In 2020, Hanoi had more than 7 million types of transport means, of which cars reached a staggering number of 800,000. Though the city authorities have adopted quite many measures to curtail the number of individual cars entering the inner city, things have moved very slowly. Secondly, Hanois plan for transport development is not really rational and thirdly, public transport has not been good enough to attract people to use it. Fourth, the citys transport management has failed to solve the big problem of traffic jams in the inner city in rush hours. Finally, Hanois law has not been strictly implemented to its letter to focus efforts on developing satellite cities to decrease the number of people living in the inner city. In addition, Hanoi authorities should have focused their efforts on developing outlying areas to ease the heavy flow of people trying to move to the inner city to live and find jobs there. How do you respond to Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dungs warning that Hanois infrastructure will soon fail to meet the rapid development of the population? We cannot deny that Hanois infrastructure development has failed to meet the fast development of individual means of transport. In the long run, Hanoi should think of a plan to ban motorbikes from entering the inner city while all cars entering the inner city must pay fees. This is food for thought for city authorities and they should develop a plan on constructing more car parks in the citys outlying areas. If Hanoi authorities will be able to develop a model of five satellite cities which are sitting on some 20,000 hectares with a population of about 1.4 million people, Im pretty sure these satellite cities will release a big burden on Hanoi's inner city. What special policies do Hanoi authorities need to quickly develop the five satellite cities? The Capital Law which was adopted 10 years ago already has an idea of developing five satellite cities. Yet, until now only the Lang Hoa Lac zone was approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last July. Meanwhile, the land planning development of the four other satellite cities Son Tay, Xuan Mai, Phu Xuyen and Soc Son has not yet been approved by Hanoi authorities. Recently, the Hanoi Party Committee decided to make efforts for the development of the Lang Hoa Lac Hi-Tech zone and the university village there. Yet, in their plan, the Hanoi Party Committee didnt talk about the development of residential areas surrounding the Lang Hoa Lac Hi-Tech zone. This is food for thought for the Hanoi authorities and they should learn a lesson from Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur. Last but not least, Hanoi authorities should also make more efforts for the citys work of planning while adopting more attractive policies on land and taxes to attract investors to develop more satellite cities. VNS Hanoi issues action plan to realize resolution of municipal Party Congress Hanoi is set to continue to streamline its political system for greater efficiency in operation, and ensure the successful implementation of the pilot urban administration model. As the Centre made an announcement of launching the Coronavirus vaccination drive on January 16, the BSP has demanded on Sunday that the vaccines be administered to the poor free of cost and they should be the first to get vaccinated. BSP national spokesperson Sudhindra Bhadoria said that party supremo Mayawati had demanded that the poor people should also be a part of the priority group to get the vaccine in the first phase and for free. "People were troubled for a whole year because of the COVID-19 crisis, and many people lost their lives. Our party supremo Mayawati Ji has demanded that poor people, who are resourceless, be given the vaccine in the first phase free of cost. It should be given so that people can go on with their lives independently," Bhadoria said while speaking with ANI. After two successful nationwide 'dry runs', the Centre on Sunday made the announcement of launching the mega vaccination drive across the country on 16 January. The decision came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level review meeting with Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary to PM, Health Secretary, and other senior officials to review the status of COVID-19 in the country along with the preparedness of the State/UTs for COVID vaccination. PM Modi is said to interact with chief ministers of various states regarding the vaccination drive across the country. The Centre has stated that priority will be given to nearly 3 crore healthcare and frontline workers in the vaccination drive, who would be inoculated first before the vaccine is made available to the general public. Thereafter citizens above 50 years and those under 50 years with comorbidities will be inoculated, followed by the general public. READ | Mamata Banerjee Announces Free COVID-19 Vaccine In West Bengal; BJP Calls It 'bogus Claim' READ | Chhattisgarh Health Minister Says COVAXIN Covid Vaccine Shouldn't Be Allowed In The State Politics over the vaccines Soon after the DCGI granted approval to two vaccines Covaxin and Covishield, politics over the vaccines began as Congress and Samajwadi Party raised suspicion over the safety of the vaccine. While Samajwadi Party Chief and former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav called it a BJP vaccine and refused to get himself inoculated, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and Shashi Tharoor also raised apprehension on the safety of the vaccine. Moreover, Chhattisgarh Health Minister also raised apprehensions on Sunday and stated that Covaxin shouldn't be allowed in the state. Responding to the harsh reactions, Bharat Biotech CMD Dr Krishna Ella gave assurance about the safety of COVAXIN. In a virtual address, Ella explained in detail the process of the clinical trials and the data available in the public domain regarding COVAXIN. Comparing COVAXIN's publications to the other vaccines developed by Moderna, Pfizer, and other vaccine developers, Dr Ella said that Covaxin was not inferior in any manner. Moreover, Ecuador Ambassador to India Hector Cueva Jacome participated in the trials of Covaxin on Friday, while stating that he consulted researchers and experts from the US and Ecuador before taking the first shot of the vaccine. The researchers said Covaxin is a safe and convenient vaccine, Jacome added. (with inputs from ANI) READ | MP CM Clarifies On Death Of Man 10 Days After COVAXIN Trial, Terms It As A misconception' Columbia, MO (65201) Today Scattered thunderstorms during the morning becoming more widespread and possibly severe this afternoon. Damaging winds and large hail with some storms. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms during the evening will give way to cloudy skies after midnight. Low 51F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Victoria's Chief Health Officer has attempted to clear up mounting confusion about the two main public health practices used to fight coronavirus. Brett Sutton explained explained in a series of tweets on Sunday night the difference between quarantine and isolation and their role in fighting the pandemic. He said the mandatory two-week quarantine is used as a precautionary measure to ensure a person who may have been exposed is not incubating the illness. Pictured: Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton addresses the media during a press conference in Melbourne in December In a series of tweets, Mr Sutton explained that a mandatory two-week quarantine period is used as a precautionary measure (pictured) 'Quarantine is 14 days (regardless of test results) because someone in quarantine could become positive at any point in this time frame,' he wrote. 'A negative test is no guarantee that you won't become positive later in the 14-day period. You may. You may not.' He said isolation is required for confirmed cases to ensure they do not pass the infection on to others. 'People with Covid-19 are understood to be infectious from one to two days before symptoms until a maximum of 10 days after, if symptoms have resolved,' he wrote. Mr Sutton said people who are in hospital or have compromised immune systems are potentially infectious for longer and need to be in isolation for a lengthened period of time. 'The main criterion to clear these people is that they are free of symptoms. A negative test also helps those with persistent symptoms,' the health officer wrote. Pictured: Healthcare workers are seen attending to people at a drive-through Covid-19 testing facility at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds in Melbourne on January 4 Pictured: a family at baggage collection area after arriving on Qantas flight from Brisbane at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne on January 8 But he also explained why a negative test is not always required in order for someone to be released from isolation. For people with weakened immune systems, 'the test can remain positive for days, or weeks, or sometimes months. 'That means the virus is detectable but it doesn't mean the individual is infectious. They almost certainly aren't.' The doctor explained that health officials are taking a 'cautionary' approach to the new strains of Covid-19, including the B117 mutation causing chaos in the UK. The variant of the virus has a mutated 'spike' protein on the outside which makes it better at invading the body, drastically increasing transmission rates. While 70 per cent more infectious, B117 does not appear to be more severe in its effects. The mutation has changed Australia's quarantine protocols after a woman with the UK variant flew to Brisbane from Melbourne after clearing quarantine on January 5. Under the former protocols, the woman did not need to test negative to the virus before she was allowed to leave hotel quarantine after 10 days. Until the new strain emerged, people who tested positive while in hotel quarantine were able to leave once they showed no symptoms for three days and 10 days had passed since they tested positive. Mr Sutton said that Australians with the new strain will have to isolate for 14 days from the onset of symptoms until experts have a clearer idea of how the mutation works. Pictured: Digital signs encourage customers to wear face masks at Westfield Bondi Junction in Sydney's east 'Until it's clearer, we're going to be ultra-cautious and require the 14 days isolation,' he said. Patients will be tested at the end of the isolation period to help determine the risk based on the number of virus particles still inside the body, known as the viral load. A study by Public Health England and Birmingham University found the new variant 'had seen increase in relative viral load of between 10 and 1,000-fold' compared with samples of the original virus. Victoria has recorded zero new locally-acquired coronavirus cases for a fifth consecutive day. Just one new case was recorded on Monday, which was a returned traveller in hotel quarantine. About 18,660 tests were conducted across the state in the past 24 hours. Victoria has 40 active cases, down from 45 on Sunday. Australian lingerie label Honey Birdette has defied the Covid retail slump by doubling its revenue in 2020 and vowing to open 20 new international stores. While the brand was among thousands of others forced to close shopfronts at the height of the pandemic, a unique 'private appointment' system and social media blitz kept customers coming back as online sales soared. Founder Eloise Monaghan is gearing up to release her 'anti Valentines Day' line after shooting a Mad Max themed campaign in Broken Hill amid constantly changing border conditions and Covid regulations. She said she'd always hoped to recreate the cult film for one of her lines, and was inspired after Covid grounded flights and 'clipped the brand's wings'. While Honey Birdette generally scouts international locations for the shoot, Ms Monaghan wanted to return to the film's actual location in outback New South Wales for authenticity. Founder Eloise Monaghan is gearing up to release her 'anti Valentines Day' line after shooting a Mad Max themed campaign in Broken Hill (pictured) Australian lingerie label Honey Birdette has defied the Covid slump by doubling its revenue in 2020 and vowing to open 20 new international stores She thought it'd be reasonably safe to organise when Covid started to quieten down on home soil, but days out from the shoot the entire nation was placed on high alert. 'It was a nightmare. Border restrictions were changing by the day and we weren't 100 per cent sure we could pull it off,' Ms Monaghan said. 'The day before, we were contemplating cancelling the shoot just in case the borders shut to South Australia. With multiple exemption forms, permits and watching ever-changing travel restrictions, it was an hour by hour play - but we did it.' The campaign also celebrates Honey Birdette's most successful year in its 14-year history. 'We've just had our biggest Christmas ever even with some stores shut, and we're going from strength to strength online,' she said. Ms Monaghan (pictured right) hopes to expand across the United States and Canada, with plans to open 20 brand new stores on the other side of the world While Honey Birdette generally scouts international locations for the shoot, Ms Monaghan wanted to return to the film's actual location in Outback New South Wales for authenticity The new campaign shoot almost didn't go ahead due to Australia's ever changing border policies. Pictured: Police in NSW patrolling the Victorian border She revealed the key to her company's success throughout the multiple lockdowns were private appointments and online sales. 'Private appointments were the big revelation for us during COVID. The fact that we shut the doors on our store in Sydney city and doubled our revenue shows you how much people are craving special attention and that one-on-one experience,' she said. 'We used the words 'sprinting' and 'pivoting' a lot this year, and it was just about trying a whole lot of different things,' Ms Monaghan said. In 2021, the brand hopes to expand across the United States and Canada, with plans to open 20 brand new stores on the other side of the world. Designs are already underway to create an everyday and loungewear collection too, and Ms Monaghan launched a swimwear line in late 2020. She revealed the key to her company's success throughout the multiple lockdowns were private appointments and online sales The new line will be released in line with Valentines Day, and features all the colours expected in a launch - red, black and cotton candy pink Ms Monaghan said this year had shown her that customers want exclusivity without other shoppers 'breathing down their neck'. 'I think trying to be all things to all people at the moment is the hardest thing now, and you can see that with department stores. Eye contact, talking, taking the time - that's what people appreciate these days,' she said. Over the course of 2020, dozens of retailers closed their doors permanently as the pandemic changed the way customers shopped. Among businesses hardest hit were Colette by Colette Hayman, Jeanswest, Bardot, Harris Scarfe, Kikki K, Tigerlily, Seafolly and Mosaic Brands, which encompasses Katies and Rockmans among other shopfronts. In spite of the long list of closures, Ms Monaghan insists 'retail is not dead'. 'Retail is not dead - far from it. It's alive and kicking, and I think COVID really proved that. 'I think there's been this prediction about retail dying and online taking over the world, but people still want to talk to people and have experiences, and there's only so much you can get from a screen.' Ms Monaghan said this year had shown her that customers want exclusivity without other shoppers 'breathing down their neck' The new line will be released in line with Valentines Day, and features all the colours expected in a launch - red, black and cotton candy pink. But Ms Monaghan said the aim of the campaign was to avoid cheesy convention and they hoped to empower women with strong models. 'We didn't want to come across like everyone else does with love hearts and teddy bears and chocolates - screw that,' she said. 'We're about empowerment and almost an anti-Valentine's Day message, so we shot two girls in the desert on motorbikes with stunt doubles.' 'It was quite the drama to get everyone there but I think it's one of our best shoots ever. It's so rock 'n' roll, and it just showcases a stunning piece of Australia,' she said. 'Our customer likes it when we get really strong.' Indonesian rescuers pulled out body parts, pieces of clothing and scraps of metal from the Java Sea on Sunday morning, a day after a Boeing 737-500 with 62 people on board crashed soon after take-off from Jakarta, officials said. Authorities were hopeful they were honing in on the wreckage of Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 after sonar equipment detected a signal from the aircraft. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi told reporters that officials had launched massive search efforts after identifying the possible location of the crash site. These pieces were found by the SAR team between Lancang Island and Laki Island, National Search and Rescue Agency spokesman Bagus Puruhito said in a statement. We heard something explode, we thought it was a bomb or a tsunami since after that we saw the big splash from the water Local fisherman Solihin Indonesian military chief Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said teams on the Rigel navy ship equipped with a remote-operated vehicle had detected a signal from the aircraft, which fitted with the coordinates from the last contact made by the pilots before the plane went missing. We have immediately deployed our divers from navys elite unit to determine the finding to evacuate the victims, Mr Tjahjanto said. More than 12 hours since the Boeing plane operated by the Indonesian airline lost contact, little was known about what caused the crash. Fishermen in the area around Thousand Islands, a chain of islands north of Jakartas coast, reported hearing an explosion around 2.30pm local time on Saturday. An Indonesian soldier beside a map showing the location where the jet went down (Dita Alangkara/AP) We heard something explode, we thought it was a bomb or a tsunami since after that we saw the big splash from the water, fisherman Solihin, who goes by one name, told The Associated Press by phone. It was raining heavily and the weather was so bad. So it is difficult to see around clearly. But we can see the splash and a big wave after the sounds. We were very shocked and directly saw the plane debris and the fuel around our boat. Mr Sumadi said Flight SJ182 was delayed for an hour before it took off at 2.36pm. It disappeared from radar four minutes later, after the pilot contacted air traffic control to ascend to an altitude of 29,000 feet, he said. There were 62 people on board, including seven children and three babies. Rescuers examine debris found in the water off Java Island (Dita Alangkara/AP) We are aware of media reports from Jakarta regarding Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182, Boeing said in a statement. Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and their families. We are in contact with our airline customer and stand ready to support them during this difficult time. Sriwijaya Air president Jefferson Irwin Jauwena said the plane, which was 26 years old and previously used by airlines in the United States, was airworthy. He told reporters on Saturday that the plane had previously flown to Pontianak and Pangkal Pinang city on the same day. Maintenance report said everything went well and airworthy, Mr Jauwena told a news conference. He said the plane was delayed due to bad weather, not because of any damage. Indonesia, the worlds largest archipelago nation, with more than 260 million people, has been plagued by transportation accidents on land, sea and air because of overcrowding on ferries, aging infrastructure and poorly enforced safety standards. In October 2018, a Boeing 737 Max 8 jet operated by Lion Air plunged into the Java Sea just minutes after taking off from Jakarta, killing all 189 people on board. The plane involved in Saturdays incident did not have the automated flight-control system that played a role in the Lion Air crash and another crash of a 737 Max 8 jet in Ethiopia five months later, leading to the grounding of the Max 8 for 20 months. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2021 Albuquerque Journal Kathryn Stedham grew up seeing vast distances from a sailboats deck. Today, those wide open spaces have hardened into desert and rock as she reveals her reverence for New Mexico landscapes in oil. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Stedhams work is on view at Santa Fes Blue Rain Gallery. Her life resembles a tornado of action. A professional artist for 35 years, she hikes, rides horses, fly fishes and teaches from her Railyard studio. A world traveler and rock climber for 14 years, she even reached the pinnacle of Mount Kenya. Her paintings are at once gestural and carefully composed renditions of form, space and light. The artists trajectory into landscape painting was circuitous. Classically trained, she began as a realist figural painter before she deconstructed the body into more of an Abstract Expressionist style. The landscapes emerged when she moved West in 2005, first to Park City, Utah, then to Galisteo and Santa Fe. I paint in a style known as alla prima, she said. Its an Italian phrase; it means in an instant. The painting looks like it has some energy and light. Im concerned with the initial impression. Theres a sense of speed in my painting, she continued, the fleeting moment is what Im interested in. Stedham sold her first painting at 8. She grew up watching the destroyers return home from the ocean near Norfolk, Virginia. She trained at Old Dominion University, and showed her work in galleries in Washington, D.C., New York and Chicago. She moved to Park City in 2005. The greatest gift I ever gave myself was moving West, she said. After selling three public art commissions to the state of Utah, she left for Galisteo in 2011. She had been visiting Santa Fe for years. I didnt want to be a landscape painter the way everyone else was, she said. I wanted to be a landscape painter with my own voice. I want it to be evocative; I want it to be compelling. Im looking for doorways inviting the viewer into the work. She begins by hiking or driving into unexpected spots and vistas, mostly avoiding places already made iconic by other artists. She makes a quick plein air sketch in oil on location before returning to her studio. I use them as reference material for my bigger paintings; I use them as sketches, Stedham explained. Then, I take away all the reference material and paint from memory. The brushstrokes in Ghost Ranch Moon are both gestural and loose in an approach that is at once architectural and subtle. I go there a lot and I just study it, and I ask the rock what it needs from me, Stedham said. I saw the moon rising there. It was as striking as any kind of cathedral; it just speaks to you. How do I create that feeling, that magnificence? Arroyo, Diablo Canyon, with its tangled waves of rocks and sticks, also emerged as a plein air study. Sometimes I think, I cant paint this now, Stedham said. She picked up the drawing several years later. Its deeply dramatic, she continued. I place the view right in the middle of the arroyo. The sense of water is there. She found South Shoulder Echo in the Four Corners area. Theres some beautiful rock formations there, Steham said. Theres this dark hole within this formation. A writer friend of mine said, The leviathans arise from the desert. I saw huge ships, of course. Rio at Buckman Mesa captures her favorite spot overlooking the Rio Grande near White Rock. The river reflects the sky. I paint these obscure places and I go, Well, maybe Ill make it famous. Georgia OKeeffe made certain places famous, Stedham said. An artist told me, You dont paint famous places. I paint these obscure places and I went, Well, maybe Ill make it famous. I feel like Im recording something thats precious and fleeting. SAGINAW, MI Saginaw-based social media firm Digital Mitten has launched a new foundation aimed at helping to keep Michigan children warm while theyre playing outside. Mittens for the Mitten will provide free mittens to elementary students across Michigan each fall, beginning with students enrolled in Bay City Public Schools, according to a company news release. Digital Mitten will set aside a percentage of every invoice billed during 2021 into the foundations account. It is also accepting donations for the cause via its website, digitalmitten.com. The firm plans to use the fund to make and distribute mittens to Michigan schools each fall. Pontiac-based Michigan Mittens will manufacture the custom, lime-green mittens for children. Read more on MLive: Downtown Saginaw has a new 3-story building and here is whats going inside See what businesses opened or closed in 2020 in Saginaw, Bay and Midland counties Frankenmuth Farmers Market now offering wood-fired pizzas to go Local Eats: Bay Citys Salad Bowl has healthy choices for your New Years resolutions $40k in grants available to Tuscola County businesses affected by coronavirus closures ROME - In a forthcoming television interview, Pope Francis says that he will soon receive a coronavirus vaccination, perhaps as early as next week, while calling the inoculation a duty for everyone. "I believe that ethically everyone needs to receive the vaccine," Francis said in an interview with Italy's TG5 that will air Sunday. Francis did not specify the exact timing of his inoculation, but the pontiff said the Vatican's vaccine rollout will begin next week and that he had already booked an appointment. Francis's plan sends a significant pro-vaccine signal to the world's 1.3 billion Catholics. But it also marks a crucial step in safeguarding an 84-year-old who is missing part of a lung, doesn't like to wear a mask and relishes face-to-face interaction. Vatican watchers had widely anticipated that Francis would be administered the jab, and he has spoken favorably for months about the international vaccine effort, calling it a light of hope "in this time of darkness." Until now, though, the Vatican had remained vague on its vaccine plans for the pope. The Holy See only said that its campaign would first target the elderly, medical personnel, and those most in contact with the public The Vatican's health director said the city-state will be using the vaccines produced by Pfizer-BioNTech. In the upcoming interview, Francis suggested his own perspective on vaccines had been shaped by childhood memories of polio, when "so many kids ended up paralyzed because of this and there was a desperation to receive the vaccine." "I don't know why some will say, 'No, the vaccine is dangerous.' " Francis said. "But if doctors offer it to you as something that can work, that poses no special risk, why not take it? There is a suicidal denialism that I wouldn't know how to explain, but today you need to take the vaccine." The journalist who conducted the Friday interview of the pope, Fabio Marchese Ragona, shared a passage of the transcript with The Washington Post. Almost since the beginning of the pandemic, Francis has seemed to have the vaccine on his radar. In May, he said that the search for vaccines should be "transparent and selfless." And he has said several times that leaders must ensure that vaccines are provided to the poor, the sick and the vulnerable. Once fully vaccinated with the two doses, Francis - and the church - will still have to behave cautiously. Medical experts say even those vaccinated should wear a mask. But the pontiff can more easily resume some of the activities that have been on hold for nearly a year, such as international travel. Francis is planning a trip in early March to Iraq, what will be his first venture outside of Italy since the start of the pandemic. Francis, who complained of feeling "caged" during Italy's initial spring lockdown, has made it clear that he does not want to be a Zoom-only pope. As that initial clampdown loosened, Francis tried to reclaim the parts of his papacy he seemed to miss the most, mixing to a greater degree with crowds and meeting with pilgrims. Even amid Europe's second wave, Francis has continued to host groups and hold in-person meetings. Francis's resistance to mask-wearing has perplexed some inside the church, and by forgoing masks in meetings, he is bucking the Vatican's own safety protocols. Neither he nor the Vatican has offered an explanation for his decision to generally go mask-free. The pope's inoculation will hardly mark the first instance of church vaccine endorsement. Last month, the Vatican's doctrinal watchdog said it was "morally acceptable" for Catholics to receive the vaccines that have used cell lines derived from aborted fetuses. Before that guidance, several U.S. bishops had suggested such vaccines were immoral. "From the ethical point of view," the Vatican said, "the morality of vaccination depends not only on the duty to protect one's own health, but also on the duty to pursue the common good." Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka has condemned the insecurity across Nigeria, saying the nations sovereignty has been taken over by armed groups. He also said President Muhammadu Buhari needs to do more to stop Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements who threaten Nigerias security. Mr Soyinka said these during an interview on Arise Television programme on Saturday. From a self-protective point of view, it is a common problem (insecurity); it is a national, collective issue. Dont just sit there and think that you can solve it from Aso Rock, no. This now concerns even the lowest common citizens in this nation because that lowest, that most impotent individual has become a prime target. So, its a collective issue. Instead of that, what do I hear? Somebody gets on the podium and say, The sovereignty of this nation cannot be challenged. Please, dont let us hear any more of that rubbish. The sovereignty of this nation is in the hands of the murdering herdsmen. The sovereignty of this nation has already been taken over by Boko Haram, its been taken over by ISWAP, its been taken over by those with absolutely no respect for what is called national integrity, he said. PREMIUM TIMES has reported about several cases of insecurity across Nigeria with killings and kidnappings now common. Apart from the activities of the terrorist group Boko Haram in the Northeast, armed bandits routinely attack communities in Northwest Nigeria, killing and kidnapping residents. Kidnapping for ransom and attacks by armed herdsmen is also commonplace in many other parts of Nigeria. In many cases, government officials engage in negotiations with the bandits and kidnappers, sometimes leading to the payment of ransom. Mr Soyinka, in the interview, frowned at making payments to armed groups. He said it is unreasonable for leaders to pay protection money to killers instead of dealing with that cancer in the only way which they should which, is excision, to take out killers instead of giving them money. You dont appease evil and we are dealing with evil; there is no other word, we are dealing with the proliferation, the enthronement of evil in the society. And unfortunately, we have encouraged its manifestation, its proliferation, its entrenchment. He also declared support for the call by some Nigerians including the Borno State governor for the government to hire foreign mercenaries to help battle Boko Haram. Im not surprised some governors now say let us reach outside help; its something I have said also. I dont say mercenaries necessarily, but this has gone beyond a Nigerian problem. So, let them get away with the issue of sovereignty. If they have to pay people to come and help us, then call them whatever you want. Please go ahead because weve reached that stage of desperation, he said. Speaking further, Mr Soyinka said the president appointed wrong people into offices, a claim that has often been made by Nigerians on social media and has on several occasions led to the call on Mr Buhari to sack all service chiefs. There are those on whose shoulders must be placed the primary responsibility and that include some former Heads of State who refused to see the inevitability of what we are going through right now. I am very glad that the northern elite are now speaking up, boldly and practically now taking measures which they should have taken years ago. Theyve moved beyond the unbelievable policies of actually paying killers to stop killing. Speaking on the activities of Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, the professor said the operatives must be trained in order not to become the next SARS. ADVERTISEMENT I have told them that anytime they want us to come and assist; we will come even if it is just on the ethical session so that as you are training them to defend us, we are also training their minds so that Amotekun does not become another SARS. We must do everything together. There is infiltration from Pakistan's side, which has led to additional caution to the Indian forces. In the recent past, the Indian Army had captured 6 Pakistani youths on the Indo-Pak border, but they have been handed over to Pakistani Rangers on Saturday. On the 8th of January, on the Indo-Pak border in Amritsar, the BSF had apprehended 6 Pakistani persons who crossed the barbed wire and entered the Indian border. The BSF also made an investigation and a thorough interrogation. But the BSF did not get arms from these persons, nor did any suspicious object which the army would have suspected. So, the Indian Army has released all six persons. The released persons are between 20 and 21 years of age. There is continuous infiltration by Pakistan on the Indian border. On Saturday itself, the BSF handed over these 6 persons to Pakistani Rangers and the BSF has caught another intruder on Saturday. In Punjab, BSF Battalion No. 2 from the Indo-Pak border has caught this person. ID cards have been recovered from it which is in the Urdu language. A SIM card, some coins, and Pakistani currency of Rs. 2293 have been found. Except for these six persons, the Indian people have given a message of humanity and morality. Earlier also, the Indian Army had handed over 14-year-old Ali Haider to Pakistan in a mistake in the country's border. Also Read:- Massive fire breaks out in Rajasthan's chemical factory Girl commits suicide, note reads 'this sin can't be washed away even with ganga water' West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee gives big announcement over corona vaccine Part of the broken wall of the citadel in Vinh Loc District of Thanh Hoa Province. Built in 1397 by Ho Dynasty rulers as the capital of Dai Ngu, Vietnams name from 1400 to 1407, the citadel served as a military stronghold and became a symbol of patriotism and national pride. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 16:12:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Members of the Indonesian Search and Rescue (SAR) team carry body parts of passengers on board the Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182 at Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, Indonesia, Jan. 10, 2021. Rescuers on Sunday collected five bags of human body parts and three bags of debris of the Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed in the waters off the coast of Indonesian capital Jakarta, a senior official said. (Photo by Agung Kuncahya B./Xinhua) JAKARTA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers on Sunday collected five bags of human body parts and three bags of debris of the Sriwijaya Air plane that crashed in the waters off the coast of Indonesian capital Jakarta, a senior official said. "We received three bags containing the debris of the plane and five bags of human body parts," Operation Director of the National Search and Rescue Agency Rasman M.S. said. All the eight bags were carried by the navy's KRI Kurau ship, according to the director. This has brought the total body parts discovered by the rescuers to seven. The Boeing 737-500 aircraft, flying from the capital Jakarta to Pontianak city in West Kalimantan province on Saturday afternoon, crashed into the Java Sea off Seribu District in north of Jakarta. It was carrying 50 passengers, including seven children and three babies, and 12 crew members. The body parts would be handed to the police's DVI (disaster victims identification) unit for identification and the debris would be sent to the National Transport Safety Committee for analysis, according to the agency. The search and rescue operation for the victims and the wreckage of the plane is still underway, it said. Amid rising coronavirus cases in Brazil, President Jair Bolsonaro has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting for two million doses of Covishield vaccines urgently. The vaccine is manufactured by Pune-based pharma giant Serum Institute. In the letter, Jair Bolsonaro wrote, "I would appreciate being able to count on Your Excellency's good offices to anticipate the supply to Brazil, with the possible urgency and without jeopardizing the Indian vaccination program, of 2 million doses of the immunizer produced by the Serum Institute of India." According to Bolsonaro, Brazil has already launched a nationwide immunisation program against COVID-19. "Among the vaccines selected by the Brazilian government, are those from the Indian company Bharat Biotech International Limited (Covaxin) and AstraZeneca and University of Oxford (Covishield), produced by the Serum Institute of India," he said. In a related development, Geraldo Barbosa, head of the Brazilian Association of Vaccine Clinics (ABCVAC), said that his country has already inked a memorandum of understanding with HYderabad-based Bharat Biotech for the supply og Covaxin. "This should be the first vaccine available on the private market in Brazil," he said, adding that the Covaxin doses should arrive in Brazil in mid-March. Meanwhile, Indian government on Saturday that a nationwide vaccination drive will kick off on January 16. Sharing the news on Twitter, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including 'Safai Karamcharis'." Sharing the news on Twitter, PM Narendra Modi said, "On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19. Starting that day, Indias nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including 'Safai Karamcharis'." The proposed boundary changes favoured by NAG The Northern Action Group (NAG) advocating for better political representation in north Rodney has slammed Auckland Councils Governing Body for failing to back a motion to alter Rodney Local Board subdivision electoral boundaries. The motion, put forward by Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers last month, proposed to shrink the Warkworth and Kumeu subdivisions to align them more tightly with town boundaries and introduce a new rural subdivision taking in South Head, Kaukapakapa, Puhoi, Kaipara Flats, Wellsford, Pakiri and Kawau Island. Under the proposed arrangement, Kumeu and Warkworth would each have two elected board members (instead of four and three respectively) and the rural subdivision would have four. The proposal aimed to give stronger representation to rural areas. But at a meeting of the Governing Body on December 17, Councillors voted down the proposal by 12 votes to seven. NAG chair Bill Foster said this means that the current unbalanced and unequal representation arrangements in Rodney would continue to apply until the next representation review in 2025. Clearly an arrogant Council thinks it knows best whats good for Aucklanders, and once again demonstrates that its concern for what happens in Rodney, and rural Rodney in particular, is marginal at best other than for the exploitation of rates, resources and opportunities, he said. But despite having his motion rejected, Cr Greg Sayers took a more optimistic view, saying the vote reflected the fact that councillors wanted to delay floating any changes until the 2025 local body elections. Interestingly, during the debate the majority of councillors thought that the Supercity wasnt working well. Most said their local boards could also benefit by changing elected representation to better align with communities of common interests, rather than using the current geographical-based model, he said. But Cr Sayers said it was a pity that Aucklanders wouldnt get the chance to give feedback on how the proposal could benefit them until 2025, when he was pushing for this to happen next year. However, I was pleased there was a high level of support to explore with the public new ways to improve the Supercity for the overall benefit of residents and ratepayers, he said. 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. Not long after the coronavirus arrived in South Carolina in early March, Dr. Marcelo Hochman, a Charleston facial surgeon with an office in Mount Pleasant, ran up against a problem that could keep his practice from staying open: He couldn't buy the personal protective equipment he needed. The market for so-called PPE masks, gloves, gowns and more was suddenly flooded with much larger organizations with more purchasing power, leaving small businesses like Hochman's to struggle just to place an order. Doctors across the country faced the same problem. The American Medical Association said as much in a letter to Vice President Mike Pence in June, stating "even when physicians find a vendor with available supply, they end up losing to larger institutions that have more bargaining power and can place more substantial orders." So, Hochman and his colleagues at the Charleston County Medical Society, a professional organization for the local medical community, came up with a simple plan to combine their orders. That way, they might be big enough to get noticed. "The whole concept is in aggregate buying power," Hochman said. "My order individually is just not enough." At first, the collective was limited to South Carolina physicians. A website was launched under the name ActionPPE, and an email calling for orders was sent out, leading to more than $50,000 in orders. Orders came in to Charleston, then were forwarded around the state. Sign up for our new business newsletter We're starting a weekly newsletter about the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina. Get ahead with us - it's free. Email Sign Up! But the idea quickly caught on through connections at other states' medical societies, Hochman said. ActionPPE continued to get bigger, and by the first week of this year, it had distributed 3.4 million units of PPE to about 2,600 practices around the country. "People who are experiencing the problem are the ones who are most likely to come up with the best solution," Hochman said. Hochman said the organization had to be nimble, as deficits in the supply chain have changed constantly with shifting needs. Recently, it placed orders for needles and syringes. Though hospitals and health departments need them to distribute vaccine, practices still require those supplies, too. ActionPPE became too big of an effort for a handful of Charleston physicians to manage, Hochman said. Now, it is a full-fledged company with a few employees. James Eron is its director. Practices can still submit orders through its website at actionppe.org. Its prices are between 20 percent and 50 percent lower compared with prices for smaller, individual orders, the company says. The society retained a stake in the business, with a small portion of sales coming in from orders. Hochman said the organization will direct some of that money to scholarships for local medical students. Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Rajasthan MLA Madan Dilawar on Saturday lashed out at protesting farmers and said they are 'conspiring to spread bird flu by consuming chicken at the protest sites.' The Member of Legislative Assembly further alleged that the "so-called farmers are not worried about the country, enjoying picnic and luxuries besides relishing delicacies." "Some so-called farmers are agitating. These so-called farmers are not participating in any movement but enjoying chicken biryani and dry fruits for leisure. It is a conspiracy to spread bird flu," he added in a video statement. There may be militants, robbers, and thieves among them and they may also be enemies of farmers and all these people want to ruin the country, BJP MLA alleged. If the government does not remove them from the agitation sites, then bird flu can become a big problem in the country, Dilawar said. Farmers have been protesting at different borders of the capital since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws - 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. (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.) In one of Myrna Melgars earliest childhood memories, her mother flips over the dining room table and pushes it against their sliding glass doors for protection, in case the glass shattered. Off in the distance they heard explosions. They didnt live far from the El Salvadoran presidents home, where a military coup was under way in 1979. That memory came back Wednesday as Melgar, San Franciscos newly elected supervisor for District Seven, watched a mob, incited by President Trump, overtake police and storm the U.S. Capitol building. It all felt crazy, she said, preparing to be sworn into office in the middle of seeing our country fall apart. When more than five years of Trumps heated political rhetoric culminated in insurrection, the scene for many Americans was unimaginable, like nothing theyd ever witnessed. But for others, like Melgar, the images from the Capitol brought back memories of the political turmoil that moved them or their parents to seek a new home in the United States in the first place. It triggered that memory, Melgar said. So much for American exceptionalism, right? For most of Wednesday morning, Fouzia Palyal Azizi had her TV switched off. She was trying to concentrate on her work as the director of refugee services at Jewish Family & Community Services East Bay. But a little before noon, her 17-year-old son came into the room, and he looked shook, she said. The color in his face was pale. He told her to turn on the news. Azizi watched as rioters rushed the Capitol building, smashed windows and trashed congressional offices. It all felt achingly familiar. Before she fled Afghanistan in 1994, she had watched Islamists ignore law enforcement and flood and loot government buildings. It was quite a flashback, she said, to all those old memories you dont want to remember. At first, Azizi described herself as disappointed and shocked by the events in Washington, but then she reassessed. Thats probably not the whole truth, she said. Nothing really surprises her about Trump anymore. She has spent four years trying to contend with his policies and rhetoric, both of which have made it especially hard to be a refugee in America both for her family and for the refugees she works to help. Thats not America, what youre witnessing, she tells them. The actual America wants you here. Some of those families, from Eritrea and Pakistan and Afghanistan, had been in touch after the attack on the Capitol. They never thought in a country like America, such things would happen, Azizi said. A little bit they were in a panic. Will our children be safe in this country? What can happen to us? Movie star and former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a video Sunday on Twitter comparing the attack to Nazi assaults on Jews before World War II. Schwarzenegger, who was born in Austria two years after the war ended, said he grew up surrounded by broken men, including his father, drinking away their guilt over their participation in the most evil regime in history. For Paymon Shariat-Panahi, whose parents immigrated to the United States after the Islamic Revolution in Iran, having a familial history with political unrest tempered some of the shock he saw in other Americans. Growing up, he said, he was close to his grandma and often mined her for stories about Iran. If what happened in Washington reminded him of anything, it was her stories about the 1953 coup orchestrated by the U.S. There was a certain irony, said Shariat-Panahi, who lives in Hayward, in what unfolded at the Capitol. I think for a lot of Americans theres this idea of American exceptionalism thats baked into our institutions, but for us, at the same time weve already seen that ugly side of American foreign policy. To see this play out at home, it was a little bit like watching the chickens come home to roost. Courtesy Paymon Shariat-Panahi His family in Iran has been watching the rise of white nationalism in the United States, and theyve seen how the country has struggled to deal with the pandemic. Lately, theyve been asking whether he ought to think about moving somewhere else. And on Wednesday, they kept checking in over WhatsApp. Whats going on there? Are you guys OK? My family thought it was a right-wing coup in the United States. The fact that a coup has never happened here doesnt mean that it cant. Thats what Ingrid Granados kept trying to explain to her husband as he worked to calm her. She had been watching on TV at home in San Jose as the crowd outside the Capitol building pushed nearer. Theyre getting way too close, she remembers thinking. And then suddenly they were in. This cant be real. This cant be real, she thought. Immediately, she called her sister. We couldnt understand why we were so anxious. I felt like I was going to throw up. I still feel like Im going to throw up, she said a day later. Eventually she realized what it was: Her parents, brother and sister had fled El Salvador after the coup there. Granados was born in the United States, but she visited often enough during the countrys civil war in the 1980s and early 90s that she remembers it. She and her sister talked about the bombing sirens. I remember when I was little they would tell me they were fireworks. So, as her husband tried to calm her, all she could think was that unrest can happen anywhere, and it can escalate. In El Salvador, my parents were fine, in a house and stuff, she said. Until they werent. We came here because we had to. I think any immigrant, any person who has come from turmoil or had to leave their homes because of that I dont think the United States has ever seen this or really felt this. For the rest of us, its a lot of PTSD. PTSD was the same term Jerri Dulla used to describe what she felt when her brother told her the mob was storming the Capitol. The anxiety set in almost immediately. It brought on this feeling of doom. Dulla, who is 46 and lives in Sacramento, grew up in the Philippines. Her first memory of a major political moment was in 1983, when Philippine senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was assassinated on the tarmac at the airport in Manila. Aquino was a staunch opponent of dictator Ferdinand Marcos, and the years that followed were filled with political instability. She remembers gunfire in the streets. It was like, Not this again, because school was disrupted. In the back of her mind, Dulla said, she always suspected instability could happen here. That so many others didnt believe that, even after Trumps election, sometimes made her feel like she was stuck in a different reality. You keep talking to people about this and theyre like, Oh no. This is America. This isnt going to happen. People are not going to allow this to happen, she said. Still, it was hard to make sense of the scenes from the Capitol, she said. I thought I was so far away from that world. Ryan Kost is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rkost@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @RyanKost January is the best time of year for planning home renovations, but that doesnt mean you need to spend a fortune. HGTV stars Ben and Erin Napier of Home Town fame have a few suggestions for transforming the look of your living space using tips they learned on the job. Money is tight this year for so many people, but staying home more (binge-watching HGTV, of course) has plenty of folks wishing they could freshen up their interiors. The Laurel, Mississippi-based renovators have the right advice to make a big impact with a small amount of cash. Home Town picks up where Fixer Upper left off Ben and Erin Napier from Home Town | Meggan Haller for The Washington Post via Getty Images Filling the shoes Chip and Joanna Gaines left when Fixer Upper ended may seem like an impossible task. However, Home Towns Napier family exudes all the same qualities as the Gaineses. Both hail from small Southern towns and have sweet relationships. Plus, theyve both got enough talent to attract huge fan bases. The Napiers are known for revitalizing old homes in Laurel while documenting the whole process on camera. They stay true to the homes history but also infuse their signature style, creating one-of-a-kind projects that Home Town viewers cant stop raving about. Ben and Erin Napier have a few tips for DIY home renovators RELATED: The Most Hated HGTV Hosts to Have Shows on the Network Not everyone can be so lucky as to have professionals descend upon their homes to complete massive renovations. But the two Home Town hosts have a few suggestions for anyone who wants to try a little freshening up to kick off 2021. Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars on massive home overhauls, the couple recommends some small adjustments that make a big impact. The first idea is one of the easiest its all about color. The Home Town hosts recommend buying a few cans of paint One of the most popular suggestions for sprucing up outdated home decor is also one of the easiest. The Napiers recommend painting lackluster spaces to make an impact without spending a fortune. Its amazing what you can pull off with paint, Ben told Insider. This applies to walls, obviously, but also in more unexpected areas. For example, the Mississippi renovator encourages fans to try painting before committing to expensive new cabinetry. A lot of times the cabinets are fine, and they just need to be painted, Ben explained. Countertops and floors can be painted in the kitchen, too. Expensive upgrades arent always better, the Napiers say Speaking of kitchens, the Home Town hosts also have a few recommendations for saving money during a remodel. Specifically, they recommend not splurging on the best of everything every single time. People shouldnt feel like they have to blow a fortune on countertops, Erin told Insider. Instead of granite, the Napiers suggest sourcing something more affordable. There are a lot of affordable options out there that give the house a fresh look while also not breaking the budget, Ben explained. Theres good laminate, there are good butcher blocks, there are more affordable stone options. He continued, The most expensive option isnt necessarily the best choice. You dont have to have marble. These wise words are just what HGTV fans want to hear. Just like on Home Town, a house that looks like a million bucks doesnt have to cost that much. New episodes of Home Town are currently airing on HGTV. Bens new show Home Town: Bens Workshop premieres on Discovery+ beginning Jan. 4. Charleston, WV (25301) Today Mostly cloudy skies this morning will become partly cloudy this afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High near 85F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Flint Paul became a San Francisco police officer in 1995, with a female birth name and identity. But Paul had identified as male since childhood, started telling other officers that in the early 2000s, and made it official in 2006, when he underwent surgery, filed documents with his new name and moved to the mens locker room. The response of superior officers, Paul said, was to make a point of referring to him as she and calling him by his former name, to colleagues and over the police radio. He said they outed him to officers unaware of his transgender status, even after he was promoted to sergeant and given a supervisors position in 2013. Now Paul has won a $150,000 settlement from the city, which while not conceding any wrongdoing has agreed to require its police to call transgender officers by their preferred name and gender, a policy the Police Department had adopted for interactions with the public in October 2018. The settlement also requires investigators at the San Francisco Department of Human Resources to complete two hours of training on transgender issues. Im queer, Im happy, I wouldnt change who I am, said Paul, 51, who remains on the police force. But its a horrible feeling, this unwelcome spotlight placed on you. ... It was shocking because I had always really loved my job. If they cant see me somebody supposed to be their family and treat me with a level of respect, I have no hope they would treat transgender people on the street with any level of respect. John Cote, spokesman for City Attorney Dennis Herrera, said the settlement was a reasonable and prudent resolution that avoided the costs of continuing litigation. He said San Franciscos Gender Inclusion Policy, issued to city agencies in June 2018, requires that all employees, applicants and contractors must be addressed by the names and pronouns they choose. The city actually reached an earlier settlement with Paul in 2012, agreeing to pay him nearly $50,000 and improve staff training, said one of his lawyers, Elizabeth Kristen of Legal Aid at Work. But she said nothing much changed. The new settlement, approved by the Board of Supervisors and the Police Commission, is more specific, the attorneys said. In addition to the payments, $100,000 to Paul and $50,000 to his lawyers, it requires the Police Department to issue a bulletin to all employees, mirroring the citys Gender Inclusion Policy, requiring them to address coworkers by their chosen name and pronoun. City Human resources investigators will take two hours of training on proper investigation of claims by transgender and gender non-conforming people, including the importance of enforcing policies on use of chosen names and pronouns; and the negative effects of misgendering, the settlement says. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko ROCHESTER, Minn. A new trial date is finally set over the beating of a teenage girl in Rochester. Kenneth James Maclin, 23 of Rochester, has pleaded not guilty to 3rd and 5th degree assault. He was arrested after an incident on June 17, 2019, in the 2100 block of 48th Street NW. Police say the victim accused Maclin of being a police informant and he punched her several times the day after that. Court documents say the female teen needed stitches after the attack. Maclins trial had been scheduled for March 2020 but was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. It is not scheduled to begin on February 22. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa Sunday met Home Minister in Delhi to discuss the state's political scenario and finalise the BJP's candidates for the upcoming by-polls in the state as he arrived in the capital on a day-long visit. Before he left for Delhi earlier in the day, Yediyurappa had hinted the much-awaited cabinet rejig in the state might also come up for discussion during his meeting. After landing in Delhi, the CM told reporters, "I am going to discuss the political situation in " "Recently, we won the gram panchayat elections in a very big way. Within a month, we are going to face two parliamentary and an assembly by-polls. We have to finalise the candidates. We will discuss all these issues with and other important leaders," he added. The leader said while his appointment with the home minister is confirmed, he will also try to meet JP Nadda, the party's president. Asked about the steps taken to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state, the chief minister said, "In Karnataka, the COVID-19 situation is under control. We are taking all precautions." Earlier before leaving the Bangalore Airport, he hinted that the cabinet expansion may also come up for discussion during his meeting with the party high command. "I don't know. I will discuss all the issues," he told reporters at the airport when asked if a cabinet rejig is likely this week. The cabinet expansion in the state has been on the cards for over a year now, but it could not take place, giving some anxious moments to ministerial aspirants and also leading to dissatisfaction. Among those in the ministerial race are MLAs Umesh Katti, Munirathna, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, M P Renukacharya, Aravind Limbavali and S R Vishwanath. Three MLCs -- C P Yogeshwar, MTB Nagaraj and R Shankar -- are too aspiring for a ministerial berth. Another MLC, A H Vishwanath, too was in the race but his hopes dashed when the High Court on November 30 barred him from becoming a minister until at least May this year. The state can have a total of 34 ministers and it has 27 now. By-polls are scheduled for Maski and Basavakalyan assembly segments, and Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency. While Maski fell vacant due to the resignation of sitting Congress MLA Pratap Gouda Patil in 2019, the by-polls to Basavakalyan and Belagavi seats have been necessitated by the deaths of their representatives B Narayan Rao and Suresh Angadi, respectively, due to coronavirus. "I will discuss all other issues with the party high command and wish to return in the night," the chief minister said before he departed. (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.) MUMBAI : Big players in the steel and cement industry are indulging in cartelisation to jack-up prices, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has said, pitching to place a regulator for the sectors. It will be difficult to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of making India a USD 5 trillion economy if the steel and cement prices keep going up, Gadkari said, pointing out the target of investing 111 lakh crore on infrastructure projects in the next five years to aid the economy. It can be noted that allegations of such cartelisation have been made in the past as well, especially by the real estate industry, which is impacted through higher input prices because of it. "Regarding steel and cement, this is really a problem for all of us Actually, I feel this is a cartel by some big people are doing in cement and steel," Gadkari said while speaking at a virtual event organised by the Builders Association of India on Saturday. The minister said he has discussed the issue with the Prime Minister and had a lengthy discussion on it with the Principal Secretary in the PMO as well. Stating that all the players in the steel industry have their own iron ore mines, and do not have to face any hikes in labour or power rates, he wondered how the steel industry has been hiking prices. He said the cement industry is exploiting the situation by hiking up the prices, and underlined that the stance of both the industries is not in the national interest, given the infrastructure spends lined up. "We are in the process of finding out the solution for that. Your (BAI's) one of the recommendations is for a regulator for steel and cement, which is also a good suggestion. I will look into it," Gadkari said. The minister, however, conceded that having a regulator is not in his hands and promised to speak with the Finance Ministry and the Prime Minister to get the proposal moving. "It is also one of the important issues where I am also very much worried about," he reiterated. As per an official statement, BAI also requested for a mechanism for the early release of bills against the government contracts, streamlining in GST implementation, and royalty payment to be taken care by the state governments during the meeting with the minister. Subscribe to Mint Newsletters * Enter a valid email * Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. POTTSVILLE The chairman of the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee sent letters to three Republican elected officials asking to retract their accusations of election fraud involving the Nov. 3 General Election. Committee Chairman Hugh Reiley sent two letters dated Jan. 9. One joint letter was sent to U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-9, and state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29. The second letter was addressed to state Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124. Both letters were also forwarded to the Republican Herald by SCDC Secretary Todd Zimmerman. In the letter to Meuser and Argall, Reiley said: In light of the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, and threats of more violence in the coming days, we are asking you to rescind your previous claims about fraud during the presidential election of November 3, 2020, which ignores over 60 court rulings that there was no fraud. Additionally, we are asking you to issue a public statement that confirms the lawfulness of the election results. As a reminder, Senator Argall voted for Act 77, which is in stark contradiction to his claims about unlawful mail-in ballots during the 2020 election and his hearing in Gettysburg with Rudy Giuliani. This is a very dangerous situation that requires you to act without any further delay. If any violence occurs in Schuylkill County, you, as the relentless proponents of election fraud claims, will be fully responsible. If anyone in Schuylkill County gets hurt, you will have blood on your hands. We urge you to immediately take back any election fraud claims. Correct your course now, for the sake of the safety of the residents of Schuylkill County and our communities living peacefully together. When reached by phone Saturday, Argall had not seen the letter at that point. After being read to him, Argall referred to a statement he made in his Jan. 8 E-Newsletter. He said in a piece entitled The Riot at the National Capitol in Washington, DC: The words of Abraham Lincoln in 1861, just as our awful civil war was about to erupt, are just as important in January 2021: We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature. Abraham Lincoln was correct. I support the constitutional right to peaceful protest, but what we saw Wednesday afternoon at the national capitol was just plain wrong. Theres a big difference between peaceful protest and breaking and entering, destruction and chaos. I hope we never, ever, see this again. Meuser was contacted and also said he had not seen the letter. After being read to him, Meuser said, My comments have been very consistent on this subject, Meuser said. Whether Republican or Democrat, all Americans agree that the breach and storming of the Capitol was terrible and sad. It was totally unacceptable. I was on the House floor and I saw the perpetrators up close. The ones I saw were there to create mayhem. There was no protest. Their goal was to damage and create violence and chaos. Ive been to well over a dozen Trump rallies and never have I seen people like this nor those types of actions take place. Meuser issued his own challenge to the county Democratic leadership to not continue to fan the flame in the current situation. At this point in time its frankly pathetic and political, Meuser said. It is my consistent contention that the governors office and the secretary of state usurped the authorities of the Pennsylvania Legislature and changed election law that they had no right to change. The U.S. Constitution is clear. The time, place and matter belongs to the state legislature for elections. But the secretary of state changed the election laws and rules five or six different times. That is indisputable. That is not conjecture. Its not opinion. Its an absolute fact. They did it, and because of that, many ballots that came in should have been disqualified because they were in unlawful rules. My own contention was, very simply, to remove the illegal ballots and count the legal ballots. This was all about election integrity and not about who won and who lost. Thats up to the people. But it is up to elected officials to follow the law, and this was not done in Pennsylvania. In the letter to Knowles, Reiley asked him to issue a public statement that confirms the lawfulness of the election results now, for the sake of the safety of the residents of Schuylkill County and our communities living peacefully together. When contacted, Knowles issued the following statement: What took place in Washington, D.C., recently is outrageous and totally unacceptable. There is no place in our society for anyone to storm our nations Capitol. This behavior is not covered under the First Amendment, in the same way that destroying property, setting fires, destroying and damaging historic statues, and attacking members of law enforcement are not covered under the First Amendment. I believe the election process in Pennsylvania was flawed on Constitutional grounds. Both the Wolf Administration and the state Supreme Court overstepped their boundaries by unlawfully legislating. The House State Government Committee has started the process of conducting an audit and scheduling House hearings on the entire election process. I urge everyone to take a step back, take a deep breath, respect the Constitution, and realize how fortunate we are to live in this great country. (Updated to added the word "not" in the sentence "Meuser issued his own challenge. ...") Students who had their GCSEs and A-levels cancelled this year will now be taking tests marked by their teachers, exam regulator Ofqual is expected to announce. The potential new tests will be created by exam boards and are expected to be taken towards the end of the summer term - in hopes that schools will be fully reopened. Internal assessments are also expected to be set by teachers and students may be able to submit portfolios of work, according to The Sunday Times. If schools do not reopen in time students may do the tests at home - which could raise issues in terms of them having to find a suitable area to do important work. Students who had their GCSEs and A-levels cancelled this year will now be taking tests marked by their teachers, exam regulator Ofqual is expected to announce Ofqual has not yet explained how examiners will be able to stop students from telling each other what is in the tests if they are held on different dates in different schools. A sample of the marked tests will be moderated by exam boards. Education minister for Wales, Kirsty Williams, told The Sunday Times: 'There is potential for some assessment to be done at home and electronically marked. University students are doing open-book exams and many schoolchildren are doing work online and submitting work online.' However, education professor at the University of Buckingham, warned that doing tests online could lead to a spike in cheating. The potential new tests will be created by exam boards and are expected to be taken towards the end of the summer term - in hopes that schools will be fully reopened And a legal challenge has today been launched against the government after they failed to ensure that poorer children have the laptops and free internet they need to study online at home. The Good Law Project has said hundreds of thousands of children still do not have what they need, 10 months after the government promised they would help up to a million poorer students. Ofqual declined to comment but confirmed consultations on summer testing will go ahead next week. Private security guards enlisted to monitor returned travellers in hotel quarantine have been caught mask-less and without protective equipment despite fears that a mutant Covid super strain is on the brink of wreaking havoc on the community. Coronavirus has escaped quarantine several times across Australia, but there is heightened concern as travellers are increasingly returning with the new UK strain, which is up to 70 times more contagious than the original. A returned traveller quarantining in Sydney with her husband and two children shared photos of a private security guard without a mask. The woman, who wants to remain anonymous after returning from New York, said the minder had not been wearing any PPE or face masks since they arrived. A returned traveller quarantining in Sydney with her husband and two children shared photos of a private security guard without a mask United Airlines crew members wave and blow kisses as they depart the Novotel Hotel in Darling Harbour on December 03. New South Wales narrowly avoided catastrophe four times in the past month due to Covid breaches in the hotel quarantine system for returned travellers 'If you are being asked to work as a security guard in a quarantine hotel I'd be asking for the full PPE,' she told the Daily Telegraph. 'I'd want a proper N95 mask. My husband said something to him and he said: ''I'm socially distanced'' and we called the hotel downstairs and they said we don't hire them,' 'We are all potentially sitting here with COVID and he's like a sitting duck with no mask on. It's astonishing because it only takes one weak link.' A second returned traveller who also quarantined in Sydney in late November and early December said while nurses and police wore masks, private security guards did not. The woman said a security guard 'shrugged and laughed at her' when she expressed concerns that he was not in PPE while escorting her to the hospital from her hotel room. Health workers testing for coronavirus at Merrylands in southwest Sydney on Thursday Victoria's catastrophic second wave of Covid, which hit back in June and infected 20,404 people and resulted in 820 deaths, was sparked by a breach among hotel quarantine staff who caught the disease and spread it among their own local communities. Queensland also experienced its first hotel quarantine breach last week when a hotel cleaner caught the mutant UK variant, thrusting all of Brisbane into a mandatory three day lockdown. There are yet to be any other cases linked to that infection, but authorities remain on high alert that it is within the community. Meanwhile New South Wales has experienced several breaches - two of which have resulted in serious outbreaks in Sydney in the last month. 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. Queensland also experienced its first hotel quarantine breach last week when a hotel cleaner caught the mutant UK variant, thrusting all of Brisbane into a mandatory three day lockdown The Berala cluster in Sydney's west is the state's most active cluster at the moment and linked to 23 cases. Contact tracers have since linked it 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. 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 150 cases, many contracted at local pubs - remains unknown. Passengers are tested for Covid-19 at Melbourne Airport on December 20, amid fears the UK's mutant strain could escape hotel quarantine '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. 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. No further cases have been linked to either of the latter two escapes mentioned. 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. 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 It hoped to stop coronavirus flooding into the country, like was seen across the world in nations without similar measures. But pictures showing security guards still not wearing correct protective gear has sparked fears that another - potentially even more catastrophic - outbreak is imminent. Professor Rainer MacIntyre, head of the Biosecurity Program at the Kirby Institute explained that the risk of breaches in hotel quarantine systems are simply increasing due to the higher viral load in returned travellers. 'Because the pandemic is getting worse, there is much more disease out there in the rest of the world,' she said. 'So when people return from overseas, the chance of it coming back is higher, so the risk of breach is also higher, so we will continue to see breaches. 'The next one could be one of these mutant strains, which is much more difficult to control.' Former Gov. Chris Christie, a long-time supporter of Donald Trump, said Sunday that the president committed an impeachable offense when he urged his followers to march on the U.S. Capitol and fight to overturn the 2020 election that Joe Biden won. If inciting to insurrection isnt, then I dont really know what is, Christie said when asked whether Trumps actions were impeachable on ABCs This Week, where he is a regular contributor. Christie endorsed Trump for president after his own campaign fizzled in 2016, advised him in the White House and supported his re-election but in November acknowledged that Joe Biden had won the presidency. He called Trumps legal team a national embarrassment for continuing to pursue baseless claims of voter fraud. He said the Democrats overreached when they impeached Trump in December 2019 for allegedly pressuring the government of Ukraine to announce an investigation of Biden by holding up congressionally approved military aid. But the Capitol riots were a different case, he said. What we had was an incitement to riot at the United States Capitol, Christie said. We had people killed. That to me there is not a whole lot of question here. These are the type of actions which this mechanism was put into place for, he said, referring to impeachment. Chris Christie tells @GStephanopoulos Trumps incitement of Capitol siege is an impeachable offense: If inciting to insurrection isnt, then I dont really know what is. https://t.co/OrkLsXeQjx pic.twitter.com/55sWETisCd ABC News (@ABC) January 10, 2021 Christies comments came as House Democrats prepared to introduce another resolution of impeachment against Trump, with most of New Jerseys congressional Democrats on board. Donald Trump represents a clear and present danger to the health and safety of the American people, as well as our democracy, said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries of New York, one of the managers during Trumps first impeachment trial, on NBCs Meet the Press. Criticism of Trump was bipartisan Sunday, though not in support of impeachment. Republican U.S. Sen. Patrick Toomey, speaking on NBC, called on Trump to resign and go away as soon as possible, calling it the best way for our country. I dont think theres time to do an impeachment, Toomey said. Theres 10 days left before the president leaves anyway. I think the best thing would be a resignation. And the fourth ranking Senate Republican, Policy Committee Chairman Roy Blunt, said on CBS Face the Nation agreed that there was no possibility that Congress could impeach and convict Trump before his term ends. We should be thinking more about the first day of the next presidency than the last day of his presidency, in my view, Blunt said. Christie also criticized Trump for not lowering the American flag at the White House to half staff in memory of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, a 42-year-old South River native who was killed during the violence. He called it a national disgrace. What Ive heard from fellow Republicans is theyve had enough and the presidents conduct since then have gotten them upset, Christie said. If were having a fit of pique and thats why were not putting the flag at half staff, its just another example of why people think that these decisions are not being made on the merits. These decisions are being made purely with an idea of whats in my own personal desire at the moment on the part of the president. Its just wrong, he added. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-10 20:08:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISTANBUL, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police seized 479 ancient coins in an anti-smuggling operation in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul and detained one suspect, local media reported on Sunday. Gendarmerie forces launched an operation against the suspected smuggler and raided his residence in the Gaziosmanpasa district on the European side, the state-run Anadolu agency said. The suspect was preparing to put the coins on sale, according to the report. Anadolu reported that bronze, lead, and copper coins belonging to the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods were handed over to the Istanbul Archeology Museum. Enditem 6:20 a.m. Monday UPDATE: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reports that Emilia Newman has been found. No other details have been provided. From earlier: Authorities are searching for a teenager who they said has been missing since Saturday night. On Sunday afternoon, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said that Emilia Lynn Newman, 14, had been missing since about 8 p.m. Jan. 9. They said she was last spotted in the area of Kings Way in Rainsville. She's described as White, 5'0" tall girl with blonde or strawberry hair and green eyes. They said she is about 130 pounds and "may be in danger." Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call Rainsville Police at 256-628-2157 or call 911. Source: Xinhua| 2021-01-08 17:42:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' Department of Health on Friday urged Filipinos to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available, saying the vaccines are safe. "Let me just assure you that the government will ensure that the vaccines that will come in the country will be safe and efficacious," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire told an online briefing. "We are encouraging the public to listen to the government. We will be very transparent in our processes," she added. Vergeire made the remarks after an independent survey in the Philippines showed that almost half of the respondents said they are not inclined to get a COVID-19 vaccine due to safety concerns. A national survey by Pulse Asia Inc. conducted from Nov. 23 to Dec. 2, showed only about a third or 32 percent of the 2,400 Filipinos aged 18 and above surveyed are willing to get inoculated. "Almost half of the Filipino adults (47 percent) are not inclined to get the COVID-19 vaccine while the rest (21 percent) are ambivalent on the matter of being vaccinated or not," the survey said. The survey cited safety as the leading reason why almost half of the Filipino adults are not willing to get vaccinated. Other reasons cited include the cost of the vaccine and whether or not vaccination is required to combat COVID-19. Vergeire said the vaccines will pass through the regulatory process of the Philippines and other countries. "We have strengthened our regulatory process wherein we have added additional layers for safeguards," she said, adding that the government has created expert panels that will ensure the safety and efficacy of the vaccines for Filipinos. According to the survey, "nearly all Filipino adults" or 94 percent of the respondents are concerned about contracting COVID-19. The Philippines has an uphill struggle to convince parents to vaccinate their children over the lingering fear of a dengue immunization program in 2017 with links to child deaths. Sanofi has insisted the vaccine used, Dengvaxia, was safe. Manila is now negotiating with at least seven vaccine makers, including Chinese vaccine maker Sinovac Biotech, U.S. vaccine makers Novavax, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, and Russian medical research institute Gamaleya. Carlito Galvez, the National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer, said the Philippines hopes to buy at least 148 million doses from these manufacturers. Through a private sector, the Philippines has signed a deal with British-Swedish drug maker AstraZeneca for 2.6 million doses of vaccines, of which half will be donated to the government. The Philippines aims to vaccinate between 50 million to 70 million Filipinos this year, starting with health care workers, the elderly, and the poor. Enditem Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will on Sunday address the National Assembly, Khabarhub Prime Minister Oli may speak on current issues of the country. The meeting has been scheduled for 1:00 pm. Citing the Press Adviser to Prime Minister Oli, Surya Thapa, Khabarhub reported that the Olu in his address will speak on current issues of the country. This statement comes after Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari dissolved the Lower House on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's recommendation on December 20. After dissolving the Parliament, Nepal PM also proposed elections on April 30 and May 10, 2021. However, this would be PM Olis first appearance in the parliament after the dissolution. Nepal PM, upon facing minority within the ruling Nepal Communist Party, had dissolved the House on December 20 after months of intra-party dispute. Also Read: Pak's anti-terrorism court directs police to arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar by Jan 18 Trump destroyed America's reputation along with his own image in world Tension escalates in Ladakh, China says it is to save its soldier on Indian border John Matze founded Parler in 2018 as a 'free-speech driven' alternative to mainstream platforms. The self described libertarian soon began courting right-leaning users as prominent supporters of Donald Trump moved there. And Parler had been the leading candidate for the president to continuing voicing his opinion, at least until Google and Apple removed it from their app stores and Amazon decided to boot it off its web hosting service Sunday. Not much it known about Matze's personal life but he is reported to have married Russian Alina Mukhutdinova after the pair are said to have met in Las Vegas. She was said to have been on a two week road trip around the United States, TED Talk host Dave Troy reported in November. Alina's Instagram pictures show the couple have at least one child. In one picture she hold rifles and wears a t-shirt which reads: 'Trust me, I'm a Russian spy.' The couple appear to live a luxury lifestyle with numerous vacation pictures taken with their young child. John Matze founded Parler in 2018 as a 'free-speech driven' alternative to mainstream platforms. He is pictured with his family Not much it known about Matze's personal life but he is reported to have married Russian Alina Mukhutdinova, pictured, after the pair are said to have met in Las Vegas After graduating in 2014 Matze, who studied math, German and business at the University of Denver,teamed up with fellow alumni Jared Thomson, now chief technical officer, to create Parler. Matze told Forbes in July last year: 'I don't have too many friends, but the ones I do have, we just talk amongst ourselves about ideascrazy ones, easy ones, whatever.' He told the magazine he 'does not watch TV' but instead 'gets everything off Parler'. Alina shared this image of her husband appearing on Fox News to her Instagram account One of Alina's Instagram picture shows her promoting her husband's app Parler Matze's app is now bankrolled by hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer's daughter Rebekah, the Wall Street Journal reported in November. The two-year-old magnet for the far right claims more than 12 million users, though mobile app analytics firm Sensor Tower puts the number at 10 million worldwide, with 8 million in the U.S. Rebekah has described herself as a co-founder of the site with Matze. She is also thought to have studied at the University of Denver. Hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer is pictured with his daughter Rebekah in 2017 'John and I started Parler to provide a neutral platform for free speech, as our founders intended, and also to create a social media environment that would protect data privacy,' she wrote in a post on the site this fall. 'The ever increasing tyranny and hubris of our tech overlords demands that someone lead the fight against data mining, and for the protection of free speech online,' she added. Matze replied to the post: 'Bekah is a great friend, an American patriot, and most importantly committed to the Parler vision of neutrality and data privacy. We are grateful for her support since 2018, and her early faith in the founders has enabled us to reach these heights. #transparency.' After WSJ reported Rebekah's links to Parler she issued a statement saying that her multi-millionaire father Robert was not an investor in the site - while sources close to the clan claimed that the investment was a family affair. Those who have joined Parler include commentator Candace Owens, Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and right-wing activist Laura Loomer, who handcuffed herself to the door of Twitter's New York office in November 2018 to protest a ban on her by the site. Trump's sons Eric and Don Jr. are also already active on the site. Alina's Instagram pictures show the couple have at least one child Not much it known about Matze's personal life but he is reported to have married Russian Alina Mukhutdinova after the pair are said to have met in Las Vegas. She was said to have been on a two week road trip around the United States, TED Talk host Dave Troy reported in November. The couple appear to live a luxury lifestyle with numerous vacation pictures Parler hit headwinds, though, on Friday as Google yanked its smartphone app from its app store for allowing postings that seek 'to incite ongoing violence in the U.S.' Apple followed suit on Saturday evening after giving Parler 24 hours to address complaints it was being used to 'plan and facilitate yet further illegal and dangerous activities.' Public safety issues will need to be resolved before it is restored, Apple said. Amazon struck another blow Saturday, informing Parler it would need to look for a new web-hosting service effective midnight Sunday. It reminded Parler in a letter, first reported by Buzzfeed, that it had informed it in the past few weeks of 98 examples of posts 'that clearly encourage and incite violence' and said the platform 'poses a very real risk to public safety.' Matze decried the punishments as 'a coordinated attack by the tech giants to kill competition in the marketplace. We were too successful too fast,' he said in a Saturday night post, saying it was possible Parler would be unavailable for up to a week 'as we rebuild from scratch.' 'Every vendor, from text message services, to e-mail providers, to our lawyers all ditched us too on the same day,' Matze said Sunday on Fox New Channel's 'Sunday Morning Futures.' Parler's CEO John Matze also revealed that Amazon was cutting off the app's servers, leaving it unavailable for a week as the company attempts to rebuild from scratch, pictured He said while the company is trying to get back online as quickly as possible, it's 'having a lot of trouble, because every vendor we talk to says they won't work with us, because, if Apple doesn't approve and Google doesn't approve, they won't.' Losing access to the app stores of Google and Apple whose operating systems power hundreds of millions of smartphones severely limits Parler's reach, though it will continue to be accessible via web browser. Losing Amazon Web Services will mean Parler needs to scramble to find another web host, in addition to the re-engineering. EUGENE, Ore. -- Three men were arrested at the federal courthouse in Eugene Saturday afternoon, after police declared an active riot and unlawful assembly. The gathering began as a rally called 'Stand Against Socialism.' According to Eugene Police, a protest started around 11:13 a.m. on Jan. 9, but it quickly escalated when a six-person fight with sticks broke out in the middle of 8th and Mill St. Officials says a crowd of 70 people rushed toward the fight and officers, which became a dangerous situation for police and bystanders. An unlawful assembly was announced at 12:41 p.m. and people were asked to leave. No tear gas or force was used but three people were taken into custody. Trenton Jon Bruegger, 29, and John Saunders, 33, were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. Richard Dwayne Elce was also taken into custody on charges of disorderly conduct and warrants out of the Springfield Police Department. KEZI 9 News spoke to protesters at the event. "I'm here to support America," Eugene resident Deborah Hart said. "I'm here to support our freedom. I'm against socialism. I think socialism is going to lead us into even worse things. I believe the election was stolen. I believe President Trump is innocent of the things they've charged him of." Eugene resident RJ Pirate also weighed in. I'm just concerned for our rights," he said. "I feel they're being taken away. They re not listening to us. Additional arrests could be made following a full investigation. Once the scene calmed down, many continued to give remarks and shared their thoughts about the election as well as events at the Capitol Building. The Federal Government will shut the Lagos Island-bound traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge for two weeks from Wednesday, January 13, 202... The Federal Government will shut the Lagos Island-bound traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge for two weeks from Wednesday, January 13, 2021. This is part of ongoing rehabilitation works. The Federal Controller, Works Lagos, Engr. Popoola Olukayode confirmed this in a statement on Saturday. Olukayode called for cooperation and understanding from the public, especially motorists. The contractor plans to shift the current diversion point 2 kilometres towards Oworonsoki and close to traffic the Lagos Island-bound carriageway including the Adekunle bound slip road beside the current diversion points for two weeks starting from Wednesday, January 12, to 27, 2021 to enable her to remove, replace and cast in place joint 23 after the current diversion point alongside the other two joints, 16 and 17 she is working on presently on the Lagos Island-bound carriageway, he said. He further explained that after casting of the three joints and asphalting, the whole Lagos Island-bound carriageway will be reopened to traffic. Olukaydoe also assured that the repairs would not be delayed unnecessarily to allow for smooth traffic. Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal: Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat Image Source: IANS News Karnal : , Jan 10 (IANS) Tension prevailed in Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's home constituency Karnal on Sunday with the police firing teargas shells and using water cannons to disperse farmers, who had gathered there to oppose the holding of 'Kisan Mahapanchayat' aimed at highlighting the benefits of the three Central farm laws. Heavy security has been deployed at Kaimla village in Karnal district, where Khattar is scheduled to address the 'Kisan Mahapanchayat'. The farmers were seen crossing the barricades despite the police using force to disperse them. A strong police contingent comprising four Superintendents of Police (SPs) and more than a dozen Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been deployed at different entry points to prevent the farmers' entry. The farmers associated with the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Charuni) have accused the Chief Minister Khattar for attempting to divide farmers by holding such meetings. "What was the need to hold 'mahapanchayat' when thousands of farmers have been sitting at the borders of Delhi for the past 45 days, demanding to revoke the farm laws," a protesting farmer said. The Karnal Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav said strict action would be taken against the protesters if they tried to disrupt the Chief Minister's programme. Several leaders of the BJP and its alliance partner, the JJP, have been facing protests for the last many weeks. Even recently Khattar's cavalcade was obstructed by protesting farmers in Ambala. A mass vaccination programme is underway at a Cork city hospital this weekend in a bid to administer Covid-19 vaccines to 1,200 frontline healthcare workers. The clinical director of the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), Dr Michelle Murphy, described it as a day of hope for healthcare staff across the region. We are undoubtedly facing into a very difficult period but the roll-out of the vaccine has given healthcare workers and the wider population the hope that although we are facing a difficult few weeks, there is an end in sight. This is a hugely positive step, she said. Up to 14 hospital staff have volunteered as vaccinators, and they expect to administer the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to around 1,200 primary healthcare workers, including GPs and their practice staff, National Ambulance paramedics, public health nurses, and other members of various primary healthcare teams drawn from Cork city and country over the next two days. Members of the medical team at the South Infirmary hospital. Picture: Dan Linehan The vaccinators reported for duty at 8am this morning, and they will continue working until around 6pm today, and again tomorrow, until they have administered vaccines to all on their list. SIVUH has been designated a vaccination centre for healthcare staff for the region and its old pathology building was repurposed on New Years Eve as a vaccination clinic. Dr Murphy paid particular tribute to the response of staff in SIVUHs medical, pharmacy, nursing, and portering departments to the move which has seen some 1,500 vaccines administered at the clinic since January 1. But she said this weekends mass vaccination drive is a major step forward to the fight against Covid-19. We have administered about 1,500 vaccines in the last week but we plan to administer 1,200 doses of the vaccine across this weekend alone. It has been a major logistical exercise but the response from staff has just been incredible While the administration of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine itself is relatively easy, and very similar to the flu jab, Dr Murphy said the logistics around the storage, management and preparation of this vaccine is complex, with different critical, but manageable timelines to be observed. The vaccine must be stored at -70C and once a batch is defrosted, it must be administered within five days. Once a batch is defrosted, each vile in the batch must be diluted to create six individual doses, which in turn, must be administered within six hours. Thats one of the challenges around delivering this vaccine but there has been a huge amount of logistical planning around storage and preparation, and then contacting the healthcare staff to make sure they get a time slot, Dr Murphy said. We will keep going this weekend until we get through the list. And as we get more vaccines, we will do more. GP Susan Ahern getting the Covid-19 vaccine from Consultant Surgeon Mr Noel OBrien at the South Infirmary Hospital, Cork. Included are Eimear McGuinness, pharmacist and clinical nurse manager Rachel Meany. Six hundred people were given the vaccine Picture: Dan Linehan Each person who receives a jab this weekend must remain on-site for 15 minutes for monitoring for rare but possible allergic reactions, and they will all be called back within three weeks for their second dose, to give them protection. OLeary Life arranged food and delivered it to the clinic volunteers today. Cllr Des Cahill, a qualified financial advisor and business development manager with OLeary Life, said they were happy to help. Everyone needs to look after each other and help out in any way they can. This was a small way that we could help and we were delighted to do so, he said. Earlier this week, the European Medicines Agency recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation for the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine - the second Covid-19 vaccine it has recommended for authorisation. It is given as two injections into the arm, 28 days apart, but it does not require storage at ultra-low temperatures. Earlier today, Kitty Owens, an 88-year-old resident at St Finbarrs Community Hospital became the first resident of a residential facility in Cork to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare vaccinators are carrying out vaccinations this weekend at St Finbarrs in Cork city and Killarney Community Hospital in Kerry. Rose OLeary, a staff nurse at St Finbarrs Community Hospital, was the first staff member to receive the vaccine there. It feels absolutely brilliant, at long last there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Its not over, but there is hope there now, she said. Armenian National Congress party electoral list is announced Armenia MFA: Azerbaijan leadership bears responsibility for consequences of actions by its armed forces Opposition Bright Armenia faction in parliament demands convening Security Council special session 140 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Acting premier: Our servicemen were abducted from Armenia territory Armenia MOD announces names of 6 Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan military early morning Armenia parliament majority leader to CSTO: Our international partners do not call it like it is Armenia parliament manages to have quorum in 2nd attempt World oil prices falling Newspaper: Armenia acting PM Pashinyan popularity rating consistently drops over the past week Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers commander does not return from Azerbaijan with encouraging news for Armenia MOD: 6 Armenia soldiers are surrounded, captured by Azerbaijan military early morning William Shakespeare, 1st man in world to get approved coronavirus vaccine, dies aged 81 Spain Congress of Deputies committee accepts pro-Armenian motion Ex-PM comments on double-digit growth in Armenia economy Facebook calls Russia, Iran leading purveyors of disinformation 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 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. RTHK: Body parts found at Indonesian plane crash site Body parts and debris were hauled from waters near Indonesia's capital on Sunday from a Boeing passenger plane that crashed shortly after take off with 62 people on board. The Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 plunged into a steep dive about four minutes after it left Soekarno-Hatta international airport in Jakarta on Saturday afternoon. No reasons have yet been given for the crash, with authorities focusing on a frantic search and rescue effort that appeared to offer no hope of finding any survivors. "As of this morning, we've received two (body) bags, one with passenger belongings and the other with body parts," Jakarta police spokesman Yusri Yunus told Metro TV. The discovery came as a flotilla of warships, helicopters and divers were deployed off the coast of the sprawling city on Sunday. Sixty-two passengers and crew were on board, including 10 children, all of them Indonesians, according to authorities. Sriwijaya Air flight SJ182 was bound for Pontianak city on Indonesia's section of Borneo island, about 90 minutes flying time over the Java Sea. It crashed in the Java Sea near popular day-trip tourist islands just off the coast. Officials said on Sunday they would continue their search by sea and air while also using sonar radar to pick up more signs of the downed jet. Divers marked at least three sites at the suspected crash site with orange ballons, according to a reporter on the scene. "From our observation, it is strongly believed the coordinates match the ones from the plane's last signal contact," said Hadi Tjahjanto, head of Indonesia's military. Hundreds of personnel from search and rescue, the navy, the police, with 10 warships also taking part in the search effort. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2021-01-10. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. There was another call. Last week, the Washington Post published the audio of a phone call in which President Donald Trump pressured Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes that could overturn the election results in the state. Now comes news there was an earlier call that could translate into legal woes for the commander in chief, reports the Washington Post. In the lengthy December phone call, which was later confirmed by several other news outlets, Trump urged Georgias top elections investigator to find the fraud. The president said the investigator would turn into a national hero if they were able to prove the fraud claims. Advertisement A person briefed on the call tells @60Minutes that Mr. Trump told the investigator they would be a "national hero" if they found evidence of fraud. But no evidence had been found by the investigator, and days later Mr. Trump would be similarly rebuffed by Raffensperger. (2/) Ed O'Keefe (@edokeefe) January 9, 2021 Advertisement Advertisement The call, which took place on December 23, came at a time when the investigator was leading investigations into claims of ballot fraud in Cobb County, a suburb of Atlanta. The Post is not identifying the investigator because election officials are being threatened and harassed. The investigation was launched following allegations that officials had accepted mail-in ballots with signatures that did not match those that were on file. Investigators reviewed more than 15,000 signatures and found no cases of fraud. Advertisement Raffensperger said he was not familiar with the contents of the call but still said it was inappropriate for Trump to try to intervene. That was an ongoing investigation, Raffensperger said. I dont believe that an elected official should be involved in that process. Legal experts say that the presidents efforts to get involved in an ongoing investigation could amount to obstruction of justice, although a case could ultimately be difficult to prove. Oh my god, of course thats obstruction any way you cut it, Nick Akerman, a former federal prosecutor in New York, tells the Post. As Akerman sees it, the way Trump identified the investigator and made the phone call shows that hes trying to influence the outcome of whats going on. In this case though it doesnt seem theres audio of the call, which could make a case harder to prove. The call to the investigator means Trump placed at least three calls to Georgia officials in an effort to overturn President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the state. First, Trump called Gov. Brian Kemp in early December to criticize him for certifying the states results showing Biden won by 11,779 votes. He then called the investigator and a little more than a week later he called Raffensperger. Trump has repeatedly criticized both Kemp and Raffensperger since the election. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy early with scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Thunderstorms likely. Low 57F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- China has contributed to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, according to a white paper issued Sunday by the State Council Information Office. As an active contributor to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, China has been assisting other developing countries to reduce poverty, boost agricultural progress, support equal access to education, improve infrastructure, and speed up industrialization, said the white paper, titled "China's International Development Cooperation in the New Era." The white paper detailed China's efforts in helping other developing countries in fields of poverty reduction, food security, health care, quality education, gender equality, infrastructure, sustainable and innovation-driven economic growth, and eco-environmental protection. An Australian woman is scared she will be in hotel quarantine for months Samantha Atkinson is still Covid positive two months after contracting the virus She has been separated from her boyfriend who tested negative in quarantine Ms Atkinson is frustrated because he was sick at the same time in November An Australian woman fears she could be in hotel quarantine indefinitely after testing positive for Covid more than two months after she was first diagnosed with the deadly respiratory disease. Samantha Atkinson, 22, and her 26-year-old partner, Harry Gemmill, contracted the virus in November while living in Canada. ADVERTISEMENT The couple, who flew back to Sydney on December 26, were initially placed in quarantine together but have since been separated after Ms Atkinson's boyfriend returned a negative result. The 22-year-old from Byron Bay, NSW, is now terrified she won't be out of quarantine for months and wants the Department of Health to reconsider. 'I tried to tell them it is a historical case. When we landed I told everyone we saw that we had had Covid and needed serology done,' Ms Atkinson told Daily Mail Australia. Australian traveller Samantha Atkinson (pictured with her boyfriend) is still testing positive for Covid two months after she was first diagnosed with the respiratory virus Ms Atkinson (pictured during her trip to Canada) is afraid of being stuck in her hotel room for months The 22-year-old (pictured with her partner) says she hasn't been on her own for over a year and a half 'They changed the rules recently, because of the Northern Beaches outbreak, so I won't be let out until 10 days after a negative test. But what if I don't get a negative test for months - how long can they keep me?' The couple were swabbed on their second day of quarantine and were separated shortly after, when Samantha tested positive and her partner did not. 'They told him he would be considered a close contact, so even after I test negative he would have to stay in quarantine for another 10 days, which is why we couldn't stay together,' she said. 'When he left me he had to start his quarantine again at day zero.' The extended period could mean her boyfriend would have to spend 40 days in quarantine if they had stayed together in the quarantine hotel. Click here to resize this module 'They told him he would be considered a close contact, so even after I test negative he would have to stay in quarantine for another ten days, which is why we couldn't stay together,' Ms Atkinson said 'I am scared, if I still test positive in six months - will I ever be let out?' she said. Ms Atkinson maintains her stance that hers is a historical case and she doesn't understand why she needs to be locked away, indefinitely separated from her partner. ADVERTISEMENT She has since tested negative but says she is 'no closer to getting out' and says she is 'being kept for no good reason' 'They have all my blood tests so show its an old virus and not a new strain and now they are just keeping us here,' she said. But a top virologist told Daily Mail Australia 'it makes sense' because people can shed the virus and still be contagious for months. Professor Sarah Palmer, co-director of the Centre for Virus Research at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and University of Sydney, said there are two reasons why Ms Atkinson is testing positive. And it's bad news either way - because a positive test means she is at risk of infecting others. 'Generally we would say people shed the virus 10-14 days after being infected but there are cases where people shed for 40-70 days,' Professor Palmer said. 'It is very rare but it does happen. The other possibility is that after she was infected with the first strain in Canada she became infected with another strain.' This is why her boyfriend would have been moved to another room. 'The government's actions here make sense because she could re-infect her boyfriend,' Professor Palmer added. 'I am scared, if I still test positive in six months - will I ever be let out?' said Ms Atkinson (pictured) Professor Palmer said each strain of the virus has a unique 'fingerprint', which means genome sequencing can determine whether Ms Atkinson has picked up a mutated form or is still fighting the first one. Ms Atkinson said she was very sick with the virus 'for a week' and suffered another week or so with flu-like symptoms after the more debilitating symptoms had eased. ADVERTISEMENT But her partner, who tested negative at the hotel, had it worse. 'He vomited for 12 hours straight. We both had aching bones, lost our sense of smell and taste and had fevers for a week,' Ms Atkinson said. 'We stayed inside for 14 days after our first symptoms.' The 22-year-old, who suffers from anxiety, came home to support her mum after the death of her grandma and says being quarantined alone has been stressful. HOW LONG CAN COVID STAY IN SOMEONE'S SYSTEM? A NSW Health spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the following: The length of time that COVID-19 patients shed the SARS-CoV-2 virus varies. It may be longer in patients with more severe disease, however this may not always be the case. There have been published and anecdotal reports of SARS-CoV-2 being detected in respiratory samples for several months and beyond 90 days in some patients. In most situations, despite the detection of SARS-CoV-2 genetic fragments, patients are usually not at risk of transmitting the infection to others after 14 days. 'We just don't know what is going on, we haven't been told anything concrete about when I might be out,' she said. Professor Palmer says while she acknowledges that the situation is frustrating, she believes NSW Health is doing the right thing in keeping Ms Atkinson in quarantine. 'There is still so much we are learning about this virus,' she said. 'As frustrating as it can be to be in these quarantine hotels, NSW is doing very well to manage this disease.' Ms Atkinson has been in quarantine since December 26 after the couple flew home from Canada on Christmas Day. She says she had a negative swab on day 11 and medical teams are reviewing her results to tell her more in the next few days. 'There are no further procedures or tests to prove that we arent infectious or infected and we are still here after 15 days with no word of release, it is frustrating,' she added. NSW Health told Daily Mail Australia 'there have been published and anecdotal reports of SARS-CoV-2 being detected in respiratory samples for several months and beyond 90 days in some patients.' ADVERTISEMENT However after 14 days the risk of transmitting the disease is lower in most cases. Northern Irelands health chiefs have warned that the number of people with Covid-19 in hospital will double by the third week of January compared to the current figures. The prediction was made in a joint statement by the chief executives of the regions six health and social care trusts on Sunday. Dr Anne Kilgallen, chief executive of Western Trust, said Northern Ireland hospitals are facing into an abyss. She said: We can say that this situation is more grave than it has ever been in the course of this pandemic. I would go so far as to say our hospitals are facing into an abyss. At the moment one in four of the people in our hospitals have Covid-19. Its about 700 people. At the peak of the first surge there were 400 people in hospital so already were in a very grave situation. She said they are trying to keep their emergency departments for the sickest people and that all but the most immediately urgent surgical procedures have been deferred. This has been a heartbreaking decision for each of us as chief executives and its a decision that has not been taken lightly but were absolutely certain we need to do this now if were going to be able to provide essential services to those who are the sickest in our society, Dr Kilgallen added. It came as an alert was issued to staff at South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen appealing for them to go directly to the hospital due to increasing pressures on the healthcare system regionally on Sunday night. Attention all off-duty staff in the vicinity of SWAH. Due to increasing pressures this evening on the NI Healthcare System, we are appealing to you to contact or go directly to the hospital. Thank You pic.twitter.com/VLMvSg9g8X Western Trust (@WesternHSCTrust) January 10, 2021 South West Acute Hospital said: Attention all off-duty staff in the vicinity of SWAH. Due to increasing pressures this evening on the NI Healthcare System, we are appealing to you to contact or go directly to the hospital. Thank You. The health chiefs said the surge in expected hospital admissions cannot be solved by creating more beds because the staff are not there to care for increased numbers of patients. The situation is very serious with modelling projections indicating that in the third week in January we will be trying to contend with double the number of Covid positive patients compared to the current position today, when several hospitals already have record numbers of patients, the statement read. This is not a simple matter of putting up more beds. We need the staff to care for the increased number of patients. Pre-existing staffing pressures and staff absence because of Covid, and other reasons, mean that those staff simply arent there. Northern Irelands health system has come under severe pressure since Christmas hospitals are almost at full capacity and cancer surgery procedures were among the operations cancelled in Belfast. Sunday saw a further 17 deaths due to Covid-19 and 1,112 additional positive cases in Northern Ireland. Desperately ill patients whether Covid or non-Covid will always be the ones being prioritised N Ireland health chiefs It brings the total number of people who died of the virus to 1,460 and the total confirmed cases to 88,700 since the pandemic began. There were 703 people with the virus in hospitals across Northern Ireland and 53 in ICUs. Hospital occupancy was at 94% and there were 15 ICU beds available. The regions seven-day incidence rate per 100,000 of the population stands at 556. Newry, Mourne and Down had the highest rate at 801 per 100,000 population, followed by Mid Ulster at 751 and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon at 722. The health chiefs said several trusts had already had to stand down all but the most urgent elective surgery, including some red-flag cancer surgery, to redeploy staff to meet the urgent and immediate needs of extremely ill patients needing ICU care. These postponed operations will be rescheduled as soon as possible, they said. We have established a regional approach to ensure that any available theatre capacity across Northern Ireland is allocated for those patients most in need of surgery, both during surge and as we come out of this surge. This may mean that patients will need to travel further for their surgery. Cancer services are seeking to maintain chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other non-surgical treatments and alternative treatments will be provided in the absence of surgical options. They added that healthcare staff would do everything they could do to deal with the unfolding situation, despite being exhausted. It will definitely not be easy and the care that we are able to provide will at times fall short of the high standards we normally deliver but we will do our very best, they said. Desperately ill patients whether Covid or non-Covid will always be the ones being prioritised. The public have been urged not to attend emergency departments at any time unless they need emergency care. It is likely that those who do attend will wait longer to be seen and for admission to hospital if that is what they require, the chiefs said. Patients arriving by ambulance will also wait at times, sometimes for many hours before space is available in an already over-stretched ED. They warned that when there is pressure in one part of the health and social care system inevitably it impacted on other parts. We might once again need families to be willing to fill unavoidable gaps in domiciliary care, they said. Never has the phrase all in it together been so pertinent and just so important. The Covid-19 vaccines provide the long-term hope and the current lockdown offers the opportunity to shorten the duration of the current surge, they added. They urged the public to continue to play their part by staying at home, practising social distancing and wearing face coverings. New lockdown restrictions preventing people from leaving home except for essential reasons came into effect on Friday. The strict rules will remain in place until February 6 but will be reviewed later this month. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Tel Aviv, Jan 10 : Three weeks after receiving the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received the second at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu is the first Israeli to receive both doses of the vaccine, weeks after a major roll-out of the vaccinations began in the country, reports Xinhua news agency. Over 1 million Israelis have been inoculated with the first dose of the vaccination, almost a tenth of the population. Priority has been given to people over the age of 60 and medical staff. A delivery of millions more doses is expected next week, according to Netanyahu, who gave a statement at the hospital before being vaccinated on Saturday evening. "This will allow us to inoculate all Israeli citizens above the age of 16... by the end of March (2021)," said the Israeli premier. Simultaneous to the massive vaccination drive, Israel has entered its third strict lockdown to curb the virus spread. New Delhi: Ahead of the International Yoga Day on June 21, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev held a Yoga session in Lucknow on Wednesday wherein Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also participated. The session held at state Governors house and Ram Naik was also present at the event. Ramdev had appreciated UP CMs Yoga skills and said that Yogi is an expert and his body is very flexible. Around 1500 people took part in the event. On the occasion of International Yoga Day which is going to be held on June 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with 50,000 people will perform Yoga in Lucknow. Last year, he performed Yoga at Delhis Janpath. ALSO READ: International Yoga Day: Govt plans to declare 100 yoga parks across country For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. 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 congressman Sen. Mark Warner is asking Facebook and other Big Tech social media and telecom companies to save digital evidence from Wednesday's deadly Capitol riot. On Saturday, Warner, the incoming Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, tweeted out a letter he'd sent Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. 'After Wednesdays insurrectionist attack on our nations Capitol, Im calling on telecom and social media companies to preserve digital evidence of the Capitol riot,' Warner tweeted, accompanying the letter he sent to Zuckerberg Friday. Sen. Mark Warner has sent letters to Big Tech companies including Facebook, asking them to preserve messages and posts relating to the Capitol riot as evidence against rioters Warner told Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg (left) that he should take steps to identify the evidence on his platforms. Warner (right) is known for being critical of Big Tech In the letter, Warner, asked that Facebook take steps to 'immediately preserve any and all posts, communications, videos and other media, meta-data, cloud backups, and subscriber information' across the social media giant's Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms that may be related to the 'insurrectionist attack on the United States Capitol.' 'I encourage you to undertake reasonable measures to identify this content in order to preserve it in connection with, or anticipation of, formal legal process requests you may receive,' Warner added. The senator pointedly noted that the rioters were 'organized, coordinated, and in many cases broadcast via your communications services and products.' Which meant that 'Efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice will inevitably involve digital evidence associated with those products and services.' Warner, known as a critic of Big Tech, added that 'The United States Capitol is now a crime scene,' which means that 'The texts, videos and pictures posted to your platforms - and associated meta-data, cloud backups and subscriber information - are critical evidence in helping to bring these rioters to justice.' Several people have been arrested - or fired from their companies - after their social media posts from the riots surfaced. Facebook posts made by rioters have led to their being fired, like Chicago real estate agent Libby Andrews (left) from jobs or arrested, like West Virginia delegate Derrick Evans Florida man Adam Johnson was arrested after he was pictured carrying away Nancy Pelosi's podium during the riots. He appears to have posted this image from the Capitol on Facebook The Department of Justice said Saturday that three men who allegedly took part in the Capitol riot had been arrested. Among them was Adam Johnson, 36, who was photographed carrying the House Speakers lectern while smiling and waving, and was arrested by federal marshals in Florida on Friday. Johnson appears to have posted a photo of himself on Facebook, in which he's seems to be standing inside the Capitol building next to a sign that reads 'Closed to all tours.' He captioned the photo 'No.' Also arrested Friday was West Virginia State House member Derrick Evans, 35, who had run a Facebook Live stream of himself as he entered the Capitol building. Evans, who was recently sworn-in, has now resigned from his office. In an interview that ran Friday, Warner told Politco that Big Tech's seeming reluctance to prevent election disinformation and incitements to violence on their platforms is 'going to come back and bite em because Congress, in a bipartisan way, is going to come back with a vengeance.' On Saturday, Warner tweeted: 'I've said it before, these platforms have served as core organizing infrastructure for extremist, far-right groups and militia movements for years now helping them to recruit, organize, coordinate, and in many cases generate profits from their extremist content.' Warner also sent letters to AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Apple, Gab, Google, Parler, Signal, Telegram and Twitter. Gab and Parler are right-leaning social media platforms that have risen in profile - and user downloads - following President Trump being permanently banned by Twitter, in the wake of the riot. Following Trump's Twitter ban - a decision made 'due to the risk of further incitement of violence,' the company said Friday - Warner noted that it was 'An overdue step.' He added that it's also 'important to remember, this is much bigger than one person. Its about an entire ecosystem that allows misinformation and hate to spread and fester unchecked.' In other letters Warner sent to tech and communications companies Friday, Warner wrote that rioters paused their actions long enough to document the riot and then post them on social media and share them in text messages 'to celebrate their disdain for our democratic process,' Reuters reported. Priyanshu Painyuli: Starting off by playing the villain opposite Chris Hemsworth in Netflix's Extraction, Priyanshu Painyuli seemed to keep topping it up with Mirzapur. Effortlessly going from devilish in the former to charming in the latter, Priyanshu showcased his diverse range in a matter of merely two projects. In 2021, he has the brilliant Rashmi Rocket opposite Taapsee Pannu and Pippa with Ishaan Khatter and Mrunal Thakur. (Image: Instagram) Lucknow: Senior BJP leaders LK Advani, MM Joshi and Uma Bharti, who are facing trial on conspiracy charges in connection with the Babri Masjid case, were on Wednesday exempted from personal appearance. A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court granted relaxation to the senior BJP leaders. Last week, criminal conspiracy charges were framed against them by the special CBI court for their alleged role in instigating a mob to demolish the Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya in 1992. Two separate cases are being heard by the fast-track court. The three others against whom conspiracy charges were framed included BJPs Vinay Katiyar, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)s Vishnu Hari Dalmia, and religious preacher, Sadhvi Rithambara. Advani, Uma were among the leaders who were personally present in the court for hearing. On May 30, a Special CBI Court framed charges against BJP stalwarts L K Advani, M M Joshi and Uma Bharti and 9 others in the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case. All 12 accused have been booked under IPC section 120 B, which means they will face criminal conspiracy case. The apex court had on April 19 directed that Advani (89), Joshi (83), Bharti (58) and other accused in the case would be prosecuted for serious offence of criminal conspiracy in the politically sensitive 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case. It had also ordered the day-to-day trial to be concluded in two years. ALSO READ | Will build a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya within ambit of Constitution: UP min The top court, which had dubbed the demolition of the medieval-era monument as a crime which shook the secular fabric of the Constitution, allowed the CBIs plea on the restoration of the criminal conspiracy charge against the BJP stalwarts. However, the Supreme Court had said Kalyan Singh, who is the Rajasthan Governor and during whose tenure as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh the disputed structure was razed, is entitled to immunity under the Constitution as long as he holds the gubernatorial office. It had transferred the case against Advani, Joshi, Bharti and three other accused from a Raebareli court to Lucknow for a joint trial in the demolition case. ALSO READ | Babri Masjid case: CBI eyewitness deposes in court (With inputs from PTI) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Denmark is planning to finish its vaccination campaign against the coronavirus disease by the end of June, according to a schedule published by the Danish Health Authority MURMANSK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 08th January, 2021) Denmark is planning to finish its vaccination campaign against the coronavirus disease by the end of June, according to a schedule published by the Danish Health Authority. Per the schedule, the authority expects that all Denmark citizens will be vaccinated by June 27. Meanwhile, everyone who is in the risk groups, over 65 years old or working as medical staff is scheduled to be vaccinated by this April. All citizens over 16 are expected to be vaccinated, except for pregnant women. On December 21, the European Union approved the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for its domestic markets, with many countries beginning vaccinating citizens on December 27. The volunteer was reported to be healthy in all the site follow-up calls post seven days of his dosing, the vaccine maker said There are several factors that can cause an adverse event during a clinical trial, including the patient's underlying disease, other pre-existing conditions or any other unrelated occurrence like an accident, Bharat Biotech said. (Representational Image: AFP) Volunteer's death in Bhopal not related to our vaccine: Bharat Biotech New Delhi: Vaccine maker Bharat Biotech on Saturday said the death of a volunteer in Bhopal, who took a shot of its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin as part of the Phase III clinical trials, was not related to the medication. "As per the post-mortem report issued by the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from the Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was due to cardio respiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well," the Hyderabad-based firm said in a statement. The volunteer passed away nine days after the dosing and preliminary reviews by the site indicate that the death is unrelated to the study dosing, it noted. "We cannot confirm if the volunteer received the study vaccine or a placebo as the study is blinded," the vaccine major noted. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for restricted emergency use in the country. In a statement, Bharat Biotech said the volunteer passed away on December 21, 2020 and the death was reported to the People's College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre by the son of the deceased. The volunteer, at the time of enrolment, had fulfilled all the inclusion and exclusion criteria to be accepted as a participant in the Phase III trial and was reported to be healthy in all the site follow-up calls post seven days of his dosing and no adverse effects were observed or reported, it said. As per the post-mortem report issued by the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal that the site received from the Bhopal Police, the probable cause of death was cardio respiratory failure as a result of suspected poisoning and the case is under police investigation as well, the vaccine maker said. In accordance with the provisions of the New Drugs & Clinical Trials Rules, (NDCT rules 2019) the serious adverse event was reported by the site team to the Institutional Ethics Committee, the Central Drugs Control Standards Organization (CDSCO) and the Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) in accordance with all the required guidelines, it added. There are several factors that can cause an adverse event during a clinical trial, including the patient's underlying disease, other pre-existing conditions or any other unrelated occurrence like an accident, Bharat Biotech said. The NDCT rules mandate that all adverse events (AE) and serious adverse events (SAE) be reported, whether related to the trial medication or not. This SAE has been thoroughly investigated and has been found not related to vaccine or placebo, it added. All data and reports on this SAE has been submitted to the Site Ethics Committee, CDSCO and DSMB, the vaccine major said. The company is also continuing to cooperate with the investigation requirements from the Madhya Pradesh Police in Bhopal, it added. "Our sympathies are with the family of the deceased. However, we would like to reiterate that we conduct our clinical trials in compliance with the study protocol, Good Clinical Practices (GCP) Guidelines as well as with all applicable statutory provisions and the focus at all times is on patient safety. "It is this intent on compliance, quality and ethics, that we have enlisted the services of an international contract research organisation to conduct our phase III clinical trials," the company noted. In December, Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij had tested positive for coronavirus days after participating in the trial of Covaxin. He had participated in a trial on November 20, 2020. Bharat Biotech had termed the vaccine safe and efficacious and said that Covaxin is based on a two-dose schedule and its efficacy is determined 14 days post the second dosage. As the U.S. prepares to withdraw from Afghanistan, lawmakers and others are trying to figure out how to keep it from becoming... 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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 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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 A cross-section of residents in the Shama District have condemned the chaotic incident that occurred during the inauguration of the 8th Parliament of the Fourth Republic, describing it as unnecessary and unacceptable. According to them, the scenes witnessed in the august House on Wednesday had subjected the country to international ridicule and tainted the countrys hard-earned democratic reputation on the African continent. The people noted with grave concern particularly the behaviour of Mr Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Member of Parliament (MP) for Asewase and Mr Carlos Ahenkorah, MP for Tema West, describing their actions as an affront to parliamentary democracy. In a sampled interview during a visit to Abuesi, Shama, Komfueku, Inchaban, Ituma and Kumasi -Kakrabamu, the residents the Ghana News Agency expressed their disappointment and condemned the invasion of the armed military into the chamber of parliament. They maintained that those involved should be dealt with in accordance with the law to serve as a deterrent to others. Mr Frank Sackey, an electrician said such an ugly incident had caused monumental damage to the image of the country and reiterated that such an act should not be countenanced anymore. "Appropriate sanction must be meted out to them for masterminding the awful scenes during the inauguration of the Eighth Parliament of Fourth Republic to prevent any future occurrence of such ugly development", he added. Ms Portia Eshun, a resident of Ituma said she was surprised to see the honourable members engaged in such acts. For her, their actions made them unfit to hold the position of MPs and to be called honourable members. She maintained that investigations ought to be conducted into the incident and that Members of Parliament found culpable be punished accordingly. The people said stringent measures must be considered to stem any future occurrence to save the country from further opprobrium. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video PPS Head Start Small-Group Instruction Today By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - Paducah Head Start is set to resume some in-person instruction on Monday.According to Paducah Public Schools Communications Coordinator Wayne Walden, from now through January 22 there will be some targeted small group instruction. All other students will remain on virtual instruction.In-person instruction is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 25. All in-person students will attend Monday through Thursday. Fridays will be used by staff for planning, home visits, professional development, and thorough deep cleaning.Walden said the preschool will continue with this hybrid schedule, adjusting as needed to keep with the state's "Healthy at School" plan. WASHINGTON The Rotunda has been breached. Thats the sacred space under the Capitol dome, with a pantheon of statues and history murals. For the press gallery and members of the new Congress at an election ritual, that landed like a raven in the room. These arent words you ever want to hear in the chamber of democracys heart, the Peoples House. The Capitol building is the most beautiful marble citadel, its cornerstone laid by George Washington. Ive known it since I was a rookie reporter for The Hill in the 1990s. On Sept. 11, 2001, the Capitol could have been smashed to smithereens, as the target of the failed terrorist hijackers. The British burned it in 1814, when we were at war. This was a war within. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, presided in the House and Vice President Mike Pence in the Senate. From the overhead press gallery, we journalists observe the floor. Pence and Pelosi are second and third in line to the presidency. This certification ritual to confirm the next president is meant to be a snap, but a long day and night stretched out to Shakespearean proportions. President Trump was like an offstage Ghost urging on allies, desperate to change his loser status. Little did we know about the heaving mass outside the chamber. House Republicans looked loaded for bear. A Colorado freshman, Rep. Lauren Boebert, rose to say she intends to carry a gun, but no need to worry about a duel. A harbinger of violence, as the Bard would write it. At first, the overnight Georgia Senate races, painting the Senate blue, were all the talk. Then Jamie Raskin, D-Md., rose to thank beloved colleagues for sympathy for his sons suicide on New Years Eve. The somber mood escalated to fear when Capitol Police announced an individual breached the place they treat like a fortress every other day. It wasnt on this day, with thousands raging on the terrace and steps, crossing barricades too easily. Then there were footsteps, shouting, broken glass, tear gas inside. The clamor became an onslaught. Members and reporters donned escape hoods, to kneel and head for locked doors and a secret staircase. Nobody could take their eyes off a gun standoff at the chamber door. That was when I called my family. The mob was more organized than the Capitol Police, which lost control in a way that roiled Pentagon observers. It could have been a real bloodbath. The shell-shocked press sheltered in the House cafeteria with the labor force. One Black man, from a longtime Washington family, said of the siege that it broke more than the beloved building: It hurts your heart. A CNN producer told me she ducked into a senators Capitol hideaway during the rampage. Journalists dropped our game faces. Onscreen, I heard presidential historian Douglas Brinkley utter one apt word: Sedition. The alchemy of the Trump base into an armed mob culminated that January day. I witnessed them pledging allegiance to a Trump flag when I arrived on the Capitol grounds at noon. As if they had cased the joint, they soon spilled onto the Senate floor and ransacked the Speakers Office. That was a personal vendetta, because Nancy Pelosi is the only politician who always stood up to Trump. She ripped up a speech, contradicted him on Russia in meetings and led his impeachment. Shes ready to do it again. Grace under pressure prevailed in her House as lawmakers returned to the cleared Capitol to finish a democratic ritual in the darkness before dawn. In the light of day, no better answer to Trump and the white supremacists he invited and incited to raid the Capitol. In the wee hours, I ran across Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., a friend from our Swarthmore College days, by the Ohio clock. He spoke of Trumps public betrayal of Pence, an erstwhile silver-haired loyalist. Walking with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., I burst out: Are your Republican colleagues sobered up or ashamed? He nodded yes. Theyre playing with fire. Gunfire, I said. For new Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., that hit home. His wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, was wounded by a gunman 10 years ago that week. Standing by the Will Rogers statue was a lively teen, wearing a blazer, bemusedly watching a parade of Republicans pass by. Pelosis grandson springs from a political tradition dating to her Baltimore family. And what did he think of the breach? Dude, really? A military coup? Other places have them, but the difference is, we come back. Jamie Stiehm, a Creators Syndicate columnist who covers Washington politics and history, may be reached at JamieStiehm.com Irish whiskey brands are to continue to bolster their online e-commerce stores as the sales channel grows in importance through the Covid-19 pandemic. Stock image Irish whiskey brands are to continue to bolster their online e-commerce stores as the sales channel grows in importance through the Covid-19 pandemic. The Irish Whiskey Association listed e-commerce as a growth opportunity for whiskey companies in its "Irish Whiskey 2010-2020" report published in December. It includes a forecast that e-commerce will account for 14pc of all retail sales, not just whiskey, in 2021. William Lavelle, head of the Irish Whiskey Association, said the rise in e-commerce sales in Asia, and the African continent's digitisation, meant Irish whiskey could reach consumers in markets where sales were historically negligible. "2020 has seen an explosion in online sales of Irish whiskey, and this has played a vital role in protecting many jobs in our industry which would otherwise have been lost," he said. "While Covid-19 may have been the stimulus for this shift in consumer behaviour, it looks like this shift is here to stay. "E-commerce is going to be an increasingly-important sales channel for the future, and it is already offering unique opportunities for Irish whiskey brands to breakthrough into new markets and new consumer segments." Lavelle said many brands across the country had already benefited from an increase in their e-commerce sales. Irish Distillers, the largest whiskey firm in Ireland, said global sales from its Jameson's online store were up 200pc. Simon Fay, the business acceleration director at Pernod Ricard-owned Irish Distillers, said: "The pandemic has fundamentally changed how we think, behave and consume, which in turn has changed how we engage with our consumers. "While we remain hopeful for the day that we can welcome guests from all over the world back to our Brand Homes, for now, the team in Midleton are very focused on replenishing orders coming through online," he added. Other brands also reported benefits from their investment in e-commerce. Darryl McNally, the master distiller at the Dublin Liberties Distillery, which is behind brands such as The Dubliner, said it bolstered its online sales platform in April last year. It has since sold 6,000 bottles online. The Dubliner whiskey also has a new US e-commerce website for consumers in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Colorado, and Texas Moves online have also made new jobs. James Doherty, managing Director of Sliabh Liag Distillers in Donegal, and Vice-Chairman of the Irish Whiskey Association, said its online presence meant it could keep the distilleries tour guide employed throughout the pandemic. "We had no online presence last year, and our tour revenue was only about 15,000," he said. "This year, since March, we have done 80,000 in sales, about 20pc of our turnover. Our tour guide would have been furloughed, but the online shop kept him employed." More than 160 bank branches will shut for good between now and the end of lockdown, tentatively scheduled for late March. The closures will come as experts warn of an impending crisis over access to cash. They fear that unless urgent action is taken by banks, payment providers, regulators and the Government, the country's network of free-to-use cash machines and high street banking facilities will disintegrate. On Friday, Natalie Ceeney, who chaired the Government's Access to Cash Review and has led the way in highlighting the demise of cash on the high street, told The Mail on Sunday: 'We need a national strategy urgently, before the cash infrastructure collapses, leaving millions of people behind.' Fear: The closures will come as experts warn of an impending crisis over access to cash Although the Government has promised to introduce legislation to safeguard access to cash, there is a concern that when it comes it will be too little too late. There are already widespread fears that some banks may withdraw their support for post offices and the cash machine network Link jeopardising the right of consumers to use the post office for banking services and to use most cash machines free of charge. The Mail on Sunday's analysis of planned bank branch closures paints a grim picture. Scrutiny of the websites of the main high street banks shows that by the end of March they will have shut at least another 167 branches in the first quarter of 2021. TSB will lead the way, followed by Barclays and Lloyds, with many closures also triggering the removal of free-to-use cash machines. TSB has confirmed a new set of closures in the second quarter of 2021 too. On Friday, HSBC, NatWest and Santander said they had yet to confirm any branch closures this year. But experts believe it is unlikely their high street networks will not be trimmed back in response to falling consumer usage, exacerbated by the latest lockdown. Ceeney says: 'Bank branches do not just support those who can't bank online. They are a core part of the UK's cash infrastructure. Retailers need branches to get cash floats and to pay in their takings, while counter services are essential for those who are too frail or vulnerable to use cash machines, or who need help with their money.' Derek French, a long-standing advocate of shared bank branches, expects a 'flood' of closures this year as the consequences of Covid reduced branch usage, the growth of contactless payment and online banking makes the business case for rationalisation overwhelming. Ceeney is now heading a project to test new ways of delivering banking services on the high street. They include new-style post offices set up more as 'banking hubs' than facilities for people wanting to post letters or parcels. They would provide small businesses with 'reverse' cash machines, allowing them to bank cash takings securely, while also allowing personal customers to do their banking with a greater degree of privacy than currently. Yet the project has been hampered by successive Covid restrictions. This has led to trials of three 'pilot' post office banking hubs being pushed back and they are now unlikely to start until Easter. French is sceptical about Ceeney's project despite supporting shared branches, a model the post office hubs are based upon. He says: 'An ill-timed pilot of a random assortment of ideas is not enough. The Government needs to wake up to the fact that its promised access to cash legislation has to have teeth.' So far, the Government has only committed to increasing the number of retailers offering customers free-to-use cashback services though this could be thwarted by the charges that payment service providers wish to impose on retailers. It has yet to provide detail on how it proposes to compel banks to provide nationwide access to cash and paying-in services. John Howells, head of Link, says: 'We see from our own research that there are still several million people who rely on cash. We need action to protect cash access immediately.' Actress Kirstie Alley came under fire on Saturday for comparing President Trumps Twitter ban to slavery. The Cheers star was reacting to a comment from the American Civil Liberties Union which is also opposed to the suspension of the presidents account on the grounds of free speech. Alley, 69, claimed that tech companies now hold the keys to the chains as she compared Wednesdays riot on the Capitol by Trump supporters to the summers Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Despite criticism, the celeb Trump supporter stood by her statement, claiming in a later tweet that there is more than one definition of the word slavery, yet also claimed she views the actions of the presidents mob as a treasonous criminal terrifying act. Actress Kirstie Alley, 69, pictured above, came under fire on Saturday for comparing President Trumps Twitter ban to slavery in a Twitter thread and refusing to back down Trump was banned from Twitter on Friday night due to concerns that his account would be used to incite further violence after five people died in the Capitol riots on Wednesday Alley stood her ground claiming there is 'more than one definition of the word slavery' Alley, who is a high profile follower of the Church of Scientology, had retweeted a statement from the ACLU which said that it should concern everyone when companies like Facebook and Twitter wield the unchecked power to remove people from platforms that have become indispensable for the speech of billions especially when political realities make those decision easier. While the statement later added that Trump could still address his followers through his press team or Fox News which is claimed is a luxury black, brown and LGBTQ activists who have been censored by social media companies dont have, Alley focused on the first line ALL people should be concerned is the KEY here, she said. Its true, the average person will no longer have a platform to speak their views. This is called SLAVERY. This censorship proves BIG TECH now holds the keys to the chains. Remember this? Remember all the fires, killing, terrorizing, destruction and yes, at FEDERAL buildings? It was HIDEOUS & ILLEGAL. Remember how these criminals got FUNDED & bailed out? NO ONE WAS OUSTED FROM PLATFORMS including politicos who ENDORSED the VIOLENCE, Alley added in a second tweet. Remember? she asked, sharing an article from the Tampa Bay Times that reported on BLM protesters lighting a fire in Portland on July 19. On another note... the vast majority of humans are good people just trying to make earth better...So Im gonna celebrate that, Alley said. Alley, a Scientologust, also appeared to compare Wednesdays riot on the Capitol by Trump supporters to the summers Black Lives Matter demonstrations She attempted to end her Twitter thread before the backlash began After Alley was called out for appearing to condone Wednesdays violence, she returned to Twitter to write: No violence no violence no violence PLEASE no violence. Breaching the CAPITOL was a treasonous criminal terrifying act and those people should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law, she continued. I do not condone VIOLENCE, TREASON, CRIMINAL ACTS OR DESTRUCTION OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. This should suffice as my stance on Jan. 6th. As the backlash continued, she refused to back down and stood firm in her comparison between the Trump Twitter ban and slavery. There is more than one definition of the word slavery ... there is the well-known one but the one I refer to a lot is restricted freedom ... such as the type of slavery in Venezuela, she said. Alley later returned to Twitter to claim she did not condone Wednesday's violence She called Wednesday's riot a treasonous criminal terrifying act Yet others did not agree and accused her of minimizing the vicious brutality of real slavery in her comparison. No. This is a shocking minimization of the sheer vicious brutality of real slavery, replied Patricia Arquette. Children were sold away out of their parents arms. People were worked and beaten to death. Shackled. Women were raped. Couples were separated and sold. Shame on you. Im back to muting and blocking you. You are incredibly spoiled if you think its equitable in any way, she added. Historian Kevin Kruse wrote: Yes, when historians write about slavery, the thing we stress the most is how the enslaved didnt have free access to social media platforms. And Bishop Talbert Swan also slammed Alley telling her SLAVERY was when Africans and their descendants were OWNED, stripped of freedom, extracted of their labor, treated like animals, raped, lynched, murdered, brutalized, and dehumanized. Its not being restricted from inciting violence via social media, he added. Actress Patricia Arquette was among those who criticized Alley's comments Saturday On Saturday night, Alley also argued against Trumps second impeachment, which may come after he was seen to incite the violence that erupted on Wednesday, drawing anger from both Democrats and Republicans. I think some people have confused the words impeachment and peaches. I agree we should all call for more peaches, she wrote. Alley had previously come under attack in October after liberal celebrities set on her for announcing that she was going to vote for Trump. 'I voted for him 4 years ago for this reason and shall vote for him again for this reason, she said. 'He gets things done quickly and he will turn the economy around quickly. There you have it folks, there you have it'. Alley also took a hit at the potential attempts to impeach Trump for a second time The Cheers actress was responding to this comment from the ACLU when she made the comparison. The ACLU also disagree with Trump's Twitter ban on the ground of free speech She also led the charge of conservative celebrities who backed the president in his unfounded claims of voter fraud following his loss to Joe Biden. Alley has long been a Trump supporter, endorsing him in 2015 during his presidential run. She tweeted her support after the then-candidate was aggressively questioned by Scott Pelley during a 60 Minutes interview about his presidential run. 'Pelley acting like an antagonist a**hat,' she tweeted. 'I like Trump fire at will.' She then defended her position with a series of follow-up tweets. However, the following year she walked back her endorsement after the controversial 'p***ygate' tape emerged. Trump received a permanent suspension from Twitter on Friday night due to concerns that his account would be used to incite further violence after five people died in the Capitol riots on Wednesday. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Elyse Knowles announced in September that she's expecting her first child with partner Josh Barker. And on Sunday, the model showed off her blossoming baby bump in a pale blue bikini while exploring Queensland's Rainbow Beach. The 28-year-old looked positively glowing in several photos shared to Instagram, and could not wipe the smile off her face. In full bloom! Elyse Knowles (pictured) showed off her blossoming baby bump in a pale blue bikini while exploring Queensland's Rainbow Beach - as she prepares to welcome her first child with partner Josh Barker In one particular shot, a beaming Elyse stood front-on to the camera, running one hand through her long blonde locks and gazing down at the sand. Another image saw the beauty posing side-on to the camera, drawing attention to her blossoming bump in the skimpy swimwear. The expectant mother captioned the picture-perfect post: 'Can't wait to explore Aus with muff!! Few more weeks.' Beautiful: In one particular shot shared to Instagram on Sunday, the 28-year-old posed side-on to the camera, drawing attention to her blossoming bump in the skimpy swimwear In her element: While a further image saw a beaming Elyse accessorising with a tan fedora and gazing down at the sand Speaking to The Daily Telegraph's Confidential in November, Elyse revealed how pregnancy has made her more in tune with her body. 'As I go through this new journey, I'm feeling very content in my body which is nice,' she told the publication. 'I listen to what my body needs... and if it's a seriously delicious meal, that's great!!' Elyse went on to say. 'I'm feeling very content!' Meanwhile, Elyse revealed to The Daily Telegraph in November how pregnancy has made her more in tune with her body In tune: 'As I go through this new journey, I'm feeling very content in my body which is nice,' the Myer ambassador told the publication. 'I listen to what my body needs... and if it's a seriously delicious meal, that's great!!' The former Block star added that her workout routine 'hasn't been as rigorous' since falling pregnant, and her 'go-to' workouts now include long walks and Pilates. Elyse revealed on September 16 that she was pregnant with her first child. She shared a photo to Instagram of herself and Josh on holiday in the Northern Territory, and wrote in the caption: 'And then there were three #babybarker'. Pregnancy journey: The former Block star added that her workout routine 'hasn't been as rigorous' since falling pregnant, and her 'go-to' workouts now include long walks and Pilates The announcement came four months after Elyse and Josh bought a $2.3million beach house in Byron Bay. Their new 1960s built property is located in the old part of Byron Bay town, just a short walk from the main beach and surrounded by tranquil greenery. Elyse previously told Daily Mail Australia that the couple had moved to Byron Bay from Melbourne while chasing a more sustainable lifestyle for themselves.